4Dorset November 2013

Dorset’s No. 1 Independent Community Magazine

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

FR

EE

WIN TICKETS

to see the Regent Centre’s Christmas Spectacular 2013 and Slade & Sweet at Lighthouse November 2013 Volume 11 • Issue 4

Posing at sunset at Mudeford Harbour © Iain Hunter

Christmas is coming BROADSTONE & CHRISTCHURCH PARADES

FERNDOWN LIGHTS SWITCH ON

©2013 Paradox Photography

Voice of Ferndown results

Broadstone | Christchurch | Colehill | Ferndown | Merley | West Parley | Wimborne Ashley Heath | Bournemouth | Canford Heath | Kinson | Poole | Ringwood | St Ives | Three Legged Cross | Verwood | West Moors

www.carpetsandbeds.com www.carpetsandbeds.com

Editorial: 01202 870270 • Advertising: 01202 816140 • Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk • Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk

4Dorset Hello Readers L

EDITORIA

Volume 11 • Issue 4 • November 2013

editor Janine Pulford editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk assistant editor Liz Turner mags@mags4dorset.co.uk design director Ben Pulford design@mags4dorset.co.uk graphic design Daniel Lee Louis Pulford design4dorset@btconnect.com account managers Mark Beechey sales@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk company secretary Nick Pulford accounts4dorset@btconnect.com accounts Debbie Payne 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 £25 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.

After much thought and interviewing of candidates for the vacancy in our editorial department, I have now appointed an assistant editor, Liz Turner.

Many will know Liz who has been a reporter in the area for many years, more recently in Warminster. With great community reporting and investigative skills, Liz will be wanting to hear from readers on just about everything, so do give her a ring on 01202 870270.

The standard of applicants was very high and I thank all those who came in for an interview. We advertised the job through our own publications which are also published on our website and Facebook. The response was huge. If anyone else is looking to recruit locally, then I recommend our magazines. In fact, I recommend our magazines for all types of advertising. Current ad campaigns are reaping the rewards of being with mags4dorset and receiving publicity across several media platforms as well as in our publications.

We are also introducing a new idea into the marketplace to encourage people to shop locally. Whilst it is still ‘under wraps’ for readers, an announcement will be made before

Christmas. As it comes from mags4dorset, you can be sure that it will benefit the community in which we live and run our family business. Our ethos is Business Community Unity and keeping it local.

Any businesses interested in learning about our new concept, please call Russell or Mark on 01202 816140.

Janine Pulford, Editor

Follow us at www.twitter.com/mags4dorset Leave us a comment at www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news Join the editor www.facebook.com/janine.pulford Visit our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Email the editor at: editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Contents

Around & About 28-29 Broadstone Christmas Parade 25-27 Christmas in Christchurch 14-19 Competitions 12 & 16 Horoscopes 31 In the Female Viewpoint 21 Motoring 34 Specialist Services / Freeads 32-33 Write to: The Editor, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

NEXT COPY CLOSING DATE: 15 NOVEMBER 2013 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

3

local

Bird lover receives national award A Dorset woman received a special award on 22 October from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords, recognising many years of dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating injured or abandoned birds

B

4

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

ird lover Lynne Parker, from Southbourne, has rescued thousands of birds over the last 21 years and is often called on by local vets, residents and rescue organisations to provide emergency treatment, food and accommodation. She singlehandedly cleans and cares for the birds until they are ready for release back into the wild where possible, or transferred to a local rescue centre to make space for new emergency cases.

She is creating a special ‘reproofing’ pool in her garden to ensure that birds affected by oil spills, or which have been traumatised, have regular access to water and do not lose the waterproofing on their feathers, which can occur when a bird is stressed.

Lynne shares her home with up to 200 birds at any one time, and currently cares for finches, budgies, guillemots, starlings, blackbirds, pigeons, quails and a Canada goose. Occasionally she also provides refuge to other wildlife, such as hedgehogs and squirrels, and has a number of rescued dogs. She rescues around 4,000 birds a year, the vast majority of which are returned to the wild.

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: “Lynne’s dedication has seen her rescue tens of thousands of birds and other wildlife over the years and she is a great example of animal welfare in action. She is a very deserving winner of IFAW’s Avian Rescue Award.”

Lynne said: “I love wildlife and started off rescuing all kinds of animals as well as birds, but soon started to realise that there were more rescuers of mammals and less provision for birds so decided to focus primarily on this. It’s very rewarding work, I do it for the birds and never expected my work to be recognised, I was totally shocked to find I was to receive an IFAW award!”

Lynne was presented with her award by TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie.

Cllr Peter Richardson, Mayor of Verwood and Mr Egerton beside the memorial stone on Ferrett Green

local

Mayor buys first poppy Verwood Mayor, Councillor Peter Richardson bought the first poppy in the town from veteran Norman Egerton.

Mr Egerton served in the Royal Navy during and after the Second World War. He was a medic aboard a tank landing craft on D-Day, delivering Sherman tanks and their American crews to Omaha Beach. Later he served on the destroyer ‘Volage’, which was sunk by a mine in the Mediterranean, and then on a fleet minesweeper making the seas safe again after the war had ended.

Off to War! Remembrance Day author event at Ringwood Library

Popular local author Elizabeth Darrell/Emma Drummond will present a delightful programme of readings and performance from her books, brought to life with music on the afternoon of Monday 11 November.

This sensitive and thoughtful presentation starts at 2.30pm, and is suitable for all ages.

Tickets cost £3 including refreshments – available from Ringwood Library, or call the booking line on: 01425 474255.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

5

local

Harmony Twist singing Ed Sheeran’s ‘Lego House’ ©2013 Paradox Photography

Harmony Twist with judges, mayor and mayoress and hosts ©2013 Catchbox

n w o d n r e F f o e ic o V e h t Harmony Twist wins rd

After a captivating final at the Barrington Theatre, the winner of the Voice of Ferndown is Harmony Twist, a stunning trio from Poole but what a close finish Piano man, Matt Black, one of the judges and main sponsor of the event said, “We used a points system and out of a possible 200 for each act, it came down to only a few points between the top four.”

In 2nd place was Katharine Levi, 3rd was Samantha Stevens and 4th was Amber Thorne.

The event, organized by the Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Barrington Centre showcased local people each with an

6

4Dorset November 2013

Report by Janine Pulfo

amazing gift.

Hosted by Jacqui Sutton, chair of the Barrington Centre’s Up-Fronters committee, and Shaun Flynn, president of Ferndown Chamber of Commerce, the presentations were made by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr John Lewis. Judges were Matt Black, professional agent Tara Nix, deputy mayor Cllr Steve Lugg and West End performer and Stone Lounge manager Richard Sidaway.

Matt Black put up the prize of a recording session at Hangover Hill studio. He said, “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with the Voice of Ferndown and the Barrington Theatre is a brilliant venue. It’s good for acts to win on a stage of this calibre and it lends a lot of prestige to the event.”

Among the prizes, the Harmony Twist girls:

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Dannie Rietiker (16) from Corfe Hills School, Liberty Nicholls (16) from Parkstone Grammar and Laura Hicks (19) studying at Jellicoe Theatre College will also get a promotional shoot with Donna Nicholson of Paradox Photography.

The rest of the acts were 12-year-old Nicole McNally, Joe Webster, Linda Sambrook and Gareth Woodford. Each brought something really special to the stage. What a shame they couldn’t all have won, yet in their own way, they were all winners.

To read the judges comments on all the acts visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk and read page 28 in Viewpoint Mid-October issue on-line. All photos taken by mags4dorset on the night are in the Ferndown Gallery on the website. Videos can be seen on mags4dorset YouTube channel and at www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news.

local

Were you a member of Ferndown Tennis Club?

t Mrs Grace Burningham, St Mary’s (white flowers on the altar) x Harvest Arangement

If you were and you have any photographs or memorabilia, would you let the club include them in their 50th anniversary celebrations early next April?

Contact Viv Scott 01202 876260, Kay Browning 01202 572471.

- advertising feature -

Nothing to see!

