Dorset View March 2023

Volume 20 • Issue 8 • March 2023

Dear Readers!

I may still be dressed in multiple layers, and lighting the fire each evening, but there’s more than a sniff of spring in the air, along with all the promise that holds.

Snowdrops are crowding the verges and daffodils are peeking up through the earth. Early blossom is starting to bloom, buds are beginning to open and catkins are coming out.

The evenings are noticeably getting lighter and I’ve even ventured outside without a coat once or twice in the middle of the day.

As usual, the change in weather heralds plenty to look forward to – with plenty of celebrations coming up and events to be held over the spring and summer across our region.

First up is Mother’s Day on 19 March. The celebration itself was conceived in the early 1900s by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honour the individual sacrifices mothers made for their children. While Anna went on to campaign against the holiday as it became increasingly commercial, Mother’s Day has become one of the most observed dates on the calendar.

If you are thinking of treating your own mother, make sure you book early as restaurants and activities fill quickly on Mother’s Day. The foodie news and around and about sections of this magazine have lots of ideas for going out.

With the King’s Coronation also fast approaching, we’d like to hear about any events you’re planning. Drop us a line at news@ dorsetview.co.uk.

Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Deputy Editor

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

DORSET VIEW

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7 MARCH 2023

£19.9m to be spent on seafronts

Bournemouth and Poole's seafronts are going to be rejuvenated thanks to £19.9m in government funding which has been awarded to BCP Council.

The Levelling Up Fund cash injection will go towards key seafront projects over the next three years as part of the council’s Big Plan to create a world-class seafront.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration said: “This money will help improve seafront infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of current and future generations.

“It will also see the creation of more jobs for local people, attracting new visitors down south and encouraging everyone to explore the rich coastal heritage and rural beaches beyond Bournemouth, attracting further investment along the award-winning coastline.”

The planned improvements include much-needed repairs to Bournemouth’s pier, extending its life and creating new opportunities to develop it further.

The East Cliff stabilisation works were also part of the bid, which would allow the promenade to be re-opened as a first stage, with longer

term aspirations to reinstate a new cliff lift. One of the big projects is the refurbishment and extension of the existing building at Joseph Steps into an RNLI lifeguard training and education centre as well as a community hub. Other plans submitted include seawall repairs at Hamworthy Park and improvements to the public realm between Bournemouth West Cliff and Boscombe Pier. Work on the proposals is expected to start later this year and will be delivered over the next three years.

Photo ID required to vote

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station has been introduced under the UK government’s Elections Act, which comes into effect for the first time this May.

BCP Council elections are due to take place on 4 May and people without photo ID can apply for a certificate in order to vote.

Residents will need to provide their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number (or alternative proof of identity) as well as be registered to vote by Monday 17 April. They will also need to submit a passport-style photograph with their application.

When you register to vote, you’ll be asked whether you have photo ID or if you want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. You should still be able to use expired ID as long as you are still recognisable from the photo. Apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) at: voter-authority-certificate. service.gov.uk.

Bournemouth Pier by Marilyn Barber

BCP Council leader resigns

Drew Mellor, who has been the leader of BCP Council for two and a half years, has announced his resignation.

Drew Mellor, the Conservative leader of BCP Council announced his resignation with immediate effect on Monday 13 February.

He is the member for the Talbot and Branksome Woods ward.

Graham Farrant, BCP

Council chief executive said: “I’d like to thank Cllr Mellor for his service as leader of the council for the last two and half years.

“The chairman has agreed to call an extraordinary meeting to elect a new council leader. In the meantime, the council will

continue to function and deliver essential public services for our residents and communities.”

The deputy leader, Phil Broadhead, assumed interim leadership of the council until the extraordinary council meeting, which was due to take place at 7pm on 21 February.

Wimborne BID has won the Retail District Award in the Good Retail Awards 2023 for its creation of a film to market the town in the run up to Christmas. Called 'Fall in Love with Wimborne this Christmas,' the 90-second film features 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 in Wimborne. Picture shows the cast and crew.

Dorset sixth safest area in the country

Although Dorset saw a rise in crime last year, particularly in rape and sexual offences, the county remains as the sixth safest area in the country.

The Office for National Statistics has released data which shows that overall crime rose by 5.5% in Dorset during the 12 months to 30 September 2022 compared to the national average of 12.6%.

A rise in crime was expected due to these figures being compared to the same time period in 2020 and 2021 when crime fell as a direct result of Covid-19 lockdowns.

During this latest period, business and community burglary figures fell by 12.7% in Dorset, a marked contrast to a national rise of over 17%. Stalking and harassment fell by 0.5%, compared to a national rise of 4.5%, and in Dorset reports of robbery remained static, while there was a national rise of 15.2%.

Major plans for YMCA Bournemouth site

YMCA in Bournemouth has submitted proposals to BCP Council to revitalise Delta House, its Westover Road site, replacing the existing building with new, high-quality temporary accommodation and public amenities. Plans involve the refurbishment and repurposing of the site into 117 temporary homes, supporting offices, a public gym and café. The building’s frontage would also be rejuvenated to help uplift the surrounding area.

Jailed for violent domestic assault

A 65-year-old man has been sent to prison for hitting a woman in an unprovoked attack and leaving her with a large cut to her eyebrow and fractured eye socket.

Barry Alfred Puttock was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 25 January to two-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty at an earlier trial of an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm on 29 June 2021 on his then partner.

Dorset Police said the victim had showed immense courage to support the investigation and court process.

For more information on help and advice around domestic abuse as well as details of agencies that can offer support visit www.dorset.police.uk/da.

Planning for the future

Bournemouth and Poole College has big plans for the future.

It is due to submit a planning application to BCP Council seeking approval to transform its Lansdowne campus into a learning environment suitable for the next 25 years.

The plans seek to deliver some of the highest-quality education facilities in the country, following investment from the government’s FE Capital Transformation Fund. The Department of Education (DfE) funding will be used to improve much of the Lansdowne campus educational facilities, while fitting in with the historic clock tower building.

If permission is granted, facilities will include hair and barbering salons, beautician rooms, new restaurant and professional kitchens, sports hall and gym facility, flexible-use classrooms and IT rooms, CGI suites, and social areas for students. There will also be improvements to the outdoor spaces to create a campus atmosphere.

COMPETITION

Chance to win £50 of Stewarts vouchers

Spot the Bunny!

To celebrate Easter, Dorset View has joined with Stewarts Garden Centres in Wimborne and Christchurch to offer a £50 prize of Stewarts vouchers. The beauty of vouchers is that they can be used to buy anything from delicious Easter eggs to colourful spring flowers.

The mischievous Easter Bunny has burrowed through the magazine and our graphic designers are hopping mad because he’s popped

up in some advertisements and left a selfie behind! We need your help to find them. Have a good look through the magazine and count how many times a picture of the Easter Bunny, identical to the one shown here, pops up in the adverts and list the names of the advertisers where the bunny’s picture appears. There is no need to count the bunny shown here.

It’s Easter Bunny madness at Dorset View SPOT MY FABULOUS SELFIES!

Enter through the website at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to Dorset View Easter Bunny, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. The closing date is 28 March 2023. There is no cash alternative. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or Stewarts Garden Centres are not permitted to enter. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. The editor’s decision is final. Dorset View cannot guarantee getting the prize to the winner before Easter, but will make every effort to do this. The winner will be welcome to collect the vouchers from the office and must agree to publicity photographs. Good luck!

Dunford Novelists Conference

By Janine Pulford

Did you know the Dunford Novelists have been meeting in Bournemouth for the last 45 years?

Each January, novelists from all over the country descend on Bournemouth to get feedback on the all-important first chapter of their latest novel.

The 2023 Dunford Novelists Conference was held at the Ocean Beach Hotel on 20-22 January. Twenty-five authors met to read their first page to the rest of the group and receive constructive criticism.

The delegates then split into smaller groups where entire first chapters were

read aloud and discussed.

