Viewpoint May 2023

A man who lives in St Leonards has been ordered to pay over £373,000 and given a suspended prison sentence following prosecution for the sale of illegal copies of vinyl records.

Richard Hutter, 55, was sentenced on 4 April at Bournemouth Crown Court, having previously pleaded guilty to 13 offences under trademarks and copyright legislation and one offence of money laundering,

contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act. Investigations began after a consumer bought an album online from Vinylgroove UK and complained to Dorset’s Trading Standards team after realising it was counterfeit. Hutter was found to be operating his own website and selling counterfeit vinyl records on eBay and through an American website.

Mid

May

Dear readers

Wimborne can sometimes be a confusing place not only for visitors but residents too.

For instance there is West Street which runs into West Borough and East Street which doesn’t run into East Borough – with the latter cut in half by the B3073 – which has four names.

The latter road starts as Priors Walk from its junction with West Borough, before turning into Hanham Road, then Rowlands Hill and finally Lewens Lane before it meets the roundabout at Leigh Road.

Are you still with me?

And then of course Leigh is not pronounced Lee by the locals but Lie.

The Allendale Community Centre is adjacent to Allendale House, so there is room for confusion here, with the Wimborne Community Learning and Resource Centre (CLaRC) at 41-44 King Street now renamed as Wimborne Community Centre.

However, if you like the challenge of finding your way about, I can thoroughly recommend Hungary. I have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Budapest which would present a challenge to even the most skilled map reader, which I’m not.

Hungarians admit that it is a very complicated language.

Like English, Hungarian is derived from the Latin alphabet, but because there are combined letters plus vowels with a variety of accents, this adds up to 44 letters.

Fortunately, many road signs are also in English, but road names aren’t.

It all makes the difference between East Borough and East Street seem very simple.

And on another subject. We hope you enjoyed your Coronation celebrations. Do send in any photos.

Marilyn Barber

News editor

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

May 2023

VIEWPOINT

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

LOGISTICS

Mike Talbot

How to contact us

01202 870270

Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk

Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk

Twitter: @Dorset_View

Facebook: dorsetview.news

Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

/dorsetview.news

@Dorset_View

@dorset_view

Copy date 23 MAY 2023

VIEWPOINT is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. Views or opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with VIEWPOINT and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co.uk

Mandarin duck seen on the Stour at Blandford © Danny Howe Photography

Volunteers needed

Are you community minded? Can you spare three hours a week?

Volunteers are being sought by North Neighbourhood Watch to work in the Ferndown Watch Office which stocks a range of domestic and personal security items for sale at a reasonable price. The role involves giving guidance to residents who have local concerns. The hours are from 9.30am-12.30pm in Pennys Walk. If you’re interested contact Derek Howshall on 01202 892145 or 07803 956410 or email derek@howshall.com

Wimborne man dies following fatal collision

The driver of a vehicle, a 24-year-old man from Wimborne, suffered serious injuries and sadly died at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision on the A31 westbound on Saturday 15 April.

Hampshire police officers were called to a report that a car had left the carriageway close to the Burley exit shortly before 4.20am.

Following an initial investigation, police officers are now calling for witnesses to come forward. If you have information, please call 101 quoting reference number 44230146953. Alternatively, you can submit information via https://www. hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-aboutexisting-case-report/

A 70th wedding anniversary is certainly a milestone and Ruth and Bert Green’s family made sure they had a memorable one. They treated the Ferndown couple, family and friends to a cruise and a three-course meal on Henley-on-Thames on 22 April. The devoted couple enjoy an active lifestyle including regular outings to the Friday Club at the Barrington Centre in Ferndown. They were married on 28 March 1953. Congratulations!

Submit nominations for New Forest Awards

Nominations are now open for the 10th New Forest Awards to celebrate rural successes and achievements in the New Forest. Individuals, businesses and organisations can nominate themselves or be nominated, but must be living, working or practising within the New Forest Awards area. Nominations close on 31 May 2023.

Categories include best supporter of local produce, young farmer/commoner of the year (U35), young environmental champion (U25), and farming and nature champion. The winners will be crowned at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show on 26 July.

To apply visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/newforestawards

The first cut is the deepest

By Edward Holmes, Solicitor, Meesons & Spurlings

Mowing the lawn is a chore I never get round to until the weekend is nearly over. A few weeks ago after I had finished cutting the grass and just put the lawn mower away my wife came out and said I missed a bit. I thought I would leave it until next time but my wife insisted that it should be done. I got the lawn mower out again, and in my haste to cut the offending grass, I also managed to cut the cable of the mower. Thankfully this article proves I didn’t electrocute myself although my wife missed the event as she was on the phone to the insurance company doubling my life insurance. This week I endeavoured to repair the cable and then the mower stopped working when my wife was cutting the grass although I missed the event as I was on the phone to the insurance company doubling her life insurance.

Life is very busy and we sometimes rush things when we should not and/or undertake

things which are not our normal forte. In future I will cut the grass without rushing and employ at expert to fix the lawnmower.

Clients often come to us having started a legal action themselves and then ending up in deep water and we have to take over and fix the problems. Here at Meesons and Spurlings our experts will look after all your legal needs. Come to us from the start for cost effective legal advice giving you the time to do things you enjoy. Charlie certainly agrees.

…Continued from front page

St Leonards man prosecuted for selling fake vinyl records

Hutter’s home address was searched in 2018 and a number of counterfeit records and sleeves were seized as well as his phone and laptop.

The Recorder, Richard Tutt, found that Hutter had benefited by £1.2 million and that the amount he now had available was £373,589 which he ordered be forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He also stated that Hutter would be sentenced to three years imprisonment if he did not pay this within three months.

Hutter’s defence counsel asked that he be given credit for an early guilty plea and said that he was remorseful and unlikely to re-offend.

Sentencing only for the money laundering offence, which he regarded as the most serious, the Recorder said that although the custody threshold had been crossed, he sentenced Hutter to four months imprisonment suspended for two years, 250 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months and an electronically monitored curfew between 8pm and 7am for three months.

Swan Upping in Maidstone

Thank you to Michael Yates, a former councillor in Maidstone who read last month’s article by Janine Pulford on swans and wrote to let her know that: “It should be stated that the Crown also gave the right to the Mayor of Maidstone to carry out the Upping rights in the river Medway.” For a time, Michael was a councillor in Maidstone and took part in the ceremony.

BMX World Championships goal

The youngsters have developed their skills allowing them to compete at national level. The award comes with a bursary of £500, which will help to make their dream of competing at this year’s World Championships more achievable.

Currently training and racing with Bournemouth BMX Club, they race all over the south region at various clubs.

In 2022 Eli finished third nationally and sixth in the British Championships in the biggest represented age category. Ella went on to repeat her successes of 2021 by winning all her national races and becoming British Champion again in her age group. As a result, they have both qualified to compete at the World Championships at Glasgow in August this year.

Ron Franks, Wimborne Rotary president, said, “We usually make an individual award but the way these youngsters have both progressed in their sport makes their achievements inseparable.”

Information centre launches new website

Blandford Information Centre has launched a new website to bring residents and visitors up to date with the facilities and attractions available in the area. With the aim of helping everyone make the most of Blandford’s unique Georgian town and the beautiful countryside, a team of volunteers provide local knowledge, history and advice at the office in Riverside House, West Street, at the entrance to Morrisons car park.

The new website www.blandfordinfocentre.uk offers the same service online.

Details can be found about local attractions, accommodation, bus timetables, walks around the town and countryside, together with gifts and souvenirs, tickets for local events, maps and much more.