Everything to hear! Church at the heart

Visit the DIGITONE HEARING OPEN DAY and discover better hearing Digitone, the independent digital hearing aid centre, has recently been approved as a specialist Lyric Hearing Centre and is the only centre in the South of England able to supply the new Lyric hearing aid. Lyric is the first completely invisible, extended wear hearing aid. It is worn around the clock for up to 4-months at a time, while you sleep, exercise, shower and talk on the phone. There are no batteries to change, and no daily insertion and removal is required... it is said to be ‘the contact lens for your ear’ – come and try it for yourself at the Digitone Hearing Open Day on Wednesday, 13 November 2013. For more details and to book an appointment call Digitone on 0800 298 7261.

The centre can be found at 5 Pennys Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH, next door to the post office and within easy walking distance from Tesco’s free car park.

of the community

S

t Mary’s Church in Ferndown combined its 80th anniversary with a Harvest Celebration weekend on 27-29 September. Many activities took place and a packed service on 29 September was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Ferndown. Anyone taking a close look at the mayoral medallion immediately recognised the image, “It shows St Mary’s Church as the symbol of Ferndown,” the Mayor Cllr John Lewis remarked to members of the congregation, “thereby acknowledging its importance at the heart of this community.”

He said that with particularly good timing, a photograph of St Mary’s showing its stunning crimson rhododendron bush in full bloom had just won the Ferndown in Bloom photography competition.

A week-long flower festival took place in the church with stunning arrangements to celebrate the harvest and the church’s 80th anniversary.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

7

BUSINESS COMMUNITY UNITY - FERNDOWN STEPS UP

Charity of the year

In Septembe r the Cllr John Lewis the M of Ferndown ayor visited the O sborne Cent He’s pictured re. he re w ith the mayores Barbara Lew s is, Alan Lind say, John Ast and Pat Rich ley ardson in Ala ddin’s Cave shop and we arrange entertainment in the afternoon for anyone still awake.

We’d like to say a big “thank you” to all our supporters and fundraisers who have helped us this year.

THE OSBORNE CENTRE

Intrepid street collectors, Sarah Walters and her daughter

Dear Readers, My name is Kay Bundy and I’m the Centre and fundraising Co-ordinator for the Bournemouth and District Branch of the MS Society’s Osborne Centre at West Parley.

As you can imagine our centre is expensive to run, so fundraising is a vital part of our activities.

We hold three annual fayres and arrange quiz

8

4Dorset November 2013

nights at the centre. Our members and supporters do various sponsored events including skydives, marathons, cycle rides, walking from Exeter to Poole, head shaves and much more. If you feel brave and would like to raise funds for us please get in touch!

We recently held our first charity golf day at Crane Valley Golf Club. This was such a success, (raising over £2,000), that we are hoping it will become an annual event.

Street collections are another big part of our fundraising. We are very grateful to the local stores allowing us to collect. A big thank you also to the collectors who give up their time to help. We are always looking for more collectors so if you are interested, please get in touch.

I can’t believe it will soon be Christmas - a very busy time at our centre. On 16 November we have our Christmas Fayre. It’s a great place to buy last minute presents so do join us.

Also a trip is arranged to take members Christmas shopping in Poole. Always a popular outing, it usually involves five buses, which are full of shopping bags on the return journey.

During our last week at the centre before Christmas, our chef provides a fantastic Christmas lunch. Father Christmas appears with presents

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Kay Bundy Centre and Fundraising Co-ordinator Bournemouth and District Branch, MS Society The Osborne Centre, Church Road, West Parley, Dorset Tel: 01202 570300 www.ms-bournemouth.co.uk Photographs courtesy of Kay Browning

in health & fitness

100th birthday at Open Doors

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. 4Dorset 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.

Congratulations to Rose Paton who celebrated her 100th birthday in October.

Rose regularly attends ‘Open Doors’ an informal service and lunch at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown. The team that runs this activity marked

- advertising feature -

Rose’s special occasion with a balloon, flowers and birthday cake.

Open Doors is held on Mondays 11.30am-1pm in St Mary’s Church hall. To find out more call 01202 897087.

Open a new world

by learning to swim

A

ccording to statistics, half of seven to 11-year-olds in England, some 1.1 millon children, cannot swim the length of a standard pool. Recently, Prince William outlined the importance of children being confident in water and said the benefits of swimming go beyond exercise.

It is one of the best forms of all round exercise for all.

Learn to swim classes at Ferndown Leisure Centre are for all ages. Qualified instructors will help to develop confidence in and around the water.

Track progress online Through an internet based home portal you can access information about your child’s swimming lessons at Ferndown Leisure including: • performance against key competencies for their course level eg swim 100m efficient backstroke • A rating on how they are doing against this competency • Notification of when your child is ready to move up a level and ability to choose from the times available • Record of assessments and pass dates for each level

Barclays Bank fined after woman falls through roof

Barclays Bank plc has been fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £16,000 costs following a roof fall incident at its branch in Lymington Road, Highcliffe.

In August 2009 the tenant of the second storey maisonette above the branch was watering plants on the roof terrace when she caught her toe under the lip of a glass dome. She landed on the dome, which cracked, and she fell through the skylight dropping into the bank below. Her injuries included a fractured pelvis.

An investigation and report were undertaken by Christchurch Borough Council.

The skylight was in an area where people had unrestricted access to the roof. The report said that the skylight was fragile and the fact that it could break if someone came into contact with it should have been identified.

Barclays was prosecuted for failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that people not employed by the Bank are not exposed to health and safety risks.

Barclays pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on 2 October 2013.

Rose Paton enjoys her birthday celebration

Top Tip If you recommen d Swim Academy to frien ds and family and they learn to swim with Ferndo wn Leisure you get 2 FREE les sons

Free Swim Assessment Is your child a capable swimmer but needs work on stroke technique? Have a free assessment to find the right class.

Rookies Lifesaving Course 8+yrs Involving lifesaving skills, water survival, teamwork, initiative and basic life support (resuscitation).

Split into wet and dry training, it follows an award scheme.

Confidence in deep water and ability to swim 50m needed.

Adult Swimming Ferndown Leisure Centre’s adult learn to swim programme goes from beginners to confident competent swimmers.

Contact the Swimming Co-ordinator today for more information on 01202 877468.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

9

in health & fitness

Bake off raises dough

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. 4Dorset 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.

Like us on

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news

for cancer research Everyone who joined in the Great Pink Bake Off at Ferndown Leisure Centre came away a real winner

Jo said: “We have had so much support from people making cakes and those coming along to buy them.

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer and many of our customers are recovering after treatment.

“Mary has also inspired us and it was great to see her here joining in the fun.”

Every year, 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and Breakthrough funds almost 25 per cent of the UK’s breast cancer research.

Cup cake creations from four year old Bradley

Funding Boost for Disability Cycling

10

4Dorset November 2013

Wessex Accessible Cycling Club (WACC) has received a grant in excess of £7,000 to provide a variety of paracycles and a Disability Health Ride scheme for disabled people at Moors Valley Country Park.

WACC Chairman Terry Dennis said, “This project will have two huge benefits to disabled people locally. Firstly with only 9% of disabled people taking any regular physical exercise, the potential health benefits are immense and quite obvious.”

The second benefit, he says, is that the paracycles will access the trails more easily than conventional wheelchairs thus allowing the less mobile to see areas of the park that they may never have visited before.

The grant will also fund other items of equipment that will cater for people with mobility impairments, visual impairments and learning disabilities.

The award has been made by Comic Relief and Dorset County Community Fund – a fund managed by Dorset Community Foundation on the behalf of Dorset County Council.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Celebrating the success of the bake off

H

eld as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event, which raised over £500, gave staff and customers a chance to raise money for research into the disease. It also meant they could show a popular member of staff just how much they think about her.

Part time receptionist Mary Golding has carried on working at the leisure centre despite having breast cancer.

She said “Everyone has been so supportive and understanding and this has helped me carry on working. That has made such a difference to me during treatment.”

It was Mary’s determination that encouraged her colleagues to support Breaththrough Breast Cancer’s bake off day.

With dozens of cakes made and donated by supporters, there was plenty of choice for those who popped into the leisure centre for a coffee and a bun.

There was also the chance to decorate a cup cake which appealed to adults as much as children.

