Viewpoint July 2023

Rachel moves from food bank to NHS

Rachel Plowman, deputy manager at Wimborne Food Bank has moved on to a new job at the NHS, working in children’s support in Poole Hospital.

She said: “I shall miss the Foodbank family dreadfully but as my own children are all now at school, it seems the right time to make a move into a job I’ve always wanted to do.”

Sharon Keenan, manager, said: “We wish Rachel well but we know she will come back and volunteer. She’s an important part of our Foodbank family.”

At a gathering of volunteers, town crier Chris Brown honoured Rachel with a special ‘cry’.

Dear readers

These are words I didn’t think I would ever write.

I really like my shed. It’s a Bewdley Pent since you ask. Sounds a bit pretentious, but in reality it’s just a basic but relatively spacious one.

And to prove how fond I am of it, last year I painted it turquoise with a yellow door to make it look like a beach hut. Yes, they are the colours of the flag of Ukraine but that is just a happy coincidence.

Now, I realise that it would be one-upmanship if I had two sheds –however, I would have to go some to beat a colleague who has five!

Some men have been known to use them more like a bar or a retreat, but mine is just functional. No, it doesn’t contain a wine rack, just an assortment of garden tools, plant food, and sundry other items for outdoor work.

My relatively new passion for gardening has been spawned by the movement that no longer requires gardens to be pristine and that it is perfectly acceptable to have some weeds – which are often wildflowers that have grown in the wrong place.

That has given me permission to allow a plethora of very tall oxeye daisies to flourish in a rockery – although they overshadow everything else.

Perhaps my love of sheds might encourage me to join the Men’s Sheds movement – as many women do – that offer activities similar to those that take place in many garden sheds. Locally, there is one in Christchurch and another in Poole.

And on another note – don’t forget to book your tickets for our Dorset Mind fundraiser on 14 October at Dudsbury Golf Club. Book on: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-mind-charity-auctiontickets-578685071627

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

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Sipping nectar: hummingbird hawk moth © Tracy Whincup

Prince of Wales launches Homewards

Prince William visited the Faithworks Arch carpentry workshop at St John’s Church in Bournemouth on 26 June where he chatted to woodwork trainees about a skills training scheme and their experiences of homelessness.

It was part of the launch of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales’s homelessness

programme, Homewards. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been chosen as one of six locations involved in a programme which aims to demonstrate that homelessness can be ended.

Over the next five years, Homewards will give the regions new space, tools, and relationships to showcase what can be achieved through

a collective effort focused on preventing and ending homelessness in their areas.

Prince William said: “In a modern and progressive society, everyone should have a safe and secure home, be treated with dignity and given the support they need.

“Through Homewards, I want to make this a reality and over the next five years,

give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented when we collaborate.

“It’s a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated and I am very much looking forward to working with our six locations to make our ambition a reality.”

Tackling uncertainty

By Edward Holmes, Meesons and Spurlings Solicitors - Advertisement feature -

At Meesons and Spurlings we undertake various litigation cases. We have been reflecting where our work comes from and have come to the conclusion that the majority of our work arises due to uncertainty.

We deal with people who buy property together when they are best of friends and contribute different amounts but never quite get round to putting things in writing.

We have neighbours who both have certain views where their boundaries are which are never the same.

We act in inheritance and probate disputes where the deceased’s intentions (especially with homemade or non-solicitor prepared wills) is unclear or open to challenge.

We have people who

think they have reached an agreement in a matrimonial dispute with their spouse but, on closer examination, it is far from fair, or they later find to their detriment that the agreement does not protect them quite as they had envisaged.

We have people who have children together who cannot reach an agreement because their own or their partner’s personal circumstances and views cloud the issue to be remedied.

Here at Meesons and Spurlings, we appreciate things can be uncertain but we are here to help. We offer a free half hour appointment to discuss these and any other issues with a view to finding a way through that uncertainty so our clients can see clearly the way forward.

Prince William at the Faithworks Arch Carpentry Workshop

Gang convicted of £418,000 burglary conspiracy

Three men who were part of an organised criminal gang involved in a conspiracy to commit burglary across Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Avon & Somerset, Sussex and Wiltshire were sentenced at a hearing at Southampton Crown Court on 27 June.

Mark Stephen Brady, 31, was jailed for two years and four months; Connor Steven Hampton, 24, was jailed for three years; and Liam Michael Grundy, 34, was given a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work. Six other men are due to be sentenced in a separate hearing at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday 2 August.

The gang targeted businesses including mobile phone stores, bicycle stores, supermarkets and clothing stores between October 2020 and December 2020, using hired and stolen vehicles on cloned number plates. The value of goods stolen and damage caused was £418,000.

More than 500 people wandered round the 22 gardens open in and around the town of Wimborne Minster on Sunday 25 June with the event raising more than £5,800 for In Bloom funds. The next event is the annual duck race on August Bank Holiday Saturday 26 August. Pictured are visitors to ‘Wits End Corner’ hearing about the garden from Christine Oliver.

The Nightjar to close

Ferndown is to lose its Wetherspoon pub – The Nightjar. Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Krissy Stamp said: “I feel it’s very sad for the town to lose The Nightjar. It’s a popular pub, the staff are very welcoming and friendly and it will be a real shame for the town and residents of Ferndown.”

A spokesman from Wetherspoon said: “We can confirm that Wetherspoon has

decided not to renew the lease at The Nightjar (Ferndown), when it runs out in September. At this stage, there is no final closure date for the pub.

“The company will be offering jobs to all staff in the surrounding Wetherspoon pubs.”

In May this year, the pub chain said it had closed 21 sites and put a further 30 properties up for sale.

Environmental group objects to Sturminster Marshall plan

By Marilyn Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

A proposal for a development on land at Sturminster Marshall has been met with opposition from the Purbeck and Poole Group of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Dorset Council has received an outline planning application for the construction of a service area accessed by a new roundabout to the A31 inclusive of various works associated with mineral extraction at Henbury, on land to the South of the A31, Henbury Green.

The CPRE argues that the proposal fails on a number of counts including the failure to provide ‘exceptional circumstances’ for development in the green belt. The campaign also maintains that its proximity to the nearby roundabout wouldn’t improve public safety, there would be no gain in biodiversity, it would result in the loss of countryside and

carbon-capturing trees, and the development could impair a strategic groundwater source.

The organisation is also unhappy with the proposed location of a hotel.

Gerald Rigler, chairman of Purbeck and Poole Group of CPRE, said: “We ask Dorset Council to reject this application which involves not only an unacceptable ‘change of use’ but also does not serve the public interest, notwithstanding the expressed interest in responding to a governmental policy about fuelling electrical vehicles – a fuelling matter that may be solved by battery improvements rather than by extensive building and engineering works in the wrong place.”

The application to Dorset Council is P/OUT/2023/01890 and comments had to be received by 26 June.

Society fights for preservation of Wimborne

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Over the past few years, the Wimborne area has increased exponentially with the building of thousands of new houses, with even more being constructed.

The Wimborne Civic Society, which boasts around 120 members, is hoping that new arrivals will come to love the town and join them in helping to preserve this special area.

Formed to monitor the quality of the built environment in the town and the surrounding area, the society examines around 350 planning applications in Wimborne and its rural area each year, including new planning proposals, lobbying for changes when needed.

