Dear Readers!
Did you watch much of the Paris Olympics this year? I must admit, I always get caught up in the build-up to the games, but then get overwhelmed by the amount of coverage on the BBC and never watch as much as I intend to.
Still, what I did catch this year was spectacular. What was your favourite moment?
Well done to all of Team GB’s athletes – competing at an international level with the world watching must take a huge amount of bravery. A special shout-out to the sport stars from our local area who took part, especially gold medallists Bryony Page and Ellie Aldridge.
Speaking of bravery, Dorset View’s very own creative director Louis Pulford is doing something extraordinary this month – he will be skydiving on behalf of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on 21 September. There is still time to sponsor him if you haven’t already.
In other news, September is a big month for the Graham household as my daughter starts school this month. It may sound cliché but I really don’t know where the last four years have gone or how she has grown up so quickly!
It will be an exciting and emotional time as we all learn to adjust to a new routine. If you have any advice for dealing with the transition – and the parental anxiety – do reach out.
Luke Graham
Editor
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Catching the fading light at Knowlton Church © Nicky Newman
Wimborne street faces closure
People have until 7 October to contact Dorset Council if they have concerns about a proposal regarding a temporary road closure in Wimborne’s East Street.
South West Water has applied to close a 40m stretch of East Street between Park Lane and Millstream Close from 28 October until 1 November.
The works are needed to supply a new water connection.
In addition to the closure, South West Water has applied to revoke the existing oneway in place on East Street to allow temporary two-way traffic between High Street and Millstream Close and to suspend the taxi rank bay on East Street.
Emails for the attention of Jamie Igoe should be sent to trafficteam@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
A queue formed at a book launch, held on 15 July in Wimborne, for signed copies of author Janet Hancock’s second novel, ‘The West in Her Eyes’, published by Resolute Books. The novel spans two continents and is a tale of exile, ambition and love in a fictional Russian family during the decade after the 1917 revolution. If you enjoy a book that takes you to another era in another part of the world, here is one to wrap yourself into. Visit resolutebooks.co.uk –also available from bookshops, Amazon and other online outlets, and as an ebook.
Dorset jumps for joy for gold medallist Bryony Page
Gymnast Bryony Page won Great Britain’s first trampoline gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August.
Born in Crewe, Bryony lives in Bournemouth and trains at Poole Gymnastics and Trampoline Club.
The 33-year-old is the country’s most successful Olympic gymnast, having previously won bronze in Tokyo in 2021 and silver in Rio in 2016 (Britain’s first ever trampoline Olympics medal). She went into this year’s games as the
reigning world and European champion in the sport.
After her nail-biting victory, she told the BBC that her gold medal victory had “not sunk in at all” and that it meant “so much”.
She added: “I absolutely loved this competition and the crowd, the support, and flying through the sky essentially.”
Roadworks planned for Upton
After several accidents in recent years, Dorset Council is to make improvements to the road off the A35 near Upton Country Park.
Footways will be widened, and a parallel crossing and reduced speed limit will be introduced.
The work will start on Monday 16 September and be completed in November. Upton Country Park will remain open as usual.
The westbound A35 offslipway at Upton Country Park will be closed for the duration of the work. A signed diversion will be in place via the next
junction at Upton roundabout.
There will be no access to Poole Road for motorists travelling from Creekmoor, and two bus stops on the west bound side of Poole Road will be unavailable during the work. There will also be three nights of road closures towards the end of the work.
Cllr Jon Andrews, cabinet member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: “These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of communities in the local area, so we thank everyone in advance for their patience during the works.”
© TeamGB
Poole kitesurfer claims victory
Ellie Aldridge from Poole made history in August by becoming the first ever Olympic gold medallist in kitesurfing.
The 27-year-old came top in a new Olympic event, the Women’s Kite Foiling, where athletes reach speeds of up to 50mph while riding boards powered by huge kites. The final was held in Marseille on 8 August.
Prior to the Paris Olympics, Ellie was the European champion in kitesurfing in 2023 and has won four world championship medals in the past three years. She started sailing aged seven and her home club is Parkstone Yacht Club.
Ellie was the only member of the British Sailing Team to win a gold medal. Her teammate, 25-year-old Emma Wilson from Portland, won bronze in windsurfing.
Ellie Aldridge after her race © World Sailing/Jean-Louis Carli
Wimborne locals paddle to the podium
Ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris, members of Wimborne Paddlesport got into the spirit of the competition and took part in the National Canoe Marathon Championships held at Reading on 13 and 14 July.
Competitors from the Riverside Park-based club, who regularly paddle on the River Stour, were able to bring home several medals.
Mocha Pilkington placed first in the Women’s Single Kayak over-64 age group. She has become a National Age Group Champion for the second time.
Jamie Williams came third in the Men’s Single Kayak over-39 age group, winning a bronze medal. Jamie and teammate Paul Kingman also won bronze in the Men’s Doubles Kayak over-34 age group.
Finally, 19-year-old Sheila Monera Cabarique came second in the B
Race U23 (Div 5 and under) Women’s Single Kayak, winning silver.
Wimborne Paddlesport is part of Poole Harbour Canoe Club. Chairman of the Canoe Club, Vince Boon, said: “These really are tremendous results and reflect the range and quality of paddlers that we have in the club.”
A few weeks later, members of Wimborne Paddlesport and Poole Harbour Canoe Club congratulated Jack Eyers, from Bournemouth, following the news he was selected to represent Great Britain at the Paris Paralympic Games. Jack will compete in the VL3 canoe category for athletes with full
function of their arms and trunk.
Jack began his paddlesport journey with the club in 2015, training at both Lake Pier and Riverside Wimborne. Though Jack now trains mainly in Nottingham, he still trains on the River Stour when visiting home, and was made a Life Member of the Club in December 2021.
The paracanoe events are scheduled to take place on 6–8 September.
If you’ve been inspired by the Olympics to try a new sport, Wimborne Paddlesport meets on Saturday mornings throughout the year. To find out more details, contact enquiries@phcc.org.uk
Jamie Williams races to the finish line © A Edmonds
BCP Council elects new leader
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has a new leader following the election of Lib Dem Cllr Millie Earl to the role at the Council meeting on 23 July.
Cllr Earl will now lead the Three Towns Alliance administration, which is made up of the Liberal Democrats (28 councillors), Christchurch Independents (eight councillors), Poole People Party (five councillors) and The Bournemouth Independent Group (three councillors).
The Lib Dem councillor, who was first elected to the Council in 2019 and represents the Newtown and Heatherlands ward, said she was proud to be chosen to lead BCP Council.
She said: “I, along with my Cabinet colleagues, remain committed to our new shared vision; where sound decision making puts people, communities, place
and environment at the heart of what we do.”
Cllr Earl replaces Cllr Vikki Slade, who stepped down from the role of Council leader in early July after being elected as the new MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole at the General Election. Slade will remain as the councillor for the Broadstone ward.
Have your say on Sandbanks’ dunes
True to its name, Sandbanks was formed by the sand washing up into piles by the changing tides, and now local people have until 30 September to share their views on the area’s sand dunes.
BCP Council has launched a survey to help inform the development of a Sandbanks Dune Management Study.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “Sand dunes play such an important role for coastal communities to help reduce the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. They also offer habitats to native plants, insects, reptiles, birds and
amphibians, which is why it is important that the council has a clear policy to manage the sand dunes at Sandbanks, to ensure species, like the sand lizard, are protected.
