The Swanage Oracle - February 2012

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Purbeck electrical ltd 61 High Street, Swanage Next to the Red Lion

01929 424177 Everything Electrical and fabulous lighting too!

Don’t be worried by the Digital Switchover in March, come to Purbeck Electrical for TV's, Freeview Boxes, etc… and Good Advice!! and all our usual range of white goods

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The Swanage Oracle Edition 46

Published by: Debbie & Stephen Corney and Martin Budden at Dorset Publications

Telephone: 01202 894397 or 01202 676661

Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk

Copy deadline for March 2012 edition: 23rd February 2012 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

Proud members of

Hello Swanage!

Well we certainly have some cold weather at the moment… though not as bad as that in Russia where I heard it is as low as –32°C! We have been pretty lucky so far this year and I have to admit that, being a Northern lass, I quite like a bit of snow, throwing snowballs and making snowmen. In fact a holiday I have never had and only dreamed of is one in the French Alps surrounded by snow, in a log cabin with a large open real fire. I will put that on my list for Santa next year! Now back to reality, we have a full little book this month. There are many trades people here as well as other shops and services to help you.

Fab Frocks have some really wonderful dresses on pages 6 and 7. Custom World have some wonderful bedrooms on pages 14 and 15.

There are plumbers, blinds, computer repairs, hand made toys and even a job vacancy for mystery shoppers all inside! The index at the back gives you a full list of all the products & services. Do mention The Swanage Oracle when you make any calls or bookings. This makes all the difference and I thank you for this. If you have an event you would like to promote, we can do that for you for free. If you have a business and would like to be included please give me a call. Our rates are great and we offer free editorial for three month bookings. Congratulations to the winner of the meal for two… there is another one to win this month. Stephen and I wish you a great month of February.

Best Wishes,

Debbie SO February 2012 page 4

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GET PAID TO SHOP AND KEEP YOUR PURCHASED ITEM

TNS RI Mystery Shopping Urgently need

18-19’s (Think 25), Over 20’s for SUPERMARKET, DIY ASSESSMENT VISITS You must have Internet access, some spare time, own transport (not essential) Please apply using electronic application form at www.tnsmysteryshopping.co.uk

No CV required – please ensure you list where you saw the advertisment

MEMORIALS Cremations stones, Book Memorials Gravestones in Granite, White Marble or Purbeck & Portland Limestone

WORKTOPS Polished Stone and Granite worktops Scratches removed surfaces re-polished Repairs or Replacements We also produce benches in limestone Tel Alan the Stonemason on 01929 481314 Email: alanthestonemason@googlemail.com

Fixed quote work Loft conversions / Cut and truss roofing Dormer and Velux windows 1 & 2 fix carpentry / Kitchens fitted Laminate flooring Replacement fascias & guttering Flat pack furniture assembled General repair work

Call Peter Albin Mobile 07834 983022 Home 01929 425048

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Prom Perfection

As thousands of teenage girls across the south start to gear up for their school proms, Bournemouth-based boutique – Fab Frocks of Westbourne is getting ready for the ‘Prom Queen’ rush.

The 2012 prom collection is now in stock with a choice of over 500 dresses, one of the largest collections of prom dresses in Dorset. Fab Frocks director Tracie Beardsley says: “A girl's first school prom has to be one of the most important social events in a teenager's calendar so get planning what you’re going to wear now!”

You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice at Fab Frocks with everything from beautiful Cinderella-style ballgowns to short and sassy 1950’s style prom frocks. So whether it’s long or short, fru-fru or plain, trendy or traditional, vintage or vamp – they’ve got the lot!

As well as so much choice, Fab Frocks also has over ten years experience specialising in prom dresses and has even been featured on television. The friendly staff can help you find the dress of your dreams as well as advise you on those all-important accessories such as handbags, jewellery and tiaras.

