4Dorset July 2020 by Dorset View

Poetry competition ÂŁ50 total prize

Photographic competition winner: Swan in flight over River Stour, Sturminster Marshall ÂŠ Danny Howe

To celebrate 18 years in publishing 4Dorset is rebranding next month

Picture of the month

Volume 17 • Issue 12 • July 2020

Dear Readers!

It feels so good to be back in print. We continued publishing 4Dorset and Viewpoint magazines online during lockdown, so do check out the back issues at www. mags4dorset.co.uk. They are a bit different and were quite exciting to complete. Marilyn and I worked on the content, Ben and Louis on the design, and Simon was busy selling space. We were all working from home. Other staff members were furloughed, but we are pleased to say that Mark is now back. Lockdown has affected our business, like so many others, really negatively, and we had no idea if it would survive. We decided early on to do our best to keep things going and with the help of a government grant and some amazing businesses that continued to support us, we are still here. We know it will take time for everyone to pick up their advertising budgets, but our family-run business is still here to help and we will always go the extra mile for clients. Whilst stuck between the lockdown walls at home, our creativity flowed and next month we will be changing the 4Dorset title. It’s something we have wanted to do for ages and will be a major rebrand within the company. To complete this rebrand in the worst year in living memory, (business-wise and also for the tragic loss of life to COVID-19), will be, for each of us, an incredible personal achievement. It will also coincide with our 18th year in business in August. So, let’s say goodbye to 4Dorset, and hello to its successor. All will be revealed next month.

Janine Pulford Editor

MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

DESIGN Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

ADVERTISING Mark Beechey account manager mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness account manager russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

LOGISTICS

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

Mike Talbot Alexandra O’Neill

Egret on the River Stour, Blandford ©Danny Howe

How to contact us

07875 962344 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

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Copy deadline

14 JULY 2020

4Dorset 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 4Dorset 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 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co uk

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Addressing coastal erosion Coastal erosion could be a real problem in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area over the next 100 years. To address this issue, which would put properties and highways in danger, BCP Council has secured £33 million in funding from the Environment Agency for the 10-year Poole Bay Beach Management Scheme. The scheme will be delivered by the newly formed Dorset Coastal Engineering Partnership, a joint coastal engineering team between BCP Council and Dorset Council.

PPE masks have standards

A face covering is not the same as personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical devices such as surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers. This equipment is heavily regulated, designed and manufactured to be worn for protection against one or more risks to that person's health or safety. As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic there has been a huge increase in demand for PPE products both commercially and by consumers. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in the number of illegal PPE being sold. These products can often be dangerous and unsafe, or come from supply chains without traceability back to a manufacturer’s technical file to show it complies with our law. Trading Standards are responsible for the enforcement of PPE sold to consumers. As a minimum PPE masks should: • Bear a name, trademark or other means of identification of the manufacturer or supplier • Bear a product code • Bear a CE mark • Bear a four digit Notified Body number • Bear the appropriate class (FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3) – please note only FFP3 can provide protection against Covid- 19. • Bear a reference to standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 • State whether is single use (NR) or re-useable (R) • Be accompanied by instructions in English If anyone believes PPE or other goods are not safe or not as described report it to Dorset Council Trading Standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or by calling their new freephone number 0808 223 1133.

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4DORSET July 2020

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First steps towards prohibiting disposable barbecues With warnings in place not to have barbecues or fires in high fire risk areas of the county, Dorset Council is seeking agreement to look at measures prohibiting or controlling the use of disposable barbecues and other fire-related activities. A number of distressing incidents have occurred in recent years of fire damage across Dorset as a result of disposable barbecues, bonfires close to heathland and dry wooded areas, the

release of sky lanterns and other social activities. The most recent being the major incident at Wareham Forest in May when 180 hectares of heathland were devastated. Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said, “We were all saddened by the fire at Wareham Forest this spring. Not only was it devastating for the forest’s wildlife and habitat, it risked human life and would have been horrendous for the wider

environment due to the resulting smoke.” Approval from Dorset Council’s Cabinet will be sought for council officers to work closely with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and other key stakeholders, to look at a range of enforcement options, and other alternatives to control or prohibit barbecues and other fire-related activities. Cllr Bryan explained that it is a complex issue, “for example we cannot risk pushing the problem

to land managed by organisations, which may not have the resources or enforcement powers in place to prohibit activities, which present a fire risk. We need an approach that works across the area,” he said. “The development of the options paper would enable us to

understand how we can work effectively to cover all areas. We know we have wider support amongst Dorset residents to introduce new measures to help prevent further devastating fires like the recent one in Wareham, so now it’s up to us to establish what we can do.”

©Forestry England If you see a fire in the countryside dial 999 immediately

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Poole flies its town flag – Bournemouth and Christchurch should have flags too Here is the Poole Flag detailed in our 4Dorset online last month. It was created by the chairman of the Poole Flag Trust,

John Cole, and has been registered with the Flag Institute as a Town Flag. The Poole Flag

Trust is keen to see Bournemouth and Christchurch also fly their own town flags. John Cole said, “Competitions should be initiated for separate flags to be flown in Bournemouth and Christchurch

and maybe for a BCP Council flag. “This could help in efforts to improve public discussion and enhancing the uniqueness of our partnering towns: a diversity which attracts tourists and makes

BCP more pleasurable to live in.” Established in 2011, the Poole Flag Trust believes in localism, promoting Poole's image by celebrating its heritage and strengthening Poole's identity principally by encouraging the flying of the Poole flag. Activities include lobbying, giving lectures and exhibiting at events including Poole Harbour Boat Show and Harry Paye Day. If you would like to see a competition for other town flags in the BCP area, why not email pooleflagtrust@ gmail.com to show your support for their suggestion.

