The Ferndown & West Parley Directory - November 2022

Dear Residents,

We are very excited about our new project to be as eco-friendly as possible. The new paper we are using is definitely a step in that direction. We also have lots of articles this month that align with our view of helping the planet ‘one page at a time’. If you have any ideas locally, or know of a business that is doing all it can to stay environmentally safe, please let them know of us, as we can help spread the word. Let’s keep our planet clean and healthy.

This is in fact the November issue and I for one am so surprised how the time is flying by! I wonder if that is to do with my age? Quite likely! Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? … I cannot say I am as I write this, but that could change at any moment. Maybe a spot of Christmas shopping will do it? Well, it is a good excuse anyway. Stephen and I did manage a few days away last month and you can read all about it inside. It is good to take some time out that is for sure. We do wish you a very happy November and hope you have good plans to spend time with family and friends for the holiday season coming up. Oh yes and please use the advertisers inside to help with anything you need. As ever, if you have any data to pass on to me, I am happy to talk or receive an email.

Wishing you all the very best, Debbie, Stephen & Daichi

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Pensord Press Ltd. Certified by the World

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DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damaged caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Ferndown & West Parley Directory 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.

The waiting is almost over for the biggest festival of football to begin as the FIFA World Cup breaks new ground with its foray into the Middle East. Qatar is set to host what will be the 22nd edition of the sport’s most famous event, as a planet of football fanatics hold their breath.

This winter, hosts Qatar will kick-off the World Cup in the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday 20th November against Ecuador, hoping not to join South Africa as the only host nation not to advance from their group. Senegal and Netherlands complete Group A.

Group B sees England and Wales, alongside USA and Iran; while Group C contains twotime winners Argentina, as well as Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.

In Group D, it’s defending world champions France paired with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.

The might of Spain and Germany will clash in Group E, with Japan and Costa Rica seemingly fighting for third place.

Former World number one ranked Belgium are in with

The Teams, The Groups, The Venues, The Coverage show

2018 runners-up Croatia, as Canada and Morocco sit alongside, in Group F.

Record five-time winners Brazil play Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G, whilst the first-round stage is completed by Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in a tough looking Group H.

The 64 tournament matches will be played over 28 days and in eight different venues, as the sides battle it out to face off in the World Cup final, to be held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is about 20km from the capital of Doha.

In the UK, free-toair channels BBC and ITV share the rights to screen every single match, and both will show the final in full. Globally, the viewing figures

for Russia 2018 were record-breaking, as over half of the world watched at least one minute of coverage. With the Middle East only a few hours ahead of the UK, the majority of matches will kick off in daytime hours. After Qatar’s opener on the Friday evening, there will be four matches a day throughout the group stage from 11am to 8pm start times (GMT).

There will no break between the group and knockout stages. The first hiatus in action will come in the days before the quarter-finals on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th; the semifinals take place on the 13th and 14th, and the third-place playoff is on Saturday 17th December.

The showpiece final, and the crowning of the Qatar 2022 World Cup winners, kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 18th December.

Hold onto your hats –it’s going to be quite a ride!

Game for a laugh?

How luck and laughter have kept comedian, novelist and actress Jenny Eclair at the top of her game as she soars into her seventh decade.

You’ll often hear pop stars, entertainers and comedians complaining about life on the road – the travelling, the hotels, the constant and aching repetition of each live show… but not Jenny Eclair.

The husky-voiced fashionfervent 62-year-old doesn’t buy into all that. To her, touring is a chance to meet new people and see new sights – in many respects, it’s a holiday… even if she can’t pinpoint on a map where her destinations are...

“The more I tour, the more grateful I am to be doing this,” she begins. “I do realise how lucky I am, to have people still turning up. That’s pretty special

for me, because there’s a lot of competition out there and it’s quite tough.

“It’s easy to moan about this and that, but you come to realise this is actually a dream job. I get to show off for 90 minutes on a nightly basis. That’s not bad!

“And I love the travelling,” she continues. “There are the places you know, and they are ones that you look forward to. Then there are the surprises: Aberdeen, so friendly; Fowey, in Cornwall, beautiful; and Telford… fantastic! On any normal day you’d think ‘Where the hell is Telford?! Well, I know now!

“The mentality is, ‘I might never be able to come to this place again, so why not do that river trip, why not have that cheesecake?!’ It’s just taking advantage of where you are more than just laying in a hotel room worrying about the gig.”

That Jenny views touring as a holiday

means audiences get the very best out of a comedian who is, ironically, most notably recognised for her sour-spoken rantings on Grumpy Old Women, Loose Women and more.

Her 2022 tour, entitled Sixty! (Ffs!) should have happened two years ago, but Covid saw to its delay. The sentiments are, however, all the same, even now she has ascended to the ripe old age of, well, 62.

“Stand-up is an interesting concept in itself. You’re never totally in control – making people laugh can be tough, after all, but when it goes well it’s like getting into a big bath every night – it’s comforting and it’s comfortable.

“Ultimately, I love feelgood comedy – for me, it’s about performing to women of a certain age… an audience who are experiencing a lot of similar things; but good comedy should be about anything that makes us smile. I think we all need a dose of that right now!”

We all know that we need to do our bit to help save our planet, whether that might be changing our diet, reducing electricity usage or using eco-friendly alternatives. Products that are ecofriendly are products that do not harm to the environment.

Eco-friendly products are usually turned down by buyers because of their higher costs. Making a product for pro ts with no care for the environment allows large corporate companies to sell their products at a cheaper price while creating all kinds of damage to our planet. However, many of the cheaper products we buy from corporate businesses are designed to be less sustainable and durable, making us purchase them again and again. Eco-friendly products although pricier initially do not just help our planet but also tend to be more durable. is means that, in the long-term, choosing a more sustainable product can save you money.

Debbie Goes Green: Project Planet

In contribution to save our planet and give consumers an environmentally friendly alternative to household items, toiletries and many more, Debbie Goes Green began in 2019 designed to help local people nd better, and trusted eco-friendly products. Buying eco-friendly products is also safer for you as a consumer, other products are usually made with harmful chemicals. Bigger corporate companies usually use manufactures that use pesticides for cheaper costs, these chemicals can have a bad a ection your health. Eco-friendly products are made organically and manufacturers rarely use harmful chemicals. Debbie Goes Green is a business that makes it easy for you to nd eco-friendly products without having to spend hours researching and spending a fortune. e products on the website are all against animal testing. Use sustainable alternatives and help save our planet. To nd out more, take a look at the website at: debbiegoesgreen.uk Or email: hello@debbiegoesgreen.uk

By Amelia Hartley-Baker

Jubilee Fund: Beaucroft’s New Jubilee Stage

Beaucroft Foundation School was delighted to officially open their new outdoor performance area. The whole school gathered to celebrate and enjoyed a special performance by the one and only, Krazy Kev.

