VIEWPOINT
Dear Readers!
Hands up those who have never visited the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne. Really! Perhaps you’ve been to the Red House Museum in Christchurch, the Russell Cotes Museum in Bournemouth, or Poole Museum before it closed for major conservation work?
Strangely, we’re all guilty of travelling miles to see an attraction but very often ignoring those on our doorstep, arguing that ‘we can pop into them anytime’ – but we don’t.
And I can be as guilty as anyone of this. We’re very lucky in this area to be able to take advantage of coach trips with a choice of many local pick-up points. This year I’ve been to Buckingham Palace, Sidmouth and Kingston to name just a few locations, but it was only relatively recently that I took a trip to the Russell Cotes Museum.
In September, I went on a trip organised by Wimborne Civic Society to Stock Gaylard country estate, which is not far from Sturminster Newton. Famous for its Oak Fair, this was a first for me. Afterwards, we visited the Grade II* parish church of St Eustace in the village of Ibberton and Woolland Church in Woolland, both in villages I had never heard of despite living in Dorset for most of my life.
This just brought it home to me that so often we ignore the attractions that are on our doorstep.
However, we are fortunate enough to have local organisations –such as the Wimborne Civic Society, East Dorset Heritage Trust and East Dorset Antiquarian Society – which organise trips and talks so we can learn about and visit local points of interest.
We have some great features in this magazine. Meet the Professionals, a page of Halloween events and our editor got to test drive a new Ford SUV.
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
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The sun sets over low tides at Mudeford © Nigel Challis
Ringwood Carnival 2024 a triumph
There was a massive turnout for the Ringwood Carnival held on Saturday 21 September
This town celebration is now nearly 100 years old. The first Ringwood Carnival was in 1928, held again in 1931 and 1934, and has been held every year since 1950.
Crowds filled the streets of the town for this year’s pair of parades. Entertainers including dancers, marching bands, musicians, floats, classic
vehicles, steam engines and motorbikes paraded along the market town’s high street.
As well as the processions, there was live music, a funfair, market stalls, and events including a fire station open day held around the town.
The Carnival’s chairman said: “Ringwood Carnival was an unbelievably
successful day, where thousands of people visited Ringwood to enjoy a festival of fun.
“As always, there was incredible community spirit. There was fantastic participation in our processions, and many discovering a whole host of entertainment throughout the town — from live music sessions and street
entertainment, to stunt bike displays and mini steam engine rides. The atmosphere was electric, our little market town should be very proud indeed.”
There were several prizes available for the best participants in the parade. The winner of the Best in Show for the evening procession was Ringwood Waldorf School and their dragon float. It was a double celebration for the school, as it is also celebrating its 50th birthday this year.
Geli Patrick, school lead and chairman of the senior management team said: “We are so excited to be celebrating the school’s 50th birthday. Taking part in the Ringwood Carnival was the next step in our 50th anniversary celebrations, which are set to last the whole year.”
The Ringwood Carnival is set to return next year on 20 September 2025.
An aerial view of the afternoon parade © Paddy Butler
The Ringwood Waldorf School’s prize-winning float
A new crest for Wimborne Town Council has been unveiled by the Mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart, outside the Town Hall. The crest was created by Bella Bijou, a Bournemouth University student, and is based on the original emblem which is an exact replica of the one used by the former Wimborne Minster Urban District Council since 1894. The Urban District Council was abolished in 1974, following the creation of the Town Council under the Local Government Act 1972. The design includes a representation of the Minster Church and features Edward the Confessor’s cross, adorned with four martlets (a type of mythical bird without feet) © WMTC
Climate change conference coming to Bournemouth
Bournemouth University is to host a community-led ‘conference of the parties’ on Saturday 2 November.
Dorset COP is organised by volunteers from Zero Carbon Dorset, Sustainable Dorset, Dorset Climate Action Network, East Dorset Friends of the Earth and This Living Place.
Mark Chivers, co-founder of Zero Carbon Dorset, said: “This full day event follows on from the UK’s first county level communityled COP in 2023 which saw more than 250 people, including representatives from more than 100 Dorset-based organisations, come together to have their say on the climate and ecological crises, raising awareness of a wide range of issues and starting conversations on the actions we need to take locally.”
Last year’s event received attention from the media, politicians, and even celebrities, with Springwatch presenter Chris Packham hailing Dorset COP as a ‘brilliant idea’.
Tickets are available for £10 from Eventbrite. Search for Dorset COP 2024.
Ferndown riders urge drivers to slow down
A Verwood resident organised a horse ride through the roads of Longham in Ferndown on Saturday 14 September, to remind motorists of safe driving practices around horses.
A total of eight horse riders, two cyclists and seven people on foot took part in ‘Pass Wide and Slow’, a global event aiming to raise awareness of how to pass vulnerable road users. Participants held signs advising drivers to give horses two metres of space and to pass slowly.
Organiser Megan Robinson, who lives in Verwood and keeps horses in Ferndown, said: “This is a world-wide campaign with over 245 rides going out over the weekend from all over the UK, as well as New Zealand, the USA and South Africa.
“The results of the ride have already gone a step in the right direction to begin to get more
horse-riding signs along Ham Lane to make it safer for us.”
The ride was sponsored by Salisbury-IT and Dorset Vision.
One of the attendees was Ferndown South Ward Cllr Hannah Hobbs-Chell. She said:
“It was a pleasure to join a well organised awareness walk for vulnerable road users including horse riders and cyclists, highlighting the importance of respecting the safety of others.
“I have sadly been on the receiving end of poor driver behaviour putting my and the horse I was riding’s welfare at risk.
“It was lovely to see on the whole incredibly sensible and considerate drivers, and much appreciated.”
The Dorset Rural Crime Team also assisted with the ride. The Crime Team shared advice to motorists on how to drive around
horses safely. They said: “As we enter the autumn season, motorists are likely to continue to see horse riders on the road.
“When you see a horse on the road, it is advised to slow down to a maximum of 10mph; only pass a rider or carriage if it is safe to do so; pass wide and slow keeping at least two metres of distance; and finally, be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine.”
Images © Amanda Lawrence
Photo by Laura Cowdery
Community group helps families in Fordingbridge
Trustees and volunteers from community outreach charity
Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) supported close to 200 children and their carers and families during the summer with their free Picnics Together programme. AVCM raises funds locally through fundraising as well as running a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street to support its work in the community. The charity funds Bereavement Support, a Miscarriage Support Group, a local Friendship Group for the lonely and vulnerable as well as free holiday activity programmes for local families.
The AVCM team also runs an inclusive playgroup, Superstars, each Friday morning from 9.30am–11.30am at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge. This friendly group, packed each week with wide-ranging activities for babies and preschoolers, suggests ‘donations only’ to enable struggling families to participate. Funds raised are used solely for improving resources and to support Families Together programmes, such as Picnics and Building Together. For more information, to get involved or make a donation, please visit www.avcmatters.org.
New school pond, big hit
Pupils – and newts – are enjoying the new pond at Ringwood Junior School thanks to external funding and the hard work of volunteers from the school community.
The school’s leaking pond and overgrown surroundings have been transformed into a
vibrant new outdoor learning space where frogs, newts and wildlife continue to flourish.
“We’re very grateful for the grants from the Wessex Water Foundation and Ringwood Town Council, and the hard work of our school community, to create a wonderful nature area that not only enhances our children’s learning experiences, but also provides important habitats for wildlife,” said Ringwood Junior School headteacher Sally-Ann Evans.
The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund supports charitable and community activities across the Wessex Water region that have a positive impact on the local environment.
Pupils at Ringwood Junior School look for wildlife in the school’s new pond and nature area
A newt soon made its home in the new pond
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall,
Ferndown Scouts meet with royalty
Gorsemoor Scout Group, based in Ferndown, had the opportunity of a lifetime when they met a member of the royal family in August.