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4DORSET July 2020

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law spot By Harold G Walker Solicitors

A less bitter parting Currently a couple who wish to divorce must wait for two years, or claim that one or other party is “responsible” for the breakdown of the relationship. This frequently leads to accusations, counteraccusations, frustration and anger on both sides, particularly if children are involved. The process can become drawn out and even more stressful, potentially needing multiple court hearings and driving up costs for both parties. The “Divorce, Dissolution and Separation” bill, soon to be entered into law, will allow for a “nofault” divorce without separating for two years first. Divorce or dissolution is a matter for a considered decision, so there will still be a minimum period of six months. An “at-fault” divorce takes at least four months, even if the party blamed does not contest their responsibility for the break-up. This is a great improvement for couples who have simply drifted apart. At Harold G Walker Solicitors, we’re delighted to see this change in the law, which will make the process of divorce or dissolution a less turbulent and stressful time for people. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for further details.

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4DORSET July 2020

Lord Baden-Powell statue to remain There was much controversy as to whether the statue of Lord BadenPowell, which stands on Poole Quay, was to be removed, but in the end BCP Council decided to board it up to protect it and reassure the public that it will remain a fixture on the site. Cllr Mark Howell, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration and Culture, said, “We are aware many Poole residents value the Lord Baden-Powell statue highly and the council has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect it for the benefit of generations to come. While the statue will not be as secure as if it had been removed to a secure facility, we feel the current proposal better reflects the wishes of the people of Poole.” In the near future, the hoardingtype boards will be decorated with artwork of historical figures associated with Poole - including Lord Baden-Powell. Cllr Howell added, “It is our intention that the boarding is removed at the earliest, safe opportunity.”

Lord Baden-Powell statue on the quay before the ‘cover up’ © Tom Scrase

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St Thomas Garnet’s School set to remain an educational establishment In a “once in a generation opportunity,“ Bournemouth’s AECC University College has purchased the St Thomas Garnet’s School. The private school, which lies opposite the university campus in Parkwood Road, Boscombe, announced in May that it would be closing its doors for the final time at the end of the summer term. Following the announcement, staff at AECC University College started discussions with the school’s Board of Trustees and the sale was finalised this week. The purchase will assure the school site’s future as an educational provider. Being directly across the road from AECC University College, the school will become a second campus for the growing specialist higher education provider. In the short-term, the school will provide additional social distancing teaching capacity for new and returning students when the new academic year starts in September. Professor Lesley Haig, ViceChancellor of AECC University College said, “We at AECC University College acknowledge the closure of St Thomas

Garnet’s School will be a very sad day for everyone concerned and our thoughts are with the parents, students, staff and the team at St Thomas Garnet’s.” Professor Haig said she hoped the community would feel reassured knowing that the establishment would continue to be an educational provider and would continue to help the community through AECC University College’s services and outreach work, including MRI, ultrasound and X-ray imaging facilities, and Europe’s largest chiropractic clinic helping over 50,000 patients a year. This year, new courses will also be offered. She added, “…For us, this was a once in a generation opportunity and it gives us the chance to expand our site to a second campus within 30 yards of the first…” St Thomas Garnet’s School will close its doors for the final time on 10 July 2020 and will reopen as an AECC University Campus on 14 September.

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4DORSET July 2020

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Major works have begun at Wallisdown People will need to allow extra time for their journey if they are travelling to Bournemouth via Wallisdown over the coming weeks. During the work, which started on 29 June, Boundary Road will be closed for approximately 10 weeks. Road users travelling along Wallisdown Road will be redirected via a two-way system on the southern side of Boundary Roundabout. The section of Talbot Avenue between Boundary and Talbot Roundabouts will be reduced from four lanes to two. Council Leader Vikki Slade, said, “We are keen to progress with

these essential works as soon as possible and while traffic levels have not yet fully returned to their pre Covid-19 levels. As a location that has been especially problematic, this scheme will deliver safer facilities for residents, especially pedestrians and cyclists. Over the long term it will also encourage the use of greener, healthier and environmentally friendly modes of transport between our towns.” Cllr Slade added that she would encourage people to make use of the Beryl Bike share scheme. The works involve making the roundabout safer by replacing it with a new smaller

Boundary roundabout 3-D visualisation

roundabout to encourage lower traffic speeds, increased accessibility for people on foot and bike by introducing toucan crossings on the Wallisdown Road and Boundary Road arms and relocating the existing crossing on Talbot Avenue, closer to the roundabout. All the measures together will help reduce the large number of cycle collisions that have occurred in the area. These works are being funded by a £1.6m Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (Dorset LEP) together with £313,400 from BCP Council.