Tracie Beardsley adds: “Because we know the most important thing is to get you looking a million dollars for your prom night, we offer dresses that suit all shapes and sizes. We are one of the only boutiques in the country, let alone the county, to offer size 2 prom dresses in some of our collections. Our size range goes from 2 through 20 and up to a size 26 by special order.”

“We know how important your prom is so at Fab Frocks we keep a register of every dress we sell for each prom event. To help reduce the risk of seeing another girl in the same dress, we aim not to sell the same style in the same colour to anyone else at your school. And don’t forget – our prices are competitive with the high street stores and you won’t see rail upon rail of the same dress!”

Fab Frocks has also teamed up with top mobile hair and make up consultants Brideshair.co.uk and Model Makeovers to offer prom girls discount when they book a group hair or makeup session for four or more.

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American style prom dresses by Mori Lee are now available exclusively at Fab Frocks

Fun and flirty prom dresses are now available at Fab Frocks of Westbourne

Fab Frocks of Westbourne 17 Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9AA. Tel: 01202 765352 Visit: www.fabfrocks.co.uk Open: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 10am to 5.30pm. Also open every Sunday from 11am to 4pm throughout March, April and May.

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Talking about wildlife with

Dormice The common or hazel dormouse was once widespread throughout Britain, but these days it is mainly found in the southern counties. Its adorable looks with large black eyes, golden brown fur, chubby build and fluffy tail have made this diminutive creature one of our most popular mammals.

Dormice are elusive and virtually impossible to spot as they are nocturnal and, being excellent climbers, spend most of their active time high above ground, foraging for food amongst the tree tops. Their diet consists mainly of frui ts, in se c ts, b e rrie s a nd nu ts, hazelnuts being of particular importance in the autumn, when the dormice fatten up in preparation for hibernation. They are extremely sensitive to weather and can spend up to three quarters of their life hibernating or torpid in order to save energy and survive harsh weather conditions. Dormice build hibernation nests made of leaves and grass on the ground, where they spend the winter curled up in a tight ball.

Dormice generally produce one litter a year with about four young. If the weather conditions are favourable, they may

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have a second litter. Dormice like some structure in their habitat and are found in woodland with plenty of undergrowth, hazel coppice, scrub and thick hedgerows. Dorset is still fortunate to have good populations of dormice, though they are hard to find.

DWT runs recording schemes on a number of its nature reserves, not just in woodland but also in hedges and coastal scrub. They are strictly protected by the UK and European law and it is illegal to disturb them or their habitat. You can help to conserve the dormouse by adopting one through the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Adoption Scheme online at our website www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ adopt-a-dormouse. It makes a great Valentine’s Day gift!

Common Dormouse.

Photo by Tom Chalmers

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HAVE YOU JOINED OUR DINING CLUB YET? The Signature Dining Club is free to join. As well as offering money off and special offers, members get priority invitations to special events and themed evenings.

Benefits of membership include: • Buy one of our specially selected red, white or pink wines & receive your second bottle free • Lucky 7: Dine with your card and receive your 7th meal free (conditions apply) • Birthday Bonus: This is a new addition to our Diners Club, please provide us with your date of birth (excluding the year). We would like to offer you a complimentary bottle of Champagne, for you to enjoy on your birthday to accompany your meal. All usual diners card terms and conditions apply.

Supporting musicians through The Michael James Music Trust Established in 1981 in memory of the young organist and conductor Michael James BA, FRCO, to discover, promote, educate and support gifted young musicians.

Based in Wimborne Minster, the charity has its local representative as Brian Barker, proprietor of quaint and attractive Georgian Gems in Swanage High Street.

Since the Trust was established in 1981, over 550 students have been helped to reach their goals in the field of music, goals which they may not otherwise achieve.

The Trust is funded by annual concerts, by donations and personal covenants or capital gifts. If you would like to support the Trust or find out more please contact Brian at: Georgian Gems, 28 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NU Tel: 01929 424697 Website: www.georgiangems.co.uk

Verbal valuations £1 • Any item Proceeds to go to The Michael James Music Trust

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Swanage Town Twinning Update Going back to October, the committee organised a wonderful Oktoberfest at Swanage Football Club, this was very well supported and turned out to be a wonderful event. We were lucky enough to book a brilliant entertainer who gave us a terrific evening, and, with the sumptuous buffet, all for ÂŁ10 a ticket it was a fantastic evening. We also welcomed friends from Wareham's "Hemsbach Twinning" group.