Staff members Nikki Marshall, Stephanie Lawrence and Jo Sinclair organised the lunchtime event and were delighted with the backing of the busy bakers who rolled up their sleeves for the charity.

local

t e s r o d 4 s g a m 2013

s t l u s e r y r o t s t r o h s

Following the announcement of the shortlist in last month’s 4Dorset.

The Creative Writing Awards competition has now been judged.

Best selling author Carol Rivers and author and creative writing tutor, Ian J Burton had the hard task of choosing the top three:

ION tickets T I T E P in e to w COM Chanc

ade &

Sl to see

Sweet

Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole 20 December

1st £150

plus publication Spacemen from the Stars Tony Oswick, Essex

2nd £50

plus publication The Star Spangled Saviour Peter Lewis, Ringwood

3rd £25

plus publication The Last Rays Veronica Bright, Cornwall Editor of Viewpoint, Janine Pulford, also chose a highly commended: Call to Arms, Alyson Hilbourne, Japan.

Congratulations to all the prize-winners. The top three will be published in forthcoming issues of our magazines (4Dorset and Viewpoint). The winner is on Page 30.

7.30pm Tickets £27.50, £25.50, £23.50, £21.50 Tickets 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Giants of the 1970s’ glam rock, Slade and Sweet, will provide a glittering curtain raiser for Christmas at Lighthouse.

Back by public demand, two of the greatest, most exuberant, live bands of the seventies have teamed up again for a major tour. Between them they produced hit after hit and steamrollered their way through the charts. Their clothes, hairstyles and the glorious feel-good factor saw them sweep all before them. Outrageous flamboyance and pure unadulterated fun - that was Slade. Glitz, blitz and a dangerous edge – that was Sweet.

mags4dorset is offering 3 pairs of tickets to see this ‘blast from the past’. Just answer the following question:

What is Slade’s famous Christmas song called?

Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Slade & Sweet (address on page 3). Close date is 15 November. The first three correct entries drawn will be the winners. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Employees of Page & Pulford Ltd are not permitted to enter.

The first

Bournemouth Marathon

starts

huge

Thousands of runners took part in Bournemouth’s first marathon event on Sunday, 6 October 2013.

It formed part of the weekend’s running festival and created a 100+ road closures.

Bournemouth woman, Catherine Kendrick took part. She said, “It was an emotional moment as I crossed the line and completed my first and Bournemouth’s first ever Marathon. I did it.” She completed in 4h 40m.

ing festival will Next year’s runn 2014. and 5 October take place on 4

12

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

gardening

© Kay Browning

As the first winter frosts arrive, there are still a few jobs to be done before bedding the garden down for winter

Busy autumn in the garden November is all about getting everything ready for winter. Clearing leaves and cutting back dead growth is top of the agenda, which is great news because leaves and garden debris are perfect ingredients for homemade compost.

Leaves don’t need the heat of a compost to rot down; you can compost them by filling up bags with leaves to make really good garden mulch. The best way is to fill biodegradable sacks, then place them somewhere in the garden where they will be rained on…and wait. Come spring next year you will have a bag full of nutritious leaf mould compost.

If you’re planning to plant trees, do it

Clear up fallen lea ves - especially from lawns, ponds and beds Raise containers on to pot feet to preven t waterlogging Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year Prune roses to pre vent wind-rock Plant out winter be dding Insulate outdoor co ntainers and delic ate plants from frost - bubblewrap wo rks well or use horti cultural fleece available from most garden centres Put out bird food to encourage winter bir ds into the garden

now before the ground gets too hard or frozen. They can tolerate acidic, chalky, sandy and clay soils and come in all shapes and sizes. By planting trees you can reduce or improve your carbon footprint and generally enhance the environment.

With just one £50 National Garden Gift Voucher you can create a mini-woodland consisting of two or three trees that can become an important new habitat. Trees act as nesting sites, song perches and display sites for birds and numerous species of insects are totally dependent on trees. They also provide areas of shelter and shade that means you can plant native wildflowers that would typically be found in woodlands.

Christchurch comes up roses

Christchurch Borough Council has come away with a silver gilt award in the Small Coastal Town category in this year’s South & South East in Bloom Awards.

Christchurch also won gold for Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve in the Conservation Area category while the Friends of Christchurch Station received a ‘Thriving’ commendation in the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” category.

The judges, Ken Turner and Kelvin Mason, were shown around the borough in July and commented on how Christchurch was a well-respected and looked-after town and how impressed they were by the number of volunteers involved in the different organisations.

Cllr Margaret Phipps, portfolio holder for Environment at Christchurch Council, said: “This is another great achievement which shows how the council working in partnership with members of the community can really make the town look its best. This summer we have also seen how the beautiful wild flowers we planted at various sites have received many positive remarks. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making sure Christchurch continues to look so attractive.”

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

13

Christmas - advertising feature -

leave Peeks Partystore at 4.15pm to arrive in the High Street at around 4.30pm. He will then take his reindeer to the Priory where children can give him their Christmas letters and see the reindeer.

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place from the balcony of the Old Town Hall at 6pm with the Mayor of Christchurch and Heart FM presenters.

This year’s festival will have a Treasure Island theme so be sure to bring the kids and call in at the Regent Centre to enter the free Treasure Hunt.

Celebrations T

he Christchurch Christmas Festival will be taking place on Saturday 30 November and will include a Christmas street market, a craft market and advent fayre in the Priory church.

Santa and his reindeer will

Looking for Christmas decorations?

Yule noel where to go - PEEKS!

Y

es, the legendary party supply company is warming up for Christmas and has its widest range of goods in over 65 years helping Brits celebrate the season of goodwill.

In the giant party store in Christchurch, Peeks’ elves have been hard at work preparing for the annual rush.

So for stockings and streamers, lights and lanterns, party poppers and presents, it simply has to be Peeks.

There are cards and stars, bells and smells, hats, sacks and party packs.

Prepare properly with Peeks and the madness of Christmas

14

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

won’t feel quite as bad as usual.

There are banners and balloons, baubles and bunting, tinsel and trees, Santa costumes and crackers, tableware and festive fare.

Buy decorations in special packs or pick the ones that catch your eye; there is a huge choice and all at low prices.

We will sell over a million crackers this year – and that’s a lot of bangs. Make sure you don’t miss out.

If you can’t make it to the party store why not look at the website www.peeks.co.uk or to get your hands on a copy of the Peeks catalogue call 01202 489489.

ChristmasinChristchurch

- advertising feature -

Mobility solutions keep you active

B

atricar Mobility Centre has been providing mobility solutions to the local area for more than 28 years.

The company was founded in1985 as a sales and service centre for Batricar Products on the south coast.

Based in New Milton, the company now has one of the largest independent selections of mobility products in Hampshire, and also has its sister company Kinetic Mobility in Wimborne, Dorset.

Kinetic Mobility is based at the newly refurbished Wimborne showroom, and is now the flagship store for Pride Mobility Products in the UK. Batricar Mobility Centre and Kinetic Mobility are a family run business. Having been in the mobility industry for over 28 years, they offer both standard and bespoke mobility solutions to their clients in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The company and its staff are proud to be closely associated with all the leading manufacturers of mobility products, including Shoprider, Kymco Healthcare, Electric Mobility and Pride Mobility Products UK. By far the best way to purchase a mobility product is to visit the company’s showrooms or have a home visit for an assessment of your needs.

At the Batricar Mobility showroom in New Milton there is a large selection of makes and models of manual wheelchairs, scooters, and power chairs. These, coupled with every product made

by Pride Mobility Ltd, (available at the Wimborne Showroom or can be brought to New Milton if required), provide customers with a satisfying choice.

A mobile service and repair facility is offered from New Milton, backed up by an extensively well equipped and stocked workshop should the need arise.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

15

ChristmasinChristchurch - advertising feature -

Let ICE spoil you for Christmas

S

ara Hall former hair lecturer at Bournemouth & Poole College would like to introduce you to ICE Hair Academy, specialising in male and female hairdressing services to include all aspects of hairdressing, a wide range of beauty treatments, hairdressing courses and chiropody for very tired feet!

Affordable specialised packages and vouchers available for the yuletide season.

