Viewpoint February 2023

The rewards of fostering a guide dog

Nicola Merrick, a Hampshire mother of two, writes about her journey whilst fostering seven dogs for the charity Guide Dogs.

To find out more about her experience of fostering a dog like Tony (pictured) and helping him towards becoming a life changer, turn to page 26.

Dear readers

How are your New Year’s resolutions going?

If you’re anything like me the impetus to keep to them usually vanishes after week two.

But – and I don’t want to boast – so far I’ve kept all of mine. All ten of them! Impressed?

Well you don’t need to be, as I’m not keeping them all every day.

This year I decided that my resolutions would be achievable and am following LiveWell Dorset’s advice in the last magazine to ‘try some smaller actions to help get you to where you want to be’ and ‘take one day at a time’.

When I was given a small diary for Christmas, I decided to write in it a different – albeit it small – resolution for each day of the first week of January.

I’m not prepared to reveal them all – a woman has to have some secrets – but they included spending time standing on one leg to improve my balance.

The next day was ‘no food after 8pm’. Now you probably think that’s something I should do every evening, but I do weaken sometimes.

Although I go to a gym regularly and embark on long walks periodically, the activity needs to be supplemented and so it’s stretches on one day, and lifting weights the next.

A keyboard had sat in my dining room untouched for the past two and a half years, so devoting some time to it seemed a good idea. I can still only play ‘Ode to Joy’ and ‘When the Saints go Marching In’ with my right hand, but it seems like a little progress –and I have promised the family that by Christmas I will be able to play ‘Silent Night’.

Marilyn Barber

News 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

VIEWPOINT

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Jewellery box found in Ashley Heath

Dorset Police is trying to find the owner of a jewellery box, which was discovered by a member of the public in the hedgerow near to the Ashley Heath roundabout.

It does not appear to be linked to any reported crime in the area.

Police Community Support Officer James Marsh, of East Dorset Police, said: “I am hoping that somebody recognises the jewellery box and can help us establish who it belongs to as we would like to reunite it with its owner.

“The box contains a number of jewellery items, which would enable us to make sure only the rightful owner can claim it.”

Contact www.dorset.police.uk/contact or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55230003552.

Queen’s Green Canopy tree planted

Report and photo by Marilyn Barber

newseditor@dorserview.co.uk

The 11th tree in a series of 12 has been planted in Wimborne.

The Wimborne Minster Tree Trail is a part of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’ initiative celebrating the late Queen’s jubilee. It aims to provide an interesting series of unusual trees around the town provided by Wimborne Minster Town Council, which will make for an interesting walk or cycle trip for visitors and residents.

Summer Bells – also known as the Desert Willow – has been planted at the Dreamboats’ site beside the River Stour.

Dreamboats life president Pat Hymers said: “Dreamboats is delighted to be included in the Queen’s canopy that has been planted around the town.

“Since boating on the River Stour was launched, it has gone from strength to strength, becoming an important activity in the town for both residents and visitors. Canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards have been added to the rowing boats as well as the improved access to the riverbank.”

Mrs Hymers added that Dreamboats is looking for new committee members to help with various jobs during the season, which runs from May to September.

She said: “Committee members

are able to benefit from free access to the river as well as to enjoy the good company of like minded enthusiasts.

“As Ratty said in Wind in the Willows – there’s nothing more delightful than messing about on the river.” See www.dreamboats.com.uk for contact details.

Dreamboats tree planting: L-R Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Carol Butter, Pat Hymers and Charlotte Greening, chairman of the Dreamboats committee

Action4Alderholt

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Action4Alderholt is continuing its efforts to prevent excessive building in the village.

Last year, the group met up with several potential developers and was most concerned about a proposal for Alderholt Meadows by Dudsbury Homes, which it says would double the size of the village without significant improvements to infrastructure.

For more information on this see https://consultwithyou. co.uk/dudsburyhomes/ alderholt/home

Chris Walker, chairman of Action4Alderholt said: “It seems that Dudsbury Homes intend to submit a planning application despite their proposals being contrary to the current local plan. They hope to secure approval through an appeal process, as Gladman did for their Ringwood Road site five years ago. Before submitting an application they will need to invest in an ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’, which they are trying to make very narrow.”

Action4Alderholt is part of a pan-Dorset group of organisations trying to influence the Dorset Local Plan towards more sustainable development; these include Dorset Deserves Better Alliance, the Harbridge Protection Society and Alderholt RAGE.

Alderholt Parish Council has set up a Neighbourhood Plan Committee and Chris Walker is Action4Alderholt’s representative.

Mr Walker said: “The progress on this plan has been frustratingly slow, at a time when many parishes around Dorset have already had their plans adopted. However, consultation within the village is promised for early 2023.”

Action4Alderholt is also concerned about a proposal in the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan to substantially extend gravel extraction towards Alderholt. Action4Alderholt can be contacted by email: action4alderholt@gmail.com

Heathside Travel launches lunch clubs

- Advertiser’s announcement -

Heathside Travel, a family-run, award-winning coach company based in Ferndown, is expanding its day excursions offering for 2023 by including monthly lunch clubs. The company, which also offers UK and Ireland coach holidays, put the programme together as the ideal opportunity for friends, couples and single travellers to go out for a twocourse lunch at quality venues in the local area to meet new people and encourage new friendships, while also having a lovely meal.

The lunch clubs will offer a different venue each month, and the trip price of £42 per person will include locally-sourced, freshly prepared food at country pubs as well as luxury coach travel, with pick up points in Wimborne, West Moors, Ferndown, Verwood and Ringwood.

Upcoming venues include The Bankes Arms in Studland, The Anchor Inn at Shapwick, The Station House Tea Rooms

at Holmsley, The World’s End at Almer, The Barley Mow in Colehill and The Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton. For more information, to request a day excursions or holidays brochure, or to book your place, please call 01202 892202 or go to www.heathsidetravel. co.uk. Heathside Travel hopes to see you for lunch soon.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fuel stolen from Ashley Heath

A large quantity of fuel with a combined value of £30,000 was stolen from an address in Verwood Road on Tuesday 29 November and Saturday 7 January. It is reported that the offenders parked outside and climbed over the fence, before pumping the fuel into a tanker containing a number of intermediate bulk containers.

West Moors litter pick

The next litter pick in West Moors will take place on 4 March from 10am. Equipment is provided and volunteers are asked to contact the town council office for details before the event.

New CEO for trusts

NHS trusts Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare have appointed Matthew Bryant to the role of joint chief executive officer.

Concert grant

Ringwood Town Council’s Policy and Finance committee has agreed a grant of £550 to Avon Valley Concerts towards the cost of presenting a series of classical concerts. Each season, the group presents a series of six concerts.

More charging hubs

An application by MER UK Charging Ltd for permission to install ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hubs and association infrastructure to the NFDC car park in The Furlong Ringwood, has been submitted to New Forest District Council.

Change of use

New Forest District Council has granted permission for the Surma Valley restaurant and outbuildings at Burgate, Fordingbridge to become a single dwelling.

Ringwood refusal

A proposal for the building at 28 Lynes Road, Ringwood to be demolished and two detached properties erected in its place has been refused by New Forest District Council.

Design your own garage door with Garolla

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One of Garolla’s main benefits is that you can design your own garage door by using its online garage door designer. This allows you to create a unique garage door for your home. You simply have to choose the size and colour that you desire.

What is included in your purchase?

• A Garolla garage door

• A professional installation service

• Two-year warranty

• Two remote controls

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• All prices include VAT

With each order you will receive a quote for your made-to-measure garage door, guaranteed for 30 days.

At Garolla, the price you are quoted is the price you pay. There are no hidden extras.  The Garolla fitted service Garolla has a unique service that is tailored towards customers’ individual needs.

There are no salesmen. Instead, when the Garolla local installers conduct a survey, they will confirm the price with you there and then, before your order is placed. At your survey, a fitting date will also be confirmed with you.

On the installation day, whilst removing and installing your new Garolla garage door, your fitter will tidy up after themselves along the way.

For contact details see the advertisement below.

At Garolla, high-quality products and decades of experience are combined to produce electric garage doors that are industry leading.

Fly tippers targeted in police operation

In an operation to target fly tippers in the New Forest, officers from Hampshire’s Country Watch team together with partner agencies, found a number of motorists to have been committing other offences.

The idea behind the operation, which took place between 7am and

10am on 11 January, was to stop commercial vehicles involved with landscaping, tree surgery and house and garden clearance in a bid to prevent fly tipping. A total of 50 vehicles were stopped concerning various traffic offences such as no insurance, transporting dangerous

goods, and no MOT.

Of those stopped, two people were issued fines for transporting dangerous goods in an inappropriate manner; one vehicle was stopped for having no MOT; three people were reported for summons for driving without tax; two vehicles were seized for driving without insurance; one person was reported for summons for transporting waste without a waste carrier licence and a man was issued a community resolution after cannabis was found in the vehicle after a search under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Officers also engaged with a number of road users and offered advice on safe waste carrying and disposal. As always, if you see anything suspicious please call 101 or report the incident via police websites. If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.