Blandford Information Centre now also has a presence on Twitter and Facebook.

Coming soon will be two specially commissioned jigsaws, produced locally and featuring some of the town’s key Georgian buildings and wildlife of the River Stour.

The Information Centre is run entirely by a team of volunteers, who are always ready to welcome new members able to spare a few hours a week or fortnight to help visitors or take on a more administrative role.

For further information, call in to the office, Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm (4pm during the summer), phone 01258 454770, or email Blandfordtic@btconnect.com

Eli (L) and Ella on their BMX bikes

Brother and sister, Eli (11) and Ella (8) Lamb, who have been riding BMX bikes since they were toddlers, are the latest winners of the John Thornton Young Achiever of the Year award, funded by Wimborne Rotary.

Charity of the Year Stress and anxiety

By Dorset Mind

Throughout April, Dorset Mind was raising awareness of the impact of stress on mental health and wellbeing during Stress Awareness Month.

Anxiety fuels stress in a repetitive cycle, which impacts both mental and physical health and without selfmanagement, can escalate.

David Sutherland, Active Monitoring team leader at Dorset Mind, a mental health support service, explains the difference between stress and anxiety: “Stress is a normal response to situations and events, and anxiety is stress that hangs around after the exam or deadline is over.”

Here are some of the things that have worked well in helping our Active Monitoring participants to reduce stress and prevent anxiety in the longer term:

• A supportive network of family and friends. Being open about stress means that others will have a greater understanding of your triggers and how they can support you.

• A positive outlook in life. Being positive means really focussing on the good things in life and writing them down.

• Being honest with oneself. When sick with a cough or cold and feeling rough, it’s vital to rest.

• Confidence in our ability to address the issues that cause stress. Speak to your manager, your family or your friends to try and find solutions.

• The 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Be active, Connect, Take Notice, Give, Learn. It’s normal to feel stressed. Often people experience stress as a response to changes in life. However, when it feels difficult to manage alone or is affecting your dayto-day life, it’s time to seek help. Active Monitoring sessions offer support for a wide range of wellbeing issues and can be accessed through many GP Surgeries in Dorset. Find out more on the Dorset Mind website, dorsetmind.uk.

Members of Wimborne-based East Dorset Heritage Trust joined tour guide Hattie Miles of walkingtalks to learn more about Westbourne recently. Hattie told stories about the history of the area and the many well-known people connected to it, including the Victorian author Robert Louis Stevenson and actress and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. The group who were surprised by the number of connections there were to Wimborne are pictured by Hattie at the site of the house of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Music, flowers, presentations and musical instruments

By Louisa Hiscock, Verwood Rotary Club

We recently held our big Swing Band evening at Verwood Memorial Hall. This has been a popular annual event for many years with live music provided by Swing Unlimited. I am delighted to share that the evening raised over £1,400 from ticket sales, bar takings and the raffle. All the funds raised are going to President Clive Grove’s chosen charity, MacMillan Caring Locally.

In April we also hosted a charity evening with Verwood Flower Club. Irene Hickson demonstrated a number of wonderful flower displays around the theme of ‘Fashion Trends’. The evening included a ploughman’s supper and the displays were raffled at the end to the delight of all. This raised a further £400 for MacMillan Caring Locally. At recent club meetings we have enjoyed presentations from two local charities. The first was ‘Shades of Different’. Erika Petrie spoke with passion about its campaign to provide additional awareness

and support for children and adults with Downs Syndrome and other differing abilities. The second was given by Sue Strassheim from Bournemouth Heart Club. Club members from Verwood and Fordingbridge were very interested to hear more about the great work this club does. They are based in their own centre at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, providing exercise and lifestyle advice for those with or at risk of heart disease and for rehabilitation of those who have undergone

cardiac intervention. We were pleased to support Verwood First School recently in the purchase of some musical instruments. Our president was able to visit Verwood First School with fellow Rotarian Roger Sweet. They really enjoyed meeting staff and pupils and seeing the musical instruments our donation helped provide.

Friendly, chatty group

Verwood Evening TG meets once a month at 7.30pm in Verwood United Reformed Church. They normally hold their AGM during the March meeting and afterwards play games and run quizzes.This year, they decided they would each chat

to the group about something personally memorable that they wanted to share. There was poetry, music, recitations and stories. For further information, please ring Carol on 01202 822201, or search on the TG website: www.the-tg.com

Convicted of killing pony during collision in New Forest

A 25-year-old Ringwood man has been disqualified from driving and handed a significant fine after being convicted of causing the death of a pony in the New Forest.   Oliver William Heywood from Ringwood was driving his vehicle along Roger Penny Way in August when he struck a pony, which sadly died at the scene.   Heywood, along with a

small infant in the rear seat, received minor injuries as a consequence of the collision.   Appearing at Southampton Magistrates Court on 6 April after being summonsed for driving without due care and attention, Heywood was disqualified from driving for six months, handed a £1,600 fine and ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.

Ringwood Police share positive story

Thanks to some targeted proactive patrols and hard work from the Ringwood Police team to link together reports from various sources such as crime reports and police intelligence they were able to locate a vehicle parked up on a residential street in Ringwood. It had no tax, insurance, MOT, or current keeper details. Further enquires caused officers to suspect the van contained stolen property and entry was gained under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Once inside the vehicle the police team located a digger and two ramps that were confirmed as stolen from an address in Burley in the early hours of the morning. The vehicle was seized and will be forensically examined to help with identifying a suspect, with the stolen property being returned to the rightful owner once this has taken place.

As always, if you witness or are a victim of crime please make sure to report this online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

“Information we receive from the public can be invaluable in helping us to put the pieces together to allow positive results like this to happen, no matter how small you think it might be,” said PCSO 17944 and 16170.

This story was shared on Ringwood Police’s Facebook page on 11 April 2023.

Police forcing entry

The damaged vehicle

Museum with a huge history and free entry

- Advertisement feature -

Blandford Town Museum holds and displays a massive collection on the history of the Blandford area. It is free to visit and volunteer run, with four special interest groups. The Archaeology Group and Environmental Group hold events and talks; Civic Group members monitor development in the area and lead

guided town heritage and geology walks; the Garden Group maintains the lovely garden, also free to visit whenever the museum is open.

In May there will be two town walks, the Big Help Out Day on 8 May, a talk on the Druce Farm Roman villa on 18 May, and the first of the museum’s Last Friday dinners in the garden –this month with a Spanish theme.

In June there will be a coffee morning in the garden, two town walks, and another Last Friday dinner with a quiche and salad theme. The Environmental Group, working with the Blandford Environmental Trust, is hosting a Green Fair at the Arches on Langton Meadows on 11 June and the Garden Group is taking part in Blandford Hidden Gardens on 25 June.

In July come along to a coffee morning at the museum, an Archaeology Day and ‘Finds Day’, three town walks, and a Greekthemed Last Friday dinner. For more information see www. blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk

Major broadband upgrade for New Forest to benefit thousands of rural properties

Wessex Internet wins government-funded Project Gigabit contract to roll out lightning-fast connectivity to around 10,500 homes and businesses in the New Forest.

Thousands of homes and businesses across the New Forest and surrounding areas will benefit from highspeed full fibre broadband after a government contract worth nearly £14 million was awarded to Wessex Internet.

This new three-year contract is part of the UK government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit, which aims to provide lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities across the UK.

Wessex Internet’s fibre optic network will be rolled out to communities around the New Forest including Brockenhurst, Burley, Beaulieu, Godshill, Hordle and Sway, transforming broadband speeds and reliability for local residents and businesses.

