Viewpoint November 2022 by Dorset View

Mid November 2022 Volume 47, Issue 1

The Royal Oak reviewed

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Kestrel, River Stour, Blandford Forum © Danny Howe, DH Photography 2022

‘Secret Garden’ Saved

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Cause of the Year

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Volume 47 • Issue 1 • November 2022

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

I have been at the end of my tether. There is nothing to worry about – in fact, quite the opposite. I was staying in accommodation which had no Wi-Fi and rather than buy a dongle – no, me neither – and keen to write up stories for this magazine, I tethered my Android phone to my laptop. I was ridiculously excited to see my emails open up on my computer and managed to finalise a whole page of listings remotely. Turn to page 34 and you will see that there is so much going on for people in the area. Now, the very techie ones amongst you are probably tethering all the time but to someone like me who started her career in news by tapping into a Smith Corona typewriter, it seemed somewhat miraculous. Tethering gives a new meaning to WFH (working from home) – which could become WFA (working from anywhere) – and means that I could take my computer and phone and sit on a rock writing articles whilst taking a break on a trek to Machu Picchu. Or sail single-handedly around the world on a small craft and still produce listings for this magazine. The possibilities are endless. Admittedly, I would become unstuck if the editor asked me to pop out to take a photo in Wimborne! But wherever you are, why not drop a line to our news desk as we love to hear from our readers – be it grumbles or positive comments about local issues. We will have Remembrance pictures in the next magazine.

Marilyn Barber

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

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Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk Glenda Stansbury, Sales Support Co-ordinator Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

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

Picture of the month

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LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Baby’s christening: Patrick and Deborah West with daughter Darcie and Priest Father Anthony at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, West Moors © Honor Holloway

How to contact us

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VIEWPOINT is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with VIEWPOINT and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co.uk

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Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year

Threading the Needles By Roy Beal • Images by Lee Cooper Photography Clean Jurassic Coast recently held a fun fundraising day, largely thanks to the 'queen' of the English Channel, Chloë McCardel. Chloë, who holds the record for the most English Channel swims (44), very kindly donated her time and boat Channel Queen and, along with myself and CJC team members Louis and Lee, we took 10 experienced open water swimmers to The Needles for a bit of a dip. Splitting the swimmers into two groups, they had a brilliant time swimming between the iconic chalk stacks at high tide, enjoying some fast tide flows and the awe-inspiring views. I was the kayak safety support, Lee and Louis were in the CJC RHIB Sea-Rex providing further safety and taking photos and video, and Chloë coordinated the swimmers from Channel Queen, anchored at nearby Alum Bay, staying in radio contact with the safety team. With everyone bringing food and drink to share, there was a veritable feast of wonderful grub, including some rather delicious homemade flapjacks, for everyone. The sun was shining, the air was warm and it felt like summer was still with us. The initially choppy conditions settled as the day went on and we skippered Channel Queen around the famous lighthouse and some of the swimmers jumped in the water for another splash.

VIEWPOINT November 2022

It was a remarkable day with fantastic company, lots of laughter and £700 raised in this, our new annual fundraising event in collaboration with the Channel Queen. The money raised will be going towards some children’s life jackets as CJC plans to educate all ages in a safe marine environment. More on that another time – cliffhanger!

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Susan retires from Ferndown’s Bus Stop Club A new career beckons for Susan Sutherland who, for the past 15 years, has been the inspiring and compassionate project manager of the Bus Stop Club charity, located behind Hope Church Ferndown on the Heatherlands Estate. Over the past year, Susan has successfully completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy and is looking to employ her skills in this new area of ministry. Susan has worked hard for the local community. Trained as a mental health First Aid trainer, a CAP Money coach and the originator of small group courses and one-to-one support sessions aimed at dealing with historical abuse and trauma, she has helped many individuals to deal with the past, improve their lives in the present and have hope for the future. As Susan moves on, the Bus Stop Club charity will close at the end of 2022. However, the East Dorset CAP Debt Centre

has already transferred from the charity to come under the responsibility of its partner, Hope Church Ferndown, so its activities will continue as before, under debt coach Pam Ansell and administrator Traceyanne Lambert, helping those with unmanageable finances to achieve freedom from debt. The charity’s red building, known as the Turbary Resource Centre, will be transferred to the church and the store cupboard which supports local needy families with donations of food, toiletries and household items from local church Blessing Bins and the public donation boxes at Sainsbury’s and Lidl will continue under church management.

A beautiful young tree was recently planted in the Jubilee Gardens in Ringwood by Ringwood Ex-Tablers club to both celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee earlier this year and as a memorial following her passing. Pictured L-R are Derek Scott (Ringwood councillor and Ex-Tablers vice chairman), John Adams (Ex-Tablers chairman) and David Phelps (founder member of the Ex-Tablers club some 55 years ago).

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Find out what is planned for Ringwood If you want to know more about the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan now is your chance. It will be on display in the Gateway Building next to Ringwood car park from 15 to 29 October and is an opportunity for everyone to share their views on the ideas generated so far. Chairman Cllr John Haywood said: “The Neighbourhood Plan is all about future land use in the parish, it describes features like green spaces, historic buildings and elements of building design and heritage that we want to retain. It also highlights things that can be improved like energy efficiency of new developments, making the town centre more vibrant and the need for smaller, affordable homes. We hope that people will take this opportunity to provide vital feedback to help us to shape the plan.” The display will be available during Gateway opening

VIEWPOINT November 2022

hours and on Saturdays. It will be manned by members of the Neighbourhood Plan team at the following times. • 9am to 1pm on Saturdays • 9am to 11am on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays • 11am to 1pm on Wednesdays • 3pm to 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays • 5pm to 7pm on Wednesdays Mary DeBoos, Neighbourhood Plan project manager said: “We will also be showcasing some of the ideas that the young people of Ringwood have about the future of their town. These include their thoughts about how to make Ringwood a more vibrant town centre and how simple changes might provide more for young people to do in the town. We hope that local people and businesses will take the opportunity to view their work and add their own thoughts.”

Use up old regular postage stamps by January Royal Mail is adding barcodes Eligible ‘non-barcoded’ to its regular stamps. After stamps are the regular 1st and 31 January 2023 regular 2nd Class stamps featuring the stamps without a barcode profile of HM The Queen and will no longer be valid. If you those that show any other value. can’t use your stock of nonNon-barcoded Christmas barcoded stamps before that stamps and pictorial stamps date, you can swap them for issued to commemorate the new barcoded ones. anniversaries and events, For stamps with a combined continue to be valid for value of under £200 you can postage and do not need do this Freepost SWAP OUT to be swapped out. by visiting royalmail.com/ Royal Mail’s customer barcodedstamps and printing experience team can be off a form issued by Royal Mail. contacted on 03457 740740. Alternatively there should be supplies of this form at your local Delivery Office customer service point. You cannot exchange your stamps at a Post Office. For stamps with a combined value over £200 you will have to visit royalmail.com/ barcodedstamps for a bulk stamp www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps swap out form.

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Santa is coming to a street near you There had better not be any crying or pouting in Ringwood and the surrounding towns and villages, as Santa Claus is coming back to a street near you this December with Ringwood & District Round Table. The local voluntary group is delighted to announce the return of Santa Claus and his sleigh to help raise money for local charities and good causes this December. After the success of last year’s tour, Santa Claus will be joining the team in Fordingbridge on Wednesday 7 December, followed by a visit to St Leonards and St Ives on Thursday and Ringwood on Friday 9 December. The following week, the sleigh will be visiting Burley and Bransgore on Wednesday 14 December, Verwood on 15 December before finishing up in Poulner on

Friday 16 December. Last year’s event raised over £3,000 for charity, and collected over a tonne of food for local FoodBanks to help those in need. More information will be released closer to the time, so to keep updated of the specific routes and timings keep an eye on the Ringwood & District Round Table’s Facebook and Instagram profiles.

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Sponsor for rugby club New Milton Rugby Club’s II XV has a new sponsor.

Ringwood and Pont Audemer Twinning Associations spent four days in Pont Audemer. Members enjoyed a mayoral lunch and a trip to see the D-Day museum in Caen. Next year Ringwood will be hosting visitors from Pont Audemer. Anyone interested in becoming a member or hosting the visitors should contact Junelauradewin@icloud.com

Exciting season ahead for historians There is plenty to look forward to with Fordingbridge Historical Society’s new autumn/winter talks schedule. Chris Calder, society secretary, said: “Our enjoyable summer outings were successful and the upcoming lecture programme is varied and interesting. Some highlights from the seven events include the November launch of our booklet ‘A place of Last Resort: the History of the Fordingbridge Workhouse’: a presentation in January by the Salisbury Soroptimists on key women who’ve shaped Salisbury’s history, including authors, brothel keepers, builders and bishops; the story of three influential

VIEWPOINT November 2022

The seconds are now sponsored by SO41 Catering, which is run by Matt and Lisa Doe, who have a connection to the rugby club as awardwinning chef, Matt, also plays for the team. He said: “We cater for events and every month we host a supper club in Lymington. We also have a street food truck and have been resident caterers at New Milton Rugby Club for the last three years. “It gives us great pleasure to sponsor the team and every time I pull on the shirt it makes me proud to be part of the team.” The rugby club is always looking for new players and training is on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.

