Dorset View April 2023

Happy Easter!

Spring may be in the air, but I’ve had to invest in a new item of clothing out of necessity, and it’s not a thick vest if that’s what you’re thinking.

My new padded jacket keeps me toasty all day, and has become an evening fixture too, when I’m indoors watching TV and cooking.

Although I am fortunate to still be earning a living, there is a limit on how much of the weekly budget can be spent on gas and electricity, and our Smart meter constantly makes us smart by reminding us we are over budget.

Sitting at home in a coat to try and keep within budget has highlighted for me the current predicament that many people are finding themselves in. Pensioners and young families especially.

The recent cold spells were bitter and we have to be thankful for the number of warm hubs in this area that offer heated premises and a hot drink to those who need it during the day, (see page 46), but at night it’s a different story. A cold house lacks cheer as we’ve found out. So check on any neighbours who may be in need of a friendly face or a hot cuppa.

Thankfully, the onset of spring brings hope of warmer days and exciting events. The first is Easter, followed by The King’s Coronation in May with street parties to look forward to. Do send Marilyn Barber details of your plans.

In this issue there is plenty to read and what about that spectacular front cover of the Northern Lights seen in Dorset? Thank you to Steve Regan for giving permission for us to use it.

DORSET VIEW

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk

Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK

01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk

Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

ADVERTISING

01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk

Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk

Sam Baines account manager 01202 941466 Sam@dorsetview.co.uk

Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM

Dexter Elliott graphic designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk

Twitter: @dorset_view

Facebook: dorsetview.news

Pulford Publicity, Dana House, Spinneys La, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

Copy deadline

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

LOGISTICS

Mike Talbot

11 APRIL 2023

Team effort: Pulford Publicity enjoys banquet night at Cinnamon Ferndown

Northern Lights seen over Knowlton Church

and Earthworks

Whatever the weather, one of the most photographed sites in Dorset is the atmospheric hollow shell of Knowlton Church. When local photographer Steve Regan went there under clear skies on 27 February, he captured the spectacular Northern Lights above the ruins.

The green, blue and purplish-red lights looked magical as they played among the stars above the remains of

the Norman church that was built in the 12th century and was in use until the 17th century. It is sited at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork. Here is more of Steve Regan Photography’s fabulous image so you can see the full extent of the colour range that wasn’t visible on the front cover.'

Knowlton Church and Earthworks is an English Heritage site and is situated

southwest of Cranborne on the B3078. Post code BH21 5AE. Be warned, though, it is said to be haunted. You could get caught up in swirling white mists filled with the sound of voices, or you could bump into a weeping nun kneeling outside the church, or see a ghostly face appearing through a window of the tower and if that’s not enough to frighten you off, watch out for a phantom horse and rider.

Hop along to Ferndown

The Easter Bunny will be at Ferndown Day Centre on Sunday 2 April 11am-3pm for an Easter Fayre organised by Ferndown Community Support. Enjoy crafts, face painting, games, food, a ‘water or wine’ stall, live music, home made cakes, hot dogs, tea and hot chocolate as well as an

Easter picture trail competition, car boot /table top sale plus children’s craft activity room with slots allocated on the day. £2 entry fee covers all craft materials and entry to the competition. Visit www. ferndowncommunitysupport. org.uk/easter-fayre-2023/ for more details.

Man charged following Wimborne stabbing

An 18-year-old Poole man has been charged with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was arrested following the alleged stabbing

of a man in Wimborne on 26 February. He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 4 March and is next due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 30 March.

A Digital Stars Interactive Workshop hosted by IT consultancy QuoStar was aimed at promoting the importance of technology to AFC Bournemouth Junior Cherries. It also highlighted career opportunities in the IT industry and promoted gender inclusion and diversity. AFC Bournemouth player Jack Stacey and club legend Steve Fletcher held a surprise Q&A session and photo opportunities before the main event.

Vicious attack on dog in Bournemouth

Lottie was being exercised by a friend near Meyrick Park when an elderly lady came out of a front door with a pit bull terrier-cross on a lead and started to walk to a parked car.

Without warning, the dog flew at Lottie, pulling the elderly lady over. It grabbed Lottie around the neck and shook her from side-to-side in the air before pinning her on the ground.

The commotion brought neighbours out, meanwhile someone attempted to pull the aggressive dog away, to no avail. The owner had to use a broom handle to prise open the jaw of his dog and make it break its hold.

Lottie and her walker were traumatised and returned to Barbara’s house.

“Lottie was bleeding,” said Barbara. “I tried to see the damage and dabbed the obvious

places with TCP and consoled her as much as possible. It was like someone had switched her lights off. She was very subdued and stopped eating. On Monday I took her to the vets.

“They said had she been a smaller dog, she would not have survived. Fortunately boxers have strong necks.” Lottie had to be shaved so the vets could see the full extent of the damage. “They had to open one of the deeper wounds, as it had an air pocket filled with pus. A few days later she had to have an operation.”

Lottie’s treatment is ongoing and so far has cost over £1,000.

The owner of the bull terrier-cross said he was profoundly sorry for what happened and that he would pay the vets bills. He explained that he usually keeps his dog muzzled at all times.

Yet on the day of the attack,

the dog was not wearing a muzzle and Lottie’s happy life changed in a split second.

Still in shock, Barbara asked the vet if she should report the dog to the police. “The vet was of the opinion that if the dog’s owner promised to keep his pet muzzled at all times outside and pay for the treatment, then no further action would be needed.”

Barbara wasn’t happy about this. “What if the dog attacks a child next?” she said.

She wants Lottie’s unfortunate experience to make people even more aware of dangerous dogs.

“It only takes a split second for bedlam to ascend on a normal situation. I don’t want anyone else to have this experience,” she said.

A recent BBC investigation

has found that in England and Wales over the last five years, police have recorded a 34% rise in dog attacks causing injury, (https://www.bbc.com/ news/uk-64798162 2018 –16,394 attacks/ 2022 – 21,918 attacks. Source Freedom of Information [FOI] requests made to all 43 police forces. 37 responses were received). Dogs causing death or injury to a person or assistance dog have to be recorded by the police. Other incidents, such as Lottie’s experience where a dog attacks another animal; or nuisance or anti social dogs do not have to be recorded by the police. If anything similar has happened to you please email janine@dorsetview. co.uk with your story.

Perfect season to plan and plant

By Plants Direct

As spring arrives, gardens, pots or patios become a riot of colours, flowers and foliage: tulips, daffodils, beautiful acers and azaleas, rhododendrons, flowering shrubs and early perennials, many scented.

It’s the perfect season to plan and plant new beds and borders with trees, shrubs, perennials, and seasonal plants.

Summer patio containers and basket plants should now be available to give summer-long flowering, foliage and scents to fill the garden, patios and planters.

Lots of vegetables can still be sown from seed or planted out both in the garden and in tunnels and greenhouses for crops, of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Lawns, beds and borders can now be weeded and top-dressed with compost. Fertilise to encourage healthy growth and flowers.

Pruning of roses, trees and shrubs and cutting back and tying up of all plants can still be done now, to shape, tidy and encourage new growth and flowering.

A visit to your local nursery and garden centre where they will be fully stocked with a large selection fresh ready to plant stock of trees, shrubs, perennials, seasonal vegetables and flower plants, is essential. Lots of new and unusual plant should all be available to enhance and make your garden grow.

Dog owner, Barbara Fowler, is reeling from the shock of a vicious attack on her boxer in Bournemouth on Saturday 4 March.

Lottie before the attack Lottie after attack

Ukrainian flag hoisted in Dorset

The Ukrainian flag was raised at County Hall on 24 February and Dorset Council joined the national one-minute silence at 11am to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

More than 900 Ukrainians have settled across Dorset since Vladimir Putin’s forces began the war, forcing thousands to flee their homeland.

As the war sadly continues, more Ukrainians need a place

of safety and the council is seeking new hosts in Dorset to help those overseas as well as Ukrainians already in the area who need to move on from their initial sponsorship arrangement. If you are able to continue hosting but need further support or if you are interested in hosting and would like to find out more, contact Dorset Council on ukraineresponse@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

for a fundraising night out

Pulford Publicity, the publishers of Dorset View and Viewpoint, are holding a charity fundraiser in aid of their Charity of the Year, Dorset Mind and would like to extend the invitation to everyone connected with any of their many publications. Advertisers, readers, suppliers, friends and family as well as all the other businesses at Dana House are welcome to book their place now.

There will be a meal, raffle and auction with ‘auctioneer’ Tony Brown on Saturday 14 October in the Brabant Suite at Dudsbury Golf Club. Places are limited. Price to be confirmed soon. If you would like to make a reservation call Ben or Louis on 01202 870270. Or email Janine@dorsetview. co.uk. Details of booking on line will shortly become available. “Come and relax with us for an enjoyable evening raising money for Dorset Mind,” said editor, Janine Pulford. “Black ties and posh frocks are not necessary, but if you want to dress up that’s fine by us.”

Managing stress

Tips from mental health charity Dorset Mind

Managing stress, especially during periods of change or uncertainty can have a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

According to a Censuswide survey, asking 2,000 UK adults, 79% said they feel stressed at least one day a month (Ciphr, 2021). In stressful environments it may feel difficult to stop and take a breather. Dorset Mind delivers training to workplaces about managing stress. Here are a few of training manager, Marie-Clare’s top tips:

• Be honest with yourself and others about what you can achieve

• Prioritise tasks and really consider when each task needs to be completed

• Schedule breaks – add time out to your calendar

• Share problems – don’t bury your head

• Celebrate wins, however big

• Be part of a solution rather than always focusing on the problem In addition, local non-profit organisations can help. Dorset Mind provides 1-2-1 and group mental health support for adults and young people. Services are available for online referral at dorsetmind.uk.