Wessex Internet will work closely with Forestry England and the Verderers of the New Forest throughout this three-year programme of work and expects to start network construction in the first communities by the end of this year.

Project Gigabit

The first properties could be connected to lightning-fast broadband as early as February 2024.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said:

“Thanks to this latest multi-million pound contract for the New Forest, thousands of hard-to-reach homes and businesses in this stunning area will benefit from a state-of-the-art network ready to provide the speed and reliability we will all need in the decades ahead.

"The Prime Minister has put growing the economy as one of his five top priorities, and this investment will go far in delivering on that mission here in the New Forest by equipping rural areas with the infrastructure they need for the digital age."

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO at Wessex Internet, said:

“This is great news for homes and businesses in the New Forest who will be able to access worldclass connectivity and the many economic and social

Project Gigabit is the government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on getting the digital connectivity they need.

By the end of 2025, the government is targeting 85% of the UK to have gigabit-capable connectivity,

benefits it provides. We will now work closely with the residents and communities across this beautiful national park to deliver this exciting programme.

“We’re delighted to be awarded our second contract under Project Gigabit. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and their strong track record of rolling out gigabitcapable connectivity to even the hardest to reach countryside communities.”

Project Gigabit is the UK government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabitcapable broadband. The fast, reliable connections delivered by Project Gigabit will levelup mostly rural and remote communities across the UK, such as the New Forest.

With gigabit-capable broadband, households will no longer have to struggle with limited bandwidth, while businesses will be able to improve their productivity,

and public services will become more accessible to people in remote areas.

This is the second Project Gigabit contract awarded to Wessex Internet, following the award of Project Gigabit North Dorset to connect more than 7,000 properties in August 2022.

Based in Dorset, Wessex Internet, is an award-winning local and independent broadband provider that is passionate about connecting the countryside. It is building a gigabit-capable network that connects and serves even the most remote communities in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and South Somerset.

Forestry England’s local spokesperson said:

“We very much look forward to supporting Wessex Internet’s delivery of ultrafast full fibre broadband on sensitive land managed by Forestry England over the next few years and hope this will have a positive impact on many residents across the New Forest.”

and then nationwide coverage by 2030.

As the drive to deliver gigabit-capable connections intensifies, over recent months several multi-million pound local and regional Project Gigabit contracts have been awarded covering locations including Cornwall, Cumbria, North Dorset, Teesdale and North Northumberland.

Areas including Hampshire, Shropshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are all in line for contract awards by summer 2023.

Walk this May

Walking is a fantastic way to keep active and maintain a healthy heart as it is fun, flexible and free.

For May, LiveWell, Dorset’s free health and wellbeing service, is inviting people across the county to get outside and make the most of the beautiful county we live in –and give themselves an activity boost! LiveWell has walk ideas for all ages and abilities

– including wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes.

Visit https://www. livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/ walk-this-May/ or scan the QR code on the advert and you’ll find a wealth of resources to encourage you to get walking, including a free downloadable poster.

By walking as little as 30 minutes a day, five days a week, you can improve your

heart and lung health, prevent arthritis-related joint pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and maintain a healthy weight.

Walking is the perfect way of easing you into a more active lifestyle. You can start with just a short 10-minute walk and slowly build your distance and speed. There are apps and trackers that help you keep tabs on your walking.

Too many of us spend large

chunks of the day sitting. Did you know that sitting for more than four hours a day can increase your risk of long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer?

Even if you meet the national recommendations of 150 minutes of physical activity at a moderate intensity level each week, you can be at risk if you also spend hours of the day being sedentary.

Midwives vote to accept England NHS pay offer

Midwives in England have voted to accept the government’s pay offer to NHS staff says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

Members of the RCM in England have voted to accept the latest NHS pay offer following a consultation that closed in the last week of April.

In a turnout of 48% of eligible RCM midwife and maternity support worker (MSW) members working in the NHS in England, 57% voted to accept the deal, with 43% rejecting.

Alice Sorby, director of Employment Relations at the RCM, said: “The offer was not perfect, and it was not everything we asked for or that midwives and MSWs deserve. However, it was a step forward from the government’s entrenched

position on 2022/23 pay and improved on its directions to the Pay Review Body for 2023/24. It was the power of the collective unions standing together, with our members behind us, that brought the government to the table and led to this improved offer.”   The government’s pay offer followed intense negotiations with the RCM and other health unions. It builds on the consolidated £1,400 - or 4% for most RCM members - pay award already imposed for 2022/23. The offer included a non-consolidated lump sum of 2% of an individual’s salary, plus a one-off ‘backlog bonus’. The lump sum will be worth at least £1,250, with many midwives receiving over £2,000. For 2023/24 there will be a consolidated 5% pay award and an increase

to band 1 and the bottom of band 2 of 10.4 per cent. This will see entry-level pay in the NHS increase to £11.45 per hour, bringing a much-needed uplift for lower paid staff, says the RCM.

Sorby added, “I hope now that we can move forward and work together to resolve the issues facing maternity services. This is also about staffing levels, lack of investment and improving working conditions for staff and better care for women, because you cannot have one without the other.”

She explained that the government had said recently that the pressure on maternity

services was unsustainable.

Sorby continued: “The midwives and MSWs who should rightly receive this pay offer have known that for a long, long time, and many are leaving because the strain is simply too much. We still need to stem the tide of people leaving the NHS. That needs more investment and more staff, and quickly.”

There is a meeting of the NHS Staff Council –made up of health unions, employers and government representatives – on 2 May to discuss the outcomes of the consultations by each union and report back to government.

Dorset people urged to appraise NHS services

Healthwatch Dorset is concerned that people are more likely to share their thoughts on a dinner out or a takeaway than on NHS services.

A recent survey showed that 41 per cent of people would post reviews following a meal out, but just 11 per cent would provide feedback after visiting their doctor, nurse or another healthcare professional.

Patient feedback can enable the NHS to spot issues and identify where services may need more resource or other support. It can also help address inequalities in access to care, the extent of which has been laid bare by the pandemic.

With NHS and social care services under pressure, Healthwatch is calling on more people to tell the NHS when they are

doing a good job and when services can be improved.

Healthwatch Dorset manager, Louise Bate, said: “Here in Dorset last year 1,053 people shared their experiences of health and social care with us. That’s great but we would love that number to be even higher so that we can tell local service leaders what things are working well and highlight where there needs to be

Masks no longer mandatory at Dorset HealthCare sites

No longer do visitors and staff have to wear masks at Dorset HealthCare sites.

This follows the success of the vaccination roll-out, and a reduction in cases of Covid-19. This is in line with the approach also being taken in local acute hospitals. Mask wearing will now be a personal choice for anyone working at, or visiting the sites, and masks will still be made available for anyone wishing to take extra precautions.

Masks may still be required in some areas to protect patients who have lowered immunity or respiratory illnesses. These areas will have notices on entrance doors to advise visitors.

If you are unwell with a raised temperature, coughing, sneezing, diarrhoea or vomiting, the advice to avoid coming into Dorset HealthCare buildings remains.

Staff will continue to observe good hand hygiene and wipe down all shared spaces, in line

with IPC recommendations, to minimise the spread of infections within a clinical environment.

Professor Dawn Dawson, chief nursing officer said: “Thank you to everyone for following the previous guidance and wearing masks for such an extended period of time.