The Civic Society committee also reviews and comments on Local Plans put out for consultation by both Dorset Council and BCP Council.

Vice chairman Antony Wakeling, who lives in Wimborne, said he understood that local people sometimes

feel powerless when they see so many houses being built without the provision of vital infrastructure and additional GP surgeries and pharmacies.

“The government says that a large number of extra houses are needed in the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas, but we have argued that although we accept that more housing is needed – not in those numbers,” he said.

Antony added that repurposing of first and second floors above premises to provide accommodation, such as that above the former Barclays Bank in the Square can work well.

The Dorset Local Plan has been delayed by two and a half years and wouldn’t now be adopted until 2026 – and if there are further objections, there could be more delays.

“We are concerned that more and more larger properties are being built and there is a need for smaller and more affordable homes,” said Antony.

Wimborne Civic Society

objected to the building of Wimborne Chase on the Cranborne Road.

“We felt the ground was not suitable and, with that number of houses, there wouldn’t be sufficient employment locally,” he said.

One positive move is that the new Wimborne Town Council town clerk, Louise Harrison, has invited the society to be present at the council’s Planning and Environment Committee, enabling it to add its views to those of the councillors.

Antony said the society was concerned about the accesses to the SANG at Wimborne Chase which haven’t all been implemented.

“We feel strongly that infrastructure should be in place before the construction of developments, but this never happens.”

The provision of sufficient affordable housing is also an issue of concern to Wimborne Civic Society.

Antony said: “It is good

that they are pepper potted in developments, but the developers get away with murder and the percentage reduces as they argue that the number would not be financially viable and so the numbers get diluted.”

Over the years, Wimborne Civic Society has contributed to many projects which have enhanced the area, including helping the establishment of the Tourist Information Centre; improving the Millstream Bridge railings; refurbishing the Redcotts gazebo; getting better litter bins; surveys of street clutter and street lighting; and giving financial help towards the cost of the new Hinton Martell fountain.

Antony hopes more young people who are interested in the preservation of the area’s special features would join the society.

The Wimborne Civic Society meets September to May at 8pm at the Allendale Centre, with outings during the summer. For more details see wimbornecivicsociety.org.uk

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2003 2023

• Case of Sandford Orchards’ Devon Red cider (12 x 500ml bottles)

• Station Hair cut and blow dry

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• Outdoor dog photoshoot with Matt Dixon Pet Photo

Complete skateboard from Enuff Skateboards

Hillside School is ‘Good’ Wildlife harmed in heathland fire

Hillside Community First School in Verwood has retained its grading as a ‘good’ school following an Ofsted inspection.

The report was full of praise for the students, staff and leadership.

Inspectors said the school helps children to become ‘respectful, tolerant and responsible,’ adding that pupils ‘feel safe and happy’ and that they ‘talk proudly of their school.’

It added that parents speak

French visit for twinning association

highly of the school and that they feel part of the community.

Headteacher Dave Graves said: “We encourage children to believe in themselves, know that we believe in them too, to dream big and know, with hard work, anything is possible.

“Above all else, we want our children to be happy, feel safe, make friends, do well academically and have the best possible start to their education, equipping them for the future.”

Verwood Rotary Club

By Louisa Hiscock

Our Rotary year came to an end in June.

We enjoyed being part of the Coronation Picnic in the Park in May, and June saw some of us helping at Sturts Farm and Sheiling School summer events. We also took part in Rotary’s Kids Out Day. This national day out has been running since 1990 for children living with health issues, special needs or in refuge. Our club supported a day trip to Marwell Zoo for students from the Sheiling School. It was lovely to see the students and staff enjoying themselves.

President Clive Grove will

soon hand over to Andy Maw. Club activities and events this year have raised just under £19,000 for charities, local organisations and groups, £3,000 of which was donated to Clive’s chosen charity of Macmillan Caring Locally.

The Rustic Fayre is coming up on August Bank Holiday Monday at Potterne Park. We hope for sunshine and community support for this annual event. Please put the date in your diary – and if you would like to help as a volunteer on the day, please do contact Vern Harris (Rustic Chair) on 01202 824005 or via our website.

A fire which started at Stephens Castle on 31 May devastated 4.7 hectares of rare lowland heath, causing harm to wildlife.

Whilst firefighting, the mains water outlet crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were using collapsed, so they had to syphon water from the heathland pond.

When natural water sources are used in this way, filters are cleared and checked regularly. During one check, some rare great crested (Triturus cristatus) and palmate (Lissotriton helveticus) newts were found to have been drawn into the filter. They were carefully freed back into the pond. Sadly, there were several fatalities, along with more heathland creatures which perished in the flames.

In May, 14 members of Verwood & Three Legged Cross Twinning Association visited the twin town of Champtoceaux in the Loire region of France for an extended weekend.

They were welcomed with a reception at the Maison de la Vallee de Drain where they met with their hosts.

The rest of the trip included visits to the Japanese Park of Maulevrier and a local organic vineyard, and an official dinner in the presence of the mayor. A gift of a print originally painted by local Verwood artist Ray Reeks was presented to the hosts in thanks for the hospitality received.

A party from Champtoceaux and the surrounding area of Oree D`Anjou will be visiting Verwood during May 2024.

A warden releases newts back into the pond © Urban Heaths Partnership

Sanctuary

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

Those of you who are fans of the cinema may remember the dramatic scene in the film, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, where Quasimodo saves Esmeralda from execution and carries her into the church shouting: “sanctuary.” A recent visit to Yorkshire inspired me to have a look into what sanctuary was.

Sanctuary is a word meaning somewhere that people feel safe and free from persecution. Although we tend to associate it with Christian churches, the concept predates Christianity because Greek and Roman temples gave protection to fugitives.

Early Christian churches continued the tradition and made the church a protected space. Some churches had sanctuary knockers on their door and I was always taught the fugitive had to grasp them to escape the clutches of his pursuers. It seems, however, at many sites, fugitives could claim sanctuary by being within a certain distance of the church.

In my hometown of Ripon, the right of sanctuary was granted by King Athelstan in 937 AD. Eight crosses were put up circling the town a mile away from St Wilfrid’s monastery, which was where Ripon Cathedral now stands. So long as an accused was within the circle formed by the crosses, they could claim sanctuary.

Beverley Minster had a similar circle of stone sanctuary markers. People could be fined £8 for apprehending someone inside the circle. Within the boundary of the town, the fine was £16, within the churchyard £48, at the church door £96, in the quire of the church £144, and at the altar £144 plus excommunication.

Those offenders guilty of debt or minor crimes could swear an oath and live in the town as ‘girthmen’. They had to work for the community and had fewer rights than the town folk. For those accused of more serious crimes and murder, they could escape the death penalty, imprisonment and other punishments but had to leave the protection of the church and go into exile abroad.

The idea of sanctuary was originally to give the warring parties

somewhere they could come together peacefully to come to an honourable settlement. It was protection against what was sometimes the alternative of rough justice.

Although it may seem that this was an easy way to escape justice, we have to remember that secular punishments were fairly draconian. The death penalty applied to many crimes, as well as mutilation or imprisonment. Prisoners were often starved if they did not have relatives wealthy enough to supply them with food, and disease, exacerbated by miserable jail conditions, would often cause death.

After the reformation, there was a clampdown on the jurisdictional privileges of ecclesiastical bodies and in 1623 the right of sanctuary was abolished by James I.