The group met Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, on 13 August ahead of taking part in the UK
Sail Training Small Ships Race from Guernsey to Poole.
Verity Hayter, a member of Gorsemoor Scouts, got the chance to invest the Duchess into the wider Scouting family and presented her with a group neckerchief and badges.
Verity said: “I was quite
nervous, and it was a surreal moment. Once I got off the steps onto the pontoon, I reminded her of the Scout Law and then she repeated the Scout Promise.”
After this experience, the Scout group took part in an overnight boat race celebrating
Station Hair completes expansion
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West Moors-based hairdresser and beauty salon Station Hair opened the doors to its new
location on 3 September.
After spending nearly 10 years in Station Road, the salon expanded to a new, larger location next door. The move to 146 Station Road means that the salon now boasts a bright, open design and more modern amenities.
The brand-new location has been designed to reflect the passion and creativity of Station Hair’s hard-working team. The salon aims to create an inviting atmosphere where clients feel right at home.
Station Hair now offers many new services, including facials, lashes, brows, and waxing.
Viv and Dave Arkell, along with Sue and Stewart Bullen, beat more than 30 other participants to win the Town Trail, organised by Mayor of Wimborne Minster Jeff Hart (pictured right). The event raised over £300 for the mayor’s chosen charities – Wimborne Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne. Local businesses donated raffle prizes, adding £73 to the total. Viv and Dave are pictured with their champagne prize.
Owner Frances Williams said: “It still doesn’t feel real that we have been able to achieve this! Thank you to everyone that worked hard, stayed late and helped us create this beautiful space.”
The salon first opened in 2015. Station Hair’s team provides both classic and modern styles of hairdressing, and several other treatments. To book an appointment, call 01202 895394.
200 years of the RNLI. Gorsemoor was the only Scout group in the race, and they were the youngest team with sailors as young as 12 racing across the channel. Overall, they finished first in their class and in first place overall out of 13 yachts.
Verity (right) invests Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, into the scouts © Gorsemoor Scout Group
QE head teacher welcomes parents to open evening
Thomas Neill, who has taken up his new post as head of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne, welcomed 1,000 local Year 8 pupils and their parents and carers to the school in September to learn about the education, care and facilities on offer there, before they make the decision of which schools to apply to for next year.
Mr Neill said: “We know
that joining a secondary school is a major decision and we hope our open evening has helped families in their decision making.
“We want every family that chooses Queen Elizabeth’s to feel confident that they are joining a welcoming family, which cares about every member of our community and their individual needs.”
Cllr Toni Coombs, former mayor of Verwood, has donated a new gazebo to the Ferndown-based John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF), using funds from her charity. JTYAF was established in 2008 in memory of John Thornton, a soldier from Ferndown who was tragically killed at the age of 22 while serving in Afghanistan. Pictured left to right are Cllr Coombs, Pete Thornton, chairman of JTYAF, and Linda Thornton, secretary. Cllr Coombs said: “I am thrilled to be able to help this small but important local charity as I have seen the benefits their grants have made to our local young people. They have turned a personal tragedy into a force for good and ensured that John is never forgotten.”
Ferndown travel firm hosts holiday showcase
Coach operator Heathside Travel will host a free event on Wednesday 20 November introducing their 2025 holiday programme, including destinations such as Cornwall, Austria, Guernsey, Llandudno and Western Ireland. Each tour will feature a guide on board who will look after clients throughout their holiday.
At the showcase, brochures for trips in 2025 will be available, along with free refreshments. Staff will be on hand to present an overview of the destinations, as well as answer questions and take bookings.
The event is being held at The Hub in Verwood between 2pm and 4.30pm. Heathside Travel are offering free coach travel to the event from their pick-up points in Wimborne, Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood, Ringwood, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Ferndown-based Heathside Travel are an award-winning family run company with a fully insured fleet of environmentally friendly coaches.
To find out more about the 2025 programme or to book a place at the holiday showcase, call 01202 892202 or email info@ heathsidetravel.co.uk.
Pensioners urged to act on winter fuel payments
At the start of October, the energy price cap – the rate which suppliers can charge for electricity and gas, set by regulator Ofgem – rose by 10 per cent. With energy bills rising and the winter fuel payment being axed for most, the charity Age UK estimates that two million older people will struggle to cope with paying for their heating this year.
However, those who receive benefits can still get the winter fuel payment worth up to £300, and so the elderly across the county are being urged to check whether they are eligible for any benefits such as pension credit.
If you are unsure how to check whether you can claim pension credit, there are several organisations across Dorset and Hampshire who can help.
Laura Davy, support associate at HOPe New Forest, said: “It is more important than ever that older people check if they qualify for pension credit.
“If you receive less than the full amount of state pension, then you may qualify.”
HOPe New Forest operates in the Ringwood and Fordingbridge area and offers a free support service. Call 07842 204 829 or email support@hopenewforest. org to ask for help applying for pension credit. You can also apply online yourself by going to gov.uk/pension-credit.
Church bells
By Julian Hewitt Fordingbridge Museum | info@fordingbridgemuseum.co.uk
“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne
Like the poet John Betjeman, one of the pleasures I get from life is to hear the quintessentially English sound of church bells calling out across the countryside. That sound has inspired many poets. AE Housman used them as a backdrop to his poem ‘Bredon Hill’. The curfew bell sounding, “the knell of parting day,” begins Thomas Gray’s poem ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’. We know that bells were used in China from early times to tell the time and mark important events. In medieval Britain, the Sanctus bell was rung in churches to mark significant moments in the
liturgy but also to call people to worship, mark the time of day, to warn of impending danger or mark the start of the curfew.
Before the 16th century, most church bells hung on a single spindle or a part wheel. This enabled the bell to be chimed as it swung against its clapper. In the reformation, bells in monasteries and abbeys were not melted down but were often given to parish churches. This showed the key role they had in communicating in the community.
In Cromwell’s republic, bell ringing was regarded as a sinful activity. John Bunyan wrote in his autobiography about the internal conflict
between his desire to practise his hobby of bell ringing and his newfound faith: “I had taken much delight in ringing, but my conscious beginning to be tender I… forced myself to leave it… I would go to the steeple-house and look on, though I durst not ring.”
In the 17th century, bells in England were attached to whole wheels. This allowed the bells to be swung in a full circle. They could be paused at the top of the swing for slower ringing or checked before they reached the top point of the swing for quicker ringing. A wooden pole or “stay” enabled the bell to rest beyond its balance point. This enabled church towers containing between five to eleven bells to be used for “method” ringing where the order in which the bells were rung could be varied. Fabien Steadman from Herefordshire, a bell ringer and son of a vicar, produced guides to change ringing in 1668 and 1677. A large number of changes were devised with quaint names such as Kent Treble Bob, Grandsire Triples and Steadman Doubles.
Also in the 17th century, bell ringing became a fashionable pursuit for young men, and ringing societies began to be formed. In 1684, a bell ringing group called the College Youths rang a total of 2,160 changes without standing their bells.
Bells are produced by bell foundries, the most well-known being the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which closed in 2017. A
molten mixture of copper and tin would be poured into a mould. The finished bell would then be tuned by shaving off metal from the inside of the bell. A tenor bell has the lowest note, while a treble bell has the highest note. The Olympic Bell, made for the 2012 Olympic Games, is the largest harmonically tuned bell in the world. Great Paul in St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben in the Palace of Westminster are also very large.
Salisbury Cathedral once had a separate bell tower which was built in the 13th century. Royalist troops set fire to it during the English Civil Wars and it gradually became more dilapidated. After briefly becoming an inn, it was demolished in 1790. In dry weather, the outline of its foundations can still be seen on the grass near the Bell Tower Tea Rooms. Salisbury, along with Norwich and Ely Cathedrals, does not have a ring of bells.
