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James Cooper has turned his life around Page 27

Peter’s back on the case!

A RETIRED Dorset Police officer has been given the chance to relive his career two decades after retirement in an emotional surprise that brought back a lifetime of memories.

Peter, a resident at Elizabeth House care home in Broadstone, spent over 48 years serving Dorset Police before retiring in 2006.

Now, thanks to a special wish organised by his care home, he has stepped back into the world of policing one last time.

Peter joined the force as a police cadet in 1957 before becoming a police officer and later spending much of his career as a scenes of crime officer – a role now known as a crime scene investigator.

As part of Elizabeth House’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, staff contacted Dorset Police to see if

they could help re-create some of Peter’s happiest memories.

The force responded by arranging a day packed with surprises, including a ride in a police car complete with flashing blue lights and sirens, as well as a tour of Poole custody suite.

But one of the most special moments came when Peter was reunited with former colleague Kate Baldwin from the regional forensics team. Together they re-created a crime scene exercise, with Peter expertly dusting a bottle for fingerprints.

Staff said his decades-old skills returned immediately.

“It made me very emotional when I met Josh the police officer and I saw the police car in the home’s car park,” Peter said.

“I will cherish and treasure

Poole Military Tattoo 2026

that special afternoon for many years to come as it brought back so many beautiful memories for me.”

PC Josh Warren, from Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, who helped organise the visit, described Peter as ‘an inspiration’.

“It was an emotional day and one I will never forget,” he said. Elizabeth House manager Donna Moss said the experience allowed Peter to reconnect with a career that had meant so much to him, adding that staff were delighted to help bring his wish to life.

hold land or property with development potential but lack the route, resources or expertise to unlock it, this is what we do.

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PC Josh Warren with former scenes of crime officer Peter at Elizabeth House care home in Broadstone

‘Wacky Western’ carnival in store

THE Wild West is coming to Swanage with this year’s carnival at the end of the month.

The popular event is adopting ‘A Wacky Western in Carnival Canyon’ as its theme – and including a host of experiences such as a Rodeo Bull & Stampede, Western Skills Workshop and Wild West fancy dress competition.

The carnival takes place over eight days from Saturday, July 25, to Saturday, August 1, and features more than 100 events.

The skies above Swanage will also provide spectacular entertainment.

But, in a change from previous years when the Red Arrows put on a display for the carnival crowds, this time the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota ZA947 will stage a flypast, accompanied by an

LETTERS

Geology makes more oil drilling impractical

MAY I thank Bryon Quayle for taking the time to send in his piece about being pragmatic on UK energy – Purbeck Gazette, June 8. Because it does take time to submit an article to print.

But it would have been better if he had done due diligence and researched the subject before he submitted it to the magazine.

Let us look properly at drilling in the North Sea – for many years it has been a bonanza with the UK exporting oil, companies making huge profits and many people involved in the industry in gainful employment.

But the fact is the North Sea is what is known as a ‘mature basin’, its rate of production is falling and has been for decades.

aerial display from Team Raven.

Back on the ground, a 2.5-mile carnival procession will fill the streets with colourful floats, music, performers and community groups.

And popular favourites, including Titan the Robot, Granny Turismo and the chaotic wheelbarrow race will once

To find more oil there will require more expensive methods of extraction and take time.

And it is us the taxpayer who will foot a lot of this bill. We can see it is not even a case of policy, but geology, that makes the notion of further drilling in the North Sea impractical.

A lot of the oil produced in the North Sea is exported, as it is a crude oil and is not suitable for the UK domestic market. So it will not alter prices and change our energy bills.

Granting more licences for drilling will not suddenly turn on a magic tap of oil for the UK market.

So, let’s put this idea of North Sea oil and drilling to bed and focus on making our renewables flourish and supply our energy needs, so that we and our children might have a chance of a decent future on this planet.

Sasfi

Hope-Ross Via email

enthusiasts will enjoy activities including the Swanage Bay Swim, dog shows, crabbing competitions, the Shore Runners Race and dozens of other events.

The carnival stretches throughout Swanage, with activities centred on Sandpit Field, the town centre and the picturesque beachfront.

Admission to the festival site and most events is free of charge, ensuring the carnival remains accessible to allcomers.

Swanage Carnival is organised entirely by volunteers and raises funds through donations and activities to support more than 20 local charities.

again delight audiences throughout the week.

Evenings promise lots of entertainment, with three fireworks displays over Swanage Bay, culminating in the grand firework finale.

Live music is on offer most evenings at the central marquee bar on Sandpit Field.

And families and sports

Entertainment runs daily from morning until late evening and detailed schedules and event timings are available exclusively in the official Swanage Carnival programme, which can be pre-ordered online, or through the official Swanage Carnival smartphone app for real-time event information and updates.

Chris’s new set of wheels

COMMMUNITY stalwart

Chris Fuller is back out and about in Wareham thanks to a new mobility scooter funded by two local groups.

Wareham Beerex and the Muddlecombe Men stepped in to buy a new mobility scooter after his old one became no longer usable.

Chris has volunteered around Wareham for many years as a Scout leader and has been

involved with the carnival and Wareham Wednesdays, as well as more recently the Muddlecombe Men.

Wareham Beerex organises events in Wareham and raises funds for the benefit of the community.

The Muddlecombe Men are a comedy and performance group who support Wareham Carnival, the Christmas parade and Wareham Wednesdays.

Team Raven will be appearing at Swanage Carnival

Summer days, movie nights

GREAT films in great open-air locations are promised when Purbeck Film Festival returns for its 30th year this summer.

At Corfe Castle, over the August Bank Holiday, audiences will see films in the medieval ruins, lit to reflect each title.

Screenings include Paddington 2 and a Wickedinspired evening, where marmalade orange, green and pink lighting will transform the ancient stonework.

Visitors will be able to arrive by Swanage Railway’s popular Sunset Shuttle to add to the night’s enjoyment.

At Knoll House Hotel in Studland, guests can take their seats poolside to watch Jaws.

And The Blue Pool provides

Gardens event coins in the cash

WAREHAM Rotary Club raised £2,204.94 for Rotary community projects and local charities at its recent wellattended open gardens event. 12 gardens across Wareham opened to visitors, from hidden gems and cottage gardens to the grounds of the historic Priory Hotel and the gardens at Wareham Library.

Despite changeable weather

Faraway Tree in a real woodland clearing, opening the family’s enchanting, scented gardens to all.

The season opens on Saturday, August 15, with a return to Langham Wine Estate, following a sell-out event last year, for a screening of The Blues Brothers.

The festival closes at The Blue Pool with The Devil Wears Prada 2, one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

Festival director Claire Burns said: “We’ve always focused on matching films with places in a way you can’t replicate inside a cinema.

a natural stage for Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s cult fantasy, its wooded banks will lend the film

the week before, lots of tickets were sold, with the help of AF Joys and Sue Ryder.

A highlight of the event was the hospitality and cream teas and homemade cakes on offer in one of the Rotarian’s gardens. Organisers would like to thank everyone who opened their gardens, the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly and everyone who bought tickets and supported the event.

Anyone who would like to open their garden for the June 2027 event is invited to contact the Rotary Club.

Wellbeing Walks appeal

IF you love walking, you may like being a walk leader in Swanage.

Volunteers are needed as part of the Dorset Health Walks initiative to lead walks on Tuesday mornings and afternoons.

Volunteers receive training via a three-hour in-person

session and online videos. Dorset Health Walks is run in partnership with Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and supported by Dorset Council.

Anyone interested in volunteering, should email healthandactivity@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01425 470811.

At Corfe Castle (inset) Paddington 2 will be among the films on show

Naturehawk

an otherworldly atmosphere.

Nearby, Careys Secret Garden hosts The Magic

“Our 30th year is about doing that at its very best – using locations across Purbeck to create something people will genuinely travel for.”

The award-winning Purbeck Film Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running rural film festivals and is run as a charity.

Careys Secret Garden (main picture) will screen The Magic Faraway Tree.

PHOTO:

News from Wareham Town Council – June report

by Julie Bradshaw

FOR the remarkable achievement of 50 years serving the town as a councillor, David Budd was presented with a framed certificate. One wonders if he will be a councillor when some of the current projects are complete.

The deputy town clerk has procured the offer of a substantial grant to improve youth sports facilities. This will be used for much-needed football pitches on the Middle School site once the land has been transferred from Dorset Council to Wareham Town Council.

The town council accounts can be viewed by members of the public between June 26 and August 6. Having applied to the town clerk, you can request paid

for copies or view the accounts in the town council office.

Section 3 of the accounting statements gives the town council’s financial position in March.

Speed surveys have provided the evidence required by Dorset Council to consider roads within the town walls for a 20mph limit. A specific budget is allocated according to the greatest need. If Dorset Council decides not to use the funds in Wareham, the town council will decide whether to provide the finance. There will be no

physical barriers, such as speed humps, but research has shown that signs alone do make drivers more careful.

Why not use the bus for your outing to Arne? The Purbeck Shuttle 200 starts July 22 and will run every Wednesday for three years, and, at holiday times, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Starting from Wareham Station, it travels through Wareham to the Lookout, then Ridge, RSPB Arne, Purbeck Park for Norden Station, Norden Farm, and back to Arne and Wareham.

fundraising quiz for the new museum benefited from the support of all council staff. The bid the council is submitting to the National Lottery will include not only the refurbishment of 2 North Street but also improvements to the council building and 3 East Street.

Councillors and council staff will be sad to lose Katie, a great asset. The closing date for applications for the post of full-time administrative assistant was June 26.

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

04:43 10:03 16:57 22:02

Dorset Council will put double yellow lines on a section of Ropers Lane. Historic England would prefer yellow lines on West Walls rather than posts.

Operation Snap is the best way to report driving offences caught on camera, said Cllr Gover – search for Operation Snap Dorset. It gives Police the evidence to prosecute.

A successful and enjoyable

The civic service is on July 26. The next town council meeting will be in the council chamber on Tuesday, July 26, at 7pm or 7.30pm. Further information is available on the council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk, or by phoning the town council office on 01929 553006.

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Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions July '26 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

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PHOTO: Simon Barnes

Men’s Shed bids to raise £200,000

WAREHAM’S Men’s Shed has launched a drive to raise £200,000 as it tries to secure its future by having its own community workshop.

Dorset Council has granted The Shedders planning permission to erect a 20m x 10m building in the grounds of Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club, off Bestwall Road, Wareham.

If they can raise enough money for the build, it will mean an end to the need to rent premises, which runs the risk of tenancy agreements being terminated.

And it will ensure they can maintain the Shed’s twin aims of providing a haven for lonely, disadvantaged or retired men while making a huge variety of items in wood for the wider community.

Chair Harold Forbes said: “The cost for a charity like ours is daunting. But it will be more than worth it if we can carry on serving Wareham and district as

it has come to expect while continuing to provide a meeting place for men that has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing.

