Dorset View January 2024

January 2024 Volume 21, Issue 6

Happy New Year!

Metal detectorist reunites lost jewellery with owners

Miles Jupp at the Tivoli

New Year, New You

local knowledge | local reporters | local news ISSN 2397-723X (print) | ISSN 2397-7248 (online)

GPS TRACKED DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION

Broadstone | Christchurch | Colehill | Ferndown | Merley | West Parley | Wimborne | Ashley Heath | Bournemouth | Canford Heath Kinson | Poole | Ringwood | St Ives | Three Legged Cross | Verwood | West Moors

Volume 21 • Issue 6 • January 2024

DORSET VIEW

Happy New Year to you all!

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

This editorial is written pre-Christmas and as I don’t have a crystal ball, I can’t tell you how it went, but I hope yours was memorable for all the right reasons.

Still fresh on my mind are Christmas events Marilyn and I attended for our magazines and social media. There is a ‘looking back’ spread which you can see on pages 28 and 29 to round the year off. Perhaps you are in one of the photos? Have a peek.

As this is our first issue of 2024, we have dedicated space to the new year, so if you are short of ideas for a ‘new you’ turn to pages 2229. There’s no need to go as far as our director, Louis, who had all his dreadlocks cut off for charity (pre-Christmas) after 17 years of growing them, but if you are going to do something drastic, do let us know.

We recently said farewell to Karen and wish her well in her new job. Uni student, Jecs Davies has come on board temporarily as a journalist and social media creator and has already taken us into the realms of TikTok. If you don’t already follow us on social media, you could make that your resolution – just a suggestion. www.dorsetview is where we post additional local news, so keep sending in your stories.

We always try to give space to local campaigns because together we can make a difference.

Finally, what do you do with carrot tops? Give them to the rabbit?

Throw them in the bin? I’ve found a new use for them. Turn to page 31 to unravel the mystery.

Janine Pulford

Picture of the month

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Jecs Davies journalist & social media creator jecs@dorsetview.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM Dexter Elliott graphic designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

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

Louis sheds the dreads for Dorset Mind raising £100

How to contact us

01202 870270

Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Pulford Publicity, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ /dorsetview.news @Dorset_View @dorset_view @dorset.view /dorsetview

Copy deadline

8 JANUARY 2024

Dorset View is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. 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.dorsetview.co uk

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

|

3

Writing competition Garden birds are counting on you! winners praised Accolades were given in Blandford on 17 November to local poets and authors as well as to those from farther afield.

In its ninth year, Blandford and Stour Rotary’s annual Short Story and Poetry Competition has an outstanding reputation.

Mayor of Blandford Forum, Cllr Hugo Mieville presented the prizes including the Mayor’s Cup. He said the competition attracted “a high level of entry from all over the country” and the writing standard was “amazingly high.”

The winner of the Best Under 11s’ fiction travelled from London to collect her prize. Rebecca Eapen aged 10 from North London Collegiate School entered ‘My Last Storm,’ a moving story about a boat carrying Syrian refugees.

In the adult Open Fiction, Viewpoint’s editor Janine Pulford and former editor Carol Waterkeyn won prizes.

Both are members of the

4

|

DORSET VIEW January 2024

Wandering Writers founded

by Carol, who is also a former winner of the category.

Results: U11: 1st Rebecca Eapen, 2nd Delilah Wright, 3rd Edward Weeks. Flash Fiction 1st Mary White, 2nd Carolyn Emmett, 3rd Caroline Jenner.

Poetry 1st Matthew RyanEast, 2nd Frances Colville, 3rd Chris Scriven. Open Fiction: 1st Elizabeth Meyer, 2nd Janine Pulford, 3rd Carol Waterkeyn. All of their entries can be read online at www. blandfordandstourrotary.co.uk

/dorsetview.news

RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK. In 2023, over half a million people across the UK took part, counting more than nine million birds.

With birds now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count matters.

This year’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on 26, 27 and 28 January 2024. People across the UK are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over.

Tell the RSPB the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.

Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 is open now.

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

To receive your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, text BIRD to 82727 or visit www. rspb.org.uk/birdwatch The parallel event RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of spring term, 8 January–19 February 2024. For more than 20 years, the Birdwatch has helped to connect children and their teachers with nature in their school grounds. Further information can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

Blue Tits and Great Tit © Nigel Blake rspb-images.com

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

Nick and a Teddy Bear Weekend. Photo by Greg Hoar

Tribute paid to Wimborne Model Town manager Greg Hoar, former general manager of Wimborne Model Town has paid tribute to Nick Clark, manager of the tourist attraction who has sadly died.

Greg said: “I first met Nick while recruiting for Wimborne Model Town at a volunteer fair in the Allendale Centre in 2013.

With a twinkle in his eye he said, like the Punch and Judy Man in Hi De Hi: ‘I would like to help but I hate kids,’ and we signed him up on the spot.

“Initially covering Sundays, by the 2015 season he was site supervisor and provided the Model Town with mid-week and weekend cover and ran the closed season winter workshops.

“Nick followed on from me to become manager at the end of 2019 just prior to the COVID period. He subsequently led four very successful and busy Staycation seasons balancing the requirements of visitors with the management of volunteers, maintenance of the models and liaising with the board of trustees.

“He has added a colourful and successful episode to the history of WMT. Rest in peace Nick – a job well done.”

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

|

5

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN Wimborne Community Garden

By Jane Benson Wimborne Community Garden should by rights be slowing down for the winter… but it doesn’t seems to be happening.

Just before Christmas we were so excited when Neil Lucas from Knoll Gardens came and delivered, completely free of charge, a multitude of glorious grasses to plant in our developing sensory garden. This space is going to become such a special area where we are invited, by the plants themselves, to feel and experience the different textures of plants, enjoy a wide range of scents and delight in the variety of colours; our senses will be sated. We feel very lucky indeed to be able to have this

6

|

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

in our garden and huge thanks go to Neil for his amazing generosity and support.

Edible hedging has also been planted along the wooden fence and the idea of this is to make plenty of fruits and nuts available for our local wildlife and birds which we feel is so important.

We’ve also created a ‘stock bed’ and in that we’ve planted a wide range of perennials which we will over-winter before dividing up. The skill of propagation is one we want to hone for ourselves as well as sharing with the Beaucroft students. Then, as the year develops, we will be potting up

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

these plants and making them available to buy; all monies raised will be ploughed straight back into the garden. The aim is to create funds so we are able to afford our own seeds, compost and all those things needed to make a garden flourish.

Whilst writing I would like to thank Pulford Publicity and Dorset View for all their support over the last year, and now into 2024. We do appreciate how very generous you are being to us and feel it’s made such a difference. Thank you indeed.

So, it’s onwards into the year ahead and let’s see what happens next!

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

|

7

More eco-moorings to be installed in Studland Bay

Kate Adie, former BBC chief news correspondent has become president of the Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Kate has lived in the county for more than 12 years. The new chief executive is Roger Mortlock. Kate is pictured with Peter Neal, Dorset CPRE vice-president.

Want to increase your online confidence?

Dorset Council’s volunteer digital champions can help people get online and increase their confidence with all things digital.

These volunteer ‘champions’ provide face-to-face support in libraries across the county and are extending the service to community groups and organisations.

A digital champion can also carry out a troubleshooting session on any digital issues people might have.

Any community group that would like to book a digital champion on a one-off basis can do so at www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/book-a-digital-champion

8

|

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

Studland Bay is home to Dorset’s most extensive seagrass meadow and provides a unique habitat for important species like the spiny seahorse and the endangered undulate ray. The seagrass has to be protected from anchors dragging through the seabed.

There is already a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) in place within Studland Bay. It was established in 2021 by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) with the support of the local community to protect the bay’s seagrass meadow.

The Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) has been awarded £186,000 from the Marine Management Organisation’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

The new funding will contribute to a larger £248,000 conservation project to support this special site. The project will see an additional 57 eco-moorings installed in the bay, and the continuation of the partnership’s research and monitoring programme, delivered by the Studland Bay Marine Partnership.

Funds from the award will also be used to complete the formulisation of the partnership, provide more information for boat users in the area, and continue an engagement programme, led by the Dorset Coast Forum.

David Brown, chairman of the SBMP, said: “This is fantastic news for residents, visitors, boaters, and the environment.

Receiving this funding supports the Studland Bay Marine Partnership to continue the important work of conserving and preserving Studland Bay for future generations to enjoy.

“Hundreds of waterborne visitors to Studland Bay are already taking a pro-active approach to conservation by using the 31 ecomoorings already installed and we are delighted that we will now be able to install a further 57 in 2024.”

To find out more visit: www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/ studland-bay-marine-partnership

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

Holmans in Ferndown relocates following retirement of manager After being part of the shopping centre in Ferndown for over 30 years, Holmans closed its doors in the town for the last time on 16 December. The decision to shut up shop followed the retirement of the Ferndown manager Trevor Lake who had been the mainstay at the branch since 1993.

The business and the staff have been relocated to the Wimborne store where all outstanding and new customer orders will be transferred to and administered by the team

at Holmans of Wimborne led by manager Benn Todd.

Holmans of Wimborne, which was founded in 1948, will be open as usual and has an even larger display of major brand TV, audio, kitchen and home appliances together with ample free on-site parking.

A spokesperson for Holmans said, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Trevor for his unwavering support and to wish him and his family a very happy retirement.”

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

|

9

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

When should you do a Power of Attorney?

By James Rust, Private Client Solicitor and Associate Anyone can put a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place provided they have the required capacity. If the person granting the LPA has capacity, then these are widely considered the quickest and most cost-effective option, with the registration process currently taking up to 20 weeks from the date of submission.

An LPA is not your only option, however. An individual can grant a General Power of Attorney (GPA) to any nominated person or persons and can be restricted to deal with a specific transaction or to be in place for a specified period of time. The GPA is not a long-term solution and should not be treated as such.

If an individual has lost capacity, a family member can apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as their Deputy. Unfortunately, a deputyship application is generally more complex, costly and time consuming.

At present, an application is taking a minimum of 12 months from the date of submission to the date that the order is granted. This means that the family and or deputy applying to be appointed, are unable to access the individual’s funds, meaning that bills such as care home fees, utilities and sundries go unpaid for long periods of time.

If you have a loved one that may need assistance with their finances, either now or in the future, don’t delay making arrangements to ensure that they are protected, speak with one of our specialist solicitors today to discuss the options available to you.

Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.

10 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

L-R Ann Fox, 84 and Ann Lee, 91. Photo by Hattie Miles

Knitting brings warmth and joy for Boscombe children

Two friends who love to knit have made more than 30 warm woolly cardigans for disadvantaged children in Boscombe. Ann Lee, 91, and Ann Fox, 84, aim to create 300 garments and are hoping to find other keen knitters to help them. The cardigans are distributed by Variety The Children’s Charity via the local branch Variety Wessex.

The two Anns, who live at a retirement home in Branksome Park, have also knitted dolls in the past and last year made blankets for families in Ukraine. Ann Lee, who used to run a jewellery business in Bournemouth with her husband Monty, said: “I enjoy knitting and like to keep busy.

Knitting the cardigans is a productive use of my time, particularly during long winter evenings.”

Former teaching assistant Ann Fox says they are both thrilled to be helping children in the Bournemouth area at a time when families finances are so strapped.

For more information about the knitting project please contact Frances Cornelius, chairperson of Variety Wessex at francesaaa@aol.com

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

Charity of the Year Get set for Lewis-Manning’s pawsome Muddy Dog Dash in Upton Country Park!

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog Dash’ which promises to be a brilliantly fun… and muddy event will take place on Sunday 17 March.

The ‘Muddy Dog Dash’, sponsored by Barratt Homes, takes place at Upton Country Park, Poole. Runners, walkers, families and friends, with or without a dog can choose between a 2.5km and 5km muddy obstacle course. Spectators are more than welcome and can enjoy the pawsome event village while they wait for their muddy friends to return.

Hannah Garrett, event fundraiser at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care said, “You can choose to run, jog or walk, that’s up to you.

Whatever your ability it will be a fantastically muddy experience.

There will be various fun obstacles including ramps, tyre runs, wiggle poles and much, much more. There will be goodie bags sponsored by Nurturing by Nature, rosettes and certificates.

Megan Hamlyn, marketing manager at Barratt Homes said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care again for their hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog Dash’, it’s certainly an event not to be missed. Barratt Homes are always keen to support their local communities and causes like Lewis-Manning who provide vital care and support to patients and their families across East Dorset and Purbeck.”

Hannah concluded, “What are you waiting for? On your barks, get set… GO!”

About Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity providing extraordinary care to patients and their loved ones facing a life-limiting illness across East Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Purbeck and West Hampshire.

They offer a range of free hospice care services aimed at helping people to live well through their illness, closer to home and at home. lewis-manning.org.uk

Sign up today: lewis-manning.org.uk/muddy-dog-dash/

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 11

RBM has announced a brand news tour for Miles Jupp – ‘On I Bang’ The actor, comedian and writer’s work spans across theatre, film, TV, radio, books and stand up. He recently starred in the Disney+ series ‘The Full Monty’ and can soon be seen in the ‘Belgravia’ sequel.

In August 2021 he suffered a brain seizure and has undergone major neurosurgery.

Although he doesn’t wish to make a big deal of it, the experience has left him with a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share. So that’s exactly what he’s doing in his new show. ‘On I Bang’ – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners. You can see it at The Tivoli in Wimborne on 17 January.

Interview with Miles Jupp This major life event in 2021 forms the basis of your new show On I Bang.

Without any spoilers what happened?

What were you doing when it happened?

I was filming the ITV series ‘Trigger Point’.

I’d just finished my scene. Ludicrously my character, a radio host, is speaking and then a bomb goes off roughly when it felt like a bomb had gone off in my own head.

Luckily there was a medic on the set, so they wrestled me into the appropriate position. It was only a day’s work but taking that job might have saved my life.

Has it changed your outlook on life?

It’s very good for putting things in perspective. Not that I don’t moan about all the pathetic things other people moan about as well. But after a while, you can go, oh, I’ve got the freedom to moan about it. You just think about things in a different way.

Well, the big spoiler is I survived. I had a brain seizure, which was actually quite lucky. It meant I was taken to hospital where they ran tests. So having the seizure was an element of fortune because it’s like a big helpful sign that something is up. And that something was a brain tumour the size of a cherry tomato, which had to be removed.

It was accessible, but not totally straightforward. I found being in hospital very uplifting actually, partly because you’re just surrounded by people that are very caring.

12 |

/dorsetview.news

DORSET VIEW January 2024

You had surgery after three weeks to remove the tumour...

@Dorset_View

So On I Bang is all about this event - before, during and after?

This is the show. It’s a story told in a stand-up style. I promise you there are lots of jokes. It’s not me moaning about unsatisfactory customer experience or something I’ve noticed about luggage.

Hopefully it’s a pure piece of storytelling, with a beginning, a middle and an end.

For tickets: www.milesjupp.co.uk

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

BCP Council day care centres under threat Day care centres for adults with a care need in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could be closed and replaced by community-based services.

However, residents have until midnight on 15 January to have their say on these proposals.

Tricuro, a trading company owned by BCP Council, manage eight building-based day opportunity services across the area. During the COVID pandemic, three were taken out of use and have not since reopened.

There are two proposals being considered for the future of these buildings. One is to close all eight building-based services and move to a full communitybased offer. The other is to retain three of the eight building-based ‘connect’ service and increase community-based services.

If the council decides to take either of the proposals forward, changes would likely be introduced over a twoyear period, from April 2024. haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ changes-to-day-opportunities

Searching for STARS volunteers Are you looking to do something different in 2024? Would you like to make a difference for those living, working and studying in Dorset? Why not come and join our amazing team of volunteers at STARS Dorset helping us to raise awareness and expand our support to those impacted and affected by sexual assault?

You will be provided with an induction for your role, on-going

training and access to well-being initiatives and team events.

We are currently looking for the following roles: • Supportline Listeners • Community Events • School workshops • Fundraising • Consent Tent See the adjacent advert for contact details

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 13

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

Rare sand lizards released to populate Winfrith Heath In an attempt to restore the population of a rare species on Winfrith Heath, 23 juvenile sand lizards, bred in captivity, have been released.

Initially 23 juvenile sand lizards were released on the lowland heathland managed

by Dorset Wildlife Trust, but two further releases of up to 150 sand lizards are planned to enable a thriving population to establish.

The heathland was affected by a serious fire and sand lizards have not been seen there since then.

They are one of the species to benefit from a Species Recovery Programme Grant from Natural England to fund the recovery of rare species and habitats across Dorset.

The funding is focused on reducing the risk of extinction and promoting the recovery of

our most threatened species.

Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) and their captive breeding partners have teamed up to reintroduce the sand lizard to Winfrith Heath.

Work has been undertaken on the heath to create and manage the bare ground habitat, which is essential for successful egg development and the reintroduction of the sand lizards.

The juveniles have been bred at captive breeding centres managed by Marwell Wildlife, Dorset Council and Forestry England. These centres have outdoor enclosures that mimic the sand lizard’s natural environment.

In the UK, sand lizards only live on two habitats – sand dunes and lowland dry heath which are rare and threatened habitats.

Captive-bred juvenile sand lizard before release © James Hitchen

As much as 75% of Dorset’s heathland has been lost over the last century due to development, agricultural intensification, and deforestation. Formerly extensive blocks of heathland have been reduced to isolated fragments, providing the last remaining refuges for a variety of rare heathland species including the sand lizard.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s ecologist, Steve Masters, said: “Our nature reserves are at the heart of our ambition to recover some of our rarest UK species and habitats.

“Thanks to the funding from Natural England, we can undertake the work needed to ensure this is the case.

“We have monitored

the site closely for the last decade to assess the condition of the habitat, before deciding that reintroduction is the right thing to do.”

ARC’s conservation director, Jim Foster said, “This new translocation of sand lizards to the exceptional landscape of Tadnoll and Winfrith Heaths is of vital importance. Thank you to all the organisations who have worked together to make sure that we have the highest chance of success to re-establish this important species and to restore thriving populations.”

Steve Masters, said: “Sand lizards are an iconic species of our heathland ecosystems, and it is amazing to be part of their return.”

Catch Problems Early with a Comprehensive Check-up for Senior Cats

By Lynwood Vets One minute they are a kitten, but before you know it your purry pet is 10 years old.

Many cats can be expected to live well into their teens, and you can help by ensuring they have a good nutritious diet and an active, low stress lifestyle.

It is also really important to get regular checks at the vets for any older cat, because cats can be very good at pretending they feel fine when starting to have problems.

Common diseases of old age in cats include thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and tooth problems, and in all these cases early diagnosis and treatment makes a huge difference to how well they do and how long they live.

Lynwood vets are offering a comprehensive check-up for

14 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

senior cats which includes a blood pressure measurement, blood and urine samples and a full physical examination by a vet. The package is only £120 per cat rather than the full price of £300 for all the tests. The check-ups have been designed so that all the necessary tests can be done in one visit, as we all know how much cats hate the journey to the vets! The package is only available for older cats that appear to be in good health, so for peace of mind book now at any branch. @dorset.view

/dorsetview

wimborne

New Year meeting Wimborne Townswomen’s Guild is a ladies’ group where members enjoy a diverse selection of activities. Meetings include varied speakers who entertain and educate members on a wide selection of topics. This busy Guild has craft meetings, a book club, lunches, and at every meeting they enjoy each other’s company with tea and biscuits. Meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at Wimborne Methodist Church, 4a Kings Street, Wimborne.

The New Year meeting is on Tuesday 9 January. A lovely way to start the year. Please do join or call in to find out more.

Guide book for chained library The new guide book for Wimborne Minster’s historic chained library has been published. Written and photographed entirely by the library volunteers, it explains the history of one of the first public reference libraries in the country. It offers a clear and detailed description, with illustrations, of the range and variety of the books on display: from Saint Anselm, to early Reformer Erasmus; statesman, explorer and writer Sir Walter Raleigh to Renaissance philosopher Machiavelli; from a pirate botanist to one of the earliest books on mental health: from an 800-year-old hand written manuscript on vellum, to one of the earliest examples of European printing.

The guide book is now available from the minster gift shop at £6, the profits from which will be divided between the library, to help maintain and preserve these precious books, and the minster itself.

The library’s new season starts on Monday 1 April 2024, Monday to Friday mornings and afternoons and the first Saturday morning in each month up to the end of October. For special appointments, or group bookings, contact Church House.

To join the team of volunteers, leave your details at Church House or with the verger in the minster.

please mention Dorset View Magazine when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 15

education / the future relies on what we learn today.

Book a FREE trial session Outdoor explorers enjoy at Razzamataz now!

Witchampton First School - advertisement feature -

‘Does your child love to dance? Sing? Have a passion for the arts? Want to make some friends? Or just want to grow in confidence?

Razzamataz Theatre Schools in Bournemouth is holding a FREE trial session on Saturday 6 January for young people aged 4-18.

When founder and director of Razzamataz, Denise HuttonGosney, appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2006, Duncan Bannatyne was quick to spot the huge potential of the part-time theatre school and offered the full investment. There are now nearly 50 schools up and down the country and Amber Jones, principal of Razzamataz in Bournemouth, is delighted to be delivering Razzamataz’s unique blend of performing arts to local children.

Amber Jones said: “At Razzamataz, we teach children a mix of commercial and musical theatre so they get to experience the very best that the performing arts industry has to offer. As well as classes run by a team of experienced performing art teachers, Razzamataz also prides itself on equipping young people with the life skills needed for adulthood such as public speaking, organisation and time management.”

Witchampton Church of England First School near Wimborne has expanded its ‘outdoor explorers’ site for the children.

The school, near Wimborne, places emphasis on education in the open and has extensive grounds.

All the children regularly use the space to get involved with outdoor learning, and activities including den building, fire lighting and whittling.

Headteacher Jo Hancock said: “Our children love being outdoors so we decided to expand the ‘outdoor explorers’ part of our grounds.

“It really helps with developing the children’s self esteem and muscle strength while they work collaboratively to solve problems and work creatively.

“They have some amazing ideas and really love to challenge themselves.

“Witchampton is in a beautiful area and we get the children out as often as possible.”

The school is part of Initio Learning Trust.

Here are some quotes from existing parents: “We are so glad that we are part of the Razzamataz Bournemouth family. Every single child is included, no matter what sort of background they are from!” - Juniors Parent.

“My daughter calls Razzamataz her happy place!” – Inters Parent.

To book your child’s FREE taster session at Razzamataz Bournemouth, or to find out more, please contact Principal Amber on 07821 856704 or email bournemouth@razzamataz.co.uk.

16 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

health and care

Dorset nurse meets The King A nurse working at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) attended a special reception hosted by The King to celebrate the role of international nurses and midwives in the UK. Deepa Pappu, equality, diversity, and inclusion lead at UHD, received the invitation to Buckingham Palace after NHS England recognised her contributions to nursing in her role as professional nurse advocate.

Deepa said: “I am deeply moved by His Majesty’s thoughtful gesture of spending time with international nurses and midwives on his birthday. It was one of the most memorable days of my career. My family back home and friends around the world were super excited. To be invited to the palace and shake hands with The King was beyond my dreams.”

Deepa joined the NHS as an internationally educated nurse from Kerala, South India, in 2004. Throughout her career she has worked hard to welcome other internationally educated nurses as they arrive in Dorset. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Deepa supported new arrivals who were isolated from their home support systems.

Deepa Pappu at Buckingham Palace

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 17

health and care

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Sisters cycle for hospice charity

Food grants for BCP organisations People in Christchurch who are at risk of becoming isolated in the winter months will be able to enjoy a monthly roast dinner and a weekly lunch club thanks to a partnership between Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council.

Christchurch Community Partnership is amongst grass roots groups and charities to receive a grant of £7,500 from a pot of £102,000. A total of 26 groups across the BCP area have received funding.

Faithworks Wessex in Bournemouth was awarded a £7,500 grant to pilot a food storage space so that when groups receive unexpected donations of food they have somewhere to store it temporarily before sharing it when it is needed.

Bournemouth Foodbank is using a £1,000 grant to run cooking-on-a-budget classes for households on low incomes while Hope Housing, Training and Support in Bournemouth, which received a £2,500 grant, is running classes for vulnerable former homeless people it houses to learn about saving on energy costs before sharing a hot meal together.

Poole Methodist Church received £7,500 to provide free hot meals for children from low income families and rough sleepers at its Wesley’s Community Café in The Spire.

Christchurch Community Partnership will be using a £7,500 grant to run a monthly roast dinner and a weekly lunch club.

Two young sisters rode their bikes for 40 miles in one day to raise £1,026 for Forest Holme Hospice Charity in Poole.

Macy and Pippa Hannington, aged nine and seven, set themselves the fundraising challenge in memory of their auntie Becky Frizzell, who died in January 2023. Becky was cared for at Forest Holme Hospice, as was her husband before her, who also died from cancer.

Before the sisters had even put a foot on a pedal, they managed to smash their target of £500 by more than £100 by holding a bake and sunflower sale outside their house.

The sisters were chaperoned on the ride to Ringwood by their mum, Yasmin and stepdad, Tony.

The girls’ father, Mark Hannington, said: “Pippa was full of energy and encouragement for her big sister, and really lifted the mood of her team mate. Macy dug deep to find the courage to continue and by the time the team were reunited in Wimborne, everyone was in good spirits.”

The sister team made it home via the scenic route of Poole Harbour, worn out but thrilled to learn they had raised over £1,000.

Claire Cooper and Kirsty Parks from Forest Holme with the sisters

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 19

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

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Don’t let shingles ruin your New Year

By Janine Pulford

A healthy new year is what everyone works towards, but unfortunately there are infections that lurk and decide to strike when you least expect them.

Shingles is one. This was my experience: I first felt a pain in the middle of my lower back. I assumed it was backache which I suffer with from time to time.

Instead of easing, as usual, the pain worsened and I began to worry it was not my back, but a kidney stone, as I’ve had one of those before. I tried to wish the pain away but it got even worse and when I rubbed at the area to try and soothe it, I felt

20 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

pimples on my skin. I asked my husband to look and he said he thought I had shingles.

I then noticed red blotches below the waist around one side of my body only – a classic sign of shingles. Rashes around the whole body would be something else.

Our doctors’ surgery asked to see photos. The diagnosis was shingles. I had clearly ignored my symptoms for too long as they had a firm hold and weren’t about to let a few antibiotics shift them.

Treatment is needed within about three days from onset for it to be effective.

The rashes became blisters and the pain was excruciating. Even on painkillers I spent most of my day in bed hardly able to move watching old black-and-white films, which were oddly comforting. Loose clothes were vital. Nights were unbearable and the only respite was when the painkillers worked. I ended up in the spare room for weeks because I was so restless and depressed. It was a long haul to recovery and even after the blisters had dried up after nearly six weeks, the evidence and some pain remained for several more weeks. Painkillers helped me continue working from home, as I couldn’t just put my job on hold. Although there were times when I was incapable.

Shingles can erupt anywhere on the body, even in the eye. It is an infection that can’t be spread to others, but those who have not had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from someone who has shingles. Shingles is only infectious while the rash oozes fluid.

The infection can be reactivated more than once because of stress; certain conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.

Not everyone has the same experience. When my mother-inlaw (who was over 100 at the time) had shingles, she barely noticed her symptoms because they were caught early by a visiting relative who happened to be a doctor.

My advice is, don’t ignore your body. If you have a pain, react to it, get it investigated and if it’s shingles, get treatment early.

There is a shingles vaccine available for some over 65s depending on date of birth. People between 70-79 are eligible. Contact your GP surgery to find out if you can get the vaccine. After my experience, it is well worth looking into getting a jab for a happy and healthy new year.

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

health and care

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 21

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

New Year, New You

Fitness choices for 2024

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

If you’ve put ‘getting fitter’ at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions – and groaned whilst you did so – you are not alone.

If last year you faltered by the end of January, maybe you didn’t manage to find the activity that suited your lifestyle.

So, let’s look at the myriad of options, leaving aside everyday activities such as taking a walk – not always fun in adverse weather conditions.

starts to wane, which means high-impact exercises like running may not be doable.

Zumba is an excellent low-impact workout.

It protects your joints and muscles while raising your heart rate and improving your balance, posture, and co-ordination.

Aerobics Aerobic exercises are activities using the large muscle groups in the body, raising the heart rate and making breathing harder. Classes have been popular since the Jane Fonda era of the 1980s, but aerobics also includes jogging and running.

Step classes At a step class you step up, around and down from a platform in different patterns to boost your heart rate and breathing.

It helps to manage blood pressure and diabetes, and is good for people with osteoporosis, as it is a low impact exercise which improves bone strength.

Zumba Zumba, which involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance, was founded by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez in 2001. The classes move between high- and low-intensity dance moves designed to get your heart rate up and boost cardio endurance. As you get older, bone density and joint support

Personal training If you haven’t exercised for a while or if you have specific needs, it might be good to book in with a personal trainer. This is someone who will create a one-on-one fitness programme for you, motivating and guiding you to achieve your goal.

A personal trainer can also help you to return to fitness after an injury.

22 |

/dorsetview.news

DORSET VIEW January 2024

@Dorset_View

Pilates This is a form of strength training, but it doesn’t look like some of the other strength training exercises you might be familiar with. Pilates focuses more on improving muscle tone than building muscles, but the result is similar. It can enable greater stability and endurance, improve flexibility and increase muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body).

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

BUSINESS | New COMMUNITY Year, New| UNITY You

Reformer Pilates This workout, which adds resistance in the form of springs and pulleys, is about strengthening your core. It can help you recover from an injury, lose weight; improve your balance, bone density and posture and reduce back pain.

Gym Spend one hour in a gym three times a week and you will soon notice a difference in your fitness levels.

And here you have a big choice of equipment, ranging from exercise bikes to cross trainers, rowing machines to treadmills, and of course weights.

Circuit training As well as high intensity interval training which can be done outside, there are gyms where you move from one piece of equipment to another, with a break in between each for a variety of stretching and balancing exercises. This is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Yoga This has numerous benefits including improving strength, balance and flexibility, benefiting heart health, helping you to relax, sleep better and manage stress. And here there are an incredible 11 different styles including Hatha, Bikram and Iyengar Yoga. Hatha is beginner friendly and considered the most basic version by teachers.

please mention DORSET VIEW when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 23

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

Trending this January

By Jecs Davies

Fashion and beauty changed a lot throughout 2023. It can be difficult to know what clothes and make up products to buy, or even what haircut to ask for, when trying to stay on top of trends.

If you told someone two years ago that cargo trousers and corset tops will be worn together, they never would have believed you, but last year this was a popular look for going out on the weekend.

A lot of modern fashion is inspired by late 90s' and early 2000s' pop culture.

Maxi skirts have made a return for dayto-day outwear and mini skirts have been all the rage. The classic 90s' icons like Posh Spice have inspired the younger generation and a lot of people have also reverted to having thin eyebrows.

Celebrities like David Beckham have also influenced men’s fashion, aside from mullets coming back, one other popular haircut of recent years has been the buzz cut which he famously sported over 20 years ago. Some of this regeneration has also come from being in lockdown and men having to cut their own hair.

More men and women have started shopping for vintage clothes whether its online or in charity shops. Buying second-hand clothes is cheaper, sustainable, and stylish. There is no

better way to achieve the 2000s' look than by thrifting items from that time.

24 |

/dorsetview.news

DORSET VIEW January 2024

So what is going to be trending in 2024?

Well having spoken to a Fashion Design student at Central Saint Martins University, it may be time to leave the flare of the 90s in the past and return to more neutral clothing.

Ella Davies said: Capsule wardrobes can be styled in multiple ways. One item can be used in lots of different outfits which keeps them trendy and sustainable.

“It may be worth investing into some basic cream or grey tops, especially ones with off-the-shoulder and asymmetric necklines could be a staple item this year.”

She also said that ballet flats have had their time out and are sure to be back soon but perhaps pointed ones with buckles rather than elastic.

As for haircuts, say goodbye to extensions because it might be all about long bobs in 2024. Claw clips made a huge reappearance last year and while hairclips will probably never go out of fashion, it is likely that banana clips or French

@Dorset_View

Fashion student Ella Davies says a return to more neutral clothing is on the cards.

barrettes are going to be favoured now.

Make up is a huge part of popular culture and there are lots of new ideas surfacing across social media every few months. A massive part of influencer make up routines recently has been having the perfect blush to complement your skin.

Lighter skin tones tend to look nice with a pink and darker skin tones with red.

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Be Inspired with this New Year offer and join BH Live for £1!

- advertisement feature -

Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned enthusiast, BH Live Active has lots of great value memberships for all.

With family, individual, group and corporate options, you are invited to join BH Live’s thriving active community – providing access to lots of great activities to inspire a more active you - including gyms, fitness classes – including Les MillsTM – and swimming.

Facilities include high-spec gym equipment, heated pools, spas, cafés, soft play, tennis courts, and more. Plus with selected BH Live Active memberships you can get exclusive access to BH Live Active Member Perks providing thousands of discounts from retailers across the UK. Smash your new year activity goals with support from our BH Live Active team - or just enjoy using the facilities at your own pace. You can even workout anywhere, anytime, with more than 1,000 online classes including live streams via BH Live Active at Home. Push yourself with a range of workouts for all ages and abilities, including HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and group cycling.

It’s time to party… Did you know, BH Live Active also has lots of new children’s attractions for fun, play and parties? Choose from the Crusher pool inflatable

course at Littledown, AirJumpX at Sir David English, Wet & Wacky fun in the pools and football parties to give your little one and their friends a smashing day to remember.

NEW! Pelhams Park Leisure Centre has had an amazing facelift with a brand-new gym and studios including Technogym group cycle classes. BH Live Active Queen’s Park is also now open and packed with an awesome class programme, split level gym, new café and more. Plus, in 2024, Stokewood is getting brand new changing rooms which are going to look amazing.

Join a BH Live Active leisure centre near you or if you are still unsure, come into the centre and ask about a FREE one-day guest pass.

Littledown (opens 2 January 2024), Queen’s Park, Pelhams, Stokewood, Sir David English and Corfe Mullen.

Go to bhliveactive.org.uk and grab our New Year offer and join for £1! (T&C’s apply)

please mention DORSET VIEW when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 25

New Year, New You | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY

This Year, LiveWell Start your journey to a healthier you livewelldorset.co.uk

Make this your year, the year of a healthier you.

Better health is in your hands – only you can make the changes that will change your life: losing weight, quitting smoking, becoming more active or drinking less alcohol.

But did you know LiveWell Dorset can help?

Make the most of this amazing free service available to every Dorset adult. Registering takes a couple of minutes and is the first step to becoming the healthiest version of you.

Having support to stay on track with your resolutions can make all the difference. As weight loss client Fern found.

She said: “I began my coaching sessions in the New Year.

Coming off the first call with my coach, Susan, I felt impassioned and motivated. I did not want to be a January statistic, one

26 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

of those people who lost lots of weight in the New Year but then piled it back on, but the way Susan approached it, it seemed sustainable.”

Coaching is one of the most popular choices and involves six sessions with a behaviour change specialist to help you ditch old habits and form healthy new ones.

Alongside coaching there are kick-start weight loss programmes: free vouchers for local slimming groups or an app, stop smoking quit kits: nicotine replacement, and vape kits.

Once you sign up with LiveWell, an advisor will be in touch to talk to you about what you want to achieve and create an action plan to get you started. See below for more details.

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

New Year, New You | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY

Is a New Year activity on the cards?

Enjoy fun classes at

By Jecs Davies traditional New Year’s linked to vision impairment, Pavilion Dance South West Aresolution is to go on a diet headaches and mental health - Advertisement feature -

or join a gym or fitness class.

Both are great ideas.

Another way to start the year is with a new activity. You could take up golf, pottery, drawing, acting, music lessons, dancing, theatre, anything you set your mind to. With outdoor activities, you can start practising now ready for the warmer weather.

Having a hobby will decrease the amount of time you spend on your phone or watching TV. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can be

Whatever your new year’s resolution make sure you put some time aside to have some fun, keep moving and learn something new in 2024!

Why not join one of Pavilion Dance South West’s dance classes this term and tick all three boxes at once? From Bollywood to Musicals, Tap to Vintage Jazz, Over 50s’ Ballet to Belly Dance, Northern Soul to Lyrical Jazz, Ballroom and Latin to Burlesque, Contemporary and Daytime Dance Fit there’s a class waiting for you at Pavilion Dance South West’s modern dance studios by the sea.

Adult classes start from £6 with Class Ticket Bundles and there are also youth classes for 0-13 year olds including new Mini Movers for 0-5 years with Stay and Play sessions.

Check out the full class timetable at www.pdsw.org. uk or call PDSW box office on 01202 203630 for more details.

28 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

problems. Often it takes a planned activity to break the cycle of coming home from work and scrolling through your phone until it is time for bed.

Trying something new can be daunting. A lot of people feel more confident going into a new environment with a familiar face. Ask a friend or a colleague if they are interested in starting a new hobby with you. If not, take the plunge and you could meet some great people along the way.

Fitness club with a difference - advertisement feature -

Are you finding your balance, flexibility and fitness are not what they used to be but are unsure what to do about it? You should check out Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown. It’s a club with a difference that offers personalised exercise programmes and as much help and guidance as you need from approachable, knowledgeable

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

staff. They now also offer a great selection of classes including Yoga, Balance Classes, Flex & Stretch Classes as well as aerobic classes to help with fitness. They can really help you get moving and get back into exercise at your own pace, so why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to have a chat or book a free guest visit.

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

BUSINESS |New COMMUNITY UNITY Year, New |You

Career Change – embracing the unknown

By Rebecca Smith At one time, having one lifelong career was ‘the norm.’

However, in today’s rapidly evolving job market, career change has become more commonplace. The idea of embarking on a new professional path can be daunting and the points below may help you address some common concerns.

Fear of the unknown Leaving behind the familiarity and taking a leap of faith into a different field can make you feel anxious and uncertain.

However, this fear should not be a deterrent but rather a motivator. It is essential to remember that change often brings growth and new opportunities.

Transferable skills While the specific technical skills may differ between jobs, there are core competencies such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership skills which are highly valued across a multitude of industries. Recognising and leveraging these transferable skills can provide a solid foundation for success in a new professional field.

Judgment from others People may worry about how their peers, family, or society at large will perceive them for making such a significant change.

What if it does not go smoothly? It is crucial to remember that failure is a part of growth, and it is better to try and learn than to never try at all. True success lies in having the courage to pursue one’s dreams, regardless of others’ opinions.

Although it is rarely easy, it is never too late to redefine your career path. The new year is the perfect time to embrace the fear, face the challenges, and embark on a journey of selfdiscovery and fulfilment.

please mention DORSET VIEW when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 29

Gold-digger with a big difference

By Janine Pulford

Darren Wiles might work in software, but when it comes to his hobby it’s all about the hardware.

Anyone who has seen the TV series ‘Detectorists’ by Mackenzie Crook will know the passion a metal detecting hobbyist has, and Darren is no exception.

With a Minelab Equinox 800 in his hand, he helps people find their lost items.

Being a local resident, Darren detects mainly in Bournemouth and Christchurch.

A selfless person, you can turn to him when a sentimental piece of jewellery vanishes in the sand because he won’t charge a penny to help you find it, and he doesn’t give up easily.

“It’s not unusual for me to be on the beach at 4am searching for a lost ring or even the back of a handmade earring. One of those took me two-

and-a-half hours to find,” he said.

On 17 September 2023 he celebrated his 199th and 200th finds within minutes of each other.

“A girl lost two rings on the beach and asked for help. After a long search I found one and suggested she went home as I wasn’t sure I could find the other.

“She was so happy to have one ring back, but even happier when about ten minutes later, I let her know I’d found the second one.

“There is no better feeling than handing a lost item back,” said Darren.

“I absolutely love what I do.”

He’s been metal detecting for around 10 years but says it’s been busier than ever in the last six years. “I keep Darren Wiles

getting tagged on social media.”

Once tagged, he responds as soon as he can – but he doesn’t find everything.

A woman knocked over by a wave lost her wedding and engagement rings in the sea. It was particularly distressing because her husband had died six months earlier and the rings had great sentimental value.

Darren’s metal detector can search underwater and he went to the spot straight away. “The sea was so rough, the arm of the metal detector broke,” he said, but he found the wedding ring. Sadly the engagement ring couldn’t be recovered.

One of his oddest requests was to search for a bracket buried in the ground for a bird feeder pole. And as for the most expensive items he’s found – a Rolex watch is among them. He estimates he’s recovered around £100,000 worth of jewellery in his time.

Darren runs the Bournemouth Metal Detecting Club (find it on Facebook). His advice for anyone wanting to take up the hobby is: “Minelab make a range of metal detectors in different price ranges and they also make them suitable for children.”

A family man, Darren considers himself lucky that his wife Amanda “is very understanding.”

So is a career change on the cards?

“Metal detecting is my hobby and my passion and I would never want it to become a job,” he said with such conviction, I knew he meant it.

Darren’s 200th find

30 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

foodie news

Quick and easy Carrot top soup

By Janine Pulford It’s the New Year, so why not try something completely different?

When I had rabbits, I would ask at vegetable market stalls if they had any surplus carrot tops as I noticed their customers would buy bunches of carrots but ask for the tops to be removed. My rabbits loved these green fronds and the traders would hand them over without charge. What I have since found out is that humans can eat carrot tops too. What a trick I had missed. So here’s a tasty recipe I’ve devised using carrot tops, and as I mentioned, if you ask at the market stalls, you may even get a bunch or two of carrot tops for free.

Ingredients • 2tbsp olive oil • 5 shallots chopped •two sticks of celery chopped • 1 large potato diced • 1 small courgette diced • Large bunch of carrot tops, washed and roughly chopped • 500ml of vegetable stock • Half a tin of coconut milk, or equivalent amount of single cream • Black pepper and salt to taste Method • In a sturdy pan heat the olive oil, add the shallots, stir and sauté until soft.

• Add the other ingredients, except for the coconut milk • Simmer for 30 minutes • Remove pan from the heat and add coconut milk • Blend the soup into a thick consistency with an immersion blender and serve with crusty bread. If using an ordinary blender, allow the soup to cool first.

If any readers have got quick and easy recipes they would like to share, do send them in with a photograph and we will try and use them.

Caffeine and heart health

By Heart Research UK A dose (or two) of caffeine plays a role in the morning routine of many adults, but is your morning cuppa having a negative impact on your heart? Read on to find out how to make your caffeine habit heart healthier.

You’ll be pleased to know that for healthy individuals, moderate consumption of caffeine (four to five cups a day) doesn’t have a negative impact on your heart. However, everybody responds to caffeine differently and if you experience any negative side effects, such as heart palpitations, it is wise to limit consumption. Also, be mindful of drinking caffeine after midday as it can remain in your bloodstream for up to 10 hours and negatively impact your sleep – which could have a negative impact on your heart.

Consuming caffeine has been shown to cause blood pressure to increase. This is usually only temporary and in healthy individuals isn’t cause for concern. It is important to know your blood pressure and put lifestyle changes in place to keep it as healthy as possible.

While consuming a few cups of tea or coffee isn’t cause for concern, consuming multiple energy drinks could be more problematic. This is due to the volume in which they are consumed and the sugar that usually accompanies them. If you do drink energy drinks, don’t drink them as you would other soft drinks to avoid consuming high amounts of caffeine. It is also worth keeping in mind that consuming too much caffeine can cause dehydration, so make sure you sip water or other healthy drinks between your caffeinated beverages.

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 31

Any change in Government guidelines can affect details on this page –

around & about / please check with the venue for the latest information

How Dorset said goodbye to 2023

With 2024 straining at the leash to get going, let’s take a quick look back to see how local communities rounded off 2023. You may even spot yourself in one of the pictures.

All images are © CatchBox and Dorset View.

Christchurch

Bournemouth

Broadstone Images by Tom Scrase

Ferndown

Wimborne

Image by Nigel Lloyd 32 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

around & about People showed their support for the Save the Children Christmas parade by filling the streets of Wimborne generating a happy and festive atmosphere on 9 December.

Photos by Marilyn Barber

A pair of reindeer delighted the children of Hillside First School in Verwood before Christmas. Jingles’ and Prancer’s visit was organised by the PTA. The youngsters learned about the breed and when asked what reindeer needed big feet for, they answered “for flying.” Pictured is Bella (aged 4) saying ‘hello’ to Jingles.

The Vikings arrive!

WOW gym led the parade

High Mead Farm

Care South’s Dorset House care home in Poole contributed to the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal. It was a collaborative effort with staff and families of the home generously contributing items.

To add a personal touch, some residents wore festive outfits to create postcards to add to the shoeboxes.

The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland with the West Moors town crier Iain Mitchell

Dorset Youth Marching Band

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 33

Any change in Government guidelines can affect details on this page –

around & about / please check with the venue for the latest information

FlowerFest is coming Homeless people cook Christmas meal to Wimborne!

In December, people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth cooked a Christmas lunch which raised £4,000 for Bee Mission, a Community Interest Company which saves bees and supports people living on the streets.

Bee Mission’s Amy Foster and Jenny Newman led a team of people experiencing homelessness to help prepare, cook, and serve a Christmas feast for 100 guests at The Garden Rooms Café in Boscombe.

Amy said: “To see everyone coming together to support people experiencing homelessness meant so much. When they heard we were organising this lunch to raise money for them, they wanted to help, and they were amazing.”

Following the three-course lunch, a raffle raised over £500.

“Everyone was so generous” Amy said. “People brought presents for us to give out with our special Christmas delivery, they offered their time to come and help us with our normal weekly deliveries, and I still can’t believe it, but we raised over £4,000.”

This meant that everyone living on the streets in Bournemouth could receive a Christmas dinner.

To find out more and donate to Bee Mission, visit: https:// Tony Gould © Jayne Jackson beemission.co.uk/ Photography

FlowerFest 24 will be run in areas of Wimborne town and Beaucroft College field over 15-16 June. The event has been run before in Christchurch and will highlight the benefit of working with flowers and fauna and being involved with nature.

Glenda, organiser of FlowerFest, says: “The idea was inspired by a visit I made to Girona in Spain, where they are now in their 68th year of running a flower festival. It was inspiring, with a feel-good factor, an opportunity for the whole community to get creative (and competitive). It is now their biggest revenue provider for the town.”

Companies will be able to sponsor an area, or their shop window, using flora to advertise themselves thinking creatively.

There are many opportunities for volunteers to get involved including flower arrangers, social media gurus and DIY enthusiasts as well as setting up the event on 14 June.

There will be trade stands available, and sponsorship/ advertising opportunities for local companies.

It is also hoped local schools will become involved.

FlowerFest 24 will be supporting Wimborne Community Garden and Beaucroft College.

To find out more please contact Glenda on 07799 641999.

You can also visit theflowerfest.co.uk for the previous events held in Christchurch.

Red carpet event Mel Berkhauer and Matt Black from Hangover Hill Records will be holding the second Original Music Awards (OMA) at the concert hall in Lighthouse, Poole.

The red carpet event will take place on 19 January, a year after the successful inaugural awards made their mark in the community and beyond.

Mel and Matt are passionate about original music, and the people who are helping to make it and deliver it to a welcoming, music-loving public.

At the event, guests will be treated to a two-course table buffet and last year’s winner of the Best Newcomer category, Millie Watson, and local legends Soulhole will perform 30-minute sets.

Tickets from £49.95.

To find out more visit: https://hangoverhill.co.uk

34 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

Events Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

4 January 7.30pm Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall on 1st Thursday of the month. Details on www. verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 01202 827622.

4 January 3-5pm Arthritis Care Ferndown meets on the first Thursday of the month at Ferndown Day Centre. Guests pay £5 for entertainment, afternoon tea and outings. Visit Facebook group or call 0330 311 2793.

5 January 10am-3pm Poole Leisure Painters meet at Lighthouse Poole every Tuesday and Friday. Contact secretary 01202 693526.

6 January 7pm for 7.30pm Twelfth Night Celebration in aid of Mayor of Verwood’s charities at Crane Valley Golf Club. Contact Verwood Town Council.

6 January 10am-1pm RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood (SU 151 084).

Meet at the reserve’s Tern Hide free car park. Field trip cost for non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864 https:// group.rspb.org.uk/newforest/

around & about 6 and 7 January Winter Warm-up at Swanage Railway. The event will see a combination of steam and diesel locomotives hauling both passenger and freight trains.

See swanagerailway.co.uk 8 January 2.30pm West Moors Horticultural Society meets in the Memorial Hall for a talk by Bryan Madders.

Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536 for info.

8 January 7.30pm Wimborne Gardening Club meets in the Allendale Community Centre for a talk by Mitch from Wilding Wimborne.

8 January 2pm Christchurch U3A presentation by Ian Schulz on how to recognise scams. Epicentre, 27, High Street, Christchurch. To find out more call 01202 480027.

10 January 6.30-9pm Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on www. bournemouthjazzclub.org 10 January 7.30-9.30pm RSPB New Forest Local Group, Butterflies and Moths, Lyndhurst Community Centre SO43 7NY. Non-members £5, members £3.

Tel 01425 652864 https://group.rspb.org. uk/newforest/

10 January 7.30-9.30pm East Doret Antiquarian Society meets at St Cahterine’s Church Hall, Wimborne for a Zoom lecture on the oldest houses in Wimborne.

13 January 2.30pm Bournemouth Symphony Ochestra at Alderholt Village Hall, 1 Station Road. Tickets from https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/whats-on/alderholt/ alderholt-village-hall/bso-stringsensemble-homelands/e-kdvpav 15 January 10am Wimborne Minster WI meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane for a slideshow along the River Stour by Ron Taylor. Arrive before 10am. Visitors welcome.

For further information call Jill Haywood 01202 888194.

16 January 8pm Wimborne Civic Society meets in the Quaterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre for a talk

by David Beaton on Maps of Dorset through the centuries.

20 January 7.30-9.30pm Grange Choral Society Concert at Chrstchurch Priory. Tickets from https://www.christchurchpriory. org/boxoffice/26419 20 – 27 January Verwood Pantomime Society presents Dick Whittington at the Verwood Hub. Performances 2pm and 6.30pm on 20 and 27 January and 7.30pm on 24, 25 and 26 January. Tickets from box office or call 01202 828740.

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

24 Jan 10am-1pm RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch (SZ172 925). Meet at the free car park. Field trip cost for non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864 https:// group.rspb.org.uk/newforest/ 27 January 11am Table top sale at Damerham Village Hall, SP6 3HN. Book at: info@damerham.org 27 January 2-6pm Bournemouth Male Voice Choir free open singing afternoon at St Andrew’s URC, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth. Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ copy-of-free-open-singingafternoon-tickets-767518286857 19 February 7.30pm Wimborne Rotary presents Jazz at the Allendale with Swing Unlimited Big Band. Admission free with tickets available at the doors and a retiring collection in aid of Dorset Rural Music School and Youth Music Wessex.

27 February West Parley Gardening Club meets 7.30pm at the MS Centre, West Parley with a presentation by Thomas Clarke on ‘The Creation of Exbury Gardens’. Visitors welcome £3. Refreshments available.

Contact Rod Darch 01202 896711.

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 35

Holly Humphreys (front row, left) and Emiliano Marcondes (second row, second from right) with AFCB youth teams at the opening.

New community pitch opens at Chapel Gate Bournemouth University has opened its new multi-sports pitch for the local community at Chapel Gate sports facility.

AFC Bournemouth players Emiliano Marcondes, Katie Scadden, Abbie Jones and Holly Humphreys were at the opening ceremony of a new community pitch at Chapel Gate sports facility near Christchurch, where local children and students from BU were the first to try out the new pitch.

The new community pitch can be used for a range of sports including football, rugby and American football. It will increase opportunities for people of any age and sporting ability in the local area to play sport, helping

them enjoy a healthy and more active lifestyle.

“I’m so thrilled, we wanted to put Bournemouth University on the map in terms of sports facilities and we wanted to have the best for our students and staff,” said Helen Palmer, head of Sport at BU. "As well as this, about eight per cent of Chapel Gate use is by the local community and grassroots sport is how we can inspire children for lifelong physical activity.”

The development of the new facility has been supported by a £1.7 million grant from the Football Foundation and the

FA and is available for hire by schools, community groups and local residents. It can be used as one full-size football pitch or multiple pitches for five and seven-a-side matches.

Other sports, including rugby and American football, can also be played on it.

Dean Potter, director of Grant Management at the Football Foundation said, “The Football Foundation exists to transform lives and improve communities, and this is a fantastic example of how we are able to use our funding to its greatest effect here in Bournemouth.”

The new community pitch can be used for a range of sports including football, rugby and American football

36 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

The changing rooms and shower blocks have also been refurbished to complement the latest redevelopment of the site.

Bournemouth University purchased the Chapel Gate site in 2019 and this is the latest in a series of investments made as part of our commitment to bring the best possible sporting facilities to the region. Previous upgrades include the hockey pitches, enhancements to grass pitches, infrastructure and improved lighting.

Emiliano Marcondes, midfielder for AFC Bournemouth, said, “It is amazing to see this new pitch that Bournemouth University have created. Sport is a great tool to build our communities and I am happy to see that they are doing a lot towards this here and it makes me want to join in!”

Jim Andrews, chief operating officer at Bournemouth University said, “This is really exciting for Bournemouth University and our local community. Since taking on the site we have been committed to bringing it up to a professional standard and making it a valuable hub for community sport. We will continue to invest, and we want to enhance the facilities even further so we can get more school use on site and more sports – in particular, we’d like to improve the provision for disability sport.” @dorset.view

/dorsetview

in the home

New Year, new colour A soft pink that’s lighthearted and playful, Sweet Embrace, creates an atmosphere of serenity. It is the trendsetting Dulux Colour of the Year for 2024 and freshening up your colour scheme is an ideal way to improve your home and keep it current.

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style advisor at Furniture And Choice (FurnitureChoice.co.uk), shares how to decorate with Sweet Embrace using three chic Dulux colour palette ideas.

Uplift and warm up with a Sweet Embrace Energise the bedroom with Sweet Embrace’s fresh and optimistic undertone. “Inspired

by Dulux’s warm and uplifting colour story, highlight Sweet Embrace’s stylish qualities in the bedroom,” Rebecca says. “Choose light pink fluted wall panels and contrast them with an oatmeal fabric bed to set the tone for relaxation. Warm up the room by complementing the chic light pink backdrop with pops of mustard yellow.

Introduce these sunny accents through abstract artwork, throws and cushions.

Choose curved accessories like a mushroom lamp and decorative vases to soften the overall look.”

Continued on page 38

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 37

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Continued from page 37

New Year, new colour Invite calm with a Sweet Embrace “As part of Dulux’s calming colour story, bring a tranquil touch to the bustling heart of the home with a light pink kitchen island and countertops,” Rebecca says. “Contrast the soft pastel hue with a modern slate grey sofa for a timeless feel. Complement a Sweet Embrace’s optimism by choosing scatter cushions in various pastels for a lighthearted, playful finish. Complete the look with other peaceful, crisp accents like indoor greenery and floral bouquets.”

38 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

in the home Wind down with a Sweet Embrace “Sweet Embrace is a versatile hue because it can look different depending on the time of day - crisp in the morning, a light glow in the afternoon and more vivid in the evening,” Rebecca says. “Take inspiration from Dulux’s calming colour story with a Sweet Embrace on the walls to create a comforting atmosphere. Pair it with soothing neutrals such as a grey fabric bed and cosy white sheets as the base.

Layer with pops of pastels by accessorising with cushions and throws for a playful mix.”

Local interior designers, furniture stores, upholstery companies and lighting stores will be able to help you complete your new colour creation. Some long-standing companies are advertising within this magazine and will be delighted to help. As will those able to help you improve your garden, windows, roofs, doors or plumbing. Attention to these New Year jobs will bring your house into great shape for 2024.

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 39

Select PVC-U serving the local community for over 30 years - Advertiser’s announcement -

By Adrian Trimby, Director We are a local company based on the Ferndown Industrial Estate and feel privileged that we have served the local community for over 30 years priding ourselves in being able to offer expertise and trade skills to the highest standard, whilst offering great value for money. We believe it is important to guarantee this to our customers, to ensure they can trust us with their home improvement needs. We do not operate any pressure selling techniques and therefore have found over the years that most of our business is now sourced from recommendations or previous customer list.

Our customers are offered the opportunity to view our products in our

40 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

showroom situated on the Ferndown Industrial Estate. We believe this assists our customers hugely with viewing our high-quality products in person to help make the important decisions for the works they require.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers by offering honest and professional advice in choosing the right product at the start and through to completion of the works no matter how big or small, always giving respect to our customers and their properties. Therefore, creating a stress-free experience for our customers.

Fensa certification and a CPA insurance-backed guarantee are offered in addition to our own comprehensive guarantee to give extra peace of mind.

We only offer PVC-U, Composite and Aluminium products of the highest quality.

With an installation service to match, using our own qualified installers.

The services we provide at Select are PVC-U windows, doors, Fascia and Soffits, Cladding, Guttering, Conservatories, Aluminium windows and doors and Composite front doors.

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

Should you wish to receive any product information or advice please feel free to contact us.

114 Cobham Road, Ferndown Ind. Estate, Ferndown, Dorset, BH21 7PQ. TEL: 01202 877 977 EMAIL: sales@selectpvcu.com www.selectpvcu.com

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

specialist services / who to contact for the service you need.

ANTIQUES

CHARTERED SURVEYOR

CARPENTRY

DECORATING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

FENCING

CAR SALES

CAR SALES

FENCING

Advertise

here Call 01202 816140

Today

42 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

specialist services CARPET CLEANING

CHIMNEY SWEEP

COMPUTER SERVICES

ITEMS WANTED

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

FIREWOOD

FENCING

GARAGE SERVICES

FENCING

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement.

The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them.

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears.

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent.

Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 43

specialist services / who to contact for the service you need.

GARAGE DOORS

LANDSCAPING

HOUSE CLEARANCE

OLD TOYS

MOBILITY

PLASTERING

Advertise PLUMBING & HEATING

PEST CONTROL

here

Call

01202

816140

Today 44 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

specialist services PLUMBING & HEATING

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

specialist services

Home-Start Wessex extends service area Home-Start Wessex is now supporting families in West Dorset following the collapse of its sister organisation Home-Start West Dorset.

In a statement, Home-Start West Dorset said: “It is with great sadness we announce the closure of Home-Start West Dorset. As an independent charity, we rely on grants. We are devastated that we have not been able to secure sufficient grants to maintain our work for the long term. For 15 years, we have been lucky enough to have trained hundreds of volunteers and helped many more hundreds of local families. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us over the years.”

Home-Start Wessex has worked closely with staff at Home-Start West Dorset to ensure the safety of families the charity supports and retain the dedicated volunteers in the area.

CEO of Home-Start Wessex, Kathy Fryatt-Banks, said: “All of us here at HomeStart Wessex are very sorry to hear about the closure of Home-Start West Dorset.

With immediate effect, we are extending our reach to cover West Dorset, including Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and down to Lyme Regis.”

Home-Start Wessex now covers a large part of the Dorset Council area including the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport and the whole of the BCP Council area including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. The charity also works across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge and as far east as New Milton.

Home-Start Wessex volunteers offer friendship, practical support and emotional advice to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Their service is in great demand. If you can commit to a few hours a week to volunteer, contact michelle@homestartwessex.org.uk. Full training will be provided.

Find out more at https://homestartwessex.org.uk/

Good turnout for Fox Strut

TREE SURGERY

More than 100 women and members of the LGBTQ+ community gathered in Bournemouth on 8 December wearing orange and fox-themed costumes for the inaugural ‘Fox Strut’. This was part of the World Health Organization’s global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Dressed in their brightest, funkiest fox themed garments, attendees marched through the streets as part of both a visual celebration of the urban fox and a collective stand against gender-based violence. Empowerment photographer and an organiser, Jayne Jackson, said: “We had such an incredible turnout to the Fox Strut, more people than we ever imagined. It was an incredible sight to see.”

After the huge response to the Fox Strut, dates have already been confirmed for another in Bournemouth on 29 November 2024 and in London on 22 November.

Visit Instagram @foxstrutuk, or for more information go to www. jaynejacksonphotography.co.uk/ foxstrut

Mental health support for young people More support is available to help young people look after their mental health.

Public Health Dorset has launched a centralised resource to promote trusted Mental Health Apps.

Research has shown that in a digital age flooded with hundreds of applications, young people can find it difficult to know what to choose when looking for an app to support their mental health.

Public Health Dorset and Our Dorset collaborated to collate apps that were free to download and use, and met with criteria including safety, quality, and variety.

The list is being hosted by Our Dorset and Dorset Youth Association, where there is a detailed breakdown of each app, including their specific benefits.

The list will be reviewed six monthly. please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 45

motoring / keeping you on the road.

Speed indicators reach milestone It’s a happy 10th birthday to SID. Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) were introduced in 2013 to encourage motorists to slow down. The vehicle activated illuminated temporary signs display vehicle speeds, and other permitted messages help raise driver awareness of local speed limits to reduce traffic speeds and increase road safety.

The Community SID Programme, now operated by Dorset Council, was updated and relaunched by council officers Joe Allen and Rob Camp to encourage and support more communities to get involved in road safety.

Since then, 77 communities have signed up to the initiative at 230 locations around the Dorset Council area. This is expected to rise further, with several more towns and villages at the application stage.

Dorset Council oversees the setting up of new SID sites, providing risk assessments and training. Parish and town councils fund their local programme, owning the devices and being responsible for deploying them.

Representatives of parish and town councils or community organisations who would like to know more about the SID programme should send an email to sids@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Avoiding winter breakdowns

We have a lot more wintry weather to come over the next few months, and the one thing you don’t want to do in adverse conditions is break down.

GEM road safety charity, which was established in 1932, has some excellent advice.

It is urging drivers to plan journeys, check vehicles and ensure they have breakdown cover in place.

Giving some attention to batteries, tyres, antifreeze, wipers, lights and other vehicle essentials is the best way of ensuring reliability.

It’s also a key step towards making journeys safer, as it removes the risks that go with being stranded in a broken-down car.

GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst said: “No one wants their car to break down on a chilly morning, or at any other time. At best it will bring inconvenience and delay, but since we don’t choose the location of a breakdown, there can also be significant risks involved for you, your passengers and other road users.

“Prevention is always better than cure, so by attending to a few basic maintenance needs, you can greatly reduce the risk of a breakdown in the coming months.

Here are GEM’s five simple steps: • Get the battery and charging system checked to ensure best performance.

• Ensure your car’s cooling system has the correct levels of anti-freeze, which is vital to prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing.

• Make sure all the lights on your car are working properly. Clean them regularly to ensure they are free of dirt, so that you can see, and others can see you.

L-R Rob and Joe standing in front of a SID

• Check tyre tread depth and pressure weekly through the winter.

Good tyres will ensure the safety systems on your car are as effective as possible.

• Check your windscreen wipers, front and rear. Make sure they are working properly and top up your screenwash regularly using cold weather washer fluid.

Local garages can help you with all of these checks to keep your car winter-ready, although checking your tyre pressure can be easily done yourself at most petrol stations. Topping up your screenwash should be a simple procedure once you’ve got the bonnet open.

More CCTV cameras will improve safety Safety on public transport is going to be improved in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in 2024.

A share of the Government’s Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan funding will be used to monitor CCTV cameras that are due to be installed at the busiest bus stops and transport hubs in the area.

Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) will also patrol key routes, working with Dorset Police and the British Transport Police with an emphasis on engagement and education.

BCP Council will also be working in partnership with Morebus and UK bike and scooter sharing scheme provider, Beryl, as part of the pilot scheme which will be rolled out from January until March 2025.

46 |

DORSET VIEW January 2024

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

@dorset.view

/dorsetview

please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 47