In 1954, John Betjeman wrote ‘Pershore Station’ about waiting for a train and hearing the sound of Pershore bells: They were ringing them down for Evensong in the lighted abbey near, Sounds which had poured through apple boughs for seven centuries here.
Hopefully, the sound of church bells will continue to ring out across the countryside so long as people come forward to learn the most ancient and English practice of bell ringing.
A hand-coloured engraving depicts young bellringers engaged in change ringing
Museum volunteers needed to bring history to life for schools
The Museum of East Dorset’s new learning and family assistant is looking to recruit volunteers for the museum’s educational team to help educate and entertain schoolchildren.
Rachel SimpsonFernandes said: “No experience is necessary as training and mentoring is provided. Every session also has a detailed delivery plan that is easy to follow.
“All we need is people with a passion for history, who love the magic of museums and how they enrich children’s lives. And if you fancy dressing up as a Victorian housekeeper or Roman soldier – even better!”
Each year, hundreds of schoolchildren from across the UK visit the museum in Wimborne. They take part in themed educational workshops that cover thousands of years of British history. Volunteers
help to bring that history alive by roleplaying as figures from the past such as Victorian cooks or scullery maids.
The museum announced Rachel’s appointment to the role of learning and family assistant in September. As well as leading the education team, she is responsible for co-ordinating school trips.
Rachel has over a decade of experience in education, including primary and special educational needs. She said:
“When this job was advertised, I couldn’t believe my luck –teaching and museums! Two of my favourite things – the perfect role for me that combines creativity and practical skills.”
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, or to organise a school visit, contact Rachel via learning@ museumofeastdorset.co.uk.
Museum of East Dorset’s Rachel Simpson-Fernandes
Museum volunteer teaches children about what life was like for Victorian-era maids © Jayne Jackson
I am delighted to share that our Rustic Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday raised a record amount with great numbers attending, despite the rising costs to put on the fayre.
We now have the enjoyable task of dividing up to £19,000 to support local charities, organisations and activities across our community. If you have a local club or charity you would like to nominate for a possible donation, please contact us on secretary@ verwoodrotary.org.uk.
It was great to see all the months of planning come together for a wonderful afternoon out for all the family. Harry Redknapp and Mayor Revd Julian Macro JP opened the fayre, with Harry arriving in
style to greet the large crowd who had gathered to see him. We also would like to give a big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers — we really could not organise such a big community event without your support every year.
It would be hard to list all the highlights, but the Liberty Raptor Centre’s birds of prey and Tano Taiko Drum Band were popular in the arena alongside many returning favourites. There were many stalls to wander round, live music performances, classic cars to enjoy and our annual duck race to name but a few.
We are now already looking forward to next year’s fayre — put the date in your diary for August Bank Holiday Monday and we will see you there.
Harry arriving in the arena © Keith Shackleton
L–R: Mayor of Verwood, Harry Redknapp, and Rotary President Peter Campbell © Keith Shackleton
Classic cars on display © Derek Maidment
One of Liberty’s birds of prey © Derek Maidment
Tano Taiko Drum Band wowed crowds in the arena © Derek Maidment
Green thumbs on display
Report and photos by
Ollie Greensmith
Despite a shocking growing season, the show-benches were packed with colour and variety at the Verwood & District Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show on Saturday 14 September. A total of 63 entrants brought their prized flowers, vegetables, cakes and handicrafts to the Memorial Hall to compete for trophies and vouchers donated by local businesses.
With over 360 exhibits — up 28 per cent on last year — the show attracted a good number of visitors who enjoyed the impressive range of colourful and scented flowers lining the tables with roses, chrysanthemums, dahlias and gladioli on show.
The children’s classes were well represented with finger puppets, drawings of superhero vegetable characters, and handmade Christmas tree decorations. Annie-Rose Vincent, aged nine, won the best Junior exhibit with her collage of a rabbit made from things collected on a walk.
At the end of the day, 33 trophies were presented to winners, along with £280 worth of vouchers donated by generous Verwood-based businesses for all the ‘Best Exhibits’ judged earlier in the day. The Banksian
Medal, an annual RHS prize for most points across all Flower, Vegetable and Fruit classes, was awarded to Bill Howarth who also won eight of the main trophies on offer.
The winners of ‘The Great Verwood Grow Off’ — a children’s growing contest the VDHS launched earlier in the year — were also announced. Hillside First School won the tallest sunflower competition with an amazing 305cm plant grown by the reception class, while Tilly Greensmith, aged nine, won the prettiest calendula category with a vase of beautiful orange and yellow pot marigolds. The centrepiece of the contest was a line of huge pumpkins, the heaviest of which was grown by Chester Dibben, aged five, and weighed in at a whopping 64.5kg. Each of the growing champions won a £20 toy shop voucher.
The VDHS meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Verwood Memorial Hall and welcomes new joiners or visitors to meetings. For further details, visit www. verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk.
Blooming bouquets
Chester and his prizewinning pumpkin
Congratulations to the winners
Charity of the Year
Candles on the Green returns to Wimborne
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is excited to announce the return of their poignant event, ‘Candles on the Green’, which is set to illuminate Wimborne Minster on Saturday 16 November from 6pm to 8pm.
This event invites the community to come together to celebrate, remember, and reflect on their loved ones.
Attendees can dedicate a message on a candle, which will be displayed on the Green adjacent to Wimborne Minster, creating a magical spectacle.
The evening will begin with the Boscombe Salvation Army Band, who will set a reflective and heartwarming ambiance with their performance outside the Minster. Inside, the local choir Cantilena Voices and the popular Rock Choir will provide additional musical delight, enhancing the event’s uplifting atmosphere.
A suggested donation of £6 per candle will help fund Lewis-Manning’s Bereavement and Family Support services, ensuring that essential support continues to be available to those in need within the community.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Events Fundraiser Anna DuRose said: “We are delighted to bring this magical event back to Wimborne for its second year. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the local community to reflect, celebrate, and remember their loved ones while supporting our vital Bereavement and Family Support services.
“Special thanks to our headline sponsor, Care South, for their continuous support of our Candles events, and also to sponsors Douch & Small Funeral Directors and MJP Law. We’d like to express our appreciation too to The Rock Choir, Cantilena Voices and The Salvation Army Band for their brilliant support of this event.”
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will also be hosting ‘Candles on the Lake’ in Poole Park on 19 October and ‘Candles at the Bandstand’ in Swanage on 26 October. Anyone wishing to take part is urged to pre order a candle at lewismanning.org.uk/candles. Candles will also be available to purchase on the evening of the event.
Smokers, get your free Stoptober quit kit
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Air Ambulance launches life saving package
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has launched a new initiative to save lives
The automated external defibrillator (AED) package aims to empower members of the public to have the confidence and skills to deliver early life-saving interventions when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.
Each year, DSAA provides a resuscitation attempt to approximately 300 people following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. By placing more publicly accessible AEDs outside of workplace and community buildings, the charity hopes that more lives will be saved, should someone suffer a cardiac arrest at work or in the surrounding area.
The AEDs are supplied by The Heartbeat Trust UK and are available to purchase by businesses, community groups and organisations. The package includes a licence to use the device, access to a DSAA Life Support CPR and Defibrillator
awareness session, support with ongoing maintenance and ways to fundraise for the cost of the package.
Ollie Zorab, specialist practitioner in critical care at DSAA, said: “Defibrillators are life-saving pieces of equipment which significantly increase a person’s chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.”
Ollie Zorab with a DSAA defibrillator cabinet
COPD support group marks 15th anniversary
Report and photo by Luke Graham
For the past 15 years, patients from across Dorset suffering from asthma, emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung disease) meet at a monthly support group in Ferndown.
Founded and run by Warren Brown, the Ferndown COPD Support Group provides advice and support to those suffering from the condition and their carers. The group has had members join from across the county, and from as far as Southampton.