So do look out for it again next October.

November saw our A.G.M take place at The Pines Hotel, there being no new proposals for office the existing committee was re-elected, after all the official business, members made their way to the restaurant to enjoy a meal.

Everyone is so busy in December that by tradition instead of a Christmas Party we hold a New Year Party, this takes the format of members bringing a plate of food to share, a wrapped gift for the lucky dip and a few party games and a lot of laughs, a lovely social evening helped especially by the box of Asbach Brandy Chocolates sent as a gift from our friends in Rudesheim am Rhein in Germany.

Our next meeting on Monday February 13th, we will welcome back the Rev Stewart Timbrell giving another hilarious talk on "Discovering Dorset". This has proved very popular and we welcome friends and new members to join us at 7:30pm in All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell.

During the evening we will also have an update on our coming visit to Rudesheim in May plus any other news available from Germany.

Look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings, Jan Enoch, Vice Chairman

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Local Supplies Now Available!

With over 30 years experience in the trade, Steve Peach realised the local plumbing and heating engineers lacked a truly local store that could supply all their needs when it came to supplies, tools and accessories.

Recently opened in the Daisy May’s Arcade, Purbeck Heating & Plumbing Supplies gives a one-stop shop for pipes, fittings, sealants, lubricants, accessories and tools. You can even order showers and bathrooms to be delivered on site within 1-2 days.

If the item you need is not in stock, it can be delivered the very next day. So come in and visit Steve to see for yourself the wide range of plumbing and heating supplies that are now available right here in Swanage. He can also supply the popular Dimplex Optimist range of fires.

Suppliers of the popular Dimplex Optimist fires as well as a wide range of heating & plumbing parts & accessories

Steve Peach at the Daisy May’s Arcade store

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm

Providing all of your Heating & Plumbing Supplies

Next day delivery if not in stock (1-2 days for showers/bathrooms)

Pipes & Fittings Showers & Bathrooms Fillers, Sealants & Lubricants Tools Dimplex Optimist fires

Contact Steve Peach on

Tel: 01929 426292 Mob: 07812 046026 Email: info@heatingnplumbing.co.uk

www.HeatingnPlumbing.co.uk

Daisy May's Shopping Arcade, 3-5 Kings Road East, Swanage, BH19 1ER

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Swanage Chamber Christmas W indow Display W inner In what was described as a very close call the Swanage shops pitted against each other to create the most spectacular Christmas window display. The judges all agreed that once again the town had put itself on the map for drawing in public from around the area.

The winning display was Candleworld on the High Street, with Curiosity as runners up. The Angling Centre came in third and then came estate agents Oliver Miles, followed by Miles & Son. Here you can see the presentation by the Mayor of Swanage, Councillor Bill Trite to the owner of Candleworld.

Mayor of Swanage, Councillor Bill Trite, presents the winner of the competition

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29 years experience. Installation & repairs. Bathrooms, central heating & general plumbing work undertaken. Fully Insured.

Labour is guaranteed for 12 months. www.candcplumbingservices.co.uk Ilmu Hisab Secret Breathing is a martial art like no other. In the Full Classes you will learn techniques with Master Chris that you will not learn elsewhere. Using his secret breathing technique to activate your ki (or chi) energy, you will not only build up the strongest and most resilient abdominal muscles, you will build your inner power so that you can withstand impact.

Strengthening you from the inside out! This is the ultimate system of self defence. “The art of fighting without fighting,� said Bruce Lee. There is no student to student fighting in Ilmu Hisab, the Grand Master forbids it.

The ultimate goal of Ilmu Hisab is to learn to heal.