For support with money related issues, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. Or see what support services/schemes are available through your local council to assist with the cost of living.

Finally, remember to connect with others about how you’re feeling. A good support network can make all the difference in finding solutions to problems. If you need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans listening service on 116 123 (open 24/7).

Source: Workplace stress statistics: how stressed is the UK in 2021? - Ciphr

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Will Disputes

By Luke Stace, Solicitor | Harold G Walker Solicitors

£150 fine introduced for littering

So long ago as 1979, the Court of Appeal decided that “….to avoid costly litigation….and where there are circumstances of suspicion attending the execution and making of the will, one of the measures which can be taken is to give full and frank information to those who might have an interest in attacking the will as to how the will came to be made.”

Where a serious dispute arises as to the validity of a will the solicitor should make available a statement of their evidence regarding the execution of the will and the circumstances surrounding it. The way to obtain the information is to make a formal written request to the solicitor or will writer for information. A well-kept file enables the information to be made available promptly once

it has been retrieved. These days, it is not unusual, initially, for a copy of the will file to be disclosed as many of the usual questions or queries may be answered by what it contains. This includes the instructions given and if changes made from an earlier will, you would expect an explanation. If the information in the file is insufficient, then a witness statement can be requested from the solicitor or will writer. The request must be based on real suspicions about the validity of the will as there is a risk of the request being refused if it is simply a fishing expedition or mere curiosity. A fee may be charged for the provision of the information. Contact a solicitor for further information and advice.

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

BCP Council has introduced on-thespot fines across its region to help tackle the environmental crime of littering.

If an individual is caught littering in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, an enforcement officer from Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE) will serve a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £150, which will be reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.  FPNs can be issued for dropping litter of any kind, including sweet wrappers, crisp packets, chewing gum, cigarette butts and discarded items from vehicles.

WISE has been awarded the contract to carry out littering enforcement across the BCP area.

The contract is cost-neutral to the council. It will see a percentage of each fine issued paid to BCP Council to be reinvested into littering prevention services.

The new fines were introduced on 20 March 2023.

If you are thinking of disputing a will, you should first seek further information from the solicitor or will writer who prepared it.

Civic thanksgiving service

Civic dignitaries from across Dorset and some from adjacent counties gathered in Wimborne on Sunday 12 March for a thanksgiving service.

Together with Wimborne Militia and standard bearers, the dignitaries took part in a parade around the town before attending the Wimborne Minster Town Council Civic Thanksgiving Service. Held in the Minster Church, the service was

conducted by the rector Rev Canon Andrew Rowland. Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Carol Butter, spoke about the highlights of her civic year and announced that Alderman Pat Hymers, who has given so much to the town, is to become a Freeman of Wimborne.

Civic dignitaries and other guests outside Wimborne Minster © Marilyn Barber

Cremators to be reinstalled at Poole Crematorium

The crematorium in Poole has been without cremators since 2020, but now BCP Council is to install eco cremators at the site off Gravel Hill.

The council will invest £2,437,516 in buying two electric cremators.

The decision has been welcomed by Douch Family Funeral Directors.

Since 2020 the facility has been run merely as a service chapel, with the deceased being conveyed to Bournemouth for cremation.

There had been a strong campaign by local people to make the crematorium operational again.

Nick Douch, managing director said he was

delighted that councillors had listened to the concerns of their constituents.

Nick Douch, whose company runs seven branches in Dorset and who led the campaign said: “We are grateful to John Ainsworth of Churches Together in Poole, Tony Reeves, who started the petition, local funeral directors who backed the campaign, the public who supported the campaign and to the council for making what we believe is obviously the correct decision.”

The crematorium is used by people as far west as Blandford and Dorchester and serves potentially half a million people added Nick Douch.

More than £1m left to charity

Over £1 million has been left to Dorset Community Foundation by José Hampton who died aged 97 last September. She and her husband Gerry ran Hamptons Antiques in Purewell, Christchurch, which was well known all over the South West for more than 50 years. Gerry died in 2011 aged 96.

Family friend Rosemarie Groves said Mrs Hampton loved Christchurch and the surrounding area and wanted to do something to support it. “She had mentioned this many times over the years, and it is lovely knowing her wishes have come to fruition,” said Rosemarie.

The Hampton Fund will

Campaign to combat deathwatch beetle in Wimborne churches

By Marilyn Barber · newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

A campaign is soon to be launched to raise funds to combat deathwatch beetle in two historic village churches in the Wimborne area.

They are The Church of All Saints in Chalbury and The Church of Wolfrida in Horton.

Parts of the building of the church in Chalbury are said to be early English (1180-1280) with later changes and additions. The interior boasts medieval and Georgian windows and there are original 18th century

box pews, a three-decker pulpit and a musician’s gallery. The work on this church needs to be carried out in the next two or three years and will necessitate closing the church while the roof is removed, the beams are sorted out and the roof is replaced.

The 1401 parish church dedicated to Saint Wolfrida, once abbess of Horton Abbey, fell into ruins by 1720. The current church, rebuilt in 1722, boasts a tower designed

by Vanbrugh, and contains a number of interesting artefacts and memorials.

The situation at Horton is less extensive and less urgent other than some repairs to the bell tower, which need to be done this year.

It is feared the repairs to the churches will run into several hundreds of thousands of pounds.

However, the churches are confident that with the support of the wider community and from

provide an enduring resource to help the community foundation fund grass roots voluntary groups and community groups, said its director Grant Robson. He added: “This wonderful legacy will ensure that José and Gerry and their love for each other and the place they called home will never be forgotten.”

The couple didn’t have children.

Salisbury Diocese that they will raise the money successfully. An open information event to discuss plans is being held in Horton and Chalbury Village Hall BH21 7JA on Sunday 16 April from 12 noon to 2 pm – refreshments provided.

If you are interested or can help do go along or contact Marilyn Sadler on 01258 840357, email:robmar.sadler@gmail.com

Too many butts as town is picked clean

More than 40 volunteers from Wimborne helped pick up the biggest amount of litter Wimborne War on Waste has ever collected in two hours on one of their picks. The worst offenders were cigarette butts. Plastic cable ties, dog poo bags and singleuse items such as bottles, takeaway food containers and coffee cups were

also abundant. The group welcomes everyone to join them. For more information and to add your name to the email group contact wimbornewaronwaste@gmail. com. The dates for the next litter picks are Wednesday 24 May 6-7pm and Sunday 2 July 11-1pm, starting from the Fair Trade Shop in the Cornmarket.

All Saints, Chalbury

José and Gerry Hampton

Prestigious Roots & Shoots awards go to Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University (BU) has won prestigious Jane Goodall Institute environmental awards.

It has scooped two bronze and a silver award at the annual Roots & Shoots awards ceremony for environmental projects with St Luke’s Church of England Primary School in Winton.

Roots & Shoots is an environmental and humanitarian programme that empowers young people to become involved in hands-on projects for the community, animals, and the environment.

Founded by Dr Jane Goodall DBE, it is now active in over 67 countries including a branch based at Bournemouth University (BU) set up by Dr Emma Jenkins, director of the Institute for Modelling Socio-Environmental Transitions (IMSET).

Dr Jenkins approached St Luke’s about getting involved in the programme. Activities were based around conservation and included a micro-plastics activity where children had to investigate the level of harm that micro-plastics have on water systems.

She said: “We also arranged for them to dissect owl pellets to see how owls live and what they eat, and we involved them in our own research at BU studying how to protect salmon, an Interreg EU-funded project SAMARCH. Finally, they asked us to be involved in redesigning a new pond for their school. Their existing pond had dried up and become

Reminder: you need photo ID to vote

overgrown, so we re-dug it to encourage more wildlife.”

BU PhD student Ben Parker who studies Freshwater Ecology was involved as part of his research on climate change. He said: “Renovating the pond became an important project, because within the UK, ponds have seen a decline of about 70% in the past century. St Luke’s pond was a good example of this. Having been neglected, its water levels had decreased, and it had filled up with silt. Now it has been renovated we have seen freshwater wildlife return within a very short space of time.”

Hannah Easthope, headteacher at St Luke’s, helped organise the activities with Bournemouth University (BU) and said she was delighted with the achievement. An exciting moment, she said was when the local fire station arrived in their truck to fill up the finished ponds with 4,500 litres of water.

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 and still have the same name you used to register to vote.

Apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) at: voter-authoritycertificate.service.gov. uk or search bcpcouncil. gov.uk >How to vote.

The next planned elections for Dorset Council, town and parish councils in the Dorset Council area, and the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner will take place in May 2024.

Shades of Different

- advertisement feature -

Shades of Different is a registered charity (31 March 2022) based in East Dorset near the New Forest. It has been born out of an awareness raising campaign, which Erika Petrie started a couple of years ago to give a voice to differently-abled children, like her youngest daughter Micaela, who has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal. It is about promoting inclusion in society, better role models and equal opportunities for these children in the future, as well as giving them the voice they deserve

both figuratively and literally. The charity also aims to raise valuable funds to supplement vital therapies in specialist settings such as: sensory integration, occupational therapy, speech therapy and music therapy. It has just been awarded two funding grants by local companies, enabling them to send vital sensory equipment into special schools and start to run music therapy sessions within the local community. shadesofdifferent.com

Charity number: 1198481

BU PhD Freshwater Ecology student showing pupils at St Luke’s a newt

Micaela

Plaque celebrating innovative Wimborne woman is put on display

Kate Taylor, aged 38, from Wimborne in Dorset is one of a network of over 100 Women in Innovation award winners who has received a purple plaque. She has chosen Wycombe High School in Buckinghamshire as the permanent home for her plaque.