“Sandbanks is a unique location, which following sand dune regeneration carried out in 1996 and 2001, has seen sand dunes grow and become well established.”
Visit haveyoursay. bcpcouncil.gov.uk/sanddunes to take part.
At one point the area was known as Parkstone-on-sea, but the name changed over time. Today, Sandbanks boasts some of the most expensive properties in the UK.
Bournemouth killer jailed for life
A Bournemouth man was sentenced to life in prison on 26 July for murdering and dismembering a man then hiding his remains across Boscombe.
Benjamin Lee Atkins, 49, will serve a minimum term of 19 years in prison for the murder of 49-year-old Simon Shotton from Bournemouth.
Detective Chief Inspector
Neil Third said: “This was an abhorrent act and the impact upon Mr Shotton’s family of their loved one being murdered and then dismembered in this way cannot be underestimated. I would like to thank them for the dignified way they have conducted themselves throughout this investigation and the court process.”
The Christchurch Carnival was held on 9–10 August. This annual community event has taken place for over 110 years. Pictured is one of the floats from the grand parade on Sunday 10. The parade wound its way down the High Street, past the Old Town Hall and finished at the Quay. Photo by Gerry Clarke.
Poole faces two years of roadworks
People planning to travel to Poole along Ringwood Road will face traffic delays for two years.
Work on bus, walking, cycling and road improvements including resurfacing along the A3049/B3068 Ringwood Road between Hunt Road and Mountbatten Roundabout starts on 2 September.
The planned improvements include two new bus lanes, 23 side road junction enhancements, the reconstruction of Sea View Road junction, upgraded bus stop shelters at 19 locations, 4.5km of road resurfacing and 1.8km of improved pavements. A new 2.7km two-way cycle track will also be installed, along with new and/or improved toucan, zebra and parallel crossings.
There are future plans for the route to link to Ferndown and Wimborne.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “Ringwood Road in Poole is one of our region’s busiest roads with traffic volumes at saturation point. It’s a key travel route serving several business and retail parks, two hospitals, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, many primary and secondary schools and Poole town centre.”
Full details of all the improvements and associated traffic management are available via bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ ringwood-road.
A total of 87 volunteers from Poole Lifeboat Station marked the RNLI’s 200th anniversary on 1 August. Poole was just one of 238 stations that simultaneously gathered around the country to honour the RNLI’s history.
Photo by Nathan Williams, RNLI. Artist’s
law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors
DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY – HOW THE FAMILY LAW CONSIDERS REMEDIES
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By Rob Price, Associate, Family Law Solicitor
Alternative types of property orders
This area of law is about overall fairness based first and foremost on your respective financial needs. Doing the next right thing so that you can both move on with your lives. The law prevails over a number of factors, to be found in Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. One of those is resources and earning capacity.
Charges awarded on a property
These allow for one of you to live in the matrimonial home, while the other moves out, with the condition that they hold a charge against its value, which is triggered by specific events.
Charge awarded to the property where there are young children
If you can’t find a way of enabling both of you to release enough capital from the sale of the home, to be
rehoused, there is a solution.
One of you can stay living in the home with the children and the other moves elsewhere until the occupant remarries, cohabits with someone new for perhaps six months or a year, leaves the home voluntarily and permanently, or passes away. Or until the youngest child reaches 18 or finishes full-time education, whichever happens later.
It gives certainty of a sale happening upon a certain event and preserves the family dynamic and asset for the other’s legal charge in the meantime.
Do come and see us for a free initial half-hour chat if you are worried about financial matters and need solutions to move forward. We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation to help you find answers and progress.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice Council
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have seized a record amount of illegal hand rolling tobacco, cigarettes and vapes this year.
Working with HM Revenue and Customs and Dorset Police, BCP’s Trading Standards Team has seized just under 32kg of illegal rolling tobacco, 145,740 cigarettes, over 7,600 unregulated vapes and over 10kg of illicit shisha from a dozen off licences in the area.
The hoard of seized goods has a combined street value of around £208,000.
Targeted raids took place in March, May and July at premises in Bournemouth town centre, Wallisdown, Winton and Boscombe.
According to Sophie Sajic, head of public protection at BCP Council, those selling the products went to extreme lengths to avoid detection.
She said: “Over the past few months, we’ve uncovered hidden storage rooms disguised as walls and shelves on shop floors secured by electro-magnets.
“In some cases, they have been laced with coffee grounds and onions in a bid to confuse and outsmart tobacco detection dogs.”
A sniffer dog helped detect illegal tobacco at an off licence in Boscombe
The July meeting of Colehill Evening Women’s Institute was a night of flowers, strawberries and Pimms. Lots of members wore floral clothing and were treated to a floral demonstration by two WI members, Christine Hewlett and Julia Waterhouse. As the meeting was held during Wimbledon, the ladies had refreshing glasses of Pimms, strawberries and shortbread during their break. Visitors are welcome. To contact the club, email colehilleveningwi@dorsetwi.org.
Wimborne community groups share their passion
Planet Wimborne’s successful networking event on Wednesday 24 July saw over 20 local community groups come together to share their passion for the environment. All the groups are affiliated to Planet Wimborne and representatives from each group spoke about what they do, and made the most of the opportunity to talk to others and make connections. It was clear that Wimborne and the surrounding area has a dedicated army of volunteers, all working in a whole host of ways to benefit both people and nature.
Linda Bunting, chairperson of Planet Wimborne, said: “It was just great to see so many people chatting and sharing the great work they do for the local area. Everyone went away with a real buzz, taking encouragement and inspiration from what they heard.”
All the groups are open and inclusive and welcome new members. You can find out more information about Planet Wimborne at www.planetwimborne.org.
Dorset water is as hard as ever
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By Paul Webb
It’s been many years since I last wrote an article for this great local magazine. So let me tell you what we’ve been up to at Dorset Water Softeners.
It seems that the water in Dorset is still as hard as ever, and we’ve been busy installing plenty of water softeners. Everyone is fed up with limescale issues; scaled kettles and messed up shower screens, sinks and taps. Since the ups and downs of Covid, I thought our business might have quietened down but it turns out our side of the industry has gone through the roof! People are realising that there is a solution to pesky limescale issues.
Interestingly, customers are more environmentally aware and we as a company have tried extra hard to lower our environmental impact – lots of recycling, and most of our vehicles are now electric and charged mostly from the sun.
Furthermore, drinking water has become a huge concern with sales of drinking water filtration becoming ever more popular. Luckily, we have equipment in stock that can help with that, protecting you and your family with clean filtered drinking water.
As more people are working from home, we are seeing a surge in requests for boiling hot water taps. Fortunately, we have access to the stunning Quooker range. Yes, they are quite expensive, but we have tried cheaper models, and they don’t work for customers who like good tasting water for a proper cup of tea.
As a county, we are back to ‘normal’, whatever that means! Life goes on and we at Dorset Water Softeners have a variety of solutions to help treat Dorset’s water.
Call our office today on 01202 375565 or visit our website www.dorsetwatersofteners.com for more info.
The butterfly effect
A charity has warned that the numbers of butterflies in the UK are at a crisis point.
The wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed very low numbers of butterflies have been spotted in its annual Big Butterfly Count. Participants in the scientific survey have seen just over half the number of butterflies they spotted last year.
The Big Butterfly Count is a large-scale science project asking members of the public to record the number and type of butterflies they see, to help scientists understand how the species is faring. This year, the count ran from 12 July to 4 August.
While there is a chance that more insects could emerge later this year, the numbers recorded were the lowest in the 14-year history of the Big Butterfly Count.