“Patient safety remains our priority and we will continue to take precautions in line with infection prevention and control guidelines to protect all visitors, staff and patients.”

improvement. We are currently looking for people to tell us about their experiences of dentistry and urgent and emergency care. If you’ve recently used an urgent healthcare site please share your experience with us - good or bad - we want to hear from you. You can share your views online healthwatchdorset. co.uk/talk-to-us/yourviews-and-experiences or call 0300 111 0102.”

Against the odds 82-year-old student gains Master’s degree

A health diagnosis prompted Veronica Ashby to embark on new learning challenges, including completing a degree at the age of 82. She undertook a Master’s in The Green Economy at Bournemouth University and graduated in November. An achievement in itself, but even more remarkable is that Veronica has dementia.

Diagnosed in 2010 with suspected frontal lobe dementia, a further scan in 2014 reassessed the condition as pseudo dementia.

“This was life-changing; I expected that I would be no more than a zombie in a matter of a few years,” said Veronica. “I went into an angry and denial mode of dealing with it; testing my mental capacity to the full, monitoring the responses and finding strategies to cope with the increasing memory issue. I enrolled in several Future Learn courses because I needed to find out how the

cognitive part of my brain was functioning.” One of the courses was about sustainable development and she wanted to test her intellectual skills further so she applied and was accepted onto the The Green Economy Master’s course at Bournemouth University.

Once enrolled, Veronica set about finding strategies to cope with the intellectual demands.

“The greatest challenge was the memory issue,” she explained. “I could read, enjoy and understand the questions and reading material and know how I wanted to answer them, but I could not retain the information long enough to write it in my answer. I found strategies to deal with this. I have problems typing words and sentences in the correct order, but the use of spelling and grammar software, as well as using ‘speak mode’ to get my thoughts down, were a great help.

“It still took ages to complete written text and any interruptions to my thinking process meant that I needed to go back to square one to pick up where I left off. My technological skills were way out of date, and so I welcomed the endless support of the BU technical team.”

Despite the challenges, the positives far outweighed the negatives. She said: “Realising my own ability and worth reassured me that dementia was not a life sentence.”

She praised the patience, tolerance and support from the BU teaching, library, Brightspace and technical teams, and paid tribute to the tutors, including Rick Stafford, who had a large part to play in her achievements.

She said: “The joy my studies have given to my close family, and some of the burden it took from their shoulders, has made a huge difference.”

When asked for her advice to other mature learners, or those facing additional barriers, Veronica says: “Never give up on yourself, take things in your stride and bit by bit. Don’t beat yourself up when you get things wrong – we all do that at times – and the rewards will make it worth the struggles and stay with you forever.” And while the course has now come to an end, she continues to draw on her experience and is finding ways to be more sustainable in her everyday routines. She is also providing information that could be useful in current dementia research work.

Blandford Hedgehog Group seek local support

The Blandford Hedgehog Group, (part of Dorset Mammal Group’s initiative for Hedgehog Friendly Towns and Villages), are working to raise awareness of the predicament of hedgehogs and what people can do to help slow down the decline.

The hedgehog is currently on the IUCN Red List for British Mammals – vulnerable to extinction – so action needs to be taken now if we would like to continue to see our lovable gardener’s friend.

Spokesperson Denise Montague said: “Hedgehogs drink a lot of water and need it all year round so you can help by leaving out several shallow saucers of fresh water scattered around your garden.

“BHHG have an active Facebook page with over 600 members and have a Small Charities Constitution.

We work closely with our local vets and DMG Rescues to ensure that any sick or injured hedgehogs get triaged ASAP and are taken to a DMG Hedgehog Rescue in Dorset for continued care and rehabilitation.”

There is a guidance document at the top of their FB page to help you when deciding whether to ‘Rescue’ a hedgehog you think might be in trouble.

Denise added: “In this instance the hedgehog should be taken to a vet or Rescue as a matter of urgency; do not under any circumstances try to treat the animal yourself as you could be doing more harm than good. Be aware that adult hedgehogs seen out during the day, usually May to September, are not always in trouble. It may be a female with small hoglets

somewhere, which has come out for water and food.”

If the hog is going about its normal business showing no abnormal signs of distress, then leave well alone. Hoglets will die if a nursing mum is taken away; if in doubt seek advice.”

The group are continually raising funds to support DMG Hedgehog Rescues and the proposed DMG Hedgehog Hospital. The last event was on 13 May (morning) at Blandford Parish Centre in The Plocks.

The group also have a market stall in Blandford, usually on the first Saturday of the month.

Hedgehog rescues are run purely on donations.

Denise said: “We, as a group, would like to start as fosterers for some of the rehabilitated hedgehogs prior to their release. However,

we would need a site with an insulated shed or building with water and electrics, and extra volunteers to help out with day-to-day cleaning and feeding. The aim would be to be mentored by our experienced Rescues so that in time we could take on the role of a ‘Rescue’.”

The first step is to attend a Vale Wildlife Hospital hedgehog rehabilitation course which some volunteers have already completed. If you feel you could help please email hedgehogs.blandford@ gmail.com or contact through the Facebook page.

Further information about hedgehogs can be found on websites for Dorset Mammal Group, The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), Hedgehog Street and Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue’s website or FB page.

Hedgehog found screaming at 4am. It was checked over by Damory vets and taken to Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue where a poo sample was taken. He is being treated for capillaria and will hopefully be returned after treatment back to where he was found with support feeding, nestboxes and water.

Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Clarendon Palace

By Julian Hewitt. Fordingbridge Museum

Most people living close to Salisbury may have heard of the royal castle at Old Sarum where the Domesday Survey results were collated and where, in 1086, William the Conqueror summoned all the most powerful men in the realm to swear an oath of loyalty.

I suspect fewer would have heard of another fascinating site just two and a half miles east of Salisbury that was an important royal residence in the Middle Ages.

Clarendon Palace was established in the early 12th century by Henry I as a royal deer park, used for hunting and complete with a hunting lodge and mews for the King’s birds of prey. Under the reigns of Henry II and Henry III it developed into an impressive residence with buildings surrounding a courtyard that included a great hall, stables, kitchens and accommodation for the royal family and visiting nobility. It had terraced gardens and was surrounded by a small wall and entered through an impressive gateway.

Much of the early work was planned and supervised by

Elias of Dereham who oversaw the building of Salisbury Cathedral. In the 1250s luxurious accommodation was built for Queen Eleanor of Provence, wife of Henry III. This included a great hall, a chapel and several spacious rooms that included beautifully tiled floors that were made in a kiln on the site.

The important Constitutions of Clarendon were produced at the palace by a meeting of 1800 nobles and clergy in 1164. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury was present at the meeting. The Constitutions limited the rights of Clergy to be tried in ecclesiastical courts, which gave more lenient sentences than secular courts.

At first Becket agreed to the changes but he later resisted the Constitutions and fled in exile to the continent. After Becket eventually returned to the country, Henry II made the fatal remark, “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” This led to the murder of Becket, his being made a saint and Henry doing penance at Canterbury Cathedral.

Over the years, use as

a royal palace declined and by 1500 it was in a state of poor repair. When Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1574 the deer park was still well stocked and 340 deer were killed in the royal hunt.

The Queen however had to dine in a temporary banqueting house because of the poor state of the buildings and she stayed in Wilton. In the 1660s after the Restoration of Charles II the palace was sold by the crown and passed to Edward Hyde who took the title of Earl of Clarendon. A new mansion was built in the park and the palace became a picturesque ruin.