She said: “I have extremely fond memories of my time at Wycombe High School and always felt supported and encouraged to do my best. It is a huge honour to win the Women in Innovation award and also to have the plaque installed at the school, which I hope will inspire many more female entrepreneurs

and innovators to come.”

Purple plaques are being displayed at schools across the country to recognise the achievements of women innovators.

Kate established Evenly to address the lack of nonsurgical solutions aimed at supporting the widespread and under-addressed issue of breast asymmetry. She is helping women whose breasts sizes may differ severely due to cancer surgeries or congenital conditions such as Poland Syndrome.

She has developed a line of silicone Bra BalancersTM, designed to be worn in a bra

Cookery days return to Christchurch Schools

Despite a three-year break, the team from Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust are back running cookery days in Christchurch primary schools.

A total of 11 cookery days are being run throughout the district with children being taught a range of skills and given nutritional guidance in order to make healthy food choices.

The sessions are aimed at children in Years Four and Five and are being organised by Mary Reader a trustee of the charity and the founder of the original Christchurch Food Festival.

Mary is joined by nutritional specialist Diane Thomas and chefs Loic Gratadoux and Colin Nash. Also part of the team is Master’s Degree student Jess Harris from Bournemouth University.

Following an introduction about the importance of eating breakfast, children are split into groups. Some learn to chop vegetables safely and the value of including fish in the diet by

making a steamed trout dish with vegetables while others are taught to recognise a wide range of vegetables and about how adding spices, juices and sauces to vegetables can improve the flavour. They are also shown how to become Food Detectives and learn about branded foods and the labelling on packaging.

Mary Reader explains: “A major part of our sessions is about the children tasting the food. We always re-group at the end of the sessions and the children tell us what they have learned from taking part. So many children are surprised to find that they do like things that they thought they didn’t like, with the fish often being a favourite food choice! We encourage the children to think about sustainability and encourage them to buy local food and to grow their own fruit and vegetables wherever possible, even if it is having a few pots of herbs outside the back door or on a balcony for those that live in flats.

“It is now fifteen years since we formalised this work by starting this charity, and although it is hard work to put together, seeing the children respond so well makes it all worthwhile.”

on a woman’s smaller side. The silicone mimics the weight of the missing natural breast tissue, meaning the bra can hold and distribute the weight of the wearer’s breasts more evenly. Kate has also invented a pioneering patent-pending new bra design, which she hopes to bring to market next year.

The Purple Plaque Women in Innovation award holders receive a cash injection of £50,000 and bespoke mentoring to scale up their businesses and bring their pioneering ideas to market.

Innovation award winners are developing pioneering innovations to tackle pressing

Kate Taylor

societal, environmental, and economic challenges; from delivering precision medicine to underrepresented populations, to offering eco-friendly materials for the aerospace industry and creating cuttingedge digital educational tools.

Wycombe High headteacher, Nicola Renyard, said the school was really proud that Kate chose Wycombe High School as the permanent home for her special purple plaque, which would be an inspiration to students.

Teddy bear story sets sail in Wimborne

A local mother of two has published a children’s book after winning a teddy bear story competition run by Wimborne Model Town.

Marie Tudor-Murphy from Wimborne has now published ‘The Adventures of Sea Teddy’ and it is available in three local outlets.

Marie spotted the competition at Wimborne Model Town in the autumn of 2021 and said, “The story could be about anything, but it had to include a teddy bear. I didn’t think anything of it at first, but one

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

evening, as the competition was drawing to a close, my creative head went into overdrive with an idea, so I wrote it down.”

She submitted her story without any expectations, but to her delight it won.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “The Wimborne Model Town and Gardens are going to create a separate section in their gift shop just for me, I’m absolutely honoured.”

You can purchase The Adventures of Sea Teddy in Wimborne from Gullivers Bookshop; Fluffetts Home (stocks arriving soon), and Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, which opens from 2 April.

Another ‘Teddy Bear Day’ will be held at the model town on Sunday 22 October and Marie will be there if you want to meet her. At the last one Dorset View’s news editor read her teddy bear stories to a captive audience.

Grand Opening Event

By Wimborne Community Garden

This past month at Wimborne Community Garden we have had a wonderful new paved area created through the incredible skill and generosity of Dan Higgs, a local brickworks man. On top of this hard landscaped area we are now making raised beds which will be suitable for wheelchair users to access as well as those who prefer to sit down to do their gardening. We are so thrilled to be able to offer this facility as it makes our community garden indeed available to the whole community and that’s what we’re all about.

On Sunday 30 April from 2.30-4.30pm we are holding our Grand Opening Event and we are very lucky that the Wimborne mayor is going to preside over this. The

afternoon will give everyone the opportunity to come and have a look around all that has happened since May last year when we dug our first bed. Indulge in tea and delicious cakes and let us share the names of all the amazing local companies who have supported us so far. There will be a raffle, children’s activities and a cookery demonstration. We hope you can come and join us. Obviously, if you would like to come along on a Wednesday morning, a Friday afternoon or a Sunday afternoon in the meantime you will always be welcomed with open arms, a smile… and a job to do!

Author meets mayor

Book launch marks 25 years for award-winning Farmer Palmer’s

The launch of an exciting new book marks a special anniversary for Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park in Poole.

For its 25th anniversary, the farm park has joined with Bournemouthbased Storycises to create ‘I Love Visiting My Favourite Farm Park!’

The collaboration came about after paediatric chartered physiotherapists, Wendy Joy and Jane Reynolds, met with Sandra Palmer-Snellin at Farmer Palmer’s and spoke about their work helping children to gain essential motor skills.

Jane said: “If our children are to be robust and healthy young people, they need to be more physical and experience a wide range of movements from birth onward. They need time to experiment, practise and consolidate their motor skills with those adults around them scaffolding them to do this. Farmer Palmer’s provides so many opportunities to do this in a fun and exciting way.”

Sandra, whose family owns the farm, said: “For the past 25 years, generations of children have grown up at Farmer Palmer’s. We’ve had employees that are coming back with their children, and I thought ‘what better way than to now integrate Storycises

skills and our 25 years with this beautiful creation as a celebration?’”

The colourful book shows how to integrate essential foundation movement skills through play, practice, learning and experiences all available at Farmer Palmer’s that help children to prepare for school and beyond.

Wendy added: “Now families will be able to take away a special memory of their visit to Farmer Palmer’s while helping their children to gain essential movement skill practice.”

Copies of ‘I Love Visiting My Favourite Farm Park!’ are available to buy from Farmer Palmer’s onsite shop with online sales to follow.

FCS gets growing!

A new community allotment has been awarded by Ferndown Town Council to FCS (Ferndown Community Support CIC), founders of Ferndown Community Larder and Food Bank.

“What a brilliant asset to the group, and to the Food Bank+, enabling us to not only provide fresh locally grown fruit and veg, but also a teaching and learning space for growing your own, thank you Ferndown Town Council for the opportunity to further benefit the community in so many ways,” said Hannah Hobbs-Chell on behalf of FCS.

The Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Lawrence Wilson said: “Ferndown Town Council are delighted to have been able to provide this allotment for the Ferndown Community Support group. They have done so much to help those who are in need in our community and it’s great to be able to offer them our support. The council are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labour in the near future.”

The plot will benefit the comunity and volunteers are being sought to help get the ground growing.

If you are interested in the work of FCS, volunteering, sponsoring, or needing support please visit www.ferndowncommunitysupport. org.uk, telephone 01202 936121 or email info@ ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk

UHD pioneers treatment for heart disease

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is using new technology that will be a huge benefit to patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, cutting operation times in half.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm abnormality in the UK. It affects over one million people and can be an extremely disabling condition, commonly causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness, palpitations and a significant reduction in exercise tolerance.

Previously, cardiologists have treated AF through targeting and abolishing the electrical signals in the heart responsible for triggering the arrhythmia, by burning or freezing them away. The procedure carries a small risk of causing damage to surrounding areas, such as the

Opioid prescriptions cut by 450,000 in four years

oesophagus, or important veins leading from the lungs to the heart. With Boston Scientific’s new Pulsed Field Ablation (Farapulse) technology, nonthermal energy is used to target the same signals, in a tissue specific manner, minimising any external collateral damage.

The procedure now takes around an hour, reducing by half the time it would previously typically take, and UHD is one of just four hospitals in the country currently using the technology, and the first on the south coast.

Dr Richard Bala, consultant in cardiac electrophysiology, said: “The treatment is quicker, safer and as effective and we hope the higher number of patients we can see and treat in a day will considerably reduce waiting times.”

He added that initial results are looking very good.

Fast Falls Response Recovery

because we care

- advertisement feature -

As people age, they begin to lose mobility and become more at risk of falling. For many elderly and disabled adults, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the shower, or even just sitting down and standing up can put them at risk of an injury from falling. Falls can result in injury and can also take a toll on your self-confidence.

Fast Falls Response can help with fall recovery by getting you up on your feet, reducing the need to call an ambulance (for non injury falls), but also supporting individuals in keeping their existing life style and daily routines.

Fast Falls Response can help you with: hospital discharge, medication assistance, call in service, sit in service, companionship, shopping services, escort on trips/ appointments, waking night care, food preparation and serving, cleaning services.

For more information about fall recovery services and how Fast Falls Response Recovery support you, call 07864812833 / 07470242771 or contact care@fastfallresponse. co.uk or just for information book a telephone meeting at www.fastfallresponse.co.uk

GPs and pharmacists have helped cut opioid prescriptions in England by 450,000 in under four years.

The data was published last month as the NHS unveiled an action plan to crackdown on the overuse of potentially addictive medicines.

The new framework for local health and care providers aims to further reduce inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers and other addictioncausing medicines, like opioids and benzodiazepines, where they may no longer be the most clinically appropriate treatment for patients – and in some cases can become harmful without intervention.

