VIEWPOINT
Volume 48 • Issue 10 • August 2024
Dear Readers!
Of necessity, I am always working ahead to prepare the listings for our magazines, but the downside is that I embrace new seasons ahead of time. For instance, in this issue I have been looking ahead to September, which is the start of the autumn programme for our very many local clubs and societies. They too will have planned their activities and speakers for the following six months at least.
However, it’s not as bad as writing for national magazines when you are producing articles for the summer while shivering in your office in February.
At Viewpoint and Dorset View Magazines, we are working on the January edition before Christmas, so we deal with articles informing people about how to dispose of Christmas trees instead of writing about their decoration!
We have had some wonderful events in our circulation area already this year with the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, The Shake and Stir Festival, Ferndown Fete on the Field, Westival and the Battle for Wimborne having all attracted huge crowds and provided a wide variety of entertainment for all ages.
And there are more events to come with agricultural and flower shows, the Wimborne Duck Race, Wimborne Militia’s 25th anniversary, Wimborne Food Festival, Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival and Ringwood Carnival to name just a few.
They all take a huge amount of organising and the vagaries of the English climate must always be taken into consideration for outdoor events with contingency plans for inside if it is too wet.
So do enjoy August and hopefully you will be able to take time to sit in the sun reading Viewpoint, your favourite local magazine.
And make sure you send us details of your events in plenty of time. See page 34 for listings.
Marilyn Barber
The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine
VIEWPOINT
Ben Pulford managing director
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Louis Pulford creative director louis@brightboxdesigns.co.uk
Janine Pulford director janine@dorsetview.co.uk
Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
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Jecs Davies journalist & social media creator jecs@dorsetview.co.uk
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Where’s my mama? A baby pigeon awaits feeding above The Square in Wimborne © Viewpoint Magazine
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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
News editor
‘Life-threatening’ risk: Dorset and Wilts could lose up to 8 fire engines
Residents have warned of a “lifethreatening change” following reports that Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) could remove as many as eight fire appliances from stations across the area.
In July, the Fire Brigades Union claimed that DWFRS has proposed axing the frontline appliances to save money. According to reports, fire stations that may lose an engine include Wimborne, Poole, Wareham, Portland, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne and two in Wiltshire.
Losing these engines could severely reduce the ability of firefighters to respond to emergencies, warn residents. In a letter to Viewpoint Magazine, Anthony Oliver and Chris Brown, Honorary Freemen of Wimborne Minster, expressed their fears.
They said: “The Wimborne Station answers around 400 calls a year and they do a lot of joint calls with Poole, so it will certainly affect fire cover in this area.
“Fires are not the only thing they attend but also the many vehicle accidents that occur on our overcrowded roads. There are almost daily accidents on the A31 in East Dorset and frequent serious injury or fatal collisions that the Fire and Rescue Service attend.
“This is a serious and lifethreatening change we should all be concerned about.”
When contacted by Viewpoint Magazine, DWFRS did not deny the claims but did not confirm how many engines will be removed or from which stations.
In a statement, a spokesperson for DWFRS said: “Following a comprehensive fire cover review, we are looking at the position, the number and type of our resources to make sure these meet the changing risk profile across our Service area.
“Fundamental to the fire cover review is maintaining, and where we can, improving our response to emergency incidents, continuing to be there when our communities need us.”
Read Anthony and Chris’s letter in full on page 45.
The Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery, a charity which fundraises and provides support to the local surgery, set up a tombola stand at Fordingbridge Festival on 20 July. The stand, pictured with Friends’ Trustee Andy Wilson, proved successful and sold all its tickets, raising a grand total of £212. To find out more about the charity or to get involved, contact Friends’ Secretary Judy Poore via email: fofs.ppg@gmail.com.
© Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Over £1k raised so far in memory of Dorset businessman Peter Douch
Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors have raised more than £1,100 for charity to honour the memory of its former chairman Peter Douch, who died last year.
The money raised will go to the Rotary clubs of Wimborne and Gros Islet on the Caribbean Island of St Lucia, where Peter’s wife Josephine is from and where she and Peter had a home.
Two fundraising events have accounted for most of the money collected.
The first was an open day at Pelhams Bowls Club on 3 July. The ‘Roll for a Cause’ afternoon in Bournemouth was attended by nearly 100 people.
The second event was a sponsored walk by the funeral director’s community engagement manager Emma Regan to the summit of Mount Snowdon.
Nick Douch, managing director of the business, said: “Losing my father last year was devastating for the family and the business.
“He was very active in the Rotary clubs here and in St Lucia so we decided to make the clubs our ‘charity of the year’.
“The staff have really got involved and the two main events so far have raised plenty of money – and we have more fundraisers planned.”
Nick Douch, centre, rear, at Pelhams Bowls Club’s ‘Roll for a Cause’ fundraiser
Wimborne’s first Mayoral Walk
The first guided walk around Wimborne Minster on 21 July was a success, attracting 65 people and raising £132.50 for charity.
The Mayoral Walks are a new initiative from Cllr Jeff Hart, Wimborne’s town mayor. Led by local experts, the walks offer an informative journey through the history and culture of the town.
Mayor Hart said July’s inaugural walk was a “delight”. He added: “Malcolm Angel led the tour with passion and energy. Everyone learned more about our wonderful town, and we collected £132.50 for the Mayor’s charities: Planet Wimborne and Friends of Victoria Hospital.”
The Mayoral Walks are scheduled to take place on 18 August, 22 September, 20 October, 24 November, 8 December 2024 and then 26 January, 16 February, 23 March and 20 April next year. The walks start at 11am from the Square, and last approximately one hour. There is no need to book and they are free of charge, but donations to the Mayor’s nominated charities are gratefully received.
Malcolm Angel led the first walk. Photo by Gary Mason WMTC
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall, Justsocaricatures.co.uk
Five Green Flag Awards for Dorset
Avon Heath Country Park at St Leonards, just outside Ringwood, is one of Dorset Council’s five country parks to receive the Green Flag Award this year.
The others are Stour Meadows and Milldown in Blandford, Durlston Country Park in Swanage, and Thorncombe Wood, Black Heath and Hardy’s Birthplace sites, which are in the Dorchester area.
Durlston Country Park also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management and promotion of its historic features.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is crucial for our mental and physical well-being, it also gives us a chance to meet new people and helps reduce loneliness.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”
A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available on the Green Flag website.
Children at play at Durlston
Residents of Colten Care’s Fernhill care home enjoyed a taste of the Philippines at the Filipino Barrio Fiesta in Bournemouth in July. The community event was one of a series of fiestas staged across the UK this summer to mark the 126th anniversary of the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898. Fernhill residents June Welford, Anne Osbourne and Kiki Tormey (pictured centre-left to centre-right) met dancers Grace Maidment and Miezy Reynolds (pictured far left and far right) in traditional Filipino costume. The visit was a chance for Miezy, who is also a member of the Fernhill care home’s companionship team, to share a bit of her culture with the residents.
New hope dawns for Wimborne leisure centre
Dorset Council is going to take another look at the decision to close the Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre (QELC) in Wimborne.
The centre has been closed to the public since the end of March after the previous Council decided to stop running it and withdrew funding.