Today, sanctuary can be a term used to describe how people can find a way to take a break from everyday worries. People may find sanctuary in a stable and loving home, a visit to the countryside, the company of loved ones or in a quiet and welcoming church, temple or synagogue. It can also be applied to people trying to escape from poverty, war, hunger, racial hatred or climate change. For the latter they are unfortunately too often seen as a problem not a person.

Sanctuary knocker on the door of All Saints’ Church in York

Remains of a sanctuary cross a mile from Ripon Cathedral

Police stations open to the public

The front desk at Blandford Police Station is once again open to the public.

The station, based in Salisbury Road, is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am-3.30pm.

As well as offering more availability to attend police stations, Dorset Police is bringing local police into communities at Community Contact Points. This is a way for members of the public to meet their local officers, report crime and incidents, or discuss issues that are important to them with a police officer, face-to-face.

These are drop-in events scheduled across the whole of the county. Upcoming dates are posted on the Dorset Police website and local social media platforms.

Obituary – David John Rose

David Rose, who was an active member of the community in Blandford, before moving to Colehill, died on 6 June.

David was born in Edinburgh and went to school at Pocklington, where he excelled at sport, particularly at national level in athletics and rugby.

He joined the army in 1979, serving with the Green Howards across Europe; the 10th Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong and Brunei; and the 1st Kings Regiment. David also served with the United Nations and NATO. He retired in 2014 and worked for Babcock International Group.

As a member of Rotary International, David ran the Clean-Up Blandford

Campaign and the Blandford Hidden Gardens open day. He was a member of the Blandford Town Team.

In 2020, David was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Being pragmatic about the disease, David fundraised for MND Association, including raising over £20,000 on a charity walk.

Just a few days before he died, David unveiled the First and Last marker post of the North Dorset Trailway Parkrun, accompanied by Rotarians, friends and Park Run runners.

As well as his wife Isabel, David leaves children; Heloise, Megan, and Erin and six grandchildren.

Support group receives funding

Treads, which runs an information and support drop-in for young people, has received grants of £26,250 over three years from Dorset Community Foundation with the Hunts Food Group Community Fund.

Senior youth leader Libby

Lloyd said: “This grant is great because it gives us certainty and helps us to plan ahead. Knowing we have this money for the next three years will mean we can staff all of our groups and prepare for the work we do in schools.”

David at the unveiling of the marker posts with Rotarians, friends and Park Run runners

Take on the 24 Challenge

Jumbo Scrabble competition

Residents from Care South care homes have been exchanging words at an inter-home jumbo Scrabble competition. In the latest round, St Ives House, near Ringwood, hosted Alexandra House, from Parkstone.

Residents started off the visit with fish and chips before trading tiles on a giant Scrabble board, crafted by the St Ives House activities team.

The visiting residents from Alexandra House emerged as the winning team.

Local people are invited to take on Diverse Abilities’ 24 Challenge in support of 24-hour care for children and adults with complex physical and learning disabilities in Dorset.

Suggested options include

running every day for 24 days, swimming 24 lengths or even holding a 24-hour gameathon. Find out more, get some inspiration and sign up at diverseabilities.org.

uk/24challenge

Support for people with a learning disability

People in Dorset with a learning disability can be helped by a number of Dorset HealthCare specialist teams. The service includes mental health nurses, occupational therapists, clinical assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists, as well as administrative staff.

One person who has benefitted is Adam Black, 37, from Blandford, who has autism. Supported by the adult mental health team since 2009, he has also received specialist help from the Learning Disabilities Service in recent years. The community team

provides Adam with emotional support around issues connected to his autism, as well as training, advice and guidance for his carers and family members. The Intensive Support Team has also been helping train a care provider to enable Adam to live in his own flat, with appropriate assistance. The service accepts referrals from anyone –the person themselves, carers, family members or professionals. For Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole residents, contact the referrals team on 01202 123654. For people who live elsewhere in Dorset, contact 01305 221016.

Dorset company pioneers cancer treatment technology

Sadly, the Covid pandemic delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment; however, a company based in Dorset has produced new technology that is set to revolutionise treatment.

Dr Tom Wallace-Smith from Poole and Canada-based Talmon

Firestone are the brains behind Astral Systems – the newest company to land on the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith. Their patented Multi-State Fusion (MSF) reactor will help hospitals tackle a growing backlog in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Currently, UK hospitals rely on three giant nuclear power plants in Europe and South Africa for their medical isotopes, which are used to scan for cancer and to treat tumours and cancerous cells.

Nuclear plants have a shelf life and many are due to close by 2030. They must also temporarily shut down for maintenance which can cause delays in getting these potentially lifesaving isotopes to hospitals.

But thanks to Astral Systems and its MSF reactor, medical isotopes will soon be produced at a much smaller scale and more quickly.

Tom has designed his own sevenand-a-half tonne radiation-proof bunker to allow him to carry out his research at the Winfrith-based innovation park.

Remain in the comfort of your own home

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GoodOaks Homecare East Dorset & Salisbury is committed to providing a comfortable and good quality of life for their clients.

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GoodOaks Homecare is an award-winning care provider. It is rated at least ‘Good’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission. Its care professionals are fully trained to the highest standards in GoodOaks Homecare’s state-of-the-art facilities. To find out more about its services, please get in touch. See the advertisement below for details.

Dr Tom Wallace-Smith

Ringwood welcomes French visitors

Over £40,000 secured to capture memories of the Railway in Ringwood

Ringwood Society have been awarded a grant for £43,880 for their Memories of the Railway project by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The grant will not only enable the memories to be kept for generations to come, it will also fund the restoration of a small area of land that was part of the former railway coal yard. The railway through Ringwood closed almost 60 years ago.

Mary DeBoos, member of Ringwood Society committee, said: “We shaped our initial ideas into a project that includes having the right local, professional support. This means that by far the majority

of the grant will be spent locally. The funding allows us to involve young people in exploring and documenting the memories, providing the opportunity for them to gain new skills such as interviewing techniques and video editing, expertise that could provide a platform for future careers.”

The society would also like to thank the Bisterne Estate for its support.

If you have memories of the railway and would be willing to be interviewed, visit the Ringwood Society website www.ringwoodsociety. org.uk or email info@ theringwoodsociety.org.uk

Ringwood hosted a weekend visit from its twin town Pont-Audemer recently.

The group, which included the French mayor, Alexis Darmois, and his wife Estelle, were treated to a tour of Ringwood using the ‘Town Trail’ hosted by Ringwood Society, followed by a civic reception in the Unity Hall. They also visited the Beaulieu estate and saw a demonstration of falconry skills.

As is tradition for twinning, gifts were exchanged between the mayors of both towns. The

Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Gareth DeBoos, received ‘La Médaille de la Ville de Pont-Audemer’ and a framed picture of scenes from the town, which will be hung in Ringwood Gateway.

The Ringwood Twinning Association holds various social functions including concerts, wine tasting, barbecues and quizzes and membership is just £20 per year. If you are interested in getting involved and discovering more about the culture and sights of PontAudemer you can contact June on 07779 997879.

Art trail proposed for Ringwood

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Ringwood could in the near future have an art trail.

The town’s Planning, Town and Environment Committee considered a report from Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group which suggested that it would be a good idea to implement the trail to mark Ringwood’s 800 years as a chartered market town in 2026.