The plan will support GPs and clinical pharmacists to provide patients with a personalised review of their medicines and make a shared decision about whether a change in treatment is needed.

Thanks to investment of almost £50m over the current financial year, the NHS is already making significant progress in this area. The latest data shows that in under three years the number of opioid painkillers prescribed has fallen by 8%, which is estimated to have saved nearly 350 lives and prevented more than 2,100 incidents of patient harm.

The numbers of benzodiazepines and sleeping pills (z-drugs) prescribed in England has also fallen by 170,000 (13.9%) and 95,000 (10.2%) respectively since the NHS led the implementation of key recommendations outlined in a 2019 review by

Public Health England.

The review found that in 2017/18 one in four adults in England were prescribed benzodiazepines, z-drugs, gabapentinoids, opioids for chronic non-cancer pain or antidepressants.

Now the NHS is supporting integrated care boards, community health services, public health teams and primary care networks to create personalised and innovative support for patients who have used addictive drugs or suffer from a condition that would have historically seen them prescribed such a drug, to better manage their long-term physical and mental health.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England said: “We know that patients who require prescriptions for potentially addictive drugs can become dependent and struggle with withdrawal, and this new action plan helps NHS services to continue positive work in this space having already slashed opioid prescriptions by almost half a million over the last four years.

“The plan gives clear guidance to support patients who no longer need these drugs to provide them with routine medicine reviews and move them on to other, alternative therapies where appropriate, saving both lives and taxpayer money in the process.”

Don’t struggle with mental health

There is always support available for young people in Dorset who are struggling with their mental health.

If you need to talk to someone call Connection 0800 6520190 Samaritans 116 123 Papyrus HOPELINE for children or young people experiencing thoughts of suicide 0800 0684141

Dentistry in Dorset is in crisis

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for confidential support via text message Chat online at www.kooth. com the online wellbeing forum for 11-18 year olds, which includes free online counselling with trained professionals and moderated forums. Speak to a trusted adult –your GP can help you find the right mental health support, including NHS services such as CAMHS, or you could talk to an adult you trust such as a teacher, lecturer, family member or youth worker. For anyone worried that someone needs help, trust your instincts and start a conversation.

Find out more at samaritans. org/smalltalksaveslives #SmallTalkSavesLives.

Healthwatch Dorset has published a new report highlighting the ongoing difficulties people are experiencing accessing NHS dental care in the county.

The report, titled: ‘Why are people finding it difficult to access NHS dental care in Dorset?’ reveals that at the end of 2022 there were no NHS dentists in Dorset taking new adult patients and many dentists are now only accepting patients who can pay privately.

Healthwatch Dorset contacted all 95 dental practices that were listed on the NHS website.

Two of the dentists are no longer practicing. Of the 78 dental practices that responded, none were taking new NHS adult patients, 17 now only treat private patients, and only 18 were accepting new NHS patients if they are children. Seven practices said they were accepting patients with additional needs, and 23 practices had waiting lists, half of which were over 12 months long.

The report also highlights how the lack of access to routine and urgent dental care is impacting on local people’s health and wellbeing. Many people who contact Healthwatch Dorset are suffering from ongoing pain and unresolved dental issues because they have not been able to access treatment through an NHS dentist or emergency dental hubs.

The report includes personal stories and comments from local people, illustrating the range of feedback about dentistry in Dorset.

Healthwatch Dorset is joining Healthwatch England’s call for a more rapid and radical

reform of how dentistry is commissioned and provided, nationally and locally. They want to make sure that people are not excluded from dental services due to lack of local provision or difficulty meeting charges.

Louise Bate, Healthwatch Dorset manager, said: “We are working with NHS Dorset to help inform their plans for improving access to NHS Dentistry and oral health across Dorset when they take over responsibility for commissioning local dental services in April. We’re also talking to local dental staff, public health colleagues, schools, health visitors working on oral health programmes, the local voluntary sector, community groups and local people to build a greater understanding of the issues. To share your story with us please get in touch at healthwatchdorset.co.uk.”

David Freeman, chief commissioning officer, NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board, said that from 1 April they will have a much greater opportunity to work with local people, dentists and other specialists in the area to develop new and different ways of working.

He said: “We’ve started this work - from helping children and families with good dental hygiene to designing extra services to meet more complex dental needs, we are already developing plans for improvements over the coming year.”

The full report can be found on the Healthwatch Dorset website.

What types of care do chiropractors provide?

By Wimborne Wellness Centre

You have probably heard of the words ‘adjustment’ and ‘manipulation’ and have the classic Marmite response to the popping and clicking sounds that an adjustment makes. Some patients actively seek it out as they find it so satisfying, others find it scary or cringey. But did you know that’s only one small part of the many different types of treatment that chiropractors offer? Read more to find out what else we can do.

Acupuncture

That’s right! Most of the chiropractors at Wimborne Wellness Centre are trained in medical acupuncture, also known as dry needling. Dry needling is an excellent form of gentle care and can treat a variety of muscular conditions such as tendinitis or muscle strains, as well as relieve the pain in more acute conditions such as a slipped disc or frozen shoulder. Our chiropractors often use dry needling alongside a full treatment.

Trigger point therapy

You know when you’re getting a sports massage and they hold those sore spots for several seconds? That is known as trigger point therapy, and a lot of chiropractors will do this in the treatment along with other treatment modalities. How trigger point therapy works is it helps to relax and ease muscle tension which both eases pain and will make the rest of the treatment more effective.

Activator therapy

You know of this if you have seen or had it – but at Wimborne Wellness Centre the chiropractors also use a tool called an activator. Which is a small hand-sized tool, which has a cushioned end

that moves quickly with an impulse. The chiropractor can adjust joints using this tool. It is gentler than typical adjustments and doesn’t make a clicking or popping sound either – however the mechanism and outcome is the same: moving the joints to relieve inflammation around the nerves and reduce pain and tension.

Flexion distraction

This technique is a real fan favourite – and very effective for managing acute lower back pain. We place parts of the bench up so your lower spine is open and flexed, then we use our hands to increase the stretch and lightly traction your lower back. Again, we will almost always use this alongside other treatment modalities.

Traction

Another favourite of mine, traction is the technique where we lightly pull and open joints. We can do this on the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and ankles. The pressure is light enough, so it doesn’t feel too stretchy, but strong enough to really feel and benefit from the release in pressure on the joints. This is great for patients who suffer from conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia.

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.

Animal health and welfare – farm animals

Most farmers care passionately about the welfare of their animals. Rural Dorset often brings to mind pictures of healthy animals grazing in sunny fields of grass. However, when it comes to winter, things can look very different, especially after long periods of rain.

Some farmers house their cattle in barns over the winter months. Others keep cattle out in the fields and give them supplementary food such as silage, because grass has stopped growing. The ground around their feeders can get muddy and cows with their shaggy winter coats can look a bit bedraggled when it is wet. As long as the cattle have an area in the field that is well drained for them to lie down, then their welfare can usually be met.

Sheep are often put on fields of stubble turnips to eat. They quickly eat off the green tops of the plants and it might therefore look to the untrained eye that they are in a muddy field with nothing to eat. The reality is that they might have

a really good source of food to give them the energy to cope with the cold wet weather.

Farmers are usually happy to speak with people who have concerns about their livestock.

Unfortunately, there are occasions when a farmer might let welfare standards slip. Trading Standards will try to help and support the farmer to turn things around. Where necessary they work closely with charities such as the Farm Community Network, who can provide volunteers to give practical advice to the farmer.

On rare occasions if a farmer ignores the advice, and the welfare of their livestock is not improved, Trading Standards can take the farmer to court. For very serious welfare breaches

the farmer can be banned from keeping livestock.

If you are worried about welfare standards on a farm you can always call the Dorset Council animal health line on 01305 224475, or email tradingstandards@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Squeezes and squirts in the waterworks

By Lynwood Vets Team

It may not be nice to talk about, but urination problems are common in cats and are often associated with stress but can be very serious. Signs vary from soiling in the wrong place to urethral obstruction, which can be fatal, particularly in male cats.

Cats in the wild are fairly solitary animals with large hunting territories. Urination and urine marking is a very important way for cats to communicate but they tend to be rather private about their urination behaviour. It is not surprising that in the modern world, with many cats living close together, and in particular with multi cat households, some cats develop problem behaviours around urination. Lack of access to litter trays, obesity, other health issues, and poor water intake particularly on cats fed dry food, are all factors that lead to problems becoming a medical issue.

Female cats general exhibit signs of “cystitis”: straining to pass only small amounts of urine, which is often blood tinged. Whilst uncomfortable this is generally not as dangerous as in male cats, who due to their very narrow urethra are prone to blockages which prevents urination entirely. When this happens, the bladder will get bigger and bigger until this becomes an emergency.

Treatment involves an anaesthetic to allow passage of a catheter, and is costly as it often requires a hospital stay. Moreover, the problem is likely to recur unless the underlying issues are addressed and the stress removed.

Easter events and more in Wimborne

By Marilyn Barber | neweditor@dorsetview.co.uk

There is one thing you can always be sure of in Wimborne – a full calendar of events.

And April is so jam-packed we have only had space to detail some of them.

Throughout the whole month local artists Lana and Colman are exhibiting their work at Wimborne Community Centre (formerly CLaRC) in King Street.

Pop along to the Friends of Victoria Hospital shop and find the teddy related to the hospital in the window. Once found, enter the shop, say where you found it, and receive a free lucky dip prize.

Fossil Blue Gallery at 11b, Quarterjack Mews in East Street is holding a colouring competition. Pop in to grab a lovely image to colour or paint.