However, the new administration – the Liberal Democrats took control of the Council from the Conservatives during the May local elections – has promised to revisit the decision following a Council Meeting on 18 July.
During the meeting, local campaigners presented a petition with around 7,000 signatures calling for the leisure centre to be re-opened.
Members of the public also submitted questions to the Council, asking how it would address issues such as the impact on disabled and elderly people caused by the closure of the QELC, or the increase in road use and emissions resulting from
locals needing to travel to other leisure centres in the area.
In one question, Hannah Small said the closure had a negative impact on Wimborne’s disabled population. She said: “There is no replacement service of the same accessibility and quality within a reasonable and affordable distance of QELC, and no rural public transport links for those who cannot drive due to ill health.”
Councillors voted to refer the matter to the next cabinet meeting in September. Lib Dem Council Leader Nick Ireland promised to commission a fresh report on the decision. He said: “This won’t be a rubber-stamping exercise of the previous decision – we are a new administration.
“We will be asking the officers to produce a new report, not a rehash of the old one.”
Farmers warned to watch out for power lines
National Grid has warned Dorset farmers to “look out, look up” and stay safe around electrical equipment.
The operator of the country’s power network issued the plea during Farm Safety Week from 22 to 26 July.
National Grid said that every year it is called to incidents where farm vehicles have collided with overhead power lines. It estimates that at least one agricultural accident involving overhead lines is reported every day in the UK.
In one incident, a farmer near Whimple in Devon hit an electricity line pole with his tractor, dragging it until it came down on top of the vehicle and penetrated the cab roof. Fortunately, the driver escaped uninjured.
With farm machinery increasing in size, National Grid warns that accidents could become more likely.
Paul Woodward, safety manager for National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Accidents involving the electricity supply can have devastating consequences, so it’s really important that farmers ‘look out’ and ‘look up’ – particularly when working with big or heavy machinery.”
A Devon farmer dodged injury after knocking down an electricity pole
Dorset in the top 10 for safety Police seize £100,000 of drugs
Dorset Police officers arrested four people and seized three vehicles, plus a drug stash worth £100,000, while conducting road safety checks on 17 July.
With Dorset’s roads being busier in the summer with the increase in visitors and holidaymakers, police took part in Operation Spotlight, a national initiative aiming to prevent road collisions and casualties by targeting drivers ignoring traffic laws.
Sergeant David Cotterill of Dorset’s Roads Policing Team said: “As part of this targeted operation, our officers identified a drug driver who was also found to be in possession of drugs with intent to supply. Following a stop-check and search of
premises, we seized cash and drugs with an estimated street value of £100,000.”
Other offences discovered during the operation included two motorists arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, one driver arrested for immigration offences who also didn’t have a valid driving licence or insurance, and three drivers using a mobile phone at the wheel.
Sergeant Cotterill added: “We hope that these results reiterate the importance of roads policing to our communities and
reassures people living and working in Dorset that we’re committed to removing criminals and dangerous drivers from our roads.”
Officers will continue to carry out targeted operations across Dorset throughout the summer.
New crime stats released by the Office for National Statistics in July revealed that Dorset remains in the top 10 safest areas in England.
According to the ONS, overall crime dropped by 3.1 per cent between April 2023 to March 2024. During that time period, the number of sexual offence reports decreased by 7.8 per cent, compared to a 2.9 per cent reduction seen across the country. Violence with injury fell by four per cent, against a national average drop of 3.1 per cent. And vehicles offences reduced by nearly 12 per cent, almost double the national decrease of 6.3 per cent.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “These latest results contain some positive figures, and I am pleased to see another overall reduction in crime in Dorset. We are a safe county, and these figures prove the work being carried out by the Force alongside my office is delivering positive outcomes in many areas.”
Officers from Dorset’s Roads Policing Team © Dorset Police
An officer tests for traces of drug residue
Victims can now talk to police via video
Dorset Police have launched Enhanced Video Response, allowing victims of crime to choose to speak to an officer over video rather than seeing them in person, reports Viewpoint Magazine.
Where there is no immediate threat, risk or harm requiring officers to attend in person, victims will be given the choice of speaking to an officer over live video. The police stress that seeing an officer in person will always be an option.
The service is intended to give the public more ways to engage with the police and to help those who may feel uncomfortable with a stranger in their home or a police car outside their house.
The launch by Dorset Police comes after a fourmonth trial of the initiative last summer, where 89 per cent of victims who took part said they would recommend the service to others.
The Force reports that for incidents managed by Enhanced Video Response: the number of crimes resulting in an arrest or
formal suspect interview were almost four times higher; the number of crimes seeing a positive outcome, such as an offender being charged or given a caution, were over three times higher; and the number of victims who withdraw their support for a prosecution halved, resulting in more offenders being brought to justice.
Dorset Police also claim Enhanced Video Response is more efficient, helping to cut carbon emissions and costs related to vehicle fuel and maintenance.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick welcomed the launch of the service. He said: “Initiatives such as this are key to delivering a victim-led approach which offers people a modernday choice as to how they engage with officers.”
An officer speaks to a crime victim via video © Dorset Police
Redknapp opens new stand at Holt United FC
Local legend Harry Redknapp made a special appearance at Holt United Football Club to officially open a new supporters’ stand on 13 July.
The club, based at Gaunts Common, Wimborne, held a grand celebration as Redknapp cut the ribbon on the new stand sponsored by Pennyfarthing Homes.
The football pundit and former Premier League manager said: “I am a huge supporter of local football,
and it is a pleasure to be here today to mark the opening of this new stand.
“Football clubs like these could not survive and thrive without the support of companies like Pennyfarthing Homes and I give them full credit for funding and building this with Brooklyn Homes for Holt United.”
Following the ribbon cutting, the adult men’s team competed against their local rivals from Bashley
Bournemouth hotel wins Employer of the Year award
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Bournemouth’s renowned Marsham Court Hotel has been honoured with the prestigious Gregory De La Peña-Hall FIH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Employer of the Year Award by the Institute of Hospitality. The award ceremony took place at the Honourable Artillery Company headquarters in London on 17 June 2024.
The Marsham Court Hotel has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity within the hospitality
industry. The hotel has made significant strides, with approximately 14 per cent of its team having a recognised or registered disability. This award celebrates employers in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism sectors who demonstrate outstanding dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and highlights how these practices positively impact both the business and the broader industry.
Sibling owners Rosie Radwell (managing director), James Dixon-Box (operations
ending in a 2-2 draw.
Holt United FC was formed in 1966 and has grown to 21 thriving youth teams, coaching boys and girls from as young as five. The club also provides football training and summer camps.
“The new Terry Bradford stand is beyond our expectations,” said Lee
Bradford. “My father started Holt United with a lawnmower and a hosepipe as a shower so we can see what a long way the club has come over the past 58 years.”
He added: “On behalf of the entire club, I extend a huge thank you to Harry for giving up his precious time on a Saturday to come and be with us.”
director) and Russell DixonBox (finance director) proudly represented the Marsham Court Hotel at the awards event.
James expressed their elation and said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. It is a testament to our dedication and commitment in this area.
“As an independent business, we are passionate about inclusivity and accessibility for all, and it features in every decision made for the hotel and our team.”