Admirals comes in March and the everpopular Colin van Geffen will talk about Lawrence of Arabia in April. Do come along and join us: you’ll be sure of a warm welcome and fact-filled afternoons.” For over 50 years Fordingbridge Historical Society has offered a friendly environment for all who have an enthusiasm for aspects of history. They meet from October to April on the second Monday of the month at St Mary’s Church Hall, Fordingbridge from 2.30pm. Visitors and guests welcome. Further information: Chris Calder at 4dhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Matt Doe with the New Milton RFC II XV shirt

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Nature’s Footprints through Dorset

Kestrel

Words • Janine Pulford Images • Danny Howe DH Photography

The second most common bird of prey in the UK is the kestrel, a falcon with razor-sharp vision. It is approximately 34 centimetres long with pointed wings. Its hunting behaviour of hovering above the ground with its long tail fanned out is a very distinctive characteristic. Local photographer Danny Howe has captured some superb images (one on our front cover). Mainly brown in colour with dark spots, male kestrels have

a blue-grey head, whereas the females are all brown. Kestrels have yellow legs and black claws and their hooked beaks are short and coloured yellow and black. Resident throughout the UK, their natural habitat is farmland, grassland and heathland as well as urban and suburban areas. Kestrels used to be a familiar sight in Dorset hovering beside roadside verges and are famously known as the ‘motorway

hawk’ because of their habit of hunting along verges. When not hovering, they can sometimes be seen sitting on posts or telegraph poles keeping a sharp eye out for their prey of small mammals, birds, worms and insects. A favourite food is the field vole. Where voles are scarce, for instance in urban areas, they will take birds. Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, their numbers have fallen by half since the 1970s and their conservations status is Amber. It is not known why their numbers have dropped so dramatically, but it is possible kestrels suffer from secondary poisoning by eating voles and mice that have ingested poison meant for rats. Agricultural intensification may also have reduced field vole numbers and these active birds need to eat several voles a day to survive. Kestrels are not nest builders although they will use abandoned nests. They prefer to lay their eggs in natural cavities such as holes in trees or cliff faces. In urban areas

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kestrels will lay their eggs on rooftops or a simple hole in a wall. They lay four to five eggs in the spring and the chicks hatch about a month later. When calling they make a number of shrill “keekee-kee” sounds, often around the nest site. According to the RSPB there are 46,000 breeding pairs in the UK. When did you last see a kestrel? Send details and a photograph if you have one to janine@dorsetview.co.uk

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Home sought for refugees

Dorset funeral director goes international

A community group has raised thousands for refugees but is having trouble spending it. Peace Haven: Homes for Refugees has raised enough cash to pay a year’s rent on two properties for families fleeing war and persecution. A flat has been secured for a Ukrainian family but finding the second property for an Afghani family is proving problematic. They had to escape Afghanistan when the Taliban took over because their lives were in danger – they had helped British troops. Spokesperson Sharen Green said: “We feel that, as Brits, we owe these families because they risked their lives for our servicemen and women. “The government saved them by bringing them here. But the families have been holed up in a

The increasing use of electric cremators was one of the topics of conversation at the annual meeting of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes held in Washing DC and attended by a Dorset funeral director. Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, attended in his capacity as chairman of the European group. “I always value the opportunity to gain new information and insight on future practices to better serve our families and communities,” said Nick. “Selected’s meeting provided a valuable opportunity to gather with my fellow members from around the world. “We participated in a variety of informative study sessions, discussed insights and shared new ideas that I’m excited to implement. “Electric cremators are

hotel for over a year and it seems no provision has been made for them to move on and get settled. “Our aim is to give one family a new start in life by paying their rent for a year.” Ms Green added that Afghans brought here by the government have the right to live, work and rent in this country. She said: “The money has been raised by crowdfunding and people have been so generous. We can pay the market price but so far we haven’t found any landlords compassionate enough to help a family who are effectively trapped.” The family comprises a couple, their eight-year-old son, two pre-schoolers and a baby. If you can help, please contact Peace Haven on 01202 693837.

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one innovation that we’d like to see more of in the UK. “Meeting sessions focused on important other issues concerning the funeral service profession such as working with multiple generations, innovative branding, exploring what the future of funeral service may be, providing exceptional service, staffing and best practices.” Founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians, Selected Independent Funeral Homes is the world’s oldest and largest association of independently owned funeral homes.

Nick Douch, left, with outgoing president Josh Blake and outgoing chairman of the board, Robert Nunnaly

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Air accident report published Rod Almidani from Dorset Police Positive Action Team was recently awarded Police Support Volunteer of the Year at the South West Citizens in Policing Awards ceremony held at the RNLI College in Poole. He joined the team in January 2022 and has already undertaken a significant number of hours of duties engaging and supporting members of the Muslim community. At the same awards ceremony Dorset Police cadets received a highly commended certificate for an undercover Child Sexual Exploitation operation at known hotspot hotels across Bournemouth.

There was a good turn out, including three parrots, for the Animal Blessing Service that took place on Sunday 9 October at 3pm in the Minster in Wimborne. Sarah and Karl Evans, fosterers for the English Springer Spaniel Welfare, spoke on behalf of the Welfare and brought along their newly acquired “failed” rescue Springer Ben. They also fostered Jack. Pictured left to right: The Rev’d Nick Wells, Karl Evans with Ben, Sarah Evans, Diann March with Jack and The Rev’d Canon Andrew Roland

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published its report into the ditching of an aircraft after it lost power during a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival on 4 September 2021. The Boeing A75N1 (PT17) Stearman experienced a reduction in engine power mid-way through an aerobatic wing walking display. The pilot stopped the routine and flew west, while the wing walker returned to her seat in the front cockpit. The engine then experienced a complete loss of power and the pilot ditched in the entrance of Poole Harbour, just off Sandbanks. The aircraft flipped over on contact with the water, but both the pilot and the wing walker were able to get out of the aircraft unaided. The investigation found that the loss of engine power was due to a failure of the oil inlet pipe, most likely due to fatigue, which

prevented oil being supplied to the engine. This was precipitated by a fatigue failure of the metal strap that supported the weight of the oil inlet pipe. The fatigue failure was initiated at an area of mechanical damage on the surface of the support strap, which had been caused by over-tightening of the retaining nut. Following this accident, the operator introduced additional hand signals to enable the wing walker to inform the pilot of any oil or fuel leaks and for the pilot to inform the walker that he intended to ditch.

Give a car to charity Have you heard of Give A Car? This organisation will collect your old car, motorbike, van or caravan from anywhere in the UK and donate its value (either from scrappage or auction) to a charity of your choice. A small fee will be taken from the

vehicle’s value to cover fees, but the rest is donated and you’ll receive a confirmation once the funds have been submitted. One charity benefitting from this scheme is Diverse Abilities. Visit diverseabilities. org.uk/give-a-car to donate your car.

Helping you to resolve matters amicably By Edward Holmes, Meesons and Spurlings Often our clients are faced with difficult situations including boundary disputes, contractual and negligence claims, contentious probate and inheritance claims, divorces and family issues or workplace disputes. These all bring with them stress and can cause relationship breakdowns between the parties involved. We regularly recommend mediation for our clients as it is a great method to find solutions to acrimonious problems, can be used in a wide variety of areas, and helps to rebuild relationships between disputing parties. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process involving an impartial third-party, the mediator, who will help you to reach an agreement that is acceptable for all parties. The mediator will discuss

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the situation with you and assist you in coming up with workable solutions. The process will not only help to create a calm atmosphere between the parties but is less formal and will save the parties from having to go through the much more lengthy and costly process of court proceedings. Using mediation, our clients have been able to obtain results that they are content with and which are cost effective and swift. Mediators cannot give legal advice but our team at Meesons and Spurlings can offer friendly, professional legal advice on mediation and the next steps in your case. We aim to support and assist you to resolve your dispute in a successful and timely manner without having to take the case to court, where possible. @Dorset_View

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Paralympic gold medallist opens state-of-the-art centre

UHD quiz night raises nearly £2,500 L-R Vice-chancellor AECC University College, Lesley Haig, Jeni Bremner, Danny Crates, chairman BCP Council Nigel Hedges © AECC & Justin Glynn

Danny Crates helped celebrate the opening of AECC University College’s multimillion-pound Integrated Rehabilitation Centre in Bournemouth on 13 October. Staff, students and patients joined the Paralympic gold medallist and the chair of the Board of Governors, Jeni Bremner, at the event. Danny Crates, who lost his right arm in a horrific accident at the age of 21 and has extensive rehabilitation experience as an athlete, officially opened the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre, speaking from the heart as to how important centres like these are. Following

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his accident, Danny’s rehabilitation allowed him to not only return to the rugby field within six months but also enter Paralympic sport, winning gold in the men’s 800 metres at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. The new facilities with nine new treatment rooms and a large multi-zoned physical rehabilitation space will help everyone from the general public to professional athletes get back to health and mobility after injury or illness. Funding of £2.7 million came from Dorset LEP’s Getting Building Fund with additional funding from AECC University College.

Stroke patients at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) will benefit from a recent fundraiser. A quiz raised nearly £2,500 for the robotic tilting table appeal. The evening was hosted and organised by the trust’s main contractor for its

transformation projects, Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the alliance between Vinci Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, raising funds for the UHD NHS charity’s robotic tilting table appeal as a legacy. For more on this story visit www.dorsetview.co.uk

Diverse Abilities awards

Matthew won an award for achieving something remarkable

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Those who have supported the Dorset-based charity Diverse Abilities have been thanked at an awards ceremony. Among the winners were 12 of the people supported by the charity who scooped awards for achieving something remarkable. Volunteer of the Year went to Pam Harrison and the award for Staff Team Going Above and Beyond went to the Supported Living On Call team. Charlotte Holdaway, HR manager, said: “We see the amazing job that our teams across the charity do every day, how committed our volunteers and supporters are to the charity and the remarkable achievements that the people we support accomplish throughout the year. These awards are a wonderful way to say thank you and celebrate these extraordinary people.”