“We would love to build the workshop ourselves and have many of the skills and tools needed.

“But the price of materials has skyrocketed, and we also have to consider things we cannot do such as footings and core plumbing, so we’ll have to pay for a job lot.

“Given our reputation in the area, we are quietly hoping that a benefactor or sponsor will step forward.

“But if that doesn’t happen, we will be pursuing charitable grants and launching a crowdfunding appeal.”

In 2024 the Shedders successfully fought off an eviction attempt by Care Dorset, which housed them at the Purbeck Connect centre in Sandford Lane, Wareham. They were saved by a public

outcry. But fearing the writing was on the wall, they moved out a year later and are now in temporary accommodation at Lenctenbury Farm outside the town.

Mr Forbes, who was recently honoured with a Dorset High Sheriff’s Award for outstanding service to the community, said: “We also need a new home – and more room – as our membership is steadily increasing, not least because we are in the process of forming a new women’s section. Let’s hope we can make it all happen.”

The Shed’s scheme has the

support of Wareham Town Council. And Dorset’s planning officer, referring to the overwhelming public backing for the application, said: “The comments confirm that the proposals would result in community benefits and support for members attending the facility.”

The Shedders have recorded their own song, Here For You, to showcase the group. It can be found at youtu.be/ TPhdPDAlQRE

Anyone who can help should contact warehamshed@gmail. com

Pupils get a little taste of theatre

PUPILS from St Mark’s Primary School in Swanage have embraced a day of ‘theatre in education’.

The BigLittle Theatre School, which runs free workshops and performances, put on the event.

Pupils in Years 4 and 5 took part in morning workshops which allowed them to develop their oracy skills, understanding of character, emotions and working effectively as part of a group. They also had the chance to be numerous characters, from trolls to giants, and to work in groups to re-tell a traditional fairy story in just two minutes. In the afternoon, the whole

school was treated to a performance by four pupils who played multiple characters with minimal set/props and costumes.

The pupils sang and danced their way through a story, which

had the whole school singing along.

Head teacher Mrs Astle said: “We are incredibly proud of how confidently our pupils embraced this wonderful experience.

“The workshops and performance from BigLittle Theatre School not only ignited their imaginations but also strengthened vital skills such as teamwork, communication and empathy.

“Experiences like this remind us just how powerful the arts can be in helping children grow.”

Matthew Malthouse, course director of the BigLittle Theatre, said: “Running our theatre in education tour is one of the most exciting parts of the BigLittle year.

“Giving children an opportunity to experience theatre and be creative has benefits beyond the classroom.”

Wareham’s Shedders with a children’s climbing wall made for Stoborough Primary School. The Men’s Shed is seeking to have its own community workshop

The BigLittle Theatre visited St Mark’s Primary School in Swanage

Railway raising £25,000 to ensure access for all

SWANAGE Railway has launched a £25,000 public appeal to help fund the overhaul and conversion of two former 1950s and 1960s British Railways carriages to enable access for all.

The heritage railway has also applied to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £249,000 towards the project.

The conversion work will see each of the carriages – one built in 1958 and the other in the early 1960s – have accessible toilets designed for wheelchair users, extra wide doors for wheelchairs and mobility scooters as well as spacious interiors to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions.

Swanage Railway chief

executive Abbie King said:

“Our £249,000 National Heritage Lottery Fund application is a huge opportunity, but we need to raise at least £25,000 towards the project to make it happen.

“Every donation to the Swanage Railway Trust’s Access for Everyone initiative – no matter the size – brings us closer to a railway that is truly open to everyone, a railway where no-one feels like a second class visitor and a railway that reflects our values of respect, inclusion and community.”

Both Mark One carriages were built by British Railways and classed as Tourist Second Open carriages with each vehicle having 64 seats.

One carriage, built in 1958, carries the number 4842 while the other carriage was built in the early 1960s and carries the number 4961.

British Rail withdrew both carriages from service on the national railway network in the early 1990s with the vehicles being purchased by Swanage Railway for a new working life in the Isle of Purbeck – No. 4842 in the early 1990s and No. 4961 in the late 1990s.

Donations to the Swanage Railway Trust’s Access for

Everyone initiative can be made via the Swanage Railway’s website at www. swanagerailway.co.uk/swanagerailway-access-for-all n Anyone interested in finding out about Swanage Railway volunteering opportunities should contact volunteering officer Kelly Griffin by emailing iwanttovolunteer@ swanagerailway.co.uk while details about volunteering can also be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/ volunteering.

Skittles night aids forces charity

VETERAN and service groups came together for a night of friendly rivalry and fundraising when Dorchester Royal Naval Association held its annual charity skittles tournament at the town’s Trinity Club.

Teams from Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland Royal Naval Associations, the Weymouth & Portland Fleet Air Arm Association, the Royal British Legion and sponsor Drumgrange Ltd took to the alleys.

After a closely fought contest, the trophy went to a hybrid team of six Dorchester RNA players, alongside one from the Royal British Legion and one from Drumgrange, proof the night was about coming together as much as competing.

Drumgrange, a Portlandbased defence and technology company with long ties to the

Richard Fagan of Drumgrange Ltd presents a £500 sponsorship cheque to Dorchester Royal Naval Association treasurer Pat Knight and chair Steve Armstrong

Armed Forces, sponsored the evening once again, presenting a cheque for £500.

The sponsorship covered the £350 catering, with the balance adding to proceeds from the raffles to give a total raised on the night of £561.78 after expenses.

All funds go toward the branch’s £1,000 target for its 2026 charity, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, which supports serving personnel and

their families.

Mark Bradbury, Weymouth & Portland Fleet Air Arm Association social secretary, said: “Nights like this are what the naval family is all about. Different cap badges, one good cause and a lot of laughter down the skittle alley.

“Our thanks go to Dorchester

RNA for organising it so well and to Drumgrange for their continued generosity.”

Dorchester RNA chair Jim Armstrong thanked Drumgrange for its sponsorship and all the team skittle players and supporters for their raffle prize donations, generosity and good spirit throughout the evening.

Teams and supporters from across Dorset’s naval and service community gather at the 2026 charity skittles tournament

Swanage Railway’s Mark One carriage 4842 PHOTO: Dan Bennett Inset – Swanage Railway chief executive Abbie King PHOTO: Andrew PM Wright

20-23 AUGUST 2026

EDDI READER JIGGY BASKERY

SUNTOU SUSSO & THE GAMBIAN SUPERSTARS

SAM KELLY & THE LOST BOYS

MARTHA TILSTON - FRANKIE ARCHER

UKULELE DEATH SQUAD [AUS]

THE ROVING CROWS - RE:VULVA BONFIRE RADICALS - MISHRA

RACHAEL MCSHANE & THE CARTOGRAPHERS - EABHAL

SOUSOU & MAHER CISSOKO - TAFF RAPIDS - KLEZMER FOYGL

MICHAEL PREWITT - FLATS & SHARPS - TOUKI - TARREN

MARTHA SPENCER & THE WONDERLAND COUNTRY BAND [USA]

NICK PARKER & THE FALSE ALARMS - CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK BAND

HOLLY CLARKE BAND - TOBY SHAER, ARCHIE MOSS & JACK WARNOCK

AROUND ABOUT DUSK - CLAY BOTTOM JUG BUSTERS - DETTA KENZIE

THE BOOT HEEL PLAYBOYS - GRACE HONEYWELL & JERI FOREMAN

MONROE’S REVENGE - DESTAN DÖNEMI - CLEMENTINE LOVELL

LONAN - ROCKING HORSE MONEY - TÓCHAR - THE LOST TRADES PACHANGO - FERAL BERYL - DANGER GOAT + LOADS MORE

MORE THAN JUST GREAT MUSIC...

CRAFT AREA KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

CROCHET - POTTERY

TIE-DYE - STONE CARVING

WILLOW WORKSHOPS

BLACKSMITH - ORIGAMI

PRINTING - CYANOTYPE

TRADITIONAL WOOD TURNING PEBBLE PAINTING

ALL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE!

CIRCUS SKILLS & SHOWS - STORYTELLING - DINOSAURS - FANCY DRESS

TOY SWAPSHOP - THEATRE & GAMES WORKSHOPS - CLIMBING WALL

BOUNCY CASTLES - ARCHERY - WELLY WANGING - HOOLA-HOOPING

TREASURE HUNT - SPACE HOPPER OBSTACLE COURSE - BUBBLES - CRAFTS

BABIES MADDIE’S MIRACLE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT - RHYME TIME HAPPY BABY HAPPY ME - SINGING MAMAS - CHANGING TENT

5 STAGES - CEILIDHS - LOADS FOR KIDS

OPEN MIC SESSIONS - COMEDY - CRAFT AREA WORKSHOPS - HEALING AREA - FIRE SHOWS

BEAUTIFUL

Motorboats will have to keep their distance

MOTORBOATS and jet skis will not be able to operate closer to the shore in Swanage and Studland following strong opposition to proposed changes to local byelaws.

In a public consultation, 86% of respondents in Swanage and 73% in Studland opposed moving the 5-knot speed limit buoys nearer the shoreline, said Dorset Council.

The buoys will remain at 300 metres from mean high water in both bays.

437 responses were received during the eight week consultation on updates to watercraft byelaws, including from local sailing, rowing and swimming groups.

Now, a new draft byelaw is designed to improve safety on increasingly busy waters and protect sensitive marine habitats, including seagrass in Studland Bay.

The consultation also saw more than 60% of respondents back extending the period when speed restrictions apply by one month, so the amended byelaw will now run from March 15 to

New mayor picks hospice cause

THE new Mayor of Poole, Cllr Tracey Newman, has selected Forest Holme Hospice as her Charity of the Year for 2026/27.

She will support the hospice by helping to raise funds and awareness of its services.

The Mayor visited the hospice with Deputy Mayor Cllr Steve Hayes and Sheriff of Poole Cllr Rosemarie Stirk, where she had a tour and met staff.

Hannah O’ Hare, chief executive at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome them all to the hospice and their warmth, genuine interest and engagement made for a wonderful visit.

“We are grateful for the time they spent with us and look forward to building a strong relationship and

October 30 each year.

The new rules will not apply to sailing boats and rowers.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who took part in this consultation. It shows just how much people value these bays and want them to be safe and well managed.

“We’ve listened carefully to what people told us. That means keeping the focus on motorised craft, extending the timing of speed restrictions and responding to strong views about the buoy positions.

“Our aim is to make it safer and easier for everyone to enjoy the water, while protecting the natural environment that makes this part of Dorset so special.”

Dorset Council will now update the byelaw in line with consultation findings and submit it to the Department for Transport.

The proposals will also be considered by full council before being put forward for final approval by the Secretary of State.

Updating a byelaw typically takes about 18 months. If approved, the new rules are expected to come into force in 2027.

working closely together throughout the coming year to raise awareness of hospice

care and the difference it makes to so many local people.”