Owned and operated by the
same family for 37 years, the four-star Marsham Court Hotel offers stylish accommodations and flexible meeting and event spaces, as well as an outdoor pool and outstanding accessible facilities. Located on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, the hotel boasts enviable sea views and features a Changing Places toilet and shower, sensory room, profiling beds, removable ceiling hoists, and an I-swim pool hoist. Full video tours of the hotel’s facilities are available on their website: marshamcourthotel.co.uk
The hotel has a Changing Places bathroom designed for people with disabilities
The hotel has been recognised for its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity
Charity of the Year
A ‘green’ day out for hospice care patients
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care patients enjoyed a day out at Stewarts Garden Centre in Christchurch.
The trip was made possible by Stewarts Garden Centre who showed their continuing support to their nominated charity of the year. Care home provider Care South also lent the charity their minibus to transport the patients and clinical staff.
Four patients, accompanied by the hospice’s nurses Amy and Helen, enjoyed a leisurely browse around the retail area, followed by a visit to the café for lunch.
Patient Joyce shared her feelings about the outing and said: “As you get older, you spend more time alone, and it is very difficult making friends. Everyone at Lewis-Manning is so friendly and kind, and coming here today has helped me make new friends. It’s been
a wonderful day which I’d been looking forward to so much.”
Another patient, Josie, expressed her excitement. She said: “When you don’t have transport, it is very hard to get out. It is my first time coming to Stewarts Garden Centre and I am very excited to be here today. It is excellent that they support the charity.”
Amy Stewart, marketing
manager at Stewarts Garden Centres, said: “We have a fantastic partnership with LewisManning Hospice Care and it’s been a privilege for our team to be able to host them today. We are honoured to act as a hub for community groups such as the hospice. We love working alongside this great charity to help them raise money, and after six months of working with
them, we can see why they are such a valued and vital charity in our local community.”
Hospice CEO Clare Gallie added: “This day out exemplifies the compassionate and supportive community we strive to build at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, and we are immensely grateful to Stewarts Garden Centres and Care South for their continued support.”
Skydive hero
for a
Viewpoint's Louis Pulford meets hospice nurse Angie
I recently decided to take a leap and committed to doing a 10,000ft skydive in support of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, our charity of the year.
The goal of this exciting event is for each jumper to raise £450 in support of a hospice nurse, so I thought it would be a nice idea for our readers to get to know a little about Angie who is the reason behind my skydive.
I recently met Angie whose working week is a mix between running the LewisManning Day Hospice and visiting patients at home to carry out assessments and asked her some questions:
Q. What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
A. Assisting people to live their lives in the best way possible, listening to their wishes, and being beside them to help overcome any obstacles and difficulties. The people I work with and the people I care for and their families and friends inspire me. I love working
within a team. The LewisManning Hospice Care Team are fantastic to work with. They care so much about our patients but also, we care about each other too.
Q. Can you give a high point in your career?
A. There have been so many that I can’t pinpoint just one.
Working at Lewis-Manning is amazing, and I feel privileged to be able to treat patients with such time and care. I feel so lucky to have had such an interesting career, with so much variety including working overseas and making very special lifelong friends. I have been a Registered Nurse for too many years to admit to. In that time, I have met many extraordinary people who have lived very difficult lives with such dignity, love and humour.
Alastair Ward has been appointed Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club president until June 2025. He is pictured right welcoming Chris Shehan, who has been appointed first vice president. Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club is one of 46,000 clubs operating worldwide. Anyone can join as a volunteer. Find out more at www.randflions.org.uk or call on 0345 833 5819.
Q. How do you tackle day-to-day challenges?
A. Keep calm and prioritise what needs to be done first.
Q. How do you decompress at the end of the day?
A. With support, listening, advice and lemon cake with my Lewis-Manning colleagues.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Playing the piano and ukulele – badly. Have you heard of playing the right notes but not necessarily in the right order?
Q. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become a hospice nurse?
A. I would say gain some general experience first in a variety of places. I knew I wanted to work for LewisManning because I was so impressed with their ethos. So, there we have a bit of background about the lovely Angie.
If you would like to donate to help me raise £450 for this day-to-day hero, follow the link to my donation page www.justgiving.com/page/louispulford-1720426098624
West Moors hairdresser moving to new location
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West Moors salon Station Hair is excited to announce that, after nine years, it is moving to a brand-new location at 146 Station Road in September.
The expansion will allow Station Hair to offer lots of new treatments and services, including facials, lashes and brows, waxing, microneedling, sun beds, aesthetics, skin boosters, ear piercings and hair extensions.
The team is really thrilled and cannot wait to move to the new salon.
Station Hair’s Jazz said: “We’ve been in our little salon since we opened in 2015. We get so busy, and it can get so full in here. We’re ready to have a bit more space.”
Describing the team, Jazz added: “It’s more like family here. We’re a really tight-knit team and very bubbly.”
To celebrate the move, Station Hair is having an opening day with drinks and gift bags on Monday 2 September before opening for business the next day.
To book a treatment with the warm, welcoming team at Station Hair, call 01202 895394 or visit www.stationhair.co.uk.
Images © Viewpoint
Get ready for the Verwood Rustic Fayre
By Louisa Hiscock, Verwood Rotary Club
The new Rotary year started in July and our club was delighted to welcome Peter Campbell as our new President for 2024-2025.
Peter has chosen the Helix Day Centre in Verwood as his charity, supporting young adults with differing needs. Peter has lots of plans for fundraising events over the year and we look forward to sharing more details about all of these soon.
This month, everyone is focused on our upcoming Rustic Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday at Potterne Park. We are really looking forward to hosting this great family event in Verwood for the local community again. Look out for details of a very special guest to open the fayre at 12noon.
All the old favourites and new attractions will be there. This includes a variety of acts in the arena throughout the afternoon to sit and enjoy or take part in, such as a drum band, taekwondo show and a birds of prey demonstration. You will also find a wide range of stalls, live musical performances, crafts, children’s activities, beer tent and food stalls.
The popular classic cars display will be there to wander around and later in the afternoon you can watch the hotly contested duck race set off, with the opportunity to buy your own duck to take part. Please put the date in your diary and we will see you there!
If you would like to help as a volunteer on the day, do contact Vern Harris on 07707 074240. We would love to hear from you. See the full preview for the Rustic Faye on page 36.
Highlights from last year’s Rustic Fayre © Derek Maidment
Hector the Hub Hound travelled from the Verwood Hub to Morrisons recently to help publicise events at the Hub. He picked up a pack of food from Jenny Cook, community champion, to donate and help tackle food poverty and holiday hunger.
verwood news
NEWS
IN BRIEF
New homes for Verwood
Dorset Council has granted planning permission for Pennyfarthing Homes to build 38 new properties at the Potters Wood development in Verwood. Construction will begin later this year. This will bring the total number of homes in the scheme to 268.
Join Verwood Choral Society
Verwood Choral Society held a concert recently which raised £750 for Macmillan Caring at Home. If you love singing and are interested in joining this friendly group, while raising money for local causes, do go along – no auditions required. The society rehearses on Monday evenings between 7pm and 8.30pm at St Michael’s Church, Verwood. E-mail casampson@tiscali.co.uk or come along from 9 September which is when they start to prepare for their Christmas Concert in aid of another worthy charity.