Over the weekend, chapters were also critiqued individually by delegates in their own time.

Dorset author Della Galton is the current chairperson of Dunford Novelists and the secretary is author Janice Day from Hay-on-Wye, which is world renowned for its books and bookshops.

The next conference, by invitation only, will be held in January 2024.

Donate your old devices

BCP libraries have partnered with DonateIT to reuse your old laptops, tablets and mobile phones and give them to families who need them. If you have any old devices you can drop them off at Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole Library. Before you donate please unlink your Apple device from your iCloud account. For Android devices perform a factory reset through your

settings. DonateIT guarantees secure data destruction using industry standards.

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Home security equipment and the law: what you need to know

By Hugh Storry Deans, partner, head of Dispute Resolution

Advances in the technology of home security equipment and the quality, scope and range, particularly of audio, have encouraged many people to invest in such devices.

However, are you breaking the law? If the camera records the goings-on confined or restricted to your own property, then it is unlikely the data protection regime will affect you.

If the camera records a wider view of neighbouring property, or those further afield, what are the rights of those affected? Can they make a claim in nuisance caused by the loss of privacy?

As the law currently stands, no such claim arises but the law is currently under review.

However, claims for harassment might be made. A court has already expressed concern at the ability of some devices with two-way audio to

be effective in varying degrees, up to 20 metres from the device. The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 may well apply to you as a data controller and for your devices to be compliant. You must demonstrate that you are collecting the video images or data in a way that complies and upholds the rights of people you are filming or recording. You need to be able to justify your reasons for doing so and be able to comply with any Subject Access Request you receive. This could include deleting stored images and audio data.

If you breach the data protection laws, you may be at risk of legal action by those whose images or audio you have captured. If you believe you might be affected by data stored on a neighbour’s security device, or are a data controller, you should seek advice.

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

Front cover photograph: West Bay before the latest rockfall

The front cover image was taken at the West Dorset beauty spot of West Bay near Bridport by editor Janine Pulford. She visited the area just a week before the latest rockfall in January cut off East Beach (pictured below). The dramatic rock face was changed when a significant piece of the cliff face dropped towards

the sea. The heavy rain experienced in recent weeks has made the cliffs along the Jurassic Coast unstable and more prone to rockfalls. A Dorset Council spokesperson appealed for people to avoid the area and keep away from the base of cliffs and, if walking along the top of the cliffs, to walk well away from the edge.

Rockfall at West Bay © Dorset Council

Charity of the Year

Help Dorset Mind raise vital funds

Dorset Mind charity ambassador and local leisure and hospitality entrepreneur, Ty Temel invites you to join #TeamDorsetMind and help him raise funds and awareness for local people’s mental health.

Ty said: “If there’s one thing I learned from lockdown, it was the sense of community, which is why, at Dorset Mind, we want to reinforce the importance of connection whilst also keeping physically and mentally fit. I’m really looking forward to this incredible year of challenges to keep me personally motivated, whilst helping support local people too.”

A variety of challenges are being held throughout the year, for all ages and skills –

and cover different types of events. They hope to inspire people to understand the benefits that getting active has on physical and mental wellbeing and encourage a sense of community.

The first fundraising challenge this year is one with an incredible view as entrants will run along the second-to-none sands of Bournemouth Beach. Held on 2 April, the Bournemouth Bay Run is hosting its 40th annual run – and Dorset Mind

Spring planting

By Plants Direct

So as the winter finally moves to spring, the early snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and primroses brighten the dullest of winter days.

With the promise of brighter, warmer weather, now is the time to start sowing seeds, planting trees, shrubs and perennials. New beds and borders can be planned and created for colour, scent, wildlife birds and bees.

Start the indoor sowing of all your garden flowers and vegetables, carefully pricking out and potting on until ready for outdoor planting in your vegetable and flower gardens, beds and borders.

Your local nursery and garden centres will now be stocked with a huge range of trees, shrubs, perennials, seeds, bulbs, vegetable seeds, plant pots and compost to inspire you for the coming spring and summer.

If you are limited for space,

there are many plants suited for container and pot growing – ask your nursery staff for advice for compost feeds and fertilisers. Lawns and grass areas will now need attention after the harsh winter so raking of leaves and moss followed by feed and over seeding will invigorate all your grass areas. So get yourself busy and prepare for the spring and summer weather to come and enjoy the lovely outdoors.

is one of the charity partners. Race categories include a half marathon, 10k and 5k runs – and a 1k kids’ fun run.

Other running, walking and hiking challenges held this year include the Jurassic Coast Challenge, the National Three Peaks Hike and The Fire and Ice Trek held in the hills and mountains of Iceland – a first for the charity.

If running isn’t for you, there are other once-ina-lifetime options...

Why not take part in the

exciting team Dragon Boat Races at the Sherborne Castle County Fair in May? Or, if you’re feeling more daring – walk along the wings of a plane or take part in Dorset Mind’s annual charity skydive. It’s time to help us shape futures and change lives.

Help Dorset Mind raise vital funds for Dorset’s mental health in 2023, visit https:// dorsetmind.uk/challenges to find out more and sign up.

Invitation to civic service Save waste for good causes

Household waste that can’t be put in the recycling bin doesn’t have to go in the rubbish – and a Wimborne organisation is using it to help out good causes.

Wimborne Win on Waste holds collections of goods on the second Saturday of the month at the Methodist Church Hall on King’s Street from 10.30am until 12 noon. Items including milk bottle tops, biscuit and confectionery wrappers, empty or broken pens, empty printer ink cartridges, old bras and toothbrushes are all gratefully received, and any money made is donated

to good causes such as Win on Waste, Project Planet and the Poole Ladybird Unit.

For details, see www. winonwaste.org

Each year Wimborne Minster’s town mayor hosts a thanksgiving service in the minster church. This year is will be on Sunday 12 March. Everyone is welcome to attend, subject to the capacity of the minster. Civic dignitaries from across Dorset will be attending as well as the mayor’s serjant and crier supported by Wimborne Militia.

Mayor, Cllr Carol Butter,

said: “This event provides an opportunity to recognise and give thanks to all the local community groups, organisations and volunteers that have supported and made an impact within our town and community.”

A parade will start at 2.152.30pm from Church House on to the High Street. The service in the minster will be at 3pm.

Pamphill First School is ‘welcoming and inclusive’

Pamphill Church of England First School, which dates from the 17 century, has been rated ‘good’ and praised for being ‘welcoming and inclusive’ by SIAMS, the body that grades church schools.

It is part of Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT) and the report noted its ‘recent rapid development’ since joining the trust in 2020.

The report also said: “Pupils are proud of living out the school’s vision through its values as they contribute to their school and wider community.”

It states that headteacher

Mike Wheeler and the trust committee have ‘worked tirelessly to establish an environment where pupils and adults flourish’.

There were areas identified that still needed work, and Mr Wheeler said these are already being addressed.

The Bishop of Salisbury Stephen Lake, who visited the school, said: “This is a unique school in a rural setting and it’s great to see its successful inspection report.

“I was delighted to meet so many happy children who clearly belong to a small school which has a real family feel.”

Mike Wheeler, Headteacher; Martyn Underhill, vice chairman of the Academy Committee; Liz West, CEO of Wimborne Academy Trust; Bishop of Salisbury Stephen Lake; and Zoe King, chairman of the Academy Committee; with pupils

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

All set for a bumper year

Pulford Publicity is pleased to be sponsoring Wimborne Community Garden. The free publicity will help establish the community aspect of this productive garden and attract further sponsors.

The garden was one of the big success stories for the town last year when on 6 May an empty school field was transformed in two days by hard-working volunteers.

The garden blossomed producing beans, tomatoes, potatoes, beetroot, sweetcorn, red onions, herbs, courgettes and lettuces that were shared with the Food Bank and Community Kitchen, neighbours and volunteers.

Jane Benson, one of the organisers, said she had been delighted with the immense support from the community adding: “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.

