4Dorset October 2015 by Dorset View

Your Independent Local Magazine

4DORSET

October 2015 Volume 13 Issue 3

4DORSET Hello Readers, Volume 13 • Issue 3 • October 2015

editor Janine Pulford

editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

assistant editor Liz Turner news@mags4dorset.co.uk

managing director Ben Pulford design@mags4dorset.co.uk

design director Louis Pulford

BrightBox Designs 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

graphic designer Daniel Lee

design4dorset@btconnect.com

account managers

Mark Beechey sales@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk

company secretary Nick Pulford accounts4dorset@btconnect.com

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 £35 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.

Having been invited to the Relay For Life ‘thank you’ presentation evening last month, we were over the moon when Karen Lynch announced that the final total raised for Cancer Research UK by the 24-hour relay in July, was four times the amount the teams were challenged to raise. Relay For Life Bournemouth and East Dorset is our charity of the year and we are proud to support such a deserving cause. The donated column space in our magazines has enabled the committee to explain what the relay involved and encouraged our readers to take part. Although the relay is over for this year, the columns will continue until December, with the aim of inspiring even more readers to enter teams in 2016. This year’s relay proved to be a moving experience. mags4dorset also made a donation at the presentation evening to boost the teams’ impressive fundraising total. See page 16. How are you getting along with the A338 road and lane closures? We’ve heard some awful stories, especially around Bournemouth Hospital, which I am going to put to the test just after this magazine goes to print. I have to take Mum to the eye hospital and we will set off in good time, but are dreading the thought of sitting in a traffic jam for 90 minutes to get home afterwards. Luckily Mum’s appointment is not on ‘terrible’ Tuesday, which is apparently the worst day for congestion at the hospital. Enjoy this magazine. It is the last 4Dorset that my temporary assistant Jasmine will be working on. She has brightened the office with her creative style and enthusiasm for the job. It has been a great pleasure to work with such a helpful university student and we wish her all the very best for a rosy future.

Contents

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

Around & About / Half Term Activities 28-31 Competitions 25-27 & 29 Exclusive interview with Matt Black 18 Health 16 Horoscopes 39 Pets Page 24 Specialist Services 37-39 Ferndown News 20-23

Write to: The Editor, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

16 OCTOBER 2015 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

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

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

Badger cull moves to Dorset

Slammed by Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) as a misguided attempt to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis, the badger cull in Dorset has been given the go-ahead by the government. As many as 835 of these iconic British wild animals could be destroyed by those sanctioned to shoot freerunning badgers at night. DWT argues that their badger vaccination programme, started in 2013

on selected nature reserves, could demonstrate that there are alternatives to badger culling. The conservation charity will not allow badger culling on any of its 44 nature reserves in Dorset and is urging people to visit www. wildlifetrusts.org.uk/badgers to download a letter template and write to their MP. DWT’s Chief Executive, Dr Simon Cripps said, “The decision to carry out a badger cull in Dorset

flies in the face of scientific evidence, public opinion and the wishes of parliament. The culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire have already shown to be neither effective nor humane, and as a result, a failure. The cost of culling is also high, at £3,353 per badger during the trial culls of 2013 and this doesn’t include policing costs. Dorset Wildlife Trust owns a herd of cattle itself, so we understand how deeply concerned

farmers in Dorset are for their livestock contracting this terrible disease, but we will continue to support alternatives to culling that have a far better chance of restricting the disease. Culling badgers is not the answer.” The initial cull locations have been identified in North Dorset around the Shaftesbury to Ibberton areas. Visit www.badger-killers. co.uk/where/ for a map.

Strong voice for local chamber Ferndown Chamber of Commerce (FCOC) held its first meeting, following its affiliation with Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), on 1 September at the Barrington Theatre. Ian Girling, DCCI’s chief executive spoke about the coming together of the chambers, outlining the benefits including joint events, and training and working together on key issues. He also praised Ferndown Chamber’s website, which he said was “fresh.” He wanted to involve FCOC with Business Pulse, a snapshot survey and said he intended to meet with

4 |

4DORSET October 2015

FCOC on a quarterly basis. In 2016, he aims to bring all six affiliated chambers together to meet each other and exchange ideas. FCOC meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Barrington Theatre and welcomes new members.

FCOC executive committee with Ian Girling (fourth from left)

Visit www. ferndownchamber.org.uk for more about FCOC Visit www.dcci.co.uk for more about DCCI

Dame Annette Brooke

ongratulations to Annette Brooke, who is not only the longest-serving female Liberal Democrat MP in history, but was recently made a Dame in the dissolution honours list. She said, “It is a huge privileged to receive this honour and I would like to thank so many of those who have supported and helped me in many different ways over the years. “I am very conscious that the honours system is not

able to reward all the unsung heroines and heroes in our society and also that I have been so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with the help of so many people.” Annette served the Mid-Dorset and North Poole constituency since she was first elected in 2001, right up until she retired earlier this year. She was awarded an OBE in 2013 for her public and political service and was made a member of the Privy Council last year.

Annette has campaigned tirelessly for good causes as can be seen from the gallery, which illustrates some of those she supported as an MP in the year or so leading up to her retirement.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

TO ADVERTISE IN 4DORSET Call 01202 816140 or 870270

DORSET’S FIRST RISE

in reported crime for 18 years Dorset Police is one of 29 out of all 43 police forces nationwide to have recorded increases in reported crimes

Martyn Underhill

6 |

4DORSET October 2015

The announcement follows the release of local crime statistics for the first quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, (April–June). Chief Constable of Dorset Police, Debbie Simpson, said: “The number of crimes reported has increased by 12% comparing April to June 2015 with the same period last year. This is mostly due to an increase in lower level, higher volume crimes, changes to our crime recording system and as a result of the increased faith people have in the police when it comes to reporting non-recent sexual offences and domestic abuse. “Although the number of reported crimes has increased in Dorset, this mirrors a trend already noticed nationwide and so, unfortunately, it was expected to happen at some time this year. 29 out of 43 police forces nationally have already seen increases in the number of crimes reported. “It should be noted that crime rates in Dorset and other smaller forces generally follow the patterns of larger forces up to a year later. For example, nationally there was an increase in violent crime reported 12 months ago and Dorset has only recently seen the same developing trend. “Since the high-profile inquiry into Jimmy Savile, more people have reported non-recent sexual offences leading to an increase of 20% in sexual offences in Dorset. That, coupled with a nearly 30% increase in violent crimes, many of which do not involve physical violence, has had an impact on our overall reported crime. While we have seen increases in some types of crime, it is important to recognise that we have also seen reductions in others, such as burglaries reducing by around 8%.

...the force wanted to explain the rise and reassure that Dorset is still one of the safest places in the country

“Just as significantly as the volume of crime increasing, the type of crime we now respond to is often more complex and time-consuming than it was five or 10 years ago. New types of offences are being committed online and, even for crimes such as fraud and harassment that take place offline, there is often a need to examine computers and phones. This has required us to change our approach to how we investigate many offences and to invest in new technology.” In May 2015, Dorset Police introduced a new computer system. This has improved the quality of crime information gathered and provides greater scrutiny to ensure accurate crime recording. Mandatory changes to Home Office rules regarding how crimes should be recorded have also impacted the number of reported crimes. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Martyn Underhill, commented: “As PCC, I have always been clear to the people of Dorset that I believed reported crime would show an increase during my term of office. This is because crime cannot continue to go down indefinitely – 18 years of decreasing crime in Dorset is an astonishing result. “The local rise also sits against a backdrop of crime increasing across the country, so we must not lose sight that Dorset is still one of the safest counties in England and Wales. “The public can also be reassured that Dorset Police and other forces are now recording crime more fully and accurately than ever before. Because of local and national pressure, a call which, two years ago may have been considered as ‘information only’ or an ‘incident’ is now recorded as a crime. “During my term in office, the force has become better at responding to victims’ needs, whether that’s in how crimes are recorded or the care given afterwards. This understandably increases individuals’ and the wider public’s confidence to report crime to the police. It must not be forgotten that much of the recorded increase is due to these higher confidence levels and new ways of recording, rather than additional crime being committed.” Dorset Police usually announces crime figures after a whole year, but with this quarter’s data showing the first increase in reported crime for over 18 years, the force wanted to explain the rise and reassure that Dorset is still one of the safest places in the country.