Recycle medicine blister packs
You can recycle medicine blister packs as well as Brita water filters, mobile phones, iPads, foreign currency and more at the pop-up recycling surgery at Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre on the first Saturday of every month from 9.30-10.30am.
Volunteer dog walkers needed
The Cinnamon Trust, a national charity that supports the elderly and terminally ill and their pets, is appealing for volunteer dog walkers in Verwood. These volunteers help keep owners and their pets together. If you can spare an hour a week to walk a dog for a housebound owner, please call Sally on 01736 758707 or email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk
Good Neighbours can help
If you are over 50 and live in Verwood without your own transport and find it difficult to get to the dentist, doctor’s surgery or hospital, Good Neighbours can help for a small cash or cheque donation. Drivers are CRB checked and volunteers are always required. Call 07593 373580, manned 10am to 12noon. Normally four days’ notice is required.
Meet your local police officers
Verwood residents are invited to come and see their Neighbourhood Policing Team. The officers will be available at the town’s Morrisions on Tuesday 20 August at 3pm and on Thursday 26 September at 5pm.
‘Thatch’ entertainment
Members of Verwood Friendship Club were treated to an illustrated talk about thatching on Thursday 11 July. Retired thatcher Graham Cook shared his knowledge on the history of the craft and the tools and materials used to make and repair thatched roofs. Verwood Friendship Club is a social group for the more elderly residents of the area. It meets on the second Thursday of each month from 2.15-4.15pm. Call 01202 827457 for details.
The benefits of shutters
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Have you ever considered getting window shutters for your home? Here are some reasons why you should:
Keep cool with shutters – Shading your rooms from sunrays, shutters provide complete control of light intensity and direction of glare. Tilting sections of louvres to your liking will allow a cool breeze and the ability to fine-tune the amount of light that enters your home. Energy efficient – Shutters are effective insulation against the summer heat and winter chills. They are an eco-friendly and sustainable way to help keep indoor spaces at an optimum temperature all year round.
Privacy and Security – The perfect solution to see out without being seen. Excellent for privacy and an effective security measure. A great deterrent for outsiders, without affecting your lighting and ventilation.
Long lasting – Shutters are a versatile and smart long-term investment for your property. Suiting every style and adaptable to changes in decor. They award your home with timeless elegance, transforming rooms and enhancing kerb appeal.
Take a test for prostate cancer
Men aged over 40 in Dorset are urged to take a free blood test to check for prostate cancer. It could save your life.
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club and the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust are organising screenings on Saturday 7 September at The Barrington Centre in Ferndown. Appointments are available
between 9am and 2.30pm. Attendees will take a PSA test, which can indicate a possible prostate issue. To book a free test, visit gfct. mypsatests.org.uk or scan the QR code.
Improve balance, flexibility and fitness
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Are you finding your balance, flexibility and fitness are not what they used to be but are unsure what to do about it?
You should check out Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown. It’s a fitness club with a difference that offers personalised exercise programmes and as much help and guidance as you need from approachable, knowledgeable staff.
They now also offer a great selection of classes including Yoga, Chair Yoga, Balance Classes, Flexibility & Stretch Classes as well as Aerobic Classes to help with fitness. They can really help you get moving again and get back into exercise at your own pace, so why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to have a chat or book a free guest visit.
Have you claimed your free support?
If you are looking to manage your weight, quit smoking, cut down on your drinking or get more active – have you tried LiveWell Dorset?
LiveWell is a free service for Dorset adults – there is no membership, no catch. Part of Public Health Dorset, LiveWell is dedicated to supporting people to live healthier lives. Even small changes to your lifestyle can have a big impact on your long-term health.
It’s easy to register by phone or online and takes just a few minutes. You choose the goal you would like to focus on and a LiveWell advisor will talk about your current lifestyle, look at the options to support a healthy change and help you make a plan.
This could be 12 free weekly sessions with a local slimming club, a quit kit with free nicotine replacement or a vape, an activity plan to get you moving more or perhaps six sessions with your very own LiveWell coach.
Having professional help can increase your chance of success, keeping you on track, plus the reassurance of knowing you don’t have to face any problems or barriers alone – help is always on hand. Sign up at livewelldorset.co.uk/ register or call 0800 840 1628.
Healthwatch Dorset tackles local issues
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Healthwatch Dorset has tackled a number of local concerns over the past year with its recent report highlighting four areas in which health and social care has been improved. Following feedback from the public and front-line staff, patients’ access to urgent and emergency care has been improved. There is ongoing
work to redesign urgent care in the county, including enabling GPs to book patients directly into urgent care services, and a public communications plan is being developed to address the lack of awareness and understanding around urgent care services.
Healthwatch spoke to young people about their mental health and it has subsequently identified key areas for improvement including shorter waiting times, better continuity of care and follow up, less clinical and more comfortable settings, and an approach that treats young people as individuals.
The top issue of concern for local people has been finding a dentist taking on NHS patients.
Healthwatch says that by working with NHS Dorset it has influenced dental care commissioning, including a child-friendly dental pilot practice, an additional 100 urgent care appointments
a week for people who do not have a regular dentist, and additional capacity for looked after children and in areas of deprivation.
Viv Aird, chairman of the Healthwatch Dorset Board, said: “I am committed to a healthcare system that is holistic and preventative in its approach, tackling the root causes of ill health which are often socioeconomic in origin.”
The humble game of cricket
By Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum
If you take a tour around the beautiful Breamore House near Fordingbridge, amongst the other treasures you will see is a painting of “The Boy with a Bat” by Thomas Hudson. This was painted in about 1760 and is one of the earliest paintings of a cricketer known to exist. It shows Walter Hawkesworth Fawkes from Farnley in Yorkshire. Walter is shown holding a curved bat over his shoulder and two stumps in his left hand.
Cricket is believed to have started as a game for children in Saxon times in an area of dense woodland called The Weald in South East England. It gradually became a game played by adults with a reference to it being played by men as early as the 1550s. In 1611, two men were prosecuted for playing cricket on a Sunday. By the
18th century, the game was well established and in the 1750s a cricket club was founded in the small village of Hambledon in Hampshire. This has given rise to the village being called the “cradle of cricket”.
In the early days of the game, the ball would have been delivered underarm. Early bats would have been similar to the shape of today’s hockey sticks, because the curved end would have been better at hitting a ball that was rolling along the ground. An early curved bat is on display in the Oval cricket ground in London.
At first there were only two stumps separated by quite a large gap with a wide bail placed on the top. A comparatively late depiction of this two-stump arrangement is shown in a 1793 painting by John Opie called “The Red Boy”. In a game of
cricket between Hambledon and Kent in 1775, a player –nicknamed Lumpy Stevens – was bowling to the greatest batsman of the time, John Small. After several balls had gone through the gap between the stumps it was decided that things had to change, and a third stump was added.
In those early days, there was no restriction on the size or shape of the bat. In another game at Hambledon, a batter used a bat that was as wide as the stumps. This was considered unsportsmanlike, so a maximum width of bat was specified from then on.
By the mid-18th century, underarm bowling gave way to overarm delivery. Lumpy Stevens may have been one of the first to “give the ball air.” He certainly made a careful study of how the ball was affected by pace and length. Pitches were often on land that was used for agriculture and Stevens may have got his nickname from aiming at the lumps in the ground to deliver a ball that was difficult to deal with.