The palace is now a beautifully maintained site with well-designed information boards and is set in stunning countryside. Llamas patrol

the romantic ruins helping to control the weeds. The palace has no car park. The site can only be reached on foot. This enhances the now peaceful atmosphere of the ruins, which is a contrast to its past history. Maps of walks to the palace are on the internet and available from the tourist information office in Salisbury. There is an active Friends of Clarendon Palace group who help to preserve the site, produce a newsletter and organise talks and lectures. Details are on the internet. It is well worth taking one of the lovely walks from Pitton or Salisbury to visit the palace. The walks have magnificent views and the isolated atmospheric ruins provide a welcome respite from the pressures of modern life.

Mystery object identified

The mystery object shown in Vol 47, Issue 6, has been identified by Mervyn Smith after he saw it in Viewpoint. It is a vintage leather game carrier. It was for hunters to carry small game birds such as snipe and partridge. The legs would have been held by the loops enabling multiple birds to be carried easily.

The photograph was sent to us by Julian Hewitt from Fordingbridge Museum. He said: “We at the museum had thought this may be the case but Mr Smith has confirmed it. He used to own one. “The power of print!”

Some of our readers in our Facebook group were quite ingenious and offered the following suggestions: cat massager, a fly swat for a horse, some sort of sanitary cleaner, sometthing for removing flies from cow poo.

Photo supplied by Friends of Clarendon Palace

Chrysanthemums and dahlias

Bryan Madders gave Fordingbridge and District Horticultural Society a talk about the growing and propagation of chrysanthemums and dahlias at a recent meeting.

Chrysanthemums should have their growth all removed over winter and kept dry before putting into a greenhouse in February. They need sandy soil and

not too much water to grow strong roots before hardening off outside and flowering around the second week in May. The plant can be ‘stopped’ while growing to produce copious flowers.

Dahlias originated in South America but were named after a Swedish botanist. They don’t like frost so should be dug up in winter and stored dry in newspaper.

They can be planted out in the third week of May and supported with canes as they can grow very tall.

Bryan judged the members’ Spring Table Show.

Meetings are held at 7.30pm at Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge, with the next being on 22 May when Thomas Clarke will talk about the history of Exbury Gardens.

Supporting BBC Singers

Members of Fordingbridge Choral Society took time out recently to join with nearly 100 choirs from around the world to create a montage on social media in support of the BBC Singers who faced the threat of closure after 99 years of performing and broadcasting.

Choral singers considered the closure would be detrimental to choral music widely. Their combined efforts led to a reappraisal of the decision by the BBC.

Two million or more people in the UK sing in some form of choir each week,

and the BBC Singers are a beacon of excellence and inspiration to choirs everywhere.

Fordingbridge Choral Society perform regularly in the town and the local district and held a ‘Come and Sing Workshop’ on 1 April, which attracted over 25 guests. The Society performs its mid-summer concert on 10 June. For more details visit www.fordigbridgechoral.org.

A ‘Save the BBC Singers’ video can be watched on YouTube www.youTube. com/@savethebbcsingers.

Homemade food with a view

The Riverside Tea Garden is the perfect location in the heart of Fordingbridge where you can get a coffee and homemade food with the beautiful view of the River Avon. Serving everything from cakes, ice-cream, roast beef sandwiches, Ploughmans and many more options, they are dog friendly and wheelchair accessible. Visit their Facebook page today to find out more: https://m. facebook.com/people/The-RiversideTea-Garden/100079765993766/

Society president, Keith Bennett, presents the trophy for Best In Show to Christine Fry

Roaring success for The Lion King

The Lion King was staged by a school in Verwood with three performances receiving standing ovations.

Emmanuel Middle School’s production played to three packed houses recently.

The musical tells the story of a young African lion called Simba, a crown prince, who must overcome his fear to take the throne after the death of his father.

It was written by Elton John with lyrics by Sir Tim Rice and the young cast at the Verwood

school brought the story to life.

Other students were active backstage and at front of house.

The director Ben Shooter said: “We came together as a school community to deliver what I think centralises the overarching mantras at Emmanuelencompassing our three E’s - endurance, endeavour and enjoyment to the full.

“The process was vigorous, with rehearsals weekly, and in some cases, it required giving up lunches.

“The tenacity that the children demonstrated was nothing short of inspirational.

“From the learning of lines to the choreography, the stage directions and technical prowess they demonstrated great talent.

“Hopefully it will have inspired them for a lifetime.”

Headteacher Rob Christopher said: “An excellent education transcends the

Local schools celebrate

Three local primary schools have all received clean bills of health after undergoing Ofsted inspections whose outcomes were published in March.

Archbishop Wake C of E

Primary in Blandford, inspected in January, was told it continued to be a good school in its second inspection since its predecessor school before becoming part of

the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust was judged good in March 2013.

Also continuing to have a ‘good’ judgement following the first inspection since its last in 2017 is Dunbury Church of England Academy, operating on two sites in Winterborne Whitechurch (KS2) and  Winterborne Kingston (Reception & KS1) .

Spetisbury C of E Primary, inspected in February, also continues to be a good school, again after its second inspection following the judgement of its predecessor VA school as good in May 2014.

The full reports can be found on the Ofsted website at http://reports. ofsted.gov.uk/

classroom experience.

“Emmanuel School pupils have many opportunities to enrich their learning and experiences.

“Well done to those involved on stage, backstage, make-up, lighting, costume, admin - you will have learnt so much throughout.”

Emmanuel Middle School is a part of Initio Learning Trust.

ABW step up to celebrate

Celebrating at Dunbury

Cheesy leek, chicken and pea pasta with chicken crumbs

A hearty pasta bake, courtesy of Waitrose, that’s comforting to make and eat - and costs under £2 a portion when using store-cupboard ingredients you already have at home.

Ingredients

• 2 Essential Leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into 2.5cm rounds

• 1 pack 2 Essential British Chicken Legs

• 3 tbsp Essential Olive Oil

• 350g frozen Essential Garden Peas

• 350g Essential Penne

• 350g tub Essential Cheese Sauce

• ½ tbsp Essential Wholegrain Mustard

• 1 clove/s garlic, crushed

• 50g wholemeal bread, torn into rough crumbs

Method

Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6. Put the leeks and chicken into a medium roasting tin, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 4 tbsp water, then season well. Roast for 40-50 minutes, until the leeks are tender and the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear and there is no pink meat. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and save, then shred the meat into the leeks and juices. Keep warm. Boil the peas for 3 minutes in a large pan of salted water, then lift out with a slotted spoon. Add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes, or until tender. Heat the cheese sauce in a smaller pan, then tip in ½ the peas. Add the mustard and garlic. Blend, using a stick blender, until fairly smooth, then season with black pepper. Drain the pasta and tip into the roasting tin, along with the sauce and extra peas. Stir to coat. Snip the chicken skin into a frying pan, add the breadcrumbs and 1 tbsp oil, then gently cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the bread and crisp the skin. Tip into a food processor, then grind into fine crumbs. Serve the green pasta with the crispy topping sprinkled over.

Cook’s tip

Roast chicken leftovers would be right at home in this recipe. Soften shredded leeks in a frying pan until completely yielding, then add the chicken to heat it thoroughly (if you have any chicken roasting juices or a splash of simple gravy, add that too). Combine with the hot pasta and sauce and serve topped with crunchy crumbs.

Pubs Past and Present of Ringwood and town trail

Have you ever wondered why Ringwood used to have so many more public houses in the past than there are today?

Local historian and member of Ringwood Society, Mary Baldwin will discuss the possible reasons at an illustrated talk at Greyfriars Community Centre. Ringwood Society will be hosting a talk on Ringwood Pubs Past and Present on Tuesday 23 May at 7.30pm.

Mary will recount the history of the 10 pubs still in Ringwood and Poulner today and nine that have gone in the past 50 years. Some have succumbed to the bulldozer, others are now restaurants, shops, homes or offices.

Although Mary is the author of ‘Brewers of Old Ringwood’ published by Ringwood Brewery, she does not claim to be an authority on beer but she has researched some interesting facts.

Numbers are limited. Members can reserve tickets by emailing info@ ringwoodsociety.org. uk or collecting a ticket from Greyfriars Community Centre. Tickets for nonmembers are £5 each.

On another note Ringwood Town Trail has just been relaunched with a new leaflet. They can be found in several of the cafes and pubs in Ringwood town centre as well as Ringwood Gateway and the Ringwood Meeting House and History Centre.

The Town Trail takes about an hour, providing interesting facts and pieces of history, it also includes lots of opportunities to stop at cafes, pubs and restaurants for a drink or something to eat.

If you run a cafe, pub, hotel or bed and breakfast and would like some leaflets please contact info@ ringwoodsociety.org.uk

Top shows at the Tivoli

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

There are some real treats awaiting at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre.

First off is Wimborne Drama Productions who are staging ‘Pressure’ from 18 to 20 May. This is an intense reallife thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare for June 1944 – D-Day.

A journey through 800 – yes 800 – years of English radical songs is promised from Show of Hands on 24 May at 7.30pm.

And if an intimate evening with the lead singer from Wet Wet Wet is on your wish list you won’t want to miss Marti Pellow, Pellow Talk on Thursday 25 May. He said; “I’m inviting you to spend an intimate evening with me – think of it as coming back to my place for a night of stories and songs.”

Dire Straits tribute Money for Nothing are on stage on 26 May, with Colisseum featuring Tiv – and manager Charlie North Lewis’s - favourite Chris Farlowe on Saturday

27 May. The Real Thing Britain’s longest-established and best-loved black group in UK entertainment history are in concert on 31 May.

The American Classic Rock Show on 1 June will feature music from such great bands as The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, with A Foreigners Journey on 2 June and Verity Bromham Band on 3 June.

Slade legend Noddy Holder will be Tom Seals’ guest on Wednesday 7 June with Neil Young tribute Rust for Glory on 10 June.

And talking of legends – Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings will be performing acoustic interpretations of classics and fan favourites from The Jam with From the Jam Unplugged on Friday 16 June.

Well that’s your diary filled for the next few weeks!

Fun for all at The Sheiling Ringwood Summer Festival

On Saturday 24 June, The Sheiling Ringwood will hold their Summer Festival on their beautiful campus at Ashley, Ringwood.

The day promises to be fun for all the family, with many activities on offer including go-karting, fun football, face painting, giant bubbles, games, craft activities, classic cars and many more.

The emergency services will be on site as part of their Community Engagement Programme. There will be delicious food and drink, including a fantastic BBQ, icecreams and cakes. To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be live music throughout the day in the music tent and a variety of quality arts, craft and garden stalls.

There will be a raffle with many great prizes including two weekend tickets with paddock passes to the World Superbikes at Donington, £250 cash, inflatable double kayak,

along with a £100 voucher for Hillier Garden Centre.

The day runs from 11.30am until 4pm on Saturday 24 June. There is free parking on site and entry by donation (which includes a raffle ticket). Sorry no dogs except Guide/Assistance Dogs.

All proceeds from the day will go towards specialised outdoor learning and leisure equipment for The Sheiling Ringwood students.

A great day out for all the family within a stunning woodland setting, The Sheiling Ringwood School and College, Horton Road, Ashley, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 2EB

For more information, please contact The Sheiling Ringwood on 01425 477488 or fundraising@ thesheilingringwood.co.uk

West Moors Memorial Bowling Club

Bowls ‘Big Weekend’ & Open Day

The Bowls ‘Big Weekend’ is back! The National Bowls Open Day returns for 2023 at West Moors Memorial Bowling Club in Station Road on Sunday 28 May at 10am.

The Bowls’ Big Weekend’ gives the local community the great opportunity to come and celebrate this great sport. Many bowls clubs are opening their doors for new people to start their bowls journey on this weekend, and to enable new participants to discover everything that is great about bowls, which is a sociable and accessible sport.

West Moors Bowls Club’s facilities are some of the best in the area. There is easy parking, great food and a social bar. Everyone is encouraged to come and try a new sport. Members and bowling coaches will be on hand to welcome you on the day.

Pop the date and venue in your diary now, Sunday 28 May at West Moors Memorial Bowling Club, Station Road, West Moors at 10am.

A Comedy Triple Bill

Ferndown Drama, Barrington Theatre

Review by Pat Scott • 21 April

This talented company provided an evening of comedy and laughs.

‘Last Tango in Little Grimley’ was a delight and Jeremy Mills as Gordon showed terrific comic timing. He was complemented by lively Nikki Wilson (leading lady Margaret) and straightlaced Joyce (Denise King). David Pile added even more humour.

The short but sweet ‘Joining the Club’ featured Katie Walker as the newly pregnant Jenny. Tom, played with great depth and timing by Scott Bedwell, finally presented the couple with a happy ending.

What a madcap romp ‘A Jolly Sinister Jape’ was, with posh accents, 1920s’ jargon, and a striking set with great special effects. Such comic genius from Mark Ward as Lord Stubbs, while Biffy (Roy De La Mer) proved equally amusing. Dawn Hollington as Ophelia captured the character of the glamorous actress, and Julie Gower, as Fatty, was a joy to watch providing even more laughter to this hilarious comedy.

Director Karen Ward brought to the stage a trio of plays that would have graced the West End. The players excelled and the local theatre scene is fortunate to have such a wealth of talent. Full review can be found at www.dorsetview.co.uk.

Events

Until 26 May 10am-4pm

Poole Leisure Painters Spring Exhibition at the Wimborne Community Learning and Resource Centre, 41-44 King St, Wimbone, BH21 1EB. Closed weekends.

16 May 10.30am-12noon

Bring your own knitting, crochet or embroidering to an informal craft session. Third Tuesday of the month at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle DT11 7DW. Tel 01258 452075.

16-20 May

Broadstone Players present a comedy ‘Odd Man In’ in Broadstone War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AW. 7.30pm and matinee 2.15pm on the Saturday. Tickets from: honsec@broadstoneplayers. co.uk or 01202 678449. Also on sale at Broadstone News.

20 May 7.30pm-midnight

Catwalk Charity Glitterball Fashion Show, Mowlem Theatre, Swanage in aid of charities. Tickets from Ticketsource.co.uk

20 -21 May

Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival near Bournemouth Airport. Open Saturday 10am6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.

20 May 12-noon

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

20 May 10am-12noon

Spring Coffee Morning in aid of Wimborne in Bloom at Wit’s End Corner, 34 Park Lane, Wimborne Minster.

21 May 7pm

Broadstone Music Series present ‘A Spring Musical Romance’ at St John’s Church, Macaulay Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AR. Advanced booking recommended at www. broadstonemusicseries.info

23 May 11am-12noon

Reminiscence, a friendly informal group at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle, DT11 7DW (fourth Tuesday of the month). Info 01258 452075

24 May 6-7pm

Wimborne War on Waste litter pick starting from the Fair Trade shop in the Cornmarket. For more information and to add your name to the email group please contact wimbornewaronwaste@gmail.com

25 May-6 June

Broadstone Art Society 70th anniversary exhibition at the The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park.

26 May 2pm

Cursus Cider and Music Festival at Myncen Farm, Minchington, Blandford Forum.