A week after the crime statistics were released, Martyn Underhill announced his intention to appoint 52-year-old Colin Pipe from Bournemouth as his Deputy Police Crime Commissioner. He said the appointment will provide invaluable support to his role without imposing a cost on the public as Mr Pipe has agreed to undertake the role in a voluntary capacity until May 2016.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

Classic Clapton

Rowing across the Channel courtesy of Brittany Ferries

The Regent Centre, Christchurch 12 September REVIEW BY JANINE PULFORD

Gulliver Explorer Scout Unit, part of 1st Lilliput Sea Scouts, Poole, have embarked on an exciting fundraising effort in partnership with the Youth Cancer Trust (YCT), Alum Chine, Westbourne. Their aim? To row from Poole to Cherbourg and back again… courtesy of Brittany Ferries. The 14 Explorer Scouts (14 to 17 Years of age) and 3 leaders (62 to 68) will be aboard the back of a Brittany ferry on rowing machines, while the ferry carries them to France and back. They hope to row so fast that they will achieve the distance quicker than the ferry, whilst raising money for holidays for young cancer patients and replacement equipment for the Explorer Scouts. If you want to help them hit their fundraising target of £5,000, you can donate £10 by texting GESS62 £10 to 70070. Please remember to gift-aid your donation. Alternatively follow this link www.justgiving.com/ Gulliver-Explorer-Sea-Scouts The event took place on 19 September after 4Dorset went to print, so let’s hope they beat the ferry and raised buckets full of money at the same time.

8 |

4DORSET October 2015

Billed as the World’s No 1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band, lead guitar/vocalist Mike Hall and his band hit the spot. It was Classic Clapton’s third visit to the Regent and they pulled in a big audience, keen to join in. They even belted out “cocaine” – anyone who knows the song will know what I mean. The band powered through classics including I Feel Free and White Room (Cream) and For Your Love (Yardbirds). Pure bubbles of awesomeness. Other great tunes laced everything together: Lay Down Sally, I Shot The Sheriff, While My Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison) and Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix) - brilliantly played and Mike even gave 4Dorset a shoutout. Wonderful Tonight was indeed wonderful, and Promises totally mellowed the audience and got them singing. Mike and Dave played a chilled ‹unplugged› version of Layla (Derek and the Dominos), but the electric version wasn’t far away. It’s one of those songs that has to be executed well and Classic Clapton pulled it off. What a top band, bringing great entertainment to the Regent and it has to be said that Mike’s exceptional skill on lead guitar shone through and his persona took on the uncanny appearance of Clapton himself. Paul Warren on keyboards, Danny Davison, drums, and Dave Robson, bass guitar, were equally applauded for their skills. As the evening came to a close, Mike announced he would be semi-retiring at Christmas and that most of the band’s gigs would be in the Newcastle area. This didn’t phase June and Ken from Luton. They had already attended 27 gigs and told mags4dorset they intended to carry on supporting the band ‘up north.’ Do try and get to see Classic Clapton because Mike Hall really is the next best thing to the man himself.

‘Gazza’ turns out for charity golf day

L-R Anthony Rogers, Paul Gascoigne and Tony Brown

The 13th annual Sarah Green Golf Day saw 88 golfers along with footballing legend Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne, play in the event. Held at Canford Magna Golf Course on 4 September, over 100 guests attended the evening function. More than £8,000 was raised, bringing the overall total to nearly £70,000 since the event began. All proceeds are donated to Macmillan Cancer Trust at Christchurch Hospital. Organised by Anthony Rogers, Gavin Trimnell and Tony Brown, along with the huge support of their families and friends, the event is held in memory of Sarah, who was brought up and lived in Ferndown. She

was diagnosed with leukaemia in childhood and despite fighting an inspirational and courageous battle, she sadly died in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital aged 31. The second daughter of David and Rosaleen Rogers, sister to Clair, Paul, Anthony and Mark and loving wife to John Green, Sarah wished to support the Macmillan unit. Her family and friends have strived to achieve this over the last 13 years.

Cannabis haul at Matchams

Local police recovered a large number of cannabis plants being grown in a wooded area at Matchams Viewpoint. PCSO Adam Fitzwalter of Dorset Police said, “We estimate the yield of these plants to have a value of several thousand pounds. National intelligence suggests that over 60% of cannabis consumed in the UK is now home grown.”

Criminal Behaviour Order for vile act A man who was videoed pulling the head off a woodpigeon that was posted on Facebook has been handed a five year Criminal Behaviour Order. Scott Matthew Cochrane, 25, of Poole, was issued with the Criminal Behaviour Order by Bournemouth Crown Court, which started on 28 August. He was convicted at the same court on 26 February 2015 of killing a wild bird and given a six-month conditional discharge. Police Sergeant Andy Napper, of Rossmore, Alderney, Branksome and Newtown Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Cochrane has been involved in a number of anti-social incidents over recent years, and he was responsible for callously killing a bird. This order sends a strong message that we will be tough on those who commit rural crime, animal cruelty and anti-social behaviour in Dorset.”

10 |

4DORSET October 2015

Navitus Bay wind park rejected “Common sense has prevailed and our beautiful natural environment, coastline and dependent tourist industry have been protected for future generations,” said Leader of Bournemouth Council, Cllr John Beesley, after the Energy Minister Lord Bourne announced that development consent had been refused for the proposed Navitus Bay offshore wind park. Cllr Ray Nottage, Leader of Christchurch Borough Council, added: “We are delighted with the decision made by the Secretary of State regarding the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm. We consulted with our residents some time ago as to whether they supported the idea of a wind farm and they overwhelmingly told us that they did not.” The National Trust also welcomed the news. “We always believed that this is the wrong proposal for this location and will lead to damage of a beautiful coastline,” said Ian Wilson, Assistant Director of Operations for the National Trust in the South West. “We commissioned our own study and found the wind park would negatively impact on these important landscapes and seascapes of nearby coastlines.” Des Simmons, MD of Bournecoats Ltd and Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) said: “We warmly welcome the government’s decision to reject Navitus Bay which would have damaged one of the UK’s most environmentally sensitive landscapes and hit local tourism business hard. “BTMB is pleased that the government has listened to local business concerns about the environmental and consequential economic impact Navitus Bay was forecast to have.” Cllr John Beesley added, “I would like to thank the local residents, businesses, Poole and Christchurch Bays’ Association, Challenge Navitus and our MPs who have campaigned so passionately against this scheme. We now look forward to continuing to grow Bournemouth’s position as a leading national and international tourist destination as further investment flows into the town.” Stuart Grant, Project Director at Navitus Bay said: “While we are clearly disappointed by today’s [11 September] decision, we would like to thank the communities of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and all our stakeholders for the high level of engagement they’ve shown in the project, including their responses to our consultations and during the examination process. During the past five years, the project team has carried out comprehensive stakeholder and community consultation. We will now discuss the options available with our shareholders and update stakeholders in due course.” What are your views? Email the editor Janine Pulford on editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk and let her know or post on Facebook: mags4dorset.news