Gradually, more and more
rules were devised to specify how cricket was to be played. In the 18th century, gambling on cricket matches was widespread and the rules of cricket were codified to ensure there was a fair outcome for the punters. The earliest code was produced in 1774, and since 1788 an agreed set of rules has been overseen by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). This club was set up on fields owned by Thomas Lord in Marylebone. The MCC at Lords is still the arbiter of the laws relating to cricket. There are many pubs that have cricket-related names such as The Cricketers pub overlooking the cricket pitch at Hartley Wintney in Hampshire. This pitch is the oldest continuously played ground in England, with the club having been formed in 1770.
Closer to Fordingbridge there is The Bat and Ball pub in Breamore. Its name relates to the picture of The Boy with a Bat at Breamore House. If you call in for a pint, raise a glass to Lumpy Stevens, John Small and the other pioneers of the game.
The Red Boy
The Boy with a Bat
Five new teachers graduate from Dorset course
Five new teachers have graduated from the Castleman Learning Network in Bournemouth, which is part of the Castleman Academy Trust of schools. These are Broadstone First and Middle schools, Ferndown First and Middle schools and Parley First School.
The newly qualified cohort can now look forward to establishing their own classrooms in local schools and beyond.
The training centre was set up by Rhonda Moore, CEO of Castleman Academy Trust, to offer first-class teacher training to graduates.
More than 60 teachers have trained with CLN, completing their PGCE and QTS qualifications, since it was granted Teaching
School status in 2010.
Lou Evans, director of the Castleman Learning Network, said: “We have great relationships with schools from Ferndown to Swanage, where our students can train.
“We are expanding our training programmes by launching a part-time route in January 2025. This is designed to provide opportunities for trainees who are balancing teaching aspirations with family and working life.
“We are currently working closely with our university colleagues to develop a number of apprenticeship routes into teaching.”
The network has been based in Bournemouth but from next term is moving to new training facilities in Poole.
Schools urged to ‘byte’ the bullet for Coding Day
Pupils in Dorset are to be given the opportunity to work towards a top job in IT.
For the third year running, Dorset Council is holding its annual Coding Day from 7-11 October for children in Years 5, 6 and 7 and is urging schools to sign up.
Last year, a total of 5,000 pupils took part in the event run in partnership with BCP Council and Barclays Digital Eagles.
Through a virtual exercise, the children will learn how to code their own computer programme inspired by the south coast’s landscape and ecology.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset
Council’s deputy leader said: “For our economy to grow and prosper in the future, we need to inspire young children about the opportunities available to them in digital industries right here in Dorset.”
Dorset Coding Day aims to ignite curiosity in children by showcasing the exciting possibilities within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).
To sign up for Dorset Coding Day as a school, homeschool setting, or a tech volunteer, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ dorset-coding-day-2024 or send an email to digitaldorset@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
The newly qualified teachers celebrate their graduation
Is there ‘puppy love’ out there for these
pooches?
The local animal charity Waggy Tails says it is seeing an increasing number of requests to rehome animals this year. Could you help by giving a dog a fresh start?
Pictured here are just a few of the rescue centre’s dogs in need of a new home. Waggy Tails also takes care of rabbits and guinea pigs.
Another way to help the charity is by offering to foster a dog in your home. Jane from Waggy Tails said: “If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden and are experienced with dogs then please give us a ring and discuss fostering for us. It is a very rewarding experience and enables us to continue helping these dogs. No children under 10 in the house please.”
You can also meet the team and support the charity by attending one of their events this year. Representatives from Waggy Tails will be attending the Rustic Fayre in Verwood on 26 August, hosting a coffee morning and stall at WiseGuys in Christchurch on 31 August, and holding a charity auction night at The Hamworthy Club in Canford Magna on 13 October. For more details on Waggy Tails and updates about the dogs, please visit www.waggytails.org.uk.
Viewpoint has supported Waggy Tails Rescue with a regular feature like this for the last 20 years and is pleased to enable this free publicity through the kind support of sponsors (as shown).
Milo Buddy
Rico Bambi
Zeb
Sponsored by
George Pickle Freddie
Oscar
Jake Roman
Gizmo
Thomas Buddy
Max
Fun in the sun at Witchampton Village Fete
Report by Luke Graham | luke@dorsetview.co.uk
Over 750 people attended the Witchampton Village Fete on 14 July.
The traditional fete has been held by the village for many years to raise money for local causes, including the church, play park, sports club, the Little Owls Preschool and Witchampton First School.
As well as stalls, a barbecue and ice cream van, visitors got to see a traditional Maypole dance by the village’s schoolchildren and enjoyed live music courtesy of a local ukulele band and brass band.
The Friends of Witchampton School parent teacher association ran traditional fete games and a stall selling second-hand clothes and toys.
The most popular event by far was the annual Dog Show, where pooches competed in several categories including Most Handsome, Best Trick and Waggiest Tail.
Witchampton Parish Councillor Tim Read described the fete as “tremendously successful”. He said: “The fete was bigger and better attended than it has been for many years. The organisers are to be highly congratulated.”
Karen Pearce, a member of the organising committee, told Viewpoint Magazine how pleased she was with the event, which had its best turn out to date. She said: “We are so delighted that the weather played ball for us this year, and we were so happy to see such support for our fete, with over 750 paying visitors.
“It was a whole village event, with music from the village school, the Witchampton Ukers and Blandford Stour Valley Band, and help and support from many village groups and individuals.”
Images by Karen Pearce and Gemma Burden Photography
A warm welcome from Wimborne attractions
Report and photos by Marilyn
Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
On a hot sunny day, what could be nicer than popping into two of Wimborne’s superb tourist attractions?
Wimborne Minster Model Town (pictured below), which is open seven days a week from 10am–5pm is a one-tenth scale model of the town’s streets, shops and gardens as they
looked in the 1950s.
Nearby is the Museum of East Dorset (pictured right), which is open from 10am–4.30pm Monday to Saturday. It occupies a historic Grade II* listed house dating from the late 16th and 17th century and features a heritage-planted walled garden – a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the sun!
All aboard for Railway Day at Wimborne Model Town
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25 August is Railway Day at Wimborne Model Town! We will be celebrating all things railway, with a ride-on train and a G Gauge Thomas the Tank Engine set up outdoors, as well as our extensive indoor model railway. There will also be craft activities, special train quizzes and a ‘Railway Raffle’.
Wimborne Model Town is
run by volunteers, and we are on the lookout for people who would like to join the friendly team that runs and maintains our model railway. Please visit our website if you are interested.
Our normal admission rates apply, and all of our tickets are annual passes. A family ticket costs just £30 and you can return to visit our Model Town,
model railway, Life Before Lego exhibit, Wareham Bears and Sensory Garden as often as you
like for a whole year. Visit www.wimbornemodeltown.com for details.
A family visiting from Fareham Children from Bromsgrove enjoying their day out
Left to right: volunteer Elaine Stevenson, manager Marilyn Jonas and Iain Stevenson, a past chairman
What a spread in the kitchen!