The report said that an art trail would reconnect people with the history of what the town once was, celebrating the goods that the market sold as well as the town’s connection to the New Forest and the River Avon.

The idea for an art trail came from consultation with 30 students at Ringwood School aged 13-16 during the development of a Vision for the Town as part of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan.

The trail would include sculptures and arches together with information boards and links to online resources. The items within the trail would

encourage people to explore and appreciate the heritage of the town, including its coaching inns, seed merchants and the significance of the Market Place itself.

Recent consultation with students, shopkeepers, shoppers and business owners, as well as two public consultation exhibitions, identified the need to revitalise the historic centre of Ringwood.

The idea for an art trail that might include light installations, themed bunting and flags, as well as sculptures came from a series of workshops conducted with the young people of Ringwood. These workshops were run by a local Urban Design group called SPUD that specialises in engaging young people.

It is estimated it would take 18 months to complete the project which could cost around £250,000.

An Expression of Interest is to be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

On the Town Trail, photo by June Dewin

Faces behind Ringwood businesses

As a thriving and busy market town, Ringwood is known for its weekly Wednesday market, its boutique and modern shops and many cafes, restaurants and pubs in which to socialise.

While regulars to the town will recognise staff who are customerfacing, you may not be so familiar with those offering services in the town. Here we meet a selection of people who can help you with specific requirements.

Have your say on dog-related consultation Over the moon as little donkey returns

When baby donkey, Moon, was stolen from Millers Ark Animals in Hook at just 12 weeks old on 15 May, the story made national headlines and sparked a police investigation.

The story tugged the heartstrings and people across the country were looking out for Moon. Following a tip off, the stolen donkey was located and returned, to the delight of her owners.

Pamela Jessopp, of Millers Ark Animals, said: “We always held out hope but we did wonder if she would be found or not. It is so much down to members of the public, our supporters that have got the word out there and spread it on social media. It’s been a heartfelt story that has caught people’s emotions.”

Residents in the Dorset Council area have until 25 August to have their say on a new dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

This PSPO identifies where, when, and how dogs can use green spaces and beaches and will also cover topics such as fouling and lead length. The current PSPO has been in place since January 2021 and is due to expire at the end of this year.

The PSPO is in place to protect human health. Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, but it is also dangerous. Human contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.

The consultation can be found at https://consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ consultation-and-engagement/proposeddog-related-public-spaces-protectionorde/ or paper copies will be available in Dorset libraries or on request by calling 01305 221000.

The final recommendation for the new PSPO will be considered by Dorset Council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee and Cabinet.

The wound which turned out to be something more

By Cedar Vets

Odey was presented at the practice in May with a small wound on the left-hand side of his chest. His owner was unsure how he sustained his injury. Our vet examined him and clipped the area of hair to clean the area. It was decided that the size and nature of the wound meant that sutures were not necessary. Some pain killers and antibiotics were prescribed.

Four days later, the lesion had turned into an abscess. Further antibiotics were prescribed and it was subsequently decided that Odey should be sedated to allow exploration and flushing of the abscess.

Following sedation, cleaning and flushing, the vet was very surprised to discover a sizeable piece of wood under the skin. After removing the foreign body and flushing the abscess with copious sterile saline, the

Hedgerow survey

Hedgerow survey season is here, and volunteers are needed to take part in a national hedgerow survey.

Between now and October, volunteers are encouraged to healthcheck their local hedgerows by filling in People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) simple survey form. Key features of the hedge are recorded, such as the height, width, structure and what tree species are present.

The data gathered provides instant feedback about how healthy the hedgerow is, enabling PTES’ conservationists to build a nationwide picture how Britain’s hedgerow health is changing over time. It can also start to implement targeted, data driven conservation (alongside the work the charity already does with landowners and the farming community), which is crucial to ensure this iconic and important habitat is preserved. To find out more and to take part, visit: hedgerowsurvey.ptes.org

wound was partially closed and Odey went home to recover.

Thankfully, the abscess healed quickly and Odey was discharged after a recheck appointment with one of our qualified registered veterinary nurses a week later.

It turns out that the small wound was just the tip of the iceberg!

Fordingbridge butcher reopens

After 20 years of attending farmers’ markets across Hampshire, Dorset and into London, when the opportunity to reopen D Price butchers came up, it was too good to miss.

The butchers sells their own beef, pork and lamb from their farm which begins less than a mile away from the shop, with the cattle grazing along the Avon valley and the sheep and pigs just up the hill at Midgham. Raw milk comes directly from their small herd of Channel Island cows, milked each morning. The milk is then chilled before being bottled and stocked in the shop the same day.

Their sheep are outside all year, rotating between fields, and lambing from December through to April in fields next to their house. The beef cattle are all grass fed and, during the winter, are eating hay and silage made on the farm during the summer.

The meat is hung for a minimum of 14 days to try and get the best flavour and texture possible. All of the sausages and burgers are made on site. Over the years, D Price have had success in sausage competitions, including two champions for their beef and sweet chilli sausage, and also their pork and honey sausage.

The shop also stocks a selection of other products either from other farmers’ markets sellers, or from local suppliers wherever possible. Currently, the shop – based at 69 High Street, Foridngbridge – is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8am-5pm, with an 8.45am start on Wednesdays. Orders welcome by calling 01425 652228 or through the D Price Facebook page.

Can chocolate be healthy?

World Chocolate Day took place on 7 July, celebrating one of the nation’s favourite snacks.

Heart Research UK took the opportunity to talk about chocolate and discuss how it can form part of a balanced and heart-healthy diet.

What is chocolate?

Chocolate is made with the cocoa bean which contains substances called polyphenols which contain antioxidants that help protect against heart disease and lower cholesterol. Cocoa beans are processed to make cocoa solids that are used in chocolate. Cocoa solids on their own contain no added sugar and contain some fibre making them heart healthy. However, most chocolate consumed contains lots of added sugar and fat which is not so healthy.

What chocolate is healthiest?

Dark chocolate is the best option as it contains more cocoa solids. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids the better, try to choose ones with 70% cocoa solids or more. Milk and white chocolate are low in cocoa solids and high in fat and sugar.

Enjoy as part of a balanced diet

Chocolate can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet and there is no need to feel guilty for eating it. Swap to a healthier version and consume it in moderation as it is still high in saturated fat and calories which can lead to weight gain and contribute to high cholesterol and heart diseases.

Events

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

18 July 10.30am-12noon

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

19 and 21 July 10am-11.30am

Nature Tots at Kingscombe Visitor Centre, Toller Porcorum. Details https://www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

22 July 10am-12noon

Blandford War on Waste litter pick. Meet at the Mortain (blue) bridge. All equipment supplied.

22 July 7.30pm

Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus Pacific Chorale concert in Salisbury Cathedral. Tickets from www. salisburycathedral.org

25, 26 and 27 July

8am-6.30pm

New Forest & Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst. Book at newforestshow.co.uk

26 July 4pm-8pm

Bee & Honey Festival with North Dorset Beekeepers and Tarrant Valley Gardeners at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston DT11 9JE. Free admission.

26-29 July 7.30pm

Highcliffe Charity Players at St Mark’s Hall, Highcliffe with ‘May the Farce Be With You!’ Tickets at highcliffecharityplayers. com/tickets.php

26-29 July 7.30pm

New Forest Players present Calendar Girls at Ballard School, New Milton. Matinee at 2.30pm Saturday. For tickets call 01425 542414 or newforestplayeers.com

26, 27 and 29 July

The Dorset Opera Festival at Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum. Tickets dorsetopera. com or 07570 366186.