This can also be learned in the much gentler side of the Art in the Tai Ki classes where you will learn gentle movements along with the secret breathing art to heal yourself, increase your overall fitness & strength, building confidence and reducing stress.

The next Tai Ki course starts soon, so please register your interest with Master Chris on 01929 551742. There will be a FREE INTRODUCTORY session where you can register for either the Full Martial Art Classes or Tai Ki Course.

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Full Martial Arts Classes Self Defence, fitness, patterns

Tai Ki Courses Gentle Flowing Movements

SECRET BREATHING

Healing

Learn to heal yourself and others or come for a private healing session

AN ANCIENT AND RARE INTERNAL MARTIAL ART FROM MALAYSIA TO ACTIVATE KI POWER Includes relaxation, mind concentration and meditation. Small classes.

Contact Master Chris on: Wareham 01929 551742 www.martialartsdorset.com Email: chris@ilmuhisab.co.uk

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Custom World 30th Anniversary Custom World is a well-known and respected local Company. We are proud to be celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year and we plan to make it a year to remember.

We are also excited to announce an opportunity for anyone living in Dorset, Wiltshire or Hampshire to have a bedroom or home office designed and installed free, up to the value of ÂŁ3000.00.

We would like to invite people to write or email us nominating a friend or family member, telling us why they deserve to have their bedroom or home o ffice transfo rme d with b e a u t i f u l c u s to m m ad e f i t te d furniture.

The lucky person chosen by our panel of judges will receive a Design consultation and work with the designer to create the room of their dreams. Their furniture will then be m anufacture d by o ur te am o f professional joiners and then installed by our in house fitters.

They will be able to choose any colour and design from our vast range and if they wish, they can visit our workshop to see their furniture being made.

Please send nominations to: office@customworldbedrooms.co.uk or 38 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne,BH21 7NP, to arrive by 28th May 2012.

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Weymouth Bay Coastal Path: Rufus Castle to Lulworth Cove DEFRA has today (26th January) published the Notice approving the Weymouth Bay Coastal Access route between Lulworth Cove and Rufus Castle on the Isle of Portland.

The choice by Natural England to use this particular area of coastline as their first section was met with surprise by many people, as the well-established South West Coast Path National Trail is already in place alongside CROW Act ‘open access’ land and numerous permissive routes established and maintained by the

SW coast path at Durdle Door

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Lulworth Estate. This long history of rights of way and access management and maintenance meant that the public were well provided for. The Coastal Access Act will herald a change in the way public access to this section of the coastline is managed.

The Lulworth Estate, which owns and, until now, managed approximately 4 miles of the “new” route has, for nearly 100 years, provided open areas for recreation and the means for the public to walk this stretch of coastline and the beaches. The Estate, which employs a team of Rangers to maintain and repair the paths whenever needed, now finds itself in the position of no longer being able to continue with the careful management policy it has followed for many years, protecting this important stretch of coastline, designated as a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Natural England has now assumed the responsibility of this management and has declared an annual maintenance budget of £18,292 for the entire 20 mile length of this section. The Lulworth Estate’s previous annual funding for the 4 miles between Lulworth Cove and White Nothe has been £35,000.

James Weld, the owner of the Lulworth Estate said “This is a backward step in the provision of public access in the Lulworth area. It is very clear that Natural England do not have the resources to maintain the

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Find us online at www.swanageoracle.co.uk level of access previously provided and certainly not at the standard to which it has been kept for many years by the Estate. The protection afforded to the very diverse flora and fauna found at Lulworth cannot possibly continue under th ese p rovision s and th e meagre resources available to Natural England. “It is frustrating that after so many years of sustained and careful management of coastal and beach access by the Lulworth Estate, the control over this management has been taken out of our hands. This could cause unprecedented damage to a World Heritage Site which has, until now, been carefully looked after to reduce severe erosion and to protect the natural environment, whilst ensuring that the many visitors to Lulworth are able to enjoy its wonderful beauty.�

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It is to be hoped that the many thousands of people that visit this area each year will continue to take responsibility both for their own safety and for the protection of this beautiful and fragile site. Soil and footpath erosion is a particular problem here, with the pressure of half a million pairs of feet walking the same routes year on year causing damage to important grassland wildlife habitats and the cliffs themselves. Visitors can help us to avoid this negative impact by acting responsibly, remaining on designated footpaths and respecting boundaries or fenced off areas.