A schoolroom from days gone by
Greek potatoes with lemon and garlic
Flavours from the Mediterranean are on your table with this super side of tender spuds. Maris Pipers make for a great boiling potato as they turn out nice and fluffy and hold the fresh, herby flavours nicely. Dish these up with a serving of meat for a meal that will go down a storm. This recipe is healthy, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. Preparation time: 10 mins to prepare, 50 mins to cook Serves: 4 as a side
Calories per serving: 293 Ingredients
• 900g Maris Piper potatoes, cut into 3cm pieces
• 1 small lemon, halved and finely sliced
• 1 garlic bulb, cloves separated but left unpeeled
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 red onion, thickly sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme, oregano or parsley, chopped (optional) Method
• Preheat the oven to gas 7, 210°C, fan 200°C.
• Toss all the ingredients (except the herbs, if using) together in a bowl, then season.
• Spread out in a large roasting tin and roast for 50 mins, stirring halfway to prevent the potatoes browning unevenly.
• Scatter over the fresh herbs, if using.
• Serve with roasted lamb or chicken as a delicious side dish. Cook’s tip: Try swapping the bay leaves for 1 tsp dried oregano, tossed through with the other ingredients before roasting. Recipe from Tesco
Wimborne store bags top prize in national awards
Salamander Cookshop has won Independent Retailer of the Year in the 2024 Housewares Awards.
The awards recognise the best houseware retailers, products and suppliers from across the country.
The Wimborne-based cookery store was praised by the judging panel for its customer service, promotion and use of events. In their comments, the judges highlighted how the shop had managed to bring the retail environment alive through these events, such as evenings with TV chef Peter Sidwell, KitchenAid’s Anita Davidson and Brewed by Hand’s Luke Powell, as well as the store’s annual Wimborne Food Walk.
David and Ione Crossley, co-owners of Salamander, thanked their team and all their customers for their interest, enthusiasm and support. They also thanked their suppliers for all their advice, staff training and help.
From left to right: Scott, David, Ione and Dawn from Salamander Cookshop
It just keeps
growing…
Report and photos by Janine Pulford
Some may say unlucky 13, but for Westival 13 July brought out the crowds. The event filled the whole of Fryer Field in West Moors and visitors were spoilt for choice with stalls, activities, entertainment, food and a huge display of vehicles including the sand buggy made famous by Anneka Rice of ‘Challenge Anneka’. Owned by Martyn Airey, who purchased it around 25 years ago, he now includes a rather unflattering version of ‘Anneka’, intended to make you stop and stare.
Charities enjoyed fundraising; ferrets showed off their racing skills and Krazy Kev, well, he was as magical as usual, bringing smiles to children’s faces.
A spokesperson for the organisers at West Moors Town Council said: “The vibe was community. The turnout was successful with a lot of fun to be had. Westival is now part of the history and future of West Moors.”
West Moors town crier, Iain Mitchell Martyn Airey with his sand buggy
Heathside Travel owners Tim and Hannah Southby with Russ Ayres
Children’s entertainer Krazy Kev
A furry friend from Wessex Ferret Club
Turning back the clock in Poole
Report and photos by Luke Graham | luke@dorsetview.co.uk
It felt like stepping back in time on 21 July as the Poole Goes Vintage festival was held once again.
Poole Quay was packed as people gathered to celebrate the music and fashion of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. There were live music performances and spontaneous jive dancing as visitors showed off their moves.
There were also displays of classic cars and military vehicles (one had Captain America posing on top). For children, there were stilt-walkers blowing bubbles, fairground rides and free Punch & Judy shows.
For the first time, the vintage festival extended to Falkland Square, with stalls, a music stage and pop-up bar. The area was dedicated to celebrating the 1970s, and featured performances
from acts including Elvisimpersonator Andy Kennett and dance troupe JitterbugJive.
Many people took up the opportunity to show off their vintage fashion, dressing in styles from the era and making the whole festival feel more elegant.
Shirley Frost, who was visiting the area, told Viewpoint how impressed she was by the festival. She said: “The atmosphere was amazing. So many people wearing vintage clothes and lots of live music and jiving all added to the mood of the day.
“Well done to the organisers and participants for such a great day.”
Andy Kennett as 70s-era Elvis
Captain America kept a watchful eye on the crowds
Disney’s Aladdin coming to Mayflower Theatre this September
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From the producers of ‘The Lion King’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Frozen’, the spectacular Disney Broadway and West End musical ‘Aladdin’ is coming to Southampton this September. Below, Desmonda Cathabel discusses playing Princess Jasmine: How would you sum up the character of Jasmine and do you have anything in common with her? She is fierce, she knows what she wants, she won’t settle for less and she’s very sure of herself, which I really like. Jasmine is very strong-willed and, as I say, she goes for what she wants for herself, and I think I’m the same. Once I know what I want and what I need to do to get it, I’ll just try my best to go for it. Like me, she is relentless in a very good way. What attracted you to the show and the role?
I feel like I’m very lucky to even to be in the show because I’m playing a very iconic character in a very iconic musical. Everyone
knows the story of Aladdin and ‘Disney’s Aladdin’ especially. It is a part of everyone’s childhood growing up. It’s such an amazing piece of pop culture and I’m really happy to be a part of it. What are audiences in store for when they come see the show? They can expect magic, romance, amazing
choreography and dancing, and of course the famous songs from the Disney film, as well as some new ones. ‘Disney’s Aladdin’ will be performed from 5-29 September. Tickets from £20. Visit mayflower. org.uk to book.
Stir Events to boost local tourism with new role
Stir Events CIC, the event management company behind the Shake and Stir Vintage Festival in Southbourne and Poole Goes Vintage, has become a ‘Gold Patron’ for the BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA).
This partnership with BAHA, which represents hotels and accommodation providers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, aims to enhance the county’s hospitality and tourism sector.
“We are incredibly proud to become a Gold Patron for BAHA,” said Mandy Polkey, managing director of Stir Events. “Our goal is to create memorable events that attract visitors and boost local tourism. By partnering with the esteemed hotels and
accommodation providers represented by BAHA, we can ensure our events are wellpromoted, driving more guests to experience the outstanding hospitality of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas.”
As a Gold Patron, Stir Events will inform BAHA members about upcoming events it has organised and encourage visitors attending events to choose BAHAassociated accommodations for their stay. The aim of the cross-promotion is to enhance event attendance, boost hotel occupancy, and contribute to the local economy.
Rosie Radwell MIH, chair of BAHA, said: “We are thrilled to support Stir, a local company that brings retro and vintage events to our areas.”
Stir’s managing director Mandy Polkey with Bournemouth Mayor George Farquhar at the Shake and Stir Music Festival
Desmonda as Jasmine © Deen Van Meer
Desmonda and co-star Gavin Adams will show audiences ‘a whole new world’ © Deen Van Meer
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
Until 26 August 10.30am–4.30pm Hillview Art Open Studio at Hillview, Linwood, Ringwood, BH24 3QT.
15–18 August
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival. Tickets from purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk. 15, 22 and 29 August Poole Quay summer fireworks. Free event with entertainment and finale at 10pm.
17 August 10am–12.30pm Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery coffee and cake at Hyde Memorial Hall, Frogham, SP6 2HU.
17 August 10.30am–11.30am Win on Waste at St Nicholas Church Hall, Corfe Mullen. Visit winonwaste.org or call 07771 705662.