Castles Homehardware Magazines

F

or November and December Castles Homehardware has three exciting magazines.

For the Fireside - full of winter warming products. e For Home Cooking - packed with handy tips, recipes and new cookwar ranges.

For Christmas Gifts - with plenty of ideas.

Come and meet Roger, Steve, Leigh, Sherry, Maxwell, Maximilian, Lorne and Barbara for helpful service (but no Santa)!

Christmas Spectacular 2013 Fri 20–Tues 24 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets: Matinees: £12 all seats.

Evenings: £14.50 Concessions: £13.50.

Pre-theatre dining with The Kings: £23 VIP Experience: £39.50 (Both include theatre ticket)

F

ollowing the huge success of last year’s Christmas Spectacular, the Regent Centre is delighted to bring you a brand new festive feast filled with comedy, dance and music, once again performed by the Glad Rag Production Company.

This highly acclaimed company has created a brand new show with more lavish costumes designed by Sue Simmerling and the trademark combination of polished production numbers and festive fun that make this a Christmas treat for all the family.

Santa Claus returns to the North Pole with dazzling dancers, stunning showgirls, sumptuous costumes, sensational singers, dancing Santas, comedy elves and the cutest babes in town. The music blends up-beat dance routines with popular ballads, everyone’s favourite Christmas Number One’s and Irving Berlin showstoppers, all performed by theatre professionals and the pick of local entertainers.

Running up to Christmas Eve, this Christmas Cracker of a family show is guaranteed to fill you with the true spirit of Christmas!

Chance to win 4 tickets to the Christmas Spectacular!

The Regent Centre has teamed up with mags4dorset to offer you the chance to win tickets for four seats at the Christmas Spectacular on Saturday 21 December at 2.30pm.

Simply answer the following question:

Who has designed the show’s lavish costumes?

Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Christmas Spectacular (address on page 3).

Close date is 15 November. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Employees of Page & Pulford Ltd and the Regent Centre are not permitted to enter.

16

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

ChristmasinChristchurch - advertising feature -

Children’s washable play rugs, various designs available from Christchurch Carpets Ideal stocking fillers Little Princess

Pirate Ship

s (A) - 17-25 January Highcliffe Charity Player timbers! o ho ho and shiver me lics. In Bradford boatload of fun and fro a for ard It’s all abo nd’ meets Isla re new take, ‘Treasu and Webster’s hilarious figure with d Bon es Jam ve, sua d Crusoe is a y, Tuesday, nda ‘Robinson Crusoe’. An Mo nds (plus her lovely frie a curvaceous Girl Friday day).

Wednesday and Thurs Jim, runs The , helped by young son The Dame, Ma Hawkins map in an e sur trea and when Jim finds a with Squire Admiral Benbow Inn nd Isla re asu Tre for . They sail old chest, the fun begins tty daughter.

Trelawney and his pre Knuckles, are his silly pirates Brass and and er Silv n Joh Long l with the help of vai pre uld o!) But good sho after the treasure too (bo ng Highcliffe the Fairy Godmother. to from the award-winni Another great family pan numbers, w sho g zlin s and costumes, daz Charity Players. Fab set yes you will!)

(Oh . ion pat tici par audience slapstick humour and wave. Panto gold! home on the crest of a Guaranteed to send you

Y

For those never forgotten

E

ach year at Co-operative Funeralcare, a memo rial tree is set up for friends and relatives who would like to place a message to the loved ones who have passed. If you would like to place a message to your loved ones, please call into Co-op Funeralcare , Christchurch.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

17

ChristmasinChristchurch

BUSINESS COMMUNITY UNITY - FERNDOWN STEPS UP

- advertising feature -

Have a traditional Christmas this year at Carousel!

“We stock a wide range of high quality wooden toys to suit all pockets. Let the children play on our train table while you browse our fantastic selection of wooden trains, tracks and accessories. Or choose from our wonderful children’s books – all at bargain prices.” Carousel

The Hayloft Christchurch’s Hidden Secret!

T

his charming Gallery offers the opportunity to purchase original, unique Christmas gifts made by local artists and craftspeople Learn how to create and is situated in Wick Lane, patterned lampshades directly opposite the entrance and fabrics at to the Regent Centre car Thomas & Lucia park. If you are searching for something different at an affordable price then visit the Hayloft.

Chalk Paint™ at Thomas & Lucia

T

homas & Lucia is coming up to its sixth Christmas. Sue and Matthew have always enjoyed putting on a show at Christmas, with award winning shop window displays, great Christmas decorations and gifts for all. However you may not know that T&L is one of the biggest UK stockists of Chalk Paint™, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan. Sue and artist friend Maxine run regular Chalk Paint™ workshops in Sopley. They recently announced a new workshop where you can learn all about amazing new patterned rollers for use on fabric, walls and paper. See www.thomasandlucia.co.uk for more information.

18 18

4Dorset November 2013 4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Thomas & Lucia has a great range of Christmas decorations and gifts

ChristmasinChristchurch

- advertising feature -

‘Billie’ dress

by Tempest available at ‘Bliss Boutique’ Christchurch

The cover you want with advice you need

J

ohn Morgan Insurance Services is part of the Higos Group.

Higos Insurance Services is an independent award winning insurance broker, specialising in the provision of personal lines and commercial lines insurance products including household, motor, travel, thatched properties, shops, offices, fleet, property owners and much more.

Higos has access to leading insurers in the market place, which allows them to provide clients with excellent cover at a competitive price.

Higos has 20 branches located across the South West and are continuing to grow their presence across Dorset and the South West. They will soon be moving their Bournemouth office from Wimborne Road to a more prominent position in Ferndown.

From Monday 2 December the Higos Bournemouth branch can be found in the new larger premises at 97 Victoria Road, Ferndown.

The Christchurch branch is at 37 Bargates.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset November 2013 4Dorset

19 19

local

BUSINESS PROFILE

awarded by mags4dorset to the Nightjar, winner of the Business, Retail, Commercial or Public House category in

Ferndown in Bloom 2013

When JD Wetherspoon’s opened the Nightjar in Ferndown 14 years’ ago, it was an instant success.

Now managed by Selina Parker, it maintains its reputation as the busiest pub in town, providing good value meals and drinks, (a trademark of the nationwide pub chain), starting at 8am for breakfast and coffee and finishing at 11pm.

There are food clubs* and a new menu has just been launched, as has the Christmas menu. A turkey roast or vegetarian option with a drink starts at just £8.25 and £3.99 (child) and on Christmas Day a four-course meal is a very reasonable £39.99 and £14.99 (child).

L-R Cllr Jean Read, Chairman of Ferndown in Bloom, Selina Parker, manager of The Nightjar and Ben Pulford, mags4dorset director

Selina runs an efficient pub. To look at her you would think she was fresh out of university, but with 16 years in the industry, nine of those with Wetherspoon’s, promotion to manager in January 2012 was an achievement she’d worked hard for and she’s introduced some new community initiatives.

Award-winning

Nightjar

20

4Dorset November 2013

“The first thing I wanted to do was improve the outside of the pub,” she says and her efforts have seen the Nightjar win awards. In 2012 it was placed second in the Ferndown in Bloom competition and this year it took first prize with a beautiful array of flowers.

Selina says she will be defending the title in 2014.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

An innovative young lady, Selina also introduced live music into the Nightjar when she hosted the heats of the Voice of Ferndown. The music theme was continued with the pub’s latest fundraising event organised by her relief manager, Yvonne Morris. It included a farmers’ market, Ceroc dancing and music. All those taking part, gave their services for free and the day raised funds for CLIC Sargent for children and young people with cancer - the charity supported by Wetherspoon’s.

The Nightjar employs 25 local people, all of whom like to be involved with fundraising.

But it was Selina’s partner Ben who recently undertook a skydive for the charity and no doubt you will want to know why Selina didn’t do it herself. Her excuse is good: she is about to have her first baby.

Selina will be returning to the Nightjar early next year, but in the meantime Yvonne will be covering her duties.