1-16 April

‘Women Through History’ exhibition at Walford Mill Crafts – an outreach sculpture project with QE School.

1 April Wimborne Model Town opens with an Easter quiz running until 16 April.

Holy Week begins 2 April Churches will hold a series of services. There is a Palm Sunday procession to the Minster church leading from the Allendale Centre at 9.20am for the 9.30am parish Eucharist, whilst at the church in Horton there will be donkeys at the 10.30am service.

4 April 10am-1pm

Easter Scavenger Hunt organised by Wimborne girl Scarlet Sutcliffe. Starting at the Museum of East Dorset garden every paying entrant wins a small chocolate prize and is automatically entered to win bigger prizes for the ‘best social media post’, best team name and biggest group. More information or to book, visit @ challengecambodia_2024 on Facebook and Instagram, or visit https://gofund.me/6fe6914d. Scarlet is raising funds for an expedition in summer 2024 where she will be part of a team of young volunteers travelling to Cambodia to help local, rural communities.

7 April 3pm

Good Friday ‘hot cross bun walk’. After three hours devotional service in the Minster, there will be a walk to Pamphill to find buns growing on trees!

4, 11, 18 and 25 April Deans Court tour which will bring to life the 1,300-year story of this manor house. Tours from 10am-11.20am, 11.30am-12.50pm and 1pm2.20pm. No need to book.

5 April at 7.30pm

Wednesday Wine o’clock with Wimborne Wine Society, Wimborne Community Centre, 41-44 King Street. Contact: 01202 847600.

6 April East of Wimborne – a five-mile walk organised by East Dorset Heritage Trust. Contact: 01202 888992 or visit: https://www. edht.org.uk/heritage-events/

11 April 11am-12 noon

Learn about the history of the Tivoli Theatre at the theatre. Booking essential.

15 to 24 April

Plant swap: Wilding Wimborne is partnering with Walford Mill for this event, so take advantage of the plants on offer - leave any plants that you don’t need and take some that you do.

16 to 30 April

Seedy Fortnight – Fair Ground Fair Trade Shop is offering space for a free seed awap. Bring along any veg, fruit and flower seeds you no longer need and pick up some you’d like to grow.

22 April 10.30am-3.30pm

Minster Green Earth Day celebrations. Meet the experts and learn what you can do to help wildlife and our planet.

23 April

As part of the Folk Festival, there is LiveNLoud at the Allendale Centre on Sunday 23 April. Winners of the competition will be selected by a panel of judges and the audience vote. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets from https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/ RdiEJKhzXNnT

9-11 June Wimborne Folk Festival

One of the high spots of the town’s calendar. An impressive line-up will include Matt Black whose interview appears in this magazine. And if you would like to be a volunteer at the festival contact: stewards@wmff.co.uk

The Cambridge lady has arrived in Wimborne!

- advertisement feature -

Nicki Edwards - The Cambridge lady, the multi-award winning consultant for the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan has just moved to Wimborne and is already helping people achieve their weight goals.

“My husband Alex and I love Wimborne, we’re really looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends,” said Nicki.

Moving from Spetisbury just outside Blandford Forum in January, Nicki has nearly 10 years experience as a consultant.

“Over the years people have come to see me for many reasons including losing a few pounds to fit into their wedding dress, gaining extra energy to play with their kids, generally feeling better in their clothes and of course, for various health reasons including poor sleep, being diagnosed as prediabetic or even diabetic, bad knees, hips and even needing an operation.

“I think some have heard I’m a little bonkers, or that I’m known for offering that little bit more one-to-one support, which I think is so important.”

Nicki also explains how The 1:1 Diet is a nutritionally complete, low calorie diet. “The meal replacements are truly yummy,” she said, “and clients love how they take the thinking out of losing weight. They always tell me how much better they feel, how much more energy they have and, best of all in some cases how their medications have been reduced.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be told ‘do you realise how you have helped me change my life? I couldn’t have done this without your help and encouragement.’ That’s why I love my job.”

Maps of memories by Dorset-born graphic designer

Mark Smith creates offthe-wall artwork to literally hang on the wall.

It all started five years ago when he began creating an unusual street map of his local area and it grew from there.

“I’m not a painter, but I’ve always loved drawing, and typography. I also like maps, though I wouldn’t say I’m a map geek!” he said.

Having lived in London for the last 25 years and loving it, the street map he drew incorporated happy memories: “The homes where we’ve lived, the church we got married in, the schools my children went to; the parks we’d visit, and much more,” he said.

By combining his interest in drawing, typography and London living, he began creating maps with hand drawn lettering that make up the areas. He called his venture Me on the Map.

“I thought others would have an affinity with their area too, and maps would be a great way to express this. It was my wife’s (very good) suggestion that the maps could be personalised to highlight where people live,” he added.

He started using pen and ink, but now uses an iPad and pencil.

“The process is the same, as all the maps are originally hand drawn by me and the effect is identical,” he said. “All the lettering is original and

drawn in a variety of styles.”

When I asked him how long on average does it take to complete a map he replied: “Ooh, hard to say, as it depends on the size of the area. A few days rather than a few hours.”

Although there is one that has taken five years and all will be revealed further on.

Dorset people will be delighted to know that as well as his London creations, Mark draws maps of East Dorset.

Having grown up in Dorset and gone to school in Oakdale, he studied foundation art at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design, and has a great love of the area. His parents and siblings live in Poole and Bournemouth so he has many happy memories of holidays and visiting family.

“The Isle of Purbeck in particular is where we’d spend a lot of time on days out –  so I wanted to get all those places included – from woodland walks in Arne, rowing boats in Wareham to crossing the ferry over to Shell Bay.

He sketches his East Dorset area maps beforehand.

“These maps include all the areas/districts in the towns, and those areas don’t have a set border so I research and decide where the borders are. The different areas together create the map. The lettering is

drawn to fit those shapes and I use different styles to create an interesting graphic effect. I try and be as accurate as I can, and keep it all to scale.”

Examining his maps online, it is clear he maintains a high level of accuracy.

“The maps also include little hidden illustrations: from Kingston Lacy and Christchurch Priory, to peacocks and a red squirrel on Brownsea Island,” he said. “And on the maps that feature the Purbecks, the iconic Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks are featured.”

He does admit he doesn’t have any specific training creating maps, however he studied graphic design in London and has worked as a graphic designer ever since. Art he says was his favourite subject at school.

In terms of difficulty, he estimates his entire map of London was probably the hardest to complete.

“It contains all the 33 boroughs and over 1,000 areas. I finished it a few months ago, and it’s been slowly in the making for the last five years.”

His maps have been sent all over the world.

“They are far better travelled than I am,” he chuckles. “They now live in the USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, across Europe, Dubai, China and even Peru!” That’s as well as in Dorset and throughout the UK of course.

So has he taken on any worldwide commissions?

“I’ve concentrated on creating maps of London - where I’m now based, and now East Dorset - where I grew up - but I haven’t taken on commissions for other areas as yet, as they are so time consuming,” he said.

“Other than London, Dorset is the only other place I’ve mapped. It’s a real map of memories for me and family, growing up together. My parents were the first to receive one. I wanted to create a map of the place I grew up, which holds very special memories.”

How many of us can relate to that? I certainly can, and Mark has definitely left his mark in the universe.

You can see his full range of maps at www. meonthemap.co.uk

Janine Pulford talks to Mark Smith

A commercial graphic designer born in Dorset produces the most unusual artwork, which he admits is different to any other work he does.

© Mark Smith, Me on the Map

Mark Smith with one of his Dorset maps

Cyrus Todiwala will star at Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival

Multi award-winning chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE, DL will take a starring role in the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival 2023.

Cyrus regularly appears on TV and radio shows and is due to appear at the popular family event in Highcliffe in June. He is highly regarded for the support he gives to training young chefs.

The popular cookery theatre will also feature locally born James Golding, chef director of the Pig Group of hotels, who has an increasingly large profile on Channel Four’s Sunday Brunch Show. He is a great advocate of foraged local food both in Dorset and the New Forest. His TV appearance on ‘Remarkable

Places to Eat’ with Fred Sirieix drew in a huge amount of interest in food from this area.

Always a great draw is Luke Matthews, executive chef from the multi award-winning Chewton Glen, and Alex Aitken from the Jetty and Harbour group. Other demonstrations will feature vegan foods from the new cookery school at The Retreat, and plant-based recipes from Chile. Private chefs The Frenchman in the Kitchen and Christian Orner will also be appearing for the first time.

Among all the entertainment, a huge range of food, drink and craft stalls curated by the Little Craft Shack will be available to visitors for this free-to-enter festival which offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

Music will be featured on two stages. Festival favourites The Swing Unlimited Big Band, The Fifinellas, Highcliffe Charity Players and Highcliffe School together with a range of soloists will be taking part.

Children’s entertainments include free sessions on

fitness, yoga, nature quizzes and crafts, and a ticketed workshop on biscuit decoration from Biscuits by Sarah and ‘grow your own’ sessions. Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival will be held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.

www.

highcliffefoodandartsfestival. co.uk

Dame Prue Leith visits Wimborne cookshop

Salamander Cookshop, had a special visitor on 10 February –chef, restaurateur and presenter of the Great British Bake Off –Dame Prue Leith.

She called into the shop with

her husband John, prior to her one-person show in Poole.

“What a lovely shop,” she said. “Full of tempting, if not irresistible, stuff for a cook – all great quality too.

And at reasonable prices.”

Prue had just started her 30-date tour culminating in a show at the London Palladium on 6 April.

“At 82 Prue certainly is a role model to us all,” said David and Ione, the owners of Salamander. “We really enjoyed her show and hearing everything about her early days running a catering business in London, her famous restaurant and cookery school and of course stories about working on Bake Off.”