“A volunteer gave us all the

Museum strikes gold

seeds we needed and we have now planted five fruit trees.”

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

Adjacent to Redcotts recreation ground, the garden is open Wednesday 9am-12.30pm, Friday 2-4pm and Sunday 2-4.30pm. People are welcome to just turn up and help.

To read more on this article visit www.dorsetview.co.uk and turn to P10 in February Viewpoint. If you would like to become a sponsor contact wimbornecommunitygarden@ gmail.com

The Museum of East Dorset has won the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ gold trophy at the 10th Dorset Tourism Awards.

Successful businesses in the Dorset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March.

Museum director Chezzie Hollow said: “Here at the Museum of East Dorset, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. The gold award proves that we are not just a fantastic local museum; we are an award-winning museum with a great future.”

Sara Marshall, chairman of the Priest’s House Museum Trust which runs the museum, said: “We were delighted to receive the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award despite strong competition

from Dorset Heavy Horse Farm and Nothe Fort.”

Pictured L-R are Vanessa Joseph, trustee; Sara Marshall, chairman of the Priest’s House Museum Trust; Sharon Sutcliffe, events officer; Chezzie Hollow, director; Annika Lennox, visitor experience and operations officer and Vanessa Chant from Baboo Gelato of Bridport (sponsors of this award).

Join March for Men and raise funds

People of all ages, abilities and genders are invited to take part in March for Men on Saturday 25 March.

The 5k or 10k event which takes place at 10am from Bournemouth Pier raises funds for men’s health projects at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals.

Tickets are £15 for adults

(16+) and £8 per child (under 5s free entry). All participants are encouraged to raise additional sponsorship where they can.

Every participant will receive a charity t-shirt and medal. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Sign up online at UHDcharity. org/m4m or by calling 0300 019 4060/8449 and follow @UHDCharity on Facebook or Instagram to enjoy the countdown.

- advertisement feature -

The Leonardo Trust is an independent charity founded in 2001 by a former carer to help and support carers throughout Dorset. Since the charity was formed, it has helped many thousands of carers in a multitude of ways.

What it does: provides grants for individual carers and carers’ groups, runs its own holiday home, respite breaks, counselling service, telephone groups, alert lines, information booklets and is a source of information and advice.

One group is Oakley Friends - a volunteer-based group of carers and ex carers caring for someone with dementia. Based in East Dorset, its aim is to provide support and helpful advice to carers to enable them to cope with the difficult tasks ahead of them.

The group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Canford Magna Centre, Oakley Lane, Canford

Magna, Nr Wimborne, Dorset. The meeting starts with a friendly get together and discussions followed either by a professional speaker or just self-help advice. There is no restriction on where carers live.

Twice a year, Oakley Friends runs a 10-week course (April and September) for carers, covering a wide ranges of topics ranging including carer and patient wellbeing, benefits, legal aspects and care organisations. For further information please go to www. leonardotrust.org, email info@leonardotrust.org or call 01202 698325.

Dragon boat team compete in the French Alps Special March offer

The Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team have recently returned from competing in the French Alps.

How does that work?

Well, they competed in snow rather than water.

They normally paddle their boats from their base at

Hengistbury Head and along the River Stour at Christchurch or out towards Mudeford Spit. However, they have just returned from Le Grand Bornard in the French Alps where they competed in a new type of dragon boating. Instead of water, the boats were fitted with skis and they raced other teams from Europe and Ireland on snow.

Two teams of eight took to the boats along with a drummer and a helm, steering at speed

across the snowy landscape. It was a very different experience with adapted paddles that dug into the snow.

A spokesperson said: “It was such a fun event to be part of and a reminder to the 22 women who went that there is life to be lived and celebrated after having had breast cancer.”

To find out more about the team see www. pinkchampagne.org.uk. Or find them on Facebook.

- Advertisement feature -

If you find the thought of going to a gym rather daunting but want to lose weight and improve your health and fitness in 2023, then Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown is the place for you. Friendly, helpful staff guide you every step of the way and everyone is given a personalised work out programme. Never been to a gym before? No problem!

Ferndown Fitness specialises in total beginners. No bodybuilders, posers or showoffs, just people who want to lose weight and improve their health and fitness in a relaxed, friendly environment. Plus, they have an amazing offer this March; up to £100 off an annual membership. So why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to book your free guest session and see for yourself why Ferndown Fitness is different from other gyms?

Dorset charity seeks more volunteers Get ready to feel amazing

Diverse Abilities are on the lookout for volunteers for roles such as a transport assistant at the Beehive to support students getting to and from the centre, and gardening or decorating roles across the charity's services.

Volunteers are crucial and donating free time is just as valuable as giving money. The

opportunities give volunteers a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, enhance CVs, gain experience, discover new interests and improve mental wellbeing.

Visit diverseabilities. org.uk/volunteer for more information about the roles available.

- 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, councilfunded 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…

Call 4 Concern new initiative

Recognising that it is often those closest to a patient – and the patients themselves – who realise when their condition is getting worse, University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has launched a new initiative called Call 4 Concern.

It is a dedicated, 24/7 rapid response service provided by the trust’s outreach team. It is aimed at inpatients who are worried their condition is getting worse or relatives/friends with concerns.

Luke Ridout, critical care outreach lead, said: “The first point of call is still the nurses and doctors on the ward, and where a Call 4 Concern is made, the outreach team will have discussions with the ward team and can start treatment changes and investigations where necessary.”

Bringing Call 4 Concern to UHD was inspired by Alex’s story. Alex died at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in 2018 and his mother Karen said: “Alex had

been ill for 10 years. He didn’t like to show weakness, he didn’t like to be a bother. For Alex to say ‘my head hurts’ meant that it was agony. Nobody knew Alex or his condition as well as I did. It didn’t matter that Alex was 36. If a family member says something is wrong then something is wrong.”

Luke added: “Alex and his mother were part of what inspired me to set up this Call 4 Concern service.” For more information visit www. uhd.nhs.uk/about-us/patientexperience/call-4-concern.

Snap Fitness in Christchurch offers a unique service

- advertisement feature -

Amongst the excuses you can make for not going to a gym regularly could be the restricted opening hours.

Not so with Snap Fitness in Christchurch, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In fact it never closes.

Needless to say, it isn’t manned throughout the night, but staff are available for new memberships and guest visits from 9am-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-6pm on Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The mission of the club is simple – to help people to create positive lifestyle habits that make them feel fantastic. Who doesn’t want that?

Staff will help you to set your own goals and as well as receiving support with equipment, members can take advantage of personal training, nutritional tips, group classes and a sports massage.

Opened in November 2020, the club, which is at 63a, Somerford Road, has recently celebrated the second anniversary of helping members aged from 14 to 86 to achieve a great level of fitness. You can even have a one-day free trial. Find information at https://www.snapfitness. com/uk/gyms/christchurch/ and register for your free pass by email or by phone. See the advert on page 3 for more infomation.

University Hospitals Dorset launches Call 4 Concern

Help prevent joint injuries

HERE ARE TEN TIPS TO HELP PREVENT JOINT INJURY:

1. Stretch your joints appropriately before and after a workout.

2. Speak with a personal trainer/coach who can give you guidance about the right workout routine for you, given your overall levels of physical fitness and prior exercise levels.

3. Ensure that you do your research before exercising, making sure that you know the appropriate technique and the right way to do any such exercise.

4. Start slow: if you are going to do the right exercise, make sure you can complete the movement without any weight before adding slowly up. This helps prevent overuse injury and ensures that you have a solid grasp on an exercise programme’s technique before you increase the levels of exercise to something more strenuous.

5. Stay in shape. Remember, you are more likely to injure yourself if you are out of shape than if you have a regular exercise programme.

6. Make sure to be careful when engaging in regular activities, like cleaning, picking up kids, or moving furniture. In many cases, your body may not be ready for the sudden shift in activity levels, and this can result in injury.