In the picture (from left) Sheriff of Poole Cllr Rosemarie Stirk, Forest Holme Hospice Charity chief executive Hannah O’Hare, Deputy Mayor Cllr Steve Hayes, and Mayor of Poole Cllr Tracey Newman

An overwhelming number of respondents to a public consultation opposed moving 5-knot speed limit buoys closer to shore PHOTOS:Dorset Council

More 20mph schemes in the pipeline

RESIDENTS across Dorset are being invited to have their say as the council presses ahead with its biggest programme of 20mph speed limit schemes yet.

Since 2022, Dorset Council has introduced 21 new 20mph zones in residential streets and village centres, aiming to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Now a further 17 communities could be next in line.

The first round of public consultation is already underway for proposals in Bridport, Abbotsbury, Leigh, Portesham, Burton Bradstock, Warmwell, Loders, Maiden Newton, Broadmayne and Charminster.

A second consultation, covering Hinton St Mary, Hilton, Studland, Ashmore, Wool, Colehill and Bryanston, is due to launch this autumn.

The schemes are only considered after being requested by town or parish councils and must go through a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, which includes public consultation before any decision is made.

Dorset Council acknowledges that 20mph limits often divide

opinion.

While all 21 schemes introduced so far have gone ahead with overall local backing, some proposals have previously been dropped after strong opposition from residents.

Cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said: “We know how important road safety and quality of life are for our communities.

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“These 20mph schemes are about helping people feel safer where they live, whether that’s children walking to school, older residents getting out and about, or simply making our villages and towns more pleasant places to be.

“This is the most ambitious programme we’ve delivered so far, and it’s only possible because town and parish councils have put forward schemes that reflect what their communities want.

“I’d encourage anyone who lives or works in these areas to take part in the consultation so we can hear their views, as well as anyone who travels through them.

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“This includes motorists, bus drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, recognising that these roads are used by the wider community.”

Feedback from residents, businesses and road users will help determine whether the proposed schemes go ahead.

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Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

New £17.9m unit offers a safe haven for severely ill young people

A LONG-AWAITED specialist unit to support children and young people in mental health crisis across Dorset is now open.

Seastone, Dorset

HealthCare’s new £17.9 million high intensity environment in Bournemouth, will provide 24-hour inpatient care for 13 to 18-year-olds with severe mental health issues.

As well as offering the latest facilities and expert support, the eight-bed unit – the first of its kind in the south west – will allow patients to be treated close to friends and family, greatly reducing the need for

out-of-area placements which can hamper the chances of recovery.

The unit is purpose-built to meet the needs of young people with needs so complex they can’t be safely managed in the regular CAMHS inpatient facility on the site. They may be at risk of suicide or self-harm, or their behaviour could pose a danger to other patients if placed on an open ward.

Seastone – which was designed by Medical Architecture & Art, and built by Kier Construction – will provide eight en suite

bedrooms, seclusion and de-escalation areas, classroom facilities, therapy, sensory and games rooms, a gym and a space for family visits.

The building is the latest dividend of a £70.6m investment in Dorset’s mental health services as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP).

Chaddesley House, at St Ann’s Hospital in Poole, has also

opened to increase capacity and enhance services for local adults needing intensive treatment.

The third and final phase of the local NHP mental health improvements will see extensive refurbishment and modernisation works to support adult inpatients at St Ann’s Hospital, set to be completed over the course of 2027/28.

New extension at children’s hospice

JULIA’S House children’s hospice has officially opened a new extension at its Corfe Mullen hospice.

The extension features new equipment and spaces to better meet the needs of the older children Julia’s House supports and improvements to its end-of-life suite.

Wider corridors and ramps can accommodate large electric wheelchairs used by many of the young people the hospice cares for.

A larger upstairs bathroom is better equipped and more accessible – and offers a bathing experience complete with underwater disco lights and bubbles.

A hoist between the upstairs bathroom and bedroom allows

more privacy for the young people who visit the hospice for respite care.

“We hope this new larger space and the new equipment makes it much more comfortable and private for the older children we support,” said Nat Sheehy, Julia’s House lead nurse at the Dorset hospice.

“They’ll get to experience all the physical and relaxing benefits of a bath, as many of them can only have a shower at home because of space.

“We’ve had lots of positive feedback on the bathrooms from the older children – they’re really enjoying the full-on music and surround sound!”

There is a larger bedroom downstairs in the hospice’s Mermaid Suite, with a second bedroom for parents and a large bathroom in between so children can use a hoist to easily move through from their bedroom into the bathroom and into their parents’ room.

The new rooms have new names too – Lighthouse and Beach Hut – to reflect the seaside location and plenty of

bed spaces for the whole family.

The more spacious layout will enable families to have their own private space to be all together and have the closeness they need when they are being supported at the end of their child’s life.

The extension was fully funded by a one-off government capital grant and contributions from several capital trusts, so has not impacted the ongoing costs of providing care.

The improvements were designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, who provided much of their time as a gift in kind.

Local commercial design and refurbishment specialists Jade Aden Interiors undertook the refurbishment project on site.

Julia’s House at Corfe Mullen PHOTO: Phil Abraham

At the opening of the £17.9m Seastone facility in Bournemouth

A new base for all the fun stuff!

MEMBERS of independent living provision stABILITY have been showing off their new base at St Augustine’s Church in Dorchester Road, Weymouth.

stABILITY provides day and overnight independent living care to adults with learning disabilities and wanted a new base with the space for fun activities such as cooking and arts and crafts, as well as access to local shops and bus routes.

Founder and co-owner Angie Lambert said: “It’s a fabulous space which we are all thrilled with.

“The Base has a chill zone, games area, learning space and cooking facilities, and an unbelievable amount to offer our members as they develop their skills, have fun and thrive.”

Angie added: “Our members wanted to give something back to all the people and businesses which have helped and supported us over the last few years, so we hosted a grand opening.

“Members baked cakes to share and welcomed in lots of friendly faces to our new home.

“We are now settling in and

enjoying all the space offers. We are also looking forward to inviting the public to come into The Base and work with our members, with coffee mornings planned soon.

‘Spot the Watchkeeper’ makes friends at festival

IT was lovely to meet and chat with so many people at the Fish and Food Festival in Swanage in mid-June. In contrast to previous years, the sun shone, the rain held off and the wind was refreshing and not bracing! There was real family atmosphere on Sandpit Field. The smells coming from the food stalls were mouthwatering and the cookery demonstrations proved highly popular.

The day proved a big hit with our new mascot ‘Spot the Watchkeeper’. Spot was kept busy over the weekend meeting, greeting and engaging with people about water safety, and has promised to attend future events with us! We’re very grateful to festival organisers for letting us have our gazebo at the event and making NCI one of their charities. It’s quite a privilege to be included as a

beneficiary, along with the Fisherman’s Mission and the RNLI.

NCI is also one of the charities that Swanage Carnival has chosen to support and we look forward to helping the carnival team at the firework evenings during carnival week at the end

by Nick Reed

of July and beginning of August. We’ll be in our uniforms, so please come up and chat to us.

THE weather over the last couple of weeks has been interesting to say the least. Just before

“We are very excited about what the future brings.” stABILITY has retained its respite and overnight accommodation in Stavordale Road.

Midsummer’s Day, watchkeepers at both stations were in regular contact with Solent Coastguard to report constant changing visibility. At Swanage, one minute we could see Old Harry Rocks at just over two miles away and at other times we struggled to see the Ledge Bouy at 400 yards! High on the cliffs at St Alban’s Head, watchkeepers even struggled to see the sea.

Not surprisingly, poor visibility is something all mariners fear. Given the choice, most sailors would probably prefer to be caught out in strong winds than thick fog. At least with strong winds, given the sea room, you can heave-to. Caught out in fog, there really is no safe haven, and, even with modern navigation aids, knowing what is around you and where you can be an issue.

A few days after this we were treated to record-breaking temperatures and wall-to-wall sunshine. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the summer pans out!

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

Members at The Base in St Augustine’s Church

‘Spot the Watchkeeper’ at the RNLI stand at the Fish and Food Festival at Sandpit Field in Swanage

WITH summer in full swing, it is a wonderful time to come up and explore Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve. It is a great place to have a gentle stroll around the meadows full of wildflowers, including pyramidal orchids, tufted vetch, red bartsia and greater knapweed. The skylarks are still singing loudly, now, it is hoped, feeding a brood of chicks, hidden somewhere in the grasses.

There are butterflies galore as meadow browns and marbled white flutter about, along with the less common – but small and duller – small heath! On the cliffs, many of the seabirds have finished their

breeding season, so have headed off into the sea, but a few still hang around – see the live camera images on our website.

If views are your thing, then there is no better place to sit than the terrace of Seventh Wave cafe to enjoy a cuppa or meal! While at the castle, come and see the rangers and

volunteers in the reception and shop and the fantastic art in the exhibition gallery.

Until Wednesday, July 15, 10.30am-4.30pm, ‘Abstraction vs. Realism: The Joy of Colour’, will fill the Fine Foundation Gallery. Artists Judith Devons and Helen Joyce in dynamic dialogue, will showcase paintings, mixed media and ceramics that contrast perception, materials and expression across distinct yet interconnected practices.

This is followed by ‘Colour & Coast’ from Wednesday, July 22. Painting with her hands, landscape artist Shelley Perry explores how colour shapes our perception of nature, inviting viewers to

consider colour as both subject and landscape. Exhibitions are open daily from 10.30am4.30pm and are free to enter.

You can also join one of our guided events including Glow-worm evenings, Meadow Walks and a Park to Pier. Or perhaps a glass engraving workshop catches the imagination?

For more information, check www.durlston.co.uk/ events for dates, booking requirements and further details.

For more information, visit the Durlston website, www. durlston.co.uk

Visit the Seventh Wave cafe website at www.seventh waverestaurant.co.uk

Eric rising to ultra challenges

FUNDRAISER, Dorset man Eric McNeil, has set himself 700km of Ultra Challenges to mark his 60th birthday this year.

He is completing eight events in 2026 to raise money for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, which provides free care and support for people with lifelimiting illnesses and their families across Dorset.

So far, Eric has completed ultra-events – run across the UK by Action Challenge – in Bath, the Isle of Wight, along the Jurassic coast, London to Brighton and in the Cotswolds, raising £1,200 in the process.

Eric, from Christchurch, said: “The challenges are going well despite May being a bit of a test, as I took on three events during that month alone.

“There were heavy downpours on the Isle of Wight, a mix of sunshine and showers

on the hilly Jurassic coast, with a nice headwind, and then the heatwave while I was making my way from London to Brighton.”

Eric began his training in November, with a minimum of 8km of walking each day and

regular back-to-back weekend training walks of up to 40km on Saturdays and 35-40km on Sundays.

He has also been training at St Catherine’s Hill in Christchurch, completing repeated loops of the 5.5-mile route to build the distance and endurance needed for the challenges.