This year’s wet and windy spring and colder-than-usual summer are being blamed for the lack of fluttering insects.
Dr Dan Hoare, director of conservation at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate. If the weather doesn’t allow for this there will be fewer opportunities to breed, and the lack of butterflies now is likely the knock-on effect of our very dreary spring and early summer.”
But bad weather is not the only cause of the butterfly’s disappearance. The charity claims that the population of butterflies has dropped by 80% in the UK due to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use.
Dr Hoare added: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all. Nature is sounding the alarm, and we must listen. Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble, we know the wider environment is in trouble too.”
Garden waste being dumped in River Stour, resident claims
A Wimborne resident has claimed that garden waste is being regularly dumped into the River Stour, harming the health of the waterway.
Val Creaser contacted Dorset View to raise her concerns. She said: “What type of person cuts down from the garden large branches from trees and hedges and throws it into the River Stour? This happens quite often at weekends.
“This last lot at the end of July has attached itself to the river’s weeds and is now also collecting other people’s waste.”
Dorset View sent Ms Creaser’s photo to Dorset Council and alerted them to her complaint.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “The health of waterways is a regulatory matter for the Environment Agency, so we will keep an eye on the situation and report to them if warranted. However, if anyone has any evidence of fly-tipped rubbish – including garden waste –they should contact us via our website.”
Gatekeeper © Liam Richardson, Butterfly Conservation
Common Blue © Andrew Cooper
Garden waste accumulating in the River Stour. Photo by Val Creaser
Remembering Louis Strange: Dorset’s daredevil airman
By Sian Flynn
August marked the 110th anniversary of the start of the First World War in 1914, the global conflict that saw Britain declare war on Germany and transformed the world in unprecedented ways.
One significant outcome of the War was the rapid development of aircraft. Air power changed everything, but progress came at an immense human cost. Pilots’ mortality rate was high as they struggled with perilous technology still in its infancy.
One extraordinary pilot who defied the odds and lived to fight in two world wars was a man raised on a Dorset farm: Louis Strange. This fearless airman’s career spanned 47 years of flight and reads like a tale from a Boy’s Own Paper.
Strange was a daredevil pilot before the First World War, a pioneer in the early days of aerial warfare, and he held commanding roles in the Second World War — all typically playing by his own rules.
Born in 1891 to a Dorset family, Strange grew up in Tarrant Keyneston, near Blandford Forum. He was a strong horseman and joined the Queen’s Own Dorset Yeomanry aged 17. He first saw planes in action at a flying display in Bournemouth in 1910 and was soon hooked. Strange went on to train as a pilot and was one of the first in Britain to perform a loop. 110 years ago, he was one of the first 37 pilots to fly to France. Known for his bravery and resourcefulness,
he progressed shooting and bombing from planes. One of his famous escapades was in 1915 during an aerial encounter with the enemy. His plane flicked over and spun downward, throwing him from the cockpit. He managed to cling on, dangling upside down. Somehow, he kicked his legs back into the cockpit, righted the plane and safely landed.
After the War and more than 1,000 hours of flying, he returned to Dorset to farm and to recuperate.
When the Second World War started, he was more than 15 years over the 32-year age
limit for flying duties — but he found a way. He had more incredible adventures, including developing parachute training, leading from the front, and making his first parachute jump at age 49. He also witnessed negotiations for the German surrender in France in May 1945. Strange returned to Dorset and died at home in Worth Matravers, near Swanage, in 1966. He is buried in St Nicholas Church cemetery. Sian Flynn is an independent curator currently working with the National Portrait Gallery. Visit her website theexhibitionsteam.com.
Lieutenant Louis Strange (1891-1966)
Mayor’s Musings
The first in a regular column about the work of the mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Jeff Hart.
Hello and welcome to this new regular feature on a mayor’s work and life. Every week, I contribute to the Mayor’s Blog on the town council website – please read that, too!
I have been mayor for around eight weeks at the time of writing and love it! Every week heralds new adventures and new people to meet. The best bits so far include:
• The mayor-making itself, where the Militia paraded me in full robes through the streets so I could buy them beer to seal their allegiance
• Leading the Folk Festival Parade with the mayoress
• Opening the Battle for Wimborne – a civil war re-enactment
• Leading 65 residents and visitors on a guided tour of Wimborne. These Mayoral Walks will happen every month
• Welcoming citizens from Valognes, our twin town in France
• Presenting prizes at a charity tennis tournament in memory of Rob Stillman
• Attending a D-Day service at Tarrant Rushton alongside the lord-lieutenant of Dorset.
Part of the role of mayor is raising funds for charity – in my case, Friends of Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne. I have mapped out over 20 events for the year, including a quiz, treasure trail, skittles night, choir night and an ‘auction of promises’. Lots of fun for everyone.
As well as all this, I chair the council meetings and help deliver Wimborne’s five-year strategic plan.
See you next month, Jeff Hart
Mayor of Wimborne Minster
PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Fun Day raises over £1,400
By Jane Benson
The day for Wimborne Community Garden to hold its Fun Day arrived on 14 July — would we be able to deliver? As we set up 11 gazebos to house all the stalls and games we had and then linked them together with bunting borrowed from Planet Wimborne, we began to think we might be on to a winner.
Then as 29 — yes, 29 — scarecrows arrived from so many different areas of the community, we were thrilled to bits and felt we would indeed be able to make it a day of fun for all. We had teas and cakes, home-grown produce and burgers, games and competitions for the children, plants to enjoy and of course the wonderful Skittle Alley Strummers.
Everyone who came was given two pieces of dried pasta to use to cast their votes for their two favourite scarecrows… and goodness me, it was a tricky decision to make. A huge thanks to everyone who made a scarecrow — we loved them all, but in the end the three with the most votes were: in third place, St Michael’s Church Craft Group; in second place, Wimborne Kindergarten and in first place, St Michael and All Angels Cherubs Toddler Group. Congratulations to everyone.
The scarecrows added a wonderful fun element to the whole event which proved to be very successful, raising just over £1,400 which will be used to help maintain the garden’s high standard of productivity and colour. A Fun Day indeed.
The next big event at the garden will be a return visit by Tamsin Westhorpe, horticulturist and Chelsea Flower Show Judge, who is kindly coming back on 4 October to give a second informative and entertaining talk for us in Beaucroft College. As soon as tickets are available, we will let you know. This is certainly an evening you won’t want to miss.
‘Prunella' made by Merley group Calling All Crafters
Food bank’s funday raises over £500
More than 400 people including local families, customers and supporters enjoyed the Wimborne Food Bank’s annual Family Funday on Saturday 27 July, which took place at the back of Wimborne Rugby Club.
Town Crier Chris Brown was unwell, so proceedings were opened by a ‘cry’ from a young supporter and a rousing roar from Mayor Jeff Hart who attended with Mayoress Barbara.
Food was in good supply from Friendly Food Club, the Seafood Fish and Chip Van and Big Chief Ices. Volunteers supplied cakes, bakes and hot and cold drinks.
There was free entertainment from Jamie Jigsaw and Little Gizmos.
Ems Friendly Farm proved popular with young and old alike, especially the eight-week-old piglets. Wimborne Food Bank managers Sharon Keenan and Michelle Kratzke organised this year’s event with help from their band of volunteers.
Donations on the day amounted to over £500, which will be used to buy stock that the food bank is running low on.