David and Ione also met Dorset’s Maggie Richardson,

one of the contestants in the 2021 Bake Off. She led one of the Salamander events in 2022 and will be joining them for another one later this year. Salamander will be hosting two events next month: Wimborne Food Walk on Tuesday 4 April; children are welcome. Then on Thursday 20 April, 6-9pm an evening with national KitchenAid demonstrator Anita will include food and drink tasting too. For details call into the shop or contact Salamander through www.salamandercookshop.com.

Multi-award-winning chef Cyrus Todiwala by Nitin Kapoor

Events

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

1 April 2-5pm

Fordingbridge Choral Society

Come & Sing Workshop at the URC church in Salisbury St, SP6 1AB. Tickets Fordingbridge Bookshop, or 01425 656348 or online via ticket source. co.uk/fordingbridgechoral or at the door.

1 April 1-3pm

Alpine Garden Society spring flower and plant show at St Nicholas Church Hall. 30, Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen. BH21 3LE. Further details contact: annewanstall@gmail.com

1 April 11am-4pm

Spring Fair, Broadstone Memorial Hall. Free admission.

3 April 7pm-10pm

The Wessex Friends meet at Cobham Flight Refuelling Sports & Social Club, Merley. Email: derekabaker@hotmail.co.uk.

3 April 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk at the Memorial Hall. Details Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

3 April 7.30pm

Easter Concert with Dorset Chamber Choir, Broadstone URC, Higher Blandford Road, BH18 9AB. Tickets from choir members or at the door.

3 April 2pm

Blandford and District Floral Group, Ann Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston.

5 April 12noon

Ferndown Probus Club, the Brabant Function Room, Dudsbury Golf Club on the first Wednesday of the month. Further details Alan Stevens, on 01202 876826, or email: alan_stevens@talk21.com

5 April 11am-12noon

Charles Rolls Aspects of History talk, Bournemouth Library. Book 01202 126750 or email: heritagelibrary@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk

6 April 7.15-9.15pm

Ferndown & District Historical Society, The Barrington Centre.

6 April 1.30-3.30pm

Ferndown COPD Support Group. Every first Thursday of the month, Ferndown Day Centre BH22 9JP.

12 April 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club, Kinson Community Centre. www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

12 April 7.30pm

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

12 April

Fireside Theatre Verwood. Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Day After The Fair’. Hosts Jenny & Mike Brown, Verwood. To take part Tel 01202 825178 by 9 April.

12 April 3pm-4pm

Spring crafts and storytime. Corfe Mullen Library and Children’s Centre. Easter Egg hunt. Free event.

13 April 7.30pm

Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club Spring Quiz, the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Email Ron: events@ wimborneandferndownlions. org.uk or call 07722 025789

15 April 10am-4pm

Poole Vikings Model Club exhibition, Parkstone Grammar School, Sopers Lane, Poole BH17 7EP. https://poolevikingsblog. wordpress.com/

15 April 11am

Bournemouth 1910 centenary talk at Boscombe Library. Free. Email boscombelibrary@ bcocouncil.gov.uk

15 April 12-noon

Wimborne Repair Café, Wimborne Methodist Church, 4a King Street, BH21 1DY. Contact wimbornrrepaircafe@gmail.com to let them know you are coming.

15 April 10am-2pm

West Moors Bowling Club spring fair, Station Road. Free entry. 01202 892033, www. westmoorsbowls.club

15 April 11.30am-2.30pm

Moors Manor Care Home spring fair, 243 Ringwood Road, St Leonards, BH24 2DW.

15 and 16 April

Model Railway Exhibition

‘Wimborne Railex’. The Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

16 April 10am-3pm

Dorset Ultimate Canoe Kayak Squad (DUCKS) open day

Longham Lakes, BH22 9BP. Bring clothes suitable for getting wet and a spare change of dry clothes.

16 and 21 April 10am-4pm

Ferndown Bowls Club free open days. King George V playing fields, off Church Road, Ferndown, BH22 9EN.

16 April 3pm

Mirage Ensemble recital. Bournemouth Chamber Music Society, Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University, Fernbarrow, Poole BH12 5BB. Tickets www. bournemouthchambermusic. co.uk or at the door.

17 April 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement Club. Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Visitors welcome £5. Contact 01202 610902.

‘Beautiful People’ at the Layard

Libidinous centenarians

Violet, Norman and Arthur are doomed to enact a slomo ballet of sadness in this play at the Layard presented by Ridiculusmus.

Amid fumbling, daily rounds of coffee, call centres and cat food, their rants, dribbles, pills and cough bombs litter an ambling blend of symbolist mysticism and synesthesia that has the fear of an ageing world population in its sights. It oozes with the relentless positivity of elderhood and good deaths.

“David Woods and Jon Haynes (aka Ridiculusmus) have concocted an antidote to generational inequity, proceeding by way of aversion therapy and clowning of such exquisite and agonising brilliance you may wonder if the cure is worse than the poison.” – Cameron Woodhead.

In an age where death and grieving are being medicalised out of existence, Beautiful People strives to reclaim humankind’s last taboo from eradication in a paper-fine portrait of a love triangle cursed to eternal life - without eternal youth.

See it on 25 April at the Layard, Canford Magna, Wimborne. Please note the company advises that this show is suitable for 11+ as it contains themes of grief and death and strong language. Book tickets online or by phone: 01202 847525.

Competition winners

– hundreds of entries flood in

Our competitions for tickets to Coppélia and Marwell Zoo were heavily subscribed with over 400 entries between them.

Peter Mitton from Ferndown was the winner of tickets to see Coppelia at Bournemouth Pavilion on 13 March with the correct answer of Bulgaria.

Jessica Holt from Wimborne

with her correct answer of 8 miles was the winner of the tickets to Marwell Zoo. Tickets for Disco Inferno @ Lighthouse Poole (originally Bring the Heat! which was unfortunately cancelled), went to Julie Hancox from West Parley with her correct answer of Ricky Martin. Congratulations to all our winners.

Find the ghost of Dr

In March 1963, Dr Beeching issued his dreaded report that led to the closure of hundreds of railway lines across Great Britain. These included the local and much loved Somerset & Dorset, the picturesque route from Manchester to Bournemouth that included a branch line out to Wimborne.

Today the Wessex Way road runs above where the Bournemouth West terminus used to be. In Wimborne, all that remains to give us a clue of where the old station was situated is its name, Station Road – and who knows where the ghost of Dr Beeching still walks!

Although it was nearly 60 years ago that the steamhauled ‘Pines Express’ last

Beeching

came into Bournemouth, lots of Dorset residents can still remember it with affection. It was not a ghost train but a famous express that brought thousands of holiday makers to Dorset. ‘The Pines Express’ will be running again on 15 and 16 April at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Wimborne Railway Society will be holding its Model Railway Exhibition, ‘Wimborne Railex’ and it is a chance for families and people of all ages to admire, remember and learn about what used to be in the locality. Thanks to Dr Beeching, Wimborne no longer has any trains, but is well served by bus routes. Come and enjoy the Wimborne Railex show with a chance to win some big prizes too.

Sign up for the Dorset Neon Run and raise funds for Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity. The fun 5K around Poole Park will be held on Saturday, 22 April so if you want to take part in this colourful event visit dorsetneonrun.com.

Cycle hub opens in Poole

first public cycle storage facility has opened at the Dolphin shopping centre in Poole.

This year’s Christchurch Food Festival will take place from Saturday 27 May to Monday 29 May. It will include a range of delicious locally produced food, refreshing craft drinks and entertainment.

In 1957, at the age of just 16, John McNally formed The Searchers, and 66 years later he is still performing with the band that brought us such number one hits as ‘Needles and Pins’ and ‘Sweets for My Sweet’.

Now local audiences have one last chance to see them as they are coming to the Tivoli on

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April on the first leg of their final tour.

The band has chosen to call this the ‘Thank You Tour’ as a mark of respect and appreciation for the legions of fans who have supported them over the years. Audiences will be treated to a full set of The Searchers’ best-loved songs, including ’Sugar & Spice’, ‘What Have They Done To The Rain’ and ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’. Also included will be material from the 70s and 80s.

Tickets from the Tivoli box office.

The Regent Comedy Club

Christchurch’s biggest comedy night returns as top TV favourite Shappi Khorsandi headlines the Regent Comedy Club on Wednesday 5 April. Feisty, flirty and effortlessly funny Shappi Khorsandi handles every subject with a razor sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously dizzy

delivery and endless charm.

Joining Shappi is an allstar supporting line-up and hyperactive master stand-up Jarred Christmas as host.

All tickets £17 for an unforgettable evening of world-class stand-up comedy. Tickets are on sale at theregent. co.uk or 01202 499199.

The Dolphin Cycle Hub includes secure parking for up to 34 bikes, cargo bikes and non-standard cycles. It offers 24-hour access for members and affordable storage options start from as little as £1 per day for Pay As You Go bookings. There are also weekly and monthly

membership packages available for those looking for regular secure storage.

The Dolphin Cycle Hub also offers a repair station and pump service, personal storage lockers, and electric charger points are also available for members to use while storing their e-bikes.

The Searchers will play at the Tivoli on the first leg of their final tour

The Interceptors are waiting

Dorset Police is targeting those who use the county’s road network to commit crime.

The Interceptor team of uniformed officers will tackle criminals using the road network who are involved in crimes, such as county lines drug dealing, human trafficking, modern slavery, burglary and vehicle crime.

They will also carry out proactive stops of vehicles from out of county where they receive intelligence that they are involved in criminality, such as through automatic number plate activations.

In addition, they will

also target high-risk road users – known as Operation Dragoon targets – to ensure the roads are safe for all, complementing the work of the roads policing team and well-known No Excuse initiative.