Eric said: “I chose LewisManning because it is a local charity and I can see the direct impact it has on those around me in the community.

“My wife, Mel, is assistant manager at the Highcliffe shop and always so positive about the charity and its amazing work.”

Eric still has some way to go with two further challenges this month and one in September.

He added: “I’m excited about The Cotswold and Gower Peninsula challenges, before I finish with the Seven Sisters

over the South Downs.”

Anna DuRose, community fundraising manager at LewisManning Hospice Care, said: “Eric’s challenge is incredible, and we are so grateful for his support.

“To take on one ultra challenge is a huge achievement, but to commit to eight across the year, ahead of his 60th birthday, is truly inspiring.

“Eric has shown such determination and positivity, and we are very proud to have him fundraising for LewisManning.

“Every pound raised helps us continue providing free, person-centred care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families here in Dorset.”

To support Eric’s fundraising challenge, visit www.justgiving. com/page/eric-mcneil-1

Eric at the end of the London to Brighton Ultra Challenge

Durlston Country Park has a lot going on this month

An accident waiting to happen

DORSET Highways is planning to put a ‘pedestrian refuge’ in the middle of Harman’s Cross so that the occasional pedestrian can cross the road. I was going to write ‘safely’ but the plans I have seen suggest the proposed location has no relation to ‘safety’ and that we could end up with a total dog’s breakfast like at Coombe corner, where the Langton road joins the A351.

A pedestrian island is proposed in the middle of the road between Foleys Garage and Tabbits Hill Lane. It would be wide enough to allow someone to stand in the middle of the road with a pram. But even without a pram, I would not feel safe standing on the island, as lorries could be passing either side of me and my precious cargo. Cars would scream over the top of the brow just opposite Foleys pull-in, as they do at the current legal limit of 30mph. Occasionally. Of course, the speed limit in the village could be restricted by a further 10mph to 20mph.

Dorset Highways is not going to widen the road, so the run-off for Haycrafts Lane would have to be used. So, when I’m waiting to pull out of Haycrafts Lane in my car, I could have cars heading into the side of me. Of course, the white give-way lines on Haycrafts Lane could be pushed back, which would mean pulling out dangerously, as I wouldn’t be able to see very far looking towards Corfe. This is an accident waiting to happen and another complete waste of money.

There is, of course, another and more sensible option, which is to place the refuge opposite the bus shelter, where it could be clearly seen by traffic

by David Hollister

approaching from both directions. This would give drivers in both directions the opportunity to slow down and give brave pedestrians the maximum time to plan ahead. And, indeed, to decide whether it’s worth the risk. There’s still plenty of time to make your views known. But then Dorset Highways has had at least four years to take notice of the objections to the Coombe corner fiasco. And the promised public meeting has not yet taken place. Mail to clerk@ worthmatraversparishcouncil. gov.uk

Of course, I’d be more than happy to meet our current county councillor and/or our MP on site to discuss the problem with them. They know where I am. Or please come to the parish council meeting at the village hall on Tuesday, October 6, at 7.30 p.m. Hope to see you there.

HAVE you been enjoying the recent heatwave? It was too hot for me, and my sympathies go to those people who don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing to work in the heat or not. Think about bin men and bus drivers who cannot just not turn up. Doctors and nurses working in our non-air-conditioned hospitals which have been described as “sweat boxes at the best of times”.

But strangely, schools can allow kids to have a day off, not just for heatwaves but all sorts of other INSET days, which are set at the discretion of individual headteachers, meaning exact dates vary by school. However, a designated INSET day for most local

authority-maintained schools falls on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the start of the autumn term. State schools have five INSET – teacher-training – days per academic year where teachers work but students don’t attend. These are part of a 195-day teacher calendar, meaning pupils are required to attend for 190 days.

But when the parents want to take their children for a short family holiday in term time, they’re threatened with a fine. Which could well be less than the additional cost of air fares and holiday accommodation, which, of course, go through the ceiling in official school holidays. It’s like giving accommodation providers and airlines a green light to ramp up their charges.

DORSET Council is aware of rumours circulating online about Swanage Youth Hostel being used to accommodate asylum seekers. The council says these claims are not true and that the Home Office doesn’t have any plans to use the property for asylum and resettlement accommodation.

It says: “There is no basis for the information being shared. Posting or repeating unverified claims risks spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary concern and confusion, so we would encourage people to always check facts before sharing. Thank you”

YES, thank you, we had a lovely holiday! Three days in Gerrards Cross with the family then five days in Lowestoft in a brilliant country hotel, 24 hours in Stratford-on-

Avon, a total of 825 miles in our air-conditioned Tiguan, which didn’t hurt a bit!

While in Gerrards Cross with James and the family, we drove around a blind corner and narrowly avoided a small family saloon which was clearly in trouble. James stopped and helped the tearful elderly female driver by changing the wheel, while I walked up the road to the corner and slowed the traffic to give James some working space. Why she was tearful immediately became clear – her useless son – aged possibly 50-ish – spent most of the time berating the woman for breaking down! After about 10 minutes, James finished changing the wheel and sent them on their way. Quite why the son had to speak to his mum in that manner was a mystery. I gave her a quick hug and told her she shouldn’t let herself be spoken to like that. And, sadly, she then offered to pay us for our labours, which offer was obviously refused. I say ‘sadly’, because if this is a world in which a genuine favour has to be reimbursed financially, I want no part of it. As James said, it could have been his elderly parents who were in trouble.

On two consecutive nights in the hotel, local schools celebrated their ‘summer proms’ and not only were we treated to young people dressed in their best and on their best behaviour, but also to streams of supercars, classic cars, converted supervans, mostly hired and all highly polished!

And in closing – Lowestoft was different, but no way as good as Swanage! But it was – believe it or not – the first time either Tina or I had ever seen the North Sea!

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.

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Recall work held by quiet slim type (5)

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

Killer Sudoku Pro

4 The Italian showing in a short while variable skill (7)

9 Criminal figure in a court? (8)

10 Measure of insulation on a classic garment (4)

11 More irritable English broadcasting executive? That’s right (6)

12 Take up a function beside port (5)

13 Neighbour is round deprived of love (4)

15 A component of musicals therefore (3)

16 Dark sauce in this way always given backing (4)

Down

2 Submit product (5)

3 Forecast made by pair with decree (7)

5 A recruit Cuba trained – given to petty regulations? (12)

6 Liberal German in game with cards (5)

7 Intoxicated woman ignoring a duke in a tense way (7)

8 Envoy’s free to wander periodically (5,2,5)

14 Prosperous time enthralling journalist given right place for retirement? (7)

16 More daft lines I start to expose in gentleman (7)

17 Strife off road in musical club (5)

19 Out with a stage dancer (6)

21 By the sound of it, put up with ill-mannered person (4)

22 A lot of resolve shown in compact period of decay (8)

23 Distinguished conservationists behind European place for underground work? (7)

24 Park within week in ruin (5)

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

18 Source of blaring noise produces anger among polar opposites (5)

20 Antiquated character in charge showing moral system (5)

(7)

A recruit Cuba trained – given to petty regulations? (12)

Liberal German in game with cards (5)

Intoxicated woman ignoring a duke in a tense way (7) 8 Envoy’s

(5,2,5)

journalist given right

(7)

of blaring noise produces anger among polar opposites (5)

Antiquated character in charge showing moral system (5)

Devolution would be boon for Dorset

WHOEVER becomes the next Prime Minister, Dorset cannot afford more of the same. For too long, national policy has been designed with cities in mind, leaving rural areas like ours to pick up the pieces.

Through work with groups such as Britain’s Leading Edge, a network of rural and coastal authorities, including Dorset, we have highlighted how decades of government decisions have systematically disadvantaged counties like ours. Investment has too often been concentrated in metropolitan areas, despite the enormous contribution rural communities make to the economy, food security, clean energy and national resilience. At the same time, rural organisations have consistently shown that deprivation in areas like Dorset is often hidden in national data. That means communities facing real hardship are overlooked when funding is allocated. The result is a double injustice – higher

Reader’s Picture

costs of delivering services across dispersed communities, but less recognition and less funding from government.

We see the consequences here every day, from pressures on adult social care to the challenge of delivering affordable housing and transport across a large rural county. House prices remain far out of reach for many local people, and too many young residents are being priced out of the communities they grew up in.

for residents.

We have demonstrated over the past two years that we are ready for that step. What we need now is a government willing to back Dorset’s ambition – not delay it.

This is why devolution matters so much. Dorset, alongside Wiltshire, Somerset and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, has the opportunity to form a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority – bringing powers and investment closer to the people who understand this area best. With the right tools, we can unlock growth, create jobs and deliver better outcomes

Continued uncertainty, and implacable opposition from within our wider Dorset area, including from a Bournemouthbased MP, are deeply unhelpful when we should be working together to secure the best future for our region.

A new Prime Minister has an opportunity to do things differently.

First, get serious about rural Britain. That means fair funding for councils, proper recognition of the higher costs we face, and policies designed with counties in mind, not as an afterthought.

Second, back green jobs and stop sending mixed messages on climate change. Rural areas

like Dorset are central to the UK’s clean energy future, with huge potential in renewables and environmental innovation, but we need clarity and longterm investment to unlock it.

Third, fix the housing crisis in a way that works for places like Dorset. Top-down targets that ignore local realities are not the answer. We need housing numbers that are realistic and deliverable, alongside genuinely affordable homes for local people, built for the future with high environmental standards, not short-term fixes.

Dorset has so much to offer, but we cannot keep being held back by decisions made elsewhere. As Liberal Democrats, we will continue to stand up for our communities, pressing for fairness, devolution and a future where Dorset has the powers and resources it needs to thrive.

Nick Ireland

Sunny weather and a calm sea on a recent summer’s day in Swanage PHOTO: Robin Boultwood

NICK IRELAND

Liberal Democrat Leader of Dorset Council

Support for families on the doorstep

RECENTLY, I had the pleasure of visiting the new Best Start Family Hub in Swanage to see first-hand its brilliant work supporting young families living across Purbeck.

Opening this summer, Swanage’s Best Start Family Hub will be based at the Focus Centre and will support families with a range of key services, including maternity services, health visitors and specialist support for children with SEND. This is great news for our community!

After years of cutbacks and decline under the Conservatives, it’s so important that the Labour Government is now investing in Best Start Family Hubs across the county. Many of us will fondly remember the support offered

by Sure Start Children’s Centres – which were one-stop shops for young families, offering a mix of services from parenting advice to playgroups. Introduced by the previous Labour Government, Sure Start provided crucial support to families – but Sure Start was then foolishly shut down by the previous Conservative Government.

Now more than ever, many families are in urgent need of extra support on their doorstep. That’s why I am so proud that we are reviving the Sure Start legacy with new Best Start Family Hubs here in Dorset.

essential services. Now, the new Best Start Family Hub will expand the local offer and ensure families can get the advice and support they need closer to home.

