Viewpoint December 2023

Happy Christmas from everyone at Viewpoint Towns and villages across the Viewpoint area have welcomed in the Christmas season as they switched on their lights and entertained crowds excited to get the festive season underway.

Ferndown’s lights were switched on by Mayor Cllr Krissy Stamp on 25 November and, on the same day, events were held in Wimborne and Christchurch. Ringwood’s Winter Wanderland took place on 26 November.

Mid December 2023 Volume 48, Issue 2

Inside this issue: Louis sheds the dreads Interview with High Sheriff of Dorset Remembrance photos

For more festive photos, turn to page 6.

Mayor of Ferndown © CatchBox

local knowledge | local reporters | local news

Charity of the Year

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VIEWPOINT December 2023

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VIEWPOINT Volume 48 • Issue 2 • December 2023 VIEWPOINT

Dear readers

Picture of the month

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk

The 1920s were termed the ‘roaring twenties’ as after the First World War and post Spanish Flu there was a period of economic prosperity in Europe. However, I wonder how history will record the 2020s with the decade starting with the Covid pandemic followed by war in the Ukraine and yet another major conflict in the Middle East.

Despite this world turmoil, it is clear that local people have continued to work hard to provide Christmas cheer as our recent full pages of listings have proved. And do turn to page 29 to see more events through to the New Year.

Pulford Publicity has continued to receive huge support from advertisers and readers for Viewpoint and Dorset View magazines and, earlier this year, we added The Mudeford Mag, The Bulletin and BH Six and Seven to our stable of publications, proving that people continue to enjoy reading print.

Having said that, we still continue to update our website dorsetview.co.uk with breaking news and items we can’t fit into our publications.

Christmas is a time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, to realise what is important in life and to reach out to family members and friends. And if there are rifts, it is an opportunity to repair divisions.

At Viewpoint Magazine, we remain optimistic for 2024, and we look forward to hearing from readers if they would like us to investigate a particular issue or if they feel an unsung hero should be recognised.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Marilyn Barber

Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

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

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM Dexter Elliott graphic designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

News editor

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

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Louis sheds the dreads. See page 9

How to contact us

01202 870270

Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Pulford Publicity, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ /dorsetview.news @Dorset_View @dorset_view @dorset.view /dorsetview

Copy date 2 January 2024

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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New wands help tackle knife crime A week-long anti-knife campaign run by all 43 police forces and British Transport Police took place in November.

In Dorset, handheld metal detectors were used as a screening device during the operation, which ran from 13-19 November.

The metal detecting wands are a new initiative to support stop and search powers in an effort to tackle knife crime.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “We know the damage knife crime can wreak on our communities, and I have listened to the public, asked what more could be done and taken action to provide the resources needed by officers. This has included funding knife wands for every police car in the county and working with the force to introduce a knife arch to help in our fight against knife crime across Dorset.”

In neighbouring Hampshire, Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said education and early intervention “are vital to clamp down on knife crime and stop young people getting involved in crime in the first place.”

She said: “We all have a responsibility to make sure knife crime is tackled head on, and we need to reduce the threat by aiming our concerted efforts at educating children and young people.

“Parents need to ensure they understand the risks, how to spot the signs and keep their children safe. Equally, children and young people need to understand the consequences of carrying a knife.”

During Operation Sceptre, knife surrender bins were located across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

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VIEWPOINT December 2023

Elections in 2024 Elections to Dorset Council, town and parish councils and for the Dorset police and crime commissioner will take place on 2 May next year.

Residents who are not registered to vote are encouraged to do so. This includes anyone who has moved home or changed their names since the last annual canvass.

You can now apply to vote by post or by proxy online. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the Electoral Commission website. If you want to vote by post or proxy, you will need to apply by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April.

If you plan to vote at a polling station, you will need a photo ID. If you don’t have one, you can apply from https://www.electoralcommission. org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate

Drug-related activity will not be tolerated A Section 23 misuse of drugs warrant was executed at an address in Pembridge House, Salisbury Road, Fordingbridge on 17 November sending a clear message from the police that drug-related activity will not be tolerated.

Suspected Class A drugs, mobile phones and drug paraphernalia were seized following forced entry to the property.

A 32-year-old man from Fordingbridge has been interviewed in connection with the suspected offence of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug. The investigation and enquiries continue.

Anyone who has any information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood can contact the police on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Dogs in open spaces order set to be implemented If it isn’t challenged in the coming weeks, then the new 2024 dogrelated Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area will come into effect on 1 January.

In an extensive consultation, 4,221 responses were received; 80% of responses were from local residents, 16.5% from visitors and 2.8% from others. 62% of responses came from dog owners, while 9.5% of the respondents considered themselves to have a disability.

The reason for implementing a dog-related PSPO on specific beaches and open spaces is to keep them free from dog fouling and safe to use by all.

Insisting dogs are on leads in particular areas means the owner has adequate control over the dog and they can see if the dog fouls and doesn’t cause issues with other people or dogs.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Customer and Community Services said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to implement the order according to the thoughts of most respondents.”

Unless amended at any stage, the order will remain in place for three years.

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Christmas Events

Christmas lights switched on Crowds gathered in Wimborne Square for the switching on of the town’s lights, followed by carols sung by the Minster Choir and a demonstration of musketry by Wimborne Militia on the Minster Green.

Throughout the day there had been a full programme of entertainment in the town.

In Ferndown, Pennys Walk came alive with stalls, live music and a street organ. Father Christmas was busy in his grotto in the Barrington. The lights were switched on by the mayor, Cllr Krissy Stamp who also drew the famous raffle for a giant hamper.

While in Christchurch, before the lights were switched on, there was live entertainment throughout the day, food and market stalls. Children could visit the Bournemouth goats and were enthralled by a snow machine.

Tony Brown

Ferndown angel

Ferndown

Christchurch

Crowds enjoy the lights

Wimborne

Sound of Soul Choir entertains the crowds

Santa meets revellers in Christchurch

Wimborne Militia display

The rector of Wimborne Minster blesses the tree before the switching on of the lights. Photo by Beatrice Dopita

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The rector of Wimborne Minster, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland with the town crier Chris Brown at the switching on of the town’s lights

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Evie Battistini, Corporate and Community fundraising officer (Dorset Mind), Louis Pulford and Ben Pulford

Over £2,000 presented to Dorset Mind Following a successful charity gala dinner, auction and raffle held by Pulford Publicity for their charity of the year at Dudsbury Golf Club, a total of £2,218.75 was presented to Evie Battistini, Corporate and Community fundraising officer on behalf of Dorset Mind.

Evie said: “Wow – what an amazing total. Thank you so much.

Your donation will make a massive difference to all the people in our community who are struggling with their mental health and need some extra support.

“Your generous donation could help us to train, manage and support four new volunteers or provide 50 counselling sessions.”

Pulford Publicity would like to thank all those who came to the event, who bid in the auction and bought tickets for the raffle, as well as the businesses that donated the items to make it all possible. “The generosity of the local community is wonderful even in these tough times,” said Ben Pulford, MD of Pulford Publicity.

The charity gala event was held on 14 October with ‘auctioneer’ Tony Brown and piano man Matt Black helping to make the evening a night to remember.

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Charity of the Year

Keeping warm together this winter

By Annabel Goddard As the days end earlier and earlier in the evening, it’s much easier to be brought down by the lack of sunlight coming through the window, which also can make us feel like we have less time to ourselves after work or school. At this time of year, strength in numbers can be particularly helpful, so we want to remind you how important the power of community is, and of how to make the most of it.