*Food clubs 12 noon-11pm Tues: Steak fresh from the grill Wed: Chicken Club Thurs: Curry Club Fish Friday, freshly battered cod and chips Sunday Club roasts and vegetarian options Other plus points: Cask Marque; children welcome; Wifi; TV screens showing live news

It’s nearly time to

party!

in the female viewpoint

Whether it’s the work do, a family get together or a party with friends, you’ll want to look your best this Christmas. Experiment with make-up.

Try big lash mascara and a stroke of liner. Team smoky eye shadow with ruby lipstick. Understate your blusher. If you want a tanned look, fake it. There are plenty of fake tans to give you that all over bronzed glow. A new hairstyle or sassy cut can transform you in no time or simply up-do long hair with a few clips. Choose jewellery to complement your look and team with shoes and handbag. Enjoy!

- advertising feature -

Wrinkle reduction from £135 for 3 areas!

I

f you look in the mirror and don’t see the person you feel like inside, then facial aesthetics could be just the solution.

Beechwood Dental Practice in Boscombe offers discreet facial rejuvenation clinics on Friday afternoons from 2pm–5pm where Botox is priced from just £135 for 3 areas.

“Our non-surgical, facial rejuvenation treatment helps reduce the signs of ageing, smoothes wrinkles and facial lines and is carried out by our principal dentist, Anthony Inman, a fully qualified and experienced clinician, ensuring you

are in safe hands.

“Facial aesthetic treatments can help give you a fresher and youngerlooking complexion by reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead furrows, laughter lines and neck lines. Treatment is open to patients and non-patients alike.” Beechwood Dental Practice.

Please call us on 01202 397 074 for information or to book.

Beechwood Dental Practice, 8 Beechwood Ave, Boscombe Manor, BH5 1LX

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

21

local

‘The Italian Job’ in Colehill

Ferndown Legion

walks the walk

The Royal British Legion branch at Ferndown held its first sponsored Poppy Walk on 12 October 2013. A families’ walk of one mile was set up around town centre, followed by a five mile senior walk from Ferndown to West Parley and back. It is hoped the walk will become an annual fundraising event.

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal raises over £30 million every year to help serving and ex-servicemen and women and their families.

Stewards te am outside the RBL Club in Ferndow n

The original 1969 version of ‘The Italian Job’ will be shown in Colehill Memorial Hall on Saturday, 16 November at 7pm to raise funds for the hall.

A quintessentially British comedy crime caper, the iconic film is highly evocative of 1960s’ London. It stars Michael Caine and Noel Coward plus a whole raft of well-known supporting stars.

Tickets £8 include Italian wine and nibbles. Purchase from Colehill Community Library or the Tourist Information Centre, Wimborne or ring 01202 882590.

Absolutely Marbleous A fragment from an original marble fireplace at Highcliffe Castle has been returned to its home by Thomas Sainsbury, chairman of Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd, makers of fine furniture and mirrors.

The fireplace fragment was discovered in Poole by Thomas’s son, and company founder, Jonathan Sainsbury. He said he was delighted to return it to Highcliffe Castle, adding, “It is of huge historical important that the fragment is returned to its home as much of the original castle was destroyed by fire.”

End of the line for Ferndown Div Police HQ?

22

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Following a review of Dorset Police’s estate strategy, Ferndown Divisional Police HQ has been identified as an under-used resource.

A proposal has been put forward to sell the building and find suitable accommodation for its 202 members of staff in other areas of the police force.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said, “The sale of these buildings could result in a significant saving to the Force, which is essential if we are going to meet our target budget cuts.”

It is estimated that in excess of £500,000 could be saved each year in running costs.

The review was carried out

by Dorset Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill. He said, “I would like to reassure people in Dorset that we are committed to local neighbourhood policing and that police officers will still operate in the heart of Ferndown.”

local

Imumprs o

Ch

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth, 22 October Review by Janine Pulford Paul Merton’s wit and improvisation skills along with those of his Impro Chums fell off the bone like pulled pork and melted into the audience in mouth-watering waves. The unique show, led entirely by the audience and their suggestions, was acted out by Paul and his zany chums. Where else could humour scale such dizzy heights?

Paul along with Steve Steen, Richard Vranch, Mike McShane and the lovely Suki Webster were like five ‘intrepid explorers of new ideas’. At the audience’s request they plaited the nasal hair of seahorses with a chainsaw, explored bras and pants for camels and got married in a Force 9 gale on a beach.

Japanese horror met the House of Lords, baby George enjoyed a heavy metal christening, and ‘Ofsted’ the musical provoked “I like your meat and cabbage, but you’re below the national average.” All totally off the cuff and brilliantly executed. For me the stand out scenes were the pilots flying an aircraft on LSD, the Luxembourg cheese-maker, a drunk panda and Italian mafia. And not just because my sons made several of those suggestions!

To say the show was hilarious is an understatement. It needs to be experienced to be believed and no two shows are ever the same. Not only did the audience love it, but the performers had a great deal of fun too. I just wish Paul and his Impro Chums could come to my next party.

Successful year for stroke club

Ferndown Stroke Club recently held its AGM. The committee reported on a successful year of fundraising, including being selected as Sainsbury’s Ferndown ‘Charity of the Year.’

The club is a community group affiliated to the Stroke Association and aims to provide members with a place to meet and relax with other stroke survivors as well as providing education and information on strokes and life after a stroke. It meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Ferndown Guide Hall (by St Mary’s Church) from 10.30am to 12.30pm. New members are always welcome.

Bradley makes a dent in wheelchair basketball Bradley Dent from Ferndown Upper School recently returned triumphant after his team snatched the bronze medal, following four intense matches in the Sainsbury’s School Games representing England South for wheelchair basketball.

The 15-year-old trains six times a week and said, “I had an amazing time at the games. I met a I’m really lot of GB athletes and went on an looking forward Anti-doping 100% Me Workshop, to next School as well as spending time with Joe Beswick, the Wheelchair Basketball Games in athlete mentor.

Manchester “I got to go backstage in the 2014 where Sheffield Motor-point arena and stayed in the athletes’ Village for the England South weekend. The opening and closing are going for ceremony were amazing and the gold. matches were live streamed on the school games website. I met team Brazil for the 2016 Olympics in Rio too.

“

“

n’s o t r e M l u a P

Join Esther Rantzen for a fundraising night of glitz and glamour

Broadcasting veteran and ChildLine founder, Esther Rantzen, will be among the guests at the NSPCC’s Grand Christmas Ball at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth on Friday 6 December. Following a drinks reception there will be a dinner with speakers and entertainment, dancing and raffles and auctions with top prizes including holidays.

The event will mark the regional launch of the Know I Know appeal which will support the delivery of a groundbreaking new service for children and young people in schools across the South West.

The ChildLine School Service will help children to understand abuse, giving them the confidence to talk about it, the knowledge to prevent it, and the courage to find help if they ever need it. The service will visit every primary school in the UK every two years.

Tickets to the NSPCC’s Grand Christmas Ball are £65 per person, available from Sarah Wilton at sdwilton@gmail.com or from the South West NSPCC office on 020 3188 3757 or at southwestappeals@nspcc.org.uk.

PHOTO: ©KW Photography

WIFI whilst you walk Broadstone is the first High Street in Dorset with free public WiFi. Launched last month, the service is the result of an innovative partnership between the Broadstone Chamber of Trade and local specialist business, DigitalAir Wireless Networks.

Broadstone joins the internet revolution, allowing visitors and shoppers full access to the Internet across the main shopping area of The Broadway. Visitors will have immediate access to the internet whilst shopping.

After logging on, they will find themselves on the home page of the Broadstone Village Website - a single virtual ‘shop window’ for Broadstone retailers and businesses.

Simon Merry, Chair of the Chamber of Trade said, “This is an exciting step for a suburban centre. We are doing all we can to embrace technology to maintain a vibrant and successful centre for shopping and business.

“We can’t beat the big on-line warehouses on their terms but we can offer a mix of experiences and personal service that includes a familiar High Street which is also on-line.”

This is the latest initiative to keep the shopping centre vibrant and successful. Money awarded from the Mary Portas fund has generated the interactive Village website and marketing events, including a very popular baking competition which resulted in a ‘Broadstone Bun.’ Further initiatives are also underway.