It is shocking that services like these were shut down in the first place because of the damaging cuts made by the Conservatives – and I fully welcome the great news that these services are now being restored.

For Swanage, the fantastic team at the Focus Centre already offers so many

On the same site as the Best Start Family Hub, a brilliant community cafe has also opened. The cafe acts as a gateway to the many services on offer at the Focus Centre and is certainly a welcome community space for

Swanage.

Taking a look at the bigger picture, Labour’s Best Start Family Hubs mean a whole range of vital services are now all under one roof. I know from the conversations I have had with families and teachers across Purbeck that this approach will make a positive difference locally. This is especially the case for parents looking for guidance and specialist support for a child with SEND.

I am proud of the progress made by this Labour Government to improve all children’s life chances and deliver essential services for young families across Purbeck. Let’s keep moving forwards!

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

Now is time for general election

KEIR Starmer’s resignation has confirmed what many across the country, and certainly here in South Dorset, have felt for months – this Labour government has run out of authority and out of ideas. Kemi Badenoch has repeatedly warned against political stitch-ups and leadership changes that shut voters out of the process. Now Labour seems to be doing just that.

Starmer came into office promising competence, stability and a ‘government of service’. Instead, we have seen confusion, U-turns, internal rows and a steady drive into a socialist two-tier state. His resignation is not a shock – it is the natural conclusion of a government that has lost its grip.

And now, rather than returning to the country, Labour is preparing to anoint Andy Burnham as the next

prime minister in what can only be described as a coronation. No public vote. No mandate. No

accountability. We will simply have a stitched-up internal process designed to keep Labour in power while avoiding the judgement of the electorate.

This is not how a confident, functioning government behaves. It is how a party behaves when it fears the verdict of the people.

Here in South Dorset, people deserve better than this. I seem to recall a young parliamentary hopeful, Lloyd Hatton, calling for a general election when Rishi Sunak came to power. The uproar from Labour when the Conservatives were in the same position dominated the news and social media.

However, I don’t seem to hear these same Labour supporters calling for a general election now.

Andy Burnham may be popular among Labour activists, but popularity inside a party is not the same as legitimacy from the public. The British people did not vote for him to be prime minister. He wasn’t even an MP when this Government came to power in 2024. We have not heard his plan for the country. Yet Labour expects the nation to quietly accept him stepping into No.10 as if this were business as usual.

This is where our local MP, Lloyd Hatton, must show some courage. He cannot hide behind party lines while his leadership is chosen for him in a backroom process. He

should stand up for the people of South Dorset and demand a general election now.

The Conservative Party is ready to make its case. We believe in backing British businesses, strengthening our borders, supporting our armed forces, protecting rural communities and restoring the sense of responsibility that has been missing from this government.

Kemi Badenoch has set out her vision for our country. Let Labour MPs, who are quick to promote all the good work they have done, ask the British people to vote on their record.

I believe the country deserves a voice in what comes next. Let’s hope Lloyd Hatton and his fellow Labour MPs show some courage and press for a general election.

BYRON QUAYLE Chair, South Dorset Conservative Association

Byron Quayle

Lloyd Hatton

Antiques & Collectibles

Collected interiors and antiques

A REMARKABLE 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 carefully curated 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 in Bridport.

Despite ambitious plans, prolonged planning challenges and changing personal circumstances meant the project could not be realised.

For Stuart, a former stuntman whose four-decade career included work as Russell Crowe’s stunt double in films such as Gladiator and Master and Commander, 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.

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

Elizabeth Gage – unmistakable and exceptional

Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham FEW contemporary jewellery designers have achieved the distinctive reputation and enduring appeal of Elizabeth Gage.

Known for her bold use of colour, rich textures and unmistakably individual style, Elizabeth Gage has been creating exceptional jewellery for over 50 years and remains one of Britain’s most celebrated jewellery designers.

She’s one of my favourites!

Her work is instantly recognisable for its sculptural quality and fearless combination of gemstones, pearls and ancient-inspired motifs.

Drawing inspiration from history, travel, architecture and antiquity, her designs often feature influences from Ancient Rome, Egypt and the Renaissance.

Rather than following fleeting fashions, Elizabeth Gage pieces have a timeless confidence that makes them highly wearable today while still feeling wonderfully unique.

One of the things collectors particularly admire is the craftsmanship behind every design.

Rich yellow gold settings, intricate detailing and unusual gemstone combinations give her jewellery a luxurious yet artistic feel.

Many pieces are designed as statement rings or bold pendants, although her earrings and bracelets are equally sought after.

The ring pictured is a classic Elizabeth Gage design and was part of a collection of jewellery I valued a few years ago.

The owner had no idea of its history and when it went to auction, it fetched £4,000!

From an antique jeweller’s perspective, Elizabeth Gage jewellery is increasingly desirable on the pre-owned and vintage market.

Clients are often drawn to the individuality of her work and the fact that her jewellery stands apart from mass-produced modern pieces.

Well-cared-for examples can hold their value extremely well, particularly earlier designs and one-off commissions.

For anyone looking for jewellery with personality, history and exceptional craftsmanship, Elizabeth Gage’s creations continue to prove that truly great design never goes out of style.

A stunning example of an Eiizabeth Gage ring design

Some of the items going under the hammer at Duke’s

Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside, Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is home to 240+ monkeys and apes, each with their own rescue story.

As seen on TV’s Monkey Life, the world-renowned sanctuary has spent 40 years rescuing primates from laboratories, the illegal pet trade and abusive entertainment industries around the globe. Today, visitors can spot playful gibbons, cheeky lemurs and Europe’s largest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Monkey World is home to Europe’s orang-utan crèche, where orphaned and abandoned youngsters receive expert care and the chance of a brighter future. The park is home to the world’s most successful captive breeding group of endangered woolly monkeys, with more than 30 births since the 1990s, an extraordinary achievement for a species renowned for being difficult to breed in human care.

Visitors can enjoy a day exploring the 65-acre park, with woodland walks, cafés, picnic areas, a gift shop and the Great Ape Play Area, the largest adventure playground in the South of England. Free keeper talks throughout the day give visitors the opportunity to hear the primates’ incredible stories first-hand and ask questions of the team who care for them every day.

A visit to Monkey World is more than a day out; it’s a chance to support an organisation making a real difference to primates around the world. For tickets and information, visit www.monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537.

Summer

in the Isle of Purbeck is a time to relax, reconnect, and make the most of the long, sunny days.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Soak up the atmosphere at community events, enjoy live music in the open air, and dance the day away with family and friends. Fire up the BBQ, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply unwind while exploring the stunning natural beauty right on our doorstep, from coastal walks to peaceful woodlands.

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy during the holidays? You’re in luck! There’s a fantastic range of clubs and activities in the area that offer fun, friendship, and the chance to learn something new. Whether it’s sports, arts, crafts or outdoor adventures, there’s something for every young explorer. Whatever your perfect summer looks like, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy in the area. So, step outside, join the fun, and make this summer one to remember!

Summer Holiday Programme

enq@ulwellholidaypark.co.uk

01929 422823

Season’s stars in spotlight

SWANAGE & Wareham RFC celebrated the players, volunteers, coaches, supporters and sponsors at their awards night.

In the picture (from left), receiving their awards are first team player of the year Lee Hardy, most improved player Joel Andrews and clubman of the year Kian Salina

Purbeck pair win in open air

TWO boxers from Purbeck Power Gym fought at a tournament held at the Porchester AFC football ground in Portsmouth in the open air on a very hot afternoon.

First in the ring was Freddie Gore from Swanage having his first competitive fight. His opponent was a tall lean fighter with a long reach,

highly rated and expected to win.

In the first round Freddie found it difficult to deal with his opponent’s reach, but he showed strength, determination and courage to get on top, and after three rounds was judged the winner.

The Power Gym’s second fighter was Ryan Dwyer from Harmans Cross who was matched with a tough experienced fighter with a good record.

Ryan’s skill and punching power proved overwhelming. Ryan knocked his opponent down early in the first round and he failed to beat the count.

Freddie Gore was having his first competitive fight

‘Huge white elephant’ bad for wildlife

by AJ Selby

“June, damp and warm, does a farmer no harm.”– Country saying WELL, May was an interesting month for most of us. It started off very dry but not particularly warm and by the middle of the month we still had lots of very cold nights, including some light frosts. Luckily, at my allotment, I remained frost-free, but a couple of gardening friends not 20 minutes’ drive away had received considerable scorching from frosts on their potatoes as the mercury dipped below freezing point. Then we had a few days of much welcome rain as the fields were getting parched and grass growth was very slow, but farmers and growers welcomed about half an inch to an inch depending on where you are, to freshen everything up. Now, just a week on at Whitsuntide, we are already experiencing the highest May temperatures ever recorded. Such a contrast in a couple of weeks.

So, there I was on Whit Monday sat in the garden listening to the birds and watching some early bees and insects dancing around the

flowers that are already out when foolishly I decided have a quick scroll at the news –something I haven’t done very much over the last couple of weeks as I get quickly fed up with global events at the moment. However, the second story I clicked on was certain to make my blood boil. How on earth have successive governments over nearly 14 years put so many billions of pounds into a complete white elephant that has nearly bankrupted certain parts of the country and caused a lot of environmental destruction along the way?

I’m talking of course of HS2, that massively overpriced vanity project by the various governments of the last 15 years that they continue to bankroll. Apparently, the project was first approved in January 2012 with a £32.7 billion budget to build a Y-shaped high-speed track from London to both Manchester and Leeds, splitting at Birmingham, each being the left and right hand point of the Y. It was scheduled to be operational this year, believe it or not. Apparently, the cost has now gone up to £102.7bn and trains

will not start running between London and Birmingham until as late as 2039, the Government has admitted.

This is £70bn more and 13 years later than originally promised, and this is only building half of the line to Birmingham – it could be 2043 before it’s fully completed. HS2 has said it would be more expensive to cancel it now rather than carry on building it. The first trains between Old Oak Common in West London and Birmingham – Curzon Street station will start running in the next 10 to 13 years, with the full railway running from London Euston to join the West Coast main line in Staffordshire to be completed in the next 14 to 17 years.

The worrying thing is that at present, despite all the work costs and environmental destruction, not one single yard of HS2 track has actually been laid. This was apparently admitted by the chief executive of the company. Robert Stephenson took less than five years to complete his London to Birmingham railway nearly 200 years ago. In terms of infrastructure, only two viaducts have reportedly been finished out of the 52 planned and only 11% of the 169 bridges. It staggers me and many others to think of this railway as just a project for the government to get a few wealthy citizens a few minutes faster from Birmingham to London and vice-versa.

In terms of the environment, a report by the Woodland Trust shows inconsistent mapping and modelling by HS2. Wild space and rare habitats are undervalued in surveys by the company and new habitat creation is valued as being higher in benefits than those existing habitats. Wildlife that has been trapped between construction areas has been ignored and not all ponds have been fully counted, while a huge number of old trees have not been counted at all.