Sue Ryder calls for creative volunteers

Verwood winner – 4Dorset July

Chris Harris from Verwood won tickets to see Nathan Carter at the Regent Centre in Christchurch. The answer was 10.

ue Ryder in West Moors is looking for volunteers with a difference. Can you knit or sew? Do you have a creative mind bursting with ideas? If yes, then Sue needs you! Help up-cycle furniture and make items from spare fabric and bric-a-brac. You can do this from the comfort of your own home and your makes will be sold in store, with materials provided from the shop’s stock. If you’re not creative-minded, don’t worry! You can still be very valuable as a volunteer to help out in the shop. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get creative and make a difference in your community. For more information and to express interest in the project, visit Liz or Jackie at Sue Ryder on Station Road, West Moors, or phone 01202 890293.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 11

By Janine Pulford These exotic vegetables come all the way from Bangladesh and are thriving in a Dorset garden They flourish in hot temperatures, so it’s hard to believe that this English summer could have tempted them to grow so large, but gardener Nizzam Ahmed holds the answer. “Every morning I come outside with a cup of tea and spend about an hour talking to them.” And what if it’s raining? “I shelter in the car in the drive,” he explains. The love he has for his plants and flowers is evident wherever you look. We featured Nizzam’s gigantic vegetables five years ago when his grandson was a baby. Raihan is now five and he has a sister Amina, aged one. They are both fascinated by the produce their grandfather grows. Not only that, they enjoy the flavours too. Nizzam has such green fingers, the family are self-sufficient for around three

to four months of the year and friends, neighbours and family also benefit from the glut when everything ripens at once. There are aubergines, chillis, Indian runner beans, spinach (that grew eight feet tall), tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, rhubarb, apples, pears and of course the giant ‘lau’ or marrow as we would call it. This hanging version is grown in Bangladesh, where Nizzam was born, and he enjoys having a little corner of Bangladesh in his sunny Broadstone garden. Some readers will recognise him because he used to own Moonlight Indian Restaurant in the town, but these days he is happy to tend his garden in retirement and says, “I am very lucky to be able to grow all these in this country. The garden is a sun-trap.”

Nizzam’s Dorest naga

The Bangladeshi vegetables transport him back to his home country with their delicious flavours, but there is one Dorset plant that he really couldn’t do without. Any guesses as to what it could be? “It’s the hottest in the world and we love it,” he gives a clue before showing me the prized Dorset naga chilli in his greenhouse, but his tip to using it is: “Cook just one whole in whatever you are making because if you cut it, the heat will become too intense.” Well I’d never thought of that – had you?

8 mags4dorset th

Creative Writing Awards (Fiction) Last year’s creative writing competition was a huge success with the online publication of Lacey Lightfoot goes to…

8th Creative Writing Awards 2015 Entry Form NAME.............................................................. ......................................................................... ADDRESS ......................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ........................................................................... EMAIL........................................................ STORY TITLES................................................. ........................................................................... ........................................................................... ...........................................................................

12 |

4DORSET October 2015

L-R RUBAL AND AMINA (1), RAIHAN (5) AND NIZZAM AHMED

This sparkling anthology by a collection of outstanding authors is available from Amazon for £1.99 and all the proceeds are being donated to Relay For Life Bournemouth and East Dorset for Cancer Research UK. If you haven’t yet purchased a copy, then why not do so now. The money is going to a great cause. The short story competition this year, in comparison, is short and sweet. Length approximately 1,000 words on one of the following: ‘Girl on a bus’, “The thief next door’ or ‘The worst interview of my life.’ Please include a

covering sheet and do not put your name on the manuscript. Use double spacing and submit typed entries only. Closing date is 31 January 2016 1st Prize: £150. Runner-up £50. Both the winner and runner-up stories will be published in 4Dorset and/or Viewpoint and online. The mags4dorset competition is a great stepping stone for writers and attracts entries from all over the world. The winner and runner-up will be announced in March 2016. Fee: 1 story £4, 2 stories £6, 3 stories £8, £2 per story thereafter (cheques payable to PULFORD PUBLICITY LTD). Judges to be

Aubergines a-ple

nty

announced, but the shortlist will be chosen by author, editor and publisher Janine Pulford. This entry form can be copied. If you don’t have an email, put your phone number.

ations to ul at gr on C Queen Elizabeth II The celebrations started with a flotilla passing along the Thames on 9 September when the Queen reached 63 years and 216 days on the throne. This milestone made Queen Elizabeth II the longest reigning British monarch in 1,000 years of history, bypassing Queen Victoria. She wanted no fuss, so it was business as usual as Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, boarded a steam train in Edinburgh to officially open the £294m Scottish Borders Railway. They were joined by Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister. In contrast, when Queen Victoria broke George II’s record on 23 September 1896, church bells rang and bonfires blazed from hilltops in celebration. But palace aides reminded the press of the sensitivity of our Queen’s historic occasion, given it owed much to the premature death of her father. He was only 56 when he died and the day is not one the Queen would personally celebrate. However, to commemorate her landmark achievement, the everyday 63p 1st class stamp switched from red to regal purple, and will remain

purple for the next 12 months. It is possible you think HM The Queen is the richest person in the land, but according to an analysis by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, her estimated personal fortune, largely inherited, is about £267m. That’s a mere three per cent of the wealth of the richest Briton, Gerald Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster. Europe’s richest woman, Liliane Bettencourt, is said to have a £20bn fortune. The only living monarch to out-reign Elizabeth II is Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He is two years younger, but has reigned for six years longer.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 13

nsea IslaTOnd rowACCESSIBLE BNOW WHEELCHAIR USERS

Dennis Meddycott prepares to board Brownsea Seahorse at the Sandbanks Yacht Company for his trip to Brownsea Island © National Trust/Sam Cook

or a long time, Brownsea Island has been working hard to find a way to welcome wheelchair users to its shores. Now, thanks to the acquisition of a new landing craft, the National Trust will be able to run its own disabled boat service to the island.

The money to buy the craft, named Brownsea Seahorse, came from the Trust’s coastline fund. The Coastline Campaign is celebrating 50 years of work to protect and restore our beautiful coast, and to improve access so everybody can enjoy it. Thanks to the cooperation and support of the Sandbanks Yacht Company, there will be a bookable service on set days, from Sandbanks to the Island, for wheelchair users, until the end of the season. Full details and schedule will be updated on the National Trust’s website. Angela Cott, General Manager for Brownsea Island said, “We have been trying to find solutions to this challenge for a long time and it is truly fantastic to finally be able to offer access to all, to come here and explore Brownsea Island. “Enjoying this beautiful island is a really special experience and the more people who are able to visit the better. Whether making the most of the wildlife, joining in with family activities or exploring the history of the island, there is so much for everyone to make the most of, and we are keen for all to be able to visit.” When visitors arrive on Brownsea Island, they will be able to explore the island, either using their own wheelchairs or borrowing one of the new Mountain Trikes from the National Trust. These manual wheelchairs cope well with the uneven terrain and are easy to manoeuvre across the undulating ground. The Trust is also running a fundraising project, which will hopefully enable them to buy a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so that all visitors can join in with volunteer-run tours of the island. All of the buildings on Brownsea are already fully accessible, so all visitors can make the most of the reception, café, gift shop, visitor centre and outdoor centre, as well as the Dorset Wildlife Trust Information Centre. There is also wheelchair access to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s MacDonald hide and Low hide, overlooking the spectacular birds on the Brownsea Island Lagoon.