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health and care

Rabies prevention success Alcohol Awareness Week for Cranborne charity 18-25 November 2022 A Cranborne-based public health charity has vaccinated two million dogs across the world in an effort to stop human deaths from rabies by 2030. Mission Rabies started its mass vaccination campaigns in 2013. The very first human rabies vaccine was administered by Louis Pasteur in 1885. Despite being vaccine preventable, rabies still claims the life of a child at least every nine minutes. Forty per cent of all human rabies deaths are in children under 15 years old. It has the highest fatality rate of any infectious disease and once clinical symptoms show, death is inevitable. As 99 per cent of all human rabies cases are contracted as a result of a dog bite, vaccinating dogs is the most effective long-term rabies control strategy to protect communities. Mission Rabies runs mass canine vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and community education programmes in the world’s worst rabies affected areas. Mission Rabies first launched in India, where a third of the world’s human cases occur and there are 4.5 million exposures every year. Volunteers from 14 countries joined forces with

Help to stop drinking with no waiting lists or referrals

local dogcatchers and vets to vaccinate over 60,000 dogs in just 30 days. Today, the charity now vaccinates over 200,000 dogs each year and has project sites in Malawi, India, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique, Cambodia, and Thailand. Dr Luke Gamble, founder and CEO of Mission Rabies said: “I started Mission Rabies after seeing firsthand the devastating impact that this disease has on so many children in developing countries. There was already research showing that vaccinating dogs not only stops ineffective mass canine cull campaigns but also prevents human rabies deaths – the challenge was powering on to find a way to get 70 per cent of dogs vaccinated in the worst affected rabies endemic areas.” To find out more about Mission Rabies, visit www. missionrabies.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been helping alcoholics worldwide to recover from alcoholism since 1935. In 2022, AA Great Britain will celebrate its 75-year anniversary. During that time, AA has supported thousands of people to re-establish relationships with themselves and others. The theme of Alcohol Awareness Week from 18-25 November 2022 is ‘Change’. AA’s 2020 membership survey found that there are over 4.2 million attendances at AA meetings each year in the UK. For the first time, the majority of AA members, 55%, have been in the fellowship for over 10 years and current membership is 53% male and 47% female, the highest proportion of females recorded in an AA GB survey. The majority of AA members, 58%, are in full-time employment with 26% retired. The 2020 survey results support the findings of the Cochrane Report that AA is as effective, if not more so, than other established treatments. AA is free, confidential and available to anyone who is worried about their drinking. Crucially, there are no waiting lists or referrals and local meetings take place daily in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, as well as across Dorset and the rest of the UK. Using a proven recovery programme and the support of others who have stayed sober, AA is ready to help you or someone you may know who is experiencing problems with alcohol. They can contact Alcoholics Anonymous today and speak to someone who has been where they are and is ready to help locally on 01202 296000, or the national helpline on 0800 917 7650. Or visit the AA website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk for more information about AA, the Chat Now service and how to find a meeting.

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News in Brief Infill development – New Forest District Council has granted permission, subject to conditions, for the erection of two properties on land at 74, Eastfield Lane, Ringwood. Become a special constable – Dorset Police is looking for people from all backgrounds to join its team of special constables. Although volunteers, special constables have the same powers and uniforms as regular police officers. Anyone over 18 can apply. No formal qualifications required. Training given. www. recruitment-dcp-dp.org Plan to build six houses refused – A proposal to demolish outbuildings, to convert the front of the building at 2, Nursery Road, Ringwood and to erect six two-bedroom houses has been turned down by New Forest District Council. Four houses in place of bungalow – Caspian Developments have applied to New Forest District Council to demolish the bungalow at 102, Northfield Road, Ringwood and to erect four detached houses with a new access for vehicles. Railway society meetings – Wimborne Railway Society meets at the United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Wimborne BH21 1PP every Tuesday for modelling enthusiasts and Thursdays for socialising from 7.30pm-10pm. More information from www.wimrail.org.uk or search Wimborne Railway Society on Facebook for the programme of events.

Hinton Martell village hall refurbished A Grade-II listed village hall near Wimborne has received a financial boost towards much needed works. Purchased by the local community in 1977 following its closure as a school, the hall was in urgent need of restorative work to its roof, chimney and wall structure to ensure its important role as a community hub in the isolated rural village continues. It has been awarded £20,000 from the Talbot Village Trust, which has contributed to the completion of phase one of the project. This includes an upgraded and replaced roof of both halls, repaired chimney stack, stabilised walls in hall two, and the re-build of two bays of the church wall which were in danger of collapse.

Grants awarded – Ringwood Town Council’s policy and finance committee has given a grant of £600 to Crowe Hill WI towards the costs of insulating the hall. In addition, Citizen Advice New Forest has been awarded a grant of £1,000. Ringwood allotment competition winners – awards were presented at the recent Ringwood Town Council meeting to Mrs Shatwell; Mr and Mrs R Shields; Mr Joy; Mrs Taylor; Mr Evans; Mr Gubbins; Mr and Mrs Sutton; J Burkin; Mr and Mrs R Shields (overall winner). Burglary attention – Terry Norton, deputy PCC for Hampshire, told a recent meeting of Ringwood Town Council that thanks to the addition of 600 new police officers in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area, officers now plan to attend every report of a residential burglary. Sports project - Work has started on the artificial turf pitch at Long Lane, Ringwood, with the project to be completed either by Christmas or early in the New Year, subject to weather conditions. Following this, work would begin on construction of the pavilion and car park.

Poole Soroptimists have put together haberdashery kits to help women in Africa to set up their own clothes-making businesses. Over 1,000 items of haberdashery were collected and donated to Tools for Self Reliance, a charity that trains people in African countries to give them a trade and take them out of poverty. Pictured are ladies graduating from their tailoring course. Poole Soroptimists meet in Creekmoor. For more information visit www.sipoole.org.uk or Facebook Soroptimist International Poole.

Dorset gritters ready for action Since the start of November, Dorset Council gritters have been on-call 24 hours a day, with 12,700 tonnes of rock salt in stock. The authority’s crews will be ready and raring to go until the end of March, so drivers can keep travelling. Up to 22 main gritting routes, covering 684 miles of the Dorset Council network, are treated by Dorset Council’s Highways Service when road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below one degree Celsius. This includes all A, B and well-used C class roads as well as: • links to hospitals, large industrial estates, transport interchanges, emergency services stations (including manned Coastguard and RNLI) and identified critical infrastructure • routes to all urban schools with more than 500 pupils and rural schools with more than 350 pupils • primary bus routes with a substantial frequency • main routes through towns and villages with populations of more than 750

Mike Andrews powers through 1,000-mile challenge When Mike Andrews set his mind on walking 1,000 miles in a year for charity, he had no idea he would smash the target seven months later. “I wanted to raise £1,500 for Lewis Manning Hospice,” he explained. “For Christmas 2021 I was given a watch that logs my distance and on Boxing Day I started counting all my steps. By 16 July I’d walked 1,000 miles.” To increase his steps he joined the local ramblers covering 10-12 miles at a stretch. He also completed the Purbeck

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Plod (in record time), and walks with Ferndown U3A who are currently walking around Poole Harbour in six stages. Mike hopes to clock up another few hundred miles by the end of the year. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/mike-andrewswalk2022. Mike is well known in his role of Ferndown Town Crier and on the amateur dramatic circuit. He is currently waiting to hear from the Guinness Book of Records if he holds the record for oldest pantomime dame. @Dorset_View

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verwood news

Verwood Rotary round up By Louisa Hiscock Club members are pleased to be getting out in the local community more again now to give support. Do look out for us in our distinctive hi-viz vests. Some helped as marshals at the drive through flu vaccinations at Lake Road Surgery. Organisation is now underway for our annual Shoebox Christmas Appeal with all our local schools involved. This worthwhile project involves putting together a selection of small gifts and toys in shoeboxes to be received in time for Christmas by disadvantaged children around the world and including Ukraine this year. Club members will be collecting the boxes early

in November, ready to sort and transport to our district collection point to deliver them in time for Christmas. The pleasure in putting the boxes of gifts together, knowing the excitement and joy they will bring to children, cannot be underestimated. Finally, we are already looking ahead to Christmas. So look out for us at Verwood’s Christmas Extravaganza – hopefully helping Father Christmas again this year, if he is able to make it in his busy schedule!

Indian cities Verwood Afternoon TG enjoyed an interesting talk on Indian cities by Christopher Legrand at the recent meeting. The guild would love to recruit some new members. There are various groups to join:

amblers, skittles, lunch, theatre and outings, plus at each month’s meeting there is a speaker or some entertainment. If you’re interested, ring Judi on 07787 386153.

Verwood Extravaganza

This year’s extravaganza will take place in Verwood on 10 December from 5-8pm. At the time of going to print, full details were not available, but save the date!

Verwood Friendship Club

This friendly social club has been in existence for more than 30 years and primarily caters for the more elderly residents of Verwood and surrounding villages. Meetings are held in the Verwood Memorial Hall on the second Thursday of each

month from 2.15 to 4.15pm. An interesting talk or musical entertainment is followed by tea and biscuits or cakes. In the summer, half-day coach outings are organised. For more information contact 01202 827457 or visit Verwood Friendship Club on Facebook.

Join the Fayrewood Singers Verwood ladies choir, The Fayrewood Singers, is looking to recruit new members. Rehearsals are at Verwood Hub on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Rehearsals have just begun for a Christmas concert at the end of November. So if you’re interested and would like to come along please ring Linda on 01202 280491.

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Christmas Begins

Celebrate the beginning of Christmas in Salisbury at ‘Christmas Begins’ on Friday 18 November. This festive treat marks the first day of the twinkling Christmas lights being on in the city as well as the opening of Christmas on the Square and the Salisbury Christmas Trail.

This evening of family-friendly festive fun in the Market Place will kick-off from 4pm to 8pm and feature reindeer, The Grinch, carol singers, fair rides and other fantastic Christmas activities. Salisbury’s popular performers The Deloreons will be treating everyone to some festive tunes. Christmas on the Square Christmas on the Square will be open from Friday 18 November in front of the Guildhall providing festive fun for all in the lead up to Christmas. Festivities here will include Frost, a destination bar, food area and Santa’s Grotto. Father Christmas will be taking time out from his busy preChristmas schedule to meet children but anyone wanting to spend some time with him will need to pre-book through the Experience Salisbury website.