Photographer is craftsman of her trade Karen Wiltshire of Poole-based company KW Photography has been recognised by the national organisation, The Guild of Photography, and has achieved the distinction of becoming a craftsman of the trade; a highly-coveted accolade shared with fewer than 20 industry professionals throughout the UK. She has also become the Guild’s only Craftsman of ‘Children photography’ in the UK. KW Photography is a specialist in maternity, newborn and baby, children and family portrait photography.

Karen said: “I am thrilled to be recognised by the Guild which is such a prestigious association in the photographic industry.”

24

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Broadstone Lights Switch On Tuesday 26 November at 6pm Broadstone Christmas Parade Saturday 7 December 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

25

BUSINESS COMMUNITY UNITY - FERNDOWN STEPS UP

Excitement is building in advance of the Broadstone Christmas Parade.

With over 30 carnival floats taking part, it forms part of a day-long event starting at 10.30am with a Christmas Market.

N

ow in its 44th year, the parade, including Santa, starts on the Broadway at 1.25pm, it loops around the roundabout, proceeds up Dunyeats Road, then back to the famous ‘toast rack’ (car parking slots) on the Broadway at around 2pm.

It ends with a charitable twist when children give wrapped presents to Santa outside the church and these will be distributed to the Ted Webster Children’s Centre in Parkstone.

26

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Charities being supported are LEAF and local Scout groups.

To complete the carnival day, a children’s family film will be shown in the Methodist Church from 3.30pm.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

27

in & around the area

9 November 10am-3pm

Grand Charities Fair, Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne. Around 40 stalls. Entrance 20p.

16 November 10.30am-2pm

Christmas Rainbow Fayre and Art Exhibition, Verwood Methodist Church, Vicarage Road. Gifts, crafts, books, cards, home produce, lunches, children’s activities and ‘Rainbow Trail.’

Admission £1 (incl tea/coffee) Children FREE.

23 November from 9.30am

National Trust East Dorset Association’s Christmas Fair at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Cakes, jams, pickles, books, toys, bric-a-brac. All monies raised go to the National Trust.

29 November 7pm

Award winning ‘Tiger’ film set in central India and short film about the River Allen to be shown by acclaimed film maker Hugh Miles at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

Tickets £10 adults, £5 U16s.

Book at dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk or ring 01305 264620

28 November 2.15pm

National Trust Bournemouth and Poole Association talk on ‘The Influence of the Court on Wilton House’. Home to the Earl of Pembroke since 1544, Carol Kitching gives a fascinating insight into the house’s 500 year history.

Hallmark Hotel, Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth. £2 members, £3 guests.

29 November

Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping, Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

28

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

in & around the area 30 November 3pm-6pm

It’s Drive Time in Ferndown. Christmas lights switch on at 5pm by Radio Solent’s Drive Time Presenter Steve Harris. Voice of Ferndown winners sing carols under the clock tower. West End performer Richard Sidaway sings in the Stone Lounge where you can enjoy a free mince pie and a glass of mulled wine from 5pm.

30 November 10am-1pm

Waggy Tails Rescue Christmas Fayre at St John’s Church, Ashley Road, Parkstone. Doggy treats, crafts, cakes and general Christmas gifts.

30 November – starts 4.15pm

Christchurch Christmas Parade with live reindeer. 4.30pm for the lights switch on. See page 14 for all the details.

7 December from 10.30am Parade 1.25pm

Broadstone Parade and Christmas market. See pages 25-27 for details.

7 December 10am-3pm

Hollyberry Fair, Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Plenty of stalls with great Christmas gifts. Santa’s grotto.

Entrance includes free raffle ticket for super hampers.

8 December 10.30am-12 noon

Inaugural Jingle Jog at Bournemouth Pier raising funds for Diverse Abilities Plus. 3k and 6k, plus children’s 1.5k fun run along Bournemouth seafront.

Head boppers with bells on and a t-shirt for all who take part, so you jingle while you jog. Entry £10pp + min sponsorship £30. Children up to 16 years £5 + min sponsorship £15. Children under 6 FREE to be accompanied by parent or guardian participant on 1.5k route. 01202 718266.

14 December

Christmas Extravaganza, Ferrett Green, Verwood. Mulled wine, hot drinks, Santa’s grotto, carols round the Christmas tree. Usually 5-8pm. Tel: Verwood Town Council 01202 820880.

14 December 2.30pm

Save the Children Parade, Wimborne.

Parade of floats with Snow Queen and Father Christmas followed by street entertainment. Lots going on in the morning too.

20 December

Rock bands Slade and Sweet are playing at Lighthouse Poole. Tickets £27.50, £25.50, £21.50. www. lighthousepoole.co.uk or 0844 406 8666. Look out for the competition in this magazine to win a pair of tickets to this show of legends or visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk to enter.

Christmas is coming - advertising feature -

TO POOLE

The countdown to Christmas has begun and the Dolphin shopping centre, Poole, is this year spreading the festive cheer right up until Christmas Eve, kicking off with the much loved Santa Parade on Sunday November 17.

From 10.00am, the Dolphin shopping centre and Poole Town Centre Partnership will be providing free Christmas themed entertainment for the whole family.

The parade celebrates the arrival of Santa in the Dolphin shopping centre and the jolly fellow himself, along with his crew of trusty elves, will welcome children to his enchanting grotto. Entry to the grotto is £4.50 and each child will receive a gift from Santa himself.

The Dolphin shopping centre is keen to make Christmas shopping as easy as possible this year by offering extended shopping hours in the run up to the big day and free car parking in conjunction with Poole Borough Council.

The following dates and times for free car parking are: 6.00pm to 9.00pm: Thursday November 28 Thursday December 5 Thursday December 12 Thursday December 19 All day: Sunday November 17 Sunday November 24 Sunday December 1 Sunday December 8 Sunday December 15 Sunday December 22

For further information please visit: www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk

7 December 7pm

Verwood Choral Society Christmas Concert, Methodist Church, Vicarage Road, Verwood. An evening of Christmas carols and other festive pieces. Tickets on the door. All profits to the Children’s Society.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

29

coffee break fiction

Congratulations!

Retired civil servant, Tony Oswick, is the winner of this year’s Creative Writing Awards. A proud granddad, he lives in Clacton-on-Sea and is married with three grown-up children.

He plays table tennis “badly but regularly,” is a supporter of Essex cricket (in the summer) and FC Clacton (in winter).

A founder member of ‘The Seaview Scribblers’ writing group he said, “I am greatly honoured and really pleased to have won.”

Here is Tony Oswick’s winning story

Tony Oswick

Spacemen from the Stars

P

rofessor Conrad Sanderson held his breath.

His assistant, Fergus Poole, stood silent beside him. The rat ignored them both as it meandered around the clearing, its tail guiding like a rudder, its black eyes glimmering in the semi-darkness, its nose twitching as it searched out grubs. The creature’s ears flattened as if sensing a distant sound but, hearing nothing, continued its foraging. For the last four decades, Professor Sanderson had studied rats of every shape, size and breed on all five Continents. Now, here in the half-light of the South American jungle, was the Holy Grail, the culmination of a lifetime’s work. Abrocoma aureus. The Venezuelan golden rat.

The two naturalists watched the rat scurry around the undergrowth, silently urging it to stray towards their carefully-set trap. On cue, the rat spied the pile of juicy grubs and, with a spring, dived towards them. As it did so, the door of the trap clicked shut, snaring the rat in the wire cage.

Fergus signalled a thumbs-up, aimed his torch at the cage and watched the Professor’s smile of success as he lifted the golden rat to eye-level. It was the first time a human being had ever seen a Venezuelan golden rat - and the first time a Venezuelan golden rat had seen a human being.

Time was of the essence. First sedation, then examination and documentation back at base camp in preparation for later analysis, and finally back to the clearing to return the rat to its home.

So it was that, five hours later, Fergus Poole returned to the clearing to release the rat back into the jungle. He shone his torch at the cage, opened the door and, like a greyhound out of a trap, the golden rat scuttled into the undergrowth to search out the safety of its burrow.

In her burrow, the female golden rat was worried.

Her whiskers quivered in anxiety. Where was he? Her mate had been gone too long. Had a snake or bird of prey got him? How would she cope on her own with a litter of twelve youngsters - and another brood on the way?