Warren and his wife Dee set up the group in October 2009 after he was diagnosed with emphysema and realised there was a lack of support in the area for residents with COPD. For 15 years, Warren has run the group and ensured members who live alone receive regular home visits, even as his own health problems have progressed; he now has moderate-to-severe COPD. Glynis Smith, a now-retired
respiratory nurse specialist, helps him run the group.
Glynis said: “What I have realised is that this group of patients are the forgotten group, they are always very humble and as the disease deteriorates, they struggle to carry out activities of daily living.
“I feel very privileged to be able to help Warren with his group.”
The group not only shares health advice, but also provides information on issues such as claiming benefits. Warren is currently encouraging members to apply for pension credit ahead of the winter fuel allowance cut.
Group member Marie Hammond doesn’t have COPD, but attends with her husband who does, and says she values this service.
“The information provided on things apart from COPD is very useful,” she says.
“I go from here to my friends and tell them all
I’ve learned. You learn about all sorts of things you’ve never heard of.”
Perhaps most importantly, the group is a source of friendship and comfort. Alan Edgar, who has been coming to the group for over two years, says he values the group’s shared understanding of COPD, saying that it makes him feel he is not suffering alone.
“You are surrounded by people facing similar problems,” he explains. “Glynis and Warren are fantastic at giving us information.”
Warren and Glynis expressed their gratitude to Ferndown Day Centre, who let the group use a room at no cost on the first Thursday of every month from 3pm–5pm. People with a respiratory disease and their carers are encouraged to join the group. For more information, call Warren on 07747 672100.
Joshie weaves hope for epilepsy care in Dorset
A 12-year-old boy from Poole, who learned to knit as a way of unravelling the challenges of living with epilepsy, has raised £3,000 for charity.
In August 2023, Joshie Cadbury became unwell during a holiday and spent a few nights in Calais Hospital. Upon his return to the UK, it was confirmed that Joshie had epilepsy.
While on holiday, Joshie began knitting to aid his recovery as he was told to limit screen time. What started as
a therapeutic hobby quickly became a passion, and Joshie decided to cast on a fundraising effort by selling his woolly creations to support University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Charity’s epilepsy fund. Joshie said: “I have loved getting into knitting more since being diagnosed with epilepsy and it has helped me so much. It has turned a tough situation into a
more positive one. It’s been so great to raise money for UHD NHS Charity and help others with epilepsy.”
Joshie with a cheque for charity
Warren Brown, sitting in the front row in a red shirt, and Glynis Smith, standing, run the group
Care homes invited to apply for AI project
Both Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council are looking for between nine and 22 care homes to take part in an initiative to introduce acoustic monitoring systems. These use AI, sound and motion-based technology to boost resident safety and wellbeing.
Funding is being provided from the Department of Health and Social Care through its Digitising Social Care Programme. Care homes will be offered up to £10,000 to introduce the systems.
Acoustic monitoring relies on audio and motion sensors strategically placed in residents’ rooms that pickup sounds and motion that could indicate potential issues or needs.
Cllr Steve Robinson, Cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset Council, said: “This real time notification will allow staff to respond promptly without the need for intrusive regular nighttime checks
‘Tis
that might disturb residents.
“It enables staff to focus on addressing immediate needs and it will enable carers to provide more personalised care.
Care home providers are being asked to get in touch with Partners in Care if they want to take part in the initiative.
The scheme is part of the Government’s plan to digitise the nation’s social care environment.
The future of care
the season for flu jabs
Ahead of winter, Dorset residents are being reminded to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.
Vaccinations are the most effective way of protecting yourself against potentially life-threatening illness.
Since the beginning of September, children and pregnant women have been eligible for the flu vaccine, and since the beginning of October it became available for those aged 65 and over, those living in a care home, people in clinical risk groups, carers and frontline workers.
The Covid-19 vaccination is also available for those aged over 65, as well as pregnant women, people in care homes and frontline workers.
This year, the NHS has launched a new respiratory syncyial virus (RSV) vaccination for people aged 75–79 and pregnant women. RSV affects the airways and lungs and can be very serious for small babies and the elderly.
Dr Paul Johnson, chief medical officer at NHS Dorset said: “The lead up to winter normally sees a big push to protect people against flu and Covid-19 and this year is no different with groups who may be at risk of developing complications being offered a vaccination.
“However, vaccinations don’t
end with a simple ‘flu jab’ and many people may not be aware they can get protected from a range of other diseases including RSV, whooping cough, shingles or mumps.”
Those eligible for a vaccine should be contacted directly by the NHS, either via text message, letter or a phone call, and will be offered an appointment or invited to make one. For more information, visit staywelldorset. nhs.uk/vaccinations.
Lions donate bears to ambulance service
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club recently donated a box of cuddly bears to the South Central Ambulance Service for use in their ambulances when transporting young children to hospital.
The bears have all been individually wrapped in sealed packages in order to comply with infection control guidance,
Lion Chris Shehan, vice president, said: “It is heart warming to think the bears will help a young child feel safer and secure at what could be quite a traumatic time.”
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club meet at 8pm on the second Thursday of every month at the Trinity Church in Ringwood. To find out more about their work see www.randflions.org.uk, phone on 0345 833 5819 or come along to one of their monthly meetings.
Parkinson’s support group in Ferndown seeks new volunteers
A support group for people living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones which meets in Ferndown is looking for new volunteers to help run its committee.
The East Dorset branch of Parkinson’s UK meets monthly in St Mary’s Church in Ferndown. It needs volunteers who can take on tasks such as fundraising, organising events and activities and writing newsletters for members. This work is vital to ensure people with Parkinson’s can access activities that make a real difference to them.
Claire Denby, local volunteer officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “The East Dorset branch is a lifeline for people in the local area who are living with Parkinson’s, but we rely on volunteers to help us keep these groups running. Without the support from people like you, the group could be forced to close. Get involved today.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new, have new experiences, and meet new people.”
Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including around 2,290 people in Dorset.
The East Dorset branch meets on the third Thursday of each month between 2pm and 4pm at St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Ferndown, BH22 9EU. For more information, contact Claire via email on cdenby@parkinsons.org.uk or call 07842 445020.
Chris Shehan, right, delivering the teddies
The thin blue line: How police handled the summer riots
In early August, the UK was rocked by a series of antiimmigration protests up and down the country, many of which broke out into riots and violent disorder, causing injuries and criminal damage and leading to multiple arrests. Several incidents took place across the South West, including in Weymouth and Bournemouth. Below, Dorset Police Sergeant Scott Jones shares his first-hand account of policing protests in the county:
I have been a specialist trained public order officer for seven years, having served as a police constable, sergeant and more recently a Police Support Unit (PSU) Commander.
Over the course of two weeks, I went to five different protests within the South West and worked long hours to enable safe and legal protest activity. I also had the privilege of being the PSU Commander for the operation’s National Contingency, which has meant having officers on standby ready to respond to resourcing calls from other forces for mutual aid support if it were needed.
To fulfil our national commitment, I was detached from my normal day job and instead stood on the frontline alongside other colleagues who volunteer as PSU officers to keep our communities safe.
“I saw a brick being thrown out of nowhere”
I was aware of the national picture and the disorder that occurred throughout the UK, but I remained optimistic and didn’t foresee issues here in Dorset. I assumed that there may be some chanting and minor anti-social behaviour, but I was shocked at some of the disorder that colleagues and I faced from those who wanted to misbehave under the guise of the protest.
During the protests, some groups showed hostility towards others, displaying aggression through violence and throwing items such as bricks and bottles. I also experienced and witnessed aggressive behaviour aimed towards police officers, which included one of my colleagues being punched to the face, causing him to be unsteady on his feet.
I had confidence in our command structure that we would be able to manage the disorder and come to a safe resolution. I knew there was a lot of planning going on behind the scenes which enabled us to have it under control and managed.