There have been lots of reports of bad management by HS2 which promised a wildlife mitigation – for example, many of the newly planted trees were neglected and not watered and have since died, and the cardboard tree guards have failed to protect newly planted trees from being eaten by deer. The expensive ponds they created for greater crested newts actually dried up in the hot summer last year. HS2 promised it would remove the eggs of rare brown hairstreak butterflies to new habitat, but contractors have no record of this ever taking place, and in Warwickshire the line has destroyed 17 important sites for nature. The stories of destruction and neglect are out there for all to see.

At this glorious time of year it is somewhat depressing to read about the destruction of wildlife while the countryside is in her full summer glory, but I do think we owe it to each other as citizens of this country and as nature lovers to continue to monitor and press whichever government is in power to keep looking at this huge white elephant, and what we can do to stop further destruction and to keep costs in check.

HS2 high speed railway construction work in Birmingham – and one of the protests

How gambling addict hit lowest of lows but turned his life around

A MAN who lost his money, his relationships and almost his life to a gambling addiction has told how he found new purpose as a support worker for a local charity.

James Cooper, 37, was just 17 when he first tried gambling and experienced the ‘elation of winning’.

By the time he was in his early 20s he was hopelessly addicted to casino gambling and alcohol, thousands of pounds in debt and suicidal.

After hitting rock bottom, going through rehab and being given a safe haven at Hope housing in Bournemouth, James has become a support worker for the charity, helping others who have been homeless to rebuild their shattered lives.

He said: “I had what you might call quite a normal upbringing. My parents were together, and I went to a grammar school.

“But when I first tried gambling and won a small amount of money, it felt like an escape – a chance to become a so-called ‘hotshot’.

“That’s not meant as a positive reflection. At the time, I thought I had found a way to escape life’s troubles and reinvent myself as someone I wasn’t.

“But gambling ended up taking everything.”

James financed his gambling addiction using credit card after credit card.

“Nothing would get me away from a gambling table. I would even wet myself and sit there in my own urine,” he said.

“When I did eventually get up from the table, I would stagger and struggle to breathe. It’s like I was draining the life out of myself.”

James tells how he once went on a holiday with his girlfriend to South Africa, but instead of enjoying their hotel, he would insist on them going to a seedy casino night after night.

“Obviously, my relationships didn’t last, and my family felt helpless at what was happening to me,” he said. “But I didn’t care. Gambling was all that mattered to me.”

In September 2019 James went into rehab.

“My drinking had got so bad that I started fighting with people and ended up being arrested, narrowly missing jail,” he said.

“It was a wake-up call. I was completely out of control and had suicidal thoughts. It was either rehab or die and it was my mum who eventually took me there.”

Public Health England has estimated that there are between 117 and 496 gambling-related suicides in England every year.

GambleAware has reported a near doubling in demand for gambling harm treatment since

Health & Wellbeing

2020, with its 2024 survey showing 30% of at-risk gamblers wanting support, up from 17% in 2020.

“I knew I just had to give myself completely to rehab and that’s what I did,” James added.

After rehab he was homeless and was taken in by Hope, based in St Swithuns Road South in Bournemouth.

“I was given support and accommodation by Hope. I went to AA meetings. Everything changed from that point,” he said.

“I started studying and got my English and maths. I did a yoga scholarship, and my mind started to clear.

“I also started meditation and counselling. I saw the light and I thought: ‘I’m going to go for this’, so I went to Loughborough University and did a three-year sports and exercise psychology degree.

“Looking back now, it was an ambitious step I took without thinking too much about the realities of student life – I really enjoyed studying but a lot of the younger people around me were drinking a lot and I couldn’t be in that environment, so I just had to lock myself away and study.

“I found solace and calm in using exercise as my medicine, ultimately completing a half-Ironman.”

After university, James wanted to give back by using his lived experience to support others and approached Lisa Everett, who had been his support worker at Hope.

James now supports people who have experienced trauma, abuse, addiction and homelessness.

Hope has supported more than 2,300 people out of homelessness and into safe accommodation, counselling, training and independent living.

“I love it here,” James said. “People come to Hope because of all different kinds of problems in their lives, and I get such joy from playing a part in helping them grow and make positive changes.”

James now competes in online cycling at a high level and is working with Hope residents at improving their fitness.

He said: “I feel such gratitude for the way that I’ve been able to get my life back on track and I am content and happy.

“I would urge anyone who feels gambling is becoming a problem for them to seek help quickly before it spirals out of control.

“There is a lot of help locally here in BCP. Don’t wait like I did and risk losing everything.”

Hope for the future: James is a support worker for the Hope charity, which helped him when he was homeless after leaving rehab

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Tracks of time on a Cretaceous coastline

by Susanna Curtin

IT is a windy, chilly June day as I stroll along a southern beach on the Isle of Wight. I am on a quest to find the traces of the dinosaur tracks for which this island is so famous.

I cannot remember when my fascination for fossils and dinosaurs began. These days, children are introduced to dinosaurs at a remarkably young age, as they make for such engaging storybooks and toys. My generation, however, often first encountered them at the natural history museum in Kensington where the replica of Dippy, the 21-metre-long skeleton of a Diplodocus greeted us as we passed through the Romanesque arches of the museum’s entrance hall and came face to face with this towering creature.

From then on, this fascination has led me to all the famous fossil sites in Dorset and to the Isle of Skye where, a few years ago, I went in search of dinosaur tracks preserved in rocks from the Middle Jurassic. This is a poorly represented period that makes the dinosaur finds on Skye rare and scientifically unique.

And now I am here in this squally weather on an island which is one of the most important dinosaur sites in Europe. Its footprints and fossils date from the Early Cretaceous, some 45 million years after the Middle Jurassic, and its cliffs continue to reveal fragments of a landscape lost in deep time.

125 million years ago, southern England lay on a similar latitude to where North Africa resides today. It was a subtropical floodplain within a large river valley, and a perfect habitat for dinosaurs. There

were swamps and marshes, lakes and lagoons, forests filled with conifers, enormous tree ferns and giant 100ft tall horsetails – plants we still have to this day, although considerably smaller. The rocks that have preserved the remains of dinosaurs were formed by the mud and river sediments laid down over millennia. This is known as the Wessex Formation – a rock sequence primarily composed of brightly coloured mudstones and sandstones. Outcrops include the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Purbeck, both places that are rich in fossils.

Here on the Isle of Wight, more than 25 species of dinosaur have been discovered and more turn up as the cliffs continue to erode. These

fossilised finds represent every major group of dinosaur, as well as crocodiles, turtles, small mammals, lizards, fish, flying reptiles and plant life.

It is thought the reason so many dinosaur fossils are found here is because there were flash floods and storm surges that killed animals in sudden death events. They were then rapidly buried in oxygen-poor sediments that slowed their decay by compacting tightly and eventually allowing minerals to replace bone. Today, old layers of mud and sandstone are constantly being washed into the sea while winter storms and tides expose fresh surfaces. Together, they reopen records of the past.

Unfortunately for me, the perfect tide times do not

coincide with my visit to the Island. For it is on a low spring tide where hundreds of dinosaur footprints can be seen. But now, as the wind picks up speed and the tide races in, I am looking desperately for an Iguanodon print. Iguanodons were hefty herbivores that grew up to about 10 metres long. The trackways they have left suggest they travelled in herds and moved on both two and four legs as they browsed on the vegetation. It is often said that the joy in life is the anticipation of ‘having’ or ‘seeing’ something rather than actually ‘finding’ or ‘having’ it, but right now I disagree, for I am desperate to find a footprint before the tide covers the beach. Then, there before my eyes is the perfect print. Although the seawater is already splashing around it, it is undeniably the distinctive three-toed shape of a dinosaur. Rather than a print, I can see now that it is actually a cast. The animal first pressed its foot into soft mud, leaving a deep impression, then floodwaters later filled this hollow with sand. Time worked its magic, and over millions of years, the surrounding mud compressed into a soft mudstone that has eroded away, while the sand inside the footprint impression hardened into sandstone and has remained.

Although this creature lived millions of years ago, a timescale I cannot begin to fathom, the footprint it left behind is disarmingly simple. One step. One movement. One living body passing through a particular place at a particular moment. Yet seeing it before me now compresses the immensity of deep time into something almost intimate. The footprint suggests a story – a creature with its own purpose crossed this ground, and I now stand where it once passed. The rocks still bear the memory of that brief encounter. Soon the tide will erase the print from sight, and I too will move on, leaving my own footprint in the sand. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

An iguanodon footprint on the Isle of Wight

Health & Wellbeing

Why saying ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no’ takes such a toll

by Kay Parkinson

MOST people who struggle to say no do not think of themselves as people-pleasers. They see themselves as kind, considerate, reliable. Someone who shows up for others, who does not make a fuss, who keeps things running smoothly. The identity feels positive. The cost, over time, often does not.

People-pleasing is rarely simply a habit. It is usually a strategy, one that made sense at some point, often in childhood, when keeping others comfortable felt important to our safety, belonging or sense of worth. When saying the wrong thing, taking up too much space, or expressing a need came with a cost, learning to read the room and manage other people’s feelings became a way of staying safe. These

strategies tend to persist long after the circumstances that shaped them have changed.

Understanding this can shift the question from “why can’t I just say no” to something more compassionate – of course this is hard. The nervous system learned that prioritising others was the safer choice.

Unlearning that takes time and patience, not simply willpower. Alongside this sits a quieter emotional layer. Saying no can bring up shame, a sense that you are being difficult, selfish or letting someone down. For many, that feeling is familiar and persuasive, even when it is not entirely accurate.

The toll of consistently overriding your own needs is real. Physically, chronic people-pleasing is associated with elevated stress, the body

DORSET FOOT CLINIC

carrying the tension of what the mouth did not say. Emotionally, resentment can build quietly in the gap between what was agreed to and what was wanted. Relationships can become less intimate, because the version of you that others experience is the managed one rather than the real one.

Learning to set a boundary, to say no, or that does not work for me, is not the same as becoming difficult or unkind. A boundary is an honest expression of what you can and cannot do, what you will and will not accept. Offered calmly and clearly, most boundaries are better received than people expect. The anticipation is often worse than the reality. It can help to start small. Practise in lower-stakes situations. Decline something you do not have capacity for. Ask for what you need in a straightforward way. Over time, this builds evidence it is safe to do so. That the relationship holds.

That you are still valued. It is also worth noticing the difference between guilt and genuine wrongdoing. Feeling guilty after setting a boundary does not mean the boundary was wrong. For those unused to prioritising their own needs, guilt is often simply the feeling of doing something unfamiliar. In time, it passes.