Santa’s Grotto Santa is coming to Salisbury! From Friday 18 November until Christmas Eve, children can visit him in a magical wonderland in the Guildhall Square where they can enjoy a Christmas story, a photo opportunity, a festive postcard to fill in and a wrapped gift. Prebooked tickets will need to be purchased from the Experience Salisbury website for just £5. Salisbury Christmas Trail From 18 November until 2 January, the city centre will be lit up with festive decorations and Christmas characters which you can explore on the Salisbury Christmas Trail. Take photos and capture the Christmas magic as you follow the beautifully

decorated trail through the city’s medieval streets. Pick up a copy of the trail map on the Experience Salisbury website or the Information Centre and see what surprises you discover with your family and friends this Christmas. Festive Sunday Markets It’s not just shops that will offer unique Christmas gifts this year. There will also be the opportunity to pick up an original present from traders when the Festive Sunday Markets return. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere and browse festive stalls and tasty treats each Sunday from 27 November until 18 December in Salisbury Market Place.

Enjoy a magical Christmas at Salisbury Cathedral Early in December, the 34-foot cathedral Christmas tree will arrive, lit up by over 1,000 fairy lights. The trees in The Close are illuminated at Christmas time too, capturing the spirit of the season. Choirs from near and far are invited to the cathedral during the advent season to perform carols as you explore the art and architecture of the building. The cathedral’s premier Christmas concert, Handel’s Messiah sung by the Cathedral Choir accompanied by the renowned City of London Sinfonia, continues to take people’s breath away year upon year. To be held on Saturday 10 December, all are welcome to join one of Salisbury’s favourite musical Christmas traditions. Enjoy all the festive beauty of Salisbury Cathedral during the late night opening on Thursday 15 December. Cosy up with a hot chocolate or

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mulled wine and browse the cathedral’s unique range of gifts in the shop as you experience the joy of Christmas whilst listening to live music. A family favourite, The Snowman returns to Salisbury Cathedral accompanied by a live orchestra, with a special appearance from Shaun the Sheep. Carrot Productions’ award-winning show is ideal for the whole family to enjoy together, and is sure to create cherished memories. For those who love a traditional Christmas with carols and a panto, Cinderella is on at Salisbury Playhouse and A Christmas Carol at the Arts Centre. Enjoy light displays, markets, family festive trails, and Christmas in the Square with its pop-up festive bar, food stalls and grotto.

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e v i s Exclu

Serles House garden saved from closure Exclusive report and photos by Marilyn Barber The people of Wimborne and the surrounding area were shocked and saddened when Ian Willis, whose ‘Secret Garden’ at Serles House in Victoria Road, Wimborne, died suddenly at his home on 5 October 2020 at the age of 68. Not only were they mourning his loss, but they feared for the future of the property which Ian has bought in 1981, and subsequently transformed into what has been described as ‘the masterpiece of an eccentric’. The garden was described by Alan Titchmarsh as one of the ‘ten best gardens in Great Britain’. But there is good news, as the house and garden has been bought by Christopher and Bridget Ryan who intend to open it next year under the National Gardens Scheme. The name Ryan will be familiar to people in Wimborne, as Christopher is the son of the late Denis and Margery Ryan – both former mayors – of Lewens Lane. Mr Ryan said: “There are two reasons why we’ve bought the house. I grew up in Wimborne and went to school there, and although I’ve lived in London for 35 years, I have always considered the town as my home.

Ian Willis with his dog

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“Also, it is an ideal home on all sorts of levels as it has been well maintained. We felt it was important that Ian’s legacy was carried on. We know little about gardening and it will be a challenge, but we have been promised help. We will do the best we can. It is something new for us to do and a good way to get to know people.” In Ian’s will dated 21 February 2008, he stated that he left Serles House and Gardens to the Priest’s House Museum Collections Trust in the hope that it would remain open to the public. The trust commissioned a feasibility study which came to the conclusion that there were ‘a significant number of practical and operation issues that would need to be resolved to enable Serles House to open to the public. Resolving issues around security and accessibility will be costly and Serles House risks diminishing the quality of visitor experience as designed by Ian Willis’. the National Gardens Scheme. The study also said that Serles “Ian was a lovable eccentric who loved Hose would ‘have limited appeal to visitors, Wimborne and he would be delighted that which may diminish further over time as a local family will make it their home.” the charismatic personality of Ian Willis Everything in the garden is as Ian left was so integral to its previous success’. it – nothing has been sold or removed. Sue Cook, vice chairman of the The final two days’ opening of Collections Trust, said: “A great deal of Serles House earlier this year raised consideration was given to Ian’s legacy £1,963.45 with a total of 409 visitors and letter of wishes by the trust. enjoying the quirky house and garden. “To ensure that a record of the house and Phil Broomfield, local organiser garden will be kept in the PHMCT archives, for Dorset NGS, said: “I am delighted and used for future exhibitions of Ian’s story, Christopher and Bridget have offered to a professional film has also been produced.” open in support of our healthcare and Subsequently, the property was put up nursing charities next year. The huge for sale – its future very much in doubt. turnout this year and amount raised is The executors dealing with the estate testament to the support locals have of spent considerable time in trying to find Ian’s creativeness and he would be proud suitable buyers for Serles House. They his work is being continually recognised.” wanted to find someone who would be The total raised by the garden over sympathetic to the situation and who would the years amounts to £35,973.03, which retain the house in a similar style and includes the figures from the two open days. maintain the garden in its present form. The warmth of feeling in the town for Ian One of the executors, Francis was illustrated by the fact that crowds lined Howard-Vine, said: “The executors are the route to pay their respects when a horsedelighted that a buyer has come forward drawn hearse carrying his coffin travelled who will do just that and the garden will through the town on 29 October 2020. be open to the public next year under /dorsetview.news

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Ringwood Winter Wanderland

27 November

ringwood news A series of events and activities will once again be held in Ringwood to mark the festive season.

Santa’s Grotto –

buy tickets in advance Last year Santa was so popular families had to queue. To avoid this families can purchase tickets in advance this year. They cost £4 per child and include a gift. (Under ones are free if they don’t require a gift). Tickets will be timed and you can choose a 30-minute slot between 12pm and 5pm. Tickets are on sale already at Ringwood Gateway. They are not available from anywhere else. The Grotto will be in the courtyard of Ringwood Gateway on 27 November and Santa’s reindeer will accompany him there as well. The town council would like to thank Rotary Club of Ringwood and Ringwood Mens Shed for their help with Santa’s Grotto.

Market Last year there were over 60 stalls stretching from Friday’s Cross to Market Place. All places are booked already, so it promises to be an equally fabulous event. Crafts, gifts, food and fashion could all feature once more. There is usually mulled wine available along the way.

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ringwood news Continued from page 23

Christmas display competition 2022 Look out for the Wanderland Map and visit the businesses, shops and community organisations taking part in the 2022 Christmas Display Competition. Winners are chosen by public vote. The Christmas Winter Wanderland is a great way to bring people into town and for shops to engage with new customers or visitors. There was a record number of entries in 2021 when the overall winners were Ringwood Fabrics; runners up were Martin and Co; Allum and Sidaway came 3rd and BrightWater Estate Agents 4th. Congratulations as well to FORIS (Friends of Ringwood Infants School) who came first in the Communtiy Organisation competition in 2021.

New luxury salon offers discount to Viewpoint readers - advertisement feature -

Ringwood Vanity Rooms is a brand new, luxury salon based in the heart of Ringwood. The team is made up of Chrissie, Alice, Amy, and Molly. The girls in the salon offer a wide range of luxurious treatments including aesthetics, nails, massage, facials, waxing, tinting, hair extensions and lashes. The salon also has two sunbeds. The goal was to create a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing salon, alongside using only the highest quality products from the bestknown brands on the market, to allow clients to really receive that VIP experience. Quote ‘Viewpoint’ when booking for 10% off your next treatment.

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ringwood news

Christmas Eve in Ringwood Carols and Santa will be back in the Market Place. But this time Santa will not be giving presents he will be receiving them. This huge event held in Ringwood is organised by the Rotary Club of Ringwood. This year the Salvation Army Band and the Ringwood and Burley Band will be playing Christmas carols from 6pm so join in and sing. Around 20 minutes later Santa will arrive in a horse drawn carriage and go to his grotto where children can give him presents for local children’s homes and special schools. There will also be collection points for presents to save having to queue.

Christmas at The Furlong This Christmas certainly won’t be without its challenges but there are still many reasons to be cheerful. With the A338 road works finally coming to an end, new stores now open, free customer parking and a full event plan, Christmas at The Furlong shopping centre in Ringwood is looking very sparkly indeed. This December there will be a Late Night Shopping event, Christmas Igloo craft stations, a festive photobooth, gift markets and much more. With stores such

as Waitrose, Sweaty Betty, Joules, Phase Eight, Paperchase, Fat Face, Love to B skincare, Waterstones and many more, you can pick up the perfect gift for all your family. New for this year is fragrance and beauty boutique – Perfumery & Co and also the recently opened Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. Please check out the events’ page on www. thefurlong.co.uk or follow the social media profiles @furlongcentre to find out the latest information.

Santa dropping in on 9 December Santa will be coming to Ringwood as part of his trip to local towns and villages; locations and timings to be released, so keep an eye on Ringwood & Districts Round Table’s Facebook and Instagram profiles.

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pets and wildlife / an animal’s eyes speak a powerful language

Ringwood hosts ‘Love Island’ with a twist

It’s a girl!