“My loved ones were worried about my safety”
During the protest in Weymouth, I stood with one protest group and looked up to see people from the other side running along the beachfront in an attempt to confront and potentially cause more violent disorder.
This was a difficult and high-pressure environment, but I was confident in my equipment, my team and the training we had received.
We deployed lines of officers to create a barrier and keep both groups separated and prevent violent interactions.
This wasn’t easy and I was spending multiple hours in PSU kit, which included fireproof undergarments, full protective pads and overalls, and a PSU helmet in already very hot weather conditions. But this was about teamwork, and we are here to protect our communities, putting ourselves in potentially dangerous situations and holding the line between opposing groups.
My friends and family have all been shocked about the disorder demonstrated at some of the protests and were keen to know I was safe. It was upsetting to know that my children were worried for my safety, and I had to make the decision to sacrifice spending time with them to ensure we kept other people safe over this time period.
I am pleased about what we in Dorset achieved with the protests. I am fully committed to serving and protecting our communities, and I am proud to be an officer and public order volunteer for Dorset Police.
Sergeant Scott Jones policed five protests over a span of two weeks
Residents fight back against Aldi
Discount retailer Aldi officially filed a planning application in September to build a new store next to Canford Bottom roundabout in Colehill.
Aldi intends to develop a new store on the site of Elford Accident and Repair Centre. The supermarket chain claims the development will create 40 new jobs and invest £7m into the local economy.
However, the development has raised concerns. Canford Bottom roundabout is on the busy A31 and is used by drivers and commuters travelling between Ferndown and Wimborne and Colehill. Residents fear that building the Aldi will attract even more traffic to these already congested roads.
In September, a local group, Aldi Location Declared Inappropriate @ Canford Bottom, placed signs around the roundabout to inform motorists about the application and how to register their objections. A representative from the group said: “There is an acknowledgement that an Aldi store would be welcome in the East Dorset area. However, the choice of a small area of industrial and green belt next to the Canford Bottom roundabout is, for a variety
of reasons not a good location.”
The group’s concerns include the increased traffic causing more accidents, the lack of alternative parking facilities if the car park is full, and the risk to pedestrians as the proposed crossing is close to a sharp bend in the road.
The spokesperson added: “We have urged Dorset Council to work with Aldi to find a better location that would alleviate these concerns and look at utilising this area near to Canford Bottom roundabout for something less impactful on the community.”
National Highways has recommended rejecting permission due to concerns about the proposal. The agency says the proposed entrance risks causing collisions and injury, as well as creating gridlock on the A31 roundabout junction.
Residents had until 4 October to submit comments and declare their support or objection. The decision on the future of the development is now with Dorset Council.
Local development digest
Alderholt
Action4Alderholt is celebrating news that an application for development by Dudsbury Homes at Dudsbury Meadows has been refused on appeal by Inspectors.
A spokesman thanked local people and the parish council for its support. He said: “Even better news is that the reasons for refusal could not easily be overcome by any future application.
“The Inspector agreed with our arguments that the local roads are not suitable for the volume of traffic that would be generated. Action4Alderholt really did make a difference.”
Edited highlights from the Inspector’s report include: “Planning permission cannot be granted for the appeal scheme because, most importantly, the additional movements generated by the development would be loaded on to a poor rural road network with seriously negative consequences for highway safety, congestion and inconvenience. The absence of a suitable link to the wider strategic road network is a critical factor. Whilst the provision of 1,700 homes represents a benefit of great importance; it does not override the fundamental failings of the scheme.”
Ringwood
A planning application by Crest Nicholson for permission to build over 400 homes by Moortown Lane in Ringwood has suffered another delay.
New Forest District Council’s (NFDC) Planning Committee had been due to consider the proposal in July but following the formal adoption of the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan, the application was deferred.
It came before NFDC’s Planning Committee on 11 September with a recommendation from officers that permission be granted. However, having considered further objections from the town council and presentations from councillors, the committee decided to defer the application and instructed both its officers and the applicant to engage with the town council to address concerns.
Cllr Philip Day, chairman of the town council’s Planning Committee said: “The town council recognises the need for more housing and the inevitability that the Moortown Lane site will eventually be developed. However, the current proposal falls far short of our expectations in so many ways, including the lack of affordable housing for young people trying to get onto the housing ladder, access to the site being limited to Moortown Lane, compliance with ‘zero carbon’ policies and the adverse impact on the New Forest National Park.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage with Crest Nicholson and NFDC planning officers to explore how the development of this site can be to the benefit of the town and in particular, its young people and families.”
West
Parley
West Parley Parish Council is concerned about proposals for more properties to be built adjacent to what it says is the busiest junction in east Dorset.
The land east of New Road formed part of the Christchurch & East Dorset Local Plan in 2014.
Despite opposition from residents, 320 dwellings, offices and commercial outlets were recommended, but as the site has progressed, the parish council says the village has seen it deviate from the original proposal. The volume of dwellings has increased from 320 to a possible 461; a 44 per cent increase.
A spokesman for the council said: “The previous greenbelt site, which could have been used for up to 50 per cent affordable housing, was scaled down to 19 per cent by the developer and due to the lack of take up by housing associations, is being considered by Dorset Council to change the tenure. Now another developer wishes to propose further affordable units just metres away when those already granted are not being adopted by housing associations.”
West Parley Parish Council chairman, Cllr Mark Barber, said: “It is hoped that Dorset Council Planning department take note of residents’ views and that any future development is in line with requirements for the parish.”
An impression of what the new development will look like © Aldi
Aldi’s design for the entrance, which National Highways has criticised © Aldi
Meet the professionals
By Luke Graham
There’s a time and place for DIY. Hanging up a picture frame, putting up a shelf, or making a simple home repair all by yourself can be immensely satisfying. But at other times, there is no replacing the steady hand and skill of a trained, qualified professional.
For instance, if you’re planning to update your home, you may want to consider employing an architect or kitchen designer. Similarly, gardening is a popular pastime for many, but larger, more difficult jobs – such as removing an old tree stump – may require a specialist. For complex needs, a professional is usually a necessity. Whether you are writing a will, looking to sell your home, or manage your property, utilising the
services of a solicitor or estate agent can help you navigate a complex process while giving you peace of mind and reassurance.
Similarly, if you are having a health issue, such as the loss of hearing, it is better to see a professional quickly rather than sitting and hoping the problem will get better on its own. If you live with a chronic condition such as arthritis, a professional could give you advice and tips on changes you can make to
your lifestyle to adapt and live more comfortably.
And if you have a pet, they deserve to be looked after by a competent and caring vet.
Of course, finding the right professional for you may take extra time, but choosing someone who takes pride in their work and is unlikely to let you down will prevent hassle and frustration later on.
If you’ve ever watched a consumer rights TV programme such as Rogue Traders or Watchdog, then
you will know what sort of complications and problems can happen if you end up with an unreliable tradesperson.
In our ‘Meet the professionals’ feature, we highlight local businesses who all have reputations to consider and uphold. In the following pages, these professionals explain what they do and how they can help you. If you are in need of any of their services, why not pick up the phone and speak to them to see if they’re the right person for you.
Remembrance events in 2024
Communities across the region will be marking Remembrance with services and parades. Any further details for inclusion in November’s Dorset View should be sent to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
26 October 10am
Launch of Wimborne and District Poppy Appeal in Wimborne Square.
26 October 10.30am
Ferndown’s Poppy Launch at Ferndown Clock Tower.
2 November 10.45am
Service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Ringwood cemetery. Poppy crosses will be laid on the graves of service personnel whose last resting place is Ringwood.
10 November 9.45am
Service at St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Verwood followed by a parade to the War Memorial on Ferrett Green with a short service and wreath laying at 10.55am.
10 November 10.30am
Remembrance service at St Mary’s Church and parade in Ferndown
10 November 10.45am
West Moors Remembrance parade starts at 10.30am culminating at the Petwyn by the War Memorial for a service and wreath laying.