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

Breakthrough drug for COVID-19

Remarkable COVID-19 recovery after 60 days in intensive care

Ian in Poole Hospital

You can survive COVID-19 even if you have serious underlying health problems. This is born out by Ian Cobb, 48, who has left the intensive care unit of Poole Hospital after 60 days. Ian, a welder/ fabricator from Wool found out in March that he had COVID-19. In August 2014, he had been diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare disease which occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in organs

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4DORSET July 2020

and interferes with their usual functions. Subsequently he had a heart transplant in October of that same year. Following that, he also underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2017 and has received regular chemotherapy at Poole Hospital since 2014. Mr Cobb initially started his recovery for coronavirus at home before being admitted as he became too unwell. In total he spent 60 days in the hospital’s critical care unit - the majority of that time on a ventilator - and was discharged from the unit on 3 June. Commenting from his rehabilitation ward, Mr Cobb, said, “The staff at the hospital have collectively saved my life and I will be forever grateful. "In particular, the critical care team have

been phenomenal, they made sure the first voice I heard after my coma was from my wife, Sam, and I’m truly grateful for that. “After 60 days with no visitors, it’s been a bit lonely but I’m expecting to see Sam soon, I’m looking forward to being able to spend time with her and my family again because I’ve really missed them.” James Bromilow, lead consultant for Intensive care medicine at Poole Hospital, said the entire team were delighted with Mr Cobb’s amazing recovery. "Ian has already had a really tough battle with his health over the past few years," he said. "He’s shown amazing fortitude to come through this and everyone in the critical care team wishes him well in his future recovery."

There was much excitement in the national press this week, when it was revealed that dexamethasone – a steroid that has been widely used for a number of conditions - can dramatically improve COVID-19 survival for people in hospital who required oxygen or ventilation. Commenting on the Recovery trial for the drug, NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said, "NHS hospitals, researchers and clinicians have worked together at breakneck speed to test new treatments for COVID-19, and it is amazing to see work that would normally take years bear fruit in just a matter of months. "This research agility is not only important for coronavirus patients, but augurs well for the streamlined innovation that the NHS and the UK life sciences now must pioneer." Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director added, “This is a huge breakthrough in our search for new ways to successfully treat patients with covid, both in the UK and across the world.” Professor Powell thanked the NHS staff and patients who participated in the trial.

Chathealth for young people in Dorset Young people who have worries and feelings that they want to communicate, but who are unsure about who to contact, can access support via a secure and confidential text messaging service called ChatHealth. The anonymous service gives anyone aged 1119 in Dorset a way to get in touch with a healthcare professional for advice. Guidance can be given on sexual or emotional health, alcohol, drugs, smoking and other things that may be getting in the way of having a good quality life. Just send a text message to 07480 635511 and a member of the Dorset HealthCare’s School Nursing Team will reply. Hanna New, a specialist practitioner for the School Nursing Team at Dorset HealthCare, said, “During the COVID-19 pandemic we know that some young people have been finding life more difficult. We want to reassure young people across Dorset that we are ‘here for you’. “We want to encourage those that need support to text us so we can help during these unprecedented times – especially as many people aren’t at school and so can’t access the support schools provide on a day-to-day basis.” The ChatHealth service is available Monday to Friday, 8.30am 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays. Anyone trying to reach the service out of hours will receive a message letting them know when they will Hanna New, specialist get a response and signposting to further practitioner for the Dorset School Nursing Team support.

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pets and wildlife

Tongue trapped in tin Bonnie is from Nottingham, but her sharp lesson is a warning to other pet owners. After being fed her favourite teatime treat, 10-year-old Bonnie couldn’t resist seeking out the discarded tuna tin from the recycling bin to lick out every last morsel. Bonnie’s owner Louisa Davis (45) said, “We heard some scuffling in the kitchen and the next thing we saw was a tuna can stuck to her face. “Her tongue was trapped in the can and I tried to remove it myself but the tin was so sharp I didn’t want to make it worse and badly cut her. I called PDSA to see if they could help, and they told me to bring her

straight in.” PDSA Vet Sarah Campbell explained that removing the can would be too risky to do with Bonnie awake. She was given an anaesthetic so the tin could be removed safely and Bonnie was able to go home the same day. A national charity costing £60 million a year to run, the PDSA is a lifeline to many pet owners across the UK. It is losing around £3 million a month income due to the closure of retail shops during lockdown and cancellation of fundraising events. The charity is appealing for donations. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/appeal to make a donation. The PDSA has confirmed

Vets Under Covid by Duncan Reavell MRCVS Lynwood Vets

As vets we are used to unpredictable and chaotic times. Many of us were in the front line of the infamous Foot and Mouth outbreak in the early 2000s, which turned the countryside upside down. However, nothing in my career compares to the difficult times we faced in March when the country went into lockdown. The first thing that happened is that our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, advised all vets to focus on emergency work only. All the routine neuterings, vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and many other jobs needed to get postponed. At Lynwood we also had to protect our teams and our clients, consequently four out of our five branches were closed and over half our team were put on leave. The core emergency team of vets and nurses – our very own ‘Covid Heroes’ – kept the practice going in the most

difficult of times: we never turned away a single sick or injured animal. We also set up a home delivery service for drugs instead of asking clients to come to the clinic: our vans now cover 1,000 miles a week all over East Dorset. Thankfully the team were spared any illness themselves and now as lockdown eases we are very pleased to welcome back the rest of the team to take the strain. Things are now very busy as we have a great deal of catching up to do. Vaccines have lapsed and we are doing our best to ensure pets are

its animal hospital in Bournemouth is open for emergency services during the coronavirus pandemic.

