The Swanage Oracle - January/February 2015

The Swanage

Oracle

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The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Swanage

Delivered FREE around the town

January/February 2015

In this issue: Win a meal for two at the Bull & Boat Swanage Painting Club News Ann Montini meets the Stars: Julio Iglesias Swanage Pier Trust seeking volunteers Local Business Directory Dorset Wildlife Trust: Barn Owls National Trust in Purbeck: Corfe Castle Illuminated Communicare in Swanage Purbeck U3A Meetings Adventures of Nellie

Happy New Year!

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Swanage Oracle

4 Dear Swanage Residents,

Introduction

The Swanage Edition 80

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney and Martin Budden at Purbeck Publications

Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk

Copy deadline for the February 2015 edition: 23rd January 2015

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

Wow what a good Christmas and New Year we had this year! I do hope you were able to spend time with family and friends too. In addition to all those festivities I had my 50th Birthday (shh, don’t tell…) and celebrated that with all those I love the most. So yes, it was an unforgettable few weeks! Nellie, the campervan, took us to ‘Pull a Pine’ which was great fun and you can read all about that on pages 14 and 15.

So, here we are in a New Year, 2015. What were your New Year’s Resolutions? We have lots planned this year and have already booked our holidays, so hard work but lots time off too. A good balance all round.

One decision I made was to get the house sorted out. We have already started throwing away all those unwanted items. Hayden wants to try and sell some of his toys, so we may have fun visiting a car boot sales or two. Wish us luck with that one! There are many advertisers in The Swanage Oracle who can help you in the house this year. Whether you want new curtains, a new extension, the electrics updated, a new bedroom, bathroom, or flowers to brighten the room, there is a professional to help you. Please give them a call, they would love to hear from you and do mention The Swanage Oracle as this always makes our work worth while and is very much appreciated.

Stephen, Martin and myself here at The Swanage Oracle are looking for community groups and clubs to promote for free, so if you know of one wanting more help and promotion please let them know of us. If you have a business and want to let the local people know all about you, then please give me a call too. We would love to help you.

Wishing you all a FANTASTIC 2015!

All the best,

Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital

101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282

01929 408080

Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg.

Purbeck Distict Council

08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561

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Community News

Swanage Pier Trust Swanage Pier is a grade II listed structure, in a conservation area, situated at one of the gateways to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

The original Swanage Pier was constructed in 1859/60 by James Walton of London for the Swanage Pier and Tramway Company. The Pier was built primarily for shipping coal, timber, fish and some stone.

When a steamer service started between Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth in 1871, the Pier was being used for day trippers as well as cargo, it soon became clear that the Pier was unable to cope with the ever increasing traffic and it was decided a new longer pier was needed.

The first pile of the new Pier was driven on 30th November 1895 and it opened to traffic on 29th March 1897.

In 1940 the landward end of the Pier was blown up as an anti-invasion precaution. Following the war, steamer traffic was temporarily revived in 1948 but with the Embassy`s departure in August 1966, the Pier deteriorated for almost 30 years.

In 1994, the Swanage Pier Trust acquired control of the Pier Company, with the aim of keeping the Pier open to residents and visitors and providing for its eventual total restoration.

Swanage Pier is one of approximately 40 surviving seaside piers out of 100 built. It retains its Victorian appearance and was the work of one of the leading pier contractors, Alfred Thorne.

Passenger cruise boat companies continue to rely on the Pier as a regular

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Volunteer Recruitment Day A New Year’s Resolution: to help us save our heritage We need your help. Come and find out how you can get involved.

Saturday 17th January 2015, 10am - 2pm Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AW

01929 425866 www.swanagepiertrust.com office@swanagepiertrust.com

stop between Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth thereby drawing more tourists towards the local town. The historic steam boat ‘P.S Waverley’ also continues to visit Swanage Pier.

Today the historic Pier attracts more than120,000 visitors each year, making it a significant tourist attraction. The Swanage Pier Trust is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who get involved in all aspects of running the Pier which includes; the shop, the gatehouse, giving talks, fundraising, administration and general upkeep around the Pier.

The Swanage Pier Trust needs to maintain the range of activities on the Pier and improve the visitor experience but in order to do this we desperately need help from more volunteers.

Linda Clarkson

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All successful relationships start with a conversation.

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Many individuals and businesses across Dorset put their trust in us to be their Chartered Accountant or Financial Adviser, so contact us and let’s get the conversation started.