Salisbury’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes have arrived at an exotic location and will meet 50 potential life mates with hopes that romance will blossom. But this is more Vole Island than ‘Love Island.’ Instead of a sun-kissed location in Spain, a dozen water voles from Salisbury have been living on a farm in Ringwood for the past five months. They swapped city life for the country before construction started on the Salisbury River Park flood defence and regeneration scheme. Now everyone hopes they will find true love when they meet 50 new bachelors and bachelorettes

Same-sex penguin couple Diego and Zorro have had a baby girl. Named Ponyo, she was hatched on 12 May by the couple, but her sex has only recently been determined. When a chick is first hatched, it is not possible to determine the sex straight away. Identifying a penguin chick’s gender is carried out by the analysis of DNA from a feather sample. This can only be done when the chick has molted their natural down feather and their adult waterproof feathers have emerged. The aquatic team at The Oceanarium in Bournemouth had been busy with the chick, getting her

that were bred in captivity. The water vole population in Ringwood has been severely affected by mink in the past. But with the mink population now under control it is hoped, in time, the water voles will breed once they get past their territorial instincts. Mike Porter of the Environment Agency said: “One of the Salisbury River Park’s aims, aside from reducing flood risk and regeneration, is to improve the environment for biodiversity. So it is very encouraging to see that spill over to this location where the voles are healthy and happy in their new forever home and, in time, will grow in numbers and spread afield.” A legally protected species, water voles are Britain’s fastest declining mammal. The Salisbury River Park scheme will deliver long-term benefits through habitat improvements for city wildlife, including water voles. To follow the Salisbury River Park flood defence project’s progress visit: www. salisburyriverparkphase1.com.

ready to be released into the colony where she was finally reunited with her proud dads.

High blood pressure in cats By Cedar Vets - advertisement feature -

I am sure most of you have had your blood pressure measured at some point. But did you know that our muchloved older cats can suffer from high blood pressure and the consequences? Just like in people, there are no visible outward signs, and high blood pressure could be silently affecting vital organs. High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is common in senior cats. It can affect one in five felines over nine years. Left undetected, and untreated, hypertension is harmful. It can cause invisible damage to vital organs – eyes, kidneys heart and brain. Sadly some may lose their sight. By taking a blood pressure reading, we catch hypertension early and treatment can be started to prevent or limit damage. And give you peace of mind if the reading is normal.

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At Cedar Vets, preventative health care for pets is at the core of our practice. We are running an awareness campaign and welcoming clients to book a feline pressure check. It is a simple test we can do while you cuddle your pet in an appointment. It’s easy quick, painless, and only takes a few minutes.

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education

Outdoor stage for Beaucroft The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and the Louis Ross Foundation have contributed funds towards the new outdoor performance stage at Beaucroft Foundation School at Colehill. At the opening, the whole school gathered to celebrate enjoying a performance by Krazy Kev. Guests included Linda and Pete Thornton and Penny and John Ross. The Jubilee Stage was

part-funded by the Jubilee Fund made available by the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. It was set up to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and has awarded £34,000 to six local schools to fund special enrichment projects. The new outdoor performance area will host many school events and promote fun activities including storytelling, shows, karaoke and the hugely popular, Beaucroft’s Got Talent.

L-R Pete Thornton, Penny Ross, John Ross and Beaucroft headteacher, Joe Barnett

Lifelong friendship, learning and fun If you are retired, no longer in full-time employment or now enjoy more free time and fewer family responsibilities, why not join your local u3a group? Fordingbridge and District u3a, which has over 150 members, is part of a worldwide movement for people to make the most of life by exploring new ideas, skills and interests. The group has over 30 active groups on a wide range of topics from table tennis to walking; architecture to family history. Or perhaps you would like to learn or brush up on a language skill? The u3a members share

with each other their own knowledge and experience, and so there are no tutors, no exams, just relaxation, interest, fun and friendship. On the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 2-4pm, there is a monthly meeting in the Avonway Community Centre with a guest speaker. Everyone is welcome. Free to members, £2 to nonmembers. Stay for a chat and refreshments at the end. Visit https://u3asites.org.uk/ fordingbridge/welcome or head to the monthly meeting. Should you decide to join, the annual membership is £20.

u3a members of the current affairs group

Find out more about free school meals You can find out if your child is entitled to free school meals by accessing Dorset Council’s confidential checker. Some families could save up to £450 per year per child and their school could get extra government funding, known as the Pupil Premium, to boost their education. To find out if you qualify for free school meals complete the confidential checker at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/free-school-meals or telephone 01305 221090. Families who receive certain benefits with children below age seven are also encouraged to apply for the Pupil Premium for their school or early years setting. This unlocks extra government funding for teaching, activities and equipment to help their education. It is paid directly to the school or early years’ childcare provider and could be between £985 and £1,385 per year. If every eligible pupil

claimed, it could mean an extra £2 million for Dorset schools. A child may be able to get free school meals if their parent or carer receives any of the following: Income Support; Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; the guaranteed element of Pension Credit; Child Tax Credit – this is as long as you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190; Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ payment (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit); Universal Credit: this is as long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get). Children who are paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or carer, can also get free school meals.

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Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Health in Fordingbridge in 1898 By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum In the 19th century, people in Britain had to pay for medical treatment. For the poor, medical care could be provided by the workhouse, although these were often unhygienic and conditions in them were so bad that people would avoid using them. An Act of 1867 enabled infirmaries to be established that were separate from the workhouses. Voluntary hospitals began to be set up, funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. The Public Health Act of 1875 broadened the scope and powers of the sanitary districts that had been set up covering the Poor Law Union districts in England and Wales in 1872. Each district had to appoint a medical officer of health whose role was to tackle communicable and infectious diseases, the environment, water supplies, sewerage, nuisances and fever hospitals. One of the many documents that we have at Fordingbridge Museum is the report for 1898 by Mr Herbert Rake, the Medical Officer of Health to the Fordingbridge Union. There had been 152

births, a drop from an average of 180 over the last 11 years. There had been 96 deaths from all causes. Of the deaths, 58 were in the first half of the year when there was a severe epidemic of influenza. There had been 12 cases of scarlet fever, a leading cause of death in these pre-antibiotic times. There were 10 cases of diphtheria, although none proved fatal. There had been three cases of puerperal fever. This was often called ‘childbed fever’ and is a bacterial infection of the reproductive tract after childbirth. It was second only to tuberculosis in killing women of childbearing age. Two of the cases proved fatal and one woman recovered after a ‘very long and tedious illness.’ There were 14 cases of erysipelas, a bacterial infection of the skin and a form of cellulitis. This may have been caused by a scratch or insect bite and could be serious. Happily, no cases were fatal and one woman who was seven months pregnant, although desperately ill, recovered and gave birth. Interestingly two of the most severe cases were treated by the subcutaneous

injection of antistreptococcus serum with beneficial results. There were 170 cases of influenza that spread ‘with alarming rapidity.’ Six cases of whooping cough were reported amongst pauper patients, five were fatal. There were 37 cases of dysentery. Heart disease caused 11 deaths, there were four reported cases of deaths from cancer, eight from cerebral haemorrhage, three from premature birth and 10 deaths of elderly people in the workhouse. The report gives us an insight into conditions 124 years ago. This is only a few generations ago and illustrates how, over a relatively brief period, the incidence of many illnesses has been reduced by vaccination, antibiotics, better care and improved living conditions. The NHS was created in 1948 and has made a massive difference to the health of the nation and the care available to sick people. Now financial cutbacks, the pandemic and staff shortages have demoralised many of the workforce and left the NHS on its knees. It is time for all of us to rally to its support. My next article will look at what the aptly named Inspector of Nuisances discovered on his rounds of Fordingbridge.

The Gilbert Dahlia Year Members of Fordingbridge and District Horticultural Society enjoyed an interesting talk on 26 September at Avonway by Nick Gilbert. Gilbert’s Dahlias is a nursery in Sherfield English. It started by selling cut flowers but customers were so interested in the growing plants that they began selling everything from small plugs to fully grown plants. They now have 700 varieties including miniature plants, dark leaved varieties, big blowsy ones with heads that can be as big as a basketball and the tree dahlia which can grow to 20 feet. Their plants are sold locally and all over the country by mail order. Dahlias come from Mexico and the tubers were originally used as animal food but as they grow so easily and are easy to seed they became very successful flowering plants. The plants like full sun, plenty of food – blood fish and bone being a favourite – and will grow in any soil. They can also be grown in pots and as they are shallow rooted are easy to lift for storing in the winter months where they will remain dormant until planted out again in May to June.

Fordingbridge Christmas Lights switch on Save the date - 2 December 5-8pm (road closures from a bit earlier to get set up). Fordingbridge Events Group and Fordingbridge Town Council are pleased to announce plans are in place for the Christmas lights switch on. There will be Santa, entertainment, choirs and more in the main high street. Come along and join the festive spirit.

Christmas in Fordingbridge © Paul Biggins, view42photography.com 2019

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‘Flying Scotsman’ creates waves of enthusiasm The daughter of the saviour of the historic and record-breaking ‘Flying Scotsman’– who prevented the world famous steam locomotive from being cut up for scrap in the 1960s – arrived in Swanage on 22 October to wave off the locomotive. Making the emotional pilgrimage from her home in Portugal for the special occasion, Penny Pegler waved off ‘Flying Scotsman’ when it departed Swanage station with the seven-carriage train. She said: “It was wonderful…the locomotive has such a special place in my heart. It’s great to see so many people coming to see and enjoy ‘Flying Scotsman’ almost 60 years after my dear father saved her from going to a scrapyard. It’s a very special day for me.” She later rode behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ in the luxurious refurbished Pullman ‘Devon Belle’ and cracked a bottle of champagne over one of the buffers at Swanage Station to mark Car

14’s re-entry into service on the Swanage Railway. As a teenager, Penny rode in that same carriage with her late father Alan Pegler behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ in the late 1960s and early 1970s while the train undertook a tour of Canada and the United States to promote British exports. During the Flying Scotsman’s visit to Swanage, spectators not only turned out in droves to wave at the locomotive along its route, but many travelled behind the iconic steam train – the Pulfords included. The train ride was taken to celebrate Nick Pulford’s 70th birthday with family who enjoyed the nostalgic journey to Corfe Castle and Norden. Verwood couple Bill and Jan Davis were also treated to a trip behind the ‘Flying Scotsman’ by their family for their 50th wedding anniversary. Playing the bagpipes as the ‘Flying Scotsman’ departed Swanage station was 15-year old Frederick Sills.