27-30 July

Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle. www.dorset.campbestival. net/tickets/buy-tickets

28-30 July

Poole Harbour Festival at Baiter Park.

29 July 12noon-4pm

MS Care Dorset Summer Fayre, Church Lane, West Parley BH22 8TS. Details: 01202 570300.

29-30 July 11am-6pm

Weymouth Food Festival at Lodmoor Country Park.

29-30 July

Mudeford Arts Festival on Mudeford Quay Green.

29 July-5 August

Swanage Carnival, Swanage Beach, Shore Road.

30 July 1pm

Garden Party at Brackenwood, God’s Blessing Green, Holt, BH21 7DD. In aid of Dorset Cancer Care and Wimborne Scout Group. Contact Fay on 01202 885685.

1 August 10am-1pm

Little Explorers team up with Wimborne Library Summer Reading Challenge, “Ready, Set, Read!” at Museum of East Dorset. £3.50 per child. Museum admission is not included. (Annual pass holders go free)

3 August 1.30pm-3.30pm

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

5-6 August

New Forest Food Festival at Hinton Admiral Estate, Christchurch. Details www. newforestfoodfestival.co.uk

6, 13, 20 and 27 August

2pm-4.30pm

Cream teas by the river at Damerham Village Hall SP6 3HN. In aid of St George’s Church, Damerham.

7 August 10am-12noon

Every Monday drop in for a warm welcome and a free cuppa at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle DT11 7DW. 01258 452075.

7 August 7pm-10pm

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

8, 25 and 29 August

Glow Badbury workshops at Sturminster Marshall, Tarrant Keyneston and Pamphill. To book, please go to: https:// emeraldant.com/glowbadbury/gb-workshops/

9 August 6.30pm-9pm

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

10-14 August

We Out Here festival at Wimborne St Giles. Tickets and more information on weoutherefestival.com.

ringwood ScHool to host youth conFerence

Young people in Ringwood will be joined by peers from around the country when Ringwood School hosts the FREE & EQUAL? National Schools’ Conference 2023 on 13 October.

The conference will be both in-person and online and is open for secondary and sixth form students to attend. This

Summer in dorset

From sport to music, art to cooking, Dorset school children will be able to access holiday clubs, activity sessions and fun days this summer.

year, it will address issues of Gender, Power and Masculinity. The format will be fastpaced, with session of 10 to 15 minutes, and plenty of opportunity for discussion. Sessions are recorded so they can be reused in the classroom after the event. For information, and to book, visit www.freeandequal.co.uk.

FeStival volunteerS needed

The Inside Out Dorset festival will be returning across the county from 15-24 September. Run by charity Activate Performing Arts, the festival relies on volunteers to make it a success. This year, the charity is looking for people in

the following areas: customer services and stewarding; logistics; accessibility; marketing; and participating in specific performances.

If you would like to get involved, email info@ activateperformingarts.org.uk.

Dorset Council is running the sessions for free for children and young people who receive benefit-related

free school meals. A meal is also provided during the day. For those who do not receive free school meals, some sessions are available for a fee. For details and to sign up, visit www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/summer-in-dorset

Call for new ForeSt artists

The charity SPUD and the New Forest National Park Authority have announced the next round of New Forest National Park artist residencies.

The next two residencies

will start in October 2023 and May 2024 and expressions of interest are being invited. For information, go to:

https://www.spud.org.uk/ newforestartistinresidence

Firework cruise around Poole Harbour

What could be nicer on a summer’s evening than a cruise around Poole Harbour?

Diverse Abilities is organising such an event on 24 August, setting sail at 7.30pm.

As well as being able to enjoy views of Studland Bay, Sandbanks Peninsula, and Poole Harbour’s islands, when you return to Poole Quay you will be able to enjoy the firework finale at 10pm.

You’ll be greeted aboard the Purbeck Princess with a glass of prosecco, and have the opportunity to purchase drinks from the on-board bar, and enter a raffle to win a hamper.

Tickets for the threehour cruise are available at diverseabilities.org.uk/fireworks for £25 per adult and £15 per child, with an option to add on a fish and chip supper (or one of the other options) for £8.

iron age history brougHt to life locally Summer activities

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to find out how people lived at Hengistbury Head some 2,000 years ago when a traditional Iron Age roundhouse is built this year.

Funded through a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the three-year initiative – which is part of the Living in the Round project – will include prehistoric activities and re-enactments, such as bronze smelting, kiln building and costume making. Construction of the roundhouse is hoped to start in autumn and it will be built principally by volunteers. It will be situated adjacent to

the Visitor Centre and has received planning permission and Scheduled Ancient Monument consent.

The local community, schools and Bournemouth University are all invited to help with the initial development of the roundhouse, following site examinations from specialist archaeologists.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “Hengistbury Head boasts such rich history and archaeological importance to our area. We hope that this project will help to promote

and reveal this, alongside the need for careful conservation.”

Living in the Round aims to expand on the work of the previous Performing the Past campaign (2019-2022) which trained over 20 volunteers to deliver prehistoric activities and re-enactments.

One of the campaign’s first events will be hosted by Wessex Astronomical Society on Sunday 23 July, with a

demonstration of telescopes and investigating how our ancestors used the night sky to tell stories and plan for the seasons ahead.

Forthcoming events are listed on the Hengistbury Head website and Facebook pages.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email the curator, Hayden Scott-Pratt, for more information: Hengistbury. head@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

The Living in the Round team

Summer activities

memorable moments in tHe new ForeSt

If you’re visiting the New Forest this July, or visited recently, sharing your stories and pictures could win you a prize.

The New Forest National Park is globally important for nature with many rare plants and animals. However, they are under threat from the climate and nature emergencies, and it is hoped sharing experiences in nature will inspire people to take action to protect them.

To take part, post your photo, video, poems or stories to Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook with the hashtag #OurNatureStory, tagging @NewForestNPA.

The best entries will be shown on the New Forest National Park Authority’s social media channels @newforestnpa and at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in July. Everyone who submits a story will be entered into a prize draw on 31 July 2023 to win a £100 online voucher.

Kids go free at dorset muSeum le mans gallery at museum

Children have been able to visit Dorset Museum free of charge – provided they are accompanied by a full-paying adult –at weekends for the last few months, but now that has been extended to anytime throughout the year. In addition, all adult tickets will now allow for unlimited visits for a whole year.

The National Festival of Archaeology runs from 15-30 July, and the museum has a host of events planned to celebrate Dorset’s rich archaeological heritage.

The museum will also be hosting The Natural History Museum’s exhibition ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ from 21 July-29 October.

A new permanent gallery at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu will showcase rarely seen archive photographs from the museum’s collections. The first exhibition will be a special selection depicting the famous Le Mans 24-hour sports car race to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first race.

The ‘In Focus’ gallery houses temporary exhibitions of photographs, artwork, motoring objects and memorabilia.

The Le Mans photographs depict the stages of the famous endurance race, from the start line sprint through to the checkered flag. The exhibition runs until 10 September.