The Wimborne Food Bank team
School fun run raises £2,000 for charity
Canford Heath Junior School held its first ever fun run on 19 July to support Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, with schoolchildren raising over £2,000 for the charity. Children were asked to run a distance of 1.5km, 3km, or 5km and could wear fancy dress costumes. Over 200 pupils, teachers and staff braved high temperatures to complete the run across the school’s sports field and playground, all while dressed up as characters
such as Darth Vader, SpiderMan or even as a banana.
The sponsored fun run was organised by Year 3 teacher Ellie Carne. She said: “We didn’t expect it to be such a huge success. We’ll definitely be doing it again next year, just making it even better.”
Along with other fundraising activities held throughout the school year, including a bake sale, Canford Heath Junior School raised over £3,000 for Julia’s House.
© Canford Heath Junior School
Open Days at New Forest school
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Moyles Court School, set in a 17th century manor house in the New Forest National Park near Ringwood, is a happy and thriving school. Its idyllic setting and its ability to treat every pupil as an individual helps create a warm, nurturing environment where great academic progress is made.
This independent day and boarding school for children from 2½ to 16 years old, comprising of a Pre-School, a Junior School and a Senior School, is situated less than a mile off the A338 between Ringwood and Fordingbridge. The Pre-School is open to all and accepts Childcare Vouchers, Early Years funding, and payments from tax-free childcare accounts.
Come and visit on the Open Mornings on Monday 7 October and Monday 11 November and get a sense of the atmosphere at Moyles Court, and the wonderful work that happens every day. Please call 01425 472856 or email admissions@moylescourt.co.uk to book a tour.
Back to the classroom for Dorset children
Children across Dorset return to school in September (likely to the relief of most parents). Here are three tips for grownups to help prepare their little ones.
Remind them that school can be fun Children might be feeling anxious about starting a new school year. Talk about the fun aspects of school, like seeing their old friends or making new ones, to help them look forward to starting. Remind them that teachers are aware that students may be nervous and encourage them to talk about their feelings.
Set a bedtime routine
It’s easy for bedtime to slip later during the bright evenings of the summer holidays. Create a consistent routine and set an earlier bedtime to ensure children get enough sleep.
Organise the night before Try making packed lunches, packing school bags and getting uniforms ready the night before, so there is no rush to organise everything in the morning.
Record finish for college student
A Bournemouth and Poole College student has completed a four-year Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Level 3 in just three years, achieving a distinction.
Calum Smith, 22, from Canford Heath decided to retrain as an electrician after working as a qualified mechanic for six years.
Course lecturer, Jason Hutchinson, said: “Completing a rigorous apprenticeship in record time, and with a distinction, is a commendable feat and we have no doubts that Calum will go onto great things and look forward to working with him when he eventually decides to bring his future apprentices through the ranks.”
Calum embarked on his apprenticeship with a clear goal to excel in electrical installation by working hard and keeping one step ahead of assignment deadlines.
He said: “The support and guidance from my lecturers at Bournemouth and Poole College, together with my hands-on experience I gained during my work placements, has been invaluable.”
A cohort of 60 new students will start the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Level 3 this September. Applications for the September 2025 intake will be open from January. For information on all Bournemouth and Poole College courses, visit thecollege.co.uk/college
The importance of a cohesive childhood education
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Ferndown Middle is uniquely placed to meet the needs of children through a time of considerable and wideranging intellectual, physical and emotional development between the ages of 9 and 13 years old (Year 5 to Year 8).
Education is not just about how one school works, but about how it works with its feeder and upper schools. A coherent and cohesive education that covers a child’s entire school journey – from first to middle to upper –
leads to greater progress, achievement and enjoyment.
Ferndown Middle is a successful school with a real sense of community. It is a lively and happy school providing a high standard of education as well as extensive opportunities for all pupils to engage with.
A broad, balanced and carefully planned curriculum is securely in place, and through extensive work with its First Schools and the Upper School, children experience a smooth transition between schools.
Headteacher Amber Barter with students
Would you jump 10,000ft for charity?
Registrations are still open for the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Skydive, taking place on Saturday 21 September at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.
Participants will be taking an adrenaline-pumping 10,000ft leap into the skies to raise essential funds and awareness of the hospice nurses and the vital services they provide for the community at Lewis-Manning.
The nurses are proudly supporting the campaign, and
many have signed up to skydive.
Staff nurse Hannah Quick said:
“I have seen first-hand the amazing people this money will support. My patients show me every day how brave and courageous they are, so I feel it’s only right for me to do something out of my comfort zone.”
To sign up, visit lewismanning.org.uk/skydive.
Among the brave individuals taking part is Dorset View’s creative director Louis Pulford. He will be taking a leap of faith on behalf of hospice nurse Angie.
Louis recently went to meet Angie to find out more about what working in hospice care is like. She said her working week is a mix between running the Lewis-Manning Day Hospice and visiting patients at their homes to carry out assessments. Angie explained the thing she enjoys most about being a nurse is helping people to live their lives in the best way possible.
“The people I work with and the people I care for and their families and friends inspire me,” she said.
“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.”
Louis is raising £450 to support Angie in her vital work. To help Louis, you can donate by going to www. justgiving.com/page/louispulford-1720426098624. Every little helps.
Angie and Louis
Set a new goal this September
Once the chaos of the summer holidays is over, and everyone starts getting back to the normal rhythm of life at work and school, it feels like a fresh start and a good moment to think about a mini reboot. It has been shown that September, not January, is the best time to break old habits and build new ones. The New Year can feel pressurised with everyone leaping into resolutions. The days are short, the weather cold and good intentions can quickly fizzle out. September is different. The days are longer and the weather usually kinder. Motivation for change is stronger, especially for those who have abandoned routines and are now looking to reclaim some lost ground. Without the pressure of sticking to New Year’s resolutions, you can quietly choose a goal and start to work towards it.
LiveWell Dorset is ready to help you set a September goal with free health and wellbeing support, such as slimming group vouchers, activity plans, 1-2-1 coaching, and smoking quit kits. Call free on 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk.
Knowing your blood pressure could save your life
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
It’s important to know your blood pressure – no matter what your age.
You may be feeling fine, so you don’t think it is something you need to worry about but be warned that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so can’t be detected unless measured. If it isn’t treated, it can cause kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries. Your arteries are the vessels (tubes) that carry blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of your body. You need a certain amount of pressure to get the blood moving around your body.
Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day and night, and it’s normal for it to go up
while you’re moving about. It’s when your overall blood pressure is always high, even when you are resting, that you need to do something about it.
You can buy monitors from a chemist, so there is no excuse to remain in the dark. Most monitors will show your pulse and two numbers. Systolic pressure is the higher of the two numbers; it’s the pressure against your arteries when your heart is pumping blood around your body. Diastolic pressure is the lower of the two numbers; it shows how much pressure is in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Your lifestyle can increase the risk of high blood pressure, for instance if you eat unhealthy foods, don’t get
enough physical activity or sufficient good-quality sleep or if you are highly stressed.
According to the NHS, if you are under 80 years of age, you are considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is either 140/90 when checked by a healthcare professional or
135/85 when checked at home.
If you’re aged 80 or over, you have high blood pressure if it is 150/90 when checked by a healthcare professional or 145/85 when checked at home.
If you’re worried about your blood pressure, book an appointment to see your GP.
Rounders group smashes one-year milestone
A rounders group in Littledown, set up to inspire more girls and women into community sport and activity, has celebrated its first anniversary with a brand-new season.