10 November 11am
Parade from St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Colehill to the war memorial.
10 November 11.30am
Remembrance Sunday services will take place around Ringwood after which a parade will gather in the Market Place. The procession will walk to the War Memorial Garden where a short service will take place, followed by the formal Act of Remembrance at 12noon. There will then be a formal wreathlaying ceremony and a procession back to Market Place.
10 November 3pm
Remembrance Sunday parade starts at the Royal British Legion in Wimborne at 2.40pm marching to a service in Wimborne Minster Church. Please be seated by 2.45pm. Wreath laying on the Minster Green after the service.
11 November 10.45am
Remembrance service in the Royal British Legion Remembrance Garden in Ferndown
11 November 10.45am
A service will take place at the War Memorial Garden in Ringwood when a national two-minute silence will be observed at 11am.
11 November 10.50am
A short service at the War Memorial on Ferrett Green in Verwood with the mayor laying a wreath at the War Graves in St Michael & All Angels’ Cemetery following that.
Follow Wimborne’s Tree Trail
In November 2022, the first of 12 trees was planted by Wimborne Town Council and recently members of the public were invited to take part in a Tree Trail Walk, hosted by Cllr Bill Richmond, the council’s tree warden.
There are two routes. The red walk is 1.75 miles and initially follows the River Allen, whilst the 2.25 mile blue walk joins the River Stour at the Dreamboats landing stage.
The trees were planted to celebrate the 2022 Jubilee of her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and they are a part of the Queen’s Canopy. They were chosen for their particular locations and were the result of consultations with arboreal specialists. The flowering time, the autumn colour, the bark textures and several other features were all considered before the final choices were made.
The trails make an interesting walk around the town at all times of the year.
Details of the Wimborne Town Tree Trail are available from www.wimbornetrail.co.uk.
Some of the walk participants with Cllr Bill Richmond, to the right of the tree, and the Mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart, second from the right. This tree, a Koelreuteria, is in the grounds of the Allendale Centre and blooms in June, the month of the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival © Viewpoint
Halloween event listings
25 October–3 November
Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood
Spooky, family-friendly Halloween trail. Explore the forest to discover the secret cemetery hidden in the trees. People say that it’s haunted by a ghostly undertaker and surrounded by lost souls, woodland spirits and creaking coffins. Time slots available between 4pm and 9pm. Tickets cost £16 per adult and £12 per child aged three to 16. Book via moors-valley.co.uk.
26–31 October
Farmers Palmer’s Farm Park, Organford
This popular farm park will transform for Halloween, with staff dressing up in costume. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, tractor rides, and a maize maze. Open between 9.30am and 4pm, tickets for adults and children aged three and over cost £19. Two-year-olds cost £10. Book via www.farmerpalmers.co.uk.
26 October–3 November
Discovery Village, Christchurch
Dorset’s newest roleplay centre is hosting Solomon Skeleton’s Trick or Treat Adventure. Entry includes a trail with a free treat. This performer-led, scare-free experience is perfect for children aged one to eight years old, and fancy dress is encouraged. Time slots available at 9.30am, 12noon and 2.30pm. Tickets cost £12.45 for children and £2.50 for adults. Book via discoveryvillage.co.uk.
27 October 12noon–2pm
Allendale Centre, Wimborne
Spooktacular Halloween Party, with a wicked disco and party games suitable for ages three to 11. Tickets cost £6 for children and £2 for adults. Book via ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ wimborne/allendale-centre.
28 October
Verwood Memorial Hall
Outalimits hosts a family Halloween party with a disco, costume competition and more. Sessions available from 10am, 12.30am and 3pm. Tickets cost £6 per child and £3 per adult.
Spooky season
Stuck for a costume idea this Halloween? The team at Morph Costumes have some ideas for you.
The Edinburgh-based fancy dress costume company has revealed its most popular costumes for men, women and children. For men, the costumes most often purchased and worn include the Grim Reaper, skeleton and police officer outfits, while women opt for hippie dresses, witches robes, and pirate and corpse bride costumes.
Top costume choices for children include a pumpkin monster for boys, while girls favour the company’s black cat, creepy clown and hippie costumes.
For more Halloween inspiration, visit www.morphsuits.co.uk.
Fun and frights in Dorchester
Prepare for a scare if you visit Brewery Square in Dorchester this Halloween
The managers of the retail and leisure location have prepared a day of spook-tacular fun for 31 October. From 9am there will be crafts where visitors can make ghostly accessories and decorations. There is face painting from 2pm, and in the evening from 5.30pm to 8pm, Brewery Square will attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of ghosts in one location.
To break the current record of 560, people from across the county are invited to don a white sheet or their best costume and join the army of the undead.
Tara Bailey, centre manager at Brewery Square, said: “Halloween is one of the highlights of the Brewery Square event calendar and what better opportunity to have another go at this world record breaking attempt.
“Last year, we came so close to breaking the record, but we’re determined to make history this time.”
There will also be live music and entertainment including stilt walkers during the event. Ghosts and ghouls who take part in trying to break the world record will receive free popcorn and candyfloss. Follow Brewery Square on social media for more details.
What is a ghost’s favourite dessert? Ice scream © Dorset Bays
for sponsoring puzzle zone.
Here’s how to solve Codeword. Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.
To start you off, we reveal the code for three letters.
To solve Sudoku, you need to fill the grid so that each row, column, and three-by-three box of cells contains the digits 1 through 9, without repetition.
Start by looking for rows, columns, or boxes that are almost complete, and fill in the missing numbers. Then use a process of elimination to look for the only possible cell within a row, column, or box where a number can fit. Good luck and enjoy. Solutions are on page 45.
A special thanks to Codeword Sudoku
Award-Winning Home Care & Live-in Care Services
We are turning a new page! Though our appearance may be evolving, rest assured that the long-standing quality care we provide remains unchanged.
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Serves 6 | Takes 40 mins 186 calories per serving | Vegetarian
Fig Tarte Tatin
Inspired by the French classic apple Tarte Tatin, this sweet-yet-savoury twist features fresh seasonal figs, baked in maple syrup and thyme.
Serve this for lunch, dinner or at a gathering.
Ingredients
• 40g unsalted butter • 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar •4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 x 140g packs of figs, halved • plain flour, for dusting
• 320g pack of ready-rolled puff pastry • green salad (optional)
Method
• Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C.
• Melt the butter in a 24cm ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Add the maple syrup, vinegar and most of the thyme and heat for two minutes, or until thick and glossy. Remove from the heat and add the fig halves, cut side down.
• Unroll the pastry onto a lightly floured surface and roll out a little to widen. Cut out a 26cm circle, then drape it over the figs, tucking in the edges around the filling. Prick the pastry with a fork, then bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and golden.
• Leave in the pan for one minute, then run a spatula around the edges and turn out onto a serving plate.
• Finish with a twist of black pepper, a few sprigs of the remaining thyme, and serve with a green salad, if you like.
Recipe created by The Tesco Real Food team.
Bournemouth restaurant closes one year after owner’s passing
An award-winning Turkish restaurant in Bournemouth closed its doors after 23 years on the anniversary of the owner’s death
Baraca, on Charminster Road, was set up by chef Aynur Kurt. Her dedication to excellence helped the restaurant win the Casual Dining Gold Award at the 2023 Dorset Tourism Awards. That same year, Aynur’s fermented chilli dip received a coveted 1-star Great Taste Award.
Tragically, Aynur passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 52. A year on and her family has made the difficult decision to close down the business.
In a statement, the family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Baraca, a place that embodied Aynur’s love for food, community, and life.
“Her incredible energy and passion touched everyone who walked through the doors. As much as we have tried to carry her legacy forward, this chapter must come to a close.
“We thank all of our loyal customers, friends, and supporters who have made Baraca what it is today.”