Make an extra effort to have a weekly film night or a sit-down meal with your family or friends and have a good chat about what’s

going on in your lives. Having loved ones around you can help alleviate a lot of stress caused by the change in seasons. Make sure you check in with each other often – someone may appreciate it more than you think.

If you are away from home or don’t have family and friends around, it might be beneficial to you to find a local community you can spend time with. Warm spaces can help – especially if you are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The Hope Hub in Winton and Gateway Church in Poole, for example, provide a safe space during the week to relax and chat to others. You can find more spaces across Dorset on the Help and Kindness website at www. helpandkindness.co.uk Being kind to yourself and others will help us all to navigate the winter months. If you’ve considered volunteering for charity or helping at a food bank; now could be a great time to do so, even for just an hour a week, if you’ve got the time and resources. Everyone could do with a helping hand right now.

We want to say a huge thank you to Viewpoint for letting us share our message throughout this year. To continue supporting Dorset Mind, please visit our website – www.dorsetmind.uk – for ways in which you can support yourselves and us, whether it’s creating a fundraising challenge, volunteering or even sharing your story in a blog. We value all contributions from the Dorset community and will continue to strive to ensure everyone gets the mental health support they deserve.

Charity of the Year 2024 As we approach the end of the year, it is time once again for Pulford Publicity to look forward to, and introduce, its charity of the year for 2024. Next year, the Charity of the Year will be Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

The charity helps people and their families across East Dorset, delivering care for patients who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses whose GP surgery falls within the Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset areas.

Their aim is to help as many of those people as possible to live their precious lives well. The service is free of charge, and so all costs are covered by donations. You can find out more at www.lewis-manning.org.uk

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Louis sheds the dreads for Dorset Mind

By Jecs Davies Viewpoint’s very own director, Louis Pulford, fulfilled his promise to cut off his 17-year-old dreadlocks on Friday 17 November.

During Pulford Publicity’s recent charity of the year event, Louis made a surprise entry into the auction pledging to cut off his dreadlocks. With the highest bid of £100, made by Clive and Susan Watkiss, it was time to face the scissors.

Louis arrived at ENVY hairdressers in Poole where he met the owner, Tracy Park, and her two daughters, Evie and Gracie, who all run the salon. Also spectating was CEO of Dorset Mind, Linda O’Sullivan.

The Park family spoke about how they support Dorset Mind.

The salon has a collection box at the front desk and Gracie has performed events for Dorset Mind as a singer.

One by one Tracy began chopping off the locks. An hour later, Louis was 434g lighter and held his bouquet of dreadlocks proudly.

Louis said: “I have been wanting to do this for about two years, I enjoy swimming and it’ll be a lot easier without the dreads. It was great that someone was willing to donate £100 for the cause and that ENVY offered to cut them off to support Dorset Mind.”

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Are you ready for the digital switchover in Dorset?

Digital Dorset is asking the county’s residents if they are ready for the digital switchover because the UK’s telephone network is changing.

Nell performing at the championships

Sibling dancers are world champs Two local teenagers were selected to represent Great Britain at the Tap Dance World Championships in Germany to compete for Team GB and both returned home as world champions.

Jude and Nell Feltham were part of a team of 43 dancers from all over the UK. The event ran for five days and there were 1,400 dancers from 20 countries competing. Nell, 13, was selected by Tap Attack to represent Team GB in four categories, and came seventh in her solo, secured a bronze medal in her duo, a silver medal in her group dance and won gold with her formation team.

Jude, 16, was selected for three categories and came fifth with his solo, won gold with his trio and gold for his group dance.

Mum, Boo Feltham, said: “It was the same category that Nell’s group won silver, so seeing them both on the podium together was a proud moment.”

Overall, Team GB won seven golds, seven silvers and three bronze medals.

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Between now and 2025 most telephone providers will be moving their customers from traditional landlines to services using digital technology.

Your telecoms provider should contact you before the switchover to discuss what you need to do to.

If you have an Internet connection, the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router.

However, if you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, your provider might need to upgrade your device to make it compatible.

If you are unsure how a device in your home might be affected, contact the equipment supplier for help.

And if you, or someone you know, depend on their landline or use a telecare device connected to a phone line – contact the service provider now for more advice.

In an emergency Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection and will not work if there is a power cut. If you have no other means of calling the emergency services, such as a mobile phone, your telecoms provider should offer a solution.

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Treecycling for charity Dorset Mind will be collecting Christmas trees on 4 and 5 January from households in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas for a minimum donation of £10. Book your collection at https:// dorsetmind.uk/christmas-tree-collection Diverse Abilities will be collecting Christmas trees from Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, East Dorset and Ringwood for a suggested donation of £10 between 5 and 8 January. Book at www.diversabilities.org.uk/trees Julia’s House will be collecting Christmas trees on 11, 12 and 13 January in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne and Purbeck for a suggested minimum donation of £10. Book at www.juliashouse.org/trees Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will be collecting and recycling trees throughout Bournemouth, Poole, Purbeck and Christchurch postcodes. Collections across BH1–BH23 postcodes, will take place on 11, 12 and 13 January 2024. To register your tree for collection, visit https://lewis-manning.org.uk/christmas-treecollection/ All funds raised from the Christmas tree collection will help these charities in their fundraising efforts. Every donation makes a difference.

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verwood news

Verwood Rotary round up

By Louisa Hiscock

Rotary is one of the world’s largest service organisations with 1.4 million members supporting projects worldwide to help others in need.

In early November, our club worked hard to collect shoeboxes of gifts for the annual Shoebox Christmas Appeal, including from all our local schools. We were delighted to take 193 boxes to our district’s collection point. These will join thousands of boxes being transported around the world to disadvantaged children for

Christmas and we thank all who supported this appeal.

Our president, Andy Maw, recently visited Morocco.

He was delighted to present a donation from our club towards the relief appeal following the devastating earthquake in early September. He met the District Rotary president in Marrakesh, Jalal Zemmama, who showed him the relief work supported by local Rotarians to organise food and medical supplies.

Rotary International had also stepped up to supply tented accommodation and toilet/ shower blocks for people who had lost their homes.

Back in Verwood, Andy represented our club on Remembrance Sunday to lay a wreath at the War Memorial alongside so many other local organisations and services, and we hosted an evening for all the local organisations and groups we were able to support from the funds raised at the Rustic Fayre. It is always a pleasure to hear about the great work they do in and around Verwood.

Finally, we had fun supporting Father Christmas in the Rotary tent at the Christmas Extravaganza on 2 December while he met many local children.

President Andy Maw left and President Jalal Zemmama on right

Station Road pharmacy closes The pharmacy next to the Verwood Surgery on Station Road is to close this month when its owner, Pharmland, will consolidate its services in the town.

All the Station Road services will be relocated to the company’s Manor Road pharmacy, which means NHS prescriptions will now need to be collected from the Bank Court premises. Staff will also be moved to Bank Court, which will offer longer opening hours – 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and

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9am to 4pm on Saturday.

There will also be a 24-hour prescription collection service.

The changes are the result of an updated NHS contract for Pharmland, which has been operating two sites in Verwood pending the change on 9 December.

Pharmland has longer term plans to extend its services at Bank Court.

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verwood news

Committee members and helpers on a trip to Branksome

Fifty years of friendship A box of paperwork found in an attic has shed light on the origins of a popular Verwood club and revealed that it turned 50 this year.

Current chairman of the Verwood Friendship Club, Richard Ralph, is now planning a belated celebration of the milestone at the club’s 14 December meeting.