Play and diScover Golf at Somerley

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Somerley Park Golf Club is hosting an Open Day on Saturday 19 August. Golfers of any standard are invited to come and try its delightful golf course set in the beautiful and tranquil parkland surroundings of Somerley House, just outside Ringwood.

This is an invitation for golfers of all abilities, genders and ages, to visit and play nine holes on this challenging woodland and parkland course. Golf is a game for everyone. It’s fun, keeps you fit, reduces stress and gets you outdoors. It’s perfect for catching up with friends, or making new ones.

Somerley Park Golf Club is a very welcoming private members club, with affordable membership fees and a friendly and relaxing clubhouse. Come and play social golf, or get more involved, and take part in club competitions and friendly matches with other nearby clubs.

If you join on Open Day you will receive a fantastic 25% discount on your first year’s subscription.

For further details about this exciting event, visit the website at www.somerleyparkgolfclub.co.uk or contact membership secretary Elaine Royle on 07585 907230.

Children playing with the Pliosaur slide. Pic Fernando Manoso/Dorset Museum

Image from the 1964 Le Mans race

Summer cHallenGe at monkey world

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Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre is challenging your little monkeys to learn all about primate rescue and rehabilitation when they visit the park this summer, with activity sheets to complete. For just £2.50, each challenger will receive a beautiful card to fill with stickers, and a Monkey World pencil. There is a huge list of fun challenges and activities to complete at the park, and those who manage to complete five over the summer period will receive a certificate and be entered into a prize draw. Monkey World is home to over 260 primates, including over 50 chimpanzees, and is Europe’s official crèche for orphaned orangutan infants. Many of the park’s residents have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can now enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and

natural environment.

Combining fun with conservation and animal education, self-guided audio tours explain all about man’s closest living relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest adventure playground.

You can help Monkey World rescue and rehabilitate more primates by adopting a monkey or ape. Adoptive parents receive a year’s pass to the park, a photograph of their adopted primate, certificate, and a magazine three times a year.

Monkey World is just minutes from the A31 near Wool, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm. Book online to save up to 10% off gate prices at www. monkeyworld.org/book-tickets/

Summer activities

GardeninG club to be relauncHed

Wimborne Horticultural Society, which is relaunching as the Wimborne Gardening Club, welcomes members from the novice to the experienced.

The first event to get the club off to a flying start will be an Autumn Show at the Allendale Community Centre on Saturday 9 September. There are classes in vegetables, fruit, flowers, floral art and cookery. Entry forms

will be available from various venues around the town.

The club will meet at the Allendale Community Centre on the first Monday of each month at 7.30pm commencing on Monday 2 October with guest speaker David Ewer from Dorset Coppicing who will talk about the benefits of hazel.

More details are available at www.wimbornegardeningclub. co.uk or contact Tony Beard on 01202 880116.

Summer activities

Children’s summer reading cHallenGe

Children aged four-11 are invited to become involved in the Summer Reading Challenge.

This year it is all about the power of sports and games with books available from Dorset Libraries and online via the challenge website. The challenge characters – brought to life from children’s imagination by a children’s author and illustrator, Loretta Schauer – will navigate their way through a fictional summer obstacle course tracking their reading as they go, getting rewarded by free incentives including stickers.

See www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk for details.

a summer oF tHeatre, flowers and fairy doors at Furzey GardenS

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Deep in the national park, off the beaten track, is nestled the New Forest’s secret garden with a cosy thatched tea room, rare and unusual plants and over 40 tiny fairy doors. There is something for everyone in this special place.

Visit this summer to see the stunning cottage garden flowers and beautiful herbaceous borders. As you explore, discover 25 four-foot fairy doors decorated by local artists on the Artists Fairy Door Trail –running this summer only.

From 5 August, you can enjoy lazy summer evenings watching quality outdoor theatre in the gardens as the West End actors of London Touring Players return to the gardens after two sell out years.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a comic tale of mayhem, misrule and mistaken identity. Expect live music and sizzling tunes for a great evening of family entertainment.

Book tickets: www.furzey-gardens.org

unusual landsCaPe oF KnigHton reServe

By Helena Howton

Having read the article in Viewpoint (June), I decided to visit the new Knighton Nature Reserve near Dorchester.

It was an extremely hot and windy day. On arrival, dust storms created an unusual atmosphere as they swirled across the strangely coloured landscape. It felt like I was on another planet.

The reserve had been hard to locate due to a lack of signs and the turn off itself was marked ‘Landfill site’ so my imagination was already working overtime.

Gazing on the unexpectedly bleak landscape marred by electricity pylons, it looked like a good location for a science fiction film. The lakes contained stunning blue and green waters fragmented by bright green grassy flats. In the distance, new houses seemed to be growing out of the ground and to the right of them was a woodland area.

I followed a deserted path towards the building site and passed a fishing lake incongruously packed with anglers who were not apparent at first glance.

There were also far more birds on the waters than I first thought. Gulls, Coots, Mute Swans, an Oyster Catcher, Tufted Ducks and unidentifiable geese gradually revealed themselves.

A couple of roughly made hides were accessible by foot over ground that was cracked and uneven, like a dried out mudflat, so I was glad of my walking shoes.

The cool and refreshing woodland offered cover from the elements and I followed the bridleways. Once out of the woodland it was a long hike back to the car park. In all, over 7,000 steps, so it was a good workout and the terrain was relatively flat with a few gentle slopes.

The reserve is in its infancy and is sparse in places giving it that other worldly feel. Dogs can run free in ‘Pooch’s Place’ and enjoy the water’s edge.

Despite its first appearance, this nature reserve is inspiring. There were unusual plants and insects and it will be interesting to see how it develops in coming years.

Car parking was free.

Sharing stories for charity

There’s no such thing as slowing down for 83-year-old Robert (or Robbie) Forrester-Addie, who lives in Ringwood.

Charity of the Year

TRIGGER WARNING: This piece discusses C-PTSD symptoms and real-life experience of trauma, please take care when reading and afterwards.

Yoga saved me from PTSD

name withheld to protect identity

“Growing up in an abusive situation at home over many years meant I developed a type of PTSD called Complex PTSD. This can happen when a person is subjected to traumatic events over several years or feels forced to live in a situation which feels extremely unsafe, and they cannot escape.

“During the worst years of my abuse, I suffered a lot with dissociation. I felt very separate from my body. It was safer for me to create a better world in my head to live in than to be, feel and breathe into the body and physical sensations I would experience.

“I was also very distrustful of the world, of my body – I felt broken and different. No matter how good a mask I presented, inside I never felt authentic or real.

“When I was 16, I found yoga. At first, I started practicing with an unhealthier agenda such as focusing on body image; however, I realised as I continued to practice there was a lot more to it than that.

“Traditionally, practicing yoga asana postures coupled with deep breathing can calm the nervous system. Mine, up until this point, was stuck in chronic stress alert – to feel relaxed for the first time in a while and fully present in my body was unusual but it felt amazing.

“It was the start of me being able to really be in my body and make friends with it, rather than hiding in my head for safety. It gave me the chance to take control and become less dissociative as a go-to response in times of real stress.

“This has taken many years of practice to achieve and is a constant ongoing goal.”

Dorset Mind often shares people’s lived experience blogs which can be difficult to read. But it’s vital we do, as it can help people know that they are not alone.

If you need emotional support, call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24/7.