The officers will use a mixture of Interceptor team marked and unmarked highperformance vehicles to target offenders with the latest high-tech equipment, enabling officers to check various policing systems for intelligence from within the vehicle.

Assistant chief constable Steve Lyne said: “Our vision is to make Dorset a safe county for everyone through our relentless pursuit of criminals and this new team will enhance the hard work and dedication of our existing teams who serve our communities 24/7.

“Vehicles travel around 3.5 billion miles on Dorset’s network of 3,080 miles of roads each year and we recognise that vehicle use is often the primary mode of transport for criminals.

“These officers have the highest possible driving skills available in Dorset and will take the fight back to the criminals; targeting those who cause the most harm to our communities.

“Our message is clear – if you use our roads to enable your offending, you’re highly likely to be caught and put before the courts.”

David Sidwick, Dorset police and crime commissioner, said: “Putting the funding in place for this new team has been a vital step forward in taking the fight to the criminals that use our road network in order to commit serious crime in our county.

“Intelligence led, proactive, collaborative policing is exactly what I want to see from Dorset Police and I look forward to hearing about the many successes that I’m sure this team will have over the next weeks and months. The message to the criminals is clear – Dorset is no place for you – think again – the Interceptors are waiting.”

Is Your Vision Roadworthy?

At the beginning of March, Dorset Police supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign, ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’, which highlighted motorists’ legal obligation to make sure their vision is sufficient

when behind the wheel.

Inspector Craig Tatton, of the Dorset Police traffic unit, said: “The majority of the information needed by drivers on the roads is visual, so it’s really important that motorists have regular eye tests as vision

Reforms proposed to boost number of HGV drivers

Numbers of HGV, bus and coach drivers could be boosted through proposed reforms to driver training rules.

Some of the proposed changes aim to help make it more affordable and more efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications or return to the industry.

can decline gradually over time.

“Eye experts recommend all motorists have their eyes tested every two years, unless advised otherwise by their optician.

“Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres on their vehicle can result in a fine and penalty points. However, some drivers don’t realise that driving with poor eyesight can result in a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.

“We’re urging everyone to make sure they have regular eyesight tests, and to check that friends and older relatives are getting tested regularly too.

“Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law; they’re putting themselves and other road users at risk.”

Under legislation known as ‘Cassie’s Law’, drivers who fail a roadside number plate test could have their licence revoked on the spot if a police officer deems them to be unsafe on the road. Since 2013, Dorset Police has revoked 44 licences under this legislation.

The new consultation was launched on 2 March. It proposes reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), a professional qualification originally introduced by the EU that lorry, bus, coach, and minibus drivers are required to hold in addition to their driving licence.

The key changes include offering in parallel to the existing lengthy training format, which will be reformed, more flexibility with e-learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ which could save employees time and companies up to £460 per test in early estimates.

Reforms to training as well as the new cheaper and shorter periodic test will offer an accelerated route for former drivers to return to the sector more easily.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Lorry, bus and coach drivers are some of our economy’s unsung heroes, keeping our goods flowing and ensuring people can hop on the bus to access shops, schools, hospitals and all the essential services they need. That’s why we must look at how we can support the continued growth of this industry.”

Reminder to have carbon monoxide alarms at home

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone to make sure that they have both carbon monoxide and smoke alarms fitted at home.

It follows an incident in February when firefighters rescued a woman who had been rendered unconscious by carbon monoxide after a smouldering fire seeped smoke into her flat.

Station manager Shaun Milton said that the woman had been very fortunate. “A neighbour heard alarms sounding from her flat and called 999. Without that intervention, there could have easily been a loss of life. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, and it is also extremely dangerous. Without a CO detector, you have no way of knowing that you’re being poisoned until the damage is already being done.”

He added: “CO detectors can be bought in most supermarkets and DIY stores. They’re not expensive and they save lives.”

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbonbased fuels, including gas, oil, wood and

coal. Early symptoms of CO poisoning can be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness; however, warning signs include:

• Headaches or dizziness

• Breathlessness

• Nausea

• Loss of consciousness

• Tiredness

• Pains in the chest or stomach

• Erratic behaviour

• Visual problems

If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent medical advice. While this incident was unusual, most cases of CO poisoning are caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained,

or are poorly ventilated. There are signs that you can look for that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring and may result in the production of CO:

• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except in fuel effect fires or flueless appliances)

• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances

• Pilot lights that frequently blow out

• Increased condensation inside windows

For advice on carbon monoxide and making your home safer, visit www. dwfire.org.uk/carbon-monoxide

Daffodils

By Janine Pulford

With our gardens recently bursting with daffodils here are five fun facts about the glorious spring flower that heralds spring: Friends: They are the birth flower for March Romans: They were introduced into gardens in about 300BC and were brought to Britain by the Romans Countrymen: They are part of the narcissus family, which has over 50 species Lend me your ears: The petals are mostly yellow or white and the cups (coronas) come in a variety of colours:

pink, orange, red, green, yellow or white or a combination of these colours.

I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him: The flower stems contain poisonous sap, which can shorten the vase life of other blooms and your dog can become ill and vomit if he/she drinks water that has daffodils in it. The bulbs are poisonous.

Interesting buildings sought

If you live in or work in an interesting building in Dorset, East Dorset Heritage Trust (EDHT) would like to hear from you.

The programme for September’s Dorset Architectural Heritage Week is being compiled and more buildings are being sought.

Sarah Evans, trust manager, said the event was a celebration of the architecture of Dorset, both historic and contemporary. “All the events are free and are run by the volunteers

who open their buildings and give generously of their time,” she said.

“Your building doesn’t have to be historic; it can be brand new, 10 years old or 50 years old. It would be good if it has an interesting story or concept that would appeal to the public, but there really are no rules.”

The event will be held from 8-17 September.

Contact 01202 888992, email: dahw@ edht.org.uk or see www.edht.org.uk

Quooker – the tap that does it all

Quooker’s all-in-one taps have brought about a revolution in the kitchen.

With the Quooker system you have instant 100˚C boiling water on tap along with regular hot and cold water. When you dispense water from your Quooker tap, you use less water and energy because you only draw the amount you need, unlike with a kettle where you can often boil more water than you need or even re-boil because the water has cooled.

Quooker’s COMBI reservoir not only supplies boiling water, but also hot water for washing up. It’s neat, under-the-sink system, only uses 10 watts to keep the water hot. And it doesn’t end there because as well as boiling, hot and cold water, if you get a Quooker CUBE, you can also get chilled and sparkling water from the tap. For more information visit www. quooker.co.uk

Smoke alarms save man from property fire

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public about the importance of working smoke alarms.

This follows a house fire in Ensbury Park Road in Bournemouth on 25 February where the occupant, who was asleep at the time, was woken by the smoke alarm sounding. On further investigation, he found a fire within the kitchen, dialled 999 and left the property to wait for help.

Three fire crews attended; one from Springbourne, Westbourne and Redhill Park.

They found a well-developed fire in the kitchen. Four firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets and one main line to extinguish the fire.

Station manager Steve Ansell said: “The property did have working smoke alarms which alerted the occupier. Had that not been the case, the outcome could have been far worse. Every home should have a working smoke alarm on every level, and these should be tested regularly.”

He added: “The occupant did the right thing by getting out and staying out. If you have a fire, do not attempt to extinguish it unless it is safe to do so. Leave the property, closing all the doors behind you, and do not go back into the property until you are told it is safe to do so by the firefighters who attend.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service provide bespoke home safety advice, covering areas such as the use of candles, cooking, electric blankets, overloading sockets, chimneys and much more. For a free Safe and Well visit go to https://www.dwfire. org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/ They can even fit or replace smoke alarms in high-risk homes.

It’s time to look at renewable energy

By Marilyn Barber • newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

We could all be found guilty of the words ‘renewable energy’ tripping off our tongues, but some of us will admit that our knowledge can be sadly lacking in many respects.

So at Dorset View we decided to do a little research to find out more.

FOSSIL FUELS

We all know that we must move away from the use of fossil fuels – but what are they?

Fossil fuels are a hydrocarbon-containing material formed naturally in the Earth’s crust from the remains of dead plants and animals that is extracted and burned as a fuel. The main fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

There are five major renewable energy sources

• solar energy from the sun

• geothermal energy from heat inside the earth

• wind energy

• biomass from plants

• hydropower from flowing water.

SOLAR PANELS

The welcome news is that in this time of high energy bills, solar panels will cut

your electricity bills. They will also reduce your carbon footprint and you can receive payments for extra energy you generate.

Solar electricity panels – also known as photovoltaics – capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home.

The Energy Saving Trust, which was founded as a government sponsored initiative in 1992 following the global Earth Summit, explains that a solar PV panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.

The cells don’t need direct sunlight to work and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is generated.

An unshaded, south-facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. East or west facing roofs could still be considered, but north-facing roofs are not recommended. A system facing east or

west will yield around 15-20 per cent less energy than one facing directly south.

Solar PV panels are considered ‘permitted developments’ and often don’t require planning permission. However, exceptions apply and it’s best to check with your local planning office.

The amount you pay for your solar PV system will be influenced by the size of the array and will be affected by any difficulty with access to your roof. Costs are also affected by whether you choose panels or tiles, and whether you opt for building-integrated panels or choose the cheaper panels that sit on top of your roof.

Costs can vary between installers and products, so it’s wise to get quotes from at least three installers.

Visit https://energysavingtrust.org. uk/tool/solar-energy-calculator/ to get a better idea of the benefits you may see from installing a solar PV system.

Continued on page 40…

…Continued from page 39

It’s time to look at renewable energy

ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs)

Electric vehicles have a battery instead of a petrol tank and an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a combination of petrol and electric vehicles, so they have a battery, an electric motor, a petrol tank, and an internal combustion engine.