Then she heard his familiar pattering. “Where on earth have you been? I’ve been worried sick.

There was I thinking our children would be fatherless orphans.” The words gushed like a torrent.

“Calm down woman,” said her mate. “You won’t believe what’s happened”.

The female sighed. “I’m all ears. Tell me.”

“Well, I was sniffing around in the clearing as usual when I saw a heap of grubs. The next thing I know, I’m trapped in a cage. There was a blinding light in my eyes and this ugly monster lifted me up and stared at me. I just played dumb. Then another monster arrived, chattering in some foreign language. They carted me off to a creepy-looking place and - wait for it - stuck something in me. I blacked out.”

The rat sensed the female’s scepticism. “Yes, I know it sounds strange but hear me out. The next thing I know I’m in the cage but back in the undergrowth. I thought I was a goner. Then there

30

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

was another flash and the cage door opened. Well, I ran back here as quick as you like.”

The female rat raised her eyebrows. “And you expect me to believe that?”

“How many times have I told you not to eat those berries? They do things to your mind. Monsters?

Traps? Lights?”

“But it’s the truth. Every single word.”

“How many times have I told you not to eat those berries? They do things to your mind. Monsters?

Traps? Lights? What do you take me for? Or have you been to that other burrow - with her? You promised you’d never go there again. Do you think I’m a fool?” And with that she huffed, turned her back on him and went straight to sleep.

Five thousand miles away, Molly Behrens is sitting in a Devon police station. It’s the village constable’s house but the front room doubles-up as the station office.

Constable Derek Prosser is a patient man but Molly Behrens is the last person he wants to see.

She lives in a cottage on the edge of the moors, three miles away. Sometimes she becomes fixated about someone - or something.

“But I tells you Constable, I sees it with my own eyes. I were locking hens up at seven o’clock. Moon and stars were all out, not a cloud in the sky, when I notices one of the stars light up brighter than the rest. Then it sort of explodes and I see something shiny coming towards me - and this gigantic saucershaped spacecraft lands no more’n a hundred yards away. Silver it were, glowing like hot metal. Before I has time to think, the light goes out, there were a big wind and I were blown off my feet through the door of the spacecraft.”

Constable Prosser groans.

“I were in this huge room, big as a mansion it were, white with coloured buttons on the ceiling. Four weird creatures comes towards me, slimy-looking things covered in green scales, with no arms or legs, shuffling like blobs of Plasticine and making a humming noise. I feels a pain in the back of my head and I passes out. When I comes round, I were back outside hen-house. No spacecraft, no lights, no wind, no nothing. Just me and the hens. I looks at my watch. It were midnight. Five hours had gone. I were in the spacecraft all that time. I tells you, Constable, I were abducted by aliens.”

“All very interesting but don’t you think it’s a bit far-fetched, Molly? Like a bad dream?” Molly tries to interrupt but Constable Prosser raises his hand.

“Why don’t you go home and get a good night’s rest?

I’ll give you a lift home and check to make sure the aliens” - he stifles a giggle - “have gone home.”

Molly understands. Everyone thinks she’s a crank.

But she knows the truth. She knows what happened.

And nobody will persuade her otherwise.

November 2013

ARIES 21 March–20 April Someone older or younger will express romantic interest in you as the month matures, but you will probably prefer not to get involved as you think through what the possible consequences might be. Take care not to repeat the details of a private conversation around the 24th. You’ll be called upon to share your expertise with a receptive audience as the month draws to an end.

TAURUS 21 April–21 May An engagement or marriage will be announced and there’s a good chance you will be half of the couple that is being toasted. If you’re celebrating someone else’s good fortune, you will meet someone special at this festive occasion. A programme of personal improvement pays off around the 17th. Take this opportunity to go on a romantic vacation. Money from an inheritance, refund, or legal settlement lands in your bank account in the final days of the month.

GEMINI 22 May–21 June November kicks off with an exciting work opportunity.

It will involve restoring shabby items to their original beauty, or protecting the environment from abuse. Starting on the 15th, you’ll be able to devote all your attention to domestic pursuits. An exciting engagement or wedding announcement reaches you toward the end of November.

If you’re the one who is making a romantic commitment, let your friends throw a big party in your honour.

CANCER 22 June–23 July November adds heat to a romantic relationship. It will be practically impossible to keep your hands off your lover. The two of you may decide to take a few days off to enjoy each other’s company.

Don’t be surprised if you are inspired to write a song, poem, or short story based on this interlude. Launch a health regime in the final days of November. If you start cutting calories now, you’ll avoid putting on weight that usually comes with the holiday season.

coffee break fiction MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

LIBRA 24 September–23 October An exciting moneymaking opportunity falls into your lap in early November. This is cause for celebration! Happily, your friends and family are delighted with your good fortune, and will be eager to raise their glasses. Money from an inheritance, refund, or legal settlement will arrive at mid-month, helping you buy some creature comforts. Once November turns into December, you’ll be ready to take a short trip for pleasure. If you’re in a relationship, invite your amour to choose the destination.

LEO 24 July–23 August The opening days of November are ideal for property deals, whether you want to sell or buy. Don’t worry if you’ve been turned down for bank loans in the past. You’ll get the green light this time. Alternatively, a generous relative will give you the money for a down payment.

An award, promotion, or raise will be rewarded to you in the second half of November. If you have your own business, go ahead and raise your rates. People will be happy to pay more money for your expertise.

SCORPIO 24 October–22 November A power struggle erupts between you and a colleague in early November. You’re tired of walking on eggshells with this character. It may be necessary to get a mediator to referee this fight. An intriguing email, text message, or voice mail sends shivers up your spine at mid-month. It looks as if an admirer is intent on seducing you. The turning point will arrive on the 17th, when you decide to cast your fate with this passionate lover. An unusual earning opportunity arrives at the end of November, giving you a great deal more freedom.

VIRGO 24 August–23 September The opening days of November are perfect for launching a blog or joining a social network site.

Several people from your past will get in touch. You may even be tempted to rekindle a romance with an ex-lover and you can make a successful go of things this time around. If you’re already in a relationship, take a short trip with your amour. This should be an adults only vacation. Think about making some home improvements as November draws to a close. Building an addition or redecorating your bedroom will be a wonderful use of your time.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November–21 December A profound spiritual breakthrough will occur around the 3rd. This will prompt you to extend an olive branch to someone with whom you’ve been warring. You’ll be able to put a lingering resentment to rest. An old lover will try to make their way back into your life. Be careful about getting involved. The results of a fitness regime pay off midmonth. Don’t be surprised when several admirers try to win your heart. Cast your lot with the person with an earthy laugh.

The month closes on an exciting note, when a creative project gets rave reviews.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

CAPRICORN 22 December–20 January Your social circle expands in exciting ways at the beginning of November. You’re about to meet some impressive experts.

Use these contacts to get a job or favour. Host a glamorous party. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special at this gathering. The two of you will share an earthy sense of humour and will spend the majority of your time laughing at each other’s jokes. By the end of November, you should scale back your social life. A little rest and relaxation will help you recharge your batteries, just in time for the festive season.

AQUARIUS 21 January–19 February If you’re single, you’ll have the chance to team up with a witty, intelligent suitor who makes you laugh. If this relationship is going to last, you need to enjoy a long courtship phase. Resist the urge to buy your lover’s affection with expensive gifts. The two of you can be happy living on very little money. That’s because you share so many interests and the chemistry between you is intense. A friend will invite you to take a short trip at the end of November. This will be a welcome chance to relax before Christmas gets underway.

PISCES 20 February–20 March A chance to teach, write or travel for money will be presented to you on or around the 3rd. You’ll even be able to take along a friend for company. The change of scenery will also stimulate your creativity, especially at mid-month. Take this opportunity to write, play music, paint, or dance. You’ll be able to focus on the activities you love without a qualm. Sign up for a class in the second half of November. The intellectual stimulation will bring a welcome relief from all the commercialism that comes with the festive season.