For more info on CPTSD, visit https://www. mind.org.uk/information-support/types-ofmental-health-problems/post-traumaticstress-disorder-ptsd-and-complex-ptsd/ about-ptsd/

Robbie has led an interesting life, working as a cameraman taking research photography for the Ministry of Defence at Boscombe Down from 1958 until 1990.

Over the past five decades, Robbie has undertaken a number of challenges for charity, most recently completing the Race for Life alongside his son Max in June this year for the second time. He has also canoed round the Isle of Wight for the RNLI, climbed Cader Idris for the Wessex Scanner Appeal and, in his 70s, climbed the three main UK peaks. A brush with death brought with it fleeting fame as a parachute jump in aid of a Ringwood charity went wrong. During the tandem jump, the main parachute failed. Thankfully, both

survived, and the terrifying incident was subsequently featured on the television programme ‘Close Calls on Camera.’

Robbie’s fundraising activities haven’t all been high-octane. He is also a talented cartoonist and his fundraising efforts started when he drew cartoon postcards for the RNLI in 1970.

Now well into retirement, Robbie is enjoying sharing stories of his escapades with local clubs and groups, supporting his chosen charities along the way.

Robbie said: “I enjoy giving illustrated talks to clubs. My ‘fees’ for these talks go to Cancer Research UK. I’m donating to them because I’ve had many operations and treatments for skin cancer since 1988.

“While I have huge respect for the NHS, who have treated me so well for 25 years, it’s the clever boffins at Cancer Research UK that are desperate for the money to address the need for new chemistry and treatments to beat all cancers.”

If you would like to book Robbie for a talk, contact him by email at rforresteraddie@btinternet.com or by calling 07507 504045.

Robbie, with Max, at the Race for Life

Life raft cartoon, with proceeds going to the RNLI

Mid-freefall

New Forest cicadas: the elusive, singing insect

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Viewpoint recently received an email from Jackie Sherman, from Christchurch, who wrote: “Recently I have been hearing what sounds like a cicada in my garden in Christchurch.  Could it be the New Forest cicada?”

I was not aware that there were cicadas in the United Kingdom but, having lived in New Zealand for a number of years where the song of cicadas was the soundtrack to summer, my interest was piqued. Is there such a thing as a New Forest cicada and, if so, why did I not know about them?

It didn’t take me long to find an answer. Yes, there is a native cicada in the UK and it is indeed named after our nearest national park. However, even the most frequent of visitors to the New Forest may never had heard one as they are extremely rare and the last confirmed sighting was in the 1990s. A survey by The Species Recovery Trust in 2018 sadly found no signs.

Not only are they limited in numbers, New Forest cicadas, once hatched, stay mainly high up and out of sight, so their song is one of the most effective ways of finding these elusive insects.

Even then, the pitch of the song is at the limits of human hearing and a struggle for most adults to hear, and only occurs in still conditions when the temperature is above 20°.

Cicadas have a long lifecycle.

Their eggs take between 50 and 125 days to hatch, after which the nymph immediately burrow into the ground. There they spend between six and 10 years, growing and feeding on sap from roots, before emerging to spend their last season in the open. The UK’s largest insect, they can grow up to 3cm in length.

Once above ground, they gravitate to south-facing areas where they can make the most of the sun.

Having only ever been found in the New Forest, there are serious concerns about the cicada’s continued existence. Changes to its habitat and the extreme isolation of remaining populations mean there is a high chance the species is now extinct.

Despite this, there is still hope of finding the New Forest cicada once again. Organisations including The Species Recovery Trust, Buglife, the New Forest National Park and Forestry Commission and Southampton University have all undertaken research to try to find cicadas in the past couple of decades.

Perhaps Jackie’s singing insect is a positive sign. I, for one, would be very happy to see them increase in numbers once again.

Sources: buglife.org.uk; The Species Recovery Trust

Social supermarket coming to West Moors

Residents in West Moors, Ferndown, Three Legged Cross, St Ives, St Leonards and Verwood will soon be able to access a social supermarket.

Castleman Community Larder, which will be based in West Moors, is opening this summer, and will help struggling families in the area to gain access to good quality, healthy food.

Unlike a food bank, no referral will be needed and instead the larder will work on a membership basis. Membership is free and, for a charge of £7, members can choose 12 items such as pasta, tins or cereals; three items such as meat, cheese or freezer goods; and unlimited fruit, vegetables and bakery items. Members can shop once a week and only pay when they do so.

Michelle Bennett, from Castleman Community Larder, said: “Castleman Community Larder is a new, not-for-profit community interest company, set up to tackle food poverty and insecurity in the local community.

“We are focused on saving food waste and reducing landfill contributions and have teamed up with the FareShare charity who will be supplying us with surplus stock. If we can help 50 families across the area receive approximately 3.5kg of food per week that would otherwise be deemed as surplus, this would mean 9.1 tonnes of good quality food will be diverted to struggling households and saved from landfill every year.”

Organisers have the support of local councils, and are working together with businesses and charity organisations – including existing community fridges – to make the larder a reality. Volunteers will be required and anyone wanting to help should visit the Facebook page @Castleman Community Larder. Anyone with donations of food should still take them to the Sharing Shed at St Mary’s Church.

Help needed for Jubilee Copse

West Moors Town Council is calling on local young people to lend a hand to care for a special part of the town.

Recently, a number of people including Cllr Mrs Penny Yeo, Mrs Rosie Brown (West Moors Youth Club treasurer), local residents Dee Elston and Malcolm Adam, clerk Judi Weedon and her husband Baz, and assistant

to the clerk, Amie Fawcett, spent a couple of hours working on the copse behind the skate park where an avenue of trees were planted last year.

However, they need more assistance in the future to care for the Jubilee Copse.

If you can help contact the council office at 4, Park Way, or phone 01202 861044.

New Forest cicada © Jaroslav Maly

Drought-resistant gardening

With the likelihood of dry conditions increasing, more UK gardeners are considering xeriscaping –gardening with dry weather and drought in mind. Here are some things you can do to keep your garden healthy in hot weather.

Dig in organic matter

Organic matter dug into soil helps it retain more water. Ideal types include mushroom compost, composted bark, farmyard manure and well-rotted garden compost. Dig this into the ground deeply; around 10cm should do it.

Pre-soak plants

Before replanting, soak plants in their pots in a few inches of water until bubbles stop rising – usually 15 to 20 minutes. This allows your plant’s roots to soak up as much water as possible before they go in their new home.

Use mulch

Mulching keeps soil cool in the sun. Lay 5-8cm of either compost, straw or mulch, covered by gravel after planting. The retained moisture will be available for roots during the crucial growing period.

Water plants when small Plant small specimens, water them until they are established and then wean them off water. Once they well-established, they will become much more resistant to dry spells.

Weed regularly

Weeds can deprive your plants of crucial water. Weed about once a week, as younger and less developed weeds will be much easier to pull out.

Choose drought-resistant plants

Some plants that need less water than others. These include: those with broad leaves, succulents, plants with furry leaves and deep rooted plants. Choose these types of plants to make the most of the water in your garden.

Stunning bathrooms designed with you in mind

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For a bathroom perfectly designed to meet your exact needs, look no further than Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd.

A family owned and run business based in Verwood, with more than 25 years of experience, Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd works with quality manufacturers to design and install bathrooms to the highest standards in craftsmanship, ensuring a professional finish.