If this pattern has been present across your life, it may be rooted in something deeper. Therapy can offer a space to explore where it began and what it has cost you, and to begin to find a different way of relating to yourself and others. n Kay Parkinson is an MBACP (Accred) therapist and EMDR practitioner specialising in trauma, loss and shame, as well as pregnancy and birth experiences. She leads Place to Talk Therapies, a Dorset-based practice offering one-to-one and couples support locally and online (www.placetotalk therapies.co.uk).

Take a seat for scents of the season

by Sally Gregson

IN this long, but hot summer, many gardeners give themselves a break from watering duties by visiting special gardens. If you are keen on growing herbs with your vegetables, this year is an especially good one to admire herb gardens.

Many of the plants we today call ‘herbs’ were brought here by the Romans for their own use in cooking, medicine, dyeing or just keeping the house smelling fresh. And these herbs are native of the Mediterranean – those that would have grown around the homes of ancient Romans. Hence, these herbs are especially happy here in this

year’s hot summer.

Many herbs are grown for their aroma when crushed rather than the perfume carried on the air. There are very few plants that will endure being continually sat upon. Chief among those usually chosen is chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile. So, to plant up a ‘cushion’ of perennial chamomile it is better to choose the non-flowering C. nobile Treneague. This makes dense rosettes of low foliage without any flowers and seems to fit the bill. Also, it’s fairly easy to maintain so long as the soil stays well-drained.

If, after a long, wet winter

How to take summer herb cuttings

by Sally Gregson

ON a cool, preferably damp, day, it comes as a pleasure to take a few summer cuttings of herbs for the vegetable garden. Cuttings taken in mid-summer should have made enough root to be able to pot up before the autumn takes hold. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lavender and sage should all root easily and quickly at this time of year.

On a cooler day, take a sharp pair of secateurs to cut off non-flowering side shoots, about 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves where they might

touch the compost and take out the tip of the cutting. It should be about 10cm long. Taking out the tip helps to prevent the cutting from drooping and encourages the side shoots to develop. The tip of any plant produces a hormone that suppresses the growth of side-shoots. So, for a wellshaped finished plant, it’s better to allow those side-shoots to develop.

Dip the cuttings in hormone rooting powder, or if that is unavailable, try gently rubbing the cut ends with a piece of

there are bare areas of the seat where the plants have died out, simply lift out replacements where the foliage is densest and engineer a new planting plan. When the plants are all in place, sprinkle them with handfuls of sharp grit to increase the drainage and help the spreading plant to put down new roots. The seat should be ready to go by late spring, although too much enthusiastic sitting may stress the plants a little too

Watering in cuttings

onion. Onion juice has a natural anti-fungal compound which will help prevent rotting and damping-off.

much.

An alternative would be to use varieties of creeping thyme, Thymus serpyllum. This plant is perhaps even less happy to be sat upon, but with restraint the seat would look lovely with the different flowers making a tapestry cushion. Perhaps a warning about bees and their attraction to thyme flowers might put some people off languishing for too long. But the perfume would be glorious.

Using a thin stick as a dibber, insert the finished cuttings into an 11cm pot of cuttings compost comprising half grit, half commercial compost. Put the pot somewhere shaded, water it well to settle in the cuttings and label it with the name, date and number of cuttings inserted. Stand it in a clear plastic bag and blow into it to hold the plastic away from the cuttings while you tie up the top. The touch of damp plastic might cause them to rot. The cuttings should have rooted in a couple of weeks or so.

A stage at a time, open the plastic bag daily. Once they have made plenty of root, pot the individual successful cuttings into 9cm pots filled with commercial potting compost mixed with a little grit. If the roots have filled the pots by September, they can be planted out or left out of winter rain until spring.

A bed of Chamaemelum nobile in the herb garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent

Gardening is good for you!

I HEARD the other day that planting a tree uses more muscles than a workout in the gym, that you’ve probably paid for, too! For me, as well as the occasional opportunity to plant trees, I get up early and help the delivery team load the vans every morning. This not only gives me an insight – without pages of computer reports –into what products are popular but gives me a fantastic early morning workout.

But gardening is good for us in many other ways. The first of these is that it is an occupation that can be peaceful. Carrying out what seem to be menial tasks like watering, weeding and dead heading allows the mind to wander off and make sense of the day’s problems. Research has recently shown that contact with wellmaintained garden soil, teeming with micro-organisms, can trigger the release of serotonin in the brain. This is a natural anti-depressant, which also strengthens the immune system. Therefore, gardening is good for physical and mental well-being in a world where our screen time and virtual experiences can dominate. As an industry, we should be doing more to shout about this.

Gardening regularly is proven to be good in many other ways too, including helping reduce stress, burn calories and release endorphins – ‘the happy hormones’ that relax us and make us feel content. Studies have even suggested it can help reduce the risk of dementia.

The government has been encouraging us to eat five a day for some time, although now

that should be seven and, if you are Japanese, 15 a day! But it’s actually 15 different colours of vegetables and fruit that is the key thing, which is perhaps why so many varieties of vegetables are now available in ‘Rainbow’ ranges.

It’s not just being outside in the garden that can have health benefits. House plants too are excellent for improving the conditions in which we live.

Research has shown house plants can help de-stress us and detox our homes, and can filter out chemicals from the atmosphere. They also help improve air quality, relax and revive you mentally and physically, and can help reduce dust, which saves on housework. The right indoor plants could reduce susceptibility to stress, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.

They are proving increasingly popular with younger customers, who want easy-care gardening solutions combined with a healthy edge. That, and the tendency for new homes to have small or no gardens, and the increasing number of rented houses and flats, has also boosted this trend.

For me, though, another health benefit is that gardening is a pastime that can be something that brings together communities. We go around speaking to garden clubs in towns and villages and such groups are important in bringing people together. They also help those, perhaps retired, who may not see many people day to day, have a friendly chat about the vagaries of growing cabbages or something else!

So, get out there – mow the lawn, weed the border, tend the soil and have a chat over the fence! It’s good for you!

MIKE BURKS Managing director of The Gardens Group

Former Gunners star good sport at lunch

IT was game on when former Arsenal ace Ray Parlour regaled guests with tales from his dazzling football career at a sporting lunch in Poole.

The star spoke about his memorable life on and off the pitch as well as the modern game during the event at Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant.

He entertained guests at the latest Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch sponsored by Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors and supported by Julius Baer International Limited.

Midfielder Parlour made 466 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals. His honours included

Climate Partners at recycling business

MORE than 30 members of the BCP Climate Partners group have been behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most successful recycling companies.

The fifth meeting of the group brought together the voices and perspectives of organisations and their representatives within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

It aims to be a forum to share ideas, knowledge, experience and best practice and establish networks for potential future collaboration.

33 members were taken on an expert-led tour of Eco Sustainable Solutions’ 32-acre Chapel Gate Eco Park at Parley, near Christchurch.

They saw at first hand operations dealing with the recycling of food, green and wood waste.

Eco currently converts more

three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup. He also won 10 England caps.

He was joined by Dorset Sporting Clubs organiser Kyran Bracken and Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith on the top table.

Nigel said: “Ray is an Arsenal and Premier League legend who won a glittering array of silverware during his career.

“He was tremendous company at the sporting lunch when he generously shared many stories from his time at the top of the game as well as insights into football today.

“We are very grateful to Ray for joining us for another very successful lunch and to Dorset Sporting Clubs for the opportunity to support the event.”

Energy, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and South West Net Zero Hub.

Martin Gardner, sustainability officer: Climate, Resources & Sustainability at BCP Council, said: “Eco Sustainable Solutions operate to many exceptional environmental practises that reflect circular economy and sustainability principles in waste management, reuse and recycling.

“Their presence within the BCP area and collaborations with BCP Council greatly supports the council in minimising the environmental impact of the waste streams for which it is responsible.

“Mike Eborne – Eco’s development director – and the team were a delight to work with in helping to arrange the event, with high levels of professionalism shown, both in their practises and approach.”

than 230,000 tonnes of local organic waste into soil improver, landscaping and horticultural products and renewable energy each year.

The group included

representatives from BCP Council sustainable travel and planning teams, Bournemouth University, Brittany Ferries, BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), Dorset Community

Previous visits by BCP Climate Partners have included Sunseeker International, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.

Former Arsenal and England footballer Ray Parlour (second right) signs a shirt at the latest Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch in Poole. From left are Matt Lee of Julius Baer International Ltd, Dorset Sporting Clubs organiser Kyran Bracken, Ellis Jones Solicitors managing partner Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones partner and head of dispute resolution Lauren Day, and Gerry Bradley, executive director of Julius Baer International Ltd

Jamie Williams – in white helmet – Eco’s HSQE – Health, Safety, Quality, Environment) Manager – with BCP Climate Partners PHOTO: Andrew Diprose

Top apprentices in the spotlight

RISING stars of the workplace have won honours at the 2026 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards. Winners in five categories were announced at a ceremony with dignitaries, organisers, sponsors, business leaders and special guest and keynote speaker Sonnaz Nooranvary. There were also speeches from Deputy Lieutenant Cleeves Palmer and Superior managing director Tim Brown.

The winners were: Maisie Sansom: Supported Internship; William Trowbridge: Intermediate – Level 2; Oliver Barge: Advanced – Level 3; Brian Bartlett: Higher – Levels 4 and 5; Laura Davis: Degree – Levels 6 and 7.

Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual contest with sponsorship from Superior to celebrate the achievements, commitment and impact of apprentices and supported interns.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Congratulations to all the winners for their richly deserved successes.

“It was a difficult choice to select them from another exceptional field of entries this year which once again showed the commitment of employers to training and the immense talent

pool among Dorset’s apprentices.

“My thanks go to all who entered and supported this year’s awards as a wonderful celebration of the valuable contribution apprentices make to their employers, the local economy and the community in Dorset.”

The awards ceremony was held at Superior in Ferndown with dignitaries including Dorset Chamber president Gareth Sherwood, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Cleeves Palmer, Member of Parliament for Christchurch Sir Christopher Chope, Superior managing director Tim Brown, Coastland College principal Kate Wills, Health Sciences University vice -chancellor Prof Lesley Haig, Bournemouth University vice-chancellor Prof Alison Honour and SWRAC managing director Adrian Gunner.

The roll of honour of winners and finalists was:

Supported Internship of the Year: Winner: Maisie Sansom – Dorset Community Action/ Employ My Ability. Finalists: Jon Pestell – SWRAC; Alex Purdie – Carlton Hotel/ SWRAC.

Winners of the 2026 Dorset Apprenticeship Awards (from left) William Trowbridge, Maisie Sansom, Phillip Grounds collecting on behalf of Oliver Barge, Brian Bartlett and Laura Davis

College. Finalists: Katie Hammond – Francesco Hair Salon/FG Apprenticeships; Sophia Wilson – Marsham Court Hotel/ Brockenhurst College

Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year: Winner: Oliver Barge – Eurac/Make UK. Finalists: Keira Lake –Dorchester Town Council/ Coastland College; Emily Stanford – Excel Energy Ltd/ Bournemouth and Poole

College.