November 2013 4Dorset

31

Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

RUSSELL GRANT’S

specialist services

To advertise your service in our Specialst Services contact Russell Harness on 01202 816140 CARPET CLEANING

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

DECORATING

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

GARAGE DOORS

FENCING

INTERIOR DESIGN

STAIR PARTS

LOCKSMITHS

TREE SURGERY

32

4Dorset November 2013

TILING SUPPLIERS

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

ROOFING

To advertise your service in our Specialst Services contact Russell Harness on 01202 816140 WINDOW REPAIRS

specialist services

WINDOW REPAIRS

Compulsory chips from 2016

Volunteers always required

The government is bringing in compulsory microchipping for all dogs in England from 6 April 2016. Those who do not comply could face fines of up to £500.

Owners will be able to get their dogs chipped for free at Dogs Trust centres and Blue Cross rehoming centres. To find out more go to www.facebook.com/ Chipmydog

More reserve drivers are needed who would be willing once or twice a year to take elderly people from Christchurch or Ferndown to volunteer hosts and hostesses for Sunday afternoon tea. Also more volunteer hosts and hostesses are needed to entertain up to six elderly people and two car drivers once or twice a year. A downstairs cloakroom is a must. Call Carolyn Dennis 01202 424482.

FREEADS

Proceed with caution when buying privately. mags4dorset cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

These advertisements may also appear in Viewpoint magazine. Please ensure you make it clear you are not a tradesperson or your advert will not appear.

3-seater leather settee yellow. £300 ono. Tel: Ringwood: 01425 473744 Glass top tables £10. Nest 3 Mahogany Tables £6. Ringwood 01425 471682 3m Fibre-glass dinghy, ideal for river or estuary wildfowling, fishing, galvanised trailer, winch, 24 Johnson outboard engine. £375 ono. Ringwood 01425 476188 Slendertone hi-fi system converts vinyl tapered to CD without computer. £75 ono. Verwood 01202 821137 Black leather ¾ length coat.

Ladies size 16. Never worn. £75.

Fordingbridge 07867 813213 3 cycle carrier for a car. Never used. £20. West Moors 01202 892179 Kitchen dining chairs – 3 with white woden frames and blue leatherette seats. VGC. £10. West Moors 01202 872179 Upholstered caravan/beach hut seating, with back/arm rests. 2 bases 72” x 28”, 1 base 59” x 18”. New high density foam. Bargain £100.

Ringwood 01425 483158.

Rigid shell suitcase, large, lockable, used once. £25. Caravan motor-mover £225. Wimborne 01202 886757 Angling or boating waders, size 10, worn once. £15. Chicco Car Seat, used once. 15-36kg. Size 2. Immaculate. £30. Verwood 01202 824615 Xena XX14 motorcycle disc lock as new £30. Hein Gericke indoor m/ cycle cover, large £10. Verwood 01202 813654 Electric stove (fire) up to 2Kw, black cast iron, ex con and working order. £50. Fordingbridge 01425 652124 Phillips Home Theatre system £25.

Wimborne 01202 891492 Cabinet, dark oak LED/light glass with 2 bottom cupboards. W37”, H55”. £60.

Ringwood 01425 473024 Ercol Golden Dawn mural range single glazed wall cupboard and corner shelf, to use together or separate. As new £70. Corfe Mullen 01202 696335 Two extended wing mirrors £20.

Caravan tow-ball lock £10. Both used once. Verwood 01202 814059.

Caravan Trio Sport 900 Full Awning, burgundy/grey, steel poles £125 ono.

Waste container 23 litres £5. West Moors 01202 876012

Monks chair/bench, drop down/chest.

Needs TLC. £120 ono. Ferndown 01202 875264.

Two metal filing cabinets. Height 26” vgc. £17.50. Ferndown. 01202 872596

Wheelchair, as new (used twice) push or self propelled. £25. St Ives 01425 471893 Several ladies’ dresses size 16. £7 to £10. Assortment of costume jewellery, good quality. Buyer to make a reasonable offer. West Moors 01202 871829 Upright paraffin heater £10. Bath Seat new £15. Verwood 01202 824643

Toyota roof bars/rack lockable £20.

Toyota cargo net £20. Genuine parts.

Wimborne 01202 696335.

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person. Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

Name:...........................................................................................................................................

Address:....................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................

Item for Sale (short description max 25 words):...................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................

Price:.............................................................................................................................................

Telephone Number:.....................................................................................................................

DECLARATION: PLEASE CROSS OUT THE STATEMENT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU AND SIGN THE FORM BEFORE POSTING.

I confirm I am not a tradesperson | I am a tradesperson and enclose a cheque for £36 PER ITEM including VAT Signature …...................................................Date ….............................

TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of all advertisements Page & Pulford Limited (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply 4Dorset accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of 4Dorset. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

March 2013

Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them.

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 28 days prior to copy date.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears.

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent.

Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from 4Dorset and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

November 2013 4Dorset

33

motoring

MIGHTY MOTORING MARVELS Stephen Turvil test drives the Jaguar F-TYPE 5.0 V8 S

Oops! The Jaguar F-TYPE 5.0 V8 S has been called a “big cat” by enthusiasts.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Why?

Because whereas this term has traditionally – and correctly – described the company’s vehicles, it is not adequate here. It is like referring to a man-eating shark as a goldfish.

So, let us consider this convertible’s staggering credentials.

Power comes from a supercharged petrol engine that propels 495PS thorough eight-speed transmission to the rear wheels. This gearbox enables the motorist to cruise in fully automatic mode or flick between the cogs manually via paddles behind the steering wheel. The result is 0 to 62mph in 4.3 seconds and 186mph. Fantastic - but there are countless cars that accelerate like a cheetah chasing its lunch. The F-TYPE’s edge is how it performs. So, plant the throttle into the sumptuous carpet and g-force pins the driver to his/her seat and the exhaust roars loud enough to wake the dinosaurs.

In contrast, feather the gas and it burbles in the most enticing manner.

Now, these characteristics might sound irrelevant to some but they are important. Why? Because whereas family cars are judged on practicality, etc sports cars are judged on how they fire the motorist’s senses to life. On these terms alone this car is extraordinary.

The Jaguar F-TYPE 5.0 V8 S has rock-solid handling to complement its performance. As such, it sticks to the road like a possessed leach and has a comfortable ride (for a sports car). These strengths complement the beautifully weighted and precise steering. And there is more.

The styling, for starters, is beyond striking thanks to the muscular lines and the electric roof moves into position quickly. Furthermore, when the motorist unlocks the vehicle, its door handles – that sit flush with the bodywork

to maximise aerodynamic efficiency – emerge from their housings to provide access. The vents in the centre of the dashboard perform a similar trick. Once inside, the motorist sits low and is cosseted by the high doors and sumptuous interior that incorporates a large, touch screen, display. This controls numerous functions and operates intuitively. The same cannot be said for a large number of modern vehicles.

So, what we have is a fast, thrilling throaty sports car - one of the top dogs in its class. All from £79,985.

Bournemouth takes pole position The smell of burning rubber, screeching tyres and a throaty roar was heard in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens on 16 October as Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One championship car sped through for a demonstration and taster of what’s to come at the new Wheels Festival next year.

Put it in your diary now – May 24-26 May 2014.

The new festival will jump start the already free summer event programme. It is set to be Britain’s biggest FREE wheels themed family festival, packed with high energy events across the town: · A stunning Pier Jump on a motorbike – a ramp is placed on sand on one side

of the pier and the rider literally jumps to the other side. · Vintage sports car demonstrations · Evening family entertainment with wheel themed films, live music and fireworks · Monster Truck demonstrations on the beach · BMX Team – Extreme displays · Pedal Power nightglow procession · Family fun with Unicycles · Grand Prix Road Bike Racing · Interactive displays · FMX (Freestyle Motorcross) Bike displays on the beach · Dakar Rally Car demonstrations · Explore inside amazing vehicles · Skateboard stunts

More exciting and unique content has yet to be announced.

Andrew Francis, Chair of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, said: “Local businesses are very excited about having another high profile event in the town, helping to boost trade and increase footfall in Bournemouth. This event will be spread across various pockets of the town with town centre shows and parades.”

ing

l is expected to br

The Wheels Festiva

around 360,000 people to Bournemouth.

34

4Dorset November 2013

www.mags4dorset.co.uk