Flying Scotsman steams past Corfe Castle © Andrew PM Wright

Penny Pegler ready with the flag © Andrew PM Wright

Dorset County’s Poppy Appeal launched with a bang Following a parade through Pennys Walk in Ferndown on 29 October, led by Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, a short service attended by the Royal British Legion County chairman Ian Jarvis, county treasurer Bob Fletcher, and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, was held at the Barrington Centre. After the two-minute silence, a loud explosion signalled the release of a multitude of poppies. The

Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Lawrence Wilson, who hosted the event with the Ferndown branch of The Royal British Legion, launched the Poppy Appeal in Dorset by purchasing the first poppy from the oldest woman in Ferndown, Mrs Cynthia Horseman. The annual ‘poppy drop’, held at the Barrington Centre, was praised by The Royal British Legion. The Ferndown branch chairman, Ian Glynn-Baker,

Neighbourhood Plan referendum for Highcliffe and Walkford

thanked local people for being “very generous”. He also said that “a lot happens to make this happen” and he thanked all those people involved.

Registered voters in the Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council area can make their views known in a referendum on Thursday 15 December.

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Residents will be asked: “Do you want BCP Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Highcliffe and Walkford to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” Eligible voters will be invited to have their say in this referendum by attending their allocated polling station. The polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm. To vote in this referendum you must be registered at an address in the Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council area. From Thursday 10 November 2022, BCP Council will be sending poll cards to all eligible residents on its electoral register, giving notice of the referendum being held on Thursday 15 December 2022.

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foodie news

Watercress the happy food When the clocks go back rates of depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) rise by eight per cent, affecting over 20% of the population. However, scientists have discovered how to eat your way out of depression and watercress is the primary ingredient. In 2018 the Journal of World Psychiatry published an Antidepressant Food Scale* (AFS) featuring a list of foods that ‘are the most dense sources of nutrients demonstrated by scientific literature to play a role in the prevention and recovery from depressive disorders.’ The list of foods in the AFS features both animal and plant sources. Watercress easily topped them all. It is a rich source of iron and unlike many plant irons its iron can be easily absorbed by the body. So, if you want to lift your mood grab a handful of watercress as a snack, whisk up a smoothie, or how about trying this recipe?

Spicy Roast Cauliflower Salad

with Watercress Tahini Dressing Toasted Almonds and Pomegranate (Vegan) Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves 2

Ingredients • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets • 85g watercress • 1 red onion • Flaked almonds • Pomegranate seeds • 2 tsp paprika • Salt • Pepper • Olive oil • For the dressing: • 3tbsp tahini • 1tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp lemon juice • (optional) Garlic clove, minced • Water to thin

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°. In a bowl, pour a glug of olive oil, the paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper – toss the cauliflower florets in this mixture to coat. Lie them on a baking tray and roast for around 12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients together. Start with the tahini, olive oil and lemon juice (and garlic if using) then add water to reach your desired consistency. In a dry frying pan, lightly toast the flaked almonds – a couple of minutes should be plenty. On a plate, scatter the watercress and pop the cauliflower florets on top. Sprinkle over some of the toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds and top with the dressing. To discover more about the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany. com or for more recipe inspiration go to www. watercress.co.uk

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foodie news / most of us are sorry for what we said when we were hungry.

The Royal Oak

Shared platter

Review by Janine Pulford

Idyllically situated in the New Forest, this 17th century pub retains its period charm whilst embracing contemporary touches and has a spectacular garden. The chef’s freshly prepared and beautifully presented dishes, many using local seasonal produce, cater for all tastes including vegan and gluten-free on request. Popular with walkers The Royal Oak overlooks a duck pond, which attracts donkeys, ponies, and pigs. Nick and I arrived one October lunchtime and diners were already in the warmth eating their meals. We were made extremely welcome and studied the varied menu from steak and burgers to locally caught fish and vegetarian dishes. To start we picked a shared platter. It included mixed freshly baked breads with herb and smoked butter, sun blushed tomatoes that brought pops of colour and fruitiness; an olive oil balsamic glaze with luxurious sweet and sour tones, a spicy tomato chutney, and tasty olive tapenade. I asked for gluten-

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free bread and received four warm brown slices. But when all the other breads were set before us, crispy and fresh, I couldn’t resist tasting them too and despite Nick’s plea for me to exercise restraint I ate the lion’s share, even the pea shoot garnish. For mains Nick ordered something I wouldn’t plunder: a rich shepherd’s pie with a creamy potato topping and seasonal vegetables. He thoroughly enjoyed the dish including the crispy topping. He also polished off all his vegetables.

Shepherd's pie

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foodie news

Linguine

On the other side of the table I was savouring a heavenly bowl of Italian-style linguine. It was silky smooth with meltin-the-mouth artichoke, sun blushed tomatoes and toasted capers. These divine morsels were crunchy and popped with salt. The whole dish was a medley of flavour and texture that blended superbly. Chef Sebastian was clearly on my wavelength, although I had asked if the Italian style sausage which was on the menu could be left off. Nick would no doubt have loved it. Then came the spectacular desserts. Coffee Affogato: a single espresso, vanilla ice

cream, amaretto biscuits and Chinese gooseberry for Nick. “A perfect end to the meal,” he said. An orange and whiskey crème brulée with fresh berries was a dream dessert for me. (I asked for gluten-free without amaretto biscuits). Fresh berries and a sprig of mint adorned the top. Every flavour starred individually, yet came together in delicious harmony. The caramelised topping had a satisfying crunch and the creamy custard base was not overpowered by whiskey or orange. The portion size was just right: big enough to fill, but small enough to

Coffee Affogato

make me want to return the next day for more. The Royal Oak has a Christmas menu and is taking bookings. There are lots of festive events too. The manager, Will, has been there for seven years. He welcomes diners and their four-legged friends Wednesday to Sunday (the pub is closed Monday and Tuesday). Cask ales are on tap and when we visited, London Pride was the guest ale. Will’s well-behaved Labrador, Guinness is adorable. He has his own Instagram page @pubdog_guinness.lab.

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Creme brulee

For pub offers, menus, opening times and to book a Sunday roast or Christmas meal visit royaloakgorley.com

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around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Events The details of the events below are accurate at the time of going to press. Always check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk 13 November 3pm Remembrance service in Wimborne Minster with parade from Royal British Legion beforehand. Be seated for 2.45pm. 14 November 2.30pm Fordingbridge Historical Society meets at St Mary’s Church Hall, meetings on 2nd Monday of the month. Further information: 4dhistoricalsociety@gmail.com 15 November 7.30pm Wimborne Civic Society talk by Bob Mizon on ‘Starry Skies Near You’ at the Allendale Centre. Members £1, visitors £3. 18 November 10am for 10.30am start Wimborne u3a talk on India’s Golden Triangle at Wimborne Methodist Church All welcome. Members £2, visitors £3. Refreshments available. 19 November 10am-3pm CLaRC Artisan Makers Market at premises in King Street Car Park, Wimborne BH21 1EA. 19 November - 2 January Light trail as part of Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival from Falkland Square, through the High Street and onto Poole Quay, culminating in the harbour. Fun fair, Christmas themed market. Free entry. 19 November 11am-12noon Labour Women’s Group at Avonway Community Centre. For further info email: womens-officer@nfwlabour.org.uk 20 November 2-4pm Fordingbridge Conservation Group working parties on Bishop’s Pond conservation site at the corner of Normandy Way and Cottage Mews, Fordingbridge SP6 1 RJ. Volunteers always required. Children welcome to help if with an adult. www.fordingbridgeconservation.uk 21 November 7.30pm Colehill Floral Arrangement Club. Visitors welcome £5. Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Meetings every 3rd Monday. Contact 01202 610902. 22 November 3pm Wimborne Town Football Club at home to Exmouth Town. 22-26 November Broadstone Players Theatre Company present ‘Nightmare’ at the War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road. Tickets from honsec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk 23 November 2.30pm Cake concert in Wimborne Methodist church. A dementia friendly event, admission free. Tickets from bsolive.com or 01202 669925. 26 November 11.30am-4pm Kinson Christmas Fair, Santa’s Grotto, raffle, entertainment, Christmas market. Lantern parade at 3.30pm. Carols on the green at 4pm. www.bh10-11ba.com 26 November 4.30pm Wimborne Christmas lights switch on preceded by family entertainment from 11am. Dorset Youth Marching Band, Jamie Jambo, Susie Kimber, Soul Party, Blue Moon Boys, Big Night Out and Love Soul Choir. Wimborne Militia firing on Minster Green at approx 5.30pm. 26 November 5pm Ferndown Christmas lights switch on at 5pm, preceded by live entertainment from 1pm. Children’s rides and games, stalls and Father Christmas in his grotto.

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26 November 11am-7.30pm Christmas in Christchurch with market stalls, music, carol service, procession and lights switch on at 5.30pm. 26 November 3pm Wimborne Town Football Club at home to Bristol Manor Farm. 26 November doors open 6.30pm Quiz night at St Leonard’s and St Ives Village Hall, Braeside Road, BH24 2PH. Contact Marie on 01425 475733 or mariehomewatch@ yahoo.com for tickets and details. 26-27 November Twenty 4 Art exhibition at Holt Village Hall Wimborne, BH21 7DJ (next to The Old Inn). Saturday 10am-3.30pm, Sunday 10am-3pm. 27 November 3pm Bournemouth Chamber Music Society recital in Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University, Fernbarrow, Poole BH12 5BB. Tickets £20. Age 8-25 free. www.bournemouthchambermusic.co.uk or at the door. 27 November 6.30pm Advent carol service by candlelight in Wimborne Minster church. 29 November 7.30pm Paul Brett presents ‘Vegetable Gardening through the Year’ to West Parley Gardening Club at West Parley Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome £3. Contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. 2-24 December 4.30pm Christmas trail at Kingston Lacy with new light installations. Last entry 8pm, closes at 10pm. christmasatkingstonlacy.seetickets.com 2 December from 6pm Carols at The Petwyn, West Moors. Starts with a procession from St Martin’s Church, led by Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, who will provide the music for the carols together with St Martin’s Gospel Singers. Fairground rides and over 20 stalls. The West Moors’ Elf and Father Christmas will be there. 3 December 1.30pm Broadstone Christmas parade leaves from Story Lane. Musical markets from 10am-1.30pm and stalls until 3pm. 3 December 7.30pm Wimborne Choral Society with Wimborne Chamber Orchestra present Handel Messiah in Wimborne Minster. Conductor Chris Dowie. Tickets: £15 (central nave), £12 (side aisles with screen view), £6 (under 18’s). Tickets from: 01202 603569, Square Records or on the door. 3 December 7.30pm Vivamente Voices concert for Mosaic at St Nicholas’ Church, Corfe Mullen. Fun and festive music with guest performance from the Witchampton Ukulele Orchestra. Raffle and refreshments. Tickets £10. For more information visit www.vivamentevoices.org.uk 3-4 December 10am-3pm Pull a Pine at RSPB Arne. Help pull up invasive pine saplings then cut your own larger pine tree to take home. Advance booking required. Visit bit.ly/PullaPine 3-4 December 7pm Christmas festivities at Outer Bailey at Corfe Castle. Gather around a fire pit with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine and toast marshmallows; or step inside one of the festive ‘igloos’ to catch up with friends and family and enjoy views over the 17th century village below. Event free but normal admission charges for the venue. 5 December 10.15am Bonny Sartin of the Yetties will talk on Smugglers and sing Christmas songs at the Wimborne Minster WI meeting at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewen’s Lane. For further information call Jill Haywood 01202 888194. 10 December Save the Children Christmas parade in Wimborne starting from Brook Road at 2pm and going through the town. Entertainment in the High Street and Square from 10am-5pm. /dorsetview.news