If you are worried the same thing could happen to your pet, look into purchasing a safe can opener. These inexpensive items will not leave any sharp edges when you open a tin and are widely available in stores. Editor

safe from infectious disease – we don’t want a pandemic in our pets! And with spring having sprung and love in the air, it’s time to get some neutering done to prevent too many unwanted puppies

and kittens. We want to thank all our clients for being so patient during these difficult times and look forward to seeing you all back at the practice when this is over.

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MAGS4DORSET

Charity of the Year Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub Hi there and welcome to our latest column whilst we are all in a state of semi-hibernation, shielding or staying at home. I’d like to thank mags4dorset for choosing Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub as their charity of the year 2020. I would also like to thank them for allowing me to follow on from Alan Lindsay (our president), who sadly passed away last month. Our Hub is situated at the Osborne Centre, Church Lane, West Parley where we offer local people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) physiotherapy in a fully equipped gym, craft workshops, library, hairdressing salon, support and advice. Bespoke transport is available and threecourse lunches are provided, prepared and cooked in-house. We are normally open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays giving our disabled members community involvement and their carers some well-deserved free time. However, like other organisations, we closed the Osborne Centre on 23 March and it looks like it will have to stay that way for a little while yet. During these difficult times we have had a team of volunteers keeping in touch with our members, including our dedicated volunteers, for a regular chat on the phone making sure everyone is as well as can be during lockdown

It is a hard time for us as a charity. With no external funding we are and always have been totally reliant on the generosity and goodwill of local people to enable us to provide the services to support those with MS and their families. But bills still need to be paid to maintain the Centre and, sadly, we are not going to able have our usual Summer Fayre and other fundraising events we had planned for the year. Please look out for the poetry competition on this page to help with fundraising. I am sure many of you could excel by writing a poem, especially with our recent experiences! So good luck. Please remember where we are and who we are, because like the man said “we will be back”. The changeover to us becoming the Bournemouth & District Community Hub has been put on hold until it is safe to do so – watch this space for a further update. In the meantime, please take care, stay safe and keep in touch – we are always at the end of the phone Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Rod Slip Chairman

N IO IT T E P M O C Y R T E PO y e n o m e iz r p l a t o t 0 5 -£ To help raise funds for the Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub, mags4dorset is running a poetry competition and putting up £50 in prize money.

Using the following themes (use your own title) write a poem not exceeding 25 lines: (1) Effects of 2020, (2) Litter. The winning poets (one from each category) will receive £25 cash and their poem will be published in one of our magazines. Please note our magazines are also uploaded online, so if you enter, you must agree to your poem being published in print and online. The copyright remains with the poet. There is one entry fee of £6, but you can submit up to four poems for that fee. Poems

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4DORSET July 2020

must be your own work. Entry fees (less PayPal charges/bank fees) will go to the Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub to help get the Centre back on its feet after lockdown. Send your entry(ies) to mags4dorset Poetry Competition, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9BZ with a cheque for the correct entry fee payable to Pulford Publicity Ltd. Online submissions, payment by PayPal, will be taken from August onwards at www.mags4dorset.co.uk, so get writing. Poetry will not be returned, so keep a copy. Good luck. Judging will be carried out by mags4dorset. Closing date is Friday 30 October 2020.

- advertising feature -

Get the support you need in your own home We all want to stay in our own homes, with our memories, close to friends and family and possessions we treasure. Nobody, not a couple or an individual should be separated from their home or the ones they love, be it a partner or a pet, if at all possible. Promedica24 support couples and individuals in the comfort of their own homes. There is no need for families to struggle to get by. Often when people contact Promedica24, they say they have been struggling for some time, trying to do the best they can. This has been particularly evident during the current pandemic. Their reliance is on the help other people provide and the companionship and kindness of others. As a Live in Care provider Promedica24 have been able to support clients at home, maintaining safe isolation, allowing family members to keep in touch and rest easily knowing their loved ones have the support and company they need. Many people quietly endure the stress of caring for themselves or each other in an effort to avoid leaving their homes or worrying their families. Quite often one partner will struggle to look after the other and this can sadly lead to a deterioration in health; mentally and physically for everyone. Promedica24 offer an affordable care solution, helping with personal care and domestic duties in the home. They provide companionship and support with the more daunting tasks such as arranging appointments and doing the shopping, thereby enabling clients more flexibility and more time to spend with loved ones in their own home on their terms.