Whether you want a traditional, luxurious bathroom, or would prefer a modern wetroom, or have specific mobility needs, Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd provides a service tailored to your requirements and budget.

The process from consultation is deliberately simple. Firstly, Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd will hold a design consultation to discuss your ideas, and then undertake a survey and measure your bathroom. Your designs are then developed using 3D design visualisation, so you can see how the finished room will look.

Once you have signed off on the design, Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd will project manage the entire installation from start to finish, so you end up with the dream bathroom you’ve always wanted. Most projects are completed within five days.

Final payment is only due once your bathroom has been installed and you are completely satisfied. All work is guaranteed.

Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd also specialises in bathroom repairs, making sure your bathroom stays watertight and looks great.

Unique Bathrooms (Dorset) Ltd serves customers in Dorset, Ringwood, the New Forest and surrounding areas. To find out more, visit www.unique-bathrooms-dorset.co.uk

Summer jobs around the home

As you bask in the summer sun, the last thing you’ll want to be thinking about is the winter drawing in. However, if you don’t do simple maintenance checks while you have the opportunity, you may just end up kicking yourself.

You’ll want to know your home is weatherproof, warm and dry for the winter, and it’s best to check before the seasons change. The first line of resistance is your roof. Make sure your gutters are cleared — if blocked, water can seep into your wall, causing damp and mould.

You’ll also need to check your chimney is structurally sound and watertight, and that there are no missing or damaged tiles on your roof. You may be able to do this from the ground. If you plan to use a ladder, make sure it is safely positioned before climbing up. Don’t be tempted to make repairs yourself if you are not completely sure what you are doing as you could cause more damage. Instead, consider hiring a professional.

Once you’re satisfied your home is dry, you’ll want to make sure it is warm. Now is the time to get your boiler serviced, before any heating is needed, and if you use your chimney, make sure it is swept before you light your first winter fire. This will ensure there are no fire hazards such as excess soot in the flue or birds’ nests in your chimney.

Make these simple checks part of your home maintenance schedule each summer and you can rest assured that your home will protect you the next winter.

VINTAGE BOOKS

Fun and friendship

Thanks to a generous grant from the Verwood Solar Farm Trust, 64 elderly members from the Verwood Friendship Club, plus some volunteer helpers, were able to enjoy a delicious cream tea with stunning views over the River Stour at a significantly reduced cost on 22 June.

Whilst we normally give advanced details of the four outings we arrange during the summer, we deliberately kept the identity of this particular venue secret, advertising it instead as a special ‘mystery trip’, so you can imagine the surprise and thrill they had when they realised where they were and saw the view of the river alongside.

The weather was also perfect enabling many of our group to also take advantage of being able to sit on the terrace outside. The staff were exceptionally helpful and attentive thus ensuring that we all had a truly amazing time which we will remember for a very long time.

Although most travelled to and from Verwood on a coach, the Ferndown Arthritis Club also kindly provided a mini-bus together with an extremely helpful driver for those who find it difficult to access a normal coach.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

Delve into Digital

In this age of online everything, it can be very daunting if, like me, you are not quite as savvy or as confident as you think you should be when working online. Do not despair! Help is at hand from the teams of able volunteers based in our Dorset County Libraries who give one-to-one instruction to get over the whole range of computer confusion, from the basics to the specifics. As more aspects of living move online there is a genuine danger that some citizens, old and not so old, will become isolated and miss out on services and entitlements through the lack of computer skills.

Do not delay, enrol today for a lesson or two with your friendly neighbourhood computer whiz like I did, get to know your way around a website and be IT terrified no longer.

Lessons are booked through your local Dorset County Library and are free.

Sheila Chapman

email

The Verwood Friendship Club (formerly the Verwood Disabled Club) has been in existence for over 30 years and provides companionship and entertainment for the elderly in and around Verwood, especially those who find themselves lonely and not being able to go out as much as they would like. We meet monthly at the Verwood Memorial Hall opposite the Heritage Centre.

Anyone interested to know more about our club or who would like to offer help in some way can contact either myself or Lesley, our events and transport organiser, on 01202 827457.

Richard Ralph Chairman, Verwood Friendship Club

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 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.

Road safety competition for young people

Achieve legend status as a die-cast toy

If you have a unique and spectacular vehicle, you could see it made into a Hot Wheels™ die-cast toy.

Entries are open for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour competition. To enter, all you need to do is upload a short video and brief description of your build, highlighting its creativity, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’. Vehicles can be new or classic, road or track, with the winner entering the hallowed Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and securing a firm

claim to fame in popular car culture history.

The UK final will take place at RADwood at Bicester Heritage on 2 September, where 10 finalists will be assessed by a panel of expert judges. The winning entry will be recreated as a Hot Wheels™ toy and will go on to face winners from almost 20 other countries in a Grand Final in the USA in November.

Enter at www. hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk before 4 August 2023.

Bus lane fines could increase

Drivers have been warned they could soon see an increase in fines for driving in bus lanes as councils begin to crack down on motorists driving illegally.

Hampshire County Council is one of a number of councils considering increasing the penalty for drivers using bus lanes from £20 to £150.

Many drivers are unaware of the rules surrounding bus lanes, causing them to receive

costly unexpected fines. Even driving in a bus lane for a few seconds by accident could still see motorists issued with a fine from the local council.

All bus lanes in the UK have blue signs to show their times of operation, during which only buses can use the lanes. If there are no times or dates displayed on the sign, the bus lane cannot be used at any time.

Young people have until 31 July to enter Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety competition.

Youngsters aged nine to 16 are invited to design a poster, social media image or animation that can be used to spread awareness of the risks of pedestrian distraction.

Sadly, more than 100 young people aged 11-19 were seriously injured as pedestrians on Dorset roads last year, more than any other age group. Failing to look properly before crossing the road and drivers failing to see pedestrians were the top causes.

There are two age categories – 9-12 years old and 13-16 years old. Shortlisted designs will be shared on social media by @ dwfrsroadsafety throughout August, and the winners will

be announced in September.

Full details of the competition can be found at www.dwfire. org.uk/dorset-roadsafety-competition

Transform your outdoor space with a garden pergola

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When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor living space, few things match the beauty and practicality of a pergola.

Poole-based shading specialists, Broadview, run through the various factors to consider when choosing a pergola for your garden.

Before you start looking at models and designs, it’s a good idea to think about what you’ll use your pergola for. If you plan to use your pergola for entertaining, you’ll need to make sure it’s large enough to accommodate you, your guests, and any necessary furniture. Or, if you’re creating a small, intimate seating area, a smaller pergola will work perfectly. They can be freestanding or attached to your home.

Your pergola will be a major

focal point in your garden, so it’s important to nail down its design. Broadview’s aluminium pergolas are manufactured in Belgium by market leader Brustor and there are plenty of models to choose with differing features such as optional LED lighting, rain sensors and integrated heaters.

You’ll likely be spending a lot of time in your pergola, so make it as comfortable as possible by choosing the right furniture. If you’d like to use your pergola for outdoor cooking and entertaining, consider adding an outdoor kitchen, BBQ or drinks fridge. With expert installation and design included in Broadview’s service, you can be confident that your pergola will be built to the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship.

They have installed pergolas in gardens of all shapes and sizes, and are happy to recommend one that will suit your outdoor space perfectly.

Ready to create your dream outdoor living space? Get a quote online at www. broadview.co.uk or call them on 01202 679012.