Aimed at women and girls aged 14 and over, the sessions were launched last year by BH Live using funding from Sport England. The group welcomed more than 240 attendances over 16 weeks.
Thanks to its popularity and feedback, sessions resumed this summer and have taken place in Littledown Park, Bournemouth every Tuesday from 6.15pm–7.15pm.
One regular player said: “The sessions are brilliant, and they give me something to look forward to every week. The people there are so lovely, friendly and supportive. It’s great to play the sport after a stressful day at work in a fun and safe environment.”
The last session of the season will take place on 24 September, so there is still time to take part. Sessions cost £3 per person and include equipment, refreshments, and instructor support.
Viv Galpin, health and wellbeing
manager at BH Live, said: “Rounders is a great way to get active as a group in the outdoors which is brilliant for mental health, social interaction, and physical wellbeing.
“All abilities are welcome to play. No previous experience of the game is needed. We currently have around 15-25 participants joining in every week. We urge anyone interested to get in touch.”
To find out more or book a place, email communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.
Infant feeding strategy launched
An ambitious plan has been launched in Dorset to support families in making informed nutritional choices for their children from birth to age five.
Rachel Partridge, deputy director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said: “Dorset’s new Infant Feeding and Child Nutrition Strategy highlights how organisations in Dorset are committed to work together with families to provide information, knowledge and support needed to promote healthy eating habits from infancy through to early childhood. This includes key themes of breastfeeding, weaning and nutritional needs at each developmental stage.”
Hannah Leonard, deputy director of Maternity and Perinatal Services, Nursing and Quality, said: “It is important that parents from all communities are supported to give infants the best start in life.”
The new strategy aims to help prevent 55,000 children in Dorset becoming overweight by 2040.
Rounders coach Ella Burch, left, with BH Live’s Viv Galpin
Runners raise funds for the BEACH appeal
The BEACH building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital is on its way to achieving a second CT scanner thanks to the efforts of runners.
Nine NHS heroes and their loved ones conquered University Hospitals Dorset’s first-ever half marathon, raising £1,799.
While the NHS will fund one CT scanner for the new Emergency Department in the BEACH Building, having an additional scanner will significantly reduce waiting times and benefit
patients across Dorset and its surrounding regions.
Since launching on 22 April, the fundraiser for the new Birth, Emergency, Critical Care and Children’s Health (BEACH) building reached £200,000 by the end of July.
The appeal is collecting funds for additional items that will help to enhance the care provided by the new building and has a target of £1.5m. To contribute to the BEACH appeal, visit uhdcharity. org/current-projects/ beach-appeal/
Bournemouth trials new tech for heart patients
The cardiology team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH), which sees 800 people each year admitted with heart failure, has some positive news for patients.
Traditionally, treatment includes an intravenous drip by cannula to receive a medication called furosemide, to help the body remove excess water. They must remain in hospital while connected to the drip.
In June, 57-year-old Matthew Cramer from Bournemouth had a small device attached to his abdomen which allows for furosemide to be delivered in a home environment.
He was the first patient at the hospital to receive the device and the first in England to take part in the trial known as SUBCUT-HF.
Matthew said: “I would much rather be at home than staying in hospital. The specialist care team is very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable.”
Dr Chris Critoph, consultant cardiologist, said: “I am very proud to be part of the research team. It wasn’t long ago we did not have much heart failure research at the trust and now we are being picked first for cutting-edge heart failure trials as we have a track record for delivering.”
Matthew with members of the cardiology team
Wimborne woman marks weight loss journey by walking 1.5 marathons
Kelly Baker has lost an incredible nine stone in two years. To celebrate, she is hiking the Jurassic Coast for charity.
In early 2022, Kelly weighed 20st 11lb (132kg). She felt unhappy and unwell.
“I didn’t love myself or believe that anyone else could either,” she recalled. “Life was sheltered. I had no confidence and none of my clothes fitted.”
The final straw came one day while getting her children ready for school.
“After a very busy morning of going up and down the stairs, I laid on my bed sure I was about to die of a heart attack,” she said.
“Once I had caught my breath, I went downstairs and made a very teary call to Livewell Dorset who kindly funded a 12-week referral into Slimming World.”
Kelly walked through the doors of the Bearwood Slimming World group on Valentine’s Day 2022, and she hasn’t looked
back. Joining the group helped her transform her life, and today she is nine stone lighter.
To mark her incredible weight loss journey, the 37-year-old from Wimborne will be tackling the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike on 7–8 September. Organised by Macmillan Cancer Support, the hike challenges participants to walk either a full marathon or half marathon around the Isle of Purbeck. Kelly will be doing both walks on consecutive days — a total distance of 39 miles.
Kelly says she is very excited about the hike. “This will be the third year I have walked this challenge. This year I am walking both marathons to push myself further out of my comfort zone and to raise vital funds for this incredible charity.”
As well as losing weight, her journey helped Kelly embark on a new career. She said: “I am incredibly privileged to have been able to join the
Slimming World team and I am now the permanent consultant in that very same venue that changed my life in ways I cannot describe.”
Kelly is aiming to raise £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ Kels-doubly-mighty-hike.
Kelly before and after her transformation
health & wellbeing
Get active this autumn Improve balance, flexibility and fitness
- Advertisement featureAre 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.
By Luke Graham | luke@dorsetview.co.uk
Being active plays a key role in boosting our mental and physical wellbeing. Finding the right sport or activity for you makes you more likely to stick to it consistently. Here are three activity ideas to try this autumn.
Martial arts
I’ve practised martial arts all my life. In fact, I met my wife at a university jiu jitsu club.
Martial arts are good for cardio fitness, strength and flexibility, as well as social interaction – you need to practise using your techniques on another person, so you can meet lots of people in classes.
There are different styles to suit everyone – jiu jitsu and judo are physically intense, while aikido and tai chi are gentler and may suit older people – with lots of clubs across Dorset.
Nordic walking
Walking has huge health benefits, including increased stamina, and being out in the fresh air and in nature is also good for you.
Nordic walking involves using a pair of sticks to help you walk harder with less pressure on knees and
joints, and there are several Nordic walking groups in the county. Dorset Council organises taster sessions and regular walks, which you can book via the Council’s website.
Paddleboarding
Standup paddleboarding has grown popular in recent years; it feels rare nowadays to find a stretch of water without seeing a paddleboard. It is good exercise, requiring balance and core strength, but also requires you to be out in nature, exploring the county’s waterways at a different pace to your daily life. This can help reduce stress and is good for your mind as well as your body.
health & wellbeing
The benefits of a cold shower
One simple change that could improve your overall wellbeing is to try having regular cold water showers
Research points to several health benefits from showering with cold water, such as reducing muscle soreness after exercise, improving your mood and alertness, and kickstarting your metabolism – the system your body uses to burn calories and fat. Cold showers can also improve your circulation. By reducing your body’s temperature, your blood must work faster to travel around the body and warm it up. This also brings fresh blood to areas that
may need repair or recovery. You don’t need to be hard core and hold yourself under a freezing cold shower. Instead, have a regular warm shower, and then at the end gradually decrease the heat until you start to feel uncomfortable. Take deep breaths and see how long you can stay under. Start off with just 30 seconds under the cold water and build up to two or three minutes, and see how you feel afterwards.
Try cutting-edge therapy in Poole
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Poole Health and Wellbeing Centre was set up in 2020 to make cutting-edge holistic therapies more widely available to people.