Guests included Linda and Pete Thornton representing the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and Penny and John Ross from the Louis Ross Foundation. Both local charities and great friends of Beaucroft.

The Jubilee Stage was part funded by the Jubilee Fund made available by the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. This fund was set up to commemorate the Queen’s

Platinum Jubilee and has awarded £34,000 to 6 local schools to fund special enrichment projects. All projects are aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the children and the Jubilee Stage at Beaucroft will benefit the whole school.

The new outdoor performance area will host many school events and promote fun activities including storytelling, shows, karaoke and the hugely popular, ‘Beaucroft’s Got Talent!’

Beaucroft is a Foundation Special School that caters for children and young people between the ages of four and nineteen, who are experiencing learning difficulties, including complex needs, and those with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. To find out more about the work of the JTYAF please visit: www.jtyaf.org

Avoiding the pitfalls of selling your car privately.

Selling your motor privately can be good for a number of reasons - you get the best price, you get cash in hand, and don’t even have to leave home.

However, the process of stripping out the middleman and selling your car direct does come with a few pitfalls too:

1. The Telephone Timewasters

You may find countless people phoning up asking endless questions – remember, buyers will be as wary about the process as sellers. The best way to avoid this is to make your listing as detailed as possible, adding lots of photos.

The more questions you can answer before someone picks up the phone to you, the better.

2. The Go-Slow NoShower

Those looking to buy a car privately will doubtless have several options on the go at once, meaning you can be messed about because your prospective buyer has had his or her head turned elsewhere.

3. The Part-ex Stress

You may find your motor is attracting the interest of traders who would rather negotiate a part-exchange than an offer of straight cash.

Traders will regularly do this as a way of moving on cars they haven’t been able to shift, so you may find yourself being

offered something you don’t actually want… another car!

4. The Arty Barterer

A huge worry for many vendors is agreeing a price over the phone only to find someone at your door pressuring you for a discount.

Private Property if The private seller

bought, the buyer will also have your home address so is likely to come knocking if anything seems wrong in those weeks post-purchase.

6. The Joy(less) Rider

The meeting of two minds – a private seller and a private buyer – is effectively putting both on their guard.

This can create a scenario where both are approaching what should be a simple transaction with a heightened sense of paranoia and panic, and that can lead to a joyless transaction.

7. Not-so-Smooth criminals

It’s important to try to set the boundaries before someone comes round to inspect, but that can be easier said than done.

5. The Comeback Kings

In the event of something going wrong with the car in the immediate time after it’s

And of course, the biggest fear for those who sell privately is that someone will run off with your motor. Ensure all monies have been transferred before handing over documentation, be wary over PayPal transactions (which can be refunded) and if accepting cash, check notes carefully.

Understanding Investments: Inheritance Tax Mitigation at the right time

The first step to effective Inheritance Tax (IHT) mitigation is to know how much money you need for your own lifetime. Once you have identified this, you will understand what is surplus to your own needs and have more confidence to act and take action.

In addition, the time when family members need the most financial help often isn’t in their 60’s (assuming their parents live to their average life expectancy of mid-80s) but is earlier when they are raising families of their own, paying a mortgage or saving for their own retirement.

I have met many people over the years who know they need to do something to reduce the value of their estate as they don’t want to pay a high IHT bill, but they fail to act in good time. It wasn’t because they weren’t aware of IHT (often they had been thinking about what to do for years), but they simply failed to have the confidence to act!

We are also in the midst of a challenging period in which the cost of living is increasing for everyone, which is especially challenging for those with young families and mortgages. Whilst high inflation will be tackled and brought down at some point, it appears clear that the central banks will achieve their goal of “normalising” interest rates. The days of interest rates of under 1% are most likely gone for a generation. So how can a family unit (grandparents, parents and children) make best use of their inter-generational wealth?

1. What do you need? We run cash-flow projections (including inflation assumptions), based on your regular expenditure, predicted ad-hoc expenditure and later life planning needs such as care fees.

2. Identify surplus capital or income. The cash-flow projections help identify whether you have more capital or income that you are likely to need. We quantify what is surplus and consider the most effective way to pass this down to your family and reduce your future IHT liability.

3. Utilise annual gift exemptions. Usually you need to live for a further 7 years from the date of any gifts but there are currently several exemptions which result in immediate removal from the estate. Each donor can gift £3,000 per annum which is

immediately exempt from IHT. If there is surplus income, this is also exempt if gifted regularly.

Howard Goodship

4. Potentially Exempt Transfers (PET). You are able to gift capital to other individuals without any immediate tax implications. Assuming you survive 7 years that capital is deemed to be outside of your estate for IHT purposes.

How can all of this fit together for a family unit? Clearly every client and family is different so a bespoke solution is needed which may include Trusts. But to give a simplistic example; if it’s identified that a grandparent has liquid capital of £250,000 that is both surplus to their own needs and would be liable to IHT on their demise, then the capital sum received by their beneficiaries would be reduced by 40% (£100,000).

In addition if that money was held in cash during the grandparent’s lifetime, they may earn anything between 0.1% and 3% depending on how active they are in searching out the best available interest rate. Perhaps their adult children have a mortgage on which they are paying a higher level of interest? By gifting the capital, the money can work harder during their lifetime for the family by reducing mortgage interest and potentially save a significant level of future inheritance tax.

Clearly this is overly simplistic, but in our experience there are many opportunities for families to make better use of their combined wealth. My colleague Stewart Sims-Handcock and I are available for a free initial, no obligation chat to discuss your personal requirements.

Howard Goodship is an Independent Financial Adviser with Lonsdale Wealth Management, 5 Fridays Court, Ringwood. Tel: 01425 208490 www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

A Potted History of the World Cup

As Qatar prepare to host the 22nd edition of the World Cup, we look back on the heroes of the past the organisers are excited to emulate.

The first World Cup stretches all the way back to 1930, where the inaugural hosts also turned out to be the winners as Uruguay came back from 2-1 down against Argentina in the Montevideo final (the only city to be used in the competition), to prevail 4-2.

La Celeste (The Sky Blues) have reached one other final, in 1950, where they were also victorious, beating Brazil 2-1 on their own patch, in Rio de Janeiro. However, the runners-up there were, in time, to embark on a successful run of their own.

Italy, albeit amid some controversy, would win backto-back Jules Rimet Trophies in 1934 and 1938, keeping that trophy for a further 12 years, due to the outbreak of the Second World War, before the aforementioned 1950 edition.

Arguably, the best side never to have won the World Cup may have been Hungary, who went 49 matches unbeaten between 1950 and 1956, yet their 3-2 defeat by West Germany in the Bern final in 1954 is their best tournament performance.

As for Brazil, it was the discovery of a certain 17year-old named Edson Arantes do Nascimento – otherwise known as Pele – that would inspire them to three wins in four tournaments (1958, 1962, 1970), with England, in 1966 of course, breaking the sequence.