Gun involved in raid on post office

Two men have been arrested following a burglary at Furzehill Post Office, Wimborne in which it is reported that a gun was involved.

Dorset Police received a report of an aggravated burglary at the store in Smugglers’ Lane between 6pm and 6.10pm on 10 January.

It was reported that three offenders had entered the premises and made off with a quantity of cash from a safe. One of the men was reportedly in possession of a firearm. A full investigation was launched by Dorset County CID.

Following extensive enquiries, a 43-year-old man from Wimborne and a 32-yearold man from Christchurch have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and possessing a firearm while committing a schedule one offence.

Get composting

- advertisement feature -

By The Recycling team, Dorset Council

We’re moving into spring soon and that’s the perfect time to think about making compost for our gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes.

Composting is great for the environment. It improves soil –helping to create healthy plants and reducing the need to water and fertilise. It’s easy to make, can save money and you only need a small outdoor space.

Dorset Council is offering compost bins at prices as low as £6 and there is an extra buy-one-get-one-half-price deal (plus delivery). This is for a limited number of bins so hurry whilst the offer lasts! See getcomposting.com for details.

Free compost bins are also offered to schools. We offer up to two compost bins and two caddies, plus a visit from a team member. Visit dorsetcouncil/ recycle for more details.

Good things you can compost include teabags, plant prunings, cut flowers, vegetable peelings and fruit waste (add citrus peelings sparingly). You can also add cardboard eggboxes and scrunched up paper. These provide fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture.

Twigs, grass clippings and leaves can also be added, but they will take a long time to break down if large quantities are added at one time.

The compost is ready when it’s brown and crumbly. Dig into the soil in early spring or late autumn to improve the soil structure and act as a slow release fertiliser.

Wimborne Community Garden set for a bumper year

and lack of water last summer, the garden blossomed with the vegetable beds producing beans, tomatoes, potatoes, beetroot, sweetcorn, red onions, herbs, courgettes and lettuces which were shared with the Food Bank and Community Kitchen, neighbours and volunteers.

And on an exceptionally cold morning in January, I visited the site to find volunteers cheerfully at work.

Wimborne Community Garden was one of the big success stories for the town last year, and 2023 promises even better things.

On Friday 6 May 2022, the Wimborne First School site –which will become Beaucroft College – had an empty school field outside it, but by the end of Sunday 8 May, it had the

clear signs of the development of a community garden.

On the afternoons of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May, many hard-working volunteers of all ages turned up and transformed the field into a garden with 12 dug beds for flowers, veggies, a large soft fruit area and a huge no-dig section.

And, despite the intense heat

Jane Benson, one of the core team of eight people, said she had been delighted with the immense support from the community.

“People are always giving us plants, so we have grown things we hadn’t intended to,” she said. “A volunteer gave us all the seeds we needed and we have now planted five fruit trees.”

Plans for this year include a paved area and raised flower beds, which will be accessible for wheelchairs and those who prefer not to bend too much.

MB Wilkes is supplying the slabs and they are being laid by Dan Higgs – both free of charge.

Funding for the raised flower beds has been supplied by the Simon Digby Charitable Trust.

A shed was donated by Wyatt Homes, a polytunnel provided by the Friends of Canford School and Year 9 pupils at QE School provided bird boxes. A greenhouse was also donated.

In addition to the volunteers, students from Beaucroft School come to the site on a Wednesday to plant bulbs and to shift slabs and soil.

In the future, there will be a café at the college, with produce supplied by the garden.

As the site was the school field, there is a pavilion in situ which, at present, is being used for storage. However, Jane hopes that in the future they will be able to run courses there.

“It’s all very exciting. We want to get a pizza oven, and of course we could use produce from the garden as toppings. This would mean we could all eat together which is very special.”

Jane added that she knows that demand for food will most likely increase this year.

“But we will have a bigger harvest even than last year,” she said.

“People have really got behind our project and it was almost as though the Wimborne community was waiting to show how generous it could be – and there is something magical about a garden.”

The garden is to be found adjacent to Redcotts recreation ground and is always open on a Wednesday from 9am12.30pm, Friday from 2-4pm and Sunday from 2-4.30pm. People are very welcome to just turn up and help.

Pulford Publicity will be sponsoring the Community Garden until the end of 2023 with free publicity. If you would like to sponsor the garden contact wimbornecommunitygarden@ gmail.com.

Report and photos by Marilyn Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Jane Benson and Martyn hard at work

John Marley built the picket fences around the children’s playhouse

The site

Neighbourhood Plan put forward

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Ringwood’s Neighbourhood Plan could be in place by September this year.

At a recent extraordinary meeting of the council’s planning, town and environment committee, members had the chance to make amendments to the pre-submission document.

A steering group, which received advice from specialist consultants, had been set up last year to focus on four key areas – design and heritage, environment, housing and the town centre. The group engaged with officers from both New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Once the Neighbourhood Plan has been made, it will carry significant weight in the planning process.

It will set out a series of planning policies that will be used to determine planning applications in the area in the period to 2036.

The parish of Ringwood includes Poulner, Hangersley, Hightown, Crow, Kingston and Bisterne.

Founded by the AngloSaxons, Ringwood was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its market charter dates to 1226.

It has 114 buildings that are national listed including the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, the Ringwood Meeting House, Bridge House and the Manor House.

Local people have had the chance to put forward their views on the Local Plan, with drop-in events held in the Gateway building last year, and four sessions held with students from Ringwood School.

People said they loved the history, and the fact that the area was semi-rural with a market town feel.

They would like the town to become more vibrant and one that stays alive in the evening.

They would also like to see new affordable homes for young people and two- to threebedroom family homes. More energy efficient housing, the preservation of green spaces, increased recreational facilities and more for young people to do were also identified.

The Neighbourhood Plan has six key objectives.

1. To make Ringwood more attractive to a wider crosssection of residents and visitors by revitalising the town centre economy

2. To celebrate Ringwood’s historic buildings and townscapes and encourage high quality and sustainable design of new development

3. To put people first by encouraging walking and cycling

4. To ensure Ringwood does not become a ‘dormitory town’

5. To maximise the opportunities for the young people of Ringwood to live in Ringwood

6. To ensure that the

regeneration of Ringwood town centre positively addresses the New Forest Climate and Nature Emergency Declarations

The plan identified the lack of one- to two-bed starter homes and mid-priced two- to three-bed and council/housing association properties.

The solution would be to diversify the local housing stock to prioritise two broad local housing markets – single people and young families new to the housing market, and retirees whose opportunity to downsize may be limited. The existing housing stock in the town consists predominantly of threeor four-bedroom properties.

The plan designates a Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery Network promoting ecological connectivity, outdoor recreation and sustainable movement through the parish and into the national park, helping to mitigate climate change.

In addition, all developments should be ‘zero carbon ready’ by design to minimise the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings through landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping.

Ringwood people surveyed during the development of the Neighbourhood Plan were concerned about climate change and reducing the carbon footprint. There is strong support for new housing to be built to high environmental standards, especially since retrofitting existing properties is so difficult and expensive.

When the final plan is submitted to the New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority, those authorities will be responsible for taking it forward and arranging independent examination and a referendum of the local electorate.

To have updates on the progress of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan email: contact@ringwoodnp.org.uk

Fate of Ringwood’s Ten Acre Field to be decided

Ringwood Town Council is looking to become the head tenant of Ten Acre Field in place of New Forest District Council (NFDC) which bought the leasehold in 1993 for £45,000.

The 30-year lease on the land at Long Lane, Crow, ends on 13 July 2023.

During that time the land has been used exclusively for football, with bookings by Ringwood Town Football Cub managed by the council.

At the recent meeting of the town’s policy and finance committee, the chairman of the football club explained how important Ten Acre Field is to the club and the grave consequences if it was lost. It would prevent growth and all extra activities would be curtailed if the lease does not protect the land.

Council officers are to be delegated to decide on how best to proceed on the matter.

Ringwood defibrillator

Ringwood Town Council’s Policy and Finance committee has approved the purchase of a new defibrillator cabinet, costing £475, for the device which is on the Gateway building.

A replacement defibrillator was bought last year, but unfortunately it developed a serious electrical fault which disabled the cabinet lock, rendering it useless.

Window competition winner

With Grace, a home décor boutique new to Ringwood, beat off competition from more than 30 other shops to win Ringwood’s Christmas Window Competition.

Greyfriars Community Centre was voted as the favourite Community Organisation. Champions Barbers and FORIS (Friends of Ringwood Infants School) were runners up.

The competition was organised by Ringwood Town Council as part of its Ringwood Winter Wanderland initiative. Over 1,000 votes were cast in the competition.

Emma Betsy, Cllr Gareth DeBoos and Grace (daughter of With Grace owner)

Detectorists

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

If, like me, you are a fan of the BBC programme Detectorists, you will already know something about people who use metal detectors to find historic artefacts.

In the past, some detectorists have had a bad reputation amongst the academic archaeological community as mere treasure hunters. These days, archaeologists and the majority of detectorists invariably work closely with each other. The National Council for Metal Detecting has its own code of conduct and the British Museum and the National Museum of Wales have developed the Portable Antiquities Scheme to record objects found, not only by detectorists but also by walkers, gardeners and other members of the public. The Treasure Act of 1996 requires that objects defined as treasure are reported to the coroner and must be offered to a museum at a price set by the independent Treasure Valuation Committee. The money is then shared between the finder and the landowner.

Fordingbridge Museum has recently been given some Russian lead seals that were

found by Paul Greenwood, a local metal detectorist. They were used for identification, regulation and quality control when importing flax plants from Russia. For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, Russia was the world’s greatest exporter of flax through ports like Archangel, Riga and St Petersburg. Each bale of flax plants was sealed with a lead seal that contained information about tax paid, port and region of origin and a host of other information.

The blue flowered flax plant grows to about a metre high and is then pulled out whole to ensure the maximum fibre length. The plant is then soaked in water and the fibres are detached from the central woody stem. When woven, the linen produced can be coarse, for sacking or sailcloth, or fine, to be used for bed or table linen or shirts collars and cuffs. Flax linen is two or three times stronger than cotton, although it wrinkles easily. It is also a better conductor of heat than cotton which makes it cooler.

In 1688, a document records that Fordingbridge was renowned for the weaving

of bed ticking and sailcloth that were both made from flax. In 1792, the Universal British Directory says that, ‘The chief manufactory is ticking, for which it is in high repute; nearly five hundred looms being constantly employed in the trade.’ Sail cloth made in Fordingbridge supplied the ships built at Bucklers Hard at Beaulieu. At Stuckton there is still an area called Flaxfields. The main mill weaving flax in Fordingbridge was East Mills which in 1840 employed 200 people. The mill was founded by Edward, John and Samuel Thompson and continued to manufacture sailcloth, canvas and sacking until 1905.

The pith and woody tissues that were left after the fibres had been removed were mixed with human excrement collected by ‘night soil’ men and were spread on the fields as fertiliser. These often had the bale seals still attached to the plant stem. These, and seals discarded when the plants were planted, are now found by detectorists and give a wealth of information about a trade with Russia that bought prosperity to areas like Fordingbridge.

Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

to Sandy Balls Get away

Holiday Village in the New Forest

Get away to hanging out. To chats, chuckles, prosecco bubbles and giggles. To old friends. To new friends. To shared adventures, shared experiences. Joking more. Gossiping more. To working out… or maybe just hanging out.

Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat on your doorstep, searching for some local produce, fancy a dip in the pool or need some accommodation for visiting family, Sandy Balls has got you covered. It is more than just a holiday park – it isn’t just for holidaymakers, everyone’s welcome!

Located on the outskirts of Fordingbridge, there are two dining venues to choose from. Enjoy family friendly dining at the Woodside Inn, or Mediterranean inspired dishes at Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen. Stock up on all your essentials, treats for the dog plus some local treats too at Acorn Place Shop and Deli, where 85 per cent of products are sourced from within a 50-mile radius.

Unwind with a treatment in the serene well-being spa, The Retreat, or pop in for a little bit of self-therapy and get your nails done. Take a dip with the family in the heated indoor and outdoor pools or sign up for a gym membership in the heart of the forest and enjoy access to the fully air conditioned, state-of-the-art facility.

Sign up to an annual gym membership in February and get 10% off your membership price when you quote GYM10 or sign up for a monthly membership in February and pay nothing until March when you quote GYMFEB.

For more information and to sign up, pop in or call 01425 651216.

Raising awareness of Raynaud’s

February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, and the charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is raising awareness of the potentially devastating impact the UK’s cost of living crisis is having on people with the condition.

For people with Raynaud’s, cold temperatures and stress can trigger painful attacks. During an attack, blood temporarily stops flowing to the body’s extremities, most commonly the hands and feet. These attacks can happen

without warning and affect fine motor skills, making simple everyday tasks almost impossible. In more severe cases, they can affect a person’s independence – things like cooking, washing utensils, bathing, walking and driving can become much more difficult – and leave them in immense pain.

Raynaud’s cannot be cured, but the risk of attacks can be minimised. One of the best ways to prevent them is to keep your body warm, but SRUK warns that many are struggling because of high energy prices, jeopardising their health and wellbeing. A survey by the charity towards the end of last year found that some are even choosing to buy less food to prioritise their energy bills. Around 10million people in the UK suffer with Raynaud’s. However, the condition is poorly understood and awareness is low. While many people will experience mild symptoms, it can also be caused by a more serious underlying condition such as autoimmune conditions lupus or scleroderma. For more information, go to www.sruk.co.uk.

Children helped to swallow tablets

It’s not always easy for children to get used to swallowing tablets and capsules and so the paediatric team at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has launched ‘KidzMeds Pill School’ for those over the age of five.

As most medicines are in pill form, swallowing pills is an important life skill for children to learn. There are also many other benefits of taking tablets/capsules over liquid medicines – liquid medicines are high in sugar content, often need to be refrigerated, are more expensive to buy and their transport and disposal is associated with a higher carbon footprint than tablets or capsules.

The UHD programme was boosted by a

Greener NHS Healthier Futures grant and is being led by Dr Fiona Hignett and pharmacist Nia Templeman, who will be running Dorsetwide training sessions throughout 2023. Within UHD, play therapists, nurses, healthcare assistants and paediatric psychologists will also promote the scheme during inpatient stays and in outpatient group sessions.

Nia Templeman

Charity of the Year

5 ways to Wellbeing

After Christmas and the season of goodwill and cheer, a lot of people will be impacted by the darkness that winter and the New Year can bring. The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ is a proven method for managing mental health during everyday life and is at the heart of everything we do at Dorset Mind.

The first step is ‘connect’. This step combats loneliness and promotes self-affirmation. Connecting with others and belonging are basic human needs that are often overlooked.

The second step is ‘be active’. This step promotes physical activity. Movement of any kind and getting outdoors lowers rates of depression and anxiety among people of all ages. It doesn’t have to be strenuous either. A brisk 10-minute walk to work can work wonders.

The third step is ‘take notice’. This step promotes good selfawareness. Taking notice of the environment around you, your mood and what affects you positively and negatively can all help to raise selfawareness and reduce low mood and anxiety in the future.

The fourth step is ‘learn’. This step encourages selfesteem. Learning new things, even something small, at your own pace and completing goals, however big, gives little boosts to self-esteem that can make all the difference when you really need it.

The fifth step is ‘give’. This step promotes generosity to ourselves and others. Small acts of kindness and seeing the shine of gratitude in others’ faces can be one of the most rewarding things that’s easily achieved on a day-to-day basis. A smile here or there can be all it takes to brighten everyone’s day, including your own.

Find out more about the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ to look after your mind and body here: https:// bit.ly/5WaystoWellbeing

Get ready to feel amazing

- Advertisement feature -

Would you like to lose weight, get fitter, cut down on your drinking or give up smoking?

Just think, if you register with LiveWell Dorset today, by this summer you could be reaping the rewards of a healthier you.

Making a big healthy lifestyle change can feel overwhelming. We might start well and with the best intentions but then have a blip or hit a barrier and it all comes tumbling down. Sometimes we don’t even start at all because it just seems too much to take on. This is where LiveWell Dorset,

your local, council-funded free health and wellbeing service really can make a difference. Its team has the skills and expertise to help you build a personal action plan that includes access to the tools you need to succeed – whether that be weight-loss vouchers, nicotine replacement or 1-2-1 coaching. It takes just a few minutes to register, and you can do this by phone: 0800 840 1628 or online at livewelldorset.co.uk. This could be the beginning of your best summer ever…

48 years service and 80th birthday celebrated

A young-at-heart care home team leader from Parkstone has recently celebrated two milestones – her 80th birthday and 48 years of continuous service.

Ita Graven, who works at Elizabeth House care home in Parkstone, enjoyed a special afternoon tea to celebrate her birthday and her career achievements.

Ita started her care career in 1974 at residential care home Draper House, then owned by Dorset County Council. The hospital transferred to the Dorset Trust and Care South, before closing. She transferred to another Care South care home, Queensmead, before moving to Elizabeth House.

Now a care team leader, Ita said: “The 48 years have gone by in a flash! I love the work; every day is unique, and I’ve made a good living out of doing something I enjoy. I have always said you don’t

know your home until you know the residents and that when you know your residents, you know your home. Elizabeth House is a home-from-home for me, and I really appreciate all the effort that has been made to make today’s celebrations so special.”

Ita Graven

Planning for retirement

Whether retirement is just around the corner, or far over the horizon, it pays to plan ahead to make sure that the life you lead post-working is fulfilled and secure.

While pensions may be the first thing to come to mind when planning ahead, there are more factors to be considered that will have some bearing on the funds you will need to support your retirement.

You may have been planning how you would like to spend your retirement for some time, or it may be a much more abstract concept. Knowing what you want to do in your retirement will help with your planning.

Staying active and maintaining social contact are important for maintaining physical and mental health for many. Retirement can provide an opportunity to take up an old passion pushed aside while you concentrated on

your career or family, or to start new hobbies or projects you’ve fancied giving a go. Perhaps outright retirement isn’t for you and you’d like to take on a part-time role, or volunteer for an organisation you support. Joining a club can be a great way to meet new, like-minded people, or extra time on your hands could mean more quality time spent with family and friends.

You may consider living in a retirement village where you are likely to have company, or you may like to broaden your horizons through travel, or possibly even try living abroad.

If you have a spouse or partner, it’s important to discuss each other’s expectations.

Do you want to spend most of your time together, or would you prefer some time apart to follow your own interests?

Once you have a good idea of how you’d like to spend your retirement, you’ll have a better understanding of how much money you’ll need to follow your dreams. Seeking financial help to make sure you have the funds you require, whether by managing existing pensions or through equity release, is a sensible option.

And while you’re being sensible, you should finalise legal documents such as a will and power of attorney. A power of attorney allows you to choose the right people to make decisions on your behalf

if you lose capacity, and a will ensures your estate will be distributed as you wish after you die. Having these documents in place will remove pressures from your loved ones, and leave you free to enjoy your retirement knowing that the important things are organised.

Make provisions for you and your family

Wills are an important part of estate planning to ensure your loved ones receive what you intend and careful drafting prevents unexpected consequences. Specialist help can also open conversations surrounding wider planning matters, making provisions for yourself and others in your lifetime.

Meesons and Spurlings’ Private Client department covers all three offices with a combined experience of over 60 years in: estate planning; the preparation of wills and lasting powers of attorney; applying for deputyship and other Court of Protection matters; applying for probate and administration of estates and trusts.

Tamasine is a solicitor and director at the Mudeford and

Christchurch offices. She is a member of STEP and covers all aspects of private client work. Tamasine prides herself on her compassionate and practical approach to clients’ needs.

Fiona is a chartered legal executive in the Ringwood office. Her work includes drafting wills, administration of estates and trusts, taxation, lasting powers of attorneys, Court of Protection applications and elderly client matters.

Theresa is a solicitor in the Christchurch and Ringwood offices and is also the honorary secretary of the Bournemouth and District Law Society. She has a particular interest in trusts and estate planning. Contact Meesons and Spurlings Solicitors on 01425 484420.

Lone Pine Park Ferndown retirement living at its very best

Reasons to buy...

Location...

• Reduced living costs

A

stunning and very leafy

park on the

outskirts

of Ferndown in Dorset, close to popular seaside resorts such as Bournemouth

As its name suggests, Lone Pine Park occupies a lovely woodland spot, with mature, evergreen pine trees providing a stunning backdrop to the residential homes. It can trace its history back over 100 years and has now evolved to be an exclusive bungalow style senior living park on the south coast.

These days the park currently has just over 110 homes sited, and there is a choice of additional plots and show homes that are available immediately. In fact, there are three brand new stock homes in place for those who are keen to move straight onto the

HOMES FOR SALE

park, with prices starting from £275,000.

Of the five available plots, buyers can choose a new build model that they like from a range of manufacturers, and can have a say in the design of the home to suit their exact requirements to maximise the location of their new home on the plot.

The park boasts a wonderful 14.5 acre sylvan setting and once fully developed will have in the region of 175 homes, all carefully sited on bespoke plots nestled within landscaped gardens and providing a secure communal environment.

There are currently about about five new plots available, of which three of them already have new homes on them:

• The first and second are top of the range two-bedroom, two-bathroom Lissett Echappe/Alaska models, that overlook Heathland with amazing uninterrupted views and a raised decking area - POA

• The third is a lovely two-bedroom Stately Albion located in a cul de sac, on a south facing plot, priced at £325,000

• Friendly community

• Close to local amenities

• Regular local bus services

• Outbuilding included

• Detached bungalows

Park Rules

The park is for residents over 55 years of age. Two small pets per home are allowed.

Lone Pine Park

Lone Pine Drive, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8NN

www.lonepinepark.co.uk

By Janine Pulford

lthough not native to the British Isles the brown hare, (Lepus europaeus), is now considered naturalised. Originally from central Asia, it is thought to have been introduced to this country some 2,000 years ago.

Identification

Hares are not rabbits. They are in the same family, Leporidae, but they are a different species.

Brown hares are bigger than wild rabbits. They have reddish gold fur, amber eyes and long ears with black tips. By comparison, wild rabbits are light brown, have shorter ears without black tips, and brown eyes. Rabbits generally hop and, when scared, will run into their burrows. Hares tend to walk unless fleeing from a predator when they can be seen using their long legs to bound at speed in a zigzag manner.

Hares don’t live in burrows. They make a small depression in the ground in long grass. This is known as

a form. During the day, they stay low and still, hiding on or near the form and moving off to feed at dusk.

Diet

Brown hares mainly graze on tender shoots of grass, including cereal crops, and will eat the bark of young trees. They live on grassland and arable land, preferring a patchwork of farmland offering a variety of food, long grass to hide in, woodland edges and fields. They are generally solitary, occasionally feeding together.

Breeding

The breeding season is between February and September and the female –the doe or jill – can rear three to four litters a year. She may line her form with soft fur pulled from her chest. Although brown hares are generally nocturnal, you are most likely to see them during the day in the spring, particularly in March when fertility is at its peak. You may catch sight of them ‘boxing’ in the fields. This unusual behaviour has coined the saying ‘mad March hare’.

Should you be lucky enough to see two hares having a boxing match, don’t be fooled into thinking it is two males fighting. It is more likely to be a jill warding off an amorous male (a jack). And so comes to mind the rhyme ‘Jack and Jill’. Here’s my take on the rhyme written with hares in mind: Jack and Jill went up the hill With visions of making a daughter

Fed up with his pose Jill boxed his nose And poor Jack was unable to court her

The jack is also known as the buck. When jacks fight, they stand on their hind legs and attack with their front paws as if boxing each other.

Nature’s footprints through Dorset Brown hare A

A jill will give birth to two to four leverets, which are born with fur and open eyes. The babies leave the form after a few days and lie low separately, keeping quite still. Their mother will return to feed them after

sunset for around four weeks, allowing them to suckle for a few minutes a day. After that they’re on their own. Their lifespan is short: between two to four years.

Conservation status Although protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, brown hares are considered game animals and numbers can be managed by landowners and farmers. This means they are afforded minimal protection and can be shot throughout the year. They are the only game species in the UK without a closed season when hunting is fully prohibited. However, a licence is required to kill them in the closed season, which runs from 1 February to 30 September.

In their favour, the cruel sport of hare coursing was outlawed in 2002, apart from in Ireland. It does, however, continue illegally and if you suspect hare coursing you should report it to the police on 101. If you see a crime in progress always dial 999.

© Nicky Wicks

© Sharon Towning

Hampshire mother of two, Nicola Merrick, has been fostering guide dogs for a number of years for the charity Guide Dogs, which provides guide dogs for the blind. Her role, and that of her family, is an important one and she would like to tell readers about their journey with the seven dogs she’s fostered so far.

The rewards of fostering for national charity Guide Dogs

By Nicola Merrick

Lucky enough to be fosterers for Guide Dogs since 2019, we have fostered seven wonderful life changers.

A fosterer provides a home to the dogs whilst in training at regional centres. We drop them off at ‘school’ in the morning and collect later that day to come home and relax. At the weekends, we take them out on free runs. This is when they are allowed off lead to play.

Unice, our first, arrived two weeks before Christmas 2019. She was a black retriever Labrador cross – apart from overexcitement with other dogs and their tennis balls, she was a perfect introduction to our foster journey, staying with us for four months before leaving us to qualify and start work.

A beautiful clever black Labrador named Bumble arrived in July 2020. She was very intelligent but could be lazy so needed encouragement to run. I soon realised how different each dog would be. She qualified two months ahead of schedule.

Poppy was a complete contrast. An attractive golden retriever – incredibly affectionate and a lot of fun. But with the fun, came challenges, mostly around car travel and frequent barking. Sadly, the decision was made to withdraw her from training and she returned to her puppy raiser

to become their pet, leaving a large hole in our hearts.

To fill a big hole, you need a big dog, and Liam did just that, my loveable lump. Arriving in April – a giant yellow Labrador – he liked his own space and would take himself off to the kitchen and curl up in his bed away from it all. He has now also qualified.

Liam left on the Tuesday and Cooper, a black Labrador, arrived on the Friday. The first week was a challenge as he didn’t sleep –worse than having a baby with sleepless nights. Thankfully, he quickly settled down and slept through. He has now also qualified.

Flossie, a black retriever German shepherd cross, stole our hearts from the moment she arrived. She was incredibly affectionate but also very reactive, therefore easily distracted and consequently withdrawn from training.

Our current dog, Tony, a loveable yellow Labrador, is full of puppy fun. It is early days with him but I think he will become an excellent guide dog.

They have all been wonderful. It’s very hard to say goodbye but we know it is for such a good cause.

For more details about fostering, please see: https://www.guidedogs. org.uk/how-you-can-help/ volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ volunteer-role-descriptions/fosterer/

Bumble

Cooper and Liam

Flossie

Poppy

Tony

Unice

Verwood Rotary round up

By Louisa Hiscock

The start of the New Year has been a time of looking forward and planning for club members. It has also a time of looking back and sadness at the passing of a much-loved club member.

Looking forward the club is already planning for two of our main annual events. We hope to confirm details soon for our Swing Band Dance in March to raise funds for our president’s chosen charity, Macmillan Caring Locally. Do look out for details and how you can buy tickets to support our fundraising evening. We are also in the early stages of planning our next Rustic Fayre for August Bank Holiday Monday. As always, this big Verwood event will have everything we all look forward to every summer, as well as being a great opportunity to raise funds for local charities, organisations and groups in our community. Put the date in your diary. We also hope to be part

of the local events in May for the King’s coronation weekend.

We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to come along to a meeting or get more involved in local events with us. Contact us if you would like to know more about what we do and possibly be part of this on enquiries@ verwoodrotary.org.uk.

Looking back the club is very sad to share the passing of Colin Bateman. Colin was a founder member of the Verwood Rotary Club and was very well known locally for all he did with and for his local community over many years. We have included an obituary on this page in memory of Colin and the legacy he will leave behind.

COLIN BATEMAN (1931 – 2022)

Colin was a founding member of Verwood Rotary Club and represented everything Rotary is about: service above self, serving our local community, fundraising and volunteering without hesitation. In the club, Colin was president twice and team leader for Community Service for many years. He was also awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary for his services to the club and the community. When he had to step down from the club in 2020 due to ill health, he was voted by all club members to be an honorary member. He was also formally recognised by the Town Council for his incredible contribution to the community when made a ‘Freeman’ of Verwood in 2012.

Colin will always be remembered by all who knew him for his energy, enthusiasm and commitment to getting things done. He organised and got involved in many projects and fundraising events over the years, supporting local groups and organisations. He was always the first to volunteer for an activity and the last to leave, turning his hand to whatever needed to be done. He will also be remembered for the speed he did everything with – often leaving others running to catch up with him.

Colin was truly one of a kind. He was an example to us all in Verwood Rotary Club of how to live out everything Rotary stood for. We were fortunate to have him as a member and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Colin Bateman

Healthy hearty soups

Winter is very much soup season – a good soup is delicious, filling and warming and can be great if you’re on a budget too. Almost all vegetables work together in a soup, so you can throw in all the ingredients you have lurking in the bottom of the fridge and end up with something nutritious and tasty too.

A versatile meal, soups can be eaten for lunch or dinner, or even as a snack between meals in a mug. When planned properly, they can make a healthy, balanced meal and be a great way to increase your intake of vegetables.

Soups are usually a low cost per portion, especially when made in bulk, which also makes them convenient to warm up in a hurry or take out and about in a flask.

Competition winner

The lucky winner of Viewpoint’s competition to win a £60 voucher to spend on a meal at The Royal Oak in Gorley was Julie Legg from Fordingbridge. The correct answer was the 17th century.

Here are some tips for building a balanced, nutrient-dense soup from Heart Research UK

Base

A great soup starts with a tasty base. Sauteed onions, celery and garlic make a wonderful starter for most soups. Next, select your stock – homemade is best and the most cost effective as you can make it from leftover meat bones and vegetables. Shop-bought stock cubes can be high in added salt and sugar so if you are using these make sure you choose a low-salt and low-sugar variety or leave it out altogether. You can use herbs and spices to add depth of flavour.

Carbohydrates

White potatoes, sweet potatoes, wholewheat noodles or pasta, and brown rice are all great options for adding to soup. They provide a healthy source of carbohydrates to give you the energy you need to fuel your body.

Vegetables

All vegetables work well in soups – try choosing ones you wouldn’t usually eat to increase the variety in your diet. Butternut squash, parsnips, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli are great options.

Protein

Protein is often forgotten in soups, but it is an important nutrient for growth and repair in the body. It also helps us feel fuller for longer which can help us maintain a healthy weight. Healthy sources of protein include chicken, turkey, fish and low-fat cheeses. Plant based options such as lentils and beans are healthy options, and these are a cheap option for bulking up soups too.

Wimborne Musical Theatre to stage modern musical

Wimborne Musical Theatre is to stage one of the most successful modern musical comedies.

You can see ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ in the Minster Theatre at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne 16-18 February with performances at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Very funny, irreverent and, sometimes, very naughty, the musical looks at love and relationships throughout the course of life – from the perils of the first date, through the trials and tribulations of marriage and family, to pensioners’ pick-up lines.

Mixed with 18 songs, some that will make you laugh and others may make

you cry, this is a show that you do not want to miss. Tickets are £15 and £13 for concessions, and are available online at www.theallendale.org/ boxoffice, by phone on 01202 882747, or in person at the Allendale Box Office.  Recommended for audiences of 14 years and over.

Wimborne Civic Society meetings

If you’re interested in Wimborne and the surrounding area, why not go along to a Wimborne Civic Society meeting?

They are open to all and are held at 8pm in the Quarterjack Room in the Allendale Centre.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21 February, when members and guests will be able to

hear about ‘The Buildings of Wiltshire, rewriting Pevsner’, when Julian Orbach will be giving a fully illustrated address. Julian is an accomplished architectural historian and spent some years thoroughly revising Nikolaus Pevsner’s 1960s volume in the ‘Buildings of England’ series of guides.

By way of a contrast, on Tuesday 21 March,

Don Nutt will speak about ‘Pirates, Castaways and Codfish’. Don is a Poole Bay Rotarian and a local historian, and will be unveiling the significance of his intriguing title on the day. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend. The entry fee is £1 for members or £3 for visitors. Visitors can join the society at any meeting.

Back to the 80s with Bournemouth Bay Run

In 1983, the first Bournemouth Bay Run took place, with people donning their neon headbands at what would become an annual event.

And this year’s event on Sunday 2 April is once more set to bring a sense of quirky fun as participants run against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s seven-mile stretch of golden sand.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for Culture and Vibrant Places said: “This year, runners are encouraged to wear 80s running gear to mark the four-decade milestone.

“Bright neon colours were all the rage in the 80s and forget about leggings or tights, it was all about those really short shorts.

“And no 80s running outfit is complete without some fun accessories, so think ‘Flashdance’ and add headbands, leg warmers, or even fingerless gloves.”

This year, Bournemouth Bay Run is supporting three charities – Dorset Mind, Lewis Manning Hospice Trust, and RNLI.

For more information check out Bournemouth Bay Run or sign up at https://bournemouthbayrun.co.uk/

Warm spaces and places - East Dorset

These are places locally where you can drop in and stay in the warm. You will be made to feel welcome without it having to cost you anything. Some will offer a free hot drink. Information was correct at the time of going to print.

CANFORD MAGNA

Parish Church provides a warm space for families with children.

All welcome. Chilli Tuesday, free meal, 4pm-6pm.

COLEHILL

St Michael and All Angels, Colehill Lane, a place of welcome with a community café offering low cost food. Wed 11am-2pm. Accessible toilets, free wifi, child friendly.

CORFE MULLEN

Village Hall, Towers Way, BH21 3UA. Hot drinks. Wheelchair accessible. 9am-12pm Mon, Thurs and Fri except 9 March. Ending 31 March 2023.

Library, 54 Wareham Road, BH21 3LE. Cuppa and Company. Hot drink, computer access, free WiFi. Wed 2.30-4.30pm. 01305 221000.

FERNDOWN

Library, Pennys Walk, BH22 9TH. Cuppa and Company same as the library above but takes place on Thurs 2-4pm.

St Mary’s Warm Welcome, Church Rd, BH22 9EU. Accessible toilets, free WiFi, hot drinks, food. Mon to Fri morning and afternoon. All welcome. 01202 897087.

United Church, 505 Wimborne Road, Thurs 2-6pm. Free soup and roll at 5pm.

VERWOOD

Library, 1 Manor Rd, BH31 6DS. Cuppa and Company. Tues 2.15-4.15pm.

WEST MOORS

Library, Station Rd, BH22 0JD. Cuppa and Company. Thurs 2.30-4pm.

Pinehurst Community Church Warm Welcome, 90 Pinehurst Road, BH22 0AR. Cosy space, free wifi, hot drinks. Thurs 1-5pm. 01202 892776.

The Flamin’ Ukes return

The Ringwood based band, Flamin’ Ukes, is returning to Godshill Village Hall on

Saturday 22 April, after a break of nearly two years. This annual concert, always a sell-out, is back by popular request, and the band will be playing their eclectic mix of old and new songs, with jollity, fun and laughter.

Tickets are available from Marlene Williams on 01425 650845 and Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or 07798 555500.

WIMBORNE

Library, Crown Mead, BH21 1HH, Cuppa and Company. Mon 10.30am-12.30pm.

The Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, BH21 1AS: Warm Welcome, accessible toilets, computer access, free wifi, hot drinks. Morning and afternoon seven days a week • Chat Club at Café@theAllendale, Thurs 2.30pm4pm • Live folk music at Café@ the Allendale, 2nd and 4th Mon 7pm-10pm, normally free entry

• Free Family Film Club, Sun 12 Feb and 12 Mar, starts 10.30am. Just turn up • Family Education: budgeting, meal planning, cookery classes followed by family meal and film night. 3pm-8.30pm, 17 Feb, 3 and 17 Mar. 01202 887247. Coffee and Cakes, St John’s, 71 Leigh Road, BH21 1AE. Fri 10am-12pm. 01202 842255.

Wimborne Baptist Church Warm Welcome, Grove Road, BH21 1BW. Accessible toilets, child friendly, free wifi, hot drinks, food, TV, music, work and study spaces. Wed afternoon and evening. 01202 775719.

WEST HAMPSHIRE FORDINGBRIDGE

Fordingbridge Library, Roundhill, SP6 1AQ. Every Tues 2-4pm warm welcome, games, puzzles, warm drink.

The Branch (NLCC), 1 High Street, SP6 1AS. Tues 1.303pm, Wed 10am-12pm.

Avon Valley Churches, St Bonfice, Woodgreen SP6 2AJ. Tues 10.30am-2.30pm

Blandford Hall, Martin, SP6 3LD. Elderly especially welcome. Wed 2pm-4.30pm monthly. Sat 10am-12.30pm.

Martin Club, SP6 3LR, every Tues 10.30am-2.30pm. TV and table tennis. Hot drink. Free wifi.

RINGWOOD Library, Christchurch Road, BH24 1DW. Warm event Thurs 10am1pm. Free wifi, accessible toilets, hot drink, computer access.

Visit https://www. helpandkindness.co.uk for more information.

Goodbye Dry January, hello

Wimborne Wine Society

Wimborne Wine Society is a friendly group of wine lovers that meets monthly at Wimborne Community Centre (formally CLaRC Community Learning and Resource Centre, King Street).

New members are always welcome to the meetings, which take place on the first Wednesday of the month. Members enjoy a wine tasting and a presentation, often delivered by a visiting expert from local vineyards or wine shops.

There are no wine snobs, and neither is there any

pressure to buy the wines. Members can bring their own nibbles to enjoy while sampling the vintages. There are also social events such as a summer picnic, Christmas party and skittles evenings. The guest fee is £10 per visit, or an annual membership costs £25, including a set of wine tasting glasses.

Register your interest by contacting chairman John Billington on 01202 888174 or visit www. wimbornewinesociety.org

Events at Museum of East Dorset

As well as the permanent exhibitions, the Museum of East Dorset is hosting a series of activities over winter.

Children can be entertained on Tuesday 14 February with Valentine’s themed crafts, stories and a garden trail, for just £3.50 per person.

For those interested in history, there are other options. Neil McLocklin will

be giving a fascinating talk about ‘The English Civil War –People and Places in Dorset’ on Monday 6 March at 2pm. Tickets are £7 per person. Or explore your own family history with support and advice from local members of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society. Bring along your own research and laptop or tablet on Saturday 18 March, 1-4pm, tickets £5.

Events

The details of the events below were accurate at the time of going to press. Always check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

15 February 10.30am-12noon

Feed the Birds children’s event at Knoll Gardens. Book at www.knollgardens.co.uk

15-19 February 12noon-4pm

Snowdrop days in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance at 10 Ryan Close, Ferndown, BH22 9TP.

17 February 10.30am

Wimborne U3A talk covering Inheritance Tax, Paying for Long-Term Care, Lasting Power of Attorney and Protecting Assets after re-marriage at Wimborne Methodist Church. Visitors welcome.

18 February

Fordingbridge Twinning Association Murder Mystery Evening. Details from Alison or Derek Ayling, on 01425 650770.

18 February 12noon

Wimborne Repair Café at Wimborne Methodist Church. Repairs free of charge but donations welcome. Contact wimbornrrepaircafe@gmail.com

20 February 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement Club, Colehill Village Hall. Meetings every third Monday. Visitors welcome £5. Contact 01202 610902.

21 February 10am-1.30pm

An introduction to lino cut printmaking at the Museum of East Dorset. www. museumofeastdorset.co.uk

21-25 February

Broadstone Players will be performing ‘Proof’ by David Auburn in Broadstone War Memorial Hall. Performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets from honsec@ broadstoneplayers.co.uk, 01202 678449 or Broadstone News.

22 February 7 for 7.30pm

Wimborne Community Theatre fundraising quiz at Colehill Sports and Social Club. Entrance fee includes buffet. To book contact Barbara Hart, barbarahart414@ gmail.com or 01202 884201.

23 February 6.30pm-8pm

Body butter making workshops with Lytchett Bay Soaps at the Museum of East Dorset. www. museumofeastdorset.co.uk

23-25 February

Wimborne Drama Productions stages Bedroom Farce at the Tivoli Theatre. Book via the Tivoli box office on 01202 885566 or online at www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

24 February 2pm-4pm

Stepping Out tea dance at Broadstone War Memorial Hall to include those with memory loss and dementia. To book phone Lesley Shand on 01202 658833.

25 February 3pm

Wimborne Town Football Club at home to Bashley.

28 February 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club meets at West Parley Memorial Hall with a talk by Mike Webber on Wonderful Water Gardens. Contact Rod Darch 01202 896711, rod@rdconsulting.co

1 March 12noon

Ferndown Probus Club meets at the Dudsbury Golf Club, Ferndown on the first Wednesday of each month. For details, call 01202 876826, or email: alan_stevens@talk21.com

6 March 10.15am

Wimborne War on Waste will give a talk to Wimborne Minster WI at St Catherine’s Church. Visitors welcome. Further info Jill Haywood 01202 888194.

6 March 7-10pm

The Wessex Friends meets at The Cobham Flight Refuelling Sports & Social Club with a talk, ‘The History of Dodgem Cars’ by Kay Townsend. Details: email derekabaker@hotmail.co.uk.

8 March 6.30pm-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Details from www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

8 March 7.30pm

East Dorset Antiquarian Society AGM at St Catherine’s Church. www.dorset-archaeology.org.uk

10 March 9.30am-12.30pm

The Art of Gustave Courbet at East Dorset Heritage Trust in Allendale House. See www.edht.org.uk

11 March 2.15pm

The Dorset branch of the World Ship Society meets at the Centre, Ferndown, BH22 8XH. Email: info@shipsdorset.org or see www. shipsdorst.org.

13 March 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk ‘Naga Land’ by Thomas Clarke at the Memorial Hall. Details Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

13 March 7.30pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society meets in the Allendale Centre. Three or four short talks on gardening related subjects and news on Spring Show. Further information from Tony Beard on 01202 880116.

MOT changes proposed

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have announced a consultation on the proposals to make changes to MOTs.

The consultation seeks views on:

• Changing the date at which the first MOT for new cars, motorcycles and vans is required from three to four years

• The frequency that MOTs need to be undertaken

• How to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution

• Whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested

• If additional measures are required to manage loud engines

• Methods for cracking down on MOT and mileage fraud The consultation is open until 28 February 2023 online at www.gov. uk/government/news/ proposed-changes-to-makemots-fit-for-the-future

It’s not worth the risk

There was an increase in the number of people arrested in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of the Christmas Drink and Drug Driving Campaign which ran from 1 to 31 December 2022.

Operation Holly saw 286 arrests, compared to 276 in 2021. Of these, 153 were for drink driving and 133 for drug driving.

University student wins Mini Cooper

Chief inspector Chris Spellerberg, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police said: “Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive and we hope the message of this campaign gets through. It is never acceptable to drink or drug drive. It’s not worth the risk.”

When a computer games design student from Southampton was told he’d won a Mini Cooper Classic Convertible, he kept asking: “Are you joking?”

Odafe Jagboro, the winner of the National Motor Museum Trust 2022 Prize Draw at Beaulieu was handed the keys for the brandnew Mini Cooper Classic Convertible by Lord Montagu. He was presented with the sporty soft-top outside the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and said: “My girlfriend Anya brought me to Beaulieu as a birthday surprise, and she bought my car raffle ticket as an early birthday gift.

“I’ll need to learn how to drive a manual car as I’ve learnt to drive using an automatic. It’s an amazing

car in pristine condition that I’ve won for £2. The best birthday present I’ve had in my life. Anya and I opened a bottle of prosecco to celebrate the evening we had the phone call from the National Motor Museum.”

Present at the handover of the car keys was Rashid Lamjafjaf of Group 1 Mini, Farnborough.

Second prize was won by Siqi Han from Southampton and third prize by Robin Jarvis from Westbury.

The annual prize draw offers the chance to win a car for a £2 ticket and raises money for the National Motor Museum Trust, a charitable organisation, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting motoring history. Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 prize draw.

Raffle prize winner Odafe Jagboro and girlfriend Anya Hunt and Rashid Lamjafjaf with Lord Montagu

British Property Award Local and Regional Winners 2021 & 2022

Irving and Sons Estate Agents of Verwood

Advertisement feature

Irving and Sons enjoyed double success for the second year running at British Property Awards 2022. Irving and Sons have now won and retained the Gold Award for the Best Estate Agent in Verwood on every occasion that judging has taken place. Following their success in the Verwood area, Irving and Sons progressed to the regional stages which involved further intensive convert assessments and monitoring over a prolonged period. The results were then compared alongside the other local winners within the region which resulted in Irving and Sons also being awarded the Bronze Award for the Best Estate Agent in The South West (Dorset) for the second year running.

Year on year the team at Irving and Sons have consistently out performed their competition by providing

outstanding customer service, local knowledge and superb property related expertise throughout the many stages of the intensive judging period.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with an accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

The British Property Awards are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of

agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent on a local level against an initial set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The local winners are then reassessed using different criteria over a longer period as part of the reginal award process.

The judging criteria is both detailed and comprehensive exploring different mediums, scenarios and time periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged.

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said: “Our awards have been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our awards have also been designed to remove any opportunity

for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition”.

New outdoor gym for West Moors

People living in West Moors can now enjoy exercising in the open air.

New outdoor ‘Caloo’ gym equipment has been installed at Fryer Field at the MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area). There are five different exercise units for a full body workout – one rower, one set of exercise bars, one lat pull and chest press combi, one leg press, and an arm bike and wheels. This equipment has everything you need to stay fit and enjoy the workout outdoors.

On each there are instructions for use and a QR code to download the app for workouts and guidance.

Borrow an iPad for free

Five libraries are offering the chance to borrow an iPad for up to six weeks free of charge.

The pilot scheme is being offered by Dorset Council libraries, which are working with Citizen’s Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions to help people search and apply for jobs online. They can also be used to access online training to gain skills and knowledge.

The devices are easy to use with an instructional video and support from library staff and digital champions. There is no need for broadband as the tablets have free data and are fully loaded with information about looking for work and learning new skills.

The iPads will be available to borrow from Ferndown, Blandford, Bridport, Swanage and Weymouth libraries.

Twinning association to welcome French counterparts

Ringwood Twinning Association, which is working hard to increase membership and to generate revenue, is planning to welcome visitors from Pont Audemer to the town in May this year.

Last September, members were looked after really well by French dignitaries and the association wishes to reciprocate.

However, there is a shortfall in the funding required for a civic reception and so the association applied to Ringwood Town Council for a grant.

It is anticipated the event will accommodate more than 35 people and it is planned to hold it in a venue in Ringwood, utilising local service providers, and so 100 per cent of the money will be spent in the town.

At the recent policy and finance committee meeting, it was agreed that a grant of £1,500 should be awarded towards the cost of a civic reception for the Mayor and Pont Audemer Twinning Association members.

In the last 18 months, the association has grown its membership to 28 and hopes that number will have risen to 40 to 45 members by the end of the year.

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Fordingbridge and District u3a

Come and join us!

Are you new to the area?

Do you find yourself with some free time during the day? If so, you are most welcome to join us in the Fordingbridge and District u3a.

CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinion or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Blast from the past

What a surprise to see the photo of the Viewpoint team taken 20 years ago (Viewpoint mid-January 2023, page 11). Sadly, a few of them are no longer with us but three are still living locally. Fred Chegwidden (now into his 90s) has just gone by in his buggy having done his shopping! During Covid, I catalogued the contents of all the magazines produced by our team between 1978 and 1994 and this is now held by the Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre. I’m currently working on the history of the Verwood Bowls Club, so still keeping the brain active!

Angela Daymond

Former Viewpoint volunteer

Hello Janine

Just to say congratulations to all of you, a well deserved pat on the back for achieving 20 years of excellence.

Your magazines are read and enjoyed by so many people and the quality of its articles and features is consistently very very high. Thanks everyone, with a particular accolade going to Marilyn Barber who is seen everywhere, reporting on so many aspects of life in our beautiful county. She is especially beloved by the thriving amdram community who really appreciate her unstinting support and encouragement. Please pass on my sincere thanks to her and to you and all your hardworking team.

Jenny Hughes

A taste of the

Covid

beast by Rob Forrester-Addie, 83, from Ringwood

The viral pandemic of twenty nineteen Came here after Christmas in silence, unseen. Many thousands were lost in its deadly rampage Before new vaccinations appeared on the stage. We had the injections as they all came along With gardening exercise keeping us strong. Three years later, at Christmas, we let our guard drop; The testing kit showed we’d been caught on the hop!

Day One, we’re alerted by tasteless fresh tea. We tested to check we were still Covid free. But no, the vile beast had just found us out, So now we do know what it’s all been about. That first day we wondered, what we should do, But nature took over as I dashed to the loo. I went all wobbly and not hungry at all, My wife went all dizzy and said she might fall.

When Day Two appeared we became even worse: My gurgling stomach was making me curse. My head was now aching and not much to eat, With many more visits to the cold toilet seat.

I’ve never before slept through half the day. The other half spent in a very lazy way, Not shopping as usual down in the town But moaning at home in my warm dressing gown.

Day Three then dawned after a restless night With more pain killers to continue our fight. Our jabs and boosters are battling back So we‘re able to reject this virus attack.

We now know how millions of people before Have all felt so rotten right down to the core. Those on-line deliveries are wonderful for us. Thank goodness they’re there to bring food with no fuss.

Day Four we had people who offered support. How lovely they are to just give us a thought. Then we’re pleased to find taste in our food; Then we both go out walking – that has to be good.

Days five, six and seven - we thought that was it, But another test showed that we still were not fit. So, in case this goes on for another two weeks, I’ll wind up this ode while there’s colour in my cheeks.

I’m going to survive with a smile on my face. Three years ago that might not be the case. Bravo to the boffins who made the right ‘stuff’ For the nurses to jab us to not feel so rough.

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We are people who like to develop our interests, learn new ones and make use of our personal skills and knowledge. We have a wide range of interest groups and you are welcome to come along for a couple of free taster sessions to see what you think of us. You will find a friendly, encouraging welcome. We have over 30 groups from cycling and walking to current affairs, from architecture and family history, to trips and visits. Have you always fancied writing? We have an enthusiastic creative writing group. Or perhaps you would like to learn or brush up on a language skill?  The u3a members share with each other their own knowledge and experience, and so there are no tutors, no exams, just relaxation, interest and sociability. We are laid back: the time you want to spend is entirely up to you.

Everyone is welcome to our monthly meeting held at the Avonway Community Centre on the third Wednesday of every month from 2-4pm. We invite a guest speaker to entertain or inform us about their chosen topic. Free to members, £2 to non-members. A chat and refreshments are available at the end. So, come along to our monthly meeting, a friendly greeting guaranteed. Should you decide to join, the annual membership is £20. Check us out at: https:// u3asites.org.uk/ fordingbridge/welcome, call 07786 228433 or email joanmillerfordingbridgeu3a @btinternet.com

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and District u3a

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Protect your pipes

Taking simple steps to prevent frozen pipes means there’s less chance you’ll have to deal with leaks or a flood that could cause damage to your home, or prevent your heating from working.

When temperatures drop and water freezes and turns into ice, it expands by nearly 10 per cent, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split, often resulting in leaks and bursts causing flooding and damage. The following tips, courtesy of Bournemouth Water, will help you to prepare your home for further cold weather and prevent damage:

• Wrap up your pipes and water tanks with lagging – especially those in unheated areas such as lofts, garages or gardens

• Fix dripping taps – even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe

• Find your inside stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink or where the pipework enters your property) and make sure you can turn it off

• Leave the heating on low if you go away

• Check your central heating boiler has been serviced

• Keep the contact details of a reputable plumber to hand

If you do find your pipes have frozen, follow these steps:

• Check pipes for signs of a split – a leak or burst will not occur until the water has thawed

• Turn off the supply using the internal stop tap

• If the central heating and any other water heating appliances are already on, keep on. However, if they are currently

turned off do not be tempted to switch them on to thaw frozen pipes as this could cause damage

• Drain the cold water system only by flushing the toilet and opening cold taps over sinks and baths

• If you don’t find any damage, turn on all the taps and thaw the frozen pipe using a warm towel or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel

• When the pipes have thawed and you’re sure no damage or leak has occurred, turn off the taps and slowly switch the supply back using the internal stop tap

• Check the pipes again now that they are under pressure and check again for signs of damage or a leak before switching on water heating appliances

• If you discover a leak or burst pipe, call a reputable plumber immediately

As temperatures continue to stay low, it is important to protect the pipes in your home.

Insulate your home

With low winter temperatures and soaring energy costs, you may be interested in finding out how you can keep your home warm.

Effectively insulating your home is the single most important thing you can do to lower your energy bills – and it will have the added benefit of reducing your impact on the planet.

There are a number of different types of insulation you can install, depending on what type of property you live in:

Cavity wall insulation

If your home was built before 1990, there’s a fairly strong chance it won’t have any wall insulation. This is important as, according to Energy Saving Trust, around a third of all heat lost escapes through the walls.

Floor insulation

If you live on the ground floor or above an unheated space like a garage, you could find it’s worth insulating your floor space.

You can insulate both concrete and timber floors, helping you use less energy and save money on your annual bills.

Roof and loft insulation

Uninsulated homes lose a quarter of their heat through the roof, according to the Energy Saving Trust, which makes insulating your loft a no-brainer. And if you can easily access your loft, there’s no reason you can’t do it yourself.

Solid wall insulation

Depending on your property’s age, it may have solid external walls. These are more expensive to insulate than cavity walls but it’s still possible to have it done.

Insulating pipes and hot-water tanks

Insulating your pipes and hot-water tank will go a long way towards preventing them losing heat, so you use less

energy heating your hot water. If you’re handy around the house, there’s no need to call the professionals either – you can pick up the insulation cheaply at your local DIY store.

Draught-proofing

Draught-proofing your home could help you lower your carbon footprint and your bills. That means blocking any gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Your granny’s draught excluders will do the trick for the bottom of doors. You can also buy a chimney balloon - a device which is inserted in open, unused chimneys and inflated to keep the cold air out. For more ideas on how to renovate your home sustainably, go to www. comparethemarket. com/home-insurance/ content/green-ecofriendly-renovations/

Guidance for recycling furniture

If you are planning a new look to your home and consequently need to get rid of some old furniture, you need to be aware of new guidance from the Environment Agency before you take it to a recycling centre in Dorset.

Dorset Council must treat upholstered furniture differently when it is being disposed of from now on.

Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating – mainly furniture with cushions and/ or fabric – is often treated with fire-retardant chemicals known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These chemicals have not been used since 2019 but can remain intact in the environment for a long time if not dealt with properly, and need to be incinerated safely.

This means that all Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating will now be separated from other waste types at the Dorset Council household recycling centres (HRCs), with a separate skip for these items.

Residents using the HRCs may see the following being set aside – sofas, sofa

beds, armchairs, kitchen and dining room chairs, stools and foot stools, home office chairs, futons, bean bags and floor and sofa cushions.

All these items can still be dropped off at any of the Dorset Council sites free of charge. Visitors to the HRCs can help by following on-site guidance on where to place their waste and speaking to on-site staff if they have any questions.

The new rules only apply to furniture when it is being disposed of, and the council strongly encourages everyone to consider whether their old items can be sold or donated for reuse instead of being thrown away.

If your furniture cannot be reused and you’re looking to pay someone for its removal and disposal, the council urges you to ensure you

are handing your items to a licensed waste carrier. Always ask how your rubbish will be disposed of and get an invoice or receipt for the waste they’re taking, including their contact details. If someone –such as an unlicensed ‘man in a van’ found online – were to fly-tip your furniture, you could end up paying a fine or being taken to court.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for

Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said:

“The basic principles remain the same; if your old furniture cannot be reused, please bring it to a household recycling centre where it will be safely disposed of free of charge. If you need someone to dispose of it for you, be very careful who you are handing it to.” For more information, see www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/scrap.

Futon Company opens at Furlong Centre

At the beginning of February, Futon Company opened its doors to queues of customers, with the first lucky 50 people receiving a free hot water bottle with their purchase.

Charlie Reed, marketing & PR director for The Furlong said: “We are delighted to add this wonderful homeware offering store to further diversify our highly successful portfolio mix. Despite their name, they sell so much more than just futons and will bring home accessories, gifts and furniture

to our customer base. Their small space living concept is perfect at a time when many are downsizing or needing to maximise their living spaces.”

Futon Company specialises in stylish and affordable solutions for small space living, from multifunctional furniture to flexible storage and spacesaving upholstery. The new store in Ringwood is open daily from 9.30am-5.30pm and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

To find out more visit www. thefurlong.co.uk

Unregistered appliances a risk to health

Householders who own unregistered appliances could be putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of serious injury and death, warned a leading accident prevention charity, the Royal Society of Accident Prevention (RoSPA) and the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA).

Registering a household appliance means that owners can be safe in the knowledge they will receive notification of any recalls or safety issues affecting the item, reducing the risk of fires or explosions.

Ashleigh Martin, public health advisor at RoSPA said: “With such busy lives, it’s only natural not to have domestic safety at the top of our to-do lists. But a simple action like registering your appliance as soon as you’ve purchased it can help prevent against unnecessary tragedies. By registering your appliances in a timely manner, you can be among the first to hear when there is a potentially life-saving product recall.”

AMDEA CEO, Paul Hide, said: “We

urge anyone with unregistered appliances – whether brand-new, a pre-used buy or installed a while ago – to register all their appliances so they can be contacted in case of any safety notifications, repairs or recalls. Most manufacturers accept registrations of machines up to 12 years old, and there’s no need for a proof of purchase. It’s completely free and easy to do – it’s a win-win for

keeping your home safe and possibly increasing the life span of your machine.”

Items such as white goods, other large and small kitchen appliances, heating, water heating, floor care, waste disposal and ventilation equipment can be registered.

To register your device, visit: www. registermyappliance.org.uk.

Wassailing tradition alive and well

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

What is a wassail, you may be wondering?

While it may not be a familiar tradition to many, wassailing is an ancient custom that still takes place across the UK today, notably in areas where apples are grown and cider produced, and events take place across Dorset.

The tradition varies by area, with similar celebrations taking place in each location every year, however, some elements are common wherever you are.

A wassail usually takes place on or around either Twelfth Night or Old Twelfth Night (17 January), and its purpose is to ensure a good apple harvest the coming autumn. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘waes hael’, meaning ‘be well’ or ‘good health’.

It is usually a raucous and goodnatured event, often led by a wassail King and Queen. Farmers, farm workers and villagers join together to process from orchard to orchard, singing, shouting and generally making as much noise as they can, as they go.

In each orchard, wassailers gather around the biggest and best tree, sprinkling cider around the roots and

placing wassail-soaked toast in the branches. This is done as a gift to the tree spirits, but it also encourages birds to the trees, which will eat any bugs under the bark, ensuring a good coverage of blossom in spring.

Traditional wassailing songs are sung, and the revellers chant, shout and call out while drums and pots and pans are banged – all in the name of waking up the tree spirits and warding off any evil demons that may be lurking in the branches.

Food is shared and cider is drunk, and nowadays, it presents a good opportunity to be sociable with friends and neighbours at a time of year when we often bed down and stay home. It is also a timely reminder of our connection to the earth and reliance on it for our food and sustenance.

On a practical level, it was likely that the wassailing ceremony signalled the end of the winter feast, and a return to work – especially as the time after the start of the year and before the first buds appear is a prime time to attend to the trees.

A traditional wassail song

Old Apple Tree

Old Apple Tree we wassail thee

And hoping thou wilt bear

For who knows where we all shall be

At apple time next year

For to fare thee well and bear thee well

And merry all let us be

Let everyone take off their hats

And sing to the Old Apple Tree

Photos – Wimborne wassail, taken by Haydn Wheeler, and Chettle wassail by Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Dorset Chamber survey to identify skills shortages

Dorset Chamber is tackling the problematic question of skills shortages.

It is calling on employers and managers to complete a short online survey to help understand the skills needed for the county’s workforce to thrive and businesses to grow.

The employer-led Dorset Skills Needs Survey forms part of the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan delivered by Dorset Chamber and funded by the Department for Education.

It has been developed to help identify the skills that Dorset employers feel are most lacking in the workforce right

now – and those needed soon.

Employer evidence will be collated by Dorset Chamber and used to shape the provision of all the training providers operating in the post-16 education and training system.

This may include apprenticeships, T-levels or other workplace learning opportunities as well as online and college based courses.

As part of the survey, businesses are also being asked to specifically share information on the skills needed to meet Net Zero targets.  The survey link is https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3D99BTH

Speakers at the launch of the Dorset Chamber-led Local Skills Improvement Plan at Merley House