Shirin Naidoo initially set up the clinic after finding that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) had made a tremendous difference to her own health and wellbeing and discovering that the therapy was being used widely around the world for numerous conditions, frequently with impressive results in cases when no other treatment had worked.
HBOT involves breathing oxygen whilst under pressure in a specialised chamber, to increase the oxygen absorbed in the body and bring numerous benefits including regenerative, antiinflammatory, anti-aging effects and aiding healing.
The Centre offers other therapies that have all proven effective with clients, including colonic hydrotherapy, VortexHealing®️ divine energy healing, and life coaching, the latter two also available via Zoom. The Centre provides a range of powerful therapies and healing modalities to clients everywhere.
Also, monthly oneday self-healing and empowerment workshops offer a variety of guided visualisations, meditations and other powerful techniques that clients can use to transform the quality of their lives.
Come along and learn how to: change beliefs and release limiting emotions; let go of the past; end self-sabotage; align with your higher self; heal and cleanse the body and love yourself unconditionally.
Dorset brands win 53 Great Taste awards
Dorset food and drink businesses have won 53 awards in the Great Taste 2024 competition.
Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste recognises the best food and drink makers in the world. Nearly 3,500 companies from 115 countries around the world entered Great Taste this year.
A total of 38 Dorset brands won one star, 11 won two stars, and four won the highest award of three stars – less than two per cent of all entries won three stars.
Dorset’s three-star winners are Baboo Gelato, Brassica Dorset, Dorset Pastry, and The Book and Bucket Cheese Company.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said: “It’s hugely important to us at the Guild to inject some positivity into the speciality food & drink industry. Given the economic headwinds that both independent retailers and small & medium producers are facing, the announcement of the 2024 crop of Great Taste stars is now an annual fillip for us all.
Creamy lemon & prawn spaghetti
All the family will love this easy yet impressive spaghetti dish that’s creamy, zingy and packed with flavour. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for those busy weekdays when you need something quick and healthy.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: Takes 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 529
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, made up to 400ml
• 100g soft cheese
• 350g spaghetti
• 125g baby spinach
• 250g pack of frozen cold-water prawns, defrosted and drained
• 25g pecorino
• 10g fresh basil, roughly chopped
Method
Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat, then fry the onion for five to six minutes until golden brown. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook, stirring, for two minutes, then add the stock and soft cheese. Season with black pepper, bring to a simmer for 12–15 minutes until reduced.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti to pack instructions. About three minutes before it is ready, add the spinach and defrosted prawns to the sauce. Cook until the spinach has wilted and the prawns are piping hot. Stir through the pecorino.
Drain the pasta, reserving 100ml cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat, then stir through the lemon juice, basil and a splash of pasta water to loosen. Divide among plates and add a grinding of black pepper to serve.
Recipe from Tesco
Dorset’s three-star winning foods © Tim Johnston, Guild of Fine Food
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@ dorsetview.co.uk.
4 September 2.15pm Lytchett & Upton Floral Club “Why Workshop” using wire. Meeting at CJs, Lytchett Minster Parish Church, BH16 6JE.
5 September 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
6–8 September
Wimborne Militia celebrates 25th anniversary.
7 September
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club PSA prostate cancer screening at the Barrington Centre. Call 01926 419959 or email info@mypsatests.org.uk.
7 September 10am
Bournemouth Stamp and Postcard Fair at Upton Community Centre, BH16 5JA.
7 September 10.30am–4pm
Bournemouth Vegan Festival at Citygate Centre, Bournemouth.
7 September 11am
Walking Talk with Hattie Miles in Kings Park Cemetery, Bournemouth. Details on walkingtalks.wordpress.com.
7 September 2pm–4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call for more info 03303 112793.
8 September 10am
Stamp Fair at St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Dorchester Road, Upton, BH16 5JA.
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 start of the new season.
11 September 2pm
Art walk at Christchurch Priory.
11 September 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre.
11 September 7pm
The Fireside Theatre meets for a reading of a quartet of one-act plays in Verwood. Call Mary Hindmarch to say if you’re coming on 01202 813565.
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 Hall. 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.
14 September 1.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society Show at Verwood Memorial Hall.
16 September
10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.
17 September 8pm
Wimborne Civic Society meets at the Allendale Centre.
21 September
10.30am–11.30am
Win on Waste Corfe Mullen at St Nicholas’ Church Hall. Visit winonwaste.org or call 07771 705662.
26 September 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, West Parley. For further details, email Rod Darch at rod@rdconsulting.co or call 01202 896711.
14–15 September
The Seafood and Sounds Festival at Poole Quay.
18 September
7pm for 7.30pm
Planet Wimborne Quiz Night at Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road, BH21 2QR. Contact Jeff Hart on jeffhart414@ gmail.com or on 01202 884201.
21 September 9.45am
West Moors Town Council litter pick. Meet at council office. To join, call 01202 861044 or email office@westmoor-tc.gov.uk.
21 September 2pm–4pm
East Dorset Beekeeping Association Honey Show at West Moors Memorial Hall.
22 September 11am
Guided walk about Wimborne Minster. Starting in Square and lasting approximately one hour, just turn up. Free, but donations to Mayor’s charities welcomed.
26 September 7.30pm
Ringwood Natural History Society meets at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood, BH24 1DW. For further information contact John Gurney on 01425 471362 or 07395 855404.
27–29 September
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival.
28 September 11am–4pm Wimborne Rotary craft fair at the Allendale Centre.
A rollicking return for Christchurch festival
Report and photos by Luke Graham
The Christchurch community turned out in mass for the return of the popular Stompin’ on the Quomps event on 3 August.
The celebration of live music, which has been running for nearly 30 years, was cancelled last year due to safety concerns over stormy weather.
Despite some patchy weather, the east side of the Quomps by Christchurch Quay was packed, with attendees bringing picnics, blankets and camping chairs to listen to a whole afternoon of jazz and swing music from acts including The Boogie Bumpers, Soldoro and Kim Cypher.
The smooth jazz festival also felt like a food festival, with more than a dozen food vendors selling all manner of cuisines including seafood, burritos and Thai dishes.
And for the kids who may not have been fans of jazz, they were in luck. On the west side of the Quomps, a fun fair was set up featuring a Ferris wheel, trampolines and giant inflatable slide.
Louise Berkhauer from Christchurch BID said: “Stompin’ on the Quomps is a wonderful community event, and the businesses that make up Christchurch BID were delighted to be able to support the event this year to make sure it could go ahead.
“It’s a fantastic way to showcase our town, bringing more people into Christchurch and celebrating the amazingly talented musicians in our local area.”
The Boogie Bumpers performing
Autumn am-dram season begins
Although in September thoughts turn reluctantly towards autumn, there is a lot to look forward to as it heralds the start of the local amateur dramatic season.
And first off the blocks are Broadstone Players with their Plays ‘n Chips performances of one-act plays where the audience sit around tables and enjoy a supper at the evening performances and a cream tea at the matinee. This Broadstone tradition has been popular for well over 30 years and is eagerly anticipated.
This year’s three plays are a comedy written by local author Malcolm L Miller, another is a tale set in Victorian London written by a very well-known author, and the third is a rather unusual comedy!
The evening performances are on Friday 6, Saturday 7,
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September at 7.30pm and the ticket price includes supper (fish and chips, sausage and chips or Quorn nuggets and chips).
The matinee is on Saturday 7 September at 2.15pm and the ticket price includes a Dorset cream tea.
Performances are in Broadstone War Memorial Hall theatre in Tudor Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AW.
Tickets can be reserved by emailing honsec@ broadstoneplayers.co.uk or ringing 01202 678449. They are also on sale in Broadstone News. Meanwhile, Wimborne Drama’s next production is ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ at the Tivoli Theatre from 24–26 October. More about this production in a future magazine.
Craft & Food Fayre coming to Ferndown
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A showcase of local businesses and talented sellers is taking place in late September. Come along for a great selection of authentic arts and crafts and local artisan foods, from craft baking with scrumptious bakes and cakes to handmade and quality jewellery. There will be homemade honey and even children’s face painting, or pick up a paint-your-own bear. These are just a few of the vendors that will be exhibiting and selling. So if you’re local, there is only one place to be. Come and join the organisers at the Barrington Centre in
Ferndown on Saturday 28 September, 10am-3pm, and help celebrate local creative talent and support small businesses.
PREVIEW Murder in Play
Ferndown Drama, Barrington Theatre
Ferndown Drama will perform ‘Murder in Play’ in October at the Barrington Centre.
It is about Boris Smolensky, who is famous for budget productions performed by his repertory company but his latest play, Murder at Priorswell Manor, is in difficulty. His cast are more concerned with their egos than the play and life begins to imitate art when one of the cast is murdered.
Each member of the cast is a suspect as they try to unravel the mystery by using the play within a play device to unmask the murderer. There is comedy and several red herrings to keep the audience guessing until the final moments of this amusing play by renowned thriller writer Simon Brett. Performances are at
7.30pm each evening from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 26 October, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/ferndowndrama and are priced at £12.
REVIEW Old Time Musical Hall Blue Moon Entertainers, Allendale Centre, Wimborne
By Marilyn Barber
You can get such a wide variety of entertainment on smart TVs but you would be hard pressed to find music hall.
Established in the 18th century, and running as a BBC TV programme from 1953 to 1983 as The Good Old Days, the audience in Wimborne had the chance to enjoy some really old songs and to sing along with some of them.
Neil Mitchener, director and producer of Blue Moon Entertainers, put together a varied programme of dancing, singing and comedy.
The 12 entertainers – Brian Harries, Karen Havelock, Barrie Haynes, Ann Lodge, Tina May, Suzi McLeod, Phil Redgrave, Mike Rustici, Andy Scott, Jane
Sykes, Marion Taylor and Nikki Wilson, plus Wessex Majorettes – provided a fun afternoon’s entertainment. However, special mention must be made of the performances by Phil Redgrave, who has appeared on many local stages. His renditions of ‘This is the Moment’, ‘I’m Getting Married in the Morning’ and ‘Flash Bang Wallop’ were captivating. He also put his heart and soul into his portrayal of Dame Nelly Throttlebottom with ‘The Boy I Love’ and ‘The Stripper’. In addition, Brian Harries held the audience’s attention with the recitations ‘Inflation’ and ‘Richard III’. The concert was raising funds for Wessex Cancer Trust.
The Ocean Film Festival is coming to Dorset this Autumn. Featuring seafaring voyages, paddleboarding among icebergs, extreme shark photography and more, the Ocean Film Festival is a collection of short films all celebrating the big blue. Screenings will take place at the Lighthouse in Poole on 21 September and the Regent Centre in Christchurch on 8 October and 21 November.
Photo by Andre Rerekura.
DORSET VIEW COMPETITION WINNER
In the May issue of Dorset View ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 competition, we ran a competition asking readers to predict who would win the tournament. Those who guessed correctly were entered into a draw for a chance to win a £100 voucher from a local business. Out of 110 entries, 14 readers correctly predicted that Spain would be victorious. The lucky winner drawn at random was Ian Nourse from Ferndown. He received a £100 voucher to spend at Avon Beach SUP in Christchurch, supplier of standup paddle boards, wetsuits and more. Congratulations to Ian!
Local artists Margaret Hasted, far left, and Joan Scott held an art exhibition in Wimborne from 20–27 July, selling original paintings and postcards ahead of a summer exhibition by Dorset 20:20 Art Society. The two members of the society sold their artworks to help raise funds for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The pair raised a total of £700 for the lifesaving charity.
Discovery Village to open its doors
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Dorset’s new immersive role play centre is set to open in September.
Located in Christchurch, Discovery Village promises a theatrical and imaginative experience for children aged eight and under and their families. The twohour play sessions will be guided by talented performers and feature songs, dance and music written by children’s television presenter Chris Jarvis. Themed around an idyllic village setting, the centre will
feature nine large-scale role play areas filled with toys, costumes and activities. Each exciting zone will look and feel like a real shop, encouraging learning through play. Discovery Village has revealed the first of these shops is called Bethany’s beauty salon. Bethany’s is a pampering paradise where parents can expect to enjoy a well-deserved makeover from their little ones.
While children enjoy playing, adults can look forward to sampling the food
and drink available in the village café, complete with Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Book now by visiting www. discoveryvillage.co.uk
© Discovery Village
Recruitment director announces retirement
The head of a Poole-based national recruitment agency has announced his retirement and the appointment of his successors.
Lloyd Banks has spent the last 24 years at the helm of Rubicon People Partnership.
Today, the business employs 37 people and has an annual turnover of more than £12m. He will be replaced by Jess Comolly-Jones and Terry Porter, both aged 38. They joined the business in 2005 and 2006 respectively and will
now become the business’s joint managing directors.
Lloyd, 62, said: “Both Jess and Terry have very different skillsets and work very well together. Passing the baton to them was a no-brainer.
“They’re inheriting a solid
and successful business and have the energy and the personal motivation to take it forward.
“I’m now looking forward to focusing on travel, whisky, cigars, motorcycles… after a lifetime of work!”
Dorset firms join forces to help rehabilitate patients
Two Dorset-based care and therapy providers have partnered up to offer a new service designed to help patients leave hospital and get back to living independently.
The collaboration between private care provider
GoodOaks Homecare
East Dorset and Medella Home Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy aims to transform the reablement and discharge process in the county. By combining the expertise
of each team, the new service is designed to help patients transition home safely. GoodOaks and Medella state the service will: speed up the discharge process, reducing hospital stays and easing the burden on the healthcare system; provide personalised physiotherapy plans designed to optimise recovery, and maximise the amount of rehabilitation they can offer. Ultimately, the service should offer patients an enhanced quality of life and reduced risk of hospital readmission.
Sam Jones, director at GoodOaks Homecare East Dorset, said: “Our priority
is to ensure that individuals feel cared for and confident as they continue their recovery in the familiar surroundings of their own home. This partnership is a testament to the power of community collaboration.
“By working hand-in-hand with our hospitals, we’re strengthening the network of care available in East Dorset, and ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.”
The service is aimed at self-funding patients in the East Dorset area, seeking comprehensive support for their recovery and transition back home.
From left to right: Rubicon’s Lloyd Banks, Jess Comolly-Jones and Terry Porter. Photo by Andrew Diprose
Harsh winter ahead
What to do if you’re affected by the loss of winter fuel payments
Since 1997, elderly people across the UK have received winter fuel payments worth up to £300 to help them cope with the cost of heating during the colder months.
But in July, the new Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to this universal benefit, restricting it only to people on means-tested benefits.
For many, this could mean energy bills may become unaffordable over winter. If you are likely to be affected, what can you do about it?
Check if you’re due pension credit
Pension credit is the main means-tested benefit available for those aged 66 or older. It is estimated that over
800,000 people in the UK are eligible but don’t claim. Could you be one of them?
