Redlands handover now completed

Dorset Council has handed the keys to Weymouth’s Redlands leisure facility to charity Active Dorset. Renamed the Redlands Leisure and Community Park, Active Dorset is introducing a new webbased booking system, opening a community cafe, putting up new signage and is working on roof repairs. Future plans for the site include a new catering facility and café in the function room, creating an indoor soft play area for children, new lighting and flooring upgrades in the main sports hall, potential development of the current football pitches and the introduction of a dog walking area. The moves come after Weymouth College handed back the site lease to

Dorset Council in 2021. Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services Laura Beddow said: “I’m delighted to see such a valued asset placed in Active Dorset’s safe hands.

“I feel their plans balance the needs of current users and the local community with the financial realities of operating such a large facility.

“Now we enter a new chapter of Redlands’ ongoing story, where current users and Weymouth residents will need to work with Active Dorset to ensure the facility reaches its full potential, especially regarding the indoor facilities.

“The future of Redlands depends on people using it, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the local community embraces this new way of working.”

Active Dorset’s chief executive Martin Kimberley said: “I’d like to thank the members of the public who fought to keep the centre open, and we are already seeing positive signs of more users which is key to making Redlands thrive.

“We now need help to reach more people who will benefit from using the facilities.We want to hear from people who may want to join or start their own clubs and activities here.”

Why LPAs are essential

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why do I need one?

Fossil hunter in giant clam claim

Patience paid off for fossil hunter Richard Edmonds, who had to wait five years to get his hands on this Jurassic era giant clam.

Richard said he first identified this pinna –pen or shell style fossil –three metres off the end of the East Cliff sea wall at Lyme Regis along with several other giant clams.

Richard, who volunteers at Charmouth Heritage Centre, said: “The trouble is all of these shells are very easily damaged as soon as they become exposed to the sea, but we can only find them once they are exposed.

“I first noticed there was ‘a big one’ out there about five years ago, but only through broken and fragmentary pieces and then, gradually, through smaller specimens that were successfully found and cleaned.

“After the very rough weather we’ve had, a great deal of rock had fallen off the cliff and I was wondering if I would ever find it when I did – and not just one, but three.

“All are broken to varying degrees and two have been repaired, but this is such a rare piece, it was worth doing. And the hunt is not over as I think there is an even bigger one out there with more decoration. I’ve only seen bits, but I have seen enough for another fiveyear hunt.”

The fossil was prepared for display by Alex Moore and repair colour matching was done by Tracey Barclay of The Old Forge, Charmouth.

Like Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are an essential part of estate planning. Why? While wills only come into effect once a person has died, LPAs are effective if someone is still alive but no longer able to function normally. LPAs allow you to nominate a trusted person called an attorney. They can make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so.

An LPA gives the attorney the authority to act on your behalf. Both financially and with matters pertaining to your health and care. It goes without saying that attorneys must be people you trust. But what happens if someone doesn’t have an LPA? If you lose mental capacity a bank would freeze all accounts –including any in joint names.

Even family members would not be able to access them at first.

Obtaining access to the accounts requires a long, drawn-out application to the Court of Protection, and this is a far more expensive process than getting an LPA in the first place.

There are two types of LPA document – one that covers financial matters and the other health. You should get both types of LPA drawn up as soon as possible, well in advance of when – or if –they might be needed. Book an appointment with Oakwood Wills by calling 07832 331594.