27-28 May

Railway weekend at Wimborne Model Town.

27 May 10am-3pm

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

27 May 3pm

The Fayrewood Singers present ‘Spring into Summer’, at Verwood Methodist Church in aid of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Tickets £5, to include light refreshments, available at the door.

28 May 10am-4pm

West Moors Bowling Club Open Day at Station Road. Come along and try lawn bowls, equipment supplied. Free tuition. Contact 01202 892033. More information www.westmoorsbowls.club

29 May 10.30am

Ringwood ECO Fair at the Furlong and outside the Gateway Building. 2pm clothes swap in the Meeting House.

29 May-3 June 10am-4pm

Alderholt Art Club summer exhibition at Fordingbridge Town Hall, SP6 1AS. Free entry.

31 May 2pm

Historic garden tour at Museum of East Dorset. Ticket price includes hot drink and cake after the 30-minute tour. museumofeastdorset.co.uk

1 June 7.15-9.15pm

Ferndown & District Historical Society meet at The Barrington Centre when Mrs Valerie Young will talk on ‘In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia’.

1 June 1.30-3.30pm

The Ferndown COPD Support Group meets every first Thursday of each month at the Ferndown Day Centre BH22 9JP.

Practical ways to tackle climate emergency

Ways to tackle the climate emergency will be highlighted at the Green Fair at the Arches beside the River Stour in Blandford on Sunday 11 June.

The event is being organised as part of Blandford’s CAN 2023 (Climate Action Now 2023) and the national Great Big Green Week from 10-18 June, during which it is hoped other local environmental groups will stage their own

events to raise awareness.

Exhibitors and stallholders who have already agreed to take part at the fair beside the former railway arches on Langton Meadows include Dorset Wildlife Trust; producers of vegetarian and vegan food, cosmetics and gifts; refilling businesses and other ecofriendly products. There will also be activities for children.

Climate Action Now 2023

This year Broadstone Art Society will look back to 1953 when a small group of artists in Corfe Mullen agreed to meet regularly to pursue their love of art. Today the Art Society has 70 members including its most longstanding member, Dennis Hill, who joined in the 1950s. The 70th Anniversary Exhibition will be held at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park between 25 May and 6 June.

is an initiative developed by Blandford Environmental Trust and Blandford Museum Environmental Group in partnership with other environmental charities in Blandford.

Partners in the Great Big Green Week include the RSPB, National Trust, World Wildlife Fund, Surfers Against Sewage, the WI (Women’s Institute) and the Fairtrade Foundation.

For more information see www.blandfordtownmuseum. org.uk/climate-action-now, or to get involved, call 01258 450388 or email: contact@ blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk

Children’s activities with Kate Seeger of the Blandford Arts Hub

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Mayor opens Wimborne Community Garden

Report and photos by Marilyn Barber

If any proof were needed that local people have taken Wimborne Community Garden to their hearts, the evidence was at the official opening on Sunday 30 April when hundreds of people filled the site at Redcotts. The project was started on 7 May 2022 in association with the adjacent Beaucroft College with the intention of transforming part of a playing field into a vegetable and flower garden. And last year, despite the high temperatures, the garden blossomed with the vegetable beds producing beans, tomatoes, potatoes, beetroot, sweetcorn, red onions, herbs, courgettes and lettuces which were shared with the Food Bank and Community Kitchen, neighbours and volunteers. There was plenty of tea and cake at the opening with music provided by the Skittle Alley Strummers. Jane Benson who initiated the project said: “Two-and-a-half years ago it was just a seed of an idea. I worked for a food

bank and felt it would be good to have more fresh food. I shared the idea with Faithworks, which supports food banks in Blandford and Wimborne and they backed me. Then I wrote to Beaucroft College and asked whether we could have a community garden in their field and they welcomed me with open arms. “It might have been my idea, but the project is not me at all – it’s all down to the volunteers and people and businesses that have supported us.” And to prove the support, there were many names on the tulip path.

“It is the community working together. There is a bit of magic here,” Jane added. Declaring the garden officially opened with a watering can, the Mayor of Wimborne Cllr Carol Butter said: “I have been watching developments over the past year from a vantage point in the Town Council garden. I have been so impressed by what has been achieved and by volunteers, always with smiley faces.” She added that Beaucroft College would

soon be moving to their new site where they will be running a café, initially from within the school and then from a new building which will be located at the other end of this field and overlooking the Redcotts play park area.

If anyone would like to join this happy band of volunteers, work takes place on Wednesday mornings and Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Volunteers

Jane Benson

The Mayor

Poole Dream Machines

Dream Machines are back at Poole Quay every Tuesday from now until 29 August 2023.

The event creates a unique atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy an evening on Poole Quay. The backdrop of the quay and harbour offers the perfect location and there is a selection of waterside cafes, bars, restaurants and food kiosks offering refreshment, many with bike night specials on their menus.

The popular Bike of the Night competition takes place every week.

Access onto the Quay for bikers will need to be made via the old Lifting Bridge end of the Quay. Do not try to access via the Lower High Street as this has now been de-trafficked. Please follow West Street to its junction with The Quay (just before the lifting bridge), and then along the Quay to the central area.

Please do not arrive before 5.30pm – parking will not be available before this time.

The area between Pavers and Studio Poole is private land from Old Orchard back

to the lifting barrier and will be kept clear for fire access. Poole Dream Machines is aiming to be cashless. Tickets will be available in advance online (seetickets. com) or can be paid via credit card machines on the night. £3 per person, per evening. £10 season ticket armbands (buy online, on the night at the gate, or at the Poole Arms).

CORRESPONDENCE

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

Great big THANK YOU!

In April we celebrated our one year birthday of opening the Community Larder in Ferndown, which has so quickly and beautifully morphed and grown into so much more than we could have imagined and dreamt of.

Our team of 45 volunteers (current numbers) at the larder alone is an incredible feat, and testament to the love, dedication and commitment we all feel. I know Tony, Stuart and myself have been blessed and proud to meet and work with you.

From the first day of opening, when we had 13 people through the door, to now, where we are supporting over 40 visits a day, and enabling people to live healthier, more dignified, and in less fear, from an increasingly wide catchment area far beyond the Ferndown parameters, we have done good.

Not only this, but we have also saved literally tens of tonnes of nutritious fresh food that would have otherwise gone to landfill and put it into hungry tummies. What we can’t use, either because we have such an abundance (eg baguettes), or because it arrived to us too late to safely save, we have been able to at least save from landfill and from emitting harmful methane in the process.

You need staying power to contact the dog warden

Have you tried contacting Dorset Council’s dog warden?

On the Dorset Council website (if you have a computer) there is a message “If you have a stray dog in your care, please call Customer Services on 01305 221000.”

This was the option to get in touch with a dog warden via customer services.

We have recycled the packaging, composted the contents, and sent what we could to pets too. We’ve all met new friends, colleagues and residents, and they us. We have, we believe, created a community.

Last month (March) alone, 12,070 items were donated (up 26% on Feb), of which 63% was surplus (up 42% on Feb) - we collected far more surplus last month. Of which, we ‘threw away’ 517 items, 4.3%. We received 885 visitors, 1% up on February –thank you Heather for those stats.

Overall, FCS had its 3rd birthday on 18 March. What originally started as an emergency Facebook group to try and support those who were being asked to self-isolate due to vulnerability, has itself developed into a hub of support services for all, as well as being proud to put on events and initiatives for the fun and enjoyment of all.

We are so grateful to everyone who supports us, volunteers, sponsors, and guides us, the list is far too numerous to mention, but no less important.