7. Use the appropriate equipment. This may mean making sure you have a back brace or high-quality shoes. Poor equipment can break, wear down quickly, or fail to support you at a critical moment, leading to an injury.

8. If you are hurt – even a little – treat it appropriately. Make sure to get the right rest, ice the area in question, and see a chiropractor if you need to. If the pain doesn’t go away in two days then Wimborne Wellness Centre advises you to seek some help.

9. If you are going to increase the intensity of your workout, do so slowly. Doing so too fast can lead to injury.

10. If you are new to exercise, start with low-impact exercise that can give your body time to adjust to your new exercise programme.

If you do injure a joint or any other part of your body, or are interested in ensuring that you are operating at peak physical condition, consider seeing a chiropractor. If you want to book in with Wimborne Wellness Centre then please call 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk.

There are many things that you can do to help prevent joint injuries and help reduce the odds of you suffering from an injury. All of this can be exactly what you need to take care of your body.

SPOTLIGHT on

CHARITIES

Dorset Neon Run back at Poole Park

The Dorset Neon Run is returning to Poole Park on Saturday 22 April. The five-kilometre evening fun run is for participants to run, walk, dance, or jog around during the colourful fundraiser. Entertainment will come from HOT Radio on the night, as well as a fun Clubbercise warm-up.

Entries are now open for £15 per person, and fundraisers are provided with a Dorset Neon Run t-shirt once they have reached their fundraising goals. Participants are welcome to make a larger one-off donation in lieu of fundraising for the event.

Lucy Rowley, events fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, commented: “Dorset Neon Run is a really fun event and as it isn’t time chipped, allows participants to run, jog, walk, or dance at their own pace. It’s a great excuse to dress up in neon gear and face paint, while having a laugh with your mates. If you’d like help to prepare, you can join our Facebook group where we will guide you through Couch to 5K.”

Kevin Scott, manager director at Hot Radio added: “We are passionate about supporting our local community including our chosen local charities like Diverse Abilities, who support those less able in our community and their ethos is like our own.

“We love using our resources to support their fundraising events such as the Dorset Neon Run in Poole Park. By jointly working together on these events we can have fun and at the same time help raise vital funds for this fantastic local charity which in turn enables them to do the amazing work they do.”

Dorset Neon Run is open to anyone over the age of 12 and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Registration opens on the night from 7.30pm and the race will start at 8.30pm.

As well as the 5K Dorset Neon route, there will be the family 2K – a run for all the family which takes place earlier in the day from 5pm and is an adapted route so it is suitable for all the family. Visit dorsetneonrun.com to find out more and sign up today. Search ‘Dorset Neon Run 2023’ on Facebook to join the group and get involved in Couch to 5K.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

Best seats in the house

Just writing to say thank you. I won tickets for Cinderella at the Regent in Christchurch and my partner and I took our two granddaughters to the show. We had front row seats and the show was excellent, the children loved it especially the audience participation. We will be looking out for future performances by this talented group of players. So thank you again.

Laura

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Congratulations!

Congratulations on 20 years in business. It was interesting to learn from your editorial I advertised with you in your first issue and we are both still going strong through ups and downs.

Being a family business helps as long as you get along. My dad (sadly passed away now) starting up in April 1971, so nearly 52 years ago, so you still have a bit catching up to do!

Peter Briggs Briggs Products

Tinnitus awareness

Everyone’s tinnitus is different, but it’s usually described as a ringing, hissing, buzzing, roaring or humming sound. There may be one or more sounds and the noise may be there all the time or come and go. The causes of tinnitus can be linked to different things, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, ear or head injuries, some ear conditions and emotional stress. Sometimes, there’s no recognisable link at all. Many people get tinnitus for a short time – for example, after being exposed to loud music, or when they have congestion because of a cold. But for some people, it doesn’t go away, and it can have a significant impact on their daily life.

The good news is, RNID is here to help. Our free Tinnitus Guide contains information on ways to manage tinnitus, from professional support to selfhelp options. It also includes information on useful apps and technology, how to support a loved one with tinnitus, and what to do if tinnitus is affecting your sleep. RNID is committed to funding research to silence tinnitus, and our guide contains the latest information on our work to identify the causes of tinnitus and develop strategies to treat it. You can find all this and more by downloading our free tinnitus guide at rnid.org. uk/tinnitus

Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID Royal National Institute for Deaf People

New funding to transform five schools

Five schools in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area are to receive funding to enable major works to be carried out.

Following investment secured by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Winchelsea Special School and Somerford Primary have been prioritised for investment in their buildings.

In addition, three academies – Corfe Hills, Highcliffe School and Heathlands

Primary Academy submitted their own successful bids.

The School Rebuilding Programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England.

The schools were identified by the Department for Education from over 1,000 nominations received from local councils and academy trusts across England.

Geoff Cherril, head teacher at Winchelsea said:

“The children at Winchelsea School have significant SEND needs and we are all looking forward to being able to meet these needs in a more appropriate environment. We are excited that the inclusion of therapeutic facilities, post-16 accommodation and more flexible teaching spaces will allow us to continue to develop our whole school provision.

“As a community, we are extremely pleased that children with SEND are going to benefit from this project.”

Helen Frampton, head teacher at Somerford said: “Our children deserve the best learning environment we can offer, and this rebuild project will help us to deliver this. We are excited to work with the DfE to bring our primary school together in one building and offer additional learning experiences for all pupils.”

Apprenticeships Awards launched

The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards are now open for entries.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network for the initiative with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior Seals.

Honours in the second annual competition will be presented in four categories at an awards ceremony with the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in May.

The categories are: Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year; Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year; Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year and Degree Apprentice of the Year.

The awards are free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers across the private, public and charitable sectors. Visit https://dorsetchamber. co.uk/dorset-apprenticeshipawards/ for more information and to enter.

Superior Seals offers apprenticeships

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Superior Seals is a manufacturer of o-rings and special mouldings, supplying globally to various industries. Superior has its own on-site, company-run academy, offering apprenticeships to students from as young as 16. The academy was established in 2012 to ensure the skills base Superior Seals requires can be found in the next workforce. Sustainability is the key for future competitiveness and Superior invests in its local community through partnerships with schools and colleges, aiming to get students interested in STEM. Superior offers six apprenticeships every year. Renowned for its engineering and material science apprenticeships, it also offers apprenticeships in manufacturing, Digital, Mechatronics and sales from intermediate and advanced to higher and degree level.

A note for the frustrated broadband user

Warning. As a broadband customer in the UK, the following scenario is probably familiar.

You choose your internet provider, sign a contract, and embark on what you think will be a smooth relationship with speedy broadband.

But then halfway through your contract, things change…and you’re tied in.

You go through the motions. Confusion turns to frustration turns to outright rage, Let’s face it – few of us want to be tied into lengthy contracts,18 months is a long stint.

Giganet guarantees full fibre without the faff, which means a flexible service and contracts

you’re free to cancel at any time, at no cost. Much like any successful relationship, Giganet wants its customers to stay because they want to, not because they have to.

And it's great news for households across Dorset; Giganet is building a full fibre network, giving them access to hyperfast connectivity, so they can seamlessly work, play, game and scroll at the same time.

Full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data from the exchange to the home, which differs from most

digital infrastructure today. In fact, only about a third of UK premises can currently connect to it.

But bringing the very best broadband to the area is not without its challenges, and the ISP is advising the Dorset community that there will be some level of disruption as they begin connecting streets to full fibre services.

So, while there may be shortterm disruption from the build, full fibre connectivity will benefit customers long into the future. Large or small, Giganet is connecting communities

with world-class broadband and making sure that no one is left behind.

Giganet even wants you to reach their customer service team whenever you need. Easily in fact. With Giganet you’re guaranteed to talk to a UK-based expert (a real person, not a robot or an answering machine).

If you’re currently thinking “that sounds perfect for me”, oh you - you flatter us. Good news, Giganet’s full fibre network is available across Dorset.Simply pop your postcode into their checker to see if you qualify for three months' free and register your interest.

For full fibre without the faff, visit www.giganet.uk.

Broadstone boasts wide variety of shops

By Marilyn Barber

Broadstone is one area that is bucking the national trend with very few empty shops, a huge variety of businesses and plenty of them.

The Broadway boasts butchers and bakers – but perhaps not candlestick makers – hair salons, greengrocers, supermarkets, estate agents and newsagents – not to mention Kate who teaches Pilates, Andrew the cobbler, a post office, a barber, charity shops, jewellers and the library. In addition, there is The Leonardo Trust, which supports carers, plus solicitors, accountants and architects.

And of course there are the all important coffee shops and restaurants. Also, for leisure, there is the famous Broadstone Golf Club, a large recreation ground, the flourishing Broadstone Players and numerous clubs and associations.

Since 1840, Broadstone has grown from a small farm to a suburb of 10,000 people. How did it get its name? Legend has it that a number of ‘broad stones’ were laid across a local stream to enable people to cross over without wetting their feet.

This stream flows in the valley between Clarendon Road and Springdale Road, and the stones were located close to the Brookdale Farm.

If you haven’t visited Broadstone for a while –do make the trip – as you will be able to source all your shopping needs and enjoy a good day out.

Fresh, free-range meat

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Oakley Village Butchers has been a feature of the Broadway in Broadstone since 2008, when it was opened by butcher Ian Butler.

Ian began his career at Wilson & Son in Wimborne, where he worked until the business closed in 2005. The same year, he opened a new shop in Merley, with a focus on free-range meat. Demand grew, and the Broadstone shop was opened in 2008.

Now run by partner Andy West, the Broadstone branch is staffed by talented butchers who take pleasure in

providing excellent customer service and entertaining the customers. The business also takes on apprentices to ensure its high standards are maintained.

The shop stocks free-range meat sourced from local farmers and game keepers, alongside home made deli produce. The meat sold is naturally reared and free from antibiotics and growth promoters, and is carcass hung before being cut to customers’ requirements.

The shop also offers a free, local delivery service.

Open competition at Broadstone Golf Club

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Broadstone Golf Club will be the venue for an open competition this spring.

Known as The Broadstone Bull, the tournament is an 18-hole competition in an open mixed 4BBB Stableford format, which will take place on Sunday 23 April.

Entries will be restricted to the first 17 home and 17 away teams to enter, Each team should consist of three pairs of members of the same club and include both men and lady players in

Pilates at Kate’s

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any formation.

The cost per home team is £180, while the visiting team fee is £300. This includes a light snack and coffee on arrival, and a meal after playing. Prizes will be awarded to the members of the leading visiting teams, the leading home teams and the leading highest scoring fourball pairs.

To enter please email the club at office@broadstonegolfclub.com or call on 01202 692595.

Learn to move better at Kate’s small, friendly studio using the large Pilates equipment - reformer, tower and chair. This spring loaded equipment supports joints to move well in full range, connecting deeply to the supportive core muscles. You grow strong from the inside out, stand taller, move with more grace and ease. Work on specific areas to improve your golf, running or cycling, or to aid recovery from injury. Specialising in supporting those with scoliosis and osteoporosis, comprehensively trained with Pilates Foundation, whatever your movement needs, Kate can help.

Bob is an inspiration to would-be authors

And then this 91-year-old allows himself the weekend off to enjoy watching football.

Bob, who has written three books and is planning a fourth, is an inspiration to anyone who, having reached their tenth decade, feels their useful life is over.

When I went to see him at his home in Broadstone on 6 February, Bob told me I had arrived on a poignant anniversary.

He opened his second book ‘Football, a Family Affair’ – which is a Cherries supporter’s story of dreams, memories and reality – and pointed to a paragraph which detailed the Munich Air Disaster of 6 February 1958 in which players named as the ‘Busby Babes’ lost their lives with Matt Busby sustaining serious injuries.

Bob had started his working life as a tea boy at a small firm of building contractors, in Broadstone – his third book, which is at the printer’s, is called ‘Just a Tea Boy’. However, his career was to flourish and jobs included chief clerk of works at the then Dorset County Council, finishing as clerk

of works at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy.

In 2005, Bob wrote a comprehensive booklet on the academy, but it wasn’t until after his wife Kath died on 2 December 2014 that he took to writing in real earnest.

And his inspiration was very poignant.

“I was at a function in London a year after my wife died, when the woman sitting next to me asked why I had two rings on my finger. I explained that when I lost my wedding ring, I bought another one. Subsequently, I was gardening when I discovered my first ring on a rose bush, so I decided to wear them both. The rose bush was called Valentine’s Heart.

“When she heard this, the woman said that I had a story to tell, and this inspired me to write the first book ‘Precious Moments’ which was published in 2018.”

Bob, who doesn’t use a computer, writes in longhand, and this is then typed up by his friend Sonja Sparrow. Bob is waiting for a cataract operation, which hasn’t made the job very easy of late, but he remains pragmatic and cheerful and says he is

already formulating plans for his fourth book which will be about his war years.

“Sometimes I get ideas in the night and then get up to write notes,” he said.

In addition to the books, Bob has also written ‘Life’s Reward’, a treasury of prose and verse, which he dedicated to his wife Kath and their children, Andrew, Susan, Lynn and Neil and their families, plus his friends Bill and Sonja Sparrow.

“Writing helped me cope with the loss of my wife,” he said.

When his latest book ‘Just a Tea Boy’ comes out – and he hopes it will be published by 6 May, his 92nd birthday – he is planning to give a talk on it at Broadstone library. Any readers who would like a copy of one of Bob’s books can contact him via sonja.sparrow@uwclub.net.

Bob Hewitt with his first two books

Interview and photo by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

A normal weekday for Bob Hewitt has involved him writing from 10am to 12 noon, and then again from 2pm to around 4-4.30pm.

Wildlife watchers needed this spring Green light given for nature haven

This spring, volunteers across the UK are being asked to record sightings of mammals spotted in their gardens, local parks and other green spaces, in a bid to understand our changing environment better and encourage urban wildlife to flourish.

The annual ‘Living with Mammals’ survey is run by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). It is a nationwide survey that

records how wild mammals – from badgers and bats to water voles and weasels –are faring in all corners of the country. Importantly, it also helps to identify areas where conservation action is most needed.

Volunteers simply need to record sightings of any wild mammal (or the signs they leave behind such as footprints or droppings) each week online (ptes.org/lwm). Sightings could be from a garden, however big or small, allotment, or public green space such as parks, playing fields and cemeteries. PTES offers free advice online to help volunteers identify species and recognise tell-tale signs, so anyone can take part – you don’t need to be an expert.

To take part in Living with Mammals 2023 (and to find out how to tell the difference between pine martens and polecats) visit: ptes.org/lwm.

Planning permission has been granted for The Moors at Arne, a scheme on the Isle of Purbeck adapting approximately 150 hectares of low-lying grassland into diverse wetlands.

A partnership between the Environment Agency, RSPB, and Natural England, the project will provide essential space for nature to replace areas lost elsewhere in Poole Harbour due to sea level rise. A three-year programme of construction will begin in spring 2023.

Construction of new tidal embankments will create a

mosaic of saline and freshwater areas. These new areas will take several years to establish and will continue to evolve over time, but in doing so will protect natural surroundings, while improving and maintaining flood resilience. Without these works, this unique coastal landscape and its wealth of protected species is at risk from sea level rise and could be lost in the future. When the Moors at Arne is complete, visitors will be able to enjoy the site’s new permissive walking paths and birdviewing points all year round.

European holidays are back for cats and dogs

By Lynwood Vets

Does your pooch want to paddle in the Med? Or your cat fancy a summer in Spain? Despite Covid and Brexit, more owners are choosing this year to travel abroad with their pets. The Pet Travel Scheme has changed significantly since the pre-Brexit blue Pet Passport was available, and these can now only be issued by vets still in the EU, and not by British vets.