For more information or to discuss your own circumstances call us on 01929 551 551 or visit www.wardgoodman.co.uk

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Custom Creations grows from strength to strength Custom Creations continues to go from strength to strength and we would like to thank all our Customers and suppliers for their loyal and continued support.

Our passion for creating bespoke furniture at an affordable price without compromising on quality or style continues to drive us forward, and the feedback from our customers about the service they receive is always lovely to hear, especially the many comments on how they really appreciate the personal touches that we give to go that extra mile.

We love to welcome customers to our showroom, where you can view our full range in a relaxing atmosphere with a cup of coffee or tea, and we are always happy to give you a tour of our workshop so you can see for yourself the care and attention your furniture will be made with.

We are continuing to source innovative new products to offer our customers and are delighted

Purbeck

“Meeting Points”

Thursday 22 January 2015 10am for 10:30am start till 12pm at Harman’s Cross Village Hall “The Mary Rose, Past and Present” Bill Moore will be speaking about the Mary Rose, Henry VIII which sank in 1545. Bill was a diver who works underwater on the task of raising the Mary Rose, so has a unique perspective. He is currently on the Panel of the Mary Rose Information Group and supports the Mary Rose Trust.

Non members more than welcome.

The Purbeck University of the Third Age (U3A) is a registered charity. More information at: www.purbecku3a.org.uk.

01929 408080

to be one of the first people in the South chosen to offer the Kronospan Trends 14/15 Range - an exclusive new range of amazing materials that look just like the real thing! With a choice of 11 wood effects, a slate and a concrete effect, they create a unique design feature in any home.

For more ideas and inspiration you can visit our website at www.customcreations.furniture, or you can call Jo on 01202 823231 for further information or to book your free, no-obligation design appointment.

Doors-Windows-Locks Glass repairs & Sealed units replaced uPVC & Timber Windows & Doors supplied & fitted uPVC Fascia - Soffits - Gutters installed Locks Opened - Replaced - Upgraded Window restrictors & Child locks fitted Handles - Hinges - Letter Boxes Seals & Gaskets Replaced Snapped keys extracted

Tel: 01929 481496 Mobile: 07796 237351 Email: landerrmi@gmail.com FENSA - MTC - CRB checked

Design Inspired By You

Custom Creations is a family run business with over 40 years experience

Call us now on 01202 823231

to arrange your free, no obligation design consultation Please come and see us at our showroom Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm, Sunday: by appointment Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6YS

www.customcreations.furniture Swanage Oracle

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Sliding Wardrobes | Hinged Wardrobes Home Office | Lounge Units | Storage Units

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. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin

This month’s star is

Julio Iglesias Ann Montini caught up with singing legend Julio Iglesias at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Ann – Julio Iglesias finally we meet?

Julio – “A pleasure, and always one, to come back to England, and appear and perform for my fans here. They have been so good to me over the years, we go back a long way.”

Ann – A new award too... what does that feel like?

Julio – “The award feels like for being alive to be honest, but seriously it’s for Sony Music’s ‘The Most Successful Latin Artist of All Time’ award, in recognition of my 46-year international career.

Amazing don’t you think?”

Ann – Truly amazing! You’re ageless though, what is your secret?

Julio – “Music and singing. No, truthfully I think if you have a passion you enjoy, then you should, you know embrace it and do it. I think this also keeps you young, and so you look better, but thank you for saying that.“ Ann – You have done so many things in your career though... Frank Sinatra ?

Julio – “My hero really, I have Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, to thank for us singing together though, as he told him about me, and well the rest is history, but what a star, what a legend.“ Ann – Your new album has gone gold all over the world... does the success still surprise you?

Julio – “Yes and no really, because I have wonderful fans, and I think that if you give them what they want then hopefully, they will enjoy it too, and so it goes on... I always like having number one albums though for sure.”

Ann – Many duets, who stands out for you apart from Sinatra Julio – “So many, but of course Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, what a lady and such a great songwriter too... but I always enjoy looking at

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new people... who knows maybe Lady Ga Ga would like to duet?”

Ann – Could there be a Julio musical like others have done?

Julio – “We have sort of done this in a way you know, but not around the world... I am not sure, do you think that would work... if you do Ann, maybe you sing with me on the show?”

Ann – I would love too! Is it true you actually wanted to be a professional footballer?

Julio – “It is and, I was a for a while with Real Madrid, but then I had some misfortune, but out of that came the gift of music, and so life goes on... You have to remain positive you know.“ Ann – You have also starred in films in the past... planning anymore?