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around & about

A Bunch of Amateurs Ferndown Drama Barrington Centre, Ferndown 6 October 2022 Review by Karen Wyatt-Epapara Comical, with killer one-liners, Ferndown Drama’s production of A Bunch of Amateurs was a fast-paced and slick. Washed up Hollywood star Jefferson Steel believes he is playing King Lear in a Royal Shakespeare Company production, but has, in fact, been booked to perform in an amateur production in a small town. He finds himself lodging in a B&B and rehearsing in a barn, but the enthusiasm of the cast finds him looking at life in a whole new way. Mark Ward’s larger-than-life characterisation of Steele was perfect for the part, especially juxtaposed with Christine Hughes’ measured performance as Dorothy, whose throwaway put-downs were as surprising as they were cutting. Lee Tilson played the pompous Nigel Dewberry to perfection, and Dawn Hollington’s hilarious Mary Plunkett brought some of the biggest laughs of the night. The cast was ably completed by Mike Andrews, Katie Walker, Alison Page and Julie Gower. A rip-roaring evening of entertainment.

Full of Eastern promise With a huge sprinkling of Eastern promise, Verwood Pantomime Society’s Aladdin flies into town at the Hub from 21-28 January 2023. After such a successful first show post lockdown with Cinderella 2022, the society is busy rehearsing with another amazing script by Joshua Clarke and Lewis Clarke. The show promises plenty of modern songs and dances, topical jokes and exotic costumes, direct from the Orient, along with a brilliant cast.

The box office is open from 1 November, with ticket prices held yet again at £7 for all the Wednesday and Thursday performances at 7.30pm. Ticket prices are £10 adults and £8 children on Friday at 7.30pm and both Saturday shows at 2pm and 6.30pm. Call 01202 828740 or book at the Hub box office online. For more info about this award-winning society see www. Verwoodpantomimesociety. co.uk

Lion’s quiz raises £700+ More than 100 quizzers attended the Wimborne and Ferndown Lions’ first quiz at the Allendale since April 2021 and raised over £700. Held on 30 September, quizmaster Dan asked varied questions, and an introductory picture round was not easy. The Lions devised the questions, provided food, and a raffle. Members were praised for a great team effort. When the quiz ended in a dead heat between ‘Marion and Her Helpers’ tied with ‘Sod All Stars’ the deciding question was ‘how high is the Wimborne Minster tower?’ It is 95 feet and Marion’s team won with the closest answer. You can contact the Lions on 08458 335828

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around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Wimborne Model Town gets even smaller You might think that Wimborne Model Town is small enough, but now there is an even tinier version. A new miniature model of the volunteer run charity attraction, a 70th anniversary project, is now complete. Printed from polyactide bioplastic, the new 3D diorama is a 1/100 scale digital reproduction of the buildings of Wimborne town centre as they appeared in the 1950s. Volunteer project director and trustee Penri Jones said:

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“There are 174 buildings made up of 405 printed piece parts within the model of the model display. During the closed winter season we should be installing a painted even smaller version of 1:1000 scale behind a protective screen within the new structure.” The project, which has involved on site digital surveying and output of the models by Cobnut 3D of Oxford, has also required many hours of hand painting by volunteers including Becky Stares and Chris Cockwell.

Love From a Stranger,

Wimborne Drama Tivoli Theatre, 20 October Review by Marilyn Barber

Based on one of Agatha Christie’s short stories, this play didn’t at first seem to fit in with the genre we have come to expect from the world’s bestselling author of all time – until the story progressed. It then became clear that this was a psychological thriller as clues were subtly dropped. Tracey Nicholls never disappoints in her roles and she ran the gamut of emotions as Cecily Harrington, due to be married to Nigel after a five-year engagement. However, Cecily, who has won a huge amount of money, wants the excitement of travel, and fears settling down. Enter Bruce (Richard Cawte) who agreed in a split second to rent her flat, and within half an hour appeared to have fallen in love with her. What could possibly go wrong? Richard gave a mesmerising performance with subtle body language and facial expressions. Such a charming man! The role of the jilted Nigel was in the safe hands of Tony Feltham, who this time had to be calm and reflective, whilst Lindsay McGowan put in a striking performance as Cecily’s friend Mavis. I’m sure she won’t mind me saying this but Jenny Hughes who has also been a regular on the stage in Broadstone and Ferndown – always captures the essence of the eccentric. And once again she /dorsetview.news

excelled as Auntie Loo-Loo. Chris Durham didn’t have a huge role as Dr Gribble, but this actor seems to dominate every scene he is in, as he is so convincing. Russ Guillaume encapsulated the role of the slightly slow witted, but steady gardener Hodgson, as did Rosie Nye as the maid Ethel. Accolades must go to Rob Cording-Cook as the director and Michelle Barter as his assistant and stage manager, as well as members of the company for such a brilliant set design.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Pets in lets: top tips for renting with furry friends Recent government proposals mean that landlords must consider any request for pets to live in their property and allow tenants to challenge their decision, which will be welcome news to many pet owners. However, a boost in the number of pets living in rented properties does increase the potential for accidental damage. Here, PDSA Vet Nina Downing shares her advice for keeping homes in tip-top condition when living with furry family members. Chewing and scratching These habits can stem from boredom, so it’s important that pets are well exercised and have plenty of things to keep them stimulated. Scratching posts are great for cats. Interactive puzzle toys that dispense treats will keep cats and dogs entertained. Indoor rabbits also need opportunities to play and dig like they would in the wild. Chewing is natural for dogs and completely normal, but destructive behaviour can sometimes be a sign of separation anxiety, so teaching independence early on can help to stop the problem developing. Speak to your vet or an accredited behaviourist for advice if your dog suffers from separation

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anxiety. All dogs should be given the chance to chew if they want to, so make sure they have plenty of safe toys for this. Dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours. If you are planning to spend longer out of the house ask a friend to pop in, or use a professional dog-sitting or walking service. Stains Keep a towel near the doorway for a quick clean before wet or dirty pets enter and try to keep them on hard floors while they dry off. Clean muddy spots on soft furnishings

immediately to help prevent stains. For toilet mishaps, soak up as much liquid as possible and use a pet-friendly stain remover. It’s a good idea to choose a scent-free option, as strong smells can sometimes encourage marking. Place litter trays throughout the property for your cat and ensure they’re refreshed regularly. For dogs, make sure they have plenty of opportunity to go to the toilet outside. Pet hair Pets naturally shed hair. Grooming should be a priority for any breed and helps speed up the shedding process and limits hair around the home – introduce it gradually to get your pet used to it. For pets who enjoy lazing on the sofa, a heavy-duty throw will help prevent fur from transferring, and offer a layer of protection against curious claws that can damage soft fabrics. Remember to wash throws regularly. The PDSA is a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. www.pdsa.org.uk

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in the home

Winter storage of lawnmowers When the last cut of the lawn is over for the year, it is time to store your lawnmower until next spring. Spend a bit of time tucking it up for bed so it performs for you next time you need it. Here are some tips. Petrol Run the mower dry and remove any remaining fuel before storing over winter. Stale petrol can cause damage to the engine, it can clog the carburettor and reduce the mower’s performance. Remove old oil and replace with new high quality oil. Fresh oil contains rust inhibitors. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what oil is recommended for your lawnmower. Make sure the lawnmower is stored flat on the ground unless it has a specially designed feature that allows it to be stored vertically.

Disconnect and clean the spark plugs as they can end up covered in carbon. Electric mowers do not have spark plugs. Replace filters if necessary – Flymo.com advises that ideally the air filter of your petrol mower should be cleaned or replaced after every 25 hours. Electric Flymo recommends that you remove the battery and keep it fully charged over winter. Avoid storing in extremely hot or cold conditions as this may damage the battery cells. If possible store it indoors out of the cold, not in a shed. Wipe the battery with a cloth before storing. Keep terminals clean with a wire brush. Refer to manufacturer’s manual for storage and cleaning as it varies from battery to battery. Look after cables. Don’t wind the cables of an electric lawn mower too

tightly. This causes extra strain on the cable, which can fray or break. Check the cable in case it needs to be replaced for next year. General Don’t expose to the damp. Moisture-sensitive components can become damaged if they are exposed to damp, so clean with a bristle brush to remove dirt before storing the lawnmower for long periods.

push lawnmower it needs looking after too. If you’d like to find out more about old lawnmowers why not join the Old Lawnmower Club? Email: contact@ oldlawnmowerclub.co.uk. It’s been going for 32 years.

Cover with a protective sheet Cover anything you’re storing outside or in garage spaces with a thick, waterproof blanket or sheet and make sure it covers the entire surface of the lawnmower. Push lawnmowers If you still have a trusty and reliable

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1960s Qualcast 12” Roller Mower in tip top condition displayed by the Old Lawnmower Club. In 1938 the pirce was £2.62p (52s 3d)

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need. AGGREGATE

ELECTRICIAN

FENCING

FURNITURE RESTORATION

MAINTENANCE

VIEWPOINT November 2022

DECORATING

ELECTRICIAN

COMPUTER SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

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CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

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specialist services PLUMBING

TREE SURGERY

VINTAGE BOOKS

TREE SURGERY

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Planning must cater for local needs Trust is a fragile thing - easy to break, easy to lose and one of the hardest things to get back. Planning is based on trust. Why else would the law be satisfied that once an approved planning application has been started it will be delivered? Also central government imposes sanctions on local authorities who fail ‘The Housing Delivery Test’: nonsensical when local authorities do not deliver all of the housing for which they have granted approved planning applications, unless (of course) central government still trusts that no applicant would fail to do what they had applied to do. It is held that “Trust is the most important currency”: planning law should not allow its debasement. There are clearly expressed views about 1) local needs for suitable housing, 2) the need to coordinate potential planning proposals with others (including those dealing with infrastructure services and facilities) and 3) the need to define what is desirable ‘growth’ (presumably not ‘continuing growth of our national deficit’ or ‘continuing growth in asset stripping’). Local communities need valuable employment opportunities that do not damage our natural heritage. Following their research, some

councillors (in both the Unitary Authorities in Dorset) became aware of the strong support for lower housing numbers (when compared with the higher target numbers advocated by central government, until recently) and that there should be real effort to deliver the right mix of homes including affordable homes. Please ensure that :A : Planning law operates to serve the ‘public interest’, not just the interests of developers and landowners. Many places, have too many approved applications for dwellings that are not delivered although technically they have been started by the demolition of existing buildings and then the site is hoarded (with its notional extra value) for purposes unknown. This means an accumulation of cleared urban sites (that adversely affect the public realm) and creates demands for release of greener land – even protected Green Belt land. It is hoped that other sites will not be added to the current area of cleared urban land (creating urban sprawl / infrastructure issues) until there is real evidence that existing buildings cannot be repurposed or sold to another owner without requiring a “change of use”. B : Local Plans will be sound and therefore capable of being implemented. This should require evidence that they are consistent with both the resources of others (such as

the services / facilities of the utility providers, the transport companies and the NHS) and the aspirations of significant others, such as a Local Enterprise Partnership. C : Local Plans will help us all deal with the Climate Emergency. All suitable roofs should be fitted with solar panels to prevent the loss of fields and save on the transmission costs of electricity and additional measures also adopted to save excessive heat losses/ gains, recycle grey water and reduce the use of fossil fuels : any uncertainties should be removed by research/ evidence now. Obviously, since any eventual Local Plan will affect decisions by the relevant Council over many years (probably three local election periods), the ‘public interests’ of the many and various communities must be respected. Such respect must be supported and fostered by all the Members of Parliament – prospective or otherwise. Maintaining respect for ‘the public interest’ would minimise misunderstandings that undermine trust in effective planning: every little helps, dear Reader. Gerald Rigler Broadstone This is an extract of a letter sent to all MPs representing the electorate of Dorset. It has been shortened slightly to fit the available space in this magazine. Editor

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation. Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date. Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration

Department. Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them. Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears. Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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Nominate best building designs The New Forest National Park Authority is inviting nominations for its Building Design Awards 2023. While the New Forest is well known for its stunning landscapes shaped by centuries of commoning, the area’s distinctive buildings and their setting in the landscape are also a large part of the National Park’s special character. Now the search is on for the best new developments and designs that have helped make a positive contribution to the local built environment. The annual awards

recognise high-quality design within the National Park, with residential schemes, non-residential schemes, conservation projects and green buildings all eligible for an award. This year’s winners included a restored Victorian ice house, a dairy converted to an office for a local company and a oncederelict estate cottage sympathetically refurbished and extended as a residential retreat for young people. Nominations are invited for schemes completed over the last three years within

a Listed Building, repair of a Building at Risk) • Best green building (showcasing sustainable construction and materials).

Beaulieu Ice House after restoration

the National Park boundary, which enhance or protect the built environment of the National Park in the following categories: • Best residential scheme (household extensions, new dwellings, conversions to residential) • Non-residential scheme (for example employment or educational sites, public buildings, visitor attractions)

The Old Dairy/Tuakana Construction

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VIEWPOINT November 2022

• Best conservation project (extensions to a Listed Building, restoration of

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Gordon Bailey, chair of the New Forest National Park Authority’s Planning Committee, said: “Our 2022 winners were outstanding, and we very much look forward to receiving the nominations for next year’s awards.” The closing date for entries is 31 December 2022, and winners will be selected by a panel of members drawn from the National Park Authority’s Planning Committee. Anyone can nominate for the awards, including individuals, communities, residents, parish councils, property owners, architects and professional agents. To submit entries for the Building Design Awards, please visit www. newforestnpa.gov.uk/ buildingawards

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Debt help for people in East Dorset and Ringwood With the fear that the cost of living crisis will put more people in East Dorset and Ringwood into debt, Hope Church in Ferndown is reminding people that they offer support to those impacted by rising costs. The church has been helping local people get free of debt through partnering with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for the past eight years. UK-wide, CAP has seen calls to the charity’s helpline rise by over a third in the first half of this year compared to 2021 and the number of requests they have received for emergency fuel top ups for people unable to afford energy have doubled in the same period. Pam Ansell, East Dorset & Ringwood CAP Debt Centre manager said: “Many people living on a low income in our area still can’t afford their energy bills and all the other rocketing living costs. This is resulting in debt, desperation and in some cases, destitution and is why it’s vital we let people know we are here to offer free debt help.” Christians Against Poverty has helped thousands of people become debt free and have hope restored in their lives over the last 25 years. Pam said: “I encourage anyone struggling financially to seek free debt help because we know that with incomes so low, and rapidly rising costs, a lot of households

are finding it impossible to stay out of debt. “We have seen many people in East Dorset and Ringwood go from debt and desperation to being completely debt free. We are determined to continue bringing hope to our community throughout this difficult time by offering our practical and emotional support. We’d urge anyone who needs our help or who would like to support our work to get in touch.” CAP East Dorset & Ringwood Debt Centre has some top tips to help with rising energy costs this winter: • It’s important to keep warm and eat hot meals so your health isn’t put at risk. • Investigate whether your home needs insulation. Find local sources of support for warmer homes such as boiler grants and free loft insulation. Check out: simpleenergyadvice. org.uk, moneysavingexpert. com/utilities/free-cavity-loftinsulation or moneysavingexpert. com/family/grant-grabbing • Check if you can make your home more energy efficient at https://www. gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency • Use cold water for handwashing, take shorter showers and unplug your microwave when not in use. It uses energy to power its clock 24/7. These

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are little savers tips but doing things like this can consistently help save money. • Use the government’s Benefits Calculator to see what benefits you may be eligible for: https://www. gov.uk/benefits-calculators • Visit free Warm Welcome Hubs so you don’t have to use your own energy at home. CAP is working in partnership with the Warm Welcome Hubs initiative, providing warm spaces in churches across the UK. Check here for your nearest hub https://www.warmwelcome.uk/ • Contact your energy company if you have any concerns about struggling to pay your bills. Your supplier has a responsibility to work with you and offer extra help and advice to try and make sure you can afford your energy bills. If you are in energy arrears or have other debts, seek free debt help from Christians Against Poverty or another free debt help service. You can find the support you feel is best for you at www.moneyhelper. org.uk. Contact CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org, alternatively contact the local team to find out how you can help support the work of Hope Church on 07458 395740 or email pamansell@capuk.org.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Should children learn to drive? Did road safety experts in the 1930s have it right? Should kids be ‘veteran motorists’ before they have to take their test? One company thinks so and it’s even produced the first all-British electric vehicle – which so happens to be for children – to prove it. Back in 1938, the Atco SafetyFirst Trainer was created

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VIEWPOINT November 2022

as part of a governmentbacked initiative to reduce road deaths in the pre-war period. It was conceived to help children acclimatise to driving before they took their tests . Today the UK’s largest under-17 driver training scheme, Young Driver, is calling for the government to introduce a similar scheme to prioritise road safety in schools. An Atco Training car survivor, owned by Young Driver, helped spark the idea and is the precursor to the scheme’s newly launched all-British and all-electric Firefly Sport which aims to teach young people from age four about road safety. Atco’s plans for the Junior SafetyFirst Trainer were cruelly cut short by the outbreak of war in 1939. Atco had even built a road circuit in Birmingham to show schools how such a layout could work for the SafetyFirst. A total of

250 cars designed for 7-17 year olds had been built by the time war broke out, but the materials were needed elsewhere once fighting began. Young Driver says it has delivered more than a million driving lessons to under17s in the last 13 years, with young people getting behind the wheel of a modern dual controlled car, a classic car or the electric Firefly. Ian Mulingani, managing director of Young Driver, said: “For the last 13 years we have been teaching under-17s to learn to drive in a safe and unpressured environment. We knew from independent research, and from our own past pupils, that this led to a safer new driver. It’s common sense that learning over a longer period of time,

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so those mechanical parts of driving become second nature, can only help. “Once you turn 17 the pressure is on to pass your test as quickly as possible and you’re trying to learn on roads full of impatient drivers. The government of the 1930s knew it, and we’re calling on the current administration to also prioritise making road safety an active part of the school curriculum. Having better-prepared young drivers keeps us all safer on the roads, as fellow drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. And of course there were only one million cars on the road in the 1930s, as opposed to over 35 million now.” For more information about Young Driver go to www.youngdriver.com

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Viewpoint November 2022

Articles inside

Exclusive: Serles House garden saved from closure