James Weld Lulworth Estate

Fencing repairs being undertaken next to the coast path at Durdle Door

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Phone John on tel: 01929 422989 or mob: 07966 167978 Email: info@jtaylorelectrical.ltd.uk

Traditional or modern designs created in Purbeck & Cotswold limestone, Portland limestone or White Marble.

Also Stone Floors, Purbeck stone walls and heavy stone Memorial Seats.

Enquires at alanthestonemason@googlemail.com or tel: Alan the Stonemason on 01929 481314

IT Services for the Home and Business PC repairs, upgrades and troubleshooting Wireless networking and broadband setup Virus and Spyware removal Professional, prompt and friendly service No callout charge - No fix, no fee

01929 480529 web: www.ajvcomputing.co.uk email: enquiries@ajvcomputing.co.uk

The Cart House, Tabbits Hill, 07841 626412 Corfe Castle, tapworksplumbing@yahoo.com BH20 5HZ

Bill Hamilton

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Stunning scenes create a sell-out event at Moors Valley Country Park Nearly 100 keen wildlife enthusiasts gathered at Moors Valley Country Park on 30th January to hear from two local award- winning wildlife photographers, Poole’s Brian Chard and Southamptonbased Alex Mustard.

The sell out event marked the official launch of the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition at the Park, which features over 70 stunning shots, ranging from our best loved animals to those seldom spotted. It can be seen at Moors Valley Country Park until 4 March.

Both Brian and Alex received Highly Commended awards in the prestigious competition. Brian for a wonderfully detailed picture called ‘Red Deer in Blizzard’ while Alex’s intriguing shot of a ‘Grey Seal Beneath Cliffs’ was taken off Lundy Island in Devon.

Whilst both answered questions on the night, Alex’s stunning presentation of his underwater photography proved doubly fascinating, not only inspiring the audience by the quality of his images but also offering some understanding into the way in which he captures the beauty of his underwater world.

Alex’s award-winning seal image shows the cliffs of Lundy Island while the bottom of the picture is underwater. “I wanted to create a photo that would allow people who have never looked underwater to relate to the seals” said Alex, “so I designed and had built a large 55cm (almost 2 foot) front element for my

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underwater camera that would allow me to take this photo both above and below the rough surface of the sea at the same time”.

Now in its third year, the British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition can be seen at Moors Valley until 4 March.

Admission is free but car parking charges do apply.

Entry is now open for the 2012 British Wildlife Photography Awards. For details go to www.bwpawards.org.

Alex Mustard and Brian Chard

Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr Ringwood, Dorset, BH24 2ET Tel: 01425 470721

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Japanese Acupressure Therapy

Nichola Morgan B.A. Dip. Seitai Shiatsu (Japan) Shiatsu is beneficial for those suffering from migraine, anxiety attacks, breathing trouble, digestive problems, insomnia, general aches & pains for

Wholeness and Wellbeing

SWANAGE (01929) 427289

Commercial Laundry & Dry Cleaners Services include: Commercial Laundry — Hotels, nursing homes, restaurants, hairdressers, B&Bs, pubs and campsites

Domestic Laundry — Duvets, curtains, settee covers, blankets & throws, ironing service

Do you have a business?

Hand Finished Dry Cleaning — Laundry collection and delivery service

Advertise it in the Oracle!

Competitive rates

1/4 page for 3 editions: £95 + VAT 1/2 page for 3 editions: £155 + VAT

E: snjhall@btinternet.com

FREE editorial with three month packages. FREE advert design.