Brownsea Seahorse, with her first group of disabled passengers, approaching Brownsea Island © National Trust/Sam Cook

14 |

4DORSET October 2015

Adult social care Christchurch in Bournemouth Quay raises is now online green flag for Bournemouth residents looking to access care and support services for adults can now do this online, with the introduction of an online self-assessment tool. Whether residents are looking for support for themselves or for another adult they care for, Bournemouth Council’s website now offers an online service, providing personalised access to information and services from Adult Social Care with a simple online self-assessment. The online self-assessment aims to help both adults and carers to • • • • •

Get the right help at the right time Contact the council at their convenience Access advice and information regardless of financial circumstances Know if they are entitled to help towards the cost of their care and support under the National Eligibility Framework Inform the council about what they may need so a personalised response can be provided

Residents who do not have internet access can continue to telephone the Council’s central access point, Care Direct, on 01202 454979 for assistance. For more information and to complete the online assessment, visit www.bournemouth. gov.uk/adultsocialcare

fourth time

Raising the Green Flag at Christchurch Quay, (back row from left) Mayor Cllr Frederick Neale, Dave Pidgley, Mayoress Barbara Neale, Steve Mulholland, Cherie Wheatcroft and Becky Beaumont. (Front) Chloe and Ryan Hayes. The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country. It is the benchmark national standard in the UK.

Royal Voluntary Service Home Library Service Do you like to read, but find it difficult to get to the library to get new books? Christchurch and Highcliffe Libraries have a team of dedicated Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, who are able to visit on a regular

basis, delivering the books you want from the library to your home free of charge. Large-print books and talking books can also be delivered. This service is funded by Dorset Library Service, and delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service. It is available across Dorset to anyone

who cannot easily get to their local library, and can be provided on a temporary basis as well as long term. All Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are DBS checked and receive on-going training and support. If you are interested in either receiving the

Home Library Service or becoming a volunteer, please contact Maria Jacobson, Royal Voluntary Service Manager, Dorset Home Library Service, on 07786 635154 or 01305 236666, or e-mail Maria.Jacobson@ royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 15

in health & fitness

mags4dorset Charity of the Year exceeds fund-raising expectations

Relay For Life

QUADRUPLES its aim

At a ‘thank you’ presentation evening, held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 4 September, the chair of the Relay For Life Bournemouth & East Dorset, Karen Lynch, announced that this year’s event, which aimed to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, had achieved over four times that amount with the total amounting to an incredible £41,908.90. She said the 24-hour relay held outside Ferndown Leisure Centre on 11 and 12 July, attracted 343 people in 24 teams, including 42 survivors and six carers. All teams continuously walked laps of the course over a 24-hour period, including the candle of hope ceremony. “There were 660 candle of hope bags,” Karen added before presenting the teams with Certificates of Appreciation. She gave special thanks to the committee and those who helped with the event. She also thanked Marsham Court Hotel for hosting the presentation evening, and mags4dorset for adopting Relay For Life as its charity of the year. “mags4dorset have given us a large amount of publicity in their magazines and also presented us with a cheque for £300,” she added. Shelley Davies from Cancer Research UK said, “This year, the event has absolutely rocketed.” She confirmed Karen would be standing down and welcomed the new event chair, Sara Keets. There will also be a changeover of the committee, some having served for many years. Relay For Life Bournemouth & East Dorset was established in 2007 and since that first event, it has raised a staggering £232,524.90 for Cancer Research UK to continue its pioneering research that will bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Anyone wanting to join next year’s Relay For Life Bournemouth & East Dorset committee should email shelley. davies@cancer.org.uk or call 01202 423999.

Boo!

- advertising feature -

3 Month Fitness or Swim Membership

As the festive season approaches, now is a great time to get fit. To help you Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering a 3-month fitness membership for £99 or swim membership for £60. The fitness membership gives you full membership benefits including unlimited use of the gym, swimming pool, workout classes, and SWIMTAG. To help each member make the most of their visits, you will get 3 personal training sessions with a qualified fitness instructor, who will explain how to use the pieces of equipment correctly and safely, discuss fitness goals and devise a personalised programme to follow. For those who prefer the water, the swim membership offers all welcome sessions, Masters and coached swim sessions, and the use of SWIMTAG.

See Your Results

SWIMTAG is a wristband that enables you to monitor your distance, swim stroke, speed and see how many calories you burn etc. As well as making swimming more fun, this helps you stay motivated. For more information, contact Deana at Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or email deanadudman@pfpleisure.org

Swim Lessons

Contact Becky or Sue, Swim Admin team, if you would like your children to learn to swim to a good standard in a friendly environment.

Be a swimmer or better swimmer

Would you like to overcome a fear of the water or being out of your depth, learn to swim or improve your swim technique? Ferndown Leisure Centre has an adult swim programme that will let you achieve this, contact us on 01202 877468.

16 |

4DORSET October 2015

Exclusive interview

with Matt Black, the Piano Man By Jasmine Watkiss From playing the piano and recording musicians, to raising money for charity, local celebrity, pianist and comedian, Matt Black, never stops. He and his one-legged manager, Jon Cox, recently cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for charity. I visited Matt at his recording studio in Bournemouth to chat about what he’s been up to.

THE GREAT CYCLING TOUR

“Let’s go on a cycling jolly for a bit of fun”, was the initial idea that Matt posed to his friend and manager Jon Cox, which quickly turned into a ‘3 legs, 2 men, 1 piano’, cycling adventure, to raise funds for Wings For Warriors (www.wings4warriors. org.uk), which provides much-needed support to injured servicemen and women. The route cycled by the charismatic duo tallied up at just over 1000 miles, which they conquered on three legs in just 21 days, with Matt (and a parade of various musicians in tow) performing an impressive 19 gigs alongside the cycling feat – “we really had a blast!” says Matt.

HOW DID THE DUO CHOOSE THE CHARITY?

The charity caught Jon’s particular attention due to his own disability; he lost his left leg at the tender age of three when involved in an accident outside his home. I was curious as to how Jon balanced on the bike, which was not adapted to cater for his missing limb (other than removing the redundant left pedal), and tentatively put the question to Matt. He explained that Jon’s ability to balance lies in his upper body, using his arms and hands to maintain stability, and that he pedals with his very strong right leg. Matt joked that it only took Jon a week to learn to cycle in a straight line! Despite an idealistic fundraising target of £10,000, they still reached an impressive £5,967.38 in total, thanks to the generosity of friends, fans, and the public. Although they’ve already delivered the money to Wings, they are still accepting donations; so if you want to help them on the way to their mammoth target and support this worthy cause, visit www.gofundme. com/wings4warriors or catch Matt at one of his gigs.

18 |

4DORSET October 2015

Matt is also involved in other charity projects. He gigs at local ‘Phab’ club events on Canford Heath, run by a charity whose aim is to promote and encourage people of all abilities to come together on equal terms and achieve complete inclusion within the wider community. He loves gigging at Phab and it stops him swearing as much on stage! Find out more about Phab by visiting www.phab.org.uk.

OPERATION: TRAINING

Matt and Jon trained for a year before the start of the trek, which took place in May this year. Training consisted of 20-mile daily cycles at 6am, allowing them to gradually build up stamina and strength. They would need this, as they covered around 50 miles each day during the cycle. Matt admits that he wishes they’d done a greater number of full-day cycles during training, as “you learn a lot about each other that way, in terms of how tired you get, and how to deal with that.”