REVIEW One Man, Two Guvnors
Revive
Theatre,
Tivoli
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
This manic – but very funny – production directed by Richard Batt provided all the elements that make for good theatre, not to mention a thoroughly good night out.
Set in 1963 Brighton, the story follows the misadventures of Francis Henshall, a hapless, easily confused but ever-hungry individual, who finds himself simultaneously employed by two eccentric bosses, each with their own agendas.
It was inspired to cast Jamie Riding in the role of Henshall. A professional actor, puppeteer, family entertainer
and panto dame, he not only gelled well with the other talented members of the cast, he also got the audience on his side – and onto the stage!
Annabel Worsfold had to portray both Rachel and Roscoe and this she did with plenty of pzazz. Dean Rawson, who is also the technical director of Revive Theatre, encapsulated the upper class twit, whilst Tobias Batt went delightfully over the top as amateur actor Alan Dangle.
How Chris Stowe didn’t seriously injure himself as the elderly Alfie, I can’t imagine, as his falls were spectacular.
Theatre, Wimborne
There were also faultless performances from Sean Beaumont as mobster Charlie the Duck, Louise Land as Pauline, Adrian Lane as Harry, Simon Meredith as Lloyd, Libby Russell as Dolly, Lewis Baines as Gareth and Ben May as the policeman and cabbie.
Adding to the entertainment were the band who played 60s’ numbers at the scene changes –Christopher Rogers, Alex Clark, Ben May and Tobias Batt.
The theatre company will be back at the Tivoli next September with ‘The 39 Steps’, which promises to be a hilarious adaptation of the Hitchcock Classic. Put it in your diary now.
PREVIEW Fort, Dorsetborn, various venues
Theatre goers in Dorset will be able to enjoy a new play set on a Dorset hillfort before it has its premiere in London. The story of ‘Fort’ centres
on 15-year-old best friends Viv and Daisy who, away from dysfunctional families and small-town gossip, can be entirely themselves
– until a ghost turns up.
Tabitha Hayward started writing ‘Fort’ on train journeys between Dorset and the Royal Court Theatre in London.
Funded by Arts Council England, ‘Fort’ is the latest production of Dorsetborn, which is a queer and neurodivergentled theatre company.
Director Rohan Gotobed, who has spent much of this year working at Badbury Rings Hillfort, said: “This play deserves to be seen – to be heard – to be experienced. It’s a genuine South West success story.”
The dates and venues are Allendale Centre, Wimborne (10 November), Dorchester Arts (12 November), Langton Matravers Village Hall (13 November), Ibberton Village Hall (16 November), Bay Theatre, Weymouth (20 November), Poole Lighthouse (21 November), Palace Court Theatre, Bournemouth (22 November) and Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne (23 November). All dates (except 23 November) will be captioned. There will be free post-show events in Dorchester and Poole.
L–R: Annabel Worsfold, Jamie Riding and Dean Rawson
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
Until 19 October
Planet Wimborne Green Festival. Programme available from the East Dorset Information Centre and Fair Ground shop. Until 3 November
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.
15 October 8pm
Wimborne Civic Society meets at the Allendale Centre for a talk on the Cerne Giant.
18 October 10.30am
Wimborne u3a meets at Wimborne Methodist Church for a talk by Alan Jenkins on ‘The Royal Visit that Went Wrong’.
19 October 7.30pm
Dorset Chamber Choir presents ‘Peaceful music for our Busy World’ at St Hubert’s Church, Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen. Tickets from choir members or on the door or online.
19 October 10.30am–11.30am Win on Waste Corfe Mullen at St Nicholas’ Church Hall.
19 October 10am–1pm Canford School Arboretum opens for NGS. Visit ngs.org. uk to book, which is essential.
20 October 10am–4pm
Central Southern Gauge O Group exhibition at the Allendale Centre.
20 October 11am–12noon
Guided walk around Wimborne Minster town, starting in the Square. Just turn up.
20 October–3 November
Broadstone Art Society
Autumn Exhibition at The Youth Centre in Moor Road.
21 October 10am
Wimborne WI meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane. For details, call Jill Haywood on 01202 888194.
21 October 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.
21 October 7.30pm
Wimborne Minster Mayor’s charity quiz at the Allendale Centre. To register, contact gary. mason@wimborne.gov.uk.
23 October 2pm–5pm
Edmondsham House gardens open for NGS.
23–26 October 7.30pm
Ferndown Drama presents ‘Murder in Play’ at The Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ ferndown-drama or at the door.
24 October 4.30pm & 7.30pm
Wimborne Valognes Twinning Association presents ‘Encore Hello Bonjour’ at the Allendale Centre where tickets are on sale.
24 October 7.30pm
Ringwood Natural History Society meets at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood, BH24 1DW. 24–26 October 7.30pm
Wimborne Drama presents ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ at Tivoli. Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Book via the Tivoli box office on 01202 885566 visit www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk.
26 October 10am–3pm
Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, King Street Car Park.
26 October 7.30pm
Bourne2Sing Male Voice Choir at Trinity Church, Ringwood. Tickets by emailing Ringwoodraceagainsttime@ gmail.com.
31 October 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre on Church Lane. Rachael Colley presents Horticultural Therapy at High Mead Farm. Contact Rod Darch on 01202 896711.
1 November 7.30pm
Ringwood Twinning
Association hosts a quiz night with a fish & chip supper at Greyfriars Community Centre. Tickets £16 per person, available from Gateway and Grants estate agents.
2 November 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Door to door service. Call 03303 112793 for details.
4 November 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane.
4 November 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends meets at Wimborne Library.
5 November 2.30pm–4pm Bits & Bytes Computer Club meets in Ferndown library.
6 November 7pm
The Fireside Theatre presents ‘The Gathering of the Clan’ by Andrew Rosenthal in Verwood. Call 01202 976532 to book.
6 November 7.30pm
Wimborne Community Theatre skittles evening at Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road, BH21 2QR. £5 a person, pay on the door. To book, call 01202 8884201 or email barbarahart414@gmail.com.
7 November 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall for a talk by Kelvin Mason on composting and recycling. For details, call Ollie on 07508 577114.
9 November 10am–3pm
Wimborne in Bloom Charities Fair in the Allendale Centre. To book a table, email info@ wimborneinbloom.org.uk.
11 November 7.30pm
Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club. Call secretary Paul Barry on 07932 581791.
REVIEW The All-Electric Ford Explorer
By Luke Graham
When I went to test drive the new all-electric Ford Explorer, I was expecting it to be massive. As a little guy, I’m not a fan of big cars, worrying that I’ll feel lost inside the huge space.
And while it is an SUV, the Explorer doesn’t feel like a massive car. Instead, it felt spacious, comfortable and high-end.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, I was immediately impressed by the luxurious feel of the plush seating and the softleather steering wheel.
As you may expect of a high-end car, the Explorer is full of modern conveniences. For instance, simply having the key inside the car lets you drive it – no need to fiddle with
a key in the ignition. There’s no handbrake to pull up or push down – the parking brake disengages automatically when you pull away and is applied with the press of a button. Similarly, the gear stick is located behind the steering wheel instead of next to the driver.
Fully automated systems are also designed to make the car as comfortable and easy to use as possible: there were controls to move the seat into the right position, and even the boot had an auto assist feature meaning it was easy to pull down and close. The Explorer feels like it is designed for families in mind, with a large spacious boot and plenty of safety features (more on these later).
Key specs
Fuel type: Electric
Body type: SUV
Transmission: Automatic
Range: 374 miles
Price: From £45,875
Review car kindly supplied by Keith Motors
Setting off, I was immediately impressed by the smooth, power-assisted steering. It was incredibly easy to turn the wheel, and the car had a tight turning circle, which is great for manoeuvring. Getting back into my own car after the test drive, I noticed how much more effort it took to turn the steering wheel compared to the Explorer.