Originally established on 5 April 1973 as the Verwood Disabled Club, and affiliated to the Dorset Association for the Disabled, the aim was to provide a social environment for those who were housebound. A minibus was sourced to help people get to the meetings, which usually involved musical entertainment or a speaker, refreshments and a chance to chat.

In 2010, it was renamed the Verwood Friendship Club and continued to offer monthly meetings, as well as several outings each year. Despite having to close during the pandemic, it continues to thrive, with around 70 members meeting on the second Thursday of each month.

Richard and wife Lesley have volunteered for the club for about 25 years. Richard said his concern is for the club’s future: “We have many enthusiastic members who come every meeting.

Some are even referred to us via their GP through NHS social prescribing. However, most on the committee are elderly – one in her 90s – and we are worried how much longer we can keep going. We really need someone younger who can help us run the club and eventually take it over.”

To find out more or to volunteer, call Richard on 01202 827457.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Staff, volunteers and supporters came together recently to celebrate the achievements of volunteers at local charity Home-Start Wessex and to thank their loyal supporters. Anne Luke from Corfe Mullen and Rowena Wilkes from West Moors both received certificates of achievement for 10 years of service as a volunteer. Pictured L-R: Chris Thomas, chairman of the board of trustees, Anne Luke, Rowena Wilkes and Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex

A return to the classroom

Salisbury District Hospital’s charity has launched its Stars Appeal Christmas Raffle.

Entering will give you a chance to win one of the top cash prizes of up to £1,000 and money raised from the appeal will fund projects such as buying specialist cots for newborn babies, an endobronchial ultrasound scope for the Respiratory Department to help diagnose patients with lung cancer and other related conditions, and a £15,000 mechanical CPR machine.

Tickets are £1 each and are available online at www.starsappeal. org or at the main entrance of Salisbury District Hospital.

Amy Archer, 90, may have retired from teaching 10 years ago having spent 53 years in the profession, but she longed to get back into the classroom.

She began her career as a primary school teacher in 1960 at Summerbee Junior School in Bournemouth, before going on to become head teacher at Winton Junior School where she remained for 10 years.

The team from Ferndown Manor care home arranged for Amy and her fellow residents to visit Parley First School, where Amy got stuck into activities with the pupils. Everyone took part in a building session with Lego and colouring with the children. She also shared stories of her time as a head teacher.

Amy said: “The best part about being back in the classroom was seeing the children. I loved visiting the school; it brought back very fond memories and I would very much like to do it again.”

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Stars Christmas raffle

VIEWPOINT December 2023

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health and care

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Looking to lose a few pounds?

When it comes to losing weight successfully, making small, manageable changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.

Here are a few tips from LiveWell, Dorset’s free health and wellbeing service. LiveWell offers a weight loss kick-start with 12 weeks free at a slimming group or online support, plus 1-2-1 coaching. Find out if you are eligible: 0800 840 1628 or visit livewelldorset.co.uk.

Get more active: exercise burns extra calories and helps keep weight off.

The trick is finding an activity you enjoy and making it part of your daily routine.

Drink more water: don’t mistake thirst for hunger. Water also boosts your metabolism and can help you feel fuller if you drink a glass before a meal.

Plan your meals: plan your meals and snacks for the week so you know exactly what you are going to eat. Making a weekly shopping list means you’ll buy fewer unnecessary items.

Don’t skip breakfast: this will make you feel hungrier, leading to snacking or eating bigger meals later.

Don’t ban treats: banning food you love will make you crave it more. You can have a small treat occasionally but try to stick to Public Health England’s suggested 400 calories for breakfast and 600 each for lunch and dinner.

calories as a piece of chocolate?

Try swapping alcoholic drinks for low-calorie soft drinks.

Discover more tips and free support at www. livewelldorset.co.uk

Cut down on alcohol: did you know that a glass of wine has the same number of

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Reducing sugar intake

By Heart Research UK Reducing your intake of sugar can have a beneficial impact on your heart health and reduce your risk of heart diseases. As we head into the festive season, here are some helpful ideas to reduce your consumption while still joining in the festivities.

Make your own desserts A festive, family get-together wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat or dessert. If you make it at home, you can reduce the sugar content. Many recipes work just as well and taste just as good with half the recommended sugar; simply reduce the amount you add to the mixture. Alternatively, find low-sugar or sugar-free recipes that use fruit such as bananas for sweetness.

Watch out for hidden sugars Sugar can crop up in foods you don’t even realise they are in. When trying to reduce your intake, check the labels of food products you regularly eat and swap them for lower sugar versions. Common culprits are yoghurts, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, soft drinks, condiments and sauces. Try lower sugar alternatives by swapping any foods you regularly consume that contain more than 5g of sugar per 100g.

Jazz up fruit Fruit can make the perfect tasty treat and provides some extra fibre which contributes to heart health.

A simple fruit skewer drizzled in a little chocolate looks great on a platter and can be enjoyed by everyone as a healthier, sweet option. Or why not arrange various fruits into the shape of a Christmas tree to entice people to dive in.

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Socks to revolutionise patient care Who knew that a pair of socks could make life much better for people with dementia or autism, and those in distress?

Our Dorset, the Dorset Integrated Care System, has signed up to trial the Milbotix SmartSocks which track heart rate, sweat, temperature and motion.

The socks can be used in care homes and people’s own homes to help them live independently for longer.

They look and feel like normal socks and are machine washable.

The smart socks will be piloted in care homes, where Artificial Intelligence AI-driven data can give carers vital early warnings before falls and allow them to intervene before anxiety escalates.

The SmartSocks are paired with an app, installed on a smartphone. A sensor embedded in one of the socks collects physiological data from the foot and the ankle of the person being wearing the socks. Sensor data is then transmitted wirelessly to a secure cloud platform, and sophisticated algorithms process the data, estimating whether the person is experiencing distress. The care team can then be alerted to any distress through the app and provide early intervention.

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Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Pill box on the river at Woodgreen

Secrets in Fordingbridge

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum The summer of 1940 was a dark time for Britain. Dunkirk had just been evacuated and weapons and equipment had been left behind in France. There was a real fear of invasion by Germans.

A visible reminder of this is the large number of pill boxes that can still be seen. They were designed to be manned by Home Guard forces in the event of an invasion.

In Fordingbridge, pill boxes can be seen in Marl Lane and near to the Junior School. A more unusual one, faced with brick and built into a barn, guards the bridge between Breamore and Woodgreen.

Sir Winston Churchill ordered the formation of auxiliary units of civilian volunteers with an intimate knowledge of the local area. These were ready to disappear into underground hide outs called Operational Bases (OBs) if there was an invasion. Patrols were ready to sabotage strategically important infrastructure, destroy fuel and ammunition dumps and assassinate high ranking German officers and British collaborators.

Each unit was made up of six or seven men who were trained in secret in guerilla warfare.

Each would sign the Official Secrets Act and could not even tell their families what they were doing.

If deployed, their life expectancy was about two weeks and they were ordered to fight to the death and kill themselves if they thought they were going to be captured.

There were several OBs in the New Forest, but their location has never been discovered. They would have been built by the Royal Engineers from outside the areas or by the units

themselves, deep underground. They would have contained equipment and supplies for two weeks, as well as guns and ammunition.

It is a testament to how well camouflaged the OBs were and to the secrecy surrounding them that most OBs have not been discovered.

One OB was reputed to be located to the north of Fryern Court Farm on the outskirts of Fordingbridge. It was reportedly shown to the Rogers family after the war by a Fordingbridge patrol member. He was a dairy worker and his fellow patrol members included a haulage contractor, a head cowman, a Co-Op store manager, a driver, a gardener, a general labourer and a farm carter. They would practise breaking into RAF Ibsley airfield and demonstrate that they could have destroyed the planes by leaving a calling card on them. In her 90s, Margaret Rogers wrote a fictional book called ‘The Silent Army’ which features the work of the auxiliary units.