18 August 11am
Guided walk around Wimborne Minster. Starting in Square, just turn up. Free, but donations to Mayor’s charities welcomed.
19 August 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library. Contact the library for more info.
19 August 7.30pm Fordingbridge Garden Club meets at Avonway Community Centre, SP6 1JF. Visitors welcome £3. 19 and 26 August 12.30pm–1.15pm Organ recital in Wimborne Minster Church. Admission free but a retiring collection for the Wimborne Minster Musical Heritage Trust.
22 August 7.30pm
Firework cruise around Poole Harbour to raise funds for Diverse Abilities. Tickets from diverseabilities.org.uk/fireworks.
24 August 1.30pm
West Moors Horticultural Summer Show at the Memorial Hall. Free admission. Schedules from Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536 or s.hamlett139@btinternet.com.
24 August 4pm
Wimborne in Bloom Duck Race on the River Allen starting at the bottom of Mill Lane.
26 August 12noon–5pm
Verwood Rustic Fayre, Potterne Park, Verwood. Stalls, classic cars, live entertainment, food and drink.
27 August 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, West Parley. For further details contact Rod Darch on 01202 896711 or email rod@ rdconsulting.co
29–31 August Bournemouth Air Festival.
31 August 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club summer show in the Allendale Centre Quarterjack Room.
1 September 1pm–5pm Open garden at Manor Farm, Hampreston, BH21 7LX. Adult admission £5.
2 September 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club meets at new venue of St Catherine’s Church Hall for a talk by Neil Lucas from Knoll Gardens.
3 September 10am–3pm
Poole Leisure Painters meet at Lighthouse Poole. Contact secretary 01202 693526.
3 September 2.30pm–4pm Bits & Bytes Computer Club in Ferndown library.
4 September
Fordingbridge Choral Society returns to rehearsals. New voices welcome. Contact secretary on 01425 656348.
5 September 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 01202 827622.
6–8 September
Wimborne Militia celebrates 25th anniversary.
7 September 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call for more info 03303 112793.
9 September 2.30pm
West Moors Horticultural Society meets at the Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.
9 September 7pm–8.30pm Verwood Choral Society meets at St Michael’s Church, Verwood for the start of the new season.
11 September 6.30pm–9pm Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on bournemouthjazzclub.org
11 September 7.30pm East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne.
12 September
Ringwood Natural History Society meets at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood, BH24 1DW. Contact John Gurney on 01425 471362 or 07395 855404.
14 September
Wimborne Food Festival.
14 September 10.30am–12noon Win on Waste Wimborne at Wimborne Methodist Church. Visit winonwaste.org or call 07771 705662.
14 September 11am–7pm Eco Sobo at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne featuring sustainable solutions for homes and businesses.
Prepare to get funky at the Clifftop Music Festival
Get ready to groove at the Clifftop Music Festival this September. The celebration of the 1970s returns to Highcliffe for a second year, and visitors to the event on Wharncliffe Road can look forward to experiencing a haven of nostalgia for the era of funk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the 1970s Music Festival for its second year,” says Mandy Polkey, chair of the Highcliffe Action Team. “Last year’s event was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to build on that momentum and create an even
more memorable experience for our community.”
The day will feature a full lineup of tribute bands and local talent. This year’s headline act is “The Sound of the O’Jays”.
As well as live music, attendees can look forward to vintage fashion contests and sampling food and drinks from local vendors.
Clifftop Music Festival takes place on 7 September, 11am-7.30pm. Adult tickets cost £8.30, book via highcliffevillage.com/musicfestival or scan the QR code.
Keep moving this autumn with
dance at PDSW
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Dance is a fantastic wellbeing activity to keep you moving into the autumn, and Pavilion Dance South West’s range of classes has something to keep you smiling and healthy for the season ahead.
Whether you’re looking for Afro, Latin, Ballroom, Tap, Musicals, Bollywood, Burlesque, Belly Dancing, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Mature Movers, Parkinson’s Dance, a spot of Charleston in Vintage Jazz or West Coast Swing, there’s a style waiting for you. PDSW
has beautiful, accessible studios by the sea, so why not go and try something new?
Weekly classes run from 2 September to 6 December. Standard one-hour classes are £7, with discounts available when buying six and 12-week ticket bundles saving up to £1 per class. Located in central Bournemouth in the Lower Gardens behind the Pavilion Theatre, PDSW looks forward to welcoming you through their colourful doors.
See the website pdsw.org.uk for more details.
Verwood is gearing up for the annual Rustic Fayre, held at Potterne Park on Monday 26 August.
This is the 30th year of the Verwood Rotary Club running the Rustic Fayre. It took over organising the event in 1994 and has held it every year since, apart from a break in 2020. The August Bank Holiday Fayre has become the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser.
Last year, the Fayre raised more than £11,500 for local causes and nominated charities.
Attendees can look forward to browsing market stalls, listening to live music and sampling a wide range of refreshments. There will be a Classic Car display, an appearance by the titular vehicle from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, and the chance to take part in a tug of war competition.
In the arena, there will be performances by an Asian drum band and demonstrations of dog agility and birds of prey. Later in the afternoon, there will be the famous duck race, with over 100 rubber ducks racing down the River Crane.
Chairman of the organising committee and member of the Club, ‘Rusty’ Vernon Harris said: “As Verwood grows and social outlets such as pubs and clubs reduce, chance meetings with friends become rarer. The Rustic Fayre has always been the place to meet and make new friends, and catch-up with the ones you’ve lost track of.”
The Rustic Fayre will be opened by a special surprise guest at 12noon and runs until after 5pm. Entry costs £7 for adults, but children and parking are free.
Highlights from last year’s Rustic Fayre © Derek Maidment
Frankenstein author’s birthday to be celebrated in Bournemouth
People are invited to celebrate the 227th birthday of Mary Shelley, the legendary author of Frankenstein, at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth in late August.
The Bournemouth Writing Festival, in collaboration with the Shelley Trust, is hosting a special evening of performances and discussions just yards away from Mary’s grave.
Two specially commissioned performances from Dr Kevan Manwaring and Christy Fearn and Greg Gwyther will depict Mary Shelley’s life and works, followed by a Q&A session hosted by Shelley Trust founder Katherine Edgar, exploring the fascinating world of this pioneering author.
Mary Shelley, buried alongside her parents and the heart of her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley in Bournemouth’s central Grade I listed church, provides an evocative backdrop for this literary celebration.
Visit bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk to book tickets for the event on Friday 30 August from 7.30pm until 9pm.
Mind your motorway manners
A road safety group has warned that too many drivers are putting themselves and others at risk.
Dorset has no motorway, so it follows that some local motorists need advice when driving out of the county.
GEM Motoring Assist
has expressed concern that drivers aren’t observing motorway manners. The road safety organisation that was established in 1932 says that
too many motorway drivers are putting themselves at risk on their journeys by tailgating, hogging the middle lane, undertaking or making late lane changes.
The most frequent complaints from its members relate to tailgating, with speeding, failing to indicate and last-minute swooping across three lanes to leave the motorway also high on the list.
Although many risky actions are unintentional, GEM’s road safety adviser warns that they’re still intimidating to others on the motorway.