Speaking of manoeuvring, rear and forward-facing cameras gave me plenty of help when I tested out parking and reversing. An overhead view of the car also appears on the infotainment screen to help you understand your surroundings and navigate tight spaces.
My favourite feature on the
car was the windshield projector, which gave a heads-up display of information such as the speedometer, current speed limit, and satnav directions. These are projected onto the corner of the windscreen, so that they are constantly in your line of sight, without needing to glance down at the dashboard, making for a much safer experience. For extra safety, the car keeps you informed of the braking distance from the car in front of you, and has lane assist features to help prevent you drifting over road lines.
As I drove the Explorer around Christchurch, I felt nice and high-up in the road, with a clear line of sight around me. The car engine feels
powerful too; I was easily able to overtake other cars and accelerate to the speed limit.
So driving on clear roads felt great, but how did it handle traffic jams? Fortunately, very well. One of the advantages of automatic cars that doesn’t get talked about as much is that they’re just much better at handling a traffic queue. In a manual, you need to constantly shift gears and engage the clutch to move a measly 10 feet, running the risk of stalling each time, and keeping your foot on the brake or pulling on the handbrake in between those short bursts of movement. In an automatic, you can simply press the brake to come to a halt and tap the accelerator to move forward, with no chance of stalling or rolling backwards. The Explorer is no exception, so sitting in a queue of traffic was at least comfortable, if inconvenient, and gave me a chance to listen to music play through the car’s high-quality sound bar.
One of the main features is the large 14-inch touchscreen beside the driver seat, which
lets you set the sat nav, control music and more. Unlike most infotainment screens that are in a fixed position, this can tilt and slide to the most convenient position you need. It also covers a hidden compartment – useful if you need to leave something valuable in the car.
Simply put, driving the Explorer is a very fun experience. As I drove, I felt a smile creep over my face as I weaved and glided along roads. This is driving how it is meant to feel.
Recycle your cartons and foil
People living in the Dorset Council area are now able to put empty food and drink cartons, as well as foil trays and sheet foil, into their household recycling bins, instead of having to take them to car park recycling banks.
Cartons, including cardboard tube containers, should be completely empty and flattened, and (if possible) with their lids put back on, before being placed in the recycling bin.
The council says it would be very grateful if residents could rinse foil trays and wipe sheet foil clean if possible. Sheet foil or wrappers should be scrunched into a ball roughly the size of a tennis ball before placing in the recycling bin. If it does not scrunch, it’s not the kind of foil that can be recycled.
Some items that look like foil such as crisp packets, sweet/biscuit/chocolate bar wrappers and pet food pouches are joined with plastic or paper. Therefore, people should continue to keep
these out of their recycling.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for place-based services, said: “By adding cartons
and foil to the list of items we can receive in household recycling bins, we can prevent even more waste from going un-recycled.”
Dorset Council is currently the number one unitary council in England for recycling, with 59.1 per cent of the waste collected being recycled.
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CAR BODY REPAIRS
Solutions puzzle zone
Neolithic site under Thomas Hardy’s
home granted protection
Author Thomas Hardy lived in Avenue Road Wimborne from 1881–1883, but it is his Max Gate home in Dorchester which has been scheduled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England after the discovery of Neolithic remains, ensuring their protection.
The circular enclosure is almost 100m in diameter and is made up of ditches and pits. Some of these pits contain sarsen stones covering human remains and others have walls inscribed with rare Neolithic spiral designs.
The enclosure is from the Middle Neolithic period (3365–2960 BC), however, evidence uncovered during
excavations in 2022 confirmed that the site was already in use during the Early Neolithic period. Thomas Hardy designed and built Max Gate in 1885 where he lived until his death in 1928. In 1891, following work on the garden, a sarsen stone was uncovered. It took seven men to retrieve the stone from the ground after which Hardy placed it in his garden. The excavations in the late 1980s revealed another sarsen stone. Both stones have been placed and re-erected in the garden and are included within the scheduling.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Friends in Verwood
Members of Verwood Friendship Club, which provides the more mature residents of the community the opportunity to meet up monthly at the Verwood Memorial Hall for companionship, enjoyed a recent coach outing to Redcliffe Garden Centre in Bashley. Contact Lesley Ralph on 01202 827457 for more details about the club.
New homes for Verwood
A total of 19 new homes are to be provided for first-time buyers and key workers in Potters Wood, Verwood. Pennyfarthing Homes is the first builder to provide First Homes in the New Forest and Dorset areas. The homes are sold at a 30 per cent discount to their market value, with the discount being passed on to future buyers when the property is sold on. Potters Wood will be occupied from January 2025. Local first-time buyers and key workers with a household income of no more than £80,000 can make an enquiry via the Pennyfarthing Homes website.
Foot care
Age Concern Hampshire is promoting foot health at their Foot Care Clinics by offering a toenail cutting services and comprehensive foot health checks. The clinics are held throughout the county including one in Ringwood. To book call 01962 868545.
Garden waste collection increase
New Forest District Council started its new garden waste service in April using wheelie bins, and between April and June over 23,000 households recycled their garden waste. A total of 2,900 tonnes of garden waste has been collected which is equal to 111 full waste trucks, and a 60 per cent increase from the same time last year. The waste goes to a composting site managed by Hampshire County Council.
Garden centre donation
Haskins Garden Centre at Longham donated over £13,000 to enable the creation of a water play area at The Treehouse, a new facility run by Dorset charity Diverse Abilities for children with disabilities.
TYRES
VINTAGE BOOKS
Max Gate. Credit National Trust Images-Arnhel de Serra
Thomas Hardy and the Druid stone. Credit Dorset Museum
Dorset farmer Benjamin Jesty: Britain’s first vaccinator
By Sian Flynn | www.theexhibitionsteam.com
Most schoolchildren learn about Edward Jenner, the pioneer of the smallpox vaccine in the late 1700s. But did you know that a farmer from Dorset played a crucial role in the history of vaccination more than 20 years before Jenner used the same methods in Gloucestershire?
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Benjamin Jesty’s groundbreaking experiment to create the world’s first vaccine. What makes his story even more remarkable is that he was not a doctor, but a successful cattle farmer living in Yetminster, near Yeovil, before moving to Downshay Manor on the Isle of Purbeck.
During the 1700s, smallpox was the deadliest disease in Britain, killing thousands of adults and more children each year than any other disease. Like many others, Jesty knew of the folklore that milkmaids who contracted cowpox from cows were somehow protected from smallpox, which killed, blinded or disfigured its victims. In 1774, a severe smallpox epidemic swept through Jesty’s area. He noted that his two milkmaids, Ann Notley and
Mary Read, who had already had cowpox, had attended relatives suffering from smallpox without being infected.
Determined to protect his young family, Jesty took a bold risk. He used a needle to scratch cowpox pus from an infected cow’s udder into the arms of his wife, Elizabeth, and their toddler sons, Benjamin, aged three, and Robert, aged two. Jesty had contracted cowpox in his youth and was sure he was protected, so he did not inoculate himself.
The boys recovered, but Elizabeth became ill to the extent that a local surgeon was called to attend to her, causing concern in the community. Thankfully, she recovered and no one in the family contracted smallpox.
Jesty’s daring experiment didn’t go unnoticed. In 1805, nearly a decade after the medically trained Jenner had carried out similar work, Jesty was invited to London to discuss his experiment. He brought his eldest son, Robert, who was now an adult. Robert consented to be publicly inoculated with live smallpox to prove his immunity. Jesty received awards and even had his portrait painted.
Today, Jesty rests beside his wife in the churchyard of St Nicholas in Worth Matravers. His headstone proudly notes his pioneering work in introducing cowpox inoculation and his remarkable strength of mind.
Sian Flynn is an independent curator currently working with the National Portrait Gallery.
Benjamin Jesty in 1805, during his time in London to discuss his vaccination experiment. Image credit: Wellcome Collection