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EXCLUSIVE

Buoyant re-opening for Dacombes of Wimbone By Marilyn Barber

The first week of re-opening for the Dacombes of Wimborne store in Leigh Road was in the words of Matt Renaut, managing director “crazy busy.” Although the store had been closed during lockdown and didn’t re-open until Monday 15 June, Matt and his colleague Mark had been kept extremely busy running the online sales department. The company sells all manner of home appliances, from cookers to washing machines, and smart TVs to vacuum cleaners. With theatres not opening any time soon, one customer was delighted that his home cinema was installed just

before lockdown. “The customer told me he has had a fantastic few months, enjoying lots of films,” said Matt. With the lack of new programmes on the BBC and ITV channels people have also appreciated being able to buy smart TVs online, enabling them to watch streamed services. Washing machines do need replacing periodically, and people appreciated the fact that they could buy a new one locally, as no-one would want to hand wash for three months! “If people were shielding we would have to leave items on the doorstep, but now with the relaxation of measures, our

The Dacombes team at the launch of their Smart Home and Home Cinema department at the end of last year

installation teams can go into properties. However, they are very careful about what they touch, and they have all the PPE needed,” Matt said. All the Dacombes staff members have returned to the spacious store, which is divided up into different areas. “The floor is divided up into socially distanced zones and there are hand sanitisers all over the store, and face masks are provided for those who require them.”

One rather exciting project they started on 15 June was in Wimborne Minster Church, which is aiming to be able to stream services online. “We have provided cameras and microphones for other churches, but none were as big as the Minster,” he said. Of his time during lockdown, Matt said, “It has been very hard work, but we were so pleased to be able to help customers. Sometimes we were able to offer same day delivery.”

Small family business bucks the trend! As a small family business we are so excited that within this lockdown we have been able to expand and take on a second pub/restaurant in Dorset. Starting from The Coventry Arms on 14 June 2019, we would now like to introduce you to our sister site, The Lamb Inn in Winkton, Christchurch. We just fell in love the place just like we have with have The Coventry Arms! Being able to reach more and more locals with our signature “Low and Slow” cooked foods, locking in all those delicious flavours and keeping our meats

succulent. Throughout the lockdown we have continued to offer our foods via our takeaway/ delivery service and are now doing that at both sites. As soon as pubs are allowed to open up in any fashion to the public we will be doing that too. We really miss our customers. Sadie Kerslake-Smith Coventry Arms

The Lamb Inn

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4DORSET July 2020

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- Advertiser’s announcement -

You can change a child’s life by becoming a foster carer Footprints is based in Ferndown and its ethos of focusing on a small geographic area, centred on Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne and surrounding areas, means you never have to travel far for training, which is offered throughout the year. Access to social workers is available 24 hours each day and, being a small agency, all of the social workers know all Footprints’ carers, so you never end up talking to a stranger. No qualifications are necessary to be a foster carer, only a good heart and stickability. You can be single, married, living with a partner or in a same sex relationship, but whatever your situation all agencies are required by law to carry out a full assessment of your suitability to foster. All prospective carers should do what they can to assess the support capabilities of the agency they are considering working with. So, if you are local person who has never fostered before, or an experienced carer who is looking to move agencies, and you want to find out more about fostering or about Footprints, please call 01202 573408 or for more information about the agency please visit www.footprintsfostercare.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE Dorset Council leader is optimistic about the future By Marilyn Barber

When Spencer Flower became leader of the newly formed Dorset Council last year he could never envisaged the unprecedented challenges that would face the new unitary authority. Speaking exclusively to 4Dorset, Spencer, who started self isolating at his home in Verwood in the early part of March, has been working six or seven days a week, 10 or 12 hours a day, such is his workload. “Life is all about experiences, and it has been a massive learning curve for all the 82 councillors as far as technology is concerned,” he said. The council uses Microsoft Teams video conferencing, and recently Spencer chaired a three hour Cabinet meeting, which he admitted was a challenge. Although he has always worked from home as well as from his office in Dorchester, he now has five or six virtual meetings a day, up from two or three when it was face-to-face. “Of course I have a bit more time as I don’t have the drive to Dorchester,” he said. He added that he was proud that Dorset Council had managed to keep all its services going, apart from the leisure centres, but they are waiting for the government’s guidelines on these. Spencer said he was upset by the madness that took place at Durdle Door despite the council’s advice for people to stay away from Dorset. “Fortunately people now have to book for the car park,” he said. Unlike BCP Council, Dorset Council has 167 town and parish councils to consult, but Spencer said he was pleased they all have a co-ordinated approach as far as the coast is concerned. “We are fortunate in Dorset that we have had a low level of infections and death and we don’t want people to bring

COVID-19 into the county.” He said that all the Dorset Council toilets were now open. “The medical advice has been that if people wash their hands, there is very little risk of picking up an infection. I said at the beginning that when lockdown was lifted it should be in stages.” He said he expected there would be a reasonable return to a healthy economy but it could take a couple of years. No Dorset Council staff were furloughed; instead they have been redeployed to different roles. “The staff have been incredibly supportive,” he said, adding that with local government reorganisation it had been a difficult time for them over the last few years. Dorset Council came into being on 1 April 2019, replacing Dorset County Council, East Dorset, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck and Weymouth and Portland district councils. This led to redundancies. “Going over to a unitary authority brought about a saving of £10m. Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic would have been so much more difficult if we had had

the separate authorities,” he said. Some 2,500 Dorset Council staff are now working from home; some will continue to do so, whilst others will return to an office in the future. Spencer said that the government specified that councils could hold virtual meetings until May next year. He envisages that in the future online meetings will continue to be held, but Full Council and Cabinet meetings will be in person. The plan is for the council’s annual meeting to be held at County Hall on 3 September. How does he see the future? “I’m a pragmatic optimist. Optimists produce energy. We need a positive outlook and there is a future. As a council we have to look after the interests of the residents of Dorset. There has been damage to people’s health and wellbeing, but we need to get businesses back.” He added that he appreciated there would be short to medium term turbulence in the business world. “The government awarded us funding of £134m to help businesses and so far we have awarded more than £100m,” he said.