Level 4 or 5 (Higher) Apprentice of the Year: Winner: Brian Bartlett – Babcock International/Inspiro Training. Finalists: Nathaniel Gillman – Eaton/Bournemouth and Poole College; Peter Spur – Dorset County Hospital/Bournemouth and Poole College.

Level 6 or 7 (Degree) Apprentice of the Year: Winner: Laura Davis – University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust/Bournemouth University. Finalists: Darren Cabrera – University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust/ Bournemouth University; Molly Lamas – Savills/University of the Built Environment.

Phillip Grounds, general manager at Eurac Poole, accepted the Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year Award on behalf of Oliver Barge, who was unable to attend.

Dorset Chamber has been organising the apprenticeship awards since 2022.

Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year: Winner: William Trowbridge – Parker/ Bournemouth and Poole

M argaret Green Animal Rescue Save the date!

MARGARET Green Animal

Rescue’s Country Fayre & Dog Show, sponsored by Piddle Brewery, returns this summer – bigger and better than ever.

Taking place on Sunday, August 9, at the Church Knowle Rehoming & Visitor Centre near Wareham (BH20 5NQ), the event promises a great day out for the whole family.

A variety of fun dog show classes will be on offer for your four-legged friends, including Most Fabulous Fella, Waggiest Tail and Best Rescue, with entry costing just £3 a class.

grand draw!

Popular attractions such as Have-a-go Agility and Haybale Hurdles will return, while younger visitors can enjoy inflatables, face painting and the Teddy Tombola.

Gates open at 11am, with

Help us to keep them safe

admission priced at £6 adults and £2.50 children under 12, with all proceeds helping to care for rescue animals in need.

For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.mgar.org.uk/events

Don’t miss out on visiting the wide range of stalls from local traders and artisans, alongside hot food and refreshments, and catch the live entertainment and demonstrations throughout the day.

Fantastic prizes will also be up for grabs in the raffle and

www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/donate

RSPCA welcomes social media ban

THE RSPCA has welcomed the Government’s decision to ban social media for under-16s, set to come into force next spring.

The charity says social media platforms have been ‘poisoned’ by animal abuse.

RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles said: “Social media channels have become poisoned by images and videos which glorify animal abuse – so the RSPCA welcomes moves that better protect children from this disturbing content.

“Our Animal Kindness Index highlights that 30% of people have witnessed animal cruelty online – and social media is by far the most likely place for them to stumble upon

it. Despite restrictions on animal cruelty content being laid down in the Online Safety Act three years ago, we know that young people are still seeing images of animal abuse – and this can desensitise them to the true animal suffering involved.

“We’ve also seen harrowing instances of copy-cats inflicting on animals the misery they’ve seen online.

“That’s why the RSPCA welcomes this ban as good news for families, which can help protect Britain’s status as an animal-loving nation.”

The charity said technology could play a part in connecting young people with animals, including its Animal Futures game in which families can explore how they can influence the future of animals.

Away from screens, its Summer of Kindness campaign has ideas for how young people and families can help animals in their local communities.

Top-tier folk at the village hall

ACCLAIMED folk musician

Rachael McShane and her band The Cartographers are coming to Studland for a performance celebrating the very best of contemporary and traditional folk music.

Rachael, a renowned singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the north east of England, rose to prominence as a founding member of the award winning folk big band Bellowhead.

Alongside her work with that internationally acclaimed ensemble, she has built a successful solo career, releasing her debut album No Man’s Fool in 2009 and later signing to Topic Records, the

world’s oldest independent record label.

Rachael is also the leader of The Cartographers, a band that brings together the talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson – Kan, Baltic Crossing – and melodeon player Julian Sutton – who has performed with artists including Kathryn Tickell and Sting.

Together, they create a rich and vibrant sound, combining expressive vocals with intricate instrumental arrangements.

Blending traditional folk roots with contemporary influences, their music is both powerful and playful, bringing new life to familiar material while introducing original

Fee-fi-fo-fun! Panto players back with ‘Jack’

FAMILIAR faces will be coming together in this year’s Lighthouse Poole panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The same team that produced last year’s national Pantomime Awards-nominated Dick Whittington, as well as Sleeping Beauty (2024) and Panto Awards winners Aladdin (2023) and Cinderella (2022) will be producing this year’s show.

CBeebies star and Lighthouse favourite Chris Jarvis will write and direct –and feature as Dame Trott –with production designer James Smith, choreographer Daniel Donaldson Todd and musical

compositions full of energy and warmth.

Known for their engaging stage presence and musical chemistry, The Cartographers have built a loyal following through live performances and critically acclaimed recordings.

Rachael McShane and The

the boos and hisses as Fleshcreep.

“This will be my third time evil,” she laughed. “I am excited because I feel like there’s a relationship building with the audience of Poole.

Cartographers are at Studland Village Hall on Saturday, July 18. They are also at Marnhull on Sunday, July 19, and Buckland Newton on Sunday, August 23.

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

director Adam Tuffrey.

“It’s my favourite time of year and I can’t wait to get started,” said Chris. “Jack and the Beanstalk has all the elements of a traditional family pantomime – a great story, brilliant actors, great comedy, songs, sets and costumes – and a few surprises as well.

“But this is the tallest of tall tales and we go on a bigger adventure than ever before, especially in the second half of the show. It really takes off!”

Sarah-Louise Young, who in Poole was the wicked King Rat in Dick Whittington and bad fairy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, will be back to court

“I’m getting to know people and it’s fun to think that there’s an audience of children getting to know me as a villain.

“I feel part of the family, which is really nice.”

Also returning from last year are Poole-born West End star Bernadette Bangura (Fairy Sunshine), currently on tour in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Kieran Morris (Dick Whittington) as Jack; and Robert Rees (Alderman Fitzwarren), who will play Merlin the wizard.

In her first professional role, newcomer Sienna Glackin will play Jack’s sweetheart, Jilly.

Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Thursday, December 10, and runs until Sunday, January 3.

Chris Jarvis as Dame Trott

Rachael McShane with Ian Stephenson and Julian Sutton

Woman of the present, women of the past

EXTRAORDINARY stories

of Dorset’s remarkable women are being told in one of the most exciting new theatre productions coming to the county this summer.

Months of research, writing, workshops and casting have gone into Unearthed, by the theatre collective Women of Dorset. Now the cast of 45 women aged between eight and 82 are preparing to bring it to the stage.

Written by Stephanie Dale, who also wrote the 2023 community plays performed in Dorchester and Poole, it is the story of Sam, a contemporary young woman who finds herself caught up in an extraordinary party.

Plied with cake and tea by women from Dorset’s past, she comes to realise that her life is perhaps not as drab and unfulfilling as she previously thought.

Stephanie said: “From the outset, Women of Dorset was created to celebrate women who have lived, survived and thrived from across our county. To be moving into the production phase of this project is thrilling.

“The cast and community

Blues and Country

THE Chicago Blues Brothers – pictured – are returning to Bournemouth Pavilion.

The concert promises a high-energy night of blues, country classics and a few surprises.

The Chicago Blues Brothers are in Bournemouth on Friday, July 10.

chorus are a wonderful gathering of women from across the county, and the costumes and music look and sound magnificent – it’s going to be magical.”

Unearthed is directed by Penny Levick, who was also heavily involved in Dorset’s most recent community plays. She said: “There aren’t words to express how thrilled I am to have started the rehearsal phase. The cast are brilliant, and it is inspiring to see the play take shape and come to life off the page.”

Activist and photographer Jayne Jackson is creating the play’s look and atmosphere, and the costumes are being made by students at Arts University Bournemouth.

launched a crowdfunder to enable the cast and crew to put on the best possible show.

Stephanie said: “Unearthed is a fierce and celebratory new community play about ordinary and extraordinary historical women from across our county.

“We want to illuminate the stages and streets of Dorchester and Poole with the faces of women past and present and celebrate their achievements – and we are hoping people will help us achieve this.

The pivotal role of Sam is taken by Tilda Samson, who recently took her A-levels at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

She said: “It’s a big – and slightly scary – project but I’m looking forward to it. I see a lot of myself in Sam, especially her worries about our modern world and her overall sense of humour and attitude. While, unlike the others, Sam’s not yet lived her big moment, she is vital in bringing all the women – and the story – together.”

Staging a production of this size would usually cost about £70,000, but, as with all industries, the world of arts is experiencing a financial squeeze.

Women of Dorset has

“Donations will ensure that the community benefits from the highest production values and works with a professional creative team, highlight the importance and need of working together as a community and celebrate and reclaim forgotten stories of women’s achievements from across the county.”

The crowdfunder can be accessed at https://gofund. me/137cb67ad

Tickets are on sale for Unearthed, which can be seen at Dorchester Arts on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee, and at Lighthouse Poole on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, at 7.30pm.

For Dorchester Arts tickets visit dorchesterarts.org.uk or phone 01305 266926, and for Lighthouse tickets visit lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/ unearthed/ or phone 01202 280000.

Big names at literary event

THE 13th Dorchester Literary Festival this autumn will bring together some of the UK’s most celebrated writers, broadcasters, historians, politicians and performers for a week of conversations, talks and events.

The festival will cover subjects including history, memoir, politics, fiction, nature, health, fashion, adventure, poetry and wild swimming.

Headline guests announced so far include Alison Steadman, Jung Chang, Julian Fellowes, Victoria Hislop, Andrew Lownie, Jeremy Hunt, Sir Anthony Seldon, Vassos Alexander, Simon Jenkins, Alexandra Shulman and Kathy Lette.

The festival runs from Saturday to Saturday, October 17-24.

Tilda Samson (centre) has the pivotal role of Sam in Unearthed

Arts & Entertainment

Military on parade at tattoo

MUSIC, pageantry, pride and remembrance will be the order of the day at Poole Military Tattoo 2026, being held at Poole Stadium.

The event brings together the past, present and future of the Uniformed Services.

Massed marching bands, pipes and drums, ceremonial displays, military vehicles and a host of family-friendly attractions are on offer.

Organisers are also planning a parachute display team demonstration and a flypast by the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – both subject to weather and operational availability.

Poole Military Tattoo 2026 – Salute to the Services honours those who have served and still

serve in the armed forces, emergency services, NHS, Coastguard, cadet forces and veteran communities.

The event will also raise awareness and funds for the Royal British Legion and Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

Event director Chris Wood said: “Poole Military Tattoo is about bringing people together. It is about honouring those who have served, recognising those who serve today and inspiring future generations.

“We want families, veterans, cadets and members of the public to enjoy a spectacular day while supporting two outstanding charities that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Poole Military Tattoo is on Saturday, September 12, with matinee and evening performances.

For full event information and tickets visit www. poolemilitarytattoo.com

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the July 20 issue is NOON on Thursday, July 9. Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net.

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

JULY 2026