A TRAIL TO BE TOLD

The three-legged tour was the perfect place to meet interesting people, so much so that a book about Matt and Jon’s cycling adventure and the people they met is set to be released by mid October. They had a “raucous night out” with some marines in Inverness, were accompanied by the Bridgwater Chapter of Harley Davidson owners on their motorbikes whilst riding through the town centre, and met a fascinating lady who had lived on a farm all her life. What’s more, according to Land’s End’s records, Jon is the first person with one leg to have officially completed the famous ‘End to Enders’ bike ride.

PIANO MAN

Matt says, “I get to have fun for a living”; having begun playing piano aged 17 (in the hope that it might make him more appealing to the ladies), he is living the dream as a successful professional musician. “It gets easier to make money as your reputation grows.” But, as any musician knows, you have to start out doing gigs for nothing. “It’s like your apprenticeship - you’re proving you can do it,” he said. And being

a musician is expensive! “You have to consider travel costs, instrument repairs and purchases, buying gear and so on. You must treat being a musician like running your own business. “On top of that, you have to have a lot of creativity to be successful professionally; many people think they have what it takes to be a successful musician after being told once that they can sing. That isn’t enough; creativity and motivation are everything in music. “But then you get to throw away all those adult concerns and behave like a big kid on stage for a few hours, which is great.” It’s the perfect way to let off steam. “There are so many different rewards for being a musician; the immediate reward of playing on stage, and the more gradual reward of gaining a reputation and a following of people who like your music. It’s all about karma.” Matt admits there are other, secondary benefits to being a musician: “When you look like Princess Anne, like me, being on stage is great because it momentarily makes you appear more attractive! You’re a God for an hour, the alpha person in the room! And then, you get off stage and you’re back to normal. It’s a fantastic feeling – your confidence grows immensely.” His son, Chris Payn, is also a well-known local musician, and the father-son team gig together regularly.

HANGOVER HILL RECORDING STUDIO

Matt’s studio, ‘Hangover Hill’ in Bournemouth became commercially successful around five years ago, and Matt has a steady stream of musicians of all ages, genres and backgrounds coming in and out. He says the secret to the studio’s success is that the rates are affordable, and he does his best to make the recording process easy for musicians. Big names that have recorded there include the folk guitarist and comedian, Richard Digance, and Tom Leary, violinist from Lindisfarne. Mr Black had a lot of advice to give about singing and recording vocals: “I totally understand that

recording vocals is difficult. Nobody likes the sound of his or her own voice.” When I visited Matt, 16-yearold Jordan Watts was also in the studio. He quickly ducked out the room when Matt played me a recording of Jordan singing wellknown tune ‘Danny Boy’. Jordan needn’t have worried; his voice was lovely, even at such a young age. “It’s my job to be a diplomat and identify a musician’s strengths and weaknesses. If I think someone can do a better take, I’ll get him or her to try again, because I want the record to have the best possible sound. It’s really rewarding when a client is happy with the results of the recording process. “Sometimes I have to deliver the news that singing is not their strongest asset, and that they’re not getting anywhere because they aren’t singing as well as the next person. I’d then suggest that perhaps they’d be better in the management side of things. The trick is to not make it personal.”

MATT’S RECORDING TIPS

Matt’s recording advice was straightforward, yet something that many musicians forget in the excitement of the recording process. “Have a good idea about what you want to do before you go in, and make sure you practise what you’re going to record. It’s difficult for the engineer to keep the process cost and time-effective if you come in unsure about what you want. You’re wasting the time you’ve bought.” It was a pleasure to chat to Matt and Jordan in the studio. On the way out, I bumped into the legendary Si Genaro and a sleepy-looking Chris Payn. It’s a celebrity household down at the Piano Man’s musical crib!

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE LOVELY MR MATT BLACK AND HIS MANY UPCOMING GIGS, VISIT WWW.MATT-BLACK.ORG. YOUNG JORDAN WATTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO SERENADE YOU; FIND HIM ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ JORDANWATTSVINTAGEMUSICIAN

Rustic capers please the crowds Over 2,000 people attended the Rotary Rustic Fayre at Potterne Park on August Bank Holiday. Crash & Fall stuntmen enthralled spectators and terrier racing was a hoot, with some dogs forgetting which direction to run. Other arena displays included Stephen Lamberth Tae Kwon-do, gun dog handling and egg catching. Stalls abounded, classic cars gleamed and two little ponies were loved by the children. Live music included Matt Black, Vanessa’s Villains and Verwood Concert Brass. Vern Harris, Verwood Rotary Rustic Chairman said, “I’d like to thank all the people who turned up, all those who helped with the event and East Dorset District Council for allowing us to use their facilities.

Steaming success! Apologies for the Dakota fly past, which was cancelled due to low cloud.” A corporate duck race attracted great excitement when the ducks were launched into the river by the Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Mrs Sandra Grove. She said, “It’s been such a good day. The Rustic Fayre really brings the community together.” A presentation night will be held in November with profit going to local charities, and next year’s Rustic Fayre is already in the planning stages.

Organisers of the Great Dorset Steam Fair say it has been a successful year, with improved operations. mags4dorset and friends visited and walked almost continuously for five-and-a-half hours and still didn’t manage to cover the whole showground. Editor, Janine Pulford said, “We visited the country crafts hall, which stretched away into the distance, and the food hall with a great choice of mouthwatering produce. We saw events in the arena, admired the heavy horses, looked around the shops, walked through a bicycle museum and visited the WW1

trenches, which were so authentic, you felt you had flipped back in time. A re-enactment group in full uniform tended to horses, milled around a tented camp and walked through the trenches. Nostalgia oozed. It was incredibly popular and older people swapped army stories. It brought everyone together in a most poignant way.” Martin Oliver, Managing Director at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, said: “This has been one of the smoothest running shows we’ve put on so far. We have had some brilliant feedback from visitors and all our exhibits have gone down very well, especially the World War One section.”

Happy children - advertising feature -

with enquiring minds

Miss Wardlow working with our new maths resource, Numicon At Wimborne First School, we have high expectations and standards so children can reach their full potential. As Head Teacher, I am proud to walk through the corridors to the sounds of children talking about their learning, group discussions, debates, questioning each other, and hearing their laughter. There is an awe and wonder in the atmosphere and a real buzz about their learning. Children at our school are happy, enthusiastic learners, who engage fully in our creative curriculum. Our open-ended questions mean the ‘children have a chance to discover, explore and challenge their thinking skills’. (Ofsted 2015 stated). We are a thriving and happy school with a lot to offer. Highly-trained teachers, who are dedicated to every child’s development, an excellent maths and phonics programme, high quality resources, fun, laughter and a real sense of belonging. Together, we are a school community in which everyone involved is part of the jigsaw . If you would like to see more, please come and visit our school. Please contact the school office on 01202 882532. See us in action for yourself!

Mrs Hartley HEAD TEACHER

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 19

FERNDOWN

news

A year of cycling for health in Ferndown

yclists from Ferndown have celebrated the first anniversary of the successful weekly Health Ride, which started last August. Setting out from Ferndown Forest Golf Club every Tuesday morning, the ride is led by volunteers at a leisurely pace and is perfect for those who would like to try a fun and sociable activity.