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Councils’ partnership will combat climate crisis BCP Council and Dorset Council are to work together to manage the county’s coastline. The Dorset Coastal Engineering Partnership will provide a co-ordinated approach to deliver schemes to help protect communities from coastal flooding and erosion. Cllr Dr Felicity Rice, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Climate Change, BCP Council said, “By pooling our knowledge, expertise and resources, we have increased our resilience to deliver significant flood and coast protection schemes to look after our local communities. This will mean that we are better prepared to meet the significant challenges created by the climate crisis, including sea level rise and more frequent extreme

storm events.” Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel & Environment, Dorset Council said, “Historically, councils have individually managed coastal erosion for their respective authority, delivering ad-hoc projects in small teams. The partnership approach gives confidence that we can now better manage and prioritise schemes across the whole of the Dorset coastline. It also puts us in a better position to secure the necessary government funding, which is a complex process.” The partnership area, which stretches from Lyme Regis in the west to Chewton Bunny in the east, will work closely with the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Rogue landlord banned for letting properties To date there are only two landlords in England to have received a banning order preventing them from letting or managing housing in the UK for five years – and one lives in Poole. Mahmut Gilgil of Blandford Road has received the ban that became effective from 3 June 2020 after he was convicted of offences relating to the condition of a house in multiple occupancy in Poole. Mr Gilgil was convicted in May 2019 of 12 offences of failing to comply with Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and was fined £250 for each offence, £3,000 in total and ordered to pay costs of £3,425 and £30 surcharge to fund victim services. Breaches include fire regulations, maintenance of common areas and wider property defects affecting the safety and welfare of the tenants. Due to the severity of the offences the decision was taken to file for a banning order so that Mr Gilgil may not further manage or

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let properties. Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said, “The safety of tenants who privately rent should always be paramount and they are entitled to live in accommodation that is well managed, safe and habitable. Landlords have a duty to manage their properties well and in accordance with the necessary regulations. The scale of the offences committed by this landlord meant that this action was considered absolutely necessary and proportionate and I hope it sends out a clear message that rogue landlords who are putting residents’ health and safety at risk and poorly managing their properties will be dealt with.” Due to the COVID crisis, the council has taken steps within the order to prevent homelessness. Any tenants who have concerns should contact the Private Sector Housing Team at privatesector.housing@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Wimborne Model Town to re-open One of Wimborne’s most popular tourist attractions is re-opening on Saturday 11 July. With a new one-way system, signage and protective screens in place, Wimborne Model Town’s garden site will re-open with its additional facilities modified to comply with the necessary health and safety requirements. Initially open Wednesday to Sunday, the Greg Hoar charity attraction Wimborne Model hopes to open a Town’s development full seven days manager when additional voluntary assistance is available. “We would be delighted to welcome fresh help to assist with stewarding and admissions this season. It’s a great experience and new volunteers will be making a big difference,” said development manager Greg Hoar who is contactable at greghoar@wimborne-modeltown.com and 07544 661501.

Appeal to help Tivoli to survive The Tivoli Theatre is a much loved asset to the town, but it has been closed since March. The registered charity now needs help to survive the Covid-19 crisis as it doesn’t know when it will be able to reopen safely. A spokesman said, “If everyone who visited the Tivoli during the past few years made a small donation, we're sure we would easily reach the target we need to cover lost income and

expenses which still have to be paid to maintain the theatre. “If you have enjoyed your visits to the Tivoli and want to help it survive this crisis, please help by donating whatever you can afford.” You can make a donation by phone on 01202 849103 (please leave a message if the office is unmanned and someone will get back to you), or forward a cheque payable to Friends of the Tivoli.

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Enjoy your Garden By Plants Direct, Woodlands Nurseries Now that we have entered the middle of summer it's time to enjoy your time in the garden with general tidying of shrubs, deadhead your roses and patio plants to ensure repeat flowering. Plenty of watering, adding fertiliser especially for all your pots and patio and baskets plants will ensure great foliage and flowers bursting with colour. Planting of containerised and potted perennials, shrubs and even trees can still be done, as long as regular watering is carried out until the plants are established in their new home. Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars on your flowers, fruit, and vegetables. If you need

to spray leave till late in the evening to avoid bees and other pollinators, busy about their work. As the warmer and drier conditions continue, mulching of beds and borders and pots is a good idea to conserve moisture and keep roots of plants cooler for better growth.

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Front cover photographic competition results Congratulations to all the photographers who entered the front cover competition held by the mags4dorset Facebook group during lockdown. There were six top entries and the winner was Danny Howe with his photograph of a swan in flight over the River Stour at Sturminster Marshall. The five other top photographs voted by group members were by KD Browning and Terry Croom. Well done everyone who entered for such stunning photographs and especially Terry for putting in so many images that were popular. There was no limit on how many entries an individual could submit.

Have you got a light Bill? By Terry Croom

Lulworth Cove by Terry Croom

Durdle Door by Terry Croom

Kingston Lacy Woodland Walk by Terry Croom

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Peaceful Durdle Door by KD Browning

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Car park closures in the New Forest due to C19 lockdown impact on rare species When the government issued the stay at home guidance it was difficult to imagine what impact this would have on wildlife, including rare and ground nesting birds in the New Forest. To help protect nesting birds that have chosen more unusual places to rear their young this year due to COVID-19 lockdown, the New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry England are trying to create quieter areas around very sensitive nesting locations. Car parks at Clayhill, Crockford, Crockford Clump, Hincheslea, Hincheslea Moor, Shatterford, Beaulieu heath and Yew Tree Heath have been closed for the summer and other particularly sensitive locations have been identified near Beaulieu Heath, and Ocknell and Whitten Pond. Visitors may notice signs at key locations around the Forest, highlighting the presence of the birds and the best ways to minimise disturbance. An orange sign means that ground-nesting birds are in the area (you and your dogs should stay on the main tracks). A red ‘STOP’ sign indicates you are approaching a very sensitive nesting area and need to avoid it and find an alternative route. Explaining the campaign, Leanne Sargeant, senior ecologist at Forestry England, said, "Ground nesting birds are so difficult to spot that many people are simply unaware they are here. Their nests are so well camouflaged that to the untrained eye it is very hard to see them before you are so close that damage has already been done to them. By limiting a few activities and taking care to stick to the main tracks until the end of July, we can all play a part in ensuring these

birds can continue to thrive here in the Forest and stop their disappearance from our natural world.” During the early stages of lockdown, birds were busy finding somewhere safe to lay their eggs and began to nest in places that were normally full of people and dogs. The first month was hauntingly quiet. The few local residents who could walk from home could hear the birds without the noise of other people, planes, vehicles or trains. Gradually things have got busier but since the middle of May the daily visitors have increased to bank holiday levels. This has risked dramatic effects on the Forest’s rare birds as they had nested closer to some of the car parks and tracks in our absence. New Forest National Park Authority head of Recreation Management and Learning, Nigel Matthews, said, "We can all help these rare species to survive by making sure we stick to the wider main tracks when we’re out and about. Please read and take note of the signs, and if you walk your dog or someone else’s please follow the New Forest dog walking code. "Everyone can play a part in ensuring these birds can continue to thrive in this special place. We ask that until the end of July everyone keeps to the main paths when out walking, cycling or horse riding. Please keep dogs on the main tracks too, by using a lead if necessary."

New Forest Dog Owners Group is pleased to be supporting this campaign to help protect these critically important birds. Chair, Heather Gould, said, "Many of us choose to walk our dogs away from the sensitive areas that support ground nesting birds during the breeding season. We encourage everyone to take special care when on the Forest with their dogs during this time. Please follow the advice to keep yourselves and your dog on the main tracks and if necessary, use a lead. All of us who love and enjoy the forest have to play our part in protecting this precious environment and the nature it supports." Rare Dartford warbler © Mike Read

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4DORSET July 2020

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

New home for Dorset children Plans are being drawn-up to build a new home for Dorset children. The new home in Weymouth will give up to five Dorset children a better and more secure start in life. The new building will be an asset to Dorchester Road. It will be designed to complement the area’s existing Edwardian architecture. Professionally designed landscaping and planting will also greatly improve the site. Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Years, said, “We are hoping that this new home will give local children a better start in life. It will also be an asset to the local neighbourhood. “Dorset children need to grow up and be cared for in Dorset. Some children aren’t able to live with their families and have to be cared for by the council. “A shortage of accommodation means some of these children currently have to leave their schools, their friends and everything they know and be placed in care far away. This is not good enough for them and it is also very expensive, as it involves sending money out of our county rather than investing in skilled jobs locally.” Under the plans, a new home would be built in the grounds of 45 Dorchester Road in Weymouth. The existing building would also be improved and transformed into a centre to help children as they first come into care. A team of dedicated professional staff would be based at the centre to provide the support and care that Dorset children and their families need. This includes assessing children’s needs with the aim of either reuniting them with their family or helping them to begin a new life with a foster family. A planning application will be submitted shortly. If the proposals go-ahead the project could be completed in the winter of 2021.

Padlocks improve home security With UK crime figures revealing that thefts from gardens have risen by 23 per cent over the last three years, Yale has produced a new padlock range. The Standard Security padlocks have been designed to protect your everyday essentials. Whether they’re used for

securing gym bags, toolboxes or making sure valuables are kept safe in a child’s school bag. Featuring a sleek and modern design, the variety of sizes and colours are perfect for adding a personal touch. For a higher level of protection, Yale has also launched a line of

High Security padlocks. Ideal for securing sheds, ladders or gates, the range is suitable for both inside and outside use thanks to its 120-hour corrosion resistance to ensure protection against extreme weather conditions. If you need to protect highly valuable items, such as trailers, garages, bikes and business premises, the Maximum-Security padlocks will withstand the most extreme forms of attack, including drilling and sawing. Find out more about the new range of Yale padlocks on https:// www.yale.co.uk/en/ yale/couk/products/ mechanical/padlocks/

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4DORSET July 2020

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

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WINDOW REPAIRS

Royal praise indeed The Queen has sent a personal message to Dorset Chamber. HM’s support came in an open letter in her role as patron of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) as more firms begin to go back to work and shops reopen. Her letter reads, “At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities. “As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, it gives me great pride to see the contribution you and your members are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities.” Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said, “The Queen’s personal message of support is a huge morale boost to our business communities at this complex and sensitive time. “We are grateful that Her Majesty has recognised the crucial role chambers of commerce play supporting businesses and communities through the pandemic, and as we restart, rebuild and renew the economy. “This Royal praise and support is for all of the many businesses in Dorset who have shown their typical resilience in the face of this crisis. “Our Chamber is here for businesses in the county, offering support and guidance at this incredibly difficult time through the Dorset Gateway Service. “We have been working very closely with both BCP and Dorset councils as well as the Local Enterprise Partnership.” Visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk for more information about support available.

WINDOW REPAIRS

Busy evening for RNLI Between 7pm and 11pm on 23 June, both Poole lifeboats were launched and attended three incidents: a report of young swimmers in difficulty by the chain ferry at the entrance of the harbour; a broken down speedboat with three people on board, and, later in the evening, a broken down jet ski in Poole Bay. All were successfully assisted and returned to shore. Poole Lifeboat volunteer helm Jonathan Clark said, “With the weather forecast set fair for the next couple of days, we want people to enjoy themselves but please take care, be aware of the dangers, know your limits and don't take risks. If you find yourself in an emergency or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Jailed for 13 years following vicious attack A man has been jailed for 13 years following a serious assault in Poole town centre. Gary Patrick Sadler, aged 57, from Poole, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 15 June. Following a trial at the same court, he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place. He committed the offence at around 10.40am on Sunday 11 August 2019. A woman was in the Dolphin Shopping Centre when Sadler, who was known to the victim, approached her and asked her how she was. Sadler proceeded to pull a knife out of his trouser pocket and launch at the victim. He moved the knife towards her neck, before she hit the blade causing it to break. Despite this, Sadler continued to try and stab the victim. He then grabbed her by her hair and pulled her to the floor. She was punched in the face while lying on the floor. A nearby woman heard the victim shout for help and asked the man to leave the victim alone and go away. Sadler got up and walked off. He was located a short time later in Baiter Gardens and arrested. The knife was found at the scene of the assault. The victim sustained cuts to her face, neck and back, as well as a cut to her finger. She was taken to hospital.

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motoring / keeping you on the road. Using a phone: When can I? When should I? 1. Make the sensible decision and keep your phone safely out of reach during every journey. Build in breaks to longer trips so that you can check calls and messages safely. 2. You’re allowed to use a mobile phone when you are safely parked, with the engine off and the handbrake on.

Don’t be tempted to use a mobile phone while driving With the easing of lockdown and the re-opening of businesses, traffic is building up on our roads. We have all become very reliant on digital communication, but road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assistant is reminding people that it is illegal and dangerous to use a mobile phone whilst driving. The current penalty of a £200 fine with six penalty points was introduced in 2017. You will also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years. You can get three penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle. You can also be taken to court where you can: be banned from driving or riding; get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus). GEM chief executive Neil Worth said,” Using any mobile device while driving is a significant distraction, first of all because of the physical tasks

3. Please do not pick up your phone in any other driving situation, including when you’re stationary at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

– such as keying in characters on your phone or scrolling through information. “It’s also mentally distracting, and if you allow yourself to take part in a conversation or try to read and respond to data on your phone, you’re seriously reducing your ability to focus on the journey, on the road ahead and on the hazards that may be developing. “We want to ensure that every driver considers the consequences before picking up a phone. You wouldn’t do it with a police officer watching and you wouldn’t do it on your driving test. The risk doesn’t just disappear when you think there’s no one watching. Using a phone while driving is irresponsible and puts not only your own safety at risk, but the safety of those who happen to be sharing the road space with you. “By ensuring your focus is 100 per cent on the journey at all times, you will also be giving yourself the best chance of anticipating any hazards, which is a key part of keeping yourself and others safe.”

4. If it’s an emergency and it would be unsafe or impractical for you to stop, you may call 999. 5. Hands-free does not remove the distraction risk, and you could still be prosecuted for not being in control (an offence that carries a £100 fine and three penalty points). 6. Take a few minutes before a journey to make important calls or to check voice messages and emails. Work together with friends, family, colleagues and work contacts to remove the expectation that we should all be available all the time.

Catalytic converter thefts in Bournemouth Thieves have been stealing catalytic converters from cars in Bournemouth. The catalytic converters from four cars were stolen from a garage forecourt in Wallisdown Road between 7pm on Thursday 11 June and 8am on Friday 12 June. Another car parked on a driveway in Shelbourne Road had its catalytic converter taken in the early hours of Friday 12 June. Police community support investigator Mike Cannings, of Dorset Police, said, “We are making enquiries into these thefts and I would urge anyone with information about them or who has seen catalytic converters

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being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances to please contact us. “I would also urge motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, via email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200084241. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

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