The alternative for most British pets is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which is now required. AHCs are only valid for one trip abroad and can only be issued by vets who are designated as ‘Official Veterinarians’ by DEFRA. It is possible to find OVs who specialise in issuing AHCs, particularly near the major ports like Dover, and this is the most cost effective way of obtaining the AHC. However, this may not be convenient

for many people. At Lynwood Vets, there is a team of OVs that frequently issue AHCs for many pets looking forward to their summer getaways.

If you are travelling to Mediterranean climes, also be aware that there are various exotic diseases your pet may catch, particularly in rural areas. Make sure to speak to your vet about protecting against these bugs before you go.

A wild rabbit, one of the species recorded during PTES’ Living with Mammals survey © Paul Bunyard

Artist’s impression of The Moors at Arne

White bean and leek stew with basil gremolata

Serves: 4 | Prepare: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins

INGREDIENTS

500g leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Zest one unwaxed lemon, plus 2 tbsp juice

2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 300ml vegetable stock

Method

200g frozen peas, defrosted

1/2 x 25g pack basil, stalks and leaves separated and finely chopped

4 tbsp half fat crème fraîche Crusty wholegrain bread, to serve

Put the leeks in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over the oil, season, then stir to coat in the oil. Microwave on high for two minutes, uncovered, then cover with a plate and microwave for a further two minutes. Stir well, add one chopped garlic clove and the lemon juice, cover again and microwave for three minutes on high. Stir the drained beans, vegetable stock, peas and finely chopped basil stalks into the leek mixture. Cover and microwave on high for three minutes. Uncover and gently stir in three tbsp crème fraîche; season.

Meanwhile, to make the gremolata, combine the chopped basil leaves with the lemon zest and remaining chopped garlic. Divide the stew between bowls, top with the gremolata, a little crème fraîche and an extra one tsp olive oil per bowl, if liked. Serve with crusty wholegrain bread.

Heathside Travel launches lunch clubs

Heathside Travel, a familyrun, 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 two-course 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 locallysourced, 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,

Getting your five-a-day

At the start of the year, many people opt to try to eat more plant-based food in support of Veganuary, a month long campaign aimed at encouraging people to try out a vegan diet.

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.

This means eating only foods that derive from plants, and foregoing any animal-based foods such as milk, eggs, meat, and cheese. Adopting a more plant-based diet comes with many health benefits as vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat, which has a positive impact on cholesterol levels.

Whether trying a vegan diet – in full or just a few meals a week – appeals, or you have no intention of giving up meat, just about everyone will benefit from ensuring they eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

These tips from Heart Research UK will help you to eat more plant-based food every day. Include fruits and vegetables at breakfast Making sure we consistently get our minimum of five fruits and vegetables every day can be quite difficult if we don’t consume at least one portion with every meal. Start the day off right by including a portion at breakfast. This could look like adding mushrooms to your scrambled eggs or including a banana alongside your porridge. Just make a conscious effort to tick off one of your five-a-day at breakfast.

Plan snacks around plants

Regardless of what diet you follow, everyone can benefit from eating more plants. A great way to do this is to plan your snacks around fruits and vegetables. Carrot, cucumber,

pepper, sugar snap peas and edamame beans make great vegetable snacks; pair them with some hummus or a homemade low fat yoghurt and mint dip. Any fruit works well as a snack and most pair nicely with a few teaspoons of almond or peanut butter to make a more substantial snack.

Eat plant-based, protein rich foods

If the thought of a bean chilli or lentil spaghetti bolognese doesn’t appeal to you, simply make your usual ones but try adding in a tin of beans or lentils while its cooking. They will add more fibre to your meal, helping you stay full for longer, and reduce the amount of saturated fat you are consuming (providing you eat your usual portion size). An added bonus is beans and lentils are much cheaper than buying meat, so you can bulk up your meals and make them go further at a fraction of the cost.

Events

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

8 March 6.30-9pm

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

8 March 7.30pm

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

8 March

Fireside Theatre, Verwood. Reading of Peter Assinder’s ‘Hidden Fortress’. Host: Mary Hindmarch. Tel 01202 313565 by 5 March to take part.

10 March 9.30am-12.30pm

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

10 March 7.30pm, 11 March

2.30pm and 7.30pm

Wimborne Community Theatre and Millstream Theatre present Ways of Seeing at Museum of East Dorset. Tickets from 01202 882533 or book online: https:// museumofeastdorset.co.uk/ events. Booking essential.

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.

11 March-23 April

Bournemouth Arts Club 102nd annual exhibition at Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch. Open 10am4pm Wednesday to Saturday and 12noon-4pm on Sunday. Admission free.

12 March 3pm

Greenwich Piano Trio will be giving a recital for the Bournemouth Chamber Music Society in Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University. Tickets £20. Age 8-25 free www.bournemouthchambermusic. co.uk or at the door.

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 Spring Show news. Further information from Tony Beard, show manager on 01202 880116.

17 March 10am

Wimborne U3A present a talk by Sheila Ward on The New Forest Coast at Wimborne Methodist Church. £2 members, £3 visitors.

18 March 12noon

Wimborne Repair Café at Wimborne Methodist Church, 4a, King Street, BH21 1DY. Repairs free of charge but donations welcome. Contact wimbornerepaircafe@gmail.com to let them know you are coming.

18 March 1-4pm

The Somerset & Dorset Family History Society gives you the chance to expand the historic details of your family. Bring along your research and laptop or tablet to the Museum of East Dorset. Book on https:// museumofeastdorset.co.uk/

20 March 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement Club. Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Meetings every 3rd Monday. Visitors welcome £5. Contact 01202 610902.

21 March 8pm

Don Nutt will speak about ‘Pirates, Castaways and Codfish’ to Wimborne Civic Society at the Quarterjack Room in the Allendale Centre. Members £1, visitors £3.

25 March 10am-3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, Kings Street Car Park, BH21 1EA. Free admission.

25 March 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society Spring Show at the Memorial Hall. An open show with classes for flowers, floral art, homecrafts and handicrafts. Schedules from Sue on 01202 871536 or email: s.hamlett139@btinternet.com

25 March 7.30pm

Easter concert at Wimborne Minster led by musical director Chris Dowie and accompanied by the Wimborne Chamber Orchestra.

27 March 7.30pm

St Aldhelms Orchestra performs Verdi Nabucco overture, Elgar Cello concerto Sibelius Symphony 1 at St Aldhelm’s Church, Poole BH13 6BT. Free entry, retiring collection. https://staldhelmsorchestra. co.uk

28 March 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club meets at West Parley Memorial Hall with a talk by Keith Partridge on ‘Forest Birds including Owls & Buzzards’. Contact Rod Darch 01202 896711

Poole Harbour Festival with three headline acts

Running from 28-30 July, the Poole Harbour Festival will be headlined by The Hoosiers, The Lightning Seeds and The Cheeky Girls.

The family-friendly event will take place at Baiter Park and there will be 50 acts on four stages including a strong line up of crowd-pleasing tributes as well as a DJ bill topped by Brandon Block and other dance scene movers and shakers.

There’s free children’s entertainment all weekend

with the return of the dinosaur shows, alongside Mad 4 Animals, Mr Merlin, Krazy Kev and Jules the Entertainer, as well as street performers and circus skills workshops.

Organiser Ben Dyas of Immense Events said: “Everyone needs a lift at the moment so we’ve gone all out to make sure Poole Harbour Festival is the party the town deserves.” Tickets available now at www.pooleharbourfestival. com.

Sports event in aid of injured ex-military personnel

Disabled and able-bodied athletes are to be able to compete together in a new event to take place at Poole Stadium on Saturday 24 June.

Chunkfest, organised by Ringwood-based House of Chunk, will raise funds for Diverse Abilities and injured ex-military personnel.

It will be the first hybrid sports and music festival in Europe with four specifically

designed Strongman events alongside smaller challenges and competitions.