Back to West Germany and they would win on home soil in 1974, beating the great Netherlands side of Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. Argentina would repeat the trick as hosts in Buenos Aires four years later, and the Germans again succumbed when Italy got themselves back

on the winners’ rostrum in Spain in 1982. Finally, a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina won their second title at Mexico 86.

West Germany gained revenge at Italia 90, before Brazil reached three finals in a row winning on penalties against Italy in the USA (1994), losing to the hosts in France (1998) and regaining the trophy in South Korea and Japan, against a reformed Germany in 2002.

Penalties would again be needed to give Italy their fourth success, against France in Germany 2006, while Spain’s golden generation recorded a debut victory in South Africa 2010 (either side of two European Championships wins).

Germany destroyed a sorry Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final of their second time as hosts, on the way to also denying Lionel Messi and Argentina in 2014, before France beat Croatia 4-2 (which is the most popular final score) in Russia 2018.

Money on my mind...the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the current energy crisis, and the fact no real solution appears close.

Our energy sector is in a mess, and there is little doubt about that. For too long we have experienced this continual up and down shift of prices and supply and tari s and everything else that, as consumers, drives us bonkers.

The reality of what we have and what’s going on right now has been brewing for a long time. A perfect storm of situations, from Brexit to covid to the conflict in Russia, e ectively means we are being throttled in our desire to heat and light our homes, ensure water comes through our taps and more.

You may say we have been unlucky to find these factors all colliding in together at one time, yet it is the job of the government – and any sort of decent opposition – to put fail safes in place so that when something

catastrophic result

It’s a disastrous combination and we are

praying for short- and medium-term solutions that will see not just the most vulnerable through the winter, but everyone else besides, because this is a national problem coming at a time of huge inflation and cost of living emergency.

Let’s just go to a basic summary of what we have here – in the UK we’re talking about having privatised energy firms, but we e ectively now have restricted competition and regulated prices in the form of a price cap. You have to ask yourself, what is the benefit of privatisation if you work in that marketplace?

The next price caps – they’re going to be in January and April – will reveal where we go from here.

All I can say right now is energy bills will go down – they will be lower in April than they will be in January, but higher than they are now.

And while we wait for a solution, we will need to ride this out – we have no choice. Yet rest assured the consumer has been sold down the river and the lessons of this will resonate with both current and future governments, as they should.

catastrophic like this happens, the end result isn’t the sort of bewildering increase in bills that really may move a greater quantity of people into poverty than we have ever seen before.

STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the November Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include an opportunity to see three planets in our evening skies and the return of the bright, familiar winter constellations.

International Space Station

The ISS can be spotted early in the morning until the 8th, then is visible in our evening skies before 8pm from the 18th. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Events

The winter constellations make a welcome return to our evening skies this month. Taurus the Bull, with its magnificent star clusters the Hyades and Pleiades rises in the east just after sunset. Orion follows shortly afterwards, and is above the horizon by 9.30pm, closely followed by the brightest star in the sky, Sirius (the dog star), which is shining low in the east by midnight.

Mercury

The innermost planet is too close to the Sun to be seen this month.

Venus

Venus is also lost in the Sun’s glare this month.

Mars

Mars continues to brighten daily, and can be seen at the start of the month rising around 7pm in the northeast (see figure). By month end, it is considerably brighter and rising around 4.30pm.

Jupiter & Saturn

Both gas giants are visible towards the south when darkness falls; Jupiter is the incredibly bright object to the east (left) of less-bright Saturn. Saturn sets by 11pm but Jupiter is visible until the early hours of the morning. The moon appears close by from the 1st – 4th (see figure), and then again on the 28th, 29th and 30th.

Moon

November’s full moon occurs on the 8th.

The Artemis return mission to the Moon

In the 1960s and 70’s, Apollo missions 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 landed twelve men on the Moon. In the 2020’s, NASA are hoping to return astronauts to the Moon with the Artemis Space Mission. At the time of going to press, Artemis I, a test run of the massive Space Launch System rocket (SLS), and the Orion crew capsule (which will keep the astronauts safe from the dangers of space) had yet to launch due to various issues, including a fuel leak and a delay caused by Hurricane Ian. Hopefully by the time you read this the mission will have successfully lifted off and be in orbit around the Moon.

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner returns to the subject of truly making our home into a home.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to get on the property ladder. We are living through an incredible ‘cost of living’ crisis, and that throws the whole housing market into disarray. Should people buy now in fear of things getting even worse? Should they look to rent and wait for things to calm down? Or perhaps if the bubble is going to burst, should they sell up, keep their money to one side and buy something when the property sector crashes?

Through all the worry and uncertainty there is always the

factor of making wherever we do live as happily and as homely as possible.

I feel that sometimes we are so keen to move, so keen to head on to the next place, that we lose sight of the day-to-day joy, satisfaction, security and homeliness of our spaces, and really these things are worth more than any amount of money in the bank.

I have always thought that, right back to the first house I ever bought - an old two up, two down in East Dulwich in London. It was small and not worth a lot, but it meant and still does mean an awful lot to me. It was where I started out, and I look back with huge fondness.

So this is why, when we have so much worry and concern

over the way the market is going – and let’s be honest, for several years now it’s only been going in one direction – we can sometimes lose sight of the contentment and happiness that a property brings us. Perhaps it’s the garden, or the cellar, or just the hour or two you get to sit in the front room and relax on an evening.

My point is we are always trying to move on and aspire to the next thing, when in reality so much of what we should do is about sitting still, looking around, being in the moment and saying to ourselves, ‘you know, this is okay – in this moment, I am happy’.

Make the most of your home’s best features, because adding value isn’t always about money and it never has been. Wherever you find yourself, just enjoy your time there.

Introducing... Caring Canines in Bournemouth & Poole

Caring Canines is a not-for-profit voluntary group dedicated to promoting canine awareness and its values.

It offers the assistance of its assessed, vaccinated and insured dogs in the Bournemouth and Poole community, to break down barriers and enhance the lives of those people who miss canine companionship or benefit from it.

What do we do?

• Organise and attend public events with their fundraising/ awareness stand throughout the year

• Give talks to local groups from Cubs to Womens Institues

• Offer Be Dogwise an educational session for 12 years and under via schools and youth clubs (inc Charlies Storybook for under fives)

• Offer ‘Be Bookwise’ a literacy programme for schools (children under 12 years)

• Offer therapywise School Support Dogs for children with additional needs

For information please contact either of the Co-Founders: Sue Dennett or Julie Lankshear 01202 574791 or 07812 477349 sulie2060@gmail.com www.caringk9s.co.uk

Antony

Most people think of a salad as a summer dish –it’s light, seasonal, won’t fill you up if you’re having a couple of glasses of wine, and showcases flavours that match the sunny, uplifting vibes of July and August.

Yet

there’s

thing

versatility, so of course we should be creating interesting, challenging, delicious salads all year round.

Top Tip

that

adding in bolder

such as potato, and more edgy flavours, like bacon, you can very quickly and very easily convert the humble salad into a dish for any season, any temperature.

Method

1. Cook the potatoes in salted water until soft, drain and return to the heat to dry out. It is important that the potatoes are thoroughly cooked - there is nothing worse than ‘al dente’ potatoes.

2. Combine the potatoes with the crumbled crispy bacon, the pickled cucumber, eggs and onion. Season to taste.

Add in a handful of chopped jalapeno

for an extra kick!

3. Combine the remaining ingredients to make the dressing. Fold enough of the dressing into the salad to make it creamy.

4. When folding everything together do it while the potatoes are still warm and allow the potatoes to break down a little in the mixing.

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the next generation of green-fingered gardeners.

You’ll find me talking quite a bit about the new breed of gardener coming through. For me, it’s a natural evolution that presents to me two different things – firstly, the art of gardening is much more interesting and much cooler than it ever was in my day; and secondly, it seems as though I am becoming more and more aware of my own mortality!

Percy Thrower was the one who inspired me most when I was a kid. I watched him on Gardening Club on the box, and as the years have gone by, I have been lucky enough to work with a number of the horticultural greats. Christopher Lloyd was a friend, Beth Chatto is a friend who I really value

and whose work I really admire.

After a while you realise you have progressed from the student to the teacher, and I’ve always been very proud

We need to show people that it isn’t difficult or boring, that is it is exciting, and that most of it is just common sense.

to be that person. Ultimately, I want to inspire everybody to get into the garden, because I think there are so many benefits.

When I am presenting, I never have a set section of society or type of person in mind. I guess, in a way, I am presenting to myself - I want anybody and everybody to start thinking about getting into the garden.

And I do admit, the likes of James Swift, James Wong, Annemarie Powell, Katie Rushworth and Frances Tophill all have a knack of conversing to young audiences that I probably don’t have… and that’s great.

I

We have to keep evolving what we say and who we want to position it to, because as I have said before there are so many other distractions for young people these days.

I want to see our gardens and our outside spaces continue to flourish over the decades to come, despite the noise and appeal of doing other things elsewhere; and you know what, I’m sure they will.

Grade II listed Community Hall receives £20,000 for vital refurbishment

Residents of Hinton Martell in Wimborne have been awarded £20,000 towards a restoration project to preserve their Grade-II listed village hall. Purchased by the local community in 1977 following its closure as a school, Hinton Martell Village Hall was in urgent need of restorative work to its roof, chimney and wall structure to ensure its important role as a community hub in the isolated rural village continues.

Talbot Village Trust, a local grant-giving charity that supports worthy causes across south east Dorset, donated the significant sum which has contributed to the completion of phase one of the project. This includes an upgraded and replaced roof of both halls one and two, repaired chimney stack, stabilised walls in hall two, and the re-build of two bays of the church wall which were in danger of collapse.

Sue Dawson, Acting Chair of the Hinton Martell Village Hall Management Committee, said: “Our village hall forms a vital part of the isolated rural community of Hinton Martell where the Parish is home to some 430 residents. The village has no shop, public house or any other amenities so the village hall plays a hugely significant part in ensuring a variety of activities are accessible to the community. We are extremely grateful for

the generosity of the Talbot Village Trust. Their grant has helped us to secure the future of our historic village hall by enabling us to tackle a major preservation project, which simply would not have been possible without their support. The whole community now has a village hall it can be proud to use.”

The hall is used as a central community hub for the surrounding villages, and the committee organises a whole programme of events throughout the year, working in conjunction with the church next door, the local primary school and organisations such as ‘Artsreach’.

The £20,000 donation also contributed to cosmetic work inside the hall, which took place while closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since re-opening, the hall now offers a safe, dry and inviting space for the community to use.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, commented: “We understand just how significant community spaces like Hinton Martell Village Hall are, particularly for those living in more rural areas of the county. The Trust was delighted to support the preservation project, to ensure the historic building can continue to be enjoyed by the public for essential events, activities and social gatherings for many years to come.”

For more information on the preservation project, visit www.hinton-martell-village-hall.co.uk/ preservation-project

Talbot Village Trust donates £1million each year in grants to organisations in south east Dorset. In 2021, the trust supported 53 organisations across community, education, youth, and faith and will continue to broaden their support for priority projects tackling climate change, mental health and wellbeing, and education exclusion.

Wool and the gang

How knitwear became cool again.

For some of us, knitwear evokes uncomfortable memories of itchy, misshapen cardigans in garish hues and patterns knitted by one’s nan or elderly aunt. It is a giant leap therefore to appreciate just how cool those same woollies, and all associated needlecraft, have now become.

Modern knitwear

In some ways it is just the inevitable movement of time, as that which was once au fait becomes so again, but there is also another social phenomenon which has helped propel this ancient art form to fashion’s front row: Instagram. Now boasting a breadth of needle-wielding influencers, the photo-sharing app has become the ideal place for knitters to show off their yarns. Whether cutesy crochet bikinis or gorgeous, grannyish cardigans, wool enthusiasts such as New

Zealand native Nicole Leybourne (@theknitter) and California student Kara Eng (@karas. knit.eng), not only have thousands of followers (43k and 118k respectively) they also have thriving online marketplaces where they sell their highly coveted patterns across the globe.

Not surprisingly, this online trend has begun to seep into modern culture with knitwear having a few massive moments. There was Bernie Sanders’ mittens which basically became the meme of Joe Biden’s inauguration; the cream, cable knit sweater worn by Chris Evans in thriller flick Knives Out (who knew cable knit could be so sexy?); and diver Tom Daley’s magnificent Team GB cardigan which he was seen knitting poolside at the Tokyo 2020 games.

Knitting inspiration for the nation

It comes as no surprise that a huge boost in sales was seen across sewing machines, knitting kits and crochet books during various lockdowns that commenced in the spring of

2020, while many of us around the globe sat anxiously at home.

After all, if one is going to nervously twiddle their thumbs for weeks on end, one might as well acquire a beautiful scarf and beanie set at the end of it.

Knitting is community, as the plethora of online forums will attest. It is unity, and comes with free online patterns widely available to download.

Purling that makes perfect sense

Beyond all the cultural ephemera, however, is the fact that knitting is just good sense. With the perils of fast fashion becoming more apparent by the day, making clothes yourself is an appealing antidote.

Made with care, made with time, and made with love: you can modify the pattern exactly to your size and colour preferences, save money, and nurture a real sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of it.

‘Is that a Bolt in Your Neck?’

Fast-paced theatrical farce heads to Dorset through Artsreach

Inspired by gothic horror movie classics of the 1930’s, Gonzo Moose are back with a fast-paced, rollicking show mixing spooky paranoia, surreal nightmare and frantic farce. ‘Is That a Bolt in Your Neck?’ heads to Dorset for two dates as part of the Artsreach autumn season of performances in rural communities. A castle looms dark and foreboding over a small mountain village. Inside, Dr Chekhov, the brilliant and reclusive scientist, works in secret. As the villagers prepare for Christmas, they become increasingly alarmed. Strange shadows can be seen at the castle windows, and every night blood curdling cries of pain can be heard. What is Dr Chekhov doing? What hideous experiments is he perpetrating? What unimaginable horror might emerge from his laboratory? And will any of it spoil Christmas?

All will be revealed in this wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy horror. Prepare to gasp, laugh and be amazed at the horrific experiments, the mind-boggling love, and the sensational deathdefying finale!

Inspired by gothic horror movie classics of the 1930’s, Is That a Bolt in Your Neck? is packed full of

hilarious slapstick, verbal wit, and magical illusion.

See Gonzo Moose perform live:

Saturday 19 Nov, 7:30pm Stalbridge Hall, Stalbridge Tel: 01963 362978

Sunday 20 Nov, 7:30pm

The Allendale Centre, Wimborne Tel: 01202 887247

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

On Your Bike! NHS Workers cycle across South East Asia to raise money for Julia’s House

Natalie Scotney, Harriet Mulcahy and Zoe Pollock are about to take on the challenge of a lifetime when they cycle more than 450 kilometres over seven days from Saigon in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia while raising vital funds for children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

The trio from Bournemouth all work for the NHS – Natalie and Zoe as paramedics, Harriet as a nurse – so understand the devastation that caring for a seriously ill child can have on a family.

Says Natalie, “We wanted to raise money for a local charity and we all believe the work that Julia’s House does is so important for these families.”

Julia’s House looks after some of the most seriously ill children in Dorset and Wiltshire, who require 24-hour care for their complex and often rare medical conditions. The charity’s dedicated team of nurses and carers are a lifeline of support, providing essential respite breaks to give exhausted parents a break from round-the-clock care.

Cycling up to 90 kilometres each day through South East Asia’s Mekong Delta is a challenge that has required a lot of training, and, Natalie adds, it has not always gone to plan.

“Due to our work schedules we have only completed one ride together, around the Isle of Wight. Harriet was hit by a car whilst cycling in 2020 and due to the COVID pandemic it took a long time for her to be able to get a new bike. She has had to overcome the injuries she sustained and gain her confidence with cycling again but she found training for the challenge good motivation to get back on

her bike. Throughout training I have been very unlucky with injuries so am not as prepared as I would like to be. We all have hectic work schedules, working 12-hour shifts, which makes training on working days nearly impossible. We have to squeeze it all in on our days off.”

All three women have taken part in physically demanding endurance challenges previously, including cycle rides, marathons, cross fit and kayaking, but this will be the longest challenge any of them has completed, both in terms of distance and number of days.

“Zoe and I were first inspired to complete this challenge three years ago and now it’s actually happening. We are most looking forward to the day off in the middle where we cross from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat up the Mekong River and watching the sunrise of Angkor Wat on the final morning,” says Natalie.

With a new programme of events soon to be announced by the charity, she adds the following words of advice to anyone thinking of taking on a physical fundraising challenge for Julia’s House: “If there is a challenge or event that you want to do, that you find daunting or slightly scary, book it and use raising money for such an amazing cause as motivation!”

Natalie, Harriet and Zoe begin their cycle challenge on 20 October and hope to raise £2,000 for Julia’s House. You can support them by donating to their JustGving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ nat-harriet-zoe www.justgiving.com/team/Team13JH

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Sometimes we have to change plans and apparently ‘make do’ with less than we originally wanted. Life is like that, let’s face it. Last month was an example of that, but we had a great time despite the grandiose plans taking a back step. You see it was our 25th Wedding Anniversary at the end of September. The plan had been to go on a cruise, sailing around Alaska, or some exotic location. However, we had moved house less than a year ago and with it came a brand new business, we now call “Wafflicious” on the Esplanade in Weymouth, that we had had no prior experience with at all. Fitting in a cruise both financially and time-wise was just not on this new agenda. So where did we go…? Lyme Regis! There were less whales and no black bears (fortunately you may say) but we had a wonderful time. We chose a hideaway just north of Lyme Regis, set in lush trees with a hot tub and sauna. Perfect. Daichi pootled his way there all smiles, ready for a relaxing getaway. We stopped off at a farm shop for a delightful full English breakfast en route, which is when I really knew we had actually managed to ‘escape’ for a few

The first day... it rained!

days. On arriving in Lyme Regis, one of my other favourite coastal towns here on the Jurassic Coast, the wind was blowing, the rain was pouring and by all accounts this was set in for the whole time we would be there. Oh dear. I just decided that whatever the weather, we would have a good time. Afterall there was a warm sauna awaiting us, and I had a good book with me too!

That all miraculously changed! The next day was glorious. Really. We walked along the front with glistening blue sea, swimmers and people in bathing suits, walking alongside ladies and gents in coats and boots! Only in England could this happen. We had lunch overlooking the bay with Portland in the distance. The Cobb majestically positioned, that famous harbour wall where “Persuasion” by Jane Austen and “The French Lieutenants Woman” were filmed some time ago. That must have been exciting to watch in the making. Walking slowly along the promenade we continued all the way to the “Ammonite Pavement” at Lyme Regis Undercliffs. What a find! There are fossils here that are huge, just lying around

bathing in the sun… and hundreds of them! All along this stretch of the coast you can see ammonites everywhere. It is so impressive. You really can feel the sense of history, a time well before us and envisage colossal dinosaurs towering above you. I loved it. Sitting on a rock lazily gazing out to sea, watching others anticipating their historic finds, seeing that actually the world is not as the press make it all out to be, was very rewarding. The passing of time and how things used to be, somehow has a calming effect I feel. For our younger readers this may not yet be so real. Live life now is also my motto!

That evening we had to try the jacuzzi of course and watch the thousands of stars above us. Incredible. Just on a practical note, as I have shivered at the thought of these Jacuzzis in Iceland and very cold climates, but they really are very warm, and keep you warm! It was delightful. The stars were utterly inspiring that evening and this turned out to be another thought-provoking occasion. Now, I was wondering who else was ‘out there’, how far is it really to these twinkling stars, planets and ‘other places’? The distance is remarkable and somehow (once again) made me realize that whatever we have going on, there is always a much bigger picture, a much

Well deserved cup of tea at River Cottage

bigger meaning. Amazingly both Stephen and I saw a shooting star! It was all very magical, sitting in a hot tub in October surrounded by trees. It absolutely made up for a lack of cruise and an apparently more luxurious destination. Life is what we make it.

River Cottage, the now famous Farmhouse with cookery and chef’s courses, was also on the menu. Their headquarters was literally a walk through the woods, some 20 minutes away. We strolled through the undergrowth and had a wonderful cup of tea and cake looking over the rolling English Countryside. Another totally unexpected and unpredicted beautiful day!

So, despite the apparent ‘loss’ of a romantic cruise, Stephen and I had the most relaxing and inspiring time. This was all of course on our doorstep. Daichi with his big white grin and skipping steps was able to take us. No airport delays or worries of luggage, just a good old English getaway, with a few extra trimmings. We hope you are making the most of the beautiful country we live in. It is never very far to the coast, or the countryside to get some space and recharge those batteries. Where will Daichi take us next… I wonder?

By Debbie Corney

The jacuzzi and sauna in the garden

Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees

The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits.

Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish. A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure.

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care. This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

Oceanarium hosts gender reveal celebration for their youngest Humboldt penguin!

Oceanarium hosts gender reveal celebration for their youngest Humboldt penguin!

Oceanariums fun gender reveal party announced that their new baby Humboldt penguin is … drum roll please…. A GIRL!

Ponyo, hatched on 12 May this year by same-sex couple, Diego and Zorro who adopted Ponyo and proved to be quite the naturals at parenting! The female chick was named Ponyo after our naming competition and inspired by the Japanese animated film.

Until recently, the adorable chick had been busy behind the scenes with the aquatic team, getting warmed up to be released into the colony where Ponyo was finally reunited with her proud dads. After an inquisitive nature from the other birds, Ponyo has settled very well into the colony.

Ponyo is now finally at an age where they can reveal its gender as it is impossible to identify what gender a Humboldt penguin will be when its hatched. Identifying the penguins’ chicks’ gender is determined by the analysis of DNA from a feather sample. This can only be done when the chick has molted their natural down feather and their adult waterproof feathers have emerged.

Melissa Mudge who has recently been promoted to penguin keeper, says “Ponyo has developed really well in the last couple of months. She is eating really well and couldn’t be in a healthier position.

Ideally, we wanted her to be a girl to balance the girl/ boy ratio, but of course we would be happy whatever the gender was! We are very proud of Ponyo and how well she is doing!”

She continues to say “Ponyo is extremely curious, playful and entertaining to watch as she builds more confidence within the colony.

It is worth anyone’s while to come and say hello to Ponyo because she will undoubtedly brighten up your day.”

Caring for the Elderly in care homes that promote dignity, privacy, independence and choice.

Denewood

Highgrove

Jobs for the boys (and girls)

Seven simple household jobs that may help in getting your kids primed for later life.

1. Caring for pets

There’s perhaps no greater badge of honour for a child than knowing the welfare of a small animal is in their grasp. From feeding to cleaning, petting to playing, kids quickly build an understanding of survival, respect and rapport –all valuable elements.

2. Cleaning up mess

The inability of children to clear up after themselves is less laziness and more a failing of parents to reinforce good habits. Indeed, some cleaning away can be made into a fun game, and the aesthetic success of a tidy space can bring about is something that the whole family can marvel in!

3. Putting the rubbish or recycling out

As an extension of making the best out of mess, the removal of rubbish and recycling to an outside space is great in linking young minds to the concept of their home being part of something much bigger.

Indeed, the reinforcing of society, and our need to interact with it in a useful way, is one

of the most valuable things we can teach our children… and it can all evolve from putting out the empties!

4. Doing gardening

In a similar way, for kids to appreciate the fluidity and versatility of the natural world, they are able to reach beyond themselves and build an understanding of how things around them evolve and survive.

What’s more, the fact our gardens move through four different seasons means they always present new challenges and opportunities.

5. Helping in the kitchen

There is perhaps no greater instant gratification that kids can enjoy than baking a cake, making a casserole, or even putting together their own healthy fruit juice mix.

Helping with food and drink gives an immediate and tangible reward that can be savoured and shared with family and friends.

6. Cleaning the car The cornerstone of pocket money for so many years, the car is perhaps the ultimate family possession that acts as the vehicle – literally and metaphorically – to

great days out, not to mention the odd holiday.

While it’s a big job to take on, there’s a knowing satisfaction of dipping a generous sponge into bubbly, hot water on a cold winter’s day, that only a young person can fully appreciate!

7. Looking after younger siblings While we are all aware of the need to safeguard young children, getting older siblings to assume some form of responsibility will not only empower them, but enable them to appreciate the needs of others in close proximity.

Will it be Jingle Bells or Silent Night?

Hearing well allows you to enjoy and be involved in the special moments that Christmas brings. It’s not too late to improve your hearing before the carols start.

Simon and Heather Cowell are the owners of family run 2County Hearing based in Verwood, Dorset.

“Between us we have over 20 years experience in the hearing care industry and being independent means we can offer hearing solutions from all the world’s leading manufacturers.

Our services include safe, gentle, ear wax removal which has seen a signi cant increase in demand now

that most GP surgeries are no longer able to provide the service.

Our hearing tests are FREE and, in many cases, we can offer a ‘try before you buy’ option on hearing aids. This allows you time to evaluate the bene ts in your own environment before deciding whether the time is right for you to take action on your hearing loss.

In addition to our comfortable consulting room we are happy to provide a home visit service for those who nd travel dif cult.

Whatever your hearing problems are, please get in touch, we will be very happy to help.”

This branch of Rotary International was formed in Ferndown in 1976 by a small group of like-minded individuals who wished to put something back into the local and international communities and to enjoy fellowship while doing so. The Club was merged a few years ago with the Rotary Club of Parley and of course nowadays we are a mixed association and enjoy the company of several enthusiastic ladies. We meet twice a month on a Wednesday evening at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown at 6:30 PM. We sample a single course meal followed invariably by Speakers on a range of subjects and occasionally worthy charities.

Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Locally Ferndown and Parley Rotary has in its time supported dozens of

charities and worthwhile organisations. In recent times we have been responsible for the Fete on the Field. 10k and 5K Fun Run, a number of Golf Days and an Annual Christmas collection at the local Garden Centre. We have supported over the years several worthwhile International Charities such as Water Aid, Shelter Box and Shoe Box as well as donating to various Disaster Funds.

Following the successful 2022 Fete on the Field we have made substantial donations to the Ferndown Food Larder, King George’s Field Charity (Ferndown) and High Mead Farm to name but three local charities. Social gatherings and other events and outings are arranged throughout the year for members and a Members Newsletter is published monthly. Our membership at the moment is around 30 and new members of all ages and sexes are always welcome. Why not visit our club to meet us and to see what we do ?

Initial contact to the Membership Chairman, John Walgrove on 01202 891875 or jwal34@hotmail.com, or Secretary, Paul Hunter on 01202 871614 Paulg.hunter@gmail.com www.ferndownandparleyrotary.org

Remember Remember, a good book this November

This month, four November autobiographies to while away those increasingly dark nights.

Gloves Off by Tyson Fury

He presided over quite possibly the greatest sporting comeback ever – a colossally overweight, drug-addicted former champ whose deterioration in physical health was as profound as his plummet in mental health.

Thus, this no-holds-barred tome of bamboozling brilliance, both in the ring and out of it, chronicles the entirety of the Gypsy King’s career to date, from his tempestuous Travelling upbringing, through to the devotion he has to his wife and children.

Grounded yet never ground down, this book is an extension to his previous autobiography, released in January 2021, and worth the read. Published by Penguin Books on November 10th

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry is the incredible actor that brought to life Chandler Bing in Friends - the funny, witty, and often goofy character that lived across the hall from Rachel and Monica. Almost every one of his scenes had us in stitches, but it wasn’t until the reunion show that many realised Matthew was dealing with some profound struggles.

This moving memoir documents being catapulted to dizzy

stardom; it’s about fame, wealth, living with addiction and recovering from some truly dark days. Published by Headline on November 1st

Too Much by Tom Allen

With trademark wit and insight, Tom Allen writes about becoming a reluctant adult - leaving home, securing a boyfriend, and finally growing up by facing the grief of losing his beloved father.

The comedian, actor, writer and presenter, who is host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Bake Off: The Professionals, shares his unwillingness to move on from the arrested development of millennial life, whilst philosophising over travel adventures to Japan, America, and beyond. Published by

Ticket to the World: My 80s Story by Martin Kemp Ticket to the World is a joyous, nostalgic celebration of eighties culture from one man at the centre of it all.

In this candid, evocative memoir, Martin Kemp reflects on the unforgettable decade that made him, and that he in turn helped to shape, as he reminisces on leading the New Romantics, adventures with Spandau Ballet, the eradefining Live Aid and many other memorable moments along the way.

From friendships with George Michael, Sade and Boy George to living under Thatcher, from his musical influences to some of his more distinctive fashion choices, Ticket to the World explores both Martin’s personal experiences and the social and political climate underpinning the decade. Published by Harper Collins on November 10th

Hodder & Stoughton on November 10th

Weighing it up

A kitchen item essential, where would we be without our trusty scales?

Take the guesswork out of the equation with this range of weighing wonders.

High-end Heston Blumenthal with Salter precision dual platform digital kitchen scales (approx. £40)

Ideal for baking devotees, the Heston dual design makes for effortless and highly accurate measuring. The high-capacity platform (10kg) measures in as little as 1g increments and the second, smaller precision platform (200g) in 0.1g, meaning you can weigh flour and yeast at the same time.

Precise, aesthetically pleasing, and able to weigh both solids and liquids with ease, these are a must for every serious chef’s countertop.

High-tech Stellar Kitchen Bluetooth diet scale (approx. £47)

Going beyond what you would expect from your kitchen scales, British brand Stellar have made the ideal gadget investment for fitness fanatics and diet doyennes alike.

While the main screen of the scale shows the weight of your food as you would expect, it also connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth to offer you a full breakdown of your food.

Partnering with The Modern Chef app, fats, cholesterol, protein, fibre and sodium values are displayed and logged on your handset.

Budget

ACCUWEIGHT Digital Kitchen Scale (approx. £10)

If you are an occasional baker that just needs scales for the odd recipe, then this is the one for you.

With an easy-to-clean tempered glass surface, tare button (meaning you can return to zero to add individual ingredients to the whole) and a 5kg capacity, this scale is superb value for a reliable, digital device.

Stylish Joseph Joseph TriScale (approx. £30)

While this clever little scale is not the kind to be permanently displayed on your worktop – who has space for that anyway? – it does look very lovely when in use with its minimalist and unique design.

It’s small enough to fold away into your cutlery drawer, and also boasts all the features one has come to expect from this brand. Need a tare function? No problem. Need to measure liquids as well as solids? No problem. Need to feel

like you’re using a nifty and attractive kitchen gadget? No problem.

Eco-friendly Brabantia tasty+ (approx. £35)

If you’ve ever reached for your trusty scales and found the battery to be dead thanks to an overly sensitive touch screen, you will rejoice and this brilliant design courtesy of Dutch designers Brabantia.

No batteries are required, instead you simply turn the wind-up mechanism to give you weighing power. Easy to clean, easy to store and with functions for milk and water, this clever scale gets wound up, so you don’t have to.

clever

Basil is looking for a forever home!

Hello, I am Basil I am a 6 year old Jackapoo. I was found alone and taken to the Pound.

When nobody came to collect me, Waggy Tails offered me a place and they are going to find me a super forever home where I will be loved and cared for.

I am not able to tell them too much about myself, but they know I love treats! I enjoy my walks and love to sniff about in the field looking for gaps under the fence.

I like to have cuddles a lot. I’m a busy boy, typical terrier with lots of energy.

I am making friends slowly with other dogs but can be a little reactive to them. I would like a home where I get lots of exercise, lots of cuddles and lots of treats please.

If you are able to offer me or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home

Please contact our office on: Tel: 01202 875000

Email: admin@waggytails.org.uk

or visit our website : www.waggytails.org.uk

We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes. Waggy Tails Rescue are in need of

more foster homes. If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden an experienced with dogs then please give us a ring and discuss fostering for us. It is a very rewarding experience and enables us to continue helping these dogs.

(No children under 10 in the house please.)

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset, we rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home. We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care, so to find out more you can contact us on the number above or send donations or letters to:

Waggy Tails Rescue

Helen’s House

143 Magna Road Wimborne

BH21 3AW

Thank you for supporting us!

The Greenest Countries on Earth

The top eight countries doing their bit for the planet.

While environmental groups and politicians may make us believe we, here in the UK, are the scourge of the planet’s health, recent research by Oxford University has shown us to be one of the greenest countries on Earth.

Of course, more can always be done, always, but in the meantime, here are the planet’s top eight eco-conscious countries.

1. Switzerland

The most environmentally friendly and greenest country in the world, Switzerland, achieves its status in the way it has led on hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind turbines and geothermal.

2. France

In their 2019 Energy and Climate Act, France gave themselves an ambitious aim of net zero emissions by 2050. In addition, they made it illegal for supermarkets to discard good quality, unsold produce, and they score particularly well on low air pollution as well.

3. Denmark

With half of the electricity on Danish shores provided by solar and wind power and a very efficient policy on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), Denmark’s rating is boosted by extremely good air quality and rich biodiversity.

4. Malta

Biodiversity is also a big win for Malta, while water is as clean in the country as anywhere on the planet, due to excellent sanitation and resources. The country is also helped by great agritourism - local people hosting in rural areas.

5. Sweden

Another Scandinavian country on the list, Sweden has low CO2 emissions, and their utilisation of renewable energy sources mean they aim to be running at 100% sustainability by 2045.

6. United Kingdom

The UK ranks extremely highly on the purity of drinking water and general sanitation levels.

In addition, while our countryside is revered the world over, our eco rating is boosted mostly by the 9,000 wind turbines scattered around the coastline, which allow for clean and sustainable energy.

7. Luxembourg

In 2005, the diminutive country set itself a target of lowering GHG emissions by more than half by 2030, with a goal of net zero by 2050. Scoring high for water and biodiversity and habitat, Luxembourg is succeeding.

8. Austria

With 40% of the country’s money set aside for green projects and 19% of agricultural land now organically farmed, Austria is doing well in the environmental stakes. In fact, that latter figure puts them top of the EU charts.

Leading countries from other continents

Oceania

New Zealand, 17th Asia

Japan, 20th North America Canada, 25th South America Trinidad and Tobago, 35th Africa

Morocco, 54th

A photographic exhibition by Tim Booth, Lighthouse

A celebration of the changing face of circus, an art form that pre-dates the Ancient Romans, Tim Booth’s stunning photographs capture the physical beauty and raw power of the human form in a series of stark, visually arresting monochrome prints of contemporary circus artists. The collection, which has already received a gold award from the Prix de la Photographie in Paris, can now be seen in the exhibition, C I R C U S, at Lighthouse Poole from 1 November until 7 January.

“The images are sculptural, it’s portraiture, but not in the traditional sense,” explains Tim. “I’m a minimalist photographer in that I remove as much as I can from a photograph, so I found I was very focussed on the physicality of the subject.”

Tim’s international reputation was forged by his award-winning book, A Show of Hands. A remarkable project, twenty years in the making, it comprised portraits of the hands of artists, artisan, musicians, labourers and makers. It was while casting a net for a new direction that the idea for C I R C U S surfaced.

“My wife teaches circus skills and I found myself at various circus camps and workshops making sure everyone had what they needed then going off to photograph landscapes. But it wasn’t moving me, and it was my wife who suggested I photograph circus people.

“Circus has changed so much in recent years, and it is coming to enjoy the elevated status as a performance art form in this country that it does in Europe. Artists train incredibly hard to develop their talents and with these images I set out to highlight their strength, skill and dedication to their art.

“Initially, I photographed people in the landscape, but the constraints of weather and light mean I’ve worked more in the studio since.” The show at Lighthouse is the first major public exhibition of the C I R C U S work and Tim explains the collection remains a work-in-progress.

“I prefer to work on one thing at a time and be completely immersed in it, so a project is only over when I feel I can no longer add anything to it, and I feel there are lots of images I’d like to take for C I R C U S. There will be a book at some stage, but I’m not sure when, so the exhibition is an opportunity to share the work and let it be seen.

“I photograph with the intention of being able to make very large prints, although I’ll make smaller sized prints available as well – not everyone has room on their walls for the very big ones. Like any artist I want my work to be seen, and my favourites are not always the ones the public respond to most, but I like the fact that when someone buys a photograph, they begin their own relationship with the work.”

Although the photographs were taken in locations all over the country, they share a common sense of space and place that runs throughout the collection, a manifestation perhaps of Tim’s deepseated connection to Dorset. He has been based in Beaminster since 2011, having fallen in love with the West Country as a teenager during family holidays.

“I always knew I’d come here to live one day – but it took 30-odd years of working in London before I made it. I just love being surrounded by fields.”

Tom Aikens’ Pro teroles

There is something so contradictory about profiteroles that they keep me coming back for more. There is the sweetness of the chocolate against the plain cream; the dryness of the pastry against the moisture that spills from the middle; and a solitary, innocent-looking ball that ends up being filling and extroverted. What I love most about profiteroles is the fact they’re easy to make yet considered luxurious and even slightly opulent; so here’s a recipe that, in a similar way, is simple, yet sensational!

Method

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the profiteroles

- 80g unsalted butter - 25g sugar

- ½ tsp salt

- 150g plain flour, sifted - 4 eggs - 2 handfuls of chopped almonds, to serve

For the crème Chantilly - 1 vanilla pod - 250ml whipping cream - 40g caster sugar - ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate sauce - 50g unsalted butter - 250ml double cream - 180g sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract - 100g cocoa powder

- 50g dark chocolate

1. Put the butter, sugar and salt for the profiteroles in a pan with 250ml of water and bring to a simmer. Add the sifted flour and stir for a good 5 minutes over a low to medium heat, until the paste comes away from the pan.

2. Transfer this immediately to a food mixer or processor with a beater attachment. Add the eggs, one by one, and beat to a smooth, shiny paste. Put this in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to cool.

3. Preheat the oven to 190°C/ gas mark 5. Spoon the choux paste into a piping bag with a plain nozzle and pipe 2.5cm blobs onto a baking tin. Each one should stand up nice and high, and you should get roughly 30 profiteroles in total. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden in colour. Pierce each one to let out the steam and cool on a wire rack before filling.

4. To make the crème Chantilly, add the vanilla seeds, scraped from the pod, to the whipping cream along with the caster sugar and vanilla extract and whip until firm. Pipe into the choux buns.

5. To make the chocolate sauce, put the butter, double cream, 180g of sugar and vanilla extract into a pan and bring to a simmer. Add the cocoa powder and whisk while continuing to cook for 5 minutes at a slow simmer. Break up the dark chocolate and put it into a bowl. Pour over the hot chocolate mixture and stir until the dark chocolate has melted, then pass the sauce through a fine sieve.

6. Drizzle the choux buns with warm chocolate sauce and sprinkle with the chopped almonds.

Puzzle Page Answers Quick Crossword Solution

Answers:

Across: 1. Avion, 4. Delight, 8. Elastic, 9. Clour, 10. Rough, 11. Inertia, 12. Kidnap,

Endure, 17. Lucigen, 19. Masks, 21. Junta, 22. Lottery, 23. Yanking, 24. Forgo.

1. Afear, 2. Iracund, 3. Natch, 4. Deceit,

Lectern, 6. Gloat, 7. Tartare, 12. Killjoy, 13. Afghani, 15. Upspear, 16. Analog, 18. Canon, 19. Motif, 20. Stylo.

What country are you in

1. Trick Question: Nepal/China (Mt Everest straddles the border)

Madagascar

Scotland

Antarctica

5. Mongolia (could also be Northern China)

Vatican City

India

South Africa

USA

Garolla VikingGarageDoors

LonghamMotorEngineers

BRWTreeandGardenServices

DouglasHutchins HWWhiteLandscaping

RedwoodLandscapes UnitedFencingSuppliesLtd

Gifts&Collectibles WardonHillTradingPost

Gyms&ExerciseGroups FerndownFitnessLtd