“The potential consequences when something goes wrong are severe, whether a driver deliberately follows too close, or simply doesn’t realise,” he says.
“Our members regularly place being tailgated up there at the top of the list of annoying, unpleasant and dangerous threats they experience on the road, and for good reason.
“Imagine a sudden problem ahead of you on a motorway.
According to the Highway Code, if you’re driving at 70mph you will need a minimum of 96 metres to come to a stop. This
requires you to be alert and able to react immediately to the problem you’ve spotted ahead.
“Someone close behind you is much less likely to see the hazard you’ve seen, meaning they’ll find they have no time and space to react – and risk running into the rear of your car before even starting to slow down.”
Top tips for time and space
• Always ensure you have time and space to stop safely. Leave a minimum two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
• In poor weather, double that gap to four seconds.
• If you’re concerned that someone is following you too closely, then leave plenty of extra room ahead of you so that you can lose speed gradually if you need to.
• Drive in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. When you have completed the overtake, move back to the left-hand lane.
• Watch out for the exit or interchange signs so you can be in the right lane in plenty of time before leaving the motorway.
‘Just one thing’ to enhance your home
Report and photos by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
The late and much missed Dr Michael Mosley advocated people doing ‘just one thing’ to improve their health, but this can also work well when applied to your home.
However, you don’t have to do the whole Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen thing and completely revamp every room with a drastic new look.
Instead, you can focus on changing one thing in any of the rooms you feel are looking tired or in need of a lift.
I felt that my porch – which is the first thing visitors see when they enter my house – wasn’t very welcoming. However, a coat of turquoise paint has transformed it into
a bright space. By the same token, painting the chimney breast in the same colour to make a feature wall has given the lounge an uplift, as it was all too grey.
A lick of paint always does the trick, and this can also be applied to giving new life to a piece of furniture by painting it a bright new colour. However, there are other things you could do this month – which don’t require a huge amount of effort –to enhance your home. For instance, you could simply add a mirror to your living room. Not only do mirrors make a room appear larger, sited near a window they can
maximise the natural light. Many kitchens are windowless, making them dark and unwelcoming, and here again adding a mirror can make the space feel bigger and brighter, as can changing the light fittings.
Duvet covers seem to last for ever, so the quickest way to give your bedroom a completely new look is to invest in a new set of bedding which will elevate your décor in an instant.
You can also improve your bathroom without spending a fortune. For instance, you could change small things like taps and shower heads or add some freestanding storage space.
And back to the paint.
Why not give that shed or fencing new life? It doesn’t have to be brown. Blue works brilliantly, giving you summer all the year round.
It’s August – time to think about heating!
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Probably the last thing you’re thinking about – hopefully –during August is your heating system; however, it is during the summer that you should be taking a bit of time to make your home more energyefficient while preparing for the colder months.
According to Gary Hemming from ABC Finance, this is the time to inspect, maintain, and upgrade your home’s energy systems.
To increase your boiler’s efficiency, turn down the thermostat if you haven’t already done so. Some boilers have a ‘summer mode’ which turns off the heating function
but keeps the boiler ready to provide hot water on demand.
Even in warm weather, drafts can increase your energy bills. Check for gaps around windows and doors and use draft excluders or sealants to keep warm air out.
Use Off-Peak Tariffs: if you’re on an Economy 7 tariff, take advantage of cheaper electricity rates at night for washing, dishwashing, and other high-energy tasks.
Defrost fridges and freezers to keep them running efficiently. Clean any dust build-up around them and on the coils.
As homes rely heavily on
central heating in the winter, make sure radiators are working effectively. Bleeding radiators removes trapped air and allows the system to distribute heat evenly. Book a boiler service if you haven’t already done
so, to detect and address issues before you need to switch on the heating.
Clear gutters to prevent water damage from autumn leaves. Finally, check roof tiles for any damage that could worsen over winter.
DRAINAGE
NEWS IN BRIEF
Gardening club celebrates 10th anniversary West Parley Gardening Club celebrated its 10th anniversary recently with a party at Manor Farm Hampreston. The afternoon started with a presentation by the owner, Guy Trehane, followed by a talk from the chairman about the history of the club. He mentioned how grateful they were to Martin Stewart of Stewarts Garden Centres who has supported the club. Details can be found on westparleygc.co.uk or on Facebook under West Parley Gardening Club.
CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Concern over axing of fire appliances
How many of your readers have heard about the proposal to axe eight fire appliances from stations across Dorset and Wiltshire?
Two stations were named – Wimborne and Poole – with the proposal to remove one appliance from each. Other stations to lose one engine are Wareham, Portland, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne and two in Wiltshire. The Wimborne Station answers around 400 calls a year and we understand they do a lot of joint calls with Poole, so it will certainly affect fire cover in this area which apart from a large increase in new properties being built also has a high number of thatched premises in the area and not forgetting many valuable properties such as the Minster and Kingston Lacy to name just two. Fires are not the only thing they attend but also the many vehicle accidents that occur on our overcrowded roads. There are almost daily accidents on the A31 in East Dorset and frequent serious injury or fatal collisions that the Fire and Rescue Service attend. This is a serious and lifethreatening change we should all be concerned about. I am sure we are not the only residents of Wimborne Minster to be concerned about this proposal and perhaps it’s time to start a petition in the hope of saving any removal of an engine from the Wimborne Station. Anthony Oliver and Chris Brown, Honorary Freemen of Wimborne Minster
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Young people to embark on a trip of a lifetime
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club have helped eight local young people to secure a place at a Lions International Youth Camp abroad this summer.
Each has been given a shirt with their name and where they are travelling to printed on the back.
They are Isabella – Mexico; Emma – Switzerland; Katie – Japan; Oceane – Austria; Francesca – Italy; Isabelle –Hong Kong, China & Macau; Gabriella – Netherlands and Rosalyn – Finland.
Each young person will spend up to two weeks living with a host family (or in the case of Katie, three in rural Japan) and then a further week-to-10 days at an international youth camp.
Every year, over 100 International Youth Camps are arranged by Lions International, spanning 40 different countries. Those taking part will only need to raise enough funds for their flights and spending money, with Lions Clubs meeting other expenses.
If you are aged between 16 and 22 and wish to apply to go to a youth camp abroad in the summer of 2025, contact Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club at www.randflions.org.uk or call 0345 833 5819.
Locals give the green light to Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan
Ringwood residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan in the Referendum held on 4 July – the same day as the General Election.
The ‘yes’ vote of 5,368 – which was 83 per cent of votes cast – means the Plan will now be adopted and used by New Forest District Council and New Forest National Park Authority when determining planning applications.
The ‘no’ votes numbered 1,084 – 17 per cent – and there was a turnout of 58.93 per cent.
Highlights of the Plan include: prioritising smaller, affordable homes; energy efficiency standards; safeguarding the town’s unique character and heritage and increasing the Town Council’s share of the Community Infrastructure Levy to 25 per cent.
The town mayor, Cllr Rae Frederick, said: “The approval of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan is a remarkable achievement, and I would like to thank the dedicated councillors and volunteers from the local community who generously contributed so much of their time to make this happen. The Plan will serve as a blueprint for a sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring that Ringwood remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”
Six of the young people travelling to a Lions International Youth Camp this summer