If you are over the state pension age and your weekly income is less than £218 (or £333 for a couple), then you are very likely to be eligible for
the benefit. This income might be from work, a private or state pension, some benefits, or savings and investments over £10,000 (every £500 in savings above this counts as £1 a week of income).
Continued on page 41
If your income is under £235 per week (£350 for a couple) you may still be eligible and it is worth checking. Receiving pension credit entitles you to several other
benefits, including a free TV licence for those aged 75 or older and cheaper council tax. Check gov.uk/ pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234 to apply.
Lock in your energy bill
If you are on a standard variable tariff for your electricity and gas, then the maximum amount your supplier can charge you for each unit of energy is set by the Energy Price Cap.
The Price Cap changes every three months, and experts predict it may increase by up to 10 per cent in October. Some energy providers offer fixed price deals below the Price Cap, so switching to one of these deals is likely to save money over the next 12 months.
Use a price comparison website to find a cheaper deal that’s right for you.
Make your home more efficient
Ultimately, using less energy will reduce your bills, so consider improving your home’s insulation.
Look for gaps around windows and doors, then use draft excluders or sealant to keep warm air in.
Check your radiators are working effectively.
They may need bleeding to remove trapped air. Installing reflectors behind your radiators can prevent heat loss through walls. Finally, check your boiler is working well. A service could fix issues before they arise in the winter.
If you are worried about winter, reach out to local services like Dorset Community Action, Healthy Homes Dorset, or Age UK for advice and help.
CHIMNEY SWEEP
CARPET
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CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
A poem about foster care
A child in care has written a heartfelt poem explaining how her foster carer has become ‘another mother’ to her. In the poem, Katie, age 14, expresses how her foster carer has become her rock and the one she turns to in times of need. The poem has been sent to Dorset View by Dorset Council.
Another Mother
I cry, and I sob I weep, and I wail Into the arms of another
The floors creak
The dogs bark, But it’s in the house of another
NEWS IN BRIEF
Stamps needed Stamp dealers are in need of new stock – not just stamps, but also airletters and postcards that have been through the post.The items can be brought to the Poole and Bournemouth Stamp and Postcard Club Fair which takes place on Saturday, 7 September at the Upton Community Centre, BH16 5JA. For more information contact davidlytch@ gmail.com.
The compassion runs deep
But the memories run deeper
But it’s with that of another
Another one to care for me
Another one to love me
Another one for me
This one cares
This one wishes for my arise, and not my downfall
This one is my rock
This one is mine, all mine.
Another for the records
One that will stay
Another mother
One that will last forever
Angela, Katie’s foster carer, said: “Katie has been with us now for almost a year and
receiving the poem from her deeply moved me. It is an incredibly beautiful and meaningful poem, and the words capture so much emotion.
“Overall, we have fostered for 14 years now, and we do it for many reasons. It allows us to make a positive difference in a child’s life, offering them stability and care during a difficult period
of their life. Every child deserves a safe and loving home and it’s our way of giving back to the community and helping to shape a brighter future for children in need.”
If you would like to know more about fostering with Dorset Council, visit https://www. fosterwithdorsetcouncil. com/
Wimborne u3a Wimborne u3a begins a new academic year on Monday 30 September with over 50 groups to choose from. You may choose as many as you wish for just £59 for the year. Call the membership secretary on 01202 884852 or visit wimborneu3a. org.uk.
Reduced crime Ringwood saw a reduction of crime in the last quarter of the year. In a report to Ringwood Town Council, Sergeant Chris Pell of the Neighbourhood Policing Team said he was encouraging the use of the Immobilise website (www. immobilise.com) to register valuable possessions so that if they are lost or stolen in future and recovered, the police can easily trace the owners.
Sergeant Pell is working with local businesses to focus on shoplifting and is looking to promote the introduction of a ShopWatch scheme so that businesses can share live information.
TREE SURGERY
TREE SURGERY
UPHOLSTERY & SEWING SERVICES
WINDOW INSTALLATION & REPAIRS
Ringwood green team celebrates second anniversary
A group of volunteers has celebrated spending the last two years rejuvenating the Ringwood area by planting greenery and installing flower beds around the town.
The Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE) to Green team turned two years old on 1 August. It aims to improve the area’s natural habitats and add more pollinating plants.
The team recently installed beds of purple verbena on the roundabout by Ringwood car park, thanks to funding from Knights Brown. Other projects funded by RACE include planting two raised beds in Jubilee Gardens, a newly planted stumpery opposite Men’s Shed and two areas of improved planting
near Ringwood Infant School.
Mary DeBoos, a trustee of RACE, said: “The team has also moved 17 tonnes of compost and 10 tonnes of mulch, planted thousands of bulbs and hundreds of plants in the beds in Gateway Square opposite Ringwood Meeting House.
“Further plantings are being planned thanks to a very generous donation from the Rotary Club of Ringwood.”
The RACE to Green team will soon be doing their autumn plantings to prepare for a show of colour next spring. If you have a couple of hours to spare each month, or would like to learn more about the different sites and the choices of plants, email Ringwoodraceagainsttime@ gmail.com
Southbourne cafés launch reusable cup scheme
Five cafés in Southbourne, alongside Litter Free Dorset, launched a new scheme in August to tackle singleuse coffee cup waste.
The Dorset Cup scheme is a sustainability initiative aiming to reduce the use of disposable coffee cups – which are almost impossible to recycle and usually end up in landfill – by allowing customers to borrow a reusable cup, instead of remembering to bring their own.
Members of the scheme – which costs £5 to join – can borrow a cup from any of the participating cafés, enjoy their hot drink, and then return the cup to any café within the Dorset Cup network.
The participating cafés are Velo Domestique, Wild & Ginger, Makla, Harry’s, and Little Perth. Litter Free Dorset intends to recruit more cafés and expand the scheme across the county.
Emma Teasdale, project officer for the Dorset Cup scheme, said: “We hope the Dorset Cup will inspire more businesses and customers to think about the impact of their packaging choices and take steps toward a more sustainable future.” For more information about the Dorset Cup scheme, visit litterfreedorset. co.uk/dorset-cup
Planet Wimborne Green Festival to return
This year’s Planet Wimborne Green Festival is back in town from Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 October.
This town-wide celebration of all things green and environmentally friendly offers events and activities for all ages. Community groups, local organisations and businesses, churches and schools have once again joined forces to put together a varied programme to inspire and equip people to live more sustainably and take better care of our planet.
The festival will be officially opened on the Minster Green at 10.30am on Saturday 12 October by the mayor of
Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, accompanied by Town Crier Chris Brown, Repair Shop’s Sonnaz Nooranvary and Womble Orinoco.
During the week, people can make plastic-free bunting or hazel fences; visit a naturefriendly farm or Lush’s green Hub; hear about the birdlife of Poole Harbour or the River Allen Recovery Project; join a sustainable food tour around some of Wimborne’s restaurants or investigate travel options at the Green Transport Hub. There will also be children’s craft activities, a poetry competition, a film night – and much more.
A fold-out programme will be available to pick up in September.
Check the website
planetwimborne.org/ wimborne-green-festival or email wimbornegreenfestival@ gmail.com for the latest details.
The 2023 Green Festival opening
Bournemouth group Holly Copse Molly is keen to attract more dancers, either male or female. It’s similar to Morris dancing but simpler as members often make up their own dances. The group practise in the winter on Thursdays from 8pm–10pm at Townsend Community Centre. Musicians also welcome. Contact Marilyn on 07783 954382.
Members of RACE to Green, which is now two years old