The day will also feature MMA and boxing displays and demonstrations of wheelchair rugby and boxing. There will be live DJs throughout the day, a variety of food stalls, and exhibitors from across the country showcasing fitness kit, as well as health and rehabilitation products. The

day will also feature special guests from the Strongman World and paralympic athletes.

Tim, founder and owner of House of Chunk, said:

“Following the sponsorship of two incredible adaptive athletes last year, we saw the amazing efforts the Disabled Strongmen and Women did competing at the Arnolds Fitness Event in the NEC in Birmingham last September. We realised there was no one out there in our industry actively trying to promote and encourage the adaptive industry, specifically where able-bodied and

disabled athletes compete against each other.”

The event will continue into the evening with music including sets from Saints of Sin, live DJs, street performers and laser shows.

Claire Cooper, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “We are really pleased to be involved in this unique event and get behind House of Chunk’s vision to promote and raise awareness of the adaptive community.”

Find out more and get your tickets at houseofchunk. co.uk/chunkfest.

REVIEW: Cinderella, Highcliffe

Charity Players, Regent Centre, Christchurch

27 January By Marilyn Barber

A troop of small children sporting Elvis wigs and aviator sunglasses, and a frozen forest were two of the innovative ingredients in Highcliffe Charity Players’ production of this popular panto.

And it even started in a new way, with the audience being introduced to a very young Cinderella (played by Ellie Wells, Darcey Dupreeze and Ariana Medhurst depending on which performance you saw) and her real mother (Charlee Doherty).

As in 2022, the production was 90 minutes with no interval, and this works well, particularly for younger children.

Georgia Carter was a lively and engaging fairy, with Olivia Reeks nailing it as the quintessential grown up Cinderella.

John-Luke Greenacre went amusingly over the top as Prince

Charming, making a good team with Emma Barrington as Dandini, with Matt Morrell as the suitably dotty Baron Hardup.

The character of Buttons is intrinsic to the story as his job is to engage with the children, which Malcolm George managed splendidly.

The players reined back on the costumes for the Ugly Sisters. They were seriously over the top in an outrageous glitz and ‘glamour’ way but not grotesquely ugly and this worked well as Harry Young and Stan Smith still managed to maintain their cruel, yet amusing persona.

As with every HCP production, you can always be guaranteed professionalism, live music, good dancers and music and brilliant costumes.

Congratulations to director Pete Whitaker and musical director Stuart Darling.

Bournemouth Writing Festival

Bournemouth is gearing up for its first Writing Festival in April. A mix of free and paid-for events and activities will involve over 70 experienced writers and professionals from TV and film screenwriters to poets and writing coaches.

The festival will take place on Friday 21 until Sunday 23 April 2023 in venues in Bournemouth town centre. Booking is essential. For more information, including details of the free and paidfor events, and to book tickets, visit the festival website at www. BournemouthWritingFestival.co.uk.

REVIEW – Mother Goose, Co.MaD (Colehill Music and Drama) Colehill Village Hall

By Marilyn Barber

Who knew a goose and two goslings could be so endearing?

An amateur panto is so much more than local people learning their lines and moving on stage, it’s a composite of choice of story, costumes, make-up, scenery, hours spent rehearsing and uplifting music.

Written and directed by Pam Mizon, Mother Goose tells the story of a kind and silly woman who has to escape the tricks of the local evil baron, who is trying to capture the goose that lays the golden egg.

Jemma Cable’s dancing as Priscilla the Goose, together with goslings Joe CampbellMarsh and Lexi James-Clarke delighted both young and old in the audience, and full marks to the costume designers, Jackie Kirby, Sally Atkins and Avril Behling.

Not many men in their 80s have the confidence to take to the stage, still less, dressed as a woman in outrageous costumes, but Mike Andrews did just that as

Mother Goose, and he really immersed himself in the part.

Charlotte Prosser as Jim put her all into the role of Mother’s Goose’s son, backed up with Fiona Kanczler as Jill, her daughter.

Bill Mason was very convincing as the baddie, Baron Wasteland, eliciting plenty of boos, with Alice Weller linking the scenes as the fairy.

Sally Atkins as the queen and KD Johnson as the king were suitably regal, with Keith Jobes, John Bounds and Ann Mason adding to the fun as the henchmen.

Jill Laybourne, Jackie Kirby, Lexi James-Clarke, Joe-Campbell Marsh and Sally Atkins played the villagers, and live music was provided by John Dickins and Steve Pattle.

Not only did this group provide entertainment for the village with four performances, it raised funds for Wimborne Food Bank Plus.

Accessing a Motability vehicle

If you have a disability or illness that makes it hard for you to get around, and you receive a benefit because of this, you can use it to pay for a vehicle from a charity called Motability.

A variety of vehicles are available, including cars, mobility scooters or powered

wheelchairs. The benefit pays for the lease of the vehicle so, if you stop

receiving the benefit, you will have to return it.

You are eligible for the scheme if you have been awarded any of the following benefits, and have a minimum of 12 months left before your benefit ends:

• The higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• The enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

You can also get a vehicle if you don’t drive, as you can nominate people to drive on your behalf. It is also possible to claim for a Motability vehicle for a child aged three years or over.

Your benefit will pay directly for the vehicle, and the amount due will depend on the vehicle you choose. You may also need to pay an upfront cost depending on the price of the vehicle. Included in the scheme are:

• Insurance, including tyre and windscreen replacement cover

• Breakdown cover

• Vehicle tax

• Servicing and maintenance

• Adaptations if needed Motability dealers will have a specialist working within their dealership. You can find dealers on the Motability website, and make an appointment to make sure you get the vehicle that most suits your needs.

Visit the Motability website at www.motability.co.uk for more information.

Bed bugs and how to get rid of them

They’re common household pests that feed on blood during the night, so here are some signs to look out for.

1. Unusual smell – a lingering, musty scent in the bedroom that can’t be attributed to anything else. In severe infestations, a rusty smell will be noticed.

2. Bites – waking up with red, itchy bites. Bites usually appear on arms, hands, and legs in small clusters, or singly. These bites are not usually dangerous unless you are allergic to them. If you develop an allergy seek help from a medical professional.

3. Blood stains – small spots of blood on your bed sheets or clothing. Check for anything on your body first that could be the cause, like a scab.

4. Droppings – dark brown marks about the size of a pen tip on mattresses, sheets, headboards, and walls. They’re smaller than blood stains and give off a faint, rusty smell.

5. Bed bug eggs – look like small rice grains and can be loosely stuck to surfaces such as mattress seams and joints or behind the headboard.

6. Shell casings – bed bugs shed their casings as they develop so these yellow translucent cases can come in different sizes. Shell casings appear in seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, or even in cracks in walls and furniture.

7. Adult bed bugs – are approximately four to five millimetres long. Bed bug nymphs start at one millimetre. Their hiding places vary from

the bed and the area next to it, to furniture and walls.

Experts at bedkingdom.co.uk have provided tips on how to get rid of bed bugs:

Removal

It can be difficult to get rid of bedbugs so it’s advisable to contact the council or a pest control service for help if you have a severe infestation. Here are some steps you can take yourself.

1. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to identify bed bug hiding areas. Search the bed, cushions, cracks in walls and furniture, loose wallpaper, the seam between wallpaper and the ceiling, and under wall hangings.

2. Clean rubbish from your bedroom and bin it. Vacuum the entire floor, making sure to

get into all the corners. Vacuum furniture and cracks in the wall.

3. Insecticides are not recommended as some contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous when used indoors. Opt for a bed bug spray to use before vacuuming which is typically safe for mattresses and furniture. Follow the instructions carefully.

4. Wash affected bedding or clothing on a hot wash, and tumble dry on a hot setting for a minimum of half-an-hour. Items that can’t be washed can be placed in plastic bags and left in the freezer for three to four days if it is safe to do so. It’s important to know the signs to look out for so you can prevent bed bugs from multiplying and avoid a more complicated process of removing them.