The weather rarely stops the rides and they run every week throughout the year. A hot coffee and a chat afterwards at the Forest Inn always go down well. The rides are free and run every Tuesday morning. No booking is required. Participants just need to turn up at 9.45am for a 10 o’clock start. Anyone needing to hire a bike to join in can call 01425 480811.

arden services?

- advertising feature -

Call Benita

Benita’s garden services are reliable, professional and friendly, with over 10 years of gardening experience and knowledge, covering Ferndown and the surrounding areas. Services provided: restoration, ongoing maintenance, sourcing and planting, grass cutting and edges tidied and maintained, hedges trimmed, shrubs pruned, flower borders restored, planted and maintained.

Contact Benita on: 07891 985 701 Email: benitaslandscapegardening@gmail.com Visit website: www.benitaslandscapegardening.co.uk

Last year’s contestants

The Voice of Ferndown makes a tuneful return

ollowing on from the massive success of ‘The Voice of Ferndown 2015’, the new improved LIVE: Ferndown is back with a name-change for 2016. Local Promoter Steve Lugg is staging auditions on the following Sundays: 4 October, 1 November, 3 January, 7 February and 6 March, before the grand final on 8 April. The winner of each heat will win £75 and go through to the final, along with the runners-up. Finalists will be

exclusively chosen by an audience vote, so get down to the Barrington every month to be part of this community competition, and bring your friends and family! Local music legend Matt Black is leading the judging panel, and the 2016 competition promises to be another fun-filled journey packed with local talent, so get involved!

For more information and to contact, visit www.facebook.com/ LiveFerndown

- advertising features -

Underwood Eyecare are celebrating two years at their new premises. Led by Ian Underwood and his team, they offer an honest and professional service, in a friendly, family atmosphere. As well as being specialists in school and sports vision, they also offer diabetic and glaucoma screening, the latest in 3D eye scanning, and tinted lenses for dyslexia or visual stress.

Swan Jewellers Established in 2010, this friendly and helpful jewellers in the centre of Ferndown offers a large range of modern and classic jewellery, and gift ideas to cater for all ages and tastes. Repairs are carried out in-house, including bead rethreading. They can also help get your clocks and watches ticking again. House calls can be arranged to service bigger timepieces. Swan Jewellers also purchase collectibles, from clocks and watches, retro vintage timepieces and militaria, to gold and silver. With 20 years experience herself, and many more from her staff, Sherry Swan and her team will always make time for you.

20 |

4DORSET October 2015

FERNDOWN

ather Christmas

news

Gugge 2000 (2014)

is coming to Ferndown!

Father Christmas lit up the town in 2014, who will do it this year?

Following last year’s successful Christmas lights switch-on in Ferndown, another magical programme of street entertainment is being planned by Ferndown Chamber of Commerce. The event will make the town sparkle on 28 November. Live acts, Christmas carols, amusements and stalls will entertain the whole family from midday, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without mince pies and mulled wine, which will be available from the Chamber’s stall. Chamber members will also be selling raffle tickets for three fantastic Christmas hampers. As luck would have it, Santa will be in Ferndown on the same day! The Barrington Theatre manager Andy Bryant has promised to pull out all the stops to provide Father Christmas with a fabulous grotto where he can meet the children. And as the evening draws in at around 5pm, the Christmas tree lights will be switched on to ensure the Ferndown sparkle continues into the night. - advertising feature -

ABC

of Australian travel

A B C

Thinking of going down under?

Visit Worldspan Travel in Ferndown Sit back and relax until it’s time to go

At Worldspan, our experienced staff specialise in making trips to Australia and New Zealand as simple and straightforward as possible. “We offer flights with a huge range of airlines suitable for all travellers starting from special prices for the budget-conscious such as economy and premium economy to business and first class. “On top of those, we have access to some great around-the-world bargains, all sorts of stopover destinations and, to complement the air fares, a whole range of travel ideas within Australia,” says Worldspan’s owner Chris Wilton. Visit Worldspan Travel in Ferndown for some helpful, friendly advice from people who have been there, with a service that takes care of everything from getting visas to tailor-made itineraries. Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 21

FERNDOWN

news

FERNDOWN IN BLOOM WINNERS ANNOUNCED No wonder Ferndown looked so colourful this year Ferndown in Bloom, sponsored by Haskins Garden Centres, generated a lot of interest and the results are just in.

TALLEST SUNFLOWER Val and Doug with their winner

BEST FRONT GARDEN: Barrie and Shelia Smith receive the Ferndown In Bloom shield from Jean Read (left) and gift card from Matt Hill (far right)

Barrie and Sheila Smith of Mayfield Close won the Best Front Garden and received the prestigious shield and £100 gift card from Haskins. Judges led by Cllr Lyn Ovens gave the Smiths’ garden the winning score for its brilliant use of colour and features. The garden also won the competition two years ago, so Ferndown In Bloom’s chairman Jean Read was delighted to revisit and congratulate the winners with Matt Hill from Haskins. The formal presentation evening took place at Haskins Restaurant on 23 September.

Paula Fleckney

Ron Copp

TALLEST SUNFLOWER

BUSINESS WINNER: The Royal British Legion

This year’s competition, sponsored jointly by Haskins Garden Centre at Longham and mags4dorset, produced some incredible entries. Some were spindly, some were flower heavy and some were like Jack’s beanstalk and disappeared into the sky. The winning entry measured a massive 13’ 8” and was nurtured by Val Briggs and her husband Doug. “It’s the second time we’ve entered and we really watered the sunflowers well and fed them. We are learning more as we go along,” said Val. She and Doug are passionate about their garden, so it’s not surprising that Val has taken four prizes in this year’s Ferndown in Bloom competition. The next tallest sunflower was grown by Malcolm Ovens. His reached 11’ 9” and a special mention must go to Ron Copp who lost his leg 18 months ago, but took up the challenge to grow the tallest sunflower. His plants reached for the sky, but didn’t meet the lofty heights of the winning contender. Had their been a prize for the biggest sunflower heads, it would have gone to Paula Fleckney from West Moors who grew three head-and-foliage-heavy monsters.

RESULTS: Best Front Garden – 1st Barrie and Sheila Smith; 2nd Mr & Mrs Setterthwaite, Glenwood Way; 3rd Val Briggs, Dorset Avenue Best Small Garden, Patio or Balcony (non-commercial) – 1st Mr & Mrs Kennedy, Elfin Drive; 2nd Val Briggs; 3rd Homelands Garden Club c/o Ron Pearce, Homelands House Best First Time entry – 1st Mr & Mrs Setterthwaite; 2nd K Bates, Locksley Drive. Photographic Competition on the theme ‘Life in the Garden’ – 1st Sue Page; 2nd Ros Norris; 3rd Val Briggs Best Business, Retail, Commercial or Public House sponsored by mags4dorset – Royal British Legion, Ferndown who won a half page business profile in 4Dorset worth £350. Schools Competition run by Haskins to design a leaflet for next year – 1st Jake Cross, Parley First School won £100 for his school; 2nd Chloe Pitts, Ferndown First School won £50 for her school Tallest Sunflower Competition sponsored jointly by mags4dorset and Haskins – 1st Mrs Val Briggs

22 |

4DORSET October 2015

Malcolm Ovens

FERNDOWN

ALPs also graded the school as outstanding for BTEC and very good for AS.

A Level top grades are up by 13%, with 42% of students achieving A*- B.

GCSE Progress is up also by 16points, placing it in the top third of schools nationally.

66% of our students gained an A*-C in maths.

Top university destinations such as Cambridge.

news

68% of our students gained an A*-C for iGCSE English.