Julio – “I was very young, but yes I would look at some options now and again, but I am guessing at my age, I won’t be playing the romantic lead... but hey a movie career again would be wonderful...”

Ann – So what is next for you then?

Julio – “I am performing sell out shows, a new album and picking up awards you know life could not be better actually Ann, so all I would ask is more of the same please.“

Ann and Julio at the Dorchester Hotel in London Photo: Maycon Pictures

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Household �ps Open those bottles!

" $ $ ! $ # $ $$ $$ $$ $

Swanage Building SERVICES KITCHENS

EXTENSIONS

Call for a no obligation quote

Tel: 01929 426079 Mobile: 07966 395188

LOFT CONVERSIONS

DRIVES / PAVING

www.swanagebuildingservices.co.uk

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REFURBISHMENTS

SPECIALISTS IN . . . . . . . . . . . .

Refurbishment Kitchens Extensions Alterations Loft Conversions Carpentry Decorating Block Paving Hard Landscaping Drainage Mini Digger & Driver Hire UPVC Windows, Facias & Soffits

National Trust News

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Corfe Castle Illuminated

CORFE Castle was all aglow this Christmas for the first time in its 1,000 year history as spectacular illuminations created a shining vision.

LED lighting effects and burning beacons combined with braziers and contemporary lanterns to create a treat for the eyes from dusk to 9pm.

On December 20th residents of Corfe Castle experienced the magic up close when they were invited into the castle grounds for free.

• • • • • A scheme to put local residents at the heart of plans to manage Purbeck woodland has taken a big step forward with the publication of a draft management plan.

The plan is part of the Community Woodlands Project launched in Langton West Wood in 2013, and also covers Talbot’s Wood and the Wilderness.

Under the Community Woodland Project, part of the Wild Purbeck nature improvement area, the Trust is inviting local people to become directly involved in woodland management.

Corfe Castle and village illuminated Photo: National Trust / Neil Davidson

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The draft plan sets out measures to maintain and enhance the ecology of the woodland through traditional practices such as coppicing.

It also envisages promoting Langton West Wood as a place for quiet enjoyment.

Central to the vision are plans to involve local people in coppicing, ecological monitoring and in training to take part in traditional woodland crafts such as charcoal making.

National Trust volunteers are due to begin management work in Langton West Wood in January, and anyone can help through a series of drop-in volunteering days on January 2425, February 7-8 and February 21-22. For more information, email: purbeck@nationaltrust.org.uk

w i n n e rs

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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers.

We have helped hundreds more homeowners overcome their fear of rising ENERGY BILLS. We have won yet another prestigious Installer Award for the South West.

And we want to help even more Dorset homeowners like you...

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With a 25 year warranty, Enphase micro inverters are our preferred solution for optimised energy generation to speed up payback on your solar energy investment.

Looked at solar before? Enphase is the answer for small roofs and those prone to shading or dust.

Do you generate excess Energy from existing Solar Panels?

For just £375 we will fit an i-Boost to your system, diverting excess energy into the generation of FREE hot water.

Renewable Energy Heating & Hot Water With the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant, payable over 7 years, there has never been a better time to replace your boiler with renewable energy options such as Air Source, Ground Source or Biomass Heating. These highly efficient systems will outlive a traditional boiler several times and offer the most intuitive and highly efficient solution for 24/7 heat and hot water.

Solar Thermal Install one of the oldest renewable energy systems in the UK - Solar Thermal, for nine months FREE Hot Water.

Why customer’s have put their trust in us for over 20 years We provide local support. We operate under strict code of conduct for the electrical & renewable energy industry.

We have a Technical team, not salesman. We do not cold call. We don’t sell on the day or take deposits. You receive a quote in the post and pay at the end of your installation. We do not use Contractors, our installation teams are all employed and have been with the company for several years. We sit on a government advisory panel.

CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills.

For an appointment call 01202 736812 You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

Swanage Oracle

Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie

The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Well really! Do you honestly think that Nellie would be a thief? She doesn’t possess a balaclava for one. Well this is what some friends thought when I proudly told them that Nellie took us to Arne in the Purbecks last month to cut down our own Christmas tree.

Their immediate reaction was to burst out laughing and ask “Is that legal!?”

I was shocked. Of course it is legal I declared indignantly! It was all rather funny really. I mean can you imagine us trying to disguise Nellie, running into the heathland in camouflage, cutting down a Christmas tree and sneaking it into the back? Well... maybe you can!