Here’s to us, to you, and to our future. THANK YOU.

Hannah, Tony and Stuart FCS Directors and Trustees

I called this number on 11 April and got a recorded message. It went on for over one minute before I was asked to press 6 for the dog warden. On pressing 6, nothing happened and I was left without any result. I had to put the receiver down (yes, I have a normal landline), and redial. This time when I pressed 6, I got

another recorded message saying I was through to the Customer Service Team but “all advisors are helping with other enquiries.” The estimated wait time was more than five minutes. Unfortunately, my patience had run out by then, so I put the phone down. Does the council think we have all day and lots of money to spend on phone bills trying to get in touch with their various departments? This is not the first time when I have had to put the phone down due to the long wait.

It would be interesting to know whether others have found making contact with their local council to be as long winded and frustrating.

Name and address supplied

A Healthy Mind

By Eleanor Green

Anxiety and mental health  is a devastating thing, No one is immune,  No one invites  this awful feeling in.

Stress and strain  takes its toll

A life could  soon be stolen. Giving up,  Feeling weak, Help is a minefield  difficult to seek!

When help and support  isn’t there, deepening the feeling of despair. Pills are not a  long term fix, To get back into  the human mix. With the right help,  You’ll soon be strong, To laugh and live, your whole life, long.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

Viewpoint 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 Viewpoint. 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 Viewpoint and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

600 homes: plans revised

Revised plans are being drawn up for the proposed expansion of Blandford which originally envisaged 600 homes to the north and east of the Blandford bypass.

Town council planning committee chairman Cllr Roger Carter, who is also chairman of the Blandford + Neighbourhood Planning Group, said a representative from Wyatt Homes, whose application is being considered by Dorset Council, had asked to attend a town council planning meeting to update councillors on the ‘tweaked’ plans.

Representatives of Wyatt Home were due to present their new plans, which include fewer buildings and more trees and landscaping, to the committee in May.

Cllr Hugo Mieville asked whether a new school was still included. He was told that confirmation is still awaited from Dorset Council officers, and councillors asked to be kept informed of changes in forecast pupil numbers, but Cllr Byron Quayle, town representative on Dorset Council, said that although school numbers are currently dropping, the land for the school will be there if it is needed.

Cllr Haydn White said that the availability of affordable housing would encourage families to move to the Blandford area, and this should be reflected in the forecasts.

Help required urgently

The 1st St Leonards and St Ives Scout Group are urgently seeking volunteers to help run the Scout and Beaver Sections. These run on a Tuesday night during term time. Leaders will need to be DBS checked and complete some online training but no previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved and have fun. The Scouting movement provides the opportunity for lots of new experiences and the chance to learn new skills all while helping young people in the community thrive, make friends and great memories. If you can spare some time or want to find out more, please contact Liz Cook, secretary 1st St Leonards and St Ives Scout Group, 07950 402398.

ENTER RINGWOOD CARNIVAL NOW

Ringwood Carnival committee is inviting participants in the carnival processions, which will take place at 2pm and 7.15pm on Saturday 16 September. It’s free to enter and you can win up to £500 for your chosen charity.

To register visit ringwoodcarnival.org

Redeveloped home provides accommodation

A property in the Dorset town of Blandford Forum that was in disrepair and empty, has been redeveloped to provide a home for six people. This will mean that Dorset Council won’t have to rely so much on bed and breakfast accommodation.

The six single-bedroom units will provide short-term accommodation for people who need a warm, comfortable place to stay. There will also be specialised support available to help tenants make choices about their future.

The former empty home, West View, will be used by people from across the Dorset Council area and follows a six-month renovation of the building, originally identified by a team of officers on the lookout for empty properties.

The council-owned accommodation, renovated jointly by Dorset Council and Stepnell, has been sympathetically modernised to include new, timber sash windows and other enhancements to bring the building back to its original character.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Housing and Community Safety said: “I am delighted to open West View. This project is something that Dorset Council and Blandford can be proud of. We have taken an empty abandoned building, which was an eyesore and concern for many in the town and renovated it to provide high quality accommodation.

“By providing hands-on support for tenants we will not only be able to provide a safe home but also give them much needed help onto a more permanent home. West View will also help to reduce our use of high-cost bed and breakfast accommodation, helping us to save money. It’s also a great new asset for the council.”

Members of the team who co-ordinated the project

Steel Framed Garden Builds

By Hi Tech Development Services - Advertisement feature -

Why choose a steel-framed garden building option from Hi Tech?

Unlike many of our competitors, our structures are fabricated in-house using square-tube steel instead of the cheaper C profiles. This means that our buildings are better able to withstand the strongest English winds and storms without creaks and structural movement. Because we fabricate the structure in-house, we also have control over the fabrication schedule, design, ease of assembly and build quality, and thus ensure that the job is built ‘right first time’. Our steel chassis structures are typically installed on a number of concrete support pads and this means that there is less garden spoil produced for removal Vs fabricating a complete concrete slab base. This allows us to achieve an assembled framework,

on its foundation bases, with reduced materials cost and a quicker installation time. The steel-framed structure is assembled from prefabricated section lengths and erected on site.

The building can therefore be installed in restricted access areas with fewer constraints on the overall final size (subject to permitted development or planning constraints).

Because our steel framed structure is a completely bespoke fabrication there are none of the design or layout constraints imposed by modular systems such as SIPS panel construction. The steel framed structure can also be designed to accommodate higher floor loadings. Enabling uses such as a home gym etc, withstanding the impact and

shocks transmitted from the use of weights and equipment.

The steel structure provides a rigid framework for subsequent fit-out by traditional trades, enabling a high level of fit and finish of walls and windows. This also means that future maintenance or building amendment does

not require specialist skills, material or equipment. The structural integrity of the steel frame structure means that buildings can be produced with larger, open span widths. This also allows larger glazed openings to be accommodated than via other construction methods or materials.

17th century Court Book added to Wimborne Chained Library

Wimborne Minster’s famous Chained Library has taken delivery of an additional 17th century book.

The 266-page Court Book of the Manor of Wimborne late Deanery, 1624 to 1689, was purchased by Dorset Archives Trust for the Dorset History Centre (DHC) in 2019 with support from Wimborne Minster Town Council and volunteers from the Minster’s Chained Library.

Loaned by DHC after repair and restoration work, this manuscript is an important addition to the Chained Library which was founded in the Minster in 1685 and was a public reference

library from 1695.

The book is a record of the proceedings of the manor court and contains the minutes taken at court sessions. It gives details of more than 90 of the courts held in the name of three Lords of the Manor - Thomas Hanham (1625 to 1652), his son John Hanham (1652 to 1662), and his son William Hanham, created Baronet in 1667, (1662 to 1671).

The records are in Latin except for the period

1672, when they were in English during Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth and the early restoration of the monarchy. They cover a variety of local events such as the election of new officers, jurors of the court, attendees and defaulters of attendance, together with

offences and local incidents such as violence, wandering beasts, dangerous defects in houses, blocking roads and offences against beer selling regulations.

The book was handed over to the library by Jessica Pollard, conservator at the Dorset History Centre.

The Wimborne Minster Chained Library is now open to the public for the 2023 season Monday to Friday mornings and afternoons and the first Saturday morning in the month.

The book photo by Mike Twomey

L-R: Norma Jackson, library volunteer, Judith Monds, head librarian, The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland, rector, Jayne Twomey, library volunteer, Peter Cook, churchwarden, Mike Twomey, library volunteer, Jessica Pollard and Margaret Turner, library volunteer.

Photo by Anthony Oliver