7 North St., Wareham, BH20 4AB

Tel: 01202 894397

Unit B15, Holton Heath Trading Park, BH16 6LT

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Tel: 01929 553355 Tel: 07803 265481

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The Purbeck Association of The National Trust Our year started badly when our January speaker had to cancel. Luckily our March speaker was able to reschedule. He was Hugh Roberts, a guide at Wells Cathedral, and how entertaining he was. He spoke about Misericords, the small carved shelves fitted on the underside of choir stalls so that when the seat was tipped up, choristers could rest without appearing to sit.

Misericords go unseen by most people, and in medieval times when most were carved they would only ever be seen by clergy and choristers. The carvers were given free rein, and came up with wonderful designs, some of which you wouldn’t expect to see in a church! The one in the photo dates from 1379, and shows a woman, naked except for a net and sandals, riding on a goat (but keeping one foot on the ground), and carrying a rabbit. It’s a long story apparently …. Hugh certainly met the challenge of providing us with information and entertainment. All our talks are open to everyone, and are great value as the £2.50 entry fee includes refreshments. Watch out for our posters, or get more out of your National Trust membership (or your status as a Trust Volunteer) by joining us.

Our annual membership is great value at only £5, or £7.50 for a couple. If you’d like to join, call Membership Secretary Jay Burke on 423775 or visit our website www.purbecknt.org.uk, where you can see our whole programme of activities.

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The Swanage Oracle Prize Wordsearch

Y A D S E N I T N E L A V N R

E B J O O D R A C Y T R A E H

L O G T N E V O L W Z C U U X

Q B R E Q P K U J C A R P Z R

A G O C E C N A M O R P Q R Q

H D U R B L M A P K Q P M R N

B M N S F X T O L S M O Y K W

U L D I I F R Y V V E R N K U

I W H S X B J O M W O J C Y G

T H O V E T P A Y B P N B C Y

S U G Z M A R D I G R A S J D

G Q D T E K C J P N T Q S X G

X O A J M L C R O S E Z N G E

G T Y O N V Q W V K D M X W K

Z C U F L O W E R S H M S I S

LOVE MARDI GRAS VALENTINES DAY GROUNDHOG DAY HEART FLOWERS POEM CARD ROSE ROMANCE

This month’s prize is a meal for two at Ocean Bay, so complete this page by 23rdFebruary and send to: February Prize Wordsearch The Swanage Oracle, 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0JR

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Name: Address:

Telephone:

______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

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Purbeck Chess Club Purbeck Chess Club meets at Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle, between September to April each year, commencing at 7 pm. The club caters for players of all abilities, including beginners. Contact Secretary Brian Beard on 01929 425988 anytime.

Purbeck Railway Circle Friday 9 March Tim Lawrence will give a slide show on ‘The Kent & East Sussex Railway’.

Friday 13 April Peter Foster will present a slide show entitled ‘Festival of Trains’, being a Celebration of the 60thAnniversary of the trains named to commemorate the Festival of Britain in 1951. Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross. 7.00 for 7.30 pm. All welcome.

For more info phone 01929 421913.

Photo honours President The watchkeepers of the St Alban's Head station of the National Coastwatch Institution recently gathered at their lookout on the lonely headland south of Worth Matravers.

The occasion was a special photograph to honour their President, Gerald Crofton Briggs. He was one of the founders of the station in 1996 and, although in his eighties, still keeps the occasional watch. The watchkeepers are all volunteers and man the station during the day, 364 days a year.

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Strings on a Spring Weekend Saturday- Sunday 17th/18th March Purbeck Strings Festival 2012 will feature new young artists who have progressed while playing with Purbeck Strings. Stephen Street from Bournemouth has just begun his career as a double-bass player by becoming a student at Trinity College London. He will be opening the Festival weekend with a ‘try the double-bass’ workshop in the Mowlem community room on Saturday morning March 17th.

Th e d o u b l e b a s s i s th e f e atu r ed instrument in this year’s Festival and Stephen will also be the soloist with the Festival Strings orchestra for the Giuseppe Capuzzi double bass Concerto in the Sunday 18th matinee concert.

The other talented young artists will be Isabau Rothman, last year’s winner of the Rotarian’s Purbeck Young Musicians competition and Jack Cullimore who is applying to read music at university next year. Jack plays on a fine instrument loaned to him through the Purbeck Strings Fine Instrument Award Scheme. Both these young artists will be displaying their talents by performing movements of Bach’s violin concerto in A minor We welcome the return of the Stanford Quartet after their tours of China, Germany and Russia. Their Saturday night concert will include the world-premiere of a quartet written especially for them by Sussex composer Peter Copley. The comp oser an d q u artet met wh ile

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performing and coaching at the Dartington International Summer School.

Peter’s new quartet is also to be performed in Brighton as part of the composer’s 40th birthday celebration.

The Stanford’s concert will also include classic quartets by Haydn and Schubert in their Saturday night programme.

The Sunday matinee concert with the Festival Strings conducted by Ian Pillow will also include the beautiful Gr i eg Ho lb er g Su i t e an d a totally charming Sonata by Rossini.

Concert tickets can be bought online from wegottickets.com.

The Stanford Quartet

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When Princess Elizabeth became Queen You’ve got to be at least 65 if you can remember when the Queen succeeded her father, King George VI on 6 February 1952. And what a different world it was then!

I vividly remember the moment on that cold February day when I switched on my radio at midday and heard absolutely nothing! Turning up the volume I could just hear the muffled noise of a bell tolling. Telling a neighbour my radio had gone wrong, I received the answer: ‘Oh, the King is dead!’ Oddly, that was how the radio ‘Home Service’ dealt with that momentous news!

Today, of course, televisions and radios would be jabbering non-stop – but in those days everything was so, so different.

N ot on ly was it a world with ou t televisions (except for a very few), but also a world without supermarkets, motorways, credit cards, detergents, microwave ovens, central heating,

Radio in 1950s was a family affair

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washing machines, computers, plastics, mobiles - and most people didn’t even have phones in their homes either.

It was a world when everything closed up on Sundays (and most shops had an ‘early closing day’ in the week as well). It was a world when sugar was still being rationed, although it was almost seven years since the war had ended. Murderers were still being hanged ‘by the neck until they were dead’, young men were being called up for National Service, people still had Identity Cards, and of course we all paid for our goods in good old pounds, shillings, and pence (remember those little robins on our farthings?)

There were so few cars on the roads at that time that anyone lucky enough to have a car could park anywhere they wanted – right outside any shop or building for as long as they pleased.

Rather naively, a Salisbury town planner in 1949 – just three years before the Queen’s accession – spoke of a novel idea of making ‘car stands’ (we would call them multi-storey car-parks), adding that ‘when these facilities are provided, the standing of cars in the central streets and in the market place should no longer be necessary.’ Notice that even the words ‘park’ and ‘car park’ weren’t in use! He quaintly calls them ‘car stands.’

In those days, of course, everyone used trains much more, even to get to the remotest villages – because almost every hamlet was within striking distance of our incredibly large and complex railway

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A 1953 farthing n etwork. Dr B ee ch in g h ad n ’t y et perpetrated his ruthless demolitions.

Steam trains were still pulling first, second, and third class carriages. What a class-system!

Clothes, especially for men, were dull and unimaginative, with white or grey shirts only. Menus were strictly noncontinental. No Chinese take-aways. Or Indian. Or anything else. Wives, on the whole, stayed at home and never had

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independent careers. Kids left school at 14. Sainsbury’s still had counters where you ordered your food from shop assistants.

As for world leaders, President Truman, Stalin, Tito, Mao Tse Tung, and Winston Churchill were still in office. And maps still showed countries such as the USSR, Ceylon, Jugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and Rhodesia. But people hardly ever went abroad for their holidays.

What will another sixty years bring?

Watch this space!

David Hilliam • • • • • • • • David Hilliam is a local writer and lecturer, and is Secretary of the Southbourne Literary Society. His latest books, The Little Book of Dorset and Tig’s Boys, are available in all good bookshops.

A car advert from 1953

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Index of advertisers

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory...

Accountants PJC Accounting Services ........ 20

Courses Overcoming Ups & Downs .....12

Jobs Mystery Shoppers Wanted .... 5

Aerials Repairline .............................. 5

Dry Cleaning & Laundry Creases ..................................23

Key Cutting & Engraving John Hagans .......................... 29

Bathrooms C&C Bathrooms..................... 13

Electrical Appliances Purbeck Electrical................... 3

Ladies Fashion Fab Frocks ............................. 7

Beds Purbeck Furnishing................ 32

Electricians J. Taylor Electrical ..................20

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds ......................... 3

Events Purbeck Strings Festival .........27 Purbeck Railway Circle ...........26

Clothing Bournemouth Jeans............... 24 Fab Frocks ............................. 7 Community News Coastwatch ........................... 26 Dorset Wildlife Trust ............. 8 Michael James Music Trust ... 9 Purbeck Area NT.................... 24 Purbeck Chess Club................ 26 Stunning scenes create sell-out event .................... 22 Swanage Map ...................... 12 Swanage Town Twinning ...... 10 Truth About Drugs: Alcohol ... 10 Weymouth Bay Coast Path.... 18 When Princess Elizabeth became Queen.................. 28 Computer Services AJV Computing ...................... 20 Whizz Bits.............................. 5

Fireplaces Alan the Stonemason.............20 Fitted Furniture Custom World ........................15 Furniture Purbeck Furnishing.................32 Health & Fitness Ilmu Hisab..............................13 Shiatsu ...................................23 Hotels, Pubs & Restaurant Ocean Bay.............................. 9 Insurance NFU Mutual ...........................20 Jewellers Georgian Gems ...................... 9

Landscaping Supplies Suttles.................................... 1 Memorial Masons Alan the Stonemason ............ 5 Plumbing and Heating C&C Plumbing........................ 13 Gasways ................................ 31 Heatwise ............................... 2 Tapworks Plumbing ............... 20 Plumbing & Heating Supplies Purbeck Plumbing & Heating Supplies ............... 11 Property Maintenance Total Woodwork.................... 5 Puzzles Prize Wordsearch .................. 25 Shoe Repairs John Hagans .......................... 29 Taxis DMB Cars............................... 1 Toys The Purple Poppy................... 21

Useful Numbers BT Fault Line Buses - Wilts & Dorset Chemists - Alliance - Boots - Co-op Pioneer Citizens Advice - Purbeck - Swanage Council - Purbeck District Doctor - Swanage Medical Practice Electricity - Power Loss

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0800 800151 01202 673555 01929 422115 01929 422096 01929 422538 01929 551257 01929 427134 01929 556561 01929 422231 08457 708090

Gas - Emergency Hospitals - Poole General - Swanage - Bournemouth NHS Direct Police Station Registrar Tues & Thurs 10—12 Social Services Train Times & Enquiries Wessex Water - Emergency

0800 111999 01202 665511 01929 422282 01202 303626 0845 4647 01929 422004 01929 427134 01929 553456 08457 484950 0845 6004600

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• • • • • • • • •

Boilers installed Service contracts available Full Central Heating Systems Radiators replaced Heating systems cleansed Boiler breakdowns and repairs Valves and Pumps replaced Boiler servicing and maintenance All domestic gas work undertaken

• • • • • • • •

Bathrooms (full or part) Tap changes Washing machines Tumble dryers Kitchen sinks Outside taps Above ground drainage Below ground drainage

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Winter Divan Specials Single: 2 Drawer 1000 Pocket Springs. £250 Double: 4 Drawer 1000 Pocket Springs. £430 King:

4 Drawer 1000 Pocket Springs. £480

Tel: 01929 422703 61 Kings Road West, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HQ

www.purbeckfurnishing.co.uk

The Swanage Oracle 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR SO February 2012 page 32

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