For those who do not know, our heathland is very special. In fact did you know that the heathland habitat is rarer than tropical rain forest? Rob Farrington of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) tells us, “Heathland is not wasteland – it may look barren and bare but it is the most biodiverse habitat in the UK. That is, more species of wildlife call heathland home

Sammy and Hayden pull a pine each!

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Porting our pulled pines than any other type of environment.” So you see, Nellie was doing a good deed!

Clearing away the small pines allows the heathland to survive... I just want to set the records straight.

It was a great day, the weather was glorious. Cool but sunny. We met a friend there with his young son. Everyone was in great spirits and there was not a drop of alcohol in sight. We had been to Arne to ‘pull a pine’ a few years ago but had not managed to get there since. I was amazed at the amount of people. There were literally hundreds of cars parked with many people walking with trees over their backs, smiling, laughing and generally enjoying our wonderful country, seaside air. The whole activity is a win win situation, as we save the RSPB in the region of £25,000 and over two years of work, leaving that money to be spent on other useful projects. All the volunteers get to take home a free Christmas tree and we save our heathland at the same time. Result! The views from this area are stunning as you can see in our photos.

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Nellie prepares for a pine-full load There is nothing like the fresh air, family time and a project to do. The boys just loved using the loppers to cut the small trees down. The only problem is finding the tree for your front room. It is worse than choosing new curtains! Do we want this one, or this one, or will this one look better? Is this the right shape, too tall, too small?? There is such a variety, in the end you just have to say, “We will take that one!” We actually took two...one for the lounge and one for the front garden that we decorated with lights. There is something quite magical, knowing you cut the tree yourself. I have never had a Christmas tree lit up in the garden before so I was quite taken with that.

Nellie was very happy to bring the trees home. It was all a little squished in the back for Hayden, but we managed all the

Second tree welcomes visitors in front garden

Swanage Oracle

Our tree, fully decked out, with the presents same. Travelling down the country lane we saw many different trees on car roof tops, being pulled in the trailer behind, or sat next to a contented and cheerful passenger inside.

I highly recommend ‘Pull a Pine’ at Arne. We even bought Mum a year’s membership to the RSPB as a Christmas present. Mum loves watching the birds, so this was an excellent present for her.

We already have a membership ourselves and are looking forward to, can you believe it, a ‘spider finding tour’ in the spring! If you want to know more about this organisation you can find them on line at www.rspb.org.uk or call general enquiries on 01767 680551.

Nellie thoroughly enjoyed her Christmas trip, was glad not to meet any policemen on the way home and is really looking forward to more exciting excursions in 2015! Where will she go next...?

By Debbie Corney

Community News

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Swanage Painting Club

Swanage Painting Club invite you to a Coffee Morning and Work Shop on Thursday 12th February at the Catholic Hall, Rempstone Road from 10:15 to 12 noon, entrance free.

Here you will have an opportunity to see our painters at work plus try your hand at one or two mediums, there will also be a display of artist’s work.

We now have vacancies for new members of all standards so why not come along for coffee and chat where we shall look forward to meeting you.

Swanage Painting Club is a small friendly group of leisure painters who meet on Thursday mornings from 9am to 1pm at the Catholic Hall, Rempstone Road unless otherwise noted. We hold an Exhibition of our work towards the end of July, beginning of August where paintings are displayed for pleasure and sale also with the hope of attracting new members. We have all levels of expertise and some of the more advanced members are always willing to give advice if needed.

Membership is £25 per year so why not come along to one of our sessions to chat and see for yourself if you would like to join us. For more information ring our Treasurer, Sue on 425409.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Communicare Swanage Communicare has been providing services to the people of Swanage and District for over 30 years.

It provides a range of services through carefully selected volunteers. We provide support to meet many needs.

Communicare is affiliated to the Churches Together in Swanage and District but offers services to all the people of our area – Swanage, Studland, Langton Matravers, Worth Matravers, Kingston, Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle.

Communicare is governed by a Committee of Church representatives and led by a Director, a Treasurer and a Secretary, none of whom receive remuneration. As an organisation we depend completely on donations from individuals and local organisations to cover our day to day “running costs”. Within this context, if you require transport of any kind we will ask for a contribution towards expenses of 40p per mile (minimum charge locally

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of £2), which goes to the driver to cover his expenses.

If you would like to enquire about the availability of any of the services available, or any other requirement, then please contact one of the Link people whose telephone numbers are listed below:07531 811375 01929 480932 01929 423587 01929 427576 01929 761273 01929 423612 Please note that as volunteers these people may not always be available and you may have to try more than one number. Their task is to link your need with one of our volunteer staff who provide the services. They will let you know who will be contacting you to provide the service you have requested. There is also a new website: www.swanageforyou.co.uk

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N O I T U L O S E R C N C A J

O C V X G W B I Y K Z Z Z A T

I O M J O I D N L I O C R S S

A L V M X N E Y Y U P G O N K

Y D O K H T A F E F F R I S V

S A Q Q R E M Y B R F H S I W

T F D R O R U R R N P V J Y N

A X X Z J X Q F A L S B T M S

R W W J Y F I Q E R W B H W V

T Q T K U U Z Q Y Z R J K L W

S J C T D Y A E P H H L Q X O

D X U P D N L U A S L M P G N

Y R A U C T Z D E L L I G T S

E I M R F T B W L Q L V N G T

T O N O I T A R B E L E C M Z

SNOW FROST COLD LEAP YEAR WISH CELEBRATION START RESOLUTION WINTER FUTURE

This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 30th January and send to: January Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

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Prize Wordsearch

The Swanage Oracle Prize Wordsearch

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Martin

LEWIS Winter money saving Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to kick into gear. As it'll only get colder, now's the time to ensure you're set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist…

Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should know where their mains water off switch is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £7,000 of damage, made worse if you can't find the off switch as your home floods.

As Angie wrote on my Facebook page: "I know where mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2hrs to find."

So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine is behind a kitchen cupboard, but you’ll also typically find yours in bathrooms, shared corridors in flats, boiler cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.

Switch energy now and you could get £100s back. This is a great time to switch energy supplier if you pay by direct debit, as it's likely you're in credit after the low use summer months. Therefore switch now, and provided you ask for it – so ask - you'll likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you may be in debt).

Yet while the switch-over takes time, the work to compare and activate a switch doesn't. For fun, I put a stopwatch on four new members of my team trying to compare and switch - the quickest took 202 seconds, the longest 376 seconds. The average was 310 seconds with a £226 saving.

When comparing you may’ve heard of the recent scandal about ‘hiding top deals’ on some comparison sites. This is true – though my own www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk always shows all tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when you get to the “Do you only want to see tariffs you can switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that way all will display.

Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same pipes, gas, meter and safety scheme - the only difference is price and customer service. You can do it even if you're on a prepayment meter/ electricity only/ Eco 7.

Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It discounts your bill by up to 6%. Firms then estimate your annual usage and divide it by 12 so you're likely to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt after winter. Always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your bill is estimated. And if they try to push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily in credit) you've a right for it to

be fair, just call and ask for it to be lowered.

Full service car breakdown cover £40. Breakdown is more likely at winter, and the consequences more severe. Yet policies can be very cheap.

For breakdown, home start and onward travel www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is £40 a year, though it’s a ‘pay and claim’ policy so here it sends a local pick-up truck that you have to pay, then you can reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times are good, though you need to remember to claim.

If you’ve got cover and are at renewal, then HAGGLE - 90% of AA customers and 78% with the RAC lowered their rates by bartering. For more deals see www.mse.me/breakdown.

Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your energy firm's cover. Many energy firms use our fear of losing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They also want us to think there's some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't - you're not locked in. In short… a) Renters usually don't need it, as their landlord's likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose between boiler-only, or central heating cover. c) To find the cheapest compare via www.uswitch.com and if you have more time add www.energyhelpline.com and www.moneysupermarket.com for a wider comparison.

More help in www.mse.me/boilercover.

Are you entitled to any extra winter help. Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. Therefore there are some funds which may help... a) Winter fuel payments. If anyone in your house was born on or before 6 Jul 1952 and gets a state pension, pension credit or jobseekers allowance you automatically get the up to £300 winter fuel payment (providing you met this qualifying criteria by 21 Sept 2014). Some on other benefits may be eligible too, but will need to claim if new to it. b) Cold weather payments. Anyone on specific income support/jobseeker's allowance/pension credit gets £25 for every 7 days it's sub-zero. It's paid automatically from 1 Nov 2014. c) Choosing between heating and eating? If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.

Swanage Oracle

@MoneySavingExpert

20

Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Barn Owls

With their white, heart-shaped faces and golden feathers, barn owls are considered one of the most beautiful birds in Britain.

These mystical birds are difficult to spot in the wild. Their golden, silver-grey feathers act as camouflage when they are viewed from above. Similarly, their white underparts work as an anti-silhouette strategy, often enabling them to remain undetected from the ground.

Barn owls are formidable hunters. Due to tiny serrations on their flight feathers, they are able to sweep through the air soundlessly; this unnerving ability has earned them the title ‘Ghost Owl.’ They also have exceptional hearing and can pinpoint their prey by the smallest sound. Their diets typically consist of small mammals such as voles and rats.

But there is bad news for barn owls – they are in decline. Once, barn owls were Britain’s most common owl species; however their population has dropped in recent years by up to 70%. 2013 saw their worst breeding season for 30 years. Changes in weather patterns, the long winters, cold springs and wet summers, and decline in rough grassland, which harbours their food, are

Barn own in flight

by Ken Dolbear ���

01929 408080

Close up of a Barn Owl

by Ken Dolbear ���

just a few of the reasons Barn Owls are threatened in Dorset.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has launched a Barn Owl appeal, and raised over £28,000 to start helping barn owls in Dorset. Part of DWT’s work includes creating barn owl boxes and installing them, visiting landowners to talk about managing land to benefit the barn owl, and visiting schools and local communities to encourage recordings of barn owls, so DWT can monitor their progress.

With just a couple of better breeding seasons, the population should rise again. If you’re interested in taking part in making a barn owl box, we have all the tools and equipment.

Our next box building day is on Saturday 28th March 2015, at DWT’s headquarters, Brooklands Farm, near Dorchester, Dorset.

To book your place on the event phone 01305 264620.

For more information about the project and to make a donation, visit: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/barnowl

By Judy Godsell

21

Crossword

Across

1 One who postpones (14) 10 Tied (5) 11 Badmouthing (9) 12 A protective structure (7) 13 Willingly obedient (7) 14 Sleighs (5) 16 Crooner (9) 19 An arm of the Atlantic Ocean (9) 20 Wear away (5) 22 Extremist (7) 25 A time for relaxation (7) 27 One who transcribes by hand (9) 28 Proof of innocence (5) 29 Sins (14)

Down

2 Gangster (9) 3 Military trainee (5) 4 Deserving of esteem (9) 5 Hardwood, carpeted or _____ floors (5) 6 Bargain (9) 7 Robber (5)

8 Ordinary (7) 9 Explosions (6) 15 Greasy (9) 17 They rent apartments (9) 18 An expert manner of speaking (9)

19 Free from error (7) 21 Induces vomiting (6) 23 Belief (5) 24 Not a winner (5) 26 Pertaining to modern day Persia (5)

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      

    

  Swanage Oracle

22

Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 7

Florists Woolbridge Flowers.............................................. 24

Aerials BMC Digital Services............................................. 3 Repairline............................................................. 5

Garage Doors Skandoor............................................................... 5

Aquarium Supplies OSAquatics........................................................... 24 Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 7 Bedrooms Custom Creations................................................. 9 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Builders Swanage Building Services................................... 11 Cafes Cafe Bijou............................................................. 24 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 14 Ann Montini meets the Stars: Julio Iglesias.......... 10 Communicare Swanage........................................ 16 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Barn Owls........................... 20 Martin Lewis: Winter Money Saving.................... 19 National Trust in Purbeck..................................... 12 Purbeck U3A......................................................... 8 Swanage Painting Club......................................... 16 Swanage Pier Trust............................................... 6 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 21 Whizzbits.............................................................. 11

Hotels & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 11 Kitchens Custom Creations................................................. 9 Locksmith & Key Cutting John Hagans......................................................... 3 Motorcycle Servicing & Repairs Woolbridge Motorcycles...................................... 24 Oven Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 5 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 7 Gasways Heating.................................................. 23 Heatwise................................................................. 2 Property Maintenance Swanage Building Services................................... 11 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 21 Kids page.............................................................. 18 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 17 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services................................. 13 Shoe Repairs John Hagans......................................................... 3 Takeaways Skippers Fish & Chips............................................ 24

Domestic Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 5

Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 2

Electricians J. Taylor Electrical................................................. 21

Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 23

Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 7

TV Sales & Repairs Repairline............................................................. 5

Fitted Furniture Custom Creations................................................. 13

Windows & Doors Doors-Windows-Locks.......................................... 5

01929 408080

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     

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 

Swanage Oracle

WOOLBRIDGE CENTRE EAST BURTON ROAD, WOOL, BH20 6HG Local businesses serving the community

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01929 405174 woolbridgeflowers.co.uk

The Swanage Oracle

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1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR