Allendale Magazine | Apr - Jun 2023

Here at the Allendale, we have plenty to look forward toalong with the vernal weather - and, as ever, we invite you to join us. Live entertainment, free films, our Spring Craft & Food Fair and other popular fairs plus - can’t miss this one - the annual Wimborne Minster Folk Festival in June. We congratulate the Festival on being voted ‘Best in Dorset’ at the inaugural Original Music Awards Dorset (and, of course, we agree it’s the best!).

As well as individual events and our weekly Minster Market on a Friday, we have some brand new regular activities, for children and for adults – info within. We also offer you a great selection of community and other interesting articles in this issue.

There are maintenance and development works to the Centre coming up; a little disruption but a significant improvement in the end – we’ll bring you more in the next issue. Speaking of which, there’s BIG news about the future of this Magazine on page 38. Have a wonderful Easter, Coronation Day and Spring, and hope to see you very soon.

Gary Cox, Editor

What’s been happening at the Allendale?

Quite a lot, including awards, live music, musical theatre and free films…

Original Music Awards, 20 January

It was an incredible night for original music in Dorset as the first OMAs –Original Music Awards – were staged in the county. Tickets sold out days before the event with the music scene buzzing with anticipation. The OMAs welcomed sponsors Absolute Music, Lighthouse Poole, DAL Productions, Thomas Tripp, Vocalzone, Forest FM and global industry brand Musicians’ Union. Each presented an award and were proud to support the evening. Congratulations to all the category winners. Plans are now being made for the 2024 event following such a successful inaugural awards event.

Ratrace, 21 January

This well known and much loved local ska band came to the Allendale on 21 January and did not disappoint the packed Minster Theatre. They’ll be coming back early 2024 and we can’t wait!

Musical Theatre presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, 16 – 18 February

Wimborne

Free Family Films, monthly

A musical you’ve never heard of? Nor had most before coming to see this show, but they left thoroughly entertained by Wimborne Musical Theatre.

Other notable and popular events included 20 To 1 Big Band with A Valentine’s Evening of Dance, Rotary Wimborne presents Jazz at the Allendale, half term activities with Bugfest and our monthly Lunch Clubs.

To discover events coming up, read on, pop in and see us or visit www.theallendale.org

A FREE film suitable for all the family. No ticket required, just turn up and enjoy!

To find out what’s on each month, subscribe to our Newsletter at www.linktr.ee/AllendaleCentre

Following the success of our Christmas Craft & Food Fair last year, we’re thrilled to hold the Spring equivalent on Sunday 26th March, inside and outside the Allendale.

Confirmed stalls include:

• Thai food (hot)

• Indian food (hot)

• New Forest Meats

• New Forest Tea

• Cheeses

• Cakes and handmade shortbread

• Organic chocolate

• Honey

• Jams & chutneys

• Olives

• Handmade food containers

• Handmade decorations

• Engraved glassware

• Woodturned products

• Art

• Handmade silver jewellery

• Dried flowers

• Crochet items

• Indian textiles

• Pet supplies, and much more

The Fair runs from 10am to 4pm (early arrival advised!), with free admission for customers.

Ample parking in adjacent pay & display car park.

Any remaining indoor stalls or outdoor pitches can be booked at www. theallendale.org/tickets

The Ones I Love

Why we love R.E.M. and why you should too

Thanks to R.E.M. tribute REMbrandt – at the Allendale on 31st March

In the early 1980s, four university friends in Athens, Georgia formed a band to play at a friend’s birthday party. By 1992, R.E.M. were being hailed as one of the greatest bands of their time, and by the end of their 31-year, 15-album career, they’d sold over 90 million records. But what made them great? When REMbrandt was formed in 2013, the reason was made clear to everybody who auditioned: a band with integrity, honesty, and a diverse catalogue of brilliant songs. The problem, however, was that audiences didn’t remember how many R.E.M. songs they knew and loved…. until we played them.

There are soaring ballads, (Everybody Hurts), perky pop songs (Shiny Happy People), country rock (Man On The Moon) and classic rock (The One I Love). Everything from acoustic folk to punk rock - and who knows where to put ‘Losing My Religion’? A smash hit single lasting four and a half, mandolin driven minutes, with no real chorus.

REMbrandt shows try to take in this diversity of material and do justice to the songs and the music. Our history is as diverse as our set, having played everywhere from 12th century churches to festival stages, and supporting acts from Lindisfarne to The Hoosiers. Typical shows also include material R.E.M. themselves played live by other artists, such as David Bowie, U2 and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Peter Buck, R.E.M.’s guitarist, once described the band in a throw away comment as, “part heart, part lies, part truth, part garbage”. From our perspective though, there’s a lot of heart and truth, and no lies or garbage in the music we play - we’re excited to play the music we love, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to share it with you.

REMbrandt, Allendale, 31st March. Tickets from www.theallendale.org/tickets or 01202 887247. This event is a WDCA fundraiser.

Shop at Minster Market @ the

Allendale every Friday

Give the supermarket and high street shops a miss on Friday mornings and visit Minster Market @ the Allendale from 8am to 2pm. Great quality and low prices, including fresh fruit & veg, fish and local meat, local honey, cakes, eggs, vintage & retro items, flowers, clothing, skin care, wax melts, glassware, collectibles and so much more.

Plenty of parking in adjacent pay and display car park. See you Friday! www.theallendale.org/minster-marketthe-allendale

Photos by Simon Jenkins

Welcome to Wimborne Railex 2023

By Gerry Barnard

“I didn’t know that Wimborne used to have a railway station”, said someone to me recently. Well it certainly did and Wimborne Railway Society (WRS) actually built a fine working model showing the younger generation how it used to look. You may have seen it displayed in 2022 at the Priest’s House Museum in town. Locally, WRS plays an important role in researching,

– 15th & 16th April

promoting and recreating key transport related social history and actively turns its knowledge into beautiful working scale models that inform and delight our community.

The WRS will soon be celebrating its 50th anniversary in Wimborne. It meets regularly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, currently in the United Reformed Church. It has nearly 100 members from across the community and club members enjoy model making activities, guest talks, film shows, photography, a library, model train running, outings and general camaraderie from coming together to share in a common interest.

This year, WRS is organising Wimborne Railex, a model railway exhibition at the Allendale Centre on the weekend of 15th & 16th April. It’s a chance for all the family to come and view a number of wonderful working scale model layouts built by skilled enthusiasts from around our region. Amongst the exhibitors will be the recreation of the Bournemouth West station.

In fine voice

Enjoy an evening of music from Dorset Police Male Voice Choir & Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir

Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, a registered charity, was established in 1995, when it was privileged to sing at the American Embassy in London as part of their Independence Day celebrations. Having started with just six members, the choir now numbers in excess of 35. From these small beginnings the choir has grown, in numbers and reputation, with the quality of its singing and breadth of repertoire. The Choir aims to promote male voice singing whilst providing enjoyment for its members, supporters, audiences and the wider community. The Choir has performed throughout Dorset

in many concert venues, having also performed widely in the UK and internationally in France, Guernsey, Jersey, Ireland and the USA.

In 2019 the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir celebrated its 75th anniversary. Formerly a very successful competition choir winning first prizes on no less than 58 occasions, the Choir now performs a wide variety of music including popular songs, musical theatre numbers and male voice choir standards. The Choir, by invitation for the fourth time, will sing at the Welsh Association of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall, London

Until 1966 that was the terminus of the Somerset & Dorset Railway where famous trains such as The Pines Express would bring holiday makers from Manchester to Bournemouth, enjoying Dorset’s wonderful rural scenery on the way. Today, some of the old S & D line near Wimborne has been converted to a trailway for cyclists and walkers to enjoy, which many local residents know well. At Railex, in addition to the layouts to see and demonstrations to learn from, there will be an opportunity for model railway enthusiasts to find a bargain from the specialist traders present. Refreshments will be available at Café @ the Allendale. Make a note in your diary and we look forward to welcoming you!

WRS welcomes new members of all ages. It provides a chance for local people to come together to have fun, learn new skills, test new technologies and make new friends. For more information, please contact Club Membership Secretary Martin Catford: 01202 842378 or martin@martinianytime.plus.com.

(April 2024) and regularly sings ‘away from home’ with other choirs. They are delighted to take the stage with Dorset Police MVC and wish everyone an enjoyable evening. Tickets for this event from www.theallendale.org/ tickets or 01202 887247. This event is a WDCA fundraiser.

NEW at the Allendale!

It’s always exciting when we have new events and activities to announce. Is there something here for you or your family?

Discover Monkey Music

With thanks to Katherine Watmough

We’re delighted that the award-winning Monkey Music baby and toddler music and sensory classes (est. 1993) are hosting age-specific sessions at the Allendale. Classes are tailored to support young families with children aged between 3 months and 4 years of age.

Monkey Music classes offer a supportive and nurturing environment, taught by a professional violinist and early years specialist from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, where children and parents meet in small groups to enjoy the interactive activities.

Join Monkey Music for your first FREE class and support your child as they learn amazing new skills in a magical, musical environment. Email: Bournemouth@monkeymusic. co.uk or phone 07855 776878. www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/bournemouth

To learn why Monkey Music has always been the preferred music and sensory class across the UK, see www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Bigger Pickles Markets are coming to the Allendale

By Becky Livesley, Little Pickles/Bigger Pickles Markets

We have been running our Little Pickles Markets at the Allendale Centre for the last year and a half and we are thrilled to also offer a Bigger Pickles age 3+ Market on Sunday 21st May!

Our Bigger Pickles Markets are for children aged 3 years upwards and offer a great selection of nearly new items for your older children, such as clothing, toys, books, school uniform, games, kids’ gadgets and so much more.

To book a seller’s table or buyer’s tickets for the market please see here for details: www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/dorset

Get your skates on at Dorset SK8 Jam

By Charlotte Greening, Dorset SK8 Jam

Dorset SK8 Jam are returning to the Allendale for a monthly over 18’s Roller Disco. Entry is £6 per skater, and £2 skate hire. Skate hire is subject to availability and must be prebooked on our Facebook page, Dorset Sk8 Jam. Pay bar will be open, so please feel free to come down and see what we do! Friday nights, 8pm till 10pm.

Say hello to Ginkgo Fairs

With thanks to Drew Morris

The Ginkgo Fairs’ Makers Market is finally here, and it promises to be a celebration of the finest makers from across Dorset and the South West with its debut on Saturday 22nd April.

Organised by Drew Morris, himself a designer and maker, Ginkgo Fairs is on a mission to promote local artisans and independent makers. With the goal of creating a vibrant community around handmade and artisanal products, Ginkgo Fairs is off to an excellent start.

The Makers Market will showcase a vast array of handmade products, from jewellery to ceramics, art, and home décor. Visitors can expect to discover an array of unique, quirky, and one-of-a-kind pieces. There’s something for everyone, from fashion lovers to art collectors and everything in between.

The market is set to feature some of the best makers from the South West. It’s a perfect opportunity for them to showcase their talent to a wider audience, and for makers to connect with like-minded individuals. Drew hopes that this will help to build a community around people’s passion for handmade products.

Entry to the event is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid missing out on the best deals. The market’s open from 10am until 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the wonderful array of handmade products on display. If you’d like the opportunity to have a stall at the market, details can be found at www.ginkgofairs.co.uk. Places are limited, so don’t delay!

Thank

you, welcome, bring the family & more…

A big thank you

By Sarah Charles, Allendale Lunch Club Coordinator

The tinsel has been packed away, the pine needles swept up and the panto season is behind us (Oh yes it is!). I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the following people who helped with the success of the Allendale Christmas Lunch Club 2022.

Thank you to the following people/businesses that donated prizes for the raffle:

Ron Martin & Nina Thompson (Best Ever Christmas Show), The

When are the next Monthly Lunch Club dates?

You’re very welcome at any of the Monthly Lunch Club dates: 18th April, 23rd May and 20th June. Doors open at 12.30pm with lunch served at 1pm: a tasty, freshlyprepared two course lunch, with tea and coffee included. Dietary requirements can be catered for. Places must be prebooked, at the Allendale, by calling 01202 887247 or at www.theallendale.org/tickets

And a little further on…

The Benedicts, Saturday 29th July

Dorset’s favourite party band, The Benedicts, are turning 10 years old and to celebrate, the band invite you to join them as they embark on a musical journey through the decades. Featuring special guests and an incredible live set of classic floor-fillers from pop’s biggest names, with hits by

East Street Deli, Salamander Cookshop, Co-Op supermarket, Tickles & Co, Gullivers Bookshop, Waitrose supermarket, Maggie Richardson (Great British Bake Off Contestant 2021), Lizzy’s Lots (Minster Market Trader), Karen & Bill Graham (Minster Market Trader), Tonant Engineering Ltd. Dumpton School Choir and Nate MacKenzie provided the fantastic musical entertainment on the day.

Thank you to Paul Keating, Chris the chef and all the Allendale Café and bar staff for all their hard work, together with the Allendale Centre volunteers. Finally, thanks to all of you who joined us on the day and supported the Allendale Community Centre by buying your Christmas Lunch Club tickets and raffle tickets. Please see www.theallendale. org for forthcoming monthly Lunch Club dates and tickets.

Free Family Film Club continues

The Free Family Film Club began in January, as part of the Warm Hub scheme, and is set to continue over the Spring months on 22nd April, 14th May and 18th June. A FREE film suitable for all the family - no ticket required, just turn up and enjoy! To find out what’s on each month, subscribe to Allendale Monthly at www. linktr.ee/AllendaleCentre and be the first to hear!

Queen, Bruno Mars, The Beatles, MJ, Justin Timberlake, Bee Gees, George Michael, The Weeknd & many more, The Benedicts guarantee an evening of fun, laughter, and lots of dancing! Providing support are The Jonny Phillips Trio. Fusing rock and roots with psychedelia and bluesy

It’s where the smart people go

Wednesday 19th April sees another Café @ the Allendale Quiz Night, in association with the WimborneValognes Twinning Association. Entry just £2 at the door, 7pm start. Café open for hot and cold beverages. You could be a winner…

funk, JP3’s sublime sound will satisfy the soul, body and mind. Bar open. Cabaret-style tables and seating. Tickets are just £5, concessions £4 and accompanied under 12s enter free (free ticket must be reserved).

www.theallendale.org/tickets

A warm welcome to Wimborne Minster Folk Festival

By Paul Gunovsky

Following a successful 40th anniversary event in 2022, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival will return to the town this year from the evening of Friday 9th to Sunday 11th June, offering something for everyone of all ages and interests.

In the High Street and Crown Mead there will be stalls of various genres selling their products. The main food quarter will be in place by the Square, which will have its usual stage playing live music for the duration of the festival. The Cornmarket will also house a stage for dance troupes and smaller musical acts.

Willow Walk welcomes families to its open spaces with more stalls, entertainment activities and

a further stage with a variety of different performances. Allendale Meadow will focus on younger children, including Punch and Judy among the attractions.

This year sees the return of the Art Exhibition in Allendale House, which proved a popular new addition in 2022. Next door, in the Allendale Centre Car Park, the MIcrobrewery festival will feature local producers of beers and ciders and yet more live music.

Concerts will be held at the Allendale Centre and other locations throughout the town and there will also be a Ceilidh to enjoy. Music highlights include performances by The Joshua Burnell Band, Elizabeth & Jameson, Ranagri,

Claire Coupland, The Carrivick Sisters, The Trials of Cato and Murphy’s Lore to name but a few. Dancers including our own Morris Dancers and guest artists from other countries will fill the streets with colour and sound and these will join in the traditional Saturday parade through the town. Most local pubs, including the Olive Branch, now play an integral part in the festival, and will also be part of the fun with outdoor seating and live music.

There will be ample parking close to the town centre in Allenbourn School and for those who are interested in camping, please follow the link on our website, WMFF. CO.UK, which has full details of the festival including ticket sales.

It’s Live, it’s Loud, it’s back!

With thanks to Jo Michaels

LiveNLoud has been a part of the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival for several years now and runs with the intention of discovering and promoting local talent and providing a forum to showcase their work. Want to apply for the Competition?

This year’s Wimborne LiveNLoud Competition takes place on Sunday 23rd April – and applications are open until 1st April.

Want to see great acts on stage at the Live Final?

Come and support all the performers at the Live Final on 23rd April at the Allendale Centre - and enjoy some fantastic live music! Tickets are available in advance and on the door, subject to availability. A winner and runner-up will be selected by our panel of judges and the audience vote. Each will receive a cash prize along with a performance slot at this year’s Wimborne Minster Folk Festival on the Willow Walk stage or Stage in the Square! For full details or to buy tickets, see www.theallendale.org/tickets

The Joshua Burnell Band

Ranagri

The Trials of Cato

Regular activities at the Allendale

Looking for things for you, the kids or the family to do? A range of groups and organisations hold regular, popular activities at the Allendale. For more info, please see www.theallendale.org, pop in or give us a call on 01202 887247.

Activities are weekly unless otherwise stated. Some activities are term-time only.

MONDAYS

East Dorset Parkinson’s Tai Chi

Tai Chi for those with Parkinson’s.

Tappy Toes

Dancing classes for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Monkey Music

Baby & toddler music classes.

Play Sportz

Fun-filled, sports-based exercise classes for children.

DanceAway

Classes for adults teaching ballroom & associated styles.

Allendale Bridge Club Bridge players’ club.

((BOUNCE)) Wimborne Mini trampoline fitness classes.

The Arts Society Wimborne & Blandford, monthly   Lectures on a range of arts-related topics.

Happy Patchers, monthly Quilting group.

Wimborne Gardening Club, monthly Meetings and presentations on gardening related matters.

TUESDAYS

WeightWatchers (WW)

You’ve got nothing to lose, but weight!

FLexercise

Feel good fitness from head to toe!

Play Sportz

Fun-filled, sports-based exercise classes for children.

Sing Together

Enjoy a variety of different songs each week. All welcome.

Stagecoach Wimborne

Quality part-time training in performing arts for children 4 - 18yrs.

Intuition Pregnancy Yoga

Pregnancy yoga classes suitable for all.

Lunch Club @ the Allendale, usually Tuesdays, monthly

Enjoy a delicious two course meal every month!

Wessex Astronomical Society, monthly

To promote interest in the science of astronomy and related sciences.

Wimborne Civic Society, monthly Talks, often on Dorset-related subjects.

WEDNESDAYS

Shining Stars

Drama class suitable for ages 2 to 5.

((BOUNCE)) Wimborne Mini trampoline fitness classes.

Central Southern Gauge O Group, monthly Track nights, video nights and guest speakers.

NHS Blood Donation, monthly (day can vary)

THURSDAYS

Claire Matthews Pilates

Pilates strengthens and tones, increases flexibility and realigns your body.

Melodies in Motion exercise class

Feel Great Music, Movements and Moments.

Intuition Postnatal Mum & Baby Yoga

Build physical strength and learn breathwork and relaxation techniques to help you thrive.

Wimborne U3A Bridge Club

Bridge players’ club.

Destined 2 Dance

A great opportunity to keep fit in a friendly and upbeat atmosphere!

Some Voices Choir

Some Voices is a contemporary choir where everyone is welcome.

Wimborne Quaker Meeting, monthly

FRIDAYS

Minster Market @ the Allendale Stalls throughout two Halls plus outside pitches. Always worth a visit!

Dorset SK8 Jam (over 18), monthly Roller skating to music. Bar open.

SATURDAYS

Itsy Bitsy Dance

Toddler street dance, 18 months to 5 years.

South Coast Academy of Performing Arts (SCAPA)

To encourage and nurture the next generation of performers.

DanceAway Social Dance Evenings, usually monthly An evening of ballroom and associated styles of dance.

SUNDAYS

Wimborne Quaker Meeting, fortnightly Meeting for worship.

Have you ever been to?...

Our part of Dorset is home to some interesting small enterprises. Get to know two of them here!

Just a post-retirement folly – English Oak Vineyard

By Sue Barber

Pamphill Dairy – a brief history

By Jane Sorrell

Pamphill Dairy is an idyllic spot nestled in the village of Pamphill, just outside Wimborne Minster. The family-run business has flourished for many years and is one of Dorset’s best loved places to visit all year round.

Pamphill Dairy was originally a dairy farm as part of the Richards dairy enterprise, based at Chilbridge Farm. The cows used to cross the B3082 from their grazing fields over to Pamphill, where they were milked in the parlour, now the Parlour Café. In the 1980s it was decided that the buildings at Pamphill were no longer suitable and the road crossing was getting too dangerous, so it was converted into a farm shop by Jim and Wendy Richards. It started by selling fresh eggs from the cottage and over the last 40 years has developed into the establishment we see today. There has always been a farm shop, café and butchers, focused on supporting local brands, independent suppliers and sourcing local produce from our own and neighbouring counties.

Chilbridge Farm is part of the Kingston Lacy Estate and has been farmed by the Richards family for 152 years. They were originally tenants of the Bankes family but since 1982 have been tenants of the National Trust, when the estate was left to the NT.

A post-retirement folly - this is what husband and wife team Andrew and Sarah called their venture into the wine making industry, when they founded English Oak Vineyard and planted the 23,000 vines in the Lytchett Matravers countryside back in 2007.

Having retired in 2004, the couple were holidaying in Cyprus when they stumbled upon a vineyard in the Troodos Mountains, where they sat in the sunshine and sampled a wine called Nikolettino. The enjoyment of this superb vintage, coupled with the ambience of the surroundings and enthusiasm of the owner, inspired them to embark on their own viticultural adventure.

Having grown up on a farm, Sarah always loved everything that grows on the land and, by her own admission, is very in touch with the seasons. Coupled with Andrew’s business acumen, this solidified their future plans. Upon return from Cyprus, they began the search for the perfect site for their vineyard. The property had to have certain attributes, with predominately south-facing slopes and good soil. After an extensive search, the couple found Flowers Farm, an 18th Century farmhouse with 23 acres, nestled in a natural bowl within the Dorset countryside.

With no experience of the industry, Sarah and Andrew enrolled on a viticulture and winemaking course at Plumpton College, the UK centre of excellence on the subject. With this knowledge

fresh in their back pockets, they then established relationships with other English vineyards and winemakers, to further research the art. They soon found that this was a thriving cottage industry, eager to encourage others and raise the profile of English winemaking. It takes nine years from planting before you have a marketable wine and there are always unforeseen challenges, like the unpredictable English weather, with late frosts threatening to destroy 90% of your crop in one night, or a wet Summer, like 2012, which can seriously affect the crop. Despite the challenges they battled on, continually striving for excellence and producing award-winning sparkling wines. English Oak has a strong environmental ethos, so the focus has always been on a low carbon footprint, with only the use of organic feeds, solar powered energy, electric vehicles and a recapture spraying system to minimise air pollution. This earned them the accolade of Environmental Business of the Year in 2019.

Debbie Underhill – inspirational artist

By Gary Cox

Debbie Underhill is a familiar face in Café @ the Allendale, where some of her art is on display. Most people are unaware of the challenges Debbie has faced over the last few years; here she tells us some of her story.

“I was born in Hertfordshire and later moved to Bexhill-on-Sea. I met my lovely husband Martyn in 2010 and relocated to Dorset. Martyn had just retired from being a Detective Chief Inspector and, after a year of retirement, decided to run in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections as an Independent; he won the election by quite a landslide.

“Martyn and I had been married just over two years; he’d won a second election and was beginning his second stint as PCC. It was 5th October 2016. Martyn thought it would be nice to go out for dinner; we ordered a cab that took us into Wimborne. As I left the cab, I collapsed. I have no recall of this but my husband tells me I was unconscious and fitting. Fortunately, there was an ambulance about three minutes away and it arrived just as I stopped breathing. If we’d been in our cottage, which is fairly rural, I wouldn’t have made it. I’d had a burst aneurysm in my brain which had caused a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage. I was taken to Poole Hospital and transferred to Intensive Care in Southampton. I had some platinum coils fitted in my brain and was put on life support. Unfortunately, the haemorrhage ‘blew’ my retinas so when I woke up eight days later, I had virtually no vision at all.

“Martyn took time away from his job to care for me but things were difficult. I had two eye operations in the following six months, which gave me a little more sight, but also gave me cataracts in both eyes so a further two operations followed, which improved the situation a little. All through Martyn’s tenure as PCC we attended many functions together but after my haemorrhage this was a daunting prospect. I was determined to make life as normal as possible but

it was difficult as I couldn’t recognise anyone or make eye contact, and obviously it was very difficult to tackle stairs and changes in environment. We persevered and I have to say that everyone was sympathetic and helpful to me. Martyn stepped down as PCC in 2020. We have since met King Charles and Prince William and were invited to the Queen’s Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s to celebrate her Jubilee, which have all been fantastic experiences.

“My vision’s improved a little but will never be good. I’ve been left with a brain injury that affects my short-term memory and I now have brain rehab to help me organise better and pace myself. It’s been a great challenge and my confidence has suffered a lot.

“I’ve always been quite a strong person when faced with adversity and I had the choice of giving up or powering on; I chose the latter. For some reason I wanted to do something creative, and I chose

art: I realise ‘visually impaired’ and ‘artist’ aren’t generally words you’d put together!

“It was incredibly hard to start with and I literally coated myself and my house in paint! I could see vibrant colours using visual aids and although I didn’t have enough hand control to use a brush, I started to use different techniques including a credit card or small trowel or even my fingers. I enjoyed textures for my paintings as I could feel them as well as look at them. Martyn created an Art Room for me, which is where I spend a lot of time. Later on, I began using alcohol inks with an airbrush and they’re incredibly vibrant. My paintings are all abstract but they vary between shapes, landscapes and florals. If it wasn’t for my art (and the support of my husband and friends) I might, just might, have given up, so I’m grateful every day. My art is very therapeutic and gives me something to focus on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself!”

How does your garden grow?

Thanks to Jean Morgan, Planet Wimborne

If we’re talking Wimborne Community Garden, then the answer has to be ‘fantastically’! And if you need your spirits lifting with a good news story and an amazing community project, you couldn’t do better than pay it a visit.

After a long search for a suitable site, the garden started life in early May last year on part of the playing field belonging to Beaucroft College – at the top of School Lane next to Redcotts Park. ‘The Big Dig’ weekend saw volunteers create 17 vegetable plots, a long flowerbed and a no-dig area. Since then, the garden has gone from strength to strength, attracting extraordinary generosity and goodwill from all sections of the community.

Jane Benson, who heads up the project, explains. “We’ve been bowled over by donations from local individuals, businesses, schools and charities. Paving slabs, topsoil, equipment, bird boxes… you name it, we were given it! Thanks to a wonderful local charity, we have a large polytunnel and are growing seeds for planting out. We have a children’s playhouse, a summerhouse and a greenhouse – all donated.

“We also couldn’t have got this far without so many people being willing to give their time and expertise to the garden: we’ve received professional help free of charge, and we have a wonderful band of regular, committed volunteers who share a range of skills which make the project thrive. And we’re so fortunate in our welcoming and understanding neighbours.”

The Community Garden lives up to its name in other ways too, donating at least 25% of all produce to Wimborne Food Bank, and supporting the busy Wimborne Community Kitchen. Says Jane, “We’re always delighted when Food Bank clients come and ‘pick their own’, and we’re enjoying building relationships with Beaucroft College students, supporting them as they enjoy time outside and learn about double-digging and bulb-planting”.

Upcoming projects include developing a sensory garden, laying a paved area and building wheelchair-friendly and ‘not-so-easy-to-bendfriendly’ raised beds, constructing some cold frames plus (of course) lots and lots of planting! Want to help? Volunteer with us on either Wednesdays 9am–12.30pm, Fridays 1–4pm or Sundays 2–4.30pm. Contact us at wimbornecommunitygarden@gmail.com

See this special place for yourself: Grand Opening by Wimborne Mayor, Cllr Carol Butter, on Sunday 30th April, 2.30–4.30pm.

Global and local

First held on 22nd April 1970 to mark the birth of the modern environmental movement, Earth Day is now a worldwide annual event involving around a billion people in more than 190 countries. And Wilding Wimborne is organising local activities on and around Earth Day 2023 to encourage us to help wildlife and protect our planet:

Wilding on the Green, Saturday 22nd April, 10.30am–3.30pm, Minster Green, Wimborne.

Seedy Collection Collect some seeds from the FairGround shop any day from 15th to 30th April and get sowing.

Plant Swap at Walford Mill, 15th to 23rd April. Bring any plants that you don’t need and take some that you do!

Mini Library of Reusable Things

Do you want to save money, save waste and help to save the planet? Then Wimborne War on Waste have a great offer… Cutlery and crockery, plastic pint and wine glasses, fabric bunting and litter-picking kit (class sets and individual) can all be borrowed free of charge from the FairGround shop in the Cornmarket. Email wimbornewaronwaste@gmail.com to book – and join the war on waste!

Plants and flowers for a

garden - and those to avoid

Thanks to Vetsmiths Wimborne

Many of the pretty spring bulbs and popular flower choices in gardens have toxic elements that can prove potentially dangerous to our four-legged friends.

Here’s a list of plants to avoid:

Daffodils – although decorative, they are toxic to dogs including the bulbs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling. You could consider fencing these off to keep them out of reach from your dog

Azaleas – these add a gorgeous pop of colour to your spring garden, but again are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea so are best to avoid

Bluebells – if you have a nosey pup, these are best avoided. If ingested can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and disorientation

Lilies – toxic to both dogs and cats, so should be kept out of reach at all times. This includes lilies in vases in the home, as inquisitive cats could ingest the dangerous pollen, or any other part of the plant

Tulips and Hyacinths – two of the most popular spring flowers, but unfortunately both are toxic to most animals. If your dog eats a large amount of the plant bulb, they may experience increased heart rate and respiration, vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling

Dog-friendly alternatives:

Roses – an all-time classic, with many varieties to choose from. These pose no threat to your furry friends and so are a good choice for your garden

Sunflowers – beautifully stunning, happy plants. They just need lots of water, but are safe to have in your garden with pets

Snapdragons – these offer a sweet and delicate touch to any flowerbed, as well as being lowmaintenance, and pose no threat to dogs

Camellias – a safe addition to any garden and easy to maintain

If you are ever concerned that your pet has ingested a potentially toxic plant or flower, you should contact your vet for immediate advice.

www.vetsmiths.co.uk

Support young musicians and have a great night

Thanks to Hangover Hill

Hangover Hill knows how important it is to host events that include budding musicians under 18, normally restricted from various open mic nights and showcases due to their age. The Under 18’s Original Music Showcase on 5th April will offer the stage to solos, small bands and bands and the winner of each category will be nominated in a brand new category of the 2023 Original Music Awards Dorset.

We also have an extra, superb festival prize but we aren’t spilling the beans about that until the night! Please do come along on 5th April and support the next generation of artists. Advance tickets are available from the Allendale, on 01202 887247 or at www.theallendale.org/tickets. Tickets also available on the door, subject to availability.

Shout It Out!

Did you know that when you hire a space at the Allendale for an event or activity, we can offer marketing assistance to support your own advertising? Professional ticket sales too!

We can display your posters and flyers, list your event on our website and publicise it on social media. We can also display your event banner and include your event in Allendale Monthly and in this magazine (these subject to available space and deadlines). There’s no extra cost for these services, as long as you provide the required materials.

For a modest fee, we can also display a slide on one of our Reception TVs – a very popular option.

If your event needs ticketing, we also offer a professional ticket handling service via TicketSource. Customers can purchase tickets online, over the phone or in person at the Allendale. Most of our hirers with ticketed events take advantage of this service.

To learn more, please give us a call on 01202 887247 or contact Gary Cox at marketing@theallendale.org

Further information:

Marketing assistance www.theallendale.org/marketingassistance-for-hirers

TV displays www.theallendale.org/transitional-slide-display

Ticket sales www.theallendale.org/ticket-sales-for-hirers

dog-friendly

Enjoy your garden safely this Spring

to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Spring has sprung, bringing with it longer days and - hopefully - dryer and warmer weather. The change of season may prompt you out into the garden, so Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has some top tips for staying safe while you’re outdoors!

When you’re clearing the garden after winter, having a bonfire is a quick

and easy way of getting rid of the rubbish. However, bonfires can get out of control very easily so please remember:

• Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.

• Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.

• Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.

• Be courteous to your neighbours – if you’re planning a substantial bonfire, let them know, and stay with it at all times to ensure that it remains safe.

• Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.

If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, please let the Fire and Rescue Service know. The Control room often receives emergency calls from

people who can see lots of smoke, so knowing where there are controlled burns can prevent a crew being sent out unnecessarily. See www.dwfire. org.uk/controlled-burning

Any environmental concerns about a bonfire, such as the amount of smoke, should be reported to Dorset Council.

It’s also important to take care when using garden equipment. Only ever refill garden heaters, petrol mowers etc. in the open air and don’t smoke while doing so.

If you spill any fuel, allow it to evaporate, soak into the ground, or cover with an absorbent material. Take care when lighting garden heaters and never move them when lit. Keep them away from flammable materials, such as awnings or laundry lines.

More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors

Good Retail Awards fall in love with Wimborne as town BID wins national recognition

With thanks to Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID

Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District) has scooped the Retail District Award in the prestigious Good Retail Awards 2023. These awards celebrate retailers making a positive impact in their industry and aim to shine a light on the achievements of those embracing creativity and innovation to achieve retail success. Wimborne BID beat off Brighton, Hammersmith and Worcester BIDs to win this top award at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham.

The Retail District Award recognises retail areas that are producing innovative campaigns and exciting customer-centric initiatives to create a ‘buzz’ around retail in their area. Wimborne BID received this top award for its creation of an imaginative Christmas film to market the town, engage people to support local and encourage people to visit.

The 90-second film was called ‘Fall in Love with Wimborne this Christmas’ and featured two people meeting and falling in love in Wimborne. Each scene was shot in front of businesses in the town, showcasing the range and diversity on offer with around 50 businesses being shown.

The judges’ comments included: “Wimborne BID demonstrated a determination to reinvigorate their local town as a retail destination. Their brilliant promotional campaign showcased retailers throughout the town and shared their love for the town”.

This is the fifth year Wimborne BID has created a Christmas film, helping people to rediscover the incredible businesses on offer in the area. The BID is a not-for-profit, business-led initiative to invest money into the local economy of Wimborne and represent the businesses of the town. Funding is raised through collecting a levy payment from each business and is invested back into Wimborne.

Thanks

£s & lbs.

Welcome back to our old friend Geoff Cobblestone

With the accession of King Charles came the announcement that his image, on newly-minted coins, would face the opposite direction to that of the late Queen; tradition dictates the change of direction whenever there’s a new monarch. Who knew? I suppose the Royal Mint knew, but they never told me…

It got me thinking about the history of our coinage and physical money. It also had me wondering why we have a pound in money and a pound in weight. Some of the history of this appears to be solid and some a little sketchy; you have to go back about 2,000 years and, not being quite that old, I can only piece together nuggets of information I’ve discovered. May I share with you?

The Romans occupied Britain for about the first 400 years AD (or CE if you went to school recently). At markets, they used a balancing scale known as a Libra. On one side was a standardised weight called a Libra Pondo. Place your grain or whatever on the other side and when the two balanced, you had one Libra Pondo’s worth to sell. The ‘lb.’ notation is short for Libra and, of course, a pound in weight is still written as 1lb. The verbal term ‘pound’ derives from Pondo (compare to the English word ‘ponderous’: heavy, of great weight).

When the Romans departed and the Anglo-Saxons arrived - as far as I understand it - they produced a silver coin called a sterling. 240 of these could be minted from 1lb. of silver, so if you had 240 sterlings you had a pound of sterlings, or a pound sterling. The British currency, as you know, is referred to as Pound Sterling and it’s the world’s oldest currency still in use.

As a digression, you may now be thinking about sterlings, and silver, and sterling silver. There’s a connection… Pure silver was found to be too soft and wore away too easily.

It was discovered that using 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% other metals produced a harder-wearing coin, and more durable silverware of all varieties – sterling silver.

Anyway, back to the dosh. When the first pre-decimal pennies were minted in 1708, 240 to the £ was retained and that continued until decimalisation in 1971. And making no sense at all, pence with a ‘p’ sound was written as d., for example two pence was written as 2d. Another thing the Romans did for us: d. was short for a coin they called ‘denarius’, and we stuck with that abbreviation until just over 50 years ago! And the £ symbol? An italicised, upper-case L, originally with an equal sign (or double crossbar) but these days, with a single crossbar. How about that other term for a pound, ‘quid’? From the Latin quid pro quo, meaning ‘something for something’; your money in exchange for these goods.

So now the penny’s dropped… the Great British lb. and £ are all thanks to foreign occupiers. But I’m happy with that - kgs. and Euros just don’t have the same charm, do they?

he timesthey area-chan

Keen to enjoy future issues of this magazine? Please read on…

Until now, the Allendale Magazine has been distributed predominantly to the Wimborne and Merley areas. However, we have customers and visitors from further afield and we’d like residents and those working in some of these areas to have access to the Magazine.

Beginning with the next (Summer) issue, the Magazine will no longer be distributed door-to-door as it has been. Instead, it’ll be available at a network of local pick-up points.

Why are we making this change?

There’s a cost to printing and distributing a magazine and the cost to significantly increase the print quantity and door-to-door distribution, of this free magazine, would be prohibitive. The wider network of pick-up points makes it available to readers in different areas and attractive to advertisers who can reach those new readers.

Where can I find the Allendale Magazine in future?

You’ll be able to collect your copy from the Allendale Centre or from one of the handy locations listed on www. theallendale.org/pickup. The list will be expanded as we approach the Summer issue’s publication in late June.

You can also read the latest Allendale Magazine online at www.theallendale.org/allendale-magazine

If you haven’t already, subscribe to our e-newsletter, Allendale Monthly, to find out when the latest issue’s published: linktr.ee/allendalecentre

If you don’t have internet access, please call us on 01202 887247 for information.

We hope that current readers will continue to enjoy the great range of articles, news and event information in every issue, and we warmly welcome all new readers!

Till we see you again…

We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the Allendale Magazine. As visitors to the Allendale Centre and regular readers may know, we can play host to a variety of events and activities.

Are you looking for a venue to present shows or talks?

Have you considered the Minster Theatre at the Allendale? It can host standing gigs, seated concerts, comedy, plays, presentations, dance events and more. The Theatre has a proscenium arch stage, lighting and sound system, sprung wooden floor, private bar and professional projector and screen for talks etc. Perfect for live music, theatre and many other events.

Seating can be arranged theatre, cabaret or herringbone style, or all-standing. Maximum seating capacity 301; standing capacity up to 400. Dressing/Green rooms are available, and get ins/outs are

easy from our adjacent car park. We can also help with event publicity and ticket sales – please see Shout It Out! article on page 33.

To learn more, see www. theallendale.org, call 01202 887247 or email info@theallendale.org We look forward to hearing from you!