New Head at Ferndown Upper School

Our best ever GCSE Progress score of 1008 is a top five result for Dorset.

A recent good rating by an Ofsted HMI Inspector.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Headteacher of Ferndown Upper School. My name is Philip Jones and my family and I have come down from Northamptonshire. I used to be the Senior Deputy Head of Sponne School, an outstanding school in Towcester and I am delighted that I chose Ferndown for my first Headship. I have moved to Verwood and my three children are all attending Witchampton First School. My first impression of Ferndown Upper was twofold: firstly I noticed how friendly the staff and students were and secondly how impressive the school site looks with all of the wonderful students’ art displays. Subsequently I have been extremely impressed with our students’ behaviour around the school site and the high quality of the lessons that I have been into. I am also very pleased to report that Ferndown has enjoyed its most successful summer of results ever, with the headlines being: best ever 5A*-C E&M, best ever Progress (with a top 5 score for Dorset last year), our best ever iGCSE English results and for 6th form - 42% of our students gaining A* to B grades. We also received a score of outstanding and very good from ALPs (a national 6th form school evaluation organisation) for our AS and BTEC results. It’s not all about results, however, and I am pleased to report that we placed every member of our Year 13 into either a university, job or apprenticeship, even having one of our students being accepted to Cambridge. All of this follows our recent "Good" grading by an Ofsted HMI inspector. So the school is on the up, and I can confidently predict that this will continue, since I have been extremely impressed with our students’ attitudes to their learning upon their return to school. So it would be lovely to see you on one of our upcoming Open Evenings on 1 October, 6pm to 8.30pm for students who will be starting in Year 9, and 18 November for our 6th Form Open Evening. There are also school tours available on 6 and 8 October at 9am and 10am. Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

OCT.indd 23

| 23

17/09/2015 10:33

in with pets

DON’T GET CAUGHT in the online puppy scam

Action Fraud has issued a warning after noticing a rise in reports concerning the purchase of pets, in particular puppies, advertised for sale via popular online auction websites. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, claiming to have recently moved abroad and the need to re-home the puppies. Once a sale is agreed and payment is made, usually by money transfer or bank transfer, the pet does not materialise. The fraudster will usually ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees or vet bills.

Action Fraud has issued the following advice on how to protect yourself: • •

• • •

Stay within the auction guidelines. Be wary of paying fees via a Money Service Bureau, such as MoneyGram and Western Union. Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller; for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with this number online. Request details of the courier company being used and conduct enquiries regarding the company Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase. Be wary. If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then this is probably an indication that it is!

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at www.actionfraud.police. uk/report_fraud or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.

Toby is very lonely “Hello, I’m Toby, an eight-year-old Jack Russell and I’m very lonely since my owner died. I was originally a Waggy Tails dog, so when I was adopted several years ago, I was a very happy little boy. When my owner died, Waggy Tails took me in straight away so I wasn’t left on my own. Although they take care of me very well, I would love to have a home of my own again as I have so much love to give. “I’m not used to children though, so it’s better if I live in a place with grownups. I love to go out for walks, to have days out and be spoilt, of course. So if you feel that you are the right family for me, please contact Waggy Tails.” For more information on Toby or any of the other animals at Waggy Tails Rescue, contact 01202 87500, e-mail: admin@waggytails.org.uk or visit www.waggytails.org.uk

Waggy Tails is holding an Autumn Fayre at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown on 17 October at 10am. Donations for Waggy Tails can be sent to Waggy Tails Rescue, Helen’s House, 143 Magna Road, Wimborne, BH21 3AW

ASK THE VET Q. I thought dogs were colour-blind but my husband swears that our dog can distinguish different colours. Which of us is right? A. Colour vision in animals is a topic which always stirs up debate but the general consensus is - domestic animals can see colour, but not in the same way we can. Light comes to us in varying wavelengths (the effect seen in a rainbow). It can be divided roughly into two hues: first the violet, blue hues, as seen by the human eye, and second, the human green range (varying green to yellow to red hues). Cells in the back of the eye called cones are required to pick up these different wavelengths. It’s the abundance of these different cones and the degree of overlap which determines the richness of colour. Humans distinguish colours within the visual range of violet to red. However, dogs don’t have the cones Don’t forget to email Jade to differentiate the green range. your questions to be chosen Anything that looks green, greenfor the November issue: yellow, yellow towards red on the spectrum to a human is likely to look hello@hillsidevets.co.uk yellow to dogs. Dogs can distinguish red and blue yet confuse red and green. They struggle to differentiate between green/blue and grey, yet they are able to distinguish closely related shades of grey that humans can’t. Dogs can’t see as clearly into the distance as humans, but they have far greater tracking skills and are definitely better equipped to see in the dark too. A great question to start off the column!

Email your pet related questions to hello@hillsidevets.co.uk Jade Douglas BVMS GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

24 |

4DORSET October 2015

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

£120

COMP ETITION

up for grabs LET’S PARTY! With December on the way

Don’t delay

It’s time to book your Christmas paartay! December is the time of year when roast turkey and plum puddings appear on the menu and people join together to celebrate the season of goodwill. Crackers are laid on the tables, decorations abound and a Christmas meal is shared with family and friends. At work, everyone eagerly looks forward to a meal out with their colleagues. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to book your Christmas party or Christmas Day dinner and this year, mags4dorset has decided to help you out! In this feature, you will find 14 top places we have chosen, where you can make your booking and enjoy a delicious Christmas meal. They are all different, and some will depart from the traditional British turkey meal by offering their own authentic choices. But each and every one of them is looking forward to receiving bookings and making your party an event to remember. Not only that, one lucky party of people will receive a massive £120 off their bill courtesy of mags4dorset - a sure fire way to make your Christmas celebration even more fabulous.

Entry conditions All you have to do is book at one of the venues included on pages 25-27. You have until 19 November to get your entry to us. You must tell us the name and contact details of the lead person named on the booking, when and where you booked and the number of people in your party as well as the date and time of your meal. If you booked before seeing this feature, you are still eligible to enter, but only one entry per booking is permitted. Entries will be put into a hat and the first one drawn after the closing date will be the winner, providing they have met with the simple conditions above and adhered to the terms and conditions. We would love a few selfies taken at your meal to put in the magazine, but this is not a condition of entering. To help you along, we have included a form over the page that you can fill out for your own reference purposes.

Terms and conditions Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry on a postcard to Christmas Meal Competition, mags4dorset, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 19 November 2015 and the draw will be carried out soon after. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. The editor’s decision is final. After the draw, mags4dorset will contact the venue to verify the booking before confirming the win. Payment of £120 will be made directly to the venue in time for the party. This will automatically be deducted off the bill on the day of the party. The prize is only redeemable upon issue of the bill. If the total of your party bill is less than £120, no change will be given. Should you have to cancel your party for any reason, the terms and conditions at your chosen venue will be deemed to be in force. Any negotiations must be carried out with the venue and not with Pulford Publicity Ltd.