Besides the environmental benefits, EVs require less maintenance, have lower running costs, and experience better performance.

Most EV batteries have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years within the car, but the technology is still evolving and in the future it is expected that the lifespan of batteries will increase as well as becoming cheaper, smaller and even lighter.

And you currently don’t pay road tax on a pure electric vehicle. EVs have to pass an

MOT after they are three years old like any other vehicle. However they don’t need an emissions or noise test.

HEAT PUMPS

Have you considered the prospect of swapping your old boiler for a heat pump?

There are ground source and air source heat pumps.

The ground source pump transfers heat from the ground outside your home to heat your radiators or underfloor heating.

An air source pump transfers heat from the outside air to water, which heats your rooms via radiators or underfloor heating.

Both can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers and baths.

Heat pumps can provide significant savings over traditional heating systems, due to their low running costs. For example, a ground

source heat pump can reduce energy bills by 53 per cent compared to a new gas boiler.

New legislation on boilers will require newly built homes after 2025 to have an alternative heating system, such as heat pumps. If you are considering changing your boiler look thoroughly into your options. Worcestor Bosch says: “Gas boilers will not be banned from 2025. You can replace your existing gas-fired boiler and you don’t have to do this before 2025. There is talk that only gas-fired boilers that can be connected to a hydrogen gas supply can be purchased in the future, there is yet though no legislation or policy changes in place.”

BIOMASS ENERGY

This is generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter, such as manure or household waste. It releases carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned, but considerably less than fossil fuels.

Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct combustion. Biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam. This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.

HYDROPOWER

Hydropower is site specific and will only work if you have a watercourse running nearby and even then, it has to be a suitable resource with a minimum flow during dry periods. If you consider you might have a suitable site you will need to contact a certified installer who will assess it. Planning permission and an abstraction licence will be required. If there is a good hydro resource near your community, you could look into developing it as a community energy project. Visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/advice/hydroelectricity/ to find out more.

Green Space UK celebrates 10

years

- advertisement feature -

with £250 offer!

Is your conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter?

Would you like to enjoy your conservatory all year round?

A new conservatory roof from Green Space UK Ltd will help you to achieve just that. Their lightweight made-to-measure panels offer up to eight times more insulation than your polycarbonate or glass roof. Not only that, they are made to measure so they can be fitted

into your existing conservatory frame without any mess or structural upheaval.

To celebrate being 10 years old, Green Space are giving £250 OFF for all roofs ordered in March and April 2023.

To find out more and book a free no-obligation quote, contact Green Space today on 0800 65 25 157 quoting DV0423.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

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

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

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

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

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

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

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

LANDSCAPING

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

Matt Black music with comedy

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

If you Google Matt Black you need to add Piano Man otherwise you end up being taken to a site detailing varieties of paint!

The popular Dorset musician could also be tagged Matt Black – Happy Man or Matt Black - Psychologist as both apply to this performer who for the past 20 or so years has been entertaining audiences, not just with his musical prowess but with his comedy.

Matt makes playing the piano look easy, but anyone who has tried knows it is far from that.

“You have to think of it like a language. If you were living and breathing Mandarin Chinese for a year you would soon become immersed in it and it would become second nature. It’s the same with music.”

He said that practise is the thing and if you play the piano for 15 minutes every day for a year by the end of that time you would become proficient.

Although he can now read music, when he started playing at the age of 17 it was by ear.

“I thought playing a musical instrument was the only way to get a

Ministry of Defence.

“I got more O-levels than I deserved –eleven. I think I must have got somebody else’s.”

It was whilst he was at the MOD that he joined a band, which he soon found was a lot of fun as they started to play gigs in Weymouth.

He subsequently joined an advertising company in Bournemouth and was soon playing the piano at the Norfolk Royle Hotel on Richmond Hill.

Over time he increased his repertoire and started to introduce jokes.

“I’ve always had a sense of humour,” said Matt who over the years has worked with a number of well-known artists including Richard Digance, Boy George, The Supremes and Gerard Kenny.

His career started to take off in 1992 when he was invited to perform at the Seville Expo in Spain which had been organised to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the

Payne who is a guitarist and singer.

“We call ourselves the Brand Brothers. He looks like Russell and I look like Jo,” he said.

He is very philosophical about life.

“If you’re happy you become successful. Once I thought that success meant having lots of money, but it doesn’t as you just want more.”

Matt, who lives in Winterborne Whitechurch in north Dorset, is supported by his partner Mel, a former teacher, who has become his PA,

Although he performs around the country, around 60-70 per cent of his gigs are in Dorset.

He admires comedians Billy Connolly and Eddie Izzard and his musical heroes are Rick Wakeman and Vangelis.

Matt admitted that he never had a career plan.

“I didn’t want to work, so music fulfilled that,” he said. “I just wanted to be happy and I’ve achieved that.

Tribute to Christchurch woman following driver’s sentence

The family of a woman who died in a fatal road traffic collision in Christchurch have said they will be forever heartbroken.

Energy funding for Dorset

residents

Jill Crisp

Jill Crisp, aged 79, died at the scene of a collision in Airfield Way, Christchurch on Thursday 13 January 2022 and a lorry driver has been sentenced.

Brian Martindale, 57, was sentenced at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 6 March admitting a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. He was made the subject of a community order, with a requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £95.

Martindale was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Jill Crisp’s family said in a statement following the hearing: “She was kind, selfless, always putting others before her own needs/wants. She was integral to our family and her family was so important to her. She was such an amazing role model, our real life superhero who held us all together. She is so missed, we will be forever heartbroken.”

Witnesses to the collision described how Jill Crisp was crossing the road when the lorry, being driven by Martindale, pulled out into the road and into her path.

She was treated for serious injuries, but despite the best efforts of paramedics she sadly died at the scene.

Sergeant Jay Griffin, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jill Crisp and clearly no sentence will ever compensate for the loss they have endured.

“This case is another tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of even a momentary lapse in concentration when behind the wheel of a vehicle and I hope it serves as a reminder to motorists of the need to drive carefully and considerately at all times.”

Dorset residents living in park homes, houseboats or off the electricity grid or who pay for their energy through a landlord, housing manager or site owner can now apply for funding from the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS Alternative Funding). A payment of £400 is available to households who do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier and therefore were unable to previously receive it.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council said: “Residents will be required to provide bank details as part of the online form which will naturally cause some nervousness. You will never be asked to apply for EBSS Alternative Funding by

email or text and will never be sent a link to apply.”

Applications can be made through the government form, which can be found by searching ‘Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically’ into the gov.uk webpage search bar or through an online search engine.

Applications close on 31 May at 11.59pm. Payment may take around six weeks following a successful application.

Residents who are unable to complete the form online, should contact the governments helpline on 0808 175 3287 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

For other cost of living help residents can visit https:// www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/w/cost-of-living-help

Council tax rises in Dorset

Residents in the Dorset Council area will see higher council tax bills from April.

Dorset Council has approved a rise of just under two per cent for the coming year as its share of council tax with an adult social care precept increase of two per cent. This would be the equivalent of and extra £1.40

Warm spaces and places

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

East Dorset

CANFORD MAGNA

Parish Church: a warm space for families with children. All welcome. Chilli Tuesday, free meal, 4pm-6pm.

COLEHILL

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

CORFE MULLEN

Village Hall, Towers Way, BH21

3UA. Hot drinks. Wheelchair accessible. 9am-12pm Mon, Thurs and Fri except 9 March.

Ending 31 March 2023.

Library, 54 Wareham Road BH21

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

FERNDOWN

Library, Pennys Walk, BH22 9TH. Cuppa and Company.

Thurs 2pm-4pm.

St Mary’s Warm Welcome, Church Rd BH22 9EU. Accessible toilets, free WiFi, hot drinks, food. MonFri. All welcome. 01202 897087.

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

VERWOOD

Library, 1 Manor Rd BH31 6DS, Cuppa and Company

Tues 2.15-4.15pm.

WEST MOORS

Library, Station Rd BH22 0JD , Cuppa and Company.

Thurs 2.30-4pm.

Pinehurst Community Church

Warm Welcome, 90 Pinehurst Road, BH22 0AR. Thurs 1pm-5pm. 01202 892776.

St Mary’s church hall attached to St Mary’s Church on the corner of The Avenue opens as a warm space on Wednesday afternoons 3-5pm. Hot drinks and biscuits provided.

WIMBORNE

Library, Crown Mead, BH 21 1HH, Cuppa and Company. Mon 10.30am-12.30pm.

The Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, BH21 1AS: Warm Welcome, accessible toilets, computer access, free wifi, hot drinks. Seven days a week. 01202 887247.

Coffee and Cakes, St John’s, 71 Leigh Road, BH21 1AE. Fri 10am-12pm. 01202 842255.

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

BLANDFORD FORUM

Blandford Library, The Tabernacle DT11 7DW, warm space every Monday 10am and 12pm, free cuppa. 01258 452075.

per week for a Band D property. A maximum five per cent increase is available to councils, as outlined in the Government’s Spending Review in December 2022. However added to this is the precept charged by parish and town councils, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, and Dorset Police.

West Hampshire

FORDINGBRIDGE

Fordingbridge Library, Roundhill SP6 1AQ every Tues 2pm4pm warm welcome, games, puzzles, warm drink.

The Branch (NLCC), 1 High Street, SP6 1AS. Tues 1.30pm3pm, Wed 10am-12pm.

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

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

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

RINGWOOD

Library, Christchurch Road, BH24 1DW. Warm event Thurs 10am1pm. Free wifi, accessible toilets, hot drink, computer access. Visit https://www. helpandkindness.co.uk for more information.