If you suspect you have bed bugs in your home, it probably won’t be a talking point at the dinner table and you will want to get rid of them as soon as you can.

What is your smart speaker really collecting?

Smart devices have become a modern home essential, allowing for seamless integration with household appliances and providing better experiences with the products you already own. However, according to cybersecurity experts from vpnoverview.com, the convenience of a smart speaker may come at the price of your privacy.

In the first quarter of 2022, millions of smart speaker shipments were made worldwide. Amazon is the market leader in the smart device industry, selling nearly 10 million smart speakers in the first quarter, compared to Google and Apple, which had shipments of six million and four million, respectively.

VPNOverview experts investigated the privacy risks associated with owning

a smart speaker and what you should do in order to protect your privacy.

Always on, always listening and sometimes watching  By design, smart speakers are ‘always on’, awaiting a command word. Though there is an option to manually wake the device, this takes away from its purpose and convenience.

Smart speakers can misinterpret certain words or phrases as their wake word, ultimately taking action from what was said. This may lead to things turning on/off, awkward messages/calls being made or even purchasing items without your knowledge.

One way to deal with this is by having the mic muted on your device. All smart speakers have the option to manually turn off the microphone,

however, this removes the convenience of the device. As opposed to using voice to turn on, the user will have to manually wake the device by pressing it and saying the command or question.

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Furthermore, smart speakers record and save what is being said after hearing the wake word. This is to help with creating routines for the users, as well as helping developers improve the functionality of the device.

To deal with these risks, users will have to use the in-app settings of the smart speaker to change how or if their data is used. They can also change the wake word, and this can help minimise the speaker misinterpreting conversations for commands. Picking a wake word that is more bizarre will reduce the likelihood of the device misinterpreting conversations as commands.

Third-party software risks

A common misconception is that when users interact with their smart speaker, they assume their data is only collected by first-party developers (such as Amazon/ Google/Apple). According to VPNOverview, certain commands and skills of the

speaker are actually created by third-party developers.

When a user downloads and utilises a skill on their smart speaker, the data – as well as other account information – can be given to third-party developers, creating a risk.

Some of these third-party skills are not thoroughly moderated compared to skills provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, this can become a gateway for hackers leading to leaks of information, as well as potential eavesdropping.

A way to deal with this is by ensuring that users only use skills and software that first-party developers have provided. Users can also use a VPN to provide an added layer of protection as this will create an anonymous connection to the internet.

2SV/2FA (Two-step verification/ Twofactor authorisation)

Smart speakers have the ability to purchase items. This is why Amazon’s Alexa is very popular in kitchens and pantries, as you can purchase household items as and when they run out.

This creates a security risk as anyone can use the speaker to make transactions. One way to deal with this is by making sure two-factor authorisation or two-step verification is enabled on your device. This will send a code to your phone via text or via an authenticator application, providing an added layer of security for users.

VPNOverview says: “The convenience of smart

devices comes with the cost of our privacy. There are no other options to a smart speaker that provides this level of convenience, entertainment, and education.

“As long as users are careful with the speaker’s placement, how they use it and by ensuring their account is set up correctly, they can prevent possible hacks and sharing of unwanted data.”

Flexible ways of using free space in the garden

- advertisement feature -

The Fencing Centre’s Garden Building division has been able to help many of its customers make use of free space in their gardens.

By installing a

garden building to create much-needed extra entertaining or an additional living area, it can offer a place to eat, play, work or rest.

These are just

some of reasons why garden buildings are so flexible all year round.

The Fencing Centre’s garden buildings have been supplied for a variety of purposes, but the main underlying reason has been the need for more affordable living space. Be it an area to work or run a business from, or just a place to relax, a timber building project beats a traditional extension on price and flexibility.

Alex, manager from the Hurn branch, feels these buoyant trends will continue throughout

2023 and beyond, because for some, it is just too expensive to move home.

He said: “Whichever company you choose to buy a garden building from, make sure the company listens and understands your requirements ensuring you get the right garden building for you.”

Here is a recent five-star review from one of the Fencing Centre’s customers, Philip from Poole: ‘Great company to do business with, after visiting the showroom at Hurn and receiving

help from extremely helpful and patient salespeople, I bought an office studio to work from home in. I thoroughly enjoy working in my new comfortable space not far from the house.’

There is plenty to see at The Fencing Centre’s local display sites strategically located just off the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road and Junction 1 off the M27 at Cadnam, which are open seven days a week, and where you can browse the extensive selection of garden buildings on offer.

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LANDSCAPING

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

Celebrating the Return of Wild Bison in Britain

By Judith Silverthorne

Wild bison in Britain? Indeed! Europe’s largest wild land mammal once roamed in Britain thousands of years ago and now they’re back. Thanks to the foresight of the Kent Wildlife Trust (KW), they’ve been recently reintroduced into the Kent countryside

The reputation of the bison for revitalizing ecosystems is what galvanized the establishment of the Wilder Blean project, near Canterbury. The hope is they will restore the dense commercial pine forest into a vibrant natural woodland.

The benefits of the rewilding of this phenomenal key species throughout Europe and countries beyond is significant. From the Kraansvlak sand dunes in the Netherlands and Rothaar mountains in the North RhineWestphalia of Germany to the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park in Belarus, the evidence is mounting about

the significant way bison are restoring natural environs. Just like their North American (bison bison) cousins, these European Bison (Bison bonasus) or Wisent, almost became extinct. A theory supposes bison likely originated from the interbreeding of the Ancient Steppe Bison originating in Russia and the now extinct wild cattle known as the Auroch. Their descendants were found in the primeval forests of some areas of Europe until the early Middle Ages, then faced eradication. Two sub-species of the European bison didn’t make it, and the last wild Bison bonasus, was shot in 1927. Luckily, 12 bison had been kept in various zoos and animal enclosures from which all current European bison are descended. In 1952, the first free-living bison herds were reintroduced into the Białowieża National Forest in Poland. The European

Bison Pedigree Book for all pure-blooded animals is kept there and through this genealogical registry, the bison are distributed all over Europe and a matrix of interrelated exchanges is occurring.

Of the bison making their homes in the Blean National Nature Reserve, the 14-yearold matriarch came by way of the Highlands Wildlife Park in Scotland while the two younger females are fouryear olds from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland, one birthing a calf shortly after arrival. Two days before Christmas in 2022, the four-year-old bull made his entrance from the Sababurg Zoo in Germany.

Tom Gibbs, a bison ranger with the Wilder Blean project, says the decision was made to use European Bison as a nature-based solution to the climate and biodiversity crises as they help manage the woodlands in a sustainable way, as ecosystem engineers. Their unique foraging behaviours and behavioural traits will aid in the restoration to its natural state.

Besides their feeding habits impacting shrubs and young trees, their trampling, wallowing, and herd gatherings

open up areas; the grazing of these majestic animals provides nesting grounds for birds, and they also have an impact on the soil. Their hooves aerate the soil, aiding in plant growth and dispersal of seeds and their dung provides fertilization and places for insects to live. Their wallows fill with rainwater to offer breeding pools for amphibians and sources of drinking water for wildlife across the landscape. Flora and fauna flourish, many species return to their natural habitat.

Gibbs says, by filling this absent ecological niche, the bison will hopefully create a more dynamic, diverse, and resilient environment. Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust both believe that the Wilder Blean project can act as a catalyst for other wilding projects here in the UK. They are raising funds to aid in this venture via Just Giving: Wilder Blean fundraising on JustGiving.

More about these largest land animals in Europe can be found here: www. kentwildlifetrust.org. uk/wilderblean

Judith Silverthorne is a Canadian author and documentary producer, who is on the trail in search of bison around the world. She’ll be visiting the Wilder Blean project in March.

Mum and baby image supplied by the Wilder Blean Project © Donovan Wright Bison calf image supplied by the Wilder Blean Project © Donovan Wright