Contact numbers Rising Sun, Wimborne 01202 883464 Alice Lisle, Rockford, Ringwood 01425 474700 Barrington Theatre, Ferndown 01202 894858 Pure Drop, Ferndown 01202 877716 Cinnamon Lounge, Woodlands, Verwood 01202 820666 Drusillas, Horton, Wimborne 01258 840297 Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth 01202 552111 The Fish Inn, Ringwood 01425 473185 Swans, Verwood 01202 825777 Elephant and Castle, West Moors 01202 872896 Royal Exeter Hotel, Bournemouth 01202 438000 Tiien, Bournemouth 01202 299412 Tiien, Broadstone 01202 693600 Avon Causeway, Hurn, Christchurch 01202 482714

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 25

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

details of your booking. keep for your records. Venue:

Number of people:

Date of booking:

Date and time of meal:

Name of person on the booking:

26 |

4DORSET October 2015

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 27

in and around the area

what’s on

this month Alternate Wednesdays Moonrakers Writers’ Workshop, 8pm to 10pm. Writing for Profit and Pleasure. Chance to mingle with other groups. Talks and competitions, plus feedback on all works. Meetings are held in Corfe Mullen. Contact Veronica 01202 696436, or email ronniewilt79@gmail.com

Every Tuesday

Ferndown cycling health rides. Set out from Ferndown Forest Golf Club, meet 9.45am for a 10am start. A fun and sociable activity, suitable for all abilities. Rides are free, no booking required. Anyone needing to hire a bike can call 01425 480811. Tea and coffee after at Forest Inn.

Until 1 November

Solo exhibition by Yvonne Morton, fibre artist. Contemporary stitched textiles. Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4LE. Open daily. Admission charge. Telephone 01425 278807

7 October 12noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk, ‘Dorset of Old’. Dudsbury Golf Club. 01202 875757

9 October

Wimborne Movie Makers club visit to Flight Refuelling Radio Club. For more information, visit www. wimbornemoviemakers.org

9 October 7.30pm

Ferndown and District Horticultural Association, Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown. ‘The History of Medicine’ with Rev S Timbrell.

28 |

4DORSET October 2015

Details were correct at the time of going to print but readers are advised to check before attending events

9 October 7.30pm

11 October

Guy Masterson presents, ‘Under Milk Wood,’ by Dylan Thomas. Layard Theatre, Canford School, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD. Tickets £12. Groups: 1 free seat in 10. Box office: 01202 847525

Kingston Maurward Wedding Fair, at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester. £3.50 per adult payable at the door – complimentary drink per person and a goody bag for each bride! Visit www.kmc. ac.uk/conferences/about-us/ events.

9 – 10 October

12 October 10.30am

Poppy Appeal Dance Extravaganza at the RBL Club on Church Road, Ferndown, BH22 9ET. All proceeds will go to the Poppy Appeal Dorset fund. No entry charge, minimum donation asked. Lunch available. For more information and a list of classes and workshops for all ages and abilities, visit rblferndown.org/ danceathon-9th-10-oct-2015.

9 – 18 October

Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival, for the culturally curious. A rich mix of some of the best regional, national and international arts across dance, film, theatre, performance, visual arts, spoken word, literature and music. Visit www. artsbournemouth.org.uk/artsbournemouth/arts-by-the-sea/ for more information and tickets for a large variety of events.

10 October 2pm

‘An Afternoon of Dancing and Easy-Listening Music’ with the Andrew Cannon Band at The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Catering for a wide range of musical tastes, the band plays everything from Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to the Beatles and beyond. The café will be open for refreshments and entry is paid on the door. For more information, contact Ray Bryant on 01202 821362 or 07904 267705.

‘Pink’ Coffee Morning in URC Hall, Verwood. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

12 October 7.30pm

‘Zimbabwe on the Wild Side’ by Brian Pettit. Harvest meeting, bring food for shared supper. Wimborne Horticultural Society, Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. £1, non-members £2.

13 October 2-4pm

Verwood U3A monthly meeting, United Reformed Church, talk on ‘The Work of the Air Ambulance Service’

13 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group talk: ‘The secret world of bats’, www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

15 – 17 October

Wimborne Drama Productions present Agatha Christie’s ‘The Hollow’, evenings 7.30pm, £12, Saturday matinee, 2.30pm, £10. Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne. Box office: 01202 885566, www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

17 Oct – 1 Nov

New Forest Walking Festival. Wildlife walks, history hikes, accessible walks, activity walks, family adventures, shorter strolls and longer walks. Email walking@newforestnpa.gov. uk, call 01590 646600 or visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ walkingfestival.

19 October 8pm

Alan Pickering’s Spirit of New Orleans at the Bournemouth Traditional Jazz Club. Club meets at Bluebirds Social Club in Longham, BH22 9DP. Large dance floor, free car parking and affordable drinks. £6 admission, £7 for visitors. Contact Peter Burton on 01202 873071.

20 October 7pm – 9pm

Halloween Quiz with Autism Wessex at Portfield School, Parley Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6BP. £10 per person, teams of 4-6. Enjoy a free drink, pizza dinner and compete for a trophy. All proceeds go towards the school’s new interactive room. To book, visit www.autismwessex. org.uk/event_calendar/view/ halloween-quiz-1 or contact 01202 703587 or fundraising@ autismwessex.org.uk.

20 October 7.30pm

Verwood Historical Society talk, ‘Articles of Indenture’, followed by 37th Annual General Meeting. The Parish Centre, Verwood. Visitors welcome at £3 per session.

20 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group talk, ‘So you think you’re King Canute!’ www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

22 October 7pm for 8pm

Verwood Jazz Club presents Derek Winter’s Sunshine Band with Brian Carrick at The Hideaway, 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood, BH31 7PD. Tickets £11 on the door (£10 for members). Eat and drink in the restaurant, bar or function room prior to music. Call 07798 721405.

24 October

Wimborne Model Town FREE ENTRY, Wimborne Food and Drink Festival 01202 881924

25 October 7.30pm

John Maddocks’ Jazz Men at the St Leonards Hotel, 185 Ringwood Road, St Leonards, BH24 2NP. £8 admission. Call 01202 701295. Full menu and bar service available in the function room.

27 October 12noon and 2pm

Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, Halloween Family Fun and Laughter Show. 01202 881924

27 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group talk, ‘A journey to Egypt and the Holy Lands with C19 artist David Roberts’, www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

28 October 11am

Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, Halloween crafts for junior visitors. 01202 881924, info@wimborne-modeltown. com

29 October 7.30pm

Philip Mallet talks on ‘Hardy, Wessex and the poetry of war’, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, www.hardycountry.org

31 October 10.15am West Moors Horticultural Society Coffee Morning, West Moors Memorial Hall. 01202 871536.

31 October 3pm

Wimborne Model Town, Halloween parade and activities. Extended opening to enjoy illuminated model town and gardens as night falls. 01202 881924

in and around the area

ION M P ETIT

he Simon & Garfunkel Story is at the Regent’s Centre, Christchurch, on 4 November at 7.30pm, and you could be in the running to win a pair of tickets, worth £20 each! Starring Dean Elliott as Paul Simon, and Joe Sterling as Art Garfunkel, two young actors with impressive West

The Simon & Garfunkel Story End careers, the duo are currently performing in a UK and worldwide tour, following sell-out success in London’s West End. The show’s authenticity and ‘spine-tingling harmonies’ have been praised. Don’t miss out on the UK’s biggest Simon & Garfunkel Theatre Show, accompanied by a full live band.

To be in with a chance of winning two tickets, answer this question:

Which 1967 American comedy-drama film featured Simon and Garfunkel’s music?

Enter through our website www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Simon & Garfunkel Story Competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 16 October 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and the Regent Centre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Duck race raises over £1400 for Wimborne in Bloom The 16th Wimborne in Bloom August Bank Holiday Weekend Duck Race raised over £1,400 for ‘In Bloom’ funds, which will particularly help the autumn planting process The Mayor and Mayoress of Wimborne Minster, Councillor Shane and Mrs Tracy Bartlett, and Town Crier Chris Brown, along with members of the Wimborne in Bloom committee, launched the ducