Dorset View January 2021

January 2021 Volume 18, Issue 6

Introducing

Portland Bill, Dorset Š Simon Garrett, front cover competition winner

Pulford Publicity's Charity of the Year

competition winners announced Have your say on the Dorset Local Plan

Happy New Year!

Your Independent Local Magazine ISSN 2397-723X (print) | ISSN 2397-7248 (online) Broadstone | Christchurch | Colehill | Ferndown | Merley | West Parley | Wimborne | Ashley Heath | Bournemouth | Canford Heath Kinson | Poole | Ringwood | St Ives | Three Legged Cross | Verwood | West Moors

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

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Picture of the month

Volume 18 • Issue 6 • January 2021

MAGS4DORSET

Dear Readers!

The end of 2020 is fast approaching and I’m looking forward to the start of a new year once again.

This year has an air of promise about it. With the vaccine programme underway, it feels like we’re heading towards a metaphorical spring, as well as an actual one. There is a sense of pervading hope and a glimmer of ‘getting life back to normal’ in the not-too-distant future.

I’ve long been a dance and gym mum, and I missed it keenly during lockdown. While the children are back to training, it’s not the same for me.

Instead of my sociable evenings, I wait by myself in my car. My new best friends are a sleeping bag and hot chocolate stash to keep me warm, and I’ve enjoyed many a good book by streetlight.

If I’m lucky, another mum will pull up next to me and we’ll chat through slightly opened windows, even if the rain is coming through the gap!

It’s not perfect but it’s a sign of better things to come. I’ll keep taking precautions, in the hope that we can do more of what we love, with the people we love sooner rather than later.

A happy and healthy new year to you all.

Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING Mark Beechey account manager mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Karen Wyatt-Epapara Deputy Editor

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Rainbow over Knowlton Church

by Tanya Tucker

How to contact us

01202 870270 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow us on FACEBOOK:

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Copy deadline

15 JANUARY 2021

Dorset View is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in Dorset View are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Dorset View and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co uk

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Have your say on Dorset Council’s local plan

A decision is to be made which will affect the lives of people in Dorset for the next 15 years – and you have the chance to put forward your views.

A consultation on the draft Dorset Council Local Plan will start in January 2021.

The local plan outlines the strategy for ensuring the growth that the area needs happens

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in the right places, and is of the right character and quality, while protecting Dorset’s natural environment and acting on climate change. It also ensures that the right level of community services is provided, including schools, as well as retail, leisure and other community facilities.

Once adopted, the

DORSET VIEW January 2021

local plan, alongside any neighbourhood plans, will be the legal starting point in determining planning applications for the area.

The council is required to consult with a range of stakeholders including public bodies such as the Environment Agency and voluntary bodies such as local charities.

In addition, the council will continue to consult with town and parish councils.

The Duty to Cooperate, a legal test that requires cooperation with neighbouring planning authorities, means that the council will be talking to neighbouring councils to ensure that all housing and employment needs have been met.

The first Dorset Council Local Plan consultation will begin this month and will last for eight weeks.

There will be a further opportunity to comment in late 2021 before the plan is submitted for independent examination and adopted in 2023.

The draft Dorset Council Local Plan will be available on the council’s website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/dorset-local-plan.

During the consultation, there will be displays in libraries where you can borrow a hard copy of the plan. A dedicated phone line will be available for enquiries from Monday to Friday.

The council will also be

holding virtual webinars on key themes within the local plan.

There is also a series of podcasts that have been developed to help people understand key local plan topics such as consultation, housing, the Green Belt and infrastructure (including roads and public transport). These are available via Spotify, iTunes and Anchor.

The draft Dorset Council Local Plan has used all the information gathered by the former borough and district councils.

Neighbourhood plans will be used in conjunction with the overall Dorset Council Local Plan to inform planning decisions.

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Consultation on reduction of intake to Hillside First School

Man found guilty of raping woman as she slept

There is still time for people to put forward their views on reducing the intake to the Verwood school from 60 to 30 children.

A man has been found guilty of raping a woman in Bournemouth as she slept.

Marti Nicholas Reynolds, 29 and of Baardwyk Avenue, Canvey Island, was convicted on 9 December 2020 of rape following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court. He was found not guilty of a second rape offence.

He will return to the same court on Thursday 14 January 2021 to be sentenced.

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, you can report it directly to the police. Call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.

By Marilyn Barber The number of children admitted to Hillside First School in Verwood could in the future be reduced from 60 to 30 children.

Wimborne Academy Trust has begun a consultation process on this issue as it says there has been a reduction in the number of young families living locally.

The change would mean that Hillside would have one class per year group instead of two.

At present there are 90 school places in Verwood each year for children wishing to attend a church school, and a further 60 places for families who wish to choose a nondenominational education.

In a letter to parents, David Morgan, chairman of the Academy Committee, Hillside First School said, “If the proposed changes take place, there will be 90 church school places and just 30 nonchurch school places. This should not be a discussion about being anti-religion, but rather pro-choice.

Local families, unable to secure a non-denominational school place will be forced to travel of out catchment for their education.”

Mr Morgan said that a reduction in the number of school classes will also result in decreased funding for Hillside, and an inevitable reduction in the number of teaching and support staff. He said this could easily lead to the deterioration of the school’s provision.

He added, “The decision could affect the viability of the Preschool, as well as the wrap around care provided through the Breakfast Club and After School Club. A lack of viable wrap around care will negatively impact the decision to pick Hillside for working parents.

“The building of new homes in Verwood is likely to result in around 200 new houses over the coming year, and as a consequence, it seems short sighted to reduce the number of school places available.”

The consultation ends on Friday 15 January, and Mr Morgan is urging parents and local people to put forward their views in writing to the school or by emailing office@ hillsidefirst.dorset.sch.uk.

Liz West, chief executive of Wimborne Academy Trust, said, “Our consultation at Hillside about a change in admission numbers relates to the September 2022 intake and does not affect those children intending to join next year.

“Currently none of the five reception classes in Verwood are at capacity and pupil number projections suggest they won’t be full for the next few years.

“It has therefore been necessary to look ahead at the school’s published admissions number (PAN), and we are keen to receive responses to the public consultation before the closing date of 15 January.”

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Man charged in connection with reported knifepoint robberies A man has been charged in connection with reported knifepoint robberies in Bournemouth.

The six incidents – two robberies and four attempted robberies – are reported to have occurred in Bournemouth town centre between Tuesday 24 November and Thursday 3 December 2020. It is alleged that the victims were threatened with a knife on each occasion.

Four incidents occurred on the night of Tuesday 24 November 2020 near to the Lansdowne Roundabout, the East Cliff, the junction of Lansdowne Road and Holdenhurst Road and near to Asda at the St Pauls Roundabout.

A further was reported to have occurred at 11.20pm on Monday 30 November 2020 in Howard Road.

A sixth incident was reported in Lowther Road on the evening of Thursday 3 December 2020.

A 23-year-old local man was arrested on Thursday 3 December 2020. He was charged with two

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

robbery offences and four counts of attempted robbery and appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 5 December 2020.

He is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 5 January 2021.

Detective Constable Christian Bryant, of Dorset Police’s priority crime team, said, “Our investigation into these reported incidents remain ongoing. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who lives in the area of Howard Road and may have captured anything of relevance on their home CCTV systems.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, via email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200177194. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

Cllr Mark Anderson, left, with Peter Hardy of Eco Sustainable Solutions

Council waste contract awarded A Parley-based organic recycling specialist has won a multi-million-pound waste handling contract with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP).

Eco Sustainable Solutions will process all the organic wastes generated in the BCP region in an exclusive four-year deal with an option to extend to up to 10 years.

The annual amounts specified include 21,000 tonnes of green or garden waste, 8,000 tonnes of wood, 4,750 tonnes of food waste and 4,500 tonnes of organic rubbish collected through street sweeping.

The materials will be diverted away from landfill by recycling them into compost, mulch, soil, turf and green energy such as low-carbon biofuels, electricity and heat.

The processing will be done at Eco’s main 14-acre site in Parley and its anaerobic digestion plant at Piddlehinton near Dorchester.

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Poole Hospital Dorset car parking charges agreed collects one tonne of bras Poole Hospital’s Dorset Breast Screening Unit (DBSU) has donated over one tonne of bras to help fund vital breast cancer research since establishing a bra bank in 2016. It is working with Against Breast Cancer, a charity funding research into secondary spread breast cancer, which is the main cause of breast cancer related deaths.

Cheryl Williams, lead trainer and senior radiographer in DBSU, said, “The idea to start the bra bank came after I met a lady who was collecting bras to send to Africa.

“This got me thinking about the possibility of doing something similar in DBSU that would help charity."

The bras are collected from the unit and weighed by a local recycling company. When one tonne is reached, the recycling company informs the charity and donates £700. This funding is used in pioneering breast cancer research through innovative projects and research fellowships.

Allie Wilson, recycling and customer service manager at Against Breast Cancer, said, “We are extremely grateful to DBSU who, with dedication and hard work, has collected a massive one tonne of bras over the past six years.

“There are around 9,000 bras in a tonne which is a huge amount to have collected and donated.”

The bras are sent to Ghana, Togo and Kenya where the cost of producing them is high. Bras that can be are reused, and those beyond redemption are deconstructed with these parts being used to support local businesses in these countries.

Dorset Council has had a rethink on changes to car parking charges.

Town and parish councils were unhappy about the proposal to extend charges up until 8pm and so the cabinet has agreed that they should remain at 6pm.

Charges for Sunday parking remain, but town and parish councils can ask for free days for special events.

The changes will come into effect on 1 February 2021.

Further changes to car parking arrangements – including resident and shoppers permits – will be discussed in the New Year.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said, “We have listened to the concerns around the

changes to car parking arrangements and amended our recommendations accordingly. I feel that the new changes strike a balance between supporting our town centres and high streets, as well as ensuring charging is fair and can sustain our car parks across the county.

I’d like to thank the many councillors and officers who have provided feedback and worked hard to get this result, which I am very pleased with.”

L-R: Lisa Bisset, director of DBSU and Cheryl Williams, lead trainer and senior radiographer in DBSU

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Air ambulance to get a lift

Grant for bereavement counselling

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will be the recipient of money raised in 2021.

Dorset-based funeral group Douch Family Funeral Directors has named the service as its charity of the year and hopes to raise thousands of pounds from a

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

series of fundraising activities during the next 12 months.

Lara Battersby, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance communications officer, said, “It is with thanks to

the incredible support and generosity of the public that we have been able to continue providing prehospital critical care for our patients, for 19 hours per day throughout the pandemic.

“With no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery, we rely on the public to help us raise our operational costs of over £5 million a year; each lifesaving mission costs approximately £3,000.

“We are extremely grateful to receive this support and wish everyone involved a fantastic year of fundraising.”

Talbot Village Trust has donated £10,000 to support Forest Holme Hospice in providing counselling services to those experiencing grief.

The virtual sessions with a qualified counsellor provide individuals with a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings surrounding the loss of a loved one.

Paul Tucker, fundraising and communications manager at Forest Holme Hospice, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on families who are experiencing loss.

Due to rules around social distancing, people are often not able to have a proper funeral or be close to their relatives during end of life stages.

“Thanks to funding from the Trust, we have been able to help families navigate through an extremely stressful period. These sessions have proved to be essential during this particularly challenging time, and the need for them is reflected by the rapid increase in demand that we are experiencing.”

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New Wimborne Town Football Club built Impressive new facilities for Wimborne Town Football Club (WTFC) have been built off Leigh Road and Parmiter Drive.

The new facility provides two pitches, spectator stands, a clubhouse and parking. It was due to be transferred to Dorset Council who is required, under the terms of builder Wyatt Homes’ planning permission, to lease the facility to WTFC at a peppercorn rent.

The two pitches and spectator stands are to FA standard (national grade category C). The new clubhouse is bespoke and will enhance the operation of the club and provide a better experience for visitors. In particular, the kitchen and its high-quality appliances will allow the club to cater for community events. The main function room can be divided in two, to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for hire by community groups or by individuals for private functions.

Former football manager Harry Redknapp joined a tour of the impressive new facilities at WTFC. David Wyatt, managing director at Wyatt Homes, said, “We recognise the importance of WTFC to the community, in particular in encouraging young people to be active and we are proud to provide a new and much improved club facility that will help sustain WTFC into the future.”

He added, “Wyatt Homes has been supporting WTFC at their former Cuthbury site by providing sponsorship, rent-free continued use of the site, and helping them to meet the higher FA ground standards by carrying out facility improvements. We are delighted to now provide the new club facility which secures WTFC’s presence in the town.

We hope this will enable WTFC to go from strength to strength.”

Tony Grant, a director of WTFC said, “I have been

involved with Wimborne Town Football Club for many years and there has been talk of a new ground for at least 10 years. Although we are sad to

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be leaving the old ground along with the history and memories it holds, we are looking forward to the move to our new site where we can make new memories.”

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law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

To marry or not to marry?

That is the question

By Nicola Lowe, Managing Partner, Harold G Walker

This is more a legal question than a romantic one. Whether or not to get married can have many different legal implications that you need to consider.

Intestacy rules The law of intestacy covers what happen to an estate when someone dies without making a will and it applies very differently to married couples or those in a civil partnership than to cohabiting couples. The most essential point to note is that the law of intestacy does not give any rights to cohabiting couples. It is crucial that unmarried couples make a will to ensure that they leave their estate to their partner to ensure their financial security or to appoint them as the legal guardian of any children. In contrast, the intestacy rules make automatic provision for married couples.

Inheritance tax If you are married there are significant tax savings to be made. Inheritance tax is paid at 40 per cent on assets in excess of £325,000. If you are married you can utilise the spouse exemption and the Nil Rate Band, which means everything can pass to the spouse free of tax. If you are not married, then tax will be payable at 40 per cent on all assets over £325,000. This could leave the survivor in financial difficulty and is a situation that could be avoided by being married. On the death of the surviving cohabitee the assets could attract a further payment in respect of inheritance tax.

Property ownership Cohabiting couples should check the way in which they co-own any property to ensure that on the first death the share of the property passes to the survivor. If the property is purchased as tenants in common the portion of the property owned by the deceased will not automatically pass to the survivor and to ensure that your partner does not have to sell the property you should make a will to protect them.

As unromantic as it might be there are legal advantages to being married. To ensure that your loved ones are protected speak to one of H G Walker Solicitors specialists.

This column is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

Port of Poole increases infection security

Passengers travelling through the Port of Poole will now benefit from enhanced security from the threat of COVID-19, with the installation of a new temperature screening system.

By screening temperatures of every single passenger, visitor and employee passing through the terminal, the port authorities are reducing the risk of allowing someone who is infected onto a passenger ferry or cargo ship.

The new system is non-contact and calculates core body temperatures through a rapid test procedure that lasts less than two seconds.

The system will operate alongside existing strict procedures that the port has in place; the port continually monitors and follows the latest government advice, including providing hand washing facilities, the use of facial coverings and social distancing measures. Sanitiser stations and greater seating space have been added. Passengers and employees will be screened as they move through the departure lounge and into the restricted area before boarding.

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Bournemouth Freemasons donate £750 to food bank During the pandemic the demand on food banks has increased, so a £750 donation from the Knole Lodge of Freemasons to the Bournemouth Food Bank has been welcomed.

Over the last four years the lodge has donated £3,000 in cash and kind, including toys, knitted items and ornamental garden wheelbarrows.

The food bank is run in partnership with local churches and is based in St George’s Methodist Church.

Paul Poyntz, who is master of the lodge, said, “It’s been harder than usual to raise money this year, but our members have again stepped up.

“We’ve supported the food bank with money, toys and other donations and know how it really helps improve the lives of families, particularly at Christmas.”

John, office manager of the food bank, said, “Knole Lodge are strong supporters of ours and help in practical ways, giving their money and time. We receive assistance from other lodges and everything donated makes a real difference to the lives of people in the area.”

John Saborido, office manager at Bournemouth Food Bank, with Tony Drake and Paul Poyntz from Knole Lodge of Freemasons

Dorset LEP appoints new chair The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board has appointed Cecilia Bufton as its new chair.

Cecilia has worked for a range of businesses including multinationals and SMEs and brings a wealth of private sector experience to the board. In her successful 30-year career, she has held senior roles with responsibility for the strategic direction and financial performance of businesses in the UK and globally.

With a focus in strategic business development in the health and care sectors, Cecilia was most recently involved in developing innovative, digital technology enabled products and services that help change the way healthcare is delivered.

Cecilia will drive forward Dorset LEP’s ambition to put Dorset on the map to secure investment from the government and the private sector.

Domestic abuse prevention scheme An innovative domestic abuse prevention scheme is to target Dorset’s most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators.

The Drive Programme, which has a track record in reducing reoffending rates, will work with those deemed as being the county’s high harm and high risk domestic abusers.

Under the scheme, Dorset Police will write to people who have been identified as serial offenders, and offer resources to help them change their behaviour. Each perpetrator will be assigned a Drive case manager who will work with multi-agency safeguarding partners to disrupt their ability to use abuse, while also working with them on interventions that aid behavioural change, such as support with substance abuse or mental health problems.

It is hoped the scheme will be operating by January and will be working with up to 100 perpetrators later in 2021.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said, “Domestic abuse is a damaging crime which ruins lives and destroys families.

“This scheme, which has been so successful in other parts of the country, will help us turn the tide, stopping perpetrators continuing their abuse and moving onto the next victim, and will protect vulnerable people here in Dorset.”

Man jailed for drug and offensive weapon offences

A man who was found in possession of stun guns, knives, drugs and cash following neighbourhood patrols in West Dorset has been jailed for three years following a review by the Court of Appeal.

Lewis Jay Davis, 25 and of Yeo Valley, Stoford in Yeovil, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 25 September 2020 after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of MDMA and cannabis, possession of criminal property, possession of prohibited weapons and possession of a lock knife.

He was told his sentence would be deferred for six months, to Friday 12 March 2021, with the condition that he engaged with counselling and therapy, did not reoffend or take drugs and maintained his job and personal life.

However, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal and on Wednesday 2 December 2020 the sentence was found to be unduly lenient and he was sentenced to an immediate three-year prison term.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity .

Bonding through baby massage Experts have long advised that baby massage is a positive way for parents to calm, and bond with, their newborn child.

Dorset Healthcare’s perinatal service has put together a series of videos that provide simple, practical tips on

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how to do it.

Nursery nurse Claire Starling says baby massage has a range of benefits for both parents and children, from easing teething pains to improving sleep patterns. She has created a number of short clips to help demonstrate how a baby can be soothed and relaxed through two different massage techniques.

Claire said, “Baby massage not only helps the baby, it provides an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their child instead of just seeing to their daily needs.

“It helps gain a deeper and

DORSET VIEW January 2021

more confident understanding of their baby's behaviour, crying and body language to increase the ability to nurture and care for their child.

“Massage not only has the physical effect of soothing and calming a baby’s body, it also has psychological effects – giving them a sense of feeling safe, secure, loved and cared for. It’s an ideal way to

enhance bonding and attachment.”

Baby massage can also sooth babies to sleep, aid digestion, ease teething pains, improve circulation and improve weight gain.

Research also suggests it can significantly help mums who may be suffering with post-natal depression, or are at risk of depression, to interact with their child.

Claire added, “You

can massage your baby as much as you want.

Some parents give daily massage as part of a routine, especially at night to sooth them to sleep. Others choose to massage their baby when they want to feel close to them or want to offer a different activity.”

The films are available online at: www. dorsethealthcare.nhs. uk/baby-massagevideos

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health and care

Spend more time outdoors

By Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK While the days are short, you may feel less motivated to go outdoors for regular exercise. Spending time outdoors can help to improve both your physical and mental health.

What’s more, if you do something that gets your heart beating faster, warms you up and leaves you feeling slightly out of breath, it will benefit your heart too. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the great outdoors to help keep your mind, body and heart in sound health.

They say there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. When you go outdoors, make sure you wear suitable clothing to stay warm and dry.

Feeling cold and wet is a miserable experience and it may deter you from

going out regularly.

Start each day by wrapping up warm and heading out for a stroll around the garden, neighbourhood or local park. You could take a hot drink to help you to stay warm.

Getting out on your bike can be more challenging in the cold, dark winter months. Why not blow away the cobwebs as you discover local cycle routes on your bike? Don’t forget to take your bicycle lights with you so you don’t get caught out if it gets dark.

Look out for opportunities in your daily schedule to get up and go outdoors, even if it is just for 10 minutes. Try to plan activities in your diary to make you get outdoors every day.

Check your Type 2 diabetes risk Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes.

It is a serious health condition that can cause long term health problems including sight loss, kidney failure, loss of a limb, and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. It can have a huge impact on you and your family and can mean lots of changes to the way you live your life. Those with diabetes also now face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19.

You can find out if you are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes and get support to lower your risk if you need it via a free, local Healthier You NHS diabetes prevention programme.

The Diabetes UK risk tool can help you calculate your risk. If you are

calculated to be at medium or high risk, you will be offered access to your free local NHS Healthier You service, Living Well, Taking Control.

The service includes tips on eating well, weight loss and physical activity, and help to keep you focused and motivated on your goals. It is run by trained health coaches, and you’ll be able to get to know other people in your area who are also trying to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes, all in a contact-free way.

To assess your risk, go to riskscore.diabetes. org.uk/start

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

r a e y w e N

new you!

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Never has the idea of a new start of a new year been more appealing. I’m sure most of us would like to get out of bed on 1 January 2021 and feel the shackles of 2020 falling away.

Whether you found the lockdowns of 2020 hard, or whether it gave you time to regroup, centre and move forward with your personal goals, the arrival of a new year is the perfect opportunity to take stock and start afresh.

Setting goals is a positive way to start the year. It is best to focus on the thing that is most important to you – would you like to get fit or lose weight, take steps to live

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

a healthier lifestyle, start that project you’ve been dreaming about or upskill to take on your dream job?

Your goal can be big or small, as long as it resonates with you. Start small and don’t try to change everything in one go – it’ll be easier to create and maintain new habits if they’re manageable for you and you don’t have to rearrange your whole life to accommodate them.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Living more healthily, especially after the indulgences of Christmas is a common goal. Never does a plate of vegetables look more appetising than after a few days of Christmas holiday gluttony!

Start by aiming for your five a day and you will soon find you get back into a better pattern of eating.

Bulking out your meals with vegetables is a good way to reduce calories and adding a portion of protein will help fill you up too. If you would like to lose more weight than the few Christmas pounds

put on, it’s worth shopping around to find a diet plan that suits you. Most work on the same premise – fewer calories in than energy expended – so you’ll need to look for one that includes food you like and has the level of support that works for you.

Exercise can help improve your overall health, both physical and mental.

You can’t beat getting outside for a walk or run but, when it gets dark early and you don’t want to step outside without numerous layers of clothing, it’s easy to make excuses.

Committing to a class or gym slot can be a great motivator, and also means you have access to professional support in the guise of a personal trainer or class leader.

Why not try a new look? Track suit bottoms, hoodies or pyjamas may have been the lockdown go to for many, but there is something about having

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your hair done and putting on clothes that make you feel good about yourself that make you head out into the world with confidence and your head held high.

Or think about those long held dreams that you’ve not been brave enough to chase.

What can you do to put yourself on the path to achieving them?

Any step you take will get you a step closer to your goal.

2021 is here for the taking – what are you waiting for?

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Pulford Publicity’s

Josie with her masks

Charity of the Year

Hello, and Happy New Year!

We are thrilled to be chosen as Pulford Publicity's Charity of the Year for 2021, what a privilege. For those of you who don’t know us, here are the quick facts: • We are Dorset’s disability charity, the only organisation in the county supporting children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities • Our services include a specialist school, respite care for children and adults, 24/7 care in the home, school holiday play sessions for families, an Advice Team, and so much more • We have managed to run pretty much all of these in one form or another throughout the pandemic to continue our support • Each year we provide around 250,000 hours of care, costing us £18,000 per day • For every £1 donated, 84 pence goes back into running our vital services For our first column of the year, we wanted to let you know a bit about some of the events we’ve got coming up over the next

few months – remember when we could do events all the time? Our Dorset Neon Run is back on 24 April, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get back into any exercising habits that lockdown encouraged. It’s a 5k around Poole Park and you can run, walk, dance or jog your way around the course. We’ll be taking all the guidelines into consideration, and early bird entries are open now.

If that’s not your thing, how about taking on Dorset Three Peaks? Trek across Pilsdon Pen, Lewesdon Hill, and Bulbarrow Hill on Saturday 19 June.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events to find out more about both of these.

That’s all for this month, here’s hoping we can meet some of you in person soon.

Keep safe and best wishes, Cat and the team at Diverse Abilities

Ofsted warns of risk to children ‘out of sight’ during pandemic There are warnings that the invisibility of vulnerable children as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic should be a matter of national concern.

Chief inspector of education and children’s social care, Amanda Spielman, said school closures during the first national lockdown had a ‘dramatic impact’ on the number of child protection referrals made to local authorities. While referrals have now increased, they have yet to return to previous levels - raising fears that abuse could now be going undetected.

Ms Spielman said, “Teachers are often the eyes that spot signs of abuse and the ears that hear stories of neglect. Closing schools didn’t just leave the children who - unbeknown to others - suffer at home without respite, it also took them out of sight of those who could help.

“When nurseries and schools closed in March, they were told to remain open to the most vulnerable – which of course meant those whose need was already identified.

And even of these, we know that relatively few actually attended. The rest stayed at home – some, inevitably, in harm’s way.”

Ofsted’s annual report finds that the low numbers of children who attended school

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

during the first national lockdown, combined with disruption to community health services, directly affected the ability of local safeguarding partners to identify children and families in need of early help and protection. As a result, local authorities are now more likely to be responding to a legacy of abuse and neglect. The chief inspector said it is imperative that all agencies now work together to prioritise the most urgent cases.

The Annual Report notes that pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have been particularly affected by the pandemic. Their access to additional support and healthcare was sharply reduced during the lockdown, and early identification and assessment suffered when they were not in school. For some children, this will cause lasting harm.

Ms Spielman added, “2020 has been an extraordinary year. We have seen heroic efforts made, and I would like to thank all our teachers, social workers, childminders, leaders and everyone working in education and children’s social care for going above and beyond in the most trying circumstances, and continuing to put children and young people first.”

Highcliffe choir raises funds for Macmillan Caring Locally The Diamond Divas ladies’ choir has raised over £40,000 for the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch through various fundraising ideas during lockdown – including making colourful masks.

The 20-strong choir, based in Highcliffe, has for the last eight years been performing in aid of Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL), the charity which supports the palliative care unit.

Concerts traditionally take place in care homes, local churches and at WI groups, as well as outside supermarkets over Christmas.

While the COVID-19 epidemic forced the Divas to cancel their live performances, they decided to diversify and find alternative ways to fundraise.

Josie Spicer, the choir’s coordinator said, “It has been terribly frustrating not to be able to perform and very upsetting to cancel our concerts. We are a fun and very sociable choir, which thrives on interaction and the joy we spread through our singing.

“But we are also adaptable and very determined, so we simply looked for ways to fundraise for MCL in a non-musical way.”

Between them the choir members have sold plants, books, puzzles, DVDs and handmade crafts, and made and sold jams and pickles and fabric face masks.

Funds from selling masks have now topped £2,000, bringing the total raised by the Divas since March to over £3,000.

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foodie news

Delicious recipes from award-winning cookbook From renowned Welsh chef Kate Probert, this simple to make cranberry and thyme bread is perfect for lazy winter afternoons.

The recipe features in Kate’s book From Mountain to Sea, which has won the International award in the Countries & Regions category of the UK Gourmand Awards 2020.

The book evokes the magic of French cuisine, the pleasures of a life spent cooking and eating in France and Wales, and the joy of entertaining with food. Kate, who runs a popular cookery school on the Gower peninsular, L’Amuse Chez Kate, previously ran a guidebook recognised restaurant in Mumbles, Swansea.

From Mountain to Sea reflects many years spent living between Gower and a chalet in Chamonix, France. The recipes include French breads, canapes, amuse-bouches, entrees, main courses, cheese courses and indulgent desserts.

From Mountain to Sea is available from Waterstones and other bookshops, and from Kate’s website, frommountaintosea.co.uk.

Cranberry and thyme bread 500g white bread flour 1½ tsp dried yeast 2 tbs olive oil 1 tbs dried cranberries 1 tbs dried thyme 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar About 225ml warm water To finish: beaten egg, sesame and poppy seeds • Put the flour, salt, yeast, sugar and oil into the bowl of your mixer.

• Add the thyme and cranberries.

• Mix to a soft dough with the warm water.

• Mix for three to four minutes.

• Divide the dough into two and divide each piece into eight blobs.

• Form them into the desired shape and place on a baking sheet. Leave to prove for about one hour.

• Top with a little beaten egg, and sprinkle with seeds.

• Cook in a hot oven – 210 degrees - for about 10 minutes until the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

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| 19

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

Poetry competition results £525 charity donation

and

“Congratulations to the winners of our poetry competition held to raise money for our charity of the year 2020 – the MS Society Hub at West Parley,” said editor of Dorset View, Janine Pulford.

“All the entries were exceptionally good and I’d like to thank everyone who entered. It was really hard to choose the winners.”

EFFECTS OF2020 No Goodbye (1st) Stephen Bryant Sometimes I'm numb and I sit and stare And think of your last moments in that chair.

I wonder if through the pain You thought of me and called my name.

If only... If only, I could have been there I never wanted you to travel that far.

You left me to be my shining star.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

Results: Effects of 2020 1st No Goodbye, Stephen Bryant, Broadstone Joint 2nd What I did in 2020…, Mike Lawrence, Wimborne, and Hyperactive in Lockdown, Carolyn Fathers, Poole Litter 1st The Glitter Trail, Sue Millett, West Moors 2nd Twitchers Paradise, Jayne Chick, Wimborne Highly commended: My day at Durdle Door, Louis Stuart Elliot (age 11), France. Louis sent his poem via his grandparents in Ringwood.

Hyperactive in lockdown (2nd) Carolyn Fathers I’m learning how to paint and draw I’ll teach my dog to give a paw, Each day I’ll have a yoga session And then complete my German lesson.

Start the starter for the sourdough Coax my indoor herbs to grow.

Tidy up the living room Then talk to all my friends on Zoom.

I’ll find a cure for writer’s block, And make a face mask from a sock.

Tidy up the mess and clutter Maybe learn to churn some butter?

Mix spices, marinade or rub, Send my art to Grayson’s club.

Record my voice for virtual choir, Worry that it might sound dire.

Pull the weeds and mow the grass, Keep going and the time will pass.

A walk to look at flower and tree Identify each bird I see.

Do I know the robin’s song?

Look it up in case I’m wrong.

But all I’d really like to do Is sit here in the quiet with you.

Nearly £80 was raised from entry fees and Pulford Publicity Ltd increased the donation to £500. Winner Stephen Bryant generously donated his prize money, bringing the total to £525.

A socially distanced cheque was presented by managing director Ben Pulford (in Ferndown) to the branch chairman of the MS Hub, Rod Slip (in Ringwood).

Rod said, “I am so very grateful to receive such a generous donation which we will certainly put to good use for the benefit of our members.”

What I did in 2020… (2nd) Mike Lawrence I thought nothing of lying in bed Or reclining in my chair Nothing to eat for breakfast My kitchen cupboards were bare There was nothing on television That I hadn’t seen before And nothing’s happening at my pub As the landlord’s locked the door My football team is grounded Nothing warned me it would come to this Nothing but cardboard cut-out fans To see the team hug and kiss I’d nothing to do in a garden Because I live in a third floor flat.

Nothing beat clapping on Thursdays Nothing stopped me from doing that Nothing stopped my hair from growing There’s nowhere I can get it cut I hope my teeth behave themselves Whilst my Dentist is still shut Maybe sometime later in this year When friends ask, ‘What do you do all day?’

I’ll scratch my head, nod and wink …’Oh, nothing’ – I will say.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

LITTER

My day at Durdle Door (Highly commended) Louis Stuart Elliott

Twitchers Paradise (2nd) Jayne Chick

The Glitter Trail (1st) Sue Millett Down by the river there’s a trail Of tinsel and gold baubles, Some are bobbing like apples, In a stagnant backwater, Held back by a fallen branch On the bankside a black bag, Slumped against a muddy mattress, Lies dying of a gaping wound.

Climbing the five-bar gate, the grassland in all its glory.

Hoping to observe the avian migratory story.

My bird buddies have already started to arrive, Coming into land safely, not with the fatal beak-dive.

A congregation of Egrets and a murder of Crows Crowding round the natural pond waiting for their lunch to show.

What is that in the corner, raptor maybe, I don’t know?

I need to get closer cos at the moment it’s John Doe. Camera at the ready, my excitement is highly grand, As this could be a new breed in the avian expand.

I am euphoric as I've found a new species, I think?

And I’m going to name it the Great Spotted Kitchen Sink.

The more attention I pay, recognition grows higher.

I’m sure I have just spotted the Long-Tailed Tumble Dryer.

Before I had time to think about the designer.

Over the hedge, with ease, flew the Black Backed Dustbin Liner.

Then up fired the engine of the outright human kippers.

And it's Bob and his mates, the dreaded Pied Fly Tippers.

In a million years they’ll puzzle Over fragments of glitter When digging for evidence Of the last Plasticene – the Age That killed most birds and bees Before the evolution of new Litter-eating forms that could Turn the trash back into trees.

I am a British boy I live in France I visit my Grandparents When I get a chance They live in the forest One day they said We are off to the beach Get out of bed We went to a place Called Durdle Door So full of wonder Who could ask for more?

A magazine photo, Was sent to me.

I couldn’t believe How nasty and lazy Some people could be.

There is one place Litter louts cannot be That’s in my memory Of my day by the sea.

Front Cover Photographic Competition – Winter 2020

Runners Up

Subject: Winter View in Dorset Classification: Sunset / Sunrise Winner: Simon Garratt

WINNER SIMON GARRATT TALKS TO LOUIS PULFORD Where are you based?

I am based In Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.

Where was the photo taken?

The photo was taken at Pulpit Rock at Portland in Dorset facing west along the cliffs.

What gear do you use?

I shoot with a Canon cropped sensor EOS90D with various lenses, and a range of LEE filters to control how each shot looks and feels. I generally shoot landscapes on tripod most of the time. In this case I used a LEE Little stopper Nd for an exposure time of 30 seconds to get the milky water effect.

What is your favourite time of day to take photos?

Generally first thing in the morning before the sun actually breaks the horizon, especially in spring and autumn when there is good mist to create atmosphere in the shot.

How long have you been into photography?

Well over 20 years now, I originally started with underwater photography, and moved into landscapes and other subjects later. My time now is split between shooting professionally, teaching photography, and my day job working for UK camera filter manufacturer LEE Filters.

What compels you to go and take photos?

I find it's an incredibly therapeutic pastime, both relaxing and challenging at the same time allowing you to get lost in the moment and to forget everything else that stresses you out on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to someone who is planning to take up photography in the Dorset area?

Dorset has a huge range of locations to shoot, both inland but especially its unique coastline which is world class. The real

key is to buy the best kit you can afford and then practise, practise, practise... The camera doesn't take a good or a bad shot, it simply replicates what you point it at.

Do you have a website where our readers can see more of your work? simongarratt1969.wixsite.com/ srgfineartlandscapes

Andy Byrne | Durdle Door

Do you have anything else you wish to add?

When you are out shooting, please dress accordingly and respect both the environment and the location. Never put yourself at risk, and only leave footprints behind.

SPRING Competition now live on www.dorsetview.co.uk

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Steve Hogan | River Frome

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pets and wildlife / an animal's eyes speak a poweful language.

Despicable crime Criminal gangs involved in coursing are targeting farms in Dorset Coursing is the illegal activity of using dogs acting on sight to chase animals such as the brown hare and deer.

A recent incident occurred in fields close to the Christchurch Bypass when a female deer was bitten, dragged along with bungee cords attached and then dumped.

While the activity is considered a hobby for those involved, large sums of money, often linked to organised crime, are used for betting on the dogs used. The highest number of incidents of hare coursing in the county occur in north east Dorset, where there are pockets of brown hare in their favoured habitat of arable fields.

Offenders will often walk or use their vehicles to drive across the fields, flushing out hares, then releasing dogs, often causing damage not only to the soil or seeded crops, but also to gates, hedgerows and fencing.

Farmers have reported being threatened and intimidated by these individuals and they can leave livestock gates open on purpose. Other crimes this

year included criminals driving their vehicles in to sheep grazing.

They also go deer coursing at night. They stun the deer with lamps or headlights, then chase and ram into them with their vehicles. Dogs can be released on exhausted deer.

No regard is shown to the wildlife they terrorise or the surrounding habitat Female deer cruelly they damage. The deer targeted in Christchurch are often left in situ or some heads are taken as or deer coursing in progress. It can be day trophies. or night, with incidents increasing from The dogs themselves are often kept autumn to winter. Consider filming them in dirty kennels with bare concrete or if safe to do so and they are unaware and wooden floors. Dogs that tire or do not capture vehicle registrations.� perform well are dumped.

Police constable Claire Dinsdale, of the The public are urged to report signs of rural crime team, said, “Local residents, coursing using 101@dorset.pnn.police. cyclists, horse riders and motorists are uk or online at www.dorset.police.uk/ asked to call 999 for any suspected hare do-it-online/.

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Ethical vets and our community duty

Amidst the normal resolutions, this January there is a new purpose blowing in on the cold breeze. It can be summed up in three words: community, care and conscience.

Meeting and supporting so many of you at our practices, we take seriously our duties not just towards your pets but to wider society.

At Lynwood we have always been actively involved with charitable work. Over the last few years, we have supported Pets As Therapy and Hearing Dogs for Deaf.

Marathons have been run for MIND, Vasculitis UK, and the British Thyroid Foundation. We have recently started supporting AFC Bournemouth too, and many local groups and teams.

Becoming a vet, you take an oath to protect animal welfare above all. We would never allow an animal to suffer unnecessarily, for instance a cat hit by a car will be treated like any other even if there is no owner to pay the bill. We also treat any wildlife brought to us and will do our utmost to get them fit and back into the wild.

We work with Cats Protection, the RSPCA and our staff have volunteered with StreetVet, providing healthcare for homeless pets.

During COVID we supported many of the most vulnerable with home delivery and collection, an essential service for those in isolation.

Regarding the environment we have pioneered PPE recycling project for veterinary practices. Our aspiration is to develop a net carbon neutral practice within the next 10 years.

This is just the start. Our New Year resolution is this: to put as much back into the Dorset community as we can, in every way we can, to build a better future for everyone.

From the team at Lynwood Vets

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

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around & about

Fundraising campaign for Thomas Hardy archive Dorset Archives Trust (DAT) has started a campaign to raise the final £5,000 needed to purchase a collection of important manuscript and printed material once owned

by Thomas Hardy.

If successful, the collection will be returned to the county and held for public benefit and access at Dorset History Centre. The collection includes books that once formed part of Hardy’s own library at Max Gate, letters from him, a poem by Hardy referring to the embarkation of soldiers for service in the Boer War and the typescript of the speech he delivered at the opening of Dorchester Grammar School in 1925.

The collection is the most

significant to have been offered for sale for many years and, if acquired, will sit alongside the principal Hardy archive housed in the Dorset History Centre, which is mainly owned by Dorset County Museum.

Carola Campbell, chairman of Dorset Archives Trust said, “The Trust is thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire this collection on behalf of the Dorset History Centre.

Particularly exciting are the new insights this once hidden treasure of archival material reveals about the private thoughts and life of Thomas Hardy.”

The asking price for the collection is £50,000 but thanks to generous

Rotary’s Jazz at the Allendale cancelled

A photo of Thomas Hardy age 32

grants from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Fund and Friends of the National Libraries, there remains £5,000 to raise.

Donations can be made online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ thomashardycollection. Alternately, cheques can be sent to Dorset Archives Trust, c/o Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset.

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With the continuing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Wimborne Rotary has decided to cancel its forthcoming annual Jazz at the Allendale charity concert, scheduled for 8 February.

Organiser, Rotarian Darryl Reach, said, “We very much regret having to abandon next year’s event, the promotional build-up for which would normally have been well under way by now. With current restrictions likely to continue for the foreseeable future and, with the prospect of limited audience numbers being permitted, the event would simply not be viable for us.

“We have run these popular charity concerts successfully for the past eight years, during which time we have raised a total well in excess of £10,000.

“We will continue to keep the situation under review in the hope that Jazz at the Allendale can return in 2022. Meanwhile our regular fund-raising activities continue to be severely curtailed but we remain optimistic,” he added.

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| 23

Beating hardship this winter Winter in a usual year can see people facing hardship, whether it is financial, physical or psychological. In a year where we are still living with a global pandemic, this has been compounded for some.

There is help on hand if you need it.

Dorset Council and its partners are offering help to the county’s residents who may be struggling over winter, particularly families with children, people in financial difficulties and those facing loneliness and isolation over the festive season.

The hope is that no-one will fall through the cracks - vulnerable people should be able to have access to food and warm clothing for themselves and their children, and someone they can talk to if they need to.

The help on offer this winter includes: Financial issues Anyone facing financial hardship can seek help by calling the Dorset Citizens Adviceline on Freephone 0800 144 8848 or textphone 0800 144 8884.

By calling the Adviceline, anyone struggling to pay their rent, mortgage, debts or other bills can access free expert help and advice and secure a referral to a local foodbank or community food initiative if needed.

Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/reaching-out.

Coping with isolation and loneliness If you are staying at home because of COVID-19, and don’t have the support of family, friends or neighbours, you can request help from the Dorset Together team including food shopping and delivery, collection or prescriptions, dog walking and befriending.

Help can be accessed via an online form or by calling the helpline on 01305 221000, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Digital Hotline In a world where most companies and organisations want to communicate online, lacking the technology or skills to do so can leave you at a real disadvantage. If you are struggling to get online or want to improve your online skills, contact Dorset Digital Hotline on 01305 221048, Monday to Friday from 10am - noon. Outside of these times you can leave a message and a digital champion will get back to you.

If you are on a low income and do not have a broadband connection or device at home to connect to the internet, it may be possible to help you to get set up.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

As the winter progresses and we spend more time indoors, it is important to stay warm to keep healthy.

Using additional heating may be necessary, especially if you are working from home, but can bring its own risks, particularly of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is important to regularly check your smoke detector to make sure it is working. A carbon monoxide alarm is recommended to warn against the risks of poisoning.

Open fires may be relaxing and atmospheric, whereas portable heaters are handy to move around – but it’s important to use them safely: • Always use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers from an open fire • Use a metal container to store any ashes • Make sure ashes are not left near any potentially flammable objects • Ensure ashes are completely out before disposing • Make sure embers are under control and properly extinguished before you go out or go to bed • Get your chimney swept regularly • Keep heaters at least one metre (3ft) away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes • Always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed

Helping others It may be that you are not in a position of hardship this winter, but would like to help those who are. There are plenty of ways you can do so, either as an individual or as part of a business or community group or organisation.

Contact your local foodbank or community fridge to volunteer, or join a community help group to provide support to people in need.

Most towns and villages have a support group established and you can usually find the details of these on social media.

Staying fire safe

The Help and Kindness website is another good place to start. It encourages all local businesses or groups that offer food, hot meals, medicine delivery or other helpful services to the community to register so that those in need can easily access the help they need and, together, the community can tackle the social and economic impact of the pandemic.

Visit www.helpandkindness. co.uk.

• Gas fires should be serviced every year by a competent engineer Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but they can be a danger if not used properly: • Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off • Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use • Folding up electric blankets damages the internal wiring, so store them flat or rolled up instead If you would like to make sure your property is fire safe this winter, contact Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk to arrange a free Safe and Well check.

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in the home

Make some subtle changes to your home in 2021

With the vaccine rollout having started in December, we are all hoping that 2021 will be very different from 2020.

A time of new beginnings.

We have all been tidying our homes, doing a measure of dejunking, and maybe wielding a paint brush on occasions, but maybe this time indoors has made us realise that some big changes are necessary.

According to a renovation report by Money.co.uk, 65 per cent of us have decided to invest in our homes in the coming year.

Eurocell Home, a manufacturer, distributor and recycler of UPVC window and door systems looks at how you can create a stunning living space.

Creating an open space Many homeowners aspire to create a seamless link between the indoor and outdoor space of their homes. Bi-fold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years; they can create a stunning finish to a range of home styles including new builds, modern extensions or period properties. And, with a wide selection of colours and frame sizes to choose from, bi-fold doors can bring your home to life and create a wow-factor.

Bi-folds are perfect for letting natural light flood into the inside living space and can often make smaller homes feel larger, providing you with low-maintenance luxury of modern living.

Continued on p26

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| 25

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Continued from p25 Increase the floor space For many, increasing the floor space of your home is highly desirable. Whether it be attached to the house, or as a separate space in the garden, there are many different ways to create extra floor space to your home.

Fitting a conservatory is a popular option, as it’s an effective way of increasing the space within your home and creating a statement. Ensure the finish of the conservatory flows with style of your home.

French doors are beautifully suited to conservatories and can create an impressive entrance to your garden or a seamless transition through your living space.

A same level extension or lean to is also a good option for increasing floor space.

Either extended on a kitchen or living room with a large glass frontage, a lean-to extension can create more of an open plan living space.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

Home office With many people now working from home for the foreseeable future, creating a home office can help to separate work and home life.

A desirable home office would include lots of natural light, whether that be from a skylight, patio doors or a big window, natural light can make a huge difference to the working

environment. It’s also important to add personal touches to your home office – decorate it in a style you like, install good lighting and find a way of separating your office from your home life.

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in the home

Carina Court

Property prices in Banks Road, Sandbanks vary by £5million Property prices in Banks Road in Sandbanks are seriously high, with the most expensive sold recently being a five-bedroom, two bathroom house at number 117 which fetched an incredible £6.85 million in August.

However, Flat 2 in Carina Court, which has three bedrooms and a private beach chalet sold for a mere £1.76 million. This makes the road the only street out of London to feature in the top 10 biggest price differences.

As a comparison, house prices in Brompton Square in Kensington vary by over £11 million.

What can we learn from this?

Sam Mitchell, CEO at Strike, said, “It’s fascinating that house prices can vary by such large sums within a matter of metres.

Over 250 UK streets had a value range of over £1m — and this variation presents an exciting opportunity for buyers and investors.

“Let's be honest — most of us don't have seven figures to invest, but this useful insight can be used anywhere. Wherever you want to live, looking for a street with a big range in prices may reveal a savvy investment opportunity. You can find streets with big differences in prices all over the country." www.strike.co.uk

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| 27

in the home / home is where the heart is .

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Save £££s in the Broadview January sale

Make your home work harder for you

Give your home a makeover for 2021 and save £££s on internal and external shading from Poole-based Broadview Shading Solutions.

With a large showroom – one of the largest on the South Coast – located on the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Poole, Broadview have a reputation for quality workmanship from a team of professional and friendly designers and fitters.

Whether it’s kitting out the interior of your home with new window blinds or wooden shutters, or maybe shading your conservatory with made-to-measure blinds for the windows or roof, the Broadview team can help. Their helpful and creative design team can bring the vision for your home to life and with a wide range of products on offer, you’re sure to find the solution to fit your needs.

As well as internal shading, Broadview also specialise in outdoor shading for your garden. From bespoke retractable awnings in a range of colours and fabrics that will shade your patio from the elements, to complete pergola systems that

For more information, contact us on 01202 896816 or visit our website www.customworldbedrooms.co.uk

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

can be freestanding or attached to your property, or stylish and elegant parasols and umbrellas.

The outdoor pergola systems that Broadview offer, from industry leading manufacturer Brustor, can be bespoke to your requirements in terms of size, colour and options including heating, lighting, retractable louvred roofs and sliding side screens – making them the perfect space to relax or entertain all year round, not just in the warmer months.

Never has there been a better time to give your home a makeover. Call in to their showroom, give them a call on 01202 679012 to arrange a free home consultation or visit their website: www.broadview.co.uk

By Laura Delage-Pandeli This year more than ever we need our homes to work hard for us and we are immensely grateful to our customers at Custom World, new and old, who have looked to us to help make their house a home this year as we navigate our changing lifestyles.

We spend one third of our lives in bed, yet our bedrooms are one of the most neglected rooms in the home. However, this year as we understand the importance of self-care, our bedrooms have become our charging stations, and we are seeing more of our customers turning their bedrooms into luxury retreats, with sumptuous oversized headboards, floating bedsides and luxurious reflective surfaces.

We have also seen a steep increase in the design of home offices, due to the huge rise in people working from home and, as such, we have been busy designing multi functional spaces, garden offices, bedrooms and more.

If you would like to make your home work harder for you, then look no further than our space experts.

We are currently still operating normally, conducting home visits, taking safety precautions to ensure both yourselves and our designers are keeping safe.

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motoring.

What could your scrap car become?

Your scrap car can be recycled into all sorts of things you wouldn’t expect, from wedding rings to builders’ sand.

Scrap Car Comparison, the scrap vehicle comparison site, has showcased just how many products can be made from scrap cars, highlighting the leading standard of recycling innovation within the automotive industry.

Car recycling is a thriving industry. When a car is scrapped at the end of its lifecycle, it marks the start of a new beginning: • Catalytic converters produce precious metals, such as platinum. These are removed and reused for wedding rings and in pharmaceuticals • Galvanised bodywork can be recycled into batteries, paint and sun cream • Glass from windows and windscreens can be recycled into ornaments, builder’s sand and doorknobs • Engine oil can be cleaned and converted into fuel for container ships • Leather interiors can be recycled into belts or handbags High automotive recycling standards are enforced by the End of Life Vehicles Directive, meaning that authorised treatment facilities have to ensure that at least 95 per cent of a scrap car is recycled.

Discover the full range of items that scrap cars are recycled into at www.scrapcarcomparison.co.uk.

Vehicle crime arrests Officers investigating a suspected vehicle crime series in Purbeck have arrested four people.

At least 12 offences – including theft from vehicles, theft of vehicles and attempted theft – were reported to have occurred in Purbeck, including in the Wareham and Wool area between 12-24 November 2020.

On a number of occasions it was reported tools were taken from the vehicles. A bank card was also reportedly stolen on one occasion and is alleged to have then been used

fraudulently.

Following investigations by local officers, arrest enquiries were carried out on Friday 4 December 2020.

A 19-year-old woman from Wool and a 31-year-old man from Poole were arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud by false representation. A 22-year-old man from Poole and a 24-year-old woman from Wool have also been arrested on suspicion of theft.

All four have been released under investigation while officers continue to make enquiries.

Cleaning the interior of your car

By Marilyn Barber

Every time I get into my car following a country walk, I tell myself off – yet I am a persistent offender.

I know I shouldn’t drive with dirty boots, as I have had the task of cleaning the interior which had muddy footprints on the mat and pedals, not to mention the door. How did that happen?

First, it’s out with the cordless vacuum cleaner to work on the carpet, floor mats and upholstery, using the attachment to vacuum out cup holders – yes we’ve all been using these for our takeaway coffees.

And if you haven’t done it before, it is worth cleaning the door jambs – the hinges, nuts and bolts which keep the door in place – with a microfibre cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaner.

Floor mats need to be removed and washed in a soapy solution, using a scrubbing brush for difficult areas. Rinse and allow to dry before replacing in the car.

Although the recommendation is to have your carpet cleaned by professionals once a year, you could spot clean it if necessary.

Leather upholstery should be cleaned with a cleaner made for leather, and you should follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

With the emphasis on hand hygiene during the current pandemic, make sure you clean door handles, the steering wheel and handbrake very, very regularly.

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DORSET VIEW January 2021

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