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Christmas in Ringwood

Christmas health and Events care / caring about people is an act of maturity

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Christmas is well underway in Ringwood, having started with a bang at the Winter Wanderland event on 26 November.

Winter Wonderland parade. Photo by Derek Maidment

Santa’s Sleigh Tour

Live music and entertainment, two parades, the chance to meet Santa and the light switch-on got revellers into the festive mood.

Shops and businesses throughout the town are beautifully decorated as they compete to win the window display competition, and you can help decide who will take this year’s accolades. Go to /ringwoodwinterwanderland on Facebook or @ringwoodtowncouncil on Instagram to vote.

In the true spirit of Christmas, the Ringwood & District Round

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Table’s annual Santa’s Sleigh Tour will be visiting Ringwood and surrounding villages and towns from 6-15 December, collecting nonperishable food or money donations for Hope for Food along the way.

Find out when they’ll be near you at www.facebook.com/RingwoodRT And Father Christmas will be back in Market Place on Sunday 24 December, 6pm to 8pm, but this time, he’ll be collecting presents to give to children who are less fortunate. A band will be playing carols, and everyone is invited to join in the singing.

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ringwood news

Fined for breaching regulations after child injured by roof tile Terry Burwell, women’s captain Alice Elgar and former captains Libby Peak and Charlotte Smith

Rugby club recognised Ellingham and Ringwood Rugby Club has been recognised for its role in developing women’s and girl’s rugby.

The club was presented with a print of an oil painting of the England women’s team playing in last year’s World Cup Final at Eden Park in Auckland. It is one of a number of prints commissioned by Tom Ilube, chair of the RFU, from the original to be given to clubs that have been key in developing women’s and girl’s rugby.

Terry Burwell, the Hampshire representative on the RFU Council, made the presentation to the club, which was selected because of its longrunning women’s and girls’ rugby programme, producing a number of international players including Bryony and Poppy Cleall (England), Lisa Cockburn (Scotland), Donna Rose (Wales) and Alicia Maude (England and Great Britain 7’s).

Rocare Building Services Ltd of Headlands Business Park, Ringwood is one of three companies fined for breaching regulations following an incident which took place in Weymouth four years ago.

A slate came off a roof at a construction site at the Moonfleet Manor hotel and struck a three-year-old girl on 13 June 2019.

The pre-schooler received first aid and was later taken to hospital where she was put into an induced coma to stabilise her. She then underwent a two-hour operation to remove fragments of slate from her head.

The roof was being renovated by Rocare who had taken off the old tiles and had begun replacing them with new slates. New slates had been stacked around the roof, when one fell off. Rocare was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £15,554.78.

Quadra Built Environmental Consultancy Limited was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £25,000 costs.

LFH (Moonfleet Manor) Limited was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £143,482.04 in costs.

Ringwood Ex-Tablers have raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in a walk for Cancer Research. Derek Scott chairman of Ringwood ExTablers club, left is pictured presenting a cheque to Peter Crouch and Janet Damen for their recent walk from Land’s End to John O Groats. The walk took 82 days and covered a distance of 1,200 miles.

Sentenced for shoplifting Owen James Sacala, of Palmerston Road, Bournemouth, received a £50 fine and was ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs following a shoplifting offence in Ringwood when he stole £697 worth of cosmetic products from Boots in Southampton Road, on 8 November.

Sacala is also now subject to a 12-month community order, with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

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| 21

Could you help toads cross a busy road near Ringwood?

When the local toads start thinking in January about migrating to Blashford Lakes to breed and lay their eggs, the Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol will be helping them safely across the road.

Registered with the wildlife charity Froglife, who coordinate toad patrolling throughout the UK, the patrol is looking for new volunteers to save toads from being

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killed under the wheels of cars and vans and asking local drivers to help by slowing down and being patient.

Set up in 1989 and organised for 35 years by wildlife supporter Teresa Baker, the patrol is now run

by Nicola Yorke – a volunteer since the 2021 season.

Nicola said: “Common toads are declining across the UK and face huge dangers as

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they crawl across busy roads.

We’re always looking for more willing volunteers who can spare a couple of hours one evening a week. And we’d be really grateful if more drivers slowed down and kept an eye out for toads on the short stretch of road we patrol from the North Poulner crossroads up to Rockford Common. It would make an enormous difference and many more precious lives could be saved.”

At the start of the breeding season in mid- to late-January, male and female toads crawl from the wooded hills above Blashford Lakes to find a mate and breed. By early

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spring after their eggs are laid, they make the return journey, once again facing the dangers of the busy road.

Nicola said: “Toads only move when it’s warm enough, five degrees and above. Wet nights are perfect but they’ll also cross when it’s not raining.

“As soon as the breeding season starts, our volunteers take turns to drive slowly along the road from dusk until 11pm, stopping to pick up toads and carry them across the road so they can safely continue their journey down to the water.”

Interested in volunteering?

Email rptoadpatrol1@ gmail.com

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education

Good report for Pamphill school

Wimborne pupils meet town council Wimborne Minster Town Council held the first meeting of the new Wimborne Minster School Council on Tuesday 21 November.

The children heard about what the town council does and the planning role of the council. They also took part in a formal debate on youth provision in the town and came up with practical ideas to address sustainability and climate action.

Councillor Jeff Hart said: “This is a great initiative. Most schools have their own school councils but now they can send representatives to the town’s council’s own School Council, debate issues that are important to them, and report back to the town council. The children were most articulate and evidently enjoyed the meeting.”

He added they would be meeting every term.

Ofsted Inspectors, who concluded that Pamphill Church of England First School was ‘good’, highlighted a number of its qualities.

They found that it is an ‘inclusive and welcoming school’ and praised its use of its unique location on National Trust land.

Headteacher Mike Wheeler said: “The report graded us as ‘good’ in all categories; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years’ provision.

“It is testament to the staff, our students and all those who support our school voluntarily who have all worked extremely hard to make this school so valued within our community.

“I was pleased that our work with children who have special educational needs was recognised and that our enthusiasm for reading was noted, and especially that the school’s unique identity shines through.

“The curriculum was praised and the inspectors wrote how ambitious we are for all our students.”

Museum recognised The Museum of East Dorset In Wimborne has been presented with the Sandford Award for Heritage Education, recognising its dedication to providing engaging and enriching educational experiences.

The assessor was particularly impressed by the experienced volunteers and how ‘In all sessions, the long history of the building and the extensive collections were utilised to inspire children to discover the stories of the past that the museum holds, to make learning fun, active and memorable’.

He said: “One of the most captivating parts to see in use is the range in the kitchen, where children can also use original or replica items, including weighing scales and toasting forks.”

The museum’s director, Chezzie Hollow, said: “It’s a wonderful recognition of our long-standing commitment to learning at a time when many organisations in the sector have had to make cuts. Our dedicated team of volunteers are passionate about creating an environment that makes heritage learning engaging, inspiring and accessible to all.”

The Sheiling Ringwood needs your help The Sheiling Ringwood is fundraising to build a new specially adapted double classroom, allowing them to increase the number of children the school can support.

If you are part of a community group that fundraises for local charities, they’d love you to consider supporting them. Any donation big or small can help them to reach their target.

If you’re interested in supporting them, either by holding your own fundraising activities or volunteering, contact Rachel at fundraising@ thesheilingringwood.co.uk or call 01425 477488.

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| 23

Remembrance Remembrance has been marked across Dorset and Hampshire with a series of poignant and moving services.

On Armistice Day, 11 November, short ceremonies were held to mark the end of First World War at many of the war memorials across the region, including Wimborne, Ringwood, Verwood and Blandford.

On Remembrance Sunday 12 November, parades and services were held to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought for their country and to defend our way of life.

Although it rained on Wimborne’s Remembrance Sunday parade from the Royal British Legion to the Minster, there were plenty of people with umbrellas lining the streets. The church was full to capacity for the service and, fortunately, it had stopped raining after the service for the Act of Remembrance and wreath laying at the War Memorial.

Despite torrential rain, Ferndown marked the occasion with a parade followed by a service at St Mary’s Church, while in Ringwood there was a procession from Market Place to the War Memorial Garden.

In Verwood, following a service at St Michaels and All Angels Church, there was a procession to the war memorial for a service of Remembrance. In West Moors, the act of Remembrance was moving and memorable as the names of the brave soldiers from West Moors who have died whilst in active service were read out before the laying of wreaths. The tree near the memorial had turned a striking gold and pink as if paying its own tribute.

The community of West Parley were unable to hold their ceremony at West Parley Memorial Hall as usual, due to a fire earlier this year, and instead were invited to Parley Place care home. Among those to pay their respects were parishioners from St Marks and All Saints Church, local councillors and pupils from Parley First School.

And in Blandford, befitting a military town, hundreds of people gathered in front of the town hall to sing hymns and watch the parade and wreath laying.

Wimborne parade and Act of Remembrance. Photo by Marilyn Barber

Service at Parley Place

Blandford parade. Photo by Nicci Brown

West Moors © CatchBox

The Ferndown parade. Photo by Karen Wyatt-Epapara

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Verwood Mayor Cllr Toni Coombs lays a wreath following a twominute silence on Armistice Day. Photo by Karen Wyatt-Epapara

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High Sheriff. Photo

by Marilyn Barber

Sheriff with the King

Sheriff and wife, Colin and Ruth Weston.

Photo by Tom Scrase

Meet the High Sheriff of Dorset

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk In a post that goes back for more than 1,000 years, the High Sheriff of Dorset cuts a striking figure in his distinctive outfit, but what is his role in society?

Colin Weston, who took up the post in March, and who has appeared at numerous events throughout the county this year – the last being the Remembrance Sunday service in Wimborne Minster – has given Viewpoint Magazine an insight into the independent and non-political position.

He said: “There are 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales, and they are appointed by The King to attend royal visits, to support High Court judges, the Crown and Magistrates Courts and emergency services.”

Sometimes Colin receives invitations and on other occasions he asks to attend a function.

“There is no job description, and I try not to refuse an invitation. A High Sheriff can go out as much or as little as they want. I always go to police, fire service and ambulance awards ceremonies,” he said.

“People don’t apply to be a High Sheriff – they have to be asked to take on the role and it’s a four-year-long process.

“A group of at least seven, including the present High Sheriff, the previous and the next High Sheriffs, plus the Bishop of Sherborne and people such as the chief constable and the CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners, put forward two suggested candidates and we decide between us which person to choose. On 12 November 2024, the decision will be made as to who will be the High Sheriff for 2027/2028.”

On that day – and it is always 12 November unless that is a Sunday – the Lord Chief Justice and three or four High Court judges approve the names.

At the subsequent Privy Council

meeting in March, the name of the chosen High Sheriff is presented to The King for his approval.

In effect, future High Sheriffs have three years’ warning before they take on the role, which is self funding.

The ceremonial uniform worn by male High Sheriffs is called Court Dress. It has remained essentially unchanged since the mid-18th century and consists of a black or dark blue velvet coat with cut-steel buttons, breeches, shoes with cut-steel buckles, a sword and a cocked hat.

“It can cost between £6,500 and £7,000, so High Sheriffs try to sell it on to the next one.” Colin said.

Half the High Sheriffs in the country are women who, although they don’t have to observe precise regulations, are encouraged to wear Court Dress of black or blue velvet.

High Sheriffs have to transport themselves as no official cars are provided.

Colin added that the High Sheriff can be a serving police officer, but not a Lord.

He is now retired, having worked in customs and excise for 43 years and as a magistrate for 32 years, but being in full time employment doesn’t exclude someone from taking on the role.

What have been the highlights so far of his time in office?

“I met the King and Queen in Poundbury, and also going out on patrol in a police helicopter,” he said.

“It is important to thank people for what they are doing. So many fire service people and coastguards as well as magistrates are volunteers.”

Married to Ruth, Colin has one daughter and two granddaughters.

And if you’re wondering who the next High Sheriff will be to replace Colin Weston, it is Anthony Woodhouse.

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| 25

Writing competition Volunteers needed winners praised Accolades were given in Blandford on 17 November to local poets and authors as well as to those from farther afield.

In its ninth year, Blandford and Stour Rotary’s annual Short Story and Poetry Competition has an outstanding reputation.

Mayor of Blandford Forum, Cllr Hugo Mieville presented the prizes including the Mayor’s Cup. He said the competition attracted “a high level of entry from all over the country”

and the writing standard was “amazingly high.”

The winner of the Best Under 11s’ fiction travelled from London to collect her prize.

Rebecca Eapen, aged 10 from North London Collegiate School, entered ‘My Last Storm’, a moving story about a boat carrying Syrian refugees.

In the adult Open Fiction, Viewpoint’s editor Janine Pulford and former editor Carol Waterkeyn won prizes. Both are members of the Wandering Writers founded by Carol, who is also a former winner of the category.

Results: U11: 1st Rebecca Eapen, 2nd Delilah Wright, 3rd Edward Weeks. Flash Fiction: 1st Mary White, 2nd Carolyn Emmett, 3rd Caroline Jenner. Poetry: 1st Matthew Ryan-East, 2nd Frances Colville, 3rd Chris Scriven. Open Fiction: 1st Elizabeth Meyer, 2nd Janine Pulford, 3rd Carol Waterkeyn.

All of their entries can be read online at www. blandfordandstourrotary. co.uk

Climate action scheme receives £1.4 million The New Forest National Park Authority has received £1.4million to connect young people to nature and help communities across the region tackle climate change.

The Youth for Climate and Nature scheme (YouCAN) has secured a £1.2 million Climate Action Fund grant from The National Lottery Community Fund – the largest community funder in the UK – and a further £264,000 in match funding from partners.

Aimed at 11- to 25-yearolds, the scheme will enable them to develop nature-focused campaigns in their local communities, spanning an area of 300 square miles across the

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New Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, covering a mix of urban, rural, coastal and freshwater habitats.

Youth-led and cocreated activities will include junior ranger programmes, volunteer opportunities and habitat improvements as well as internships providing experience in green skills and jobs.

The scheme aims to reach new audiences with a wide, interactive events programme including residential stays, refugee visits, and workshops with local artists and climate scientists to develop a theatre production and community tour. /dorsetview.news

The Two Bridges Care Group has put out an appeal for drivers and coordinators.

Two Bridges voluntarily provides transport services to appointments such as at hospitals, doctors and dentists for those who need it. To enable the group to meet demand, more volunteer drivers and coordinators are required. Coordinators keep in touch with the drivers, to assist them in fulfilling the needs of

the clients/patients. They get paid expenses and the real reward is the gratitude and appreciation of those in the local community.

Recently, three new drivers have been recruited and a new, easy-to-use automated computer-based booking system has been introduced.

For further details, contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770 or by email: Hippotrain@ BTInternet.com

West Parley volunteers recognised West Parley Parish Council has shown its appreciation to volunteers who undertake work within the parish with an annual ‘Volunteers Reception’.

It was held in the West Parley Community Hub, which many of the volunteers had spent many hours helping to restore and repair.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Clive Butcher who had served as the transport coordinator of the village Neighbour Car Scheme since its inception in September 2013. Clive relinquished the role as he has moved to be closer to family members.

In the 10 years to Clive’s retirement as coordinator, there had been 5,812 trips for

the village’s older residents.

Also receiving recognition was Brian Miles, a founder member of the West Parley Residents Association, and Roy Chapman who is a stalwart of the Parley Volunteers as well as being a volunteer driver.

Clive Butcher left, with Cllr Mark Barber, the parish council chairman

The Grand Charities Fair organised by Wimborne in Bloom was opened by the Mayor Cllr Diann March, supported by the town crier Chris Brown. A total of 21 charities and organisations manned 32 tables raising over £4,000 for the various causes. Pictured is Susie Gatrell receiving the first prize hamper from chairman of Wimborne in Bloom Richard Nunn; the mayor; John Allen, who coordinated the fair on behalf of Wimborne in Bloom with Julia Cornborough; and a Wimborne in Bloom committee member in the background. Photo by Anthony Oliver

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foodie news

Competition £60 to dine out on us!

In the October issue, Viewpoint reviewed The Old Beams. The editor thought it would be lovely for one of Viewpoint’s readers to have something to look forward to once we’re past the Christmas festivities, so has decided to run a competition to give one lucky winner the chance to win a £60 voucher towards the cost of a delicious meal at The Old Beams in Ibsley.

Head along for lunch or dinner and choose from the menu of classic pub food, items from the grill or burgers. Or you could choose from the Thursday Thai and Steak menu or book in for a roast on Sundays.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the question below.

Q. On which day is the Thai and Steak menu served?

Rules of entry: Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. The £60 voucher will be valid for three months from the issue date and must be redeemed towards the cost of food only. No change will be given. Closing date is 14 January 2024. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or The Old Beams, Ibsley are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative.

The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue to facilitate the giving of the prize.

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

Set-sleigh to the ‘North Pole’ An exciting steam train ride to the ‘North Pole’ is running until Saturday 30 December, and families can head on an adventure that will immerse them into the enchanting world of the much-loved film, THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

The experience features local actors who bring the magic of the movie alive, with dances, performances, and a cup of hot chocolate or two. The train departs from Swanage Railway, taking a route past Corfe Castle, which is lit up, to the ‘North Pole’.

Passengers are encouraged to dress in their cosiest Christmas pyjamas and winter warmers.

Louis Pulford went along to experience the magic for himself.

“As the Polar Express set off, we were welcomed with bright smiles and greetings, and handed paper and pencils for us all to write our Christmas lists.

“On our adventure to the ‘North Pole’, the atmosphere was magical. We were treated to hot chocolate and cookies and invited to sing along to ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. It went down a storm, and we tried to memorise the accompanying gestures, making for some hilarious mishaps.

“More magic followed as we arrived at the ‘North Pole’; the scene was set with Santa’s sleigh, bright lights and elves scattering the scene, leaving the children speechless. The Jolly Red Fellow made an in-person appearance, greeting each passenger, collecting Christmas lists, and handing out bells for each person to jing-a-ling on the journey home!

“As the train returned to Swanage, there was a lovely story, which rounded the trip off nicely as we landed back in Dorset.

“If you are a fan of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ movie, then you will be a fan of this magical train ride.”

Tickets are on sale here: https://thepolarexpress.seetickets. com/timeslot/the-polar-express?outputStyle=Default&pageI ndex=1&pageSize=30

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

Until 20 December 10am-4pm Exhibition entitled ‘Atmosphere’ at The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park.

Until 24 December

Christmas Tree Festival at St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome.

Teas and coffees available.

Email: office@st-aldhelm.com

Until 30 December

Polar Express train ride at Swanage Railway.

Until 2 January

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail through Poole town and onto the Quay.

15 December 11am-3pm

Yuletide family fun at Red House Museum, Christchurch.

Pre-booking not required.

15 December 10am-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Normandy Marsh (SZ 327 941), meeting at the end of Maiden Lane, Lymington. Followed by Xmas lunch at the Chequers Inn, Lymington. Field trip non-members £5, members free. https://group.rspb.org.uk/newforest/

around & about 15 December 7.30pm and 16 December 2pm

West Moors Singers presents That Glorious Night at St. Martin’s Church Centre, Moorlands Road, West Moors BH22 OJW. Tickets from Buds and Blooms on 01202 870769 or at the door.

15 December 7.30pm

Christmas singalong with Colehill Community Choir at St Michael’s School, Colehill Lane. Free entry with donations to Wimborne Food Bank. For tickets email: Colehillcommunity choir1@gmail. com or phone 01202 842311.

17 December 6pm

Carols by Candlelight in St James’ Church, Alderholt.

18 December 7pm

Dorset Chamber Choir presents carols and anthems for Christmas at Broadstone Methodist Church BH18 8DP. Tickets from choir members or on the door.

20 December 6.30pm Beer and carols at Alderholt Social Club.

20 December 10-11am, 11.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-3pm

15 December 10am-3pm

Make yuletide hobby horses at Red House Museum, Christchurch.

Pre-booking required.

16 December 7.30pm

Vivamente Voices Christmas concert in the Great Hall, Canford School. Tickets from www. vivamentevoices.co.uk/events

Poole Leisure Painters meet at Lighthouse Poole every Tuesday and Friday. Contact secretary 01202 693526.

Bournemouth and District Concert Band at Wimborne Minster church. Book at www.

BournemouthAndDistrictConcertBand.co.uk

16 December 3-4pm

Choir in the courtyard at Red House Museum, Christchurch.

16 and 23 December

Ringwood Artisan Christmas Market in the Furlong.

17 December 10am

Wimborne Rotary Club Santa Stour Fun Run starting from Wimborne Town Football Club, Ainsley Road, BH21 2FU. 2.5k or 5k course. Register at www. wimbornerotary.org/giving.

20 December 7.30pm

21 December 6.30pm

Broadstone Music Series presents ‘A Time Traveller’s Christmas Concert’ at St Nicholas’ Church, Corfe Mullen. Book at www. broadstonemusicseries.info or limited availability for cash on the door.

22 December 6pm

Carols in the Cornmarket in Wimborne. Accompanied by members of the Broadstone Community Concert Band and Choristers from Wimborne Minster.

24 December 6-8pm

Father Christmas will be in Ringwood Market Place to receive presents to be redistributed

by Ringwood Rotary Club.

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4 January 7.30pm

Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall on the first Thursday of the month. Details www. verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 01202 827622.

4 January 3-5pm

Arthritis Care Ferndown meets on the first Thursday of the month at Ferndown Day Centre. Guests pay £5 for entertainment, afternoon tea and outings. Visit Facebook group or call 0330 311 2793.

6 January 7pm for 7.30pm

Twelfth Night Celebration in aid of Mayor of Verwood’s charities at Crane Valley Golf Club. Contact Verwood Town Council.

6 January 10am-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Blashford Lakes (SU 151 084).

Meet at the reserve’s Tern Hide free car park. Non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864, https://group.rspb.org.uk/newforest/

8 January 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society meets in the Memorial Hall for a talk by Bryan Madders. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

8 January 7.30pm

Wimborne Gardening Club meets in the Allendale Community Centre for a talk from Wilding Wimborne.

10 January 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

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

Confidence through sport - advertisement feature -

Little Kickers provide football classes for children from 18 months to 8 years. This local branch started at the beginning of 2021 and has been steadily growing ever since, now providing classes to nearly 200 children across six different venues, two of which are in Ringwood.

Coach Jordan Osmond said: “With a growing focus these days on the huge benefits of physical activity for our children’s physical and mental health, the aim of our classes is to give children a really fun introduction to sport. It’s a great environment for children to grow their confidence, stay active, make friends and learn some great football skills along the way.”

A few words from parents: “Coach Jordan is absolutely amazing with the little ones. He will make sure

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VIEWPOINT December 2023

that all kids are involved in the class. He also deals very well with little tantrums!!”

“Jordan and Jason are very patient and help encourage the little ones at their own pace and the games they play are always lots of fun. Thank you for having such a positive impact on our little girl!”

Santa spectacle Wimborne Rotary Club is encouraging people to sign up for the Santa Stour River Fun Run on 17 December, which will raise funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice and other Rotary charities.

There is a 10am start from Wimborne Town Football Club, Ainsley Road, BH21 2FU, where free parking is available. Entrants will be able to choose from either a 2.5K or 5K course. Entrants should pre-book by registering at www.wimbornerotary.org/giving

Panto fun in Verwood - advertisement feature -

Post-Christmas blues? Beat them with a fun-packed evening of entertainment watching Verwood Pantomime Society’s performance of Dick Whittington. Head on down to the Verwood Hub to enjoy a show full of energetic dancing and exuberant singing.

Follow Dick and with his faithful cat Tommy as they travel to London to find their riches. He has no job and nowhere to live but a chance meeting with the lovely Alice Fitzwarren leads to him getting a position in her father’s shop.

But Ratface wants to become Lord Mayor of London and enlists the help of Captain Cod and Skate the Mate to frame Dick for a crime he didn’t commit. Alice and Dick set sail to Morocco with Idle Jack and Sarah the Cook to make their fortune. With Alice’s help will Dick make it back to London and even become the new Lord Mayor?

See details below.

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

REVIEW:

Cinderella at the Tivoli

When the Cat’s Away, Broadstone Players Theatre Reason to Group, Broadstone celebrate: Memorial Hall BYMB receive

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band celebrates The King’s Award

By Marilyn Barber It’s always a good sign when you hear members of the audience saying ‘that was funny’ when they leave a production – as they did on the first night.

Based on the successful 1970s British sitcom George and Mildred, the farce, written by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, involves two husbands and their botched attempts to host two young women whilst their wives are on holiday.

The part of Mildred was in safe hands as Val Smith has been a member of the Players for 25 years. She had just the right amount of sauciness to add colour to the role.

This contrasted with poor old George, with Chris Kemp having to be staid and boring as the husband afraid of his marital responsibilities.

Andrew Murton put in an excellent performance as the philandering brother-in-law Humphrey, teaming well with Cheryl Connor as Mildred’s snobby sister.

The cast was completed with Sue Gibson and Paula Stocker as the women on an unlikely date with the one willing and one unwilling husband.

Director Mar Godfrey said: “It was an absolute pleasure to direct with a wonderful team who all worked so hard to put the play together.”

As always with the Players, the stage set was excellent, showing the Ropers’ living room, so well done to Andrew Murton as he was also the set build co-ordinator.

The King’s Award

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band (BYMB) are celebrating the news that their volunteer group has received the King’s Award – the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK – equivalent to an MBE. Bandmaster, Andrew Kinch, said: “I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that the incredible efforts of our volunteers have been recognised by The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

The traditional style youth marching band plays the full range of brass, woodwind, percussion, bugles and bell lyres and performs in a wide range of events.

Andrew Kinch said: “Our youngest musicians are just eight years old and many new recruits join the band with little or no previous musical knowledge or marching experience. We teach them everything they need to know in a friendly and supportive environment. We have our own BYMB Academy Programme to train beginners in playing an instrument, band drill and understanding music.”

BYMB is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK and Channel Islands to receive the prestigious King’s Award this year.

Andrew Kinch said: “It is a great honour for everyone involved in the band. It’s a tribute for all their hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and commitment.”

To find out more visit www.bymb.org or email bymband@aol.com

Original Music Awards 2024 Mel Berkhauer and Matt Black from Hangover Hill Records will be holding the second Original Music Awards (OMA) at the concert hall in Lighthouse, Poole.

The date is set for 19 January 2024, a year after the successful inaugural awards made their mark and is set to be an annual red-carpet event to celebrate the original music creators in Dorset and the industries that support them.

Matt Black said: “The concert hall venue was a natural choice for the expansion, as – apart from its world class reputation – we already

hold a successful monthly event, Live and UnHeard, at one of the smaller theatres within the complex.”

Mel and Matt are passionate about original music, and the people who are helping to make it and deliver it to a welcoming, music-loving public.

At the event, guests will be treated to a two-course table buffet and last year’s winner of the Best Newcomer category, Millie Watson, and local legends Soulhole will perform 30-minute sets.

Tickets from £49.95. To find out more visit: https://hangoverhill.co.uk

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The 2022 Tivoli panto certainly had the ‘wow’ factor and this year is set to be equally magical with Made to Measure’s productions of Cinderella, which runs from Friday 15 December until Tuesday 2 January.

For the fifth consecutive year, top UK dame Courtney Jackson returns to Wimborne as the Fairy Godmother.

A spokesperson for Made to Measure Productions, said: “We’re pushing the limits this year with the biggest effects ever to appear at the Tivoli to transport Cinderella to the ball. We don’t want to give away too much, but you truly won’t believe your eyes.”

Charlie North-Lewis, theatre manager, said: “Over the past few years, the Tivoli pantomime has really been put on the map as the best value seasonal production in the area with our balance of affordable tickets and high production values.”

Alongside Courtney, the Tivoli Theatre welcomes back Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson as the Ugly Sisters. Joining them will be Lee Redwood as Buttons. Lee has written the scripts for the Wimborne pantomime for the last six years.

Lucia Jade Barker is Cinderella, with Yvonne Patterson as the wicked stepmother and Chaz Murray as Dandini.

Tickets from www.tivoliwimborne. co.uk, box office 01202 885566.

Award for Heathside Travel - advertiser’s announcement -

Heathside Travel, a Ferndown-based, family-run coach company has won ‘Small Coach Operator of the Year 2023’ at the prestigious routeone Awards. These are the most sought-after accolades for the coach and bus sector. They recognise and celebrate achievement, innovation and the highest standards of excellence in all aspects of operating.

The luxury coach company was founded in 2015, starting with just one 19seat mini coach, and has grown to a small fleet of modern, luxury coaches from 19 to 55 seats. As well as private hire, they also offer their own day trips and holidays.

The judges said: “This category captures those small coach operators that are dedicated to nothing less than the highest of standards. Our winner draws particular credit for its consummately professional approach, its interest in matters that affect the wider coach industry, and how it continues to drive its business forward in an exemplary manner.”

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motoring

Breakdown vehicles to use red lights The government has approved the use of rear-facing red flashing lights for approved recovery operators with immediate effect.

The amended legislation to allow use of the flashing lamps by recovery operators is part of a Plan for Drivers published by the government, and applies when recovering broken-down vehicles.

While the change in law is not expected to come into force until 2025, approved recovery operators can start using the flashing red lights now as an interim measure.

Lee Puffett, managing director for Start Rescue, who has campaigned for the change, said: “This is excellent news - the independent recovery industry has been campaigning for this for years to keep our customers and recovery workers safe. It warns drivers there’s a breakdown incident ahead so recovery agents and stranded families will be much better protected.”

Richard Goddard, president of Professional Recovery Operators Federation (PROF), said: “The use of red flashing lights is a vital safety concession for all essential roadside rescue and recovery workers. The industry must now work together to regulate the use of these lights, as well as implement robust standards and the best safe working practices. I look forward to a united independent recovery industry continuing to raise safety standards for our roadside workers and the public we all serve.”

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Christmas the natural way

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

As a child, decorating the house for Christmas was always a big deal, and would invariably take up a Sunday afternoon a couple of weekends before the big day, with Christmas music and treats, before settling down for a festive film.

We had to allow several hours, as there were many decorations to be put up. As well as the tree decorations (lights first, then tinsel, followed by the ornaments – a sequence I’ve kept to my whole adult life!), there were foil garlands and more fairy lights to be hung around the room, not to mention the paper chains which needed to be made and strung up.

While my inner child still loves the festive excitement that an 80s-style excess of decorations invariably raises, this year I thought I’d try something different and decorate the house in a more natural style.

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VIEWPOINT December 2023

The tree

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There’s nothing quite like a real Christmas tree, with its lovely smell. Buying a locally grown tree will not only support local businesses but will keep your carbon footprint to a minimum as you won’t need to transport it long distances. Once Christmas is over, book a treecycling service (local charities such as Dorset Mind or Diverse Abilities organise these as a fundraiser) so your tree is mulched and reused. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a tree service that will deliver a tree in a pot for the Christmas period and then take it away again to be reused the next year.

A wreath on your front door is the ultimate Christmas welcome. At this time of year, you can often find wreath making workshops and have a go at making your own, or markets and greengrocers will often have some in stock during December.

Decorations

Decorations made from natural materials can be stunning to look at and make your home smell amazing too. For example, a garland of dried orange slices is easy to make, is

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visually attractive and will give off a delicious scent. Or collect pinecones, dip them in glue and sprinkle them with salt for a snowy effect – once dry, either string them together and hang them on the tree or mantelpiece.

Table decorations

It’s not unusual for a table centrepiece to feature natural elements and Christmas is no different. For a simple decoration, you can’t go wrong with a poinsettia with its traditional red leaves, or reuse old wine bottles as candle holders and add a festive twist with sprigs of pine or holly leaves and berries inside.

Cards and wrapping

Mass-produced cards and wrapping paper, while fun, are not always good for the environment. Often the paper is plasticcovered and a tell-tale sign that it can’t be recycled is that it does not stay scrunched up. For attractive and more natural wrapping, simple brown paper can be used, with other embellishments such as string, ribbon or raffia, salt dough stars or dried flowers.

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

Be deaf aware at Christmas

NEWS IN BRIEF

Coach house to cottage: New Forest District Council has granted an application for a former coach house at Finn McCouls in the Market Place, Ringwood to be replaced with an additional property to provide two, two-bed cottages. This is subject to a unilateral undertaking.

Winter appraisal for lakes path: Now that the Poulner Lakes circular path and the re-modelling work to help with drainage issues have been completed, it will be monitored through the winter.

Hedge support: Hampshire County Council is to support local and parish councils with tackling over-grown hedges which encroach on the public pathway.

Volunteer drivers needed: Volunteers are needed to help deliver meals to vulnerable isolated people in the Blandford area.

Anyone who can help Monday to Friday for up to an hour and a half from 12noon is asked to contact the centre on 01258 480762 and speak to Donna.

Anyone seeking information on the meal service can call on the same number.

Bench site: The Ringwood Society has applied to New Forest District Council for permission to install a bench, a replica Ringwood Railway station sign and an interpretation board, and to restore a picket fence and lamp site at 18 Hightown Road, Ringwood BH24 1NW. Memory tree: People in West Moors are able to remember a loved one this Christmas as a Memory Tree is now in position on Station Road. If you would like to leave a message for someone past or present, contact the town council office on Park Way. Call the office on 01202 861044 or email: office@westmoors-tc.gov.uk

Christmas is a time when families and friends look forward to getting together, but for the 1-in-5 adults with hearing loss, crowded dinner tables full of people laughing and shouting over each other can be a nightmare to follow. Not to mention softly lit rooms and the blaring notes of Rocking around the Christmas tree. This is no Christmas cracker joke.

You may have family or friends that struggle with hearing loss. Or perhaps you are the one who often feels left out of conversations? RNID’s Christmas Dinner Game was created to ensure that everyone at your dinner table can have fun together whilst being deaf aware to make sure that everybody feels included and no-one misses that joke you’ve been practising.

Visit rnid.org.uk/game and we’ll send you a game pack in the post which will include everything you need to have a festive, fun filled dinner, at the same time as also learning a bit of BSL on the side.

You’ll also find tips for being Deaf Aware on our website. This Christmas let’s make sure no one is left out.

Teri Devine Director of Inclusion and Employment at RNID

Empty buildings In November 2021, I wrote to the magazine regarding Furzehill and the Wimborne Police station.

The government awarded £2.31 million to the then East Dorset District Council for development at Furzehill. This was a project, when completed, for people on the housing list.

You kindly printed my letter on this subject.

I have read the last Viewpoint Magazine and noticed that a resident of Wimborne had written to you regarding the same issue of two years ago.

I can only hope that this large building will be converted into flats for the many people who are on the waiting list, and not to private companies who will make huge amount of money.

Also, why is the Wimborne police station still empty?

Mrs Carole Shepherd email

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Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Viewpoint accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

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Supporting children in sport - advertisement feature -

Blandford Cricket Club has every reason to celebrate as it was awarded the Jack Douch award for cricket in the community at the Dorset Cricket Board annual ceremony.

The trophy, and prize money of £400, is given in memory of the late Jack Douch whose family company sponsored cricket in the county for more than a decade through its Dorset Funeral Plan.

He was a huge fan of the sport and after he died 11 years ago the family introduced the award in his honour.

Jack’s grandson Nick Douch presented the award to Dave Abbott, chairman of Blandford CC. Dave said: “We do a lot for the community and they really appreciate it. The money will be put to very good use.”

Nick Douch said: “My grandfather would have been delighted with all the work going on at clubs across the county, and especially what Blandford is doing.

“There are great efforts to get children – boys and girls – playing the sport and the women’s game is really picking up.”

As the festive season rushes in, the pressure to find the perfect stocking fillers mounts. Local company Laceeze Ltd has a range of budget friendly gifts for active kids, including footwear bands, grip socks, activewear and accessories.

Laceeze bands, which are designed to stop shoe laces coming undone during sport, fit perfectly into a stocking, and are priced at less than £8 each. And for every Laceeze band purchased directly via www.laceeze.co.uk, the company contributes 25p towards the Laceeze Foundation.

The Laceeze Foundation is a charitable initiative created by the company founder, Emma Burke, to help encourage children from underprivileged backgrounds into sport, by donating funds to those who would otherwise be unable to participate in their chosen activity. The funding might help pay for equipment, subscription fees or even transport to matches.

Encouraging children into sport is invaluable, not only for the individual but for wider society as well. Good habits adopted from an early age can also help establish positive behaviours for adult life too.

Your Christmas shopping can now double as a gesture of goodwill, creating a ripple effect of positivity in the spirit of giving. www.laceeze.co.uk

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L-R Kevan James, former Hampshire CCC player and host of the gala evening, Dave Abbott, chairman of Blandford CC and Nick Douch, from Douch Family Funeral Directors.

Blandford Cricket Club award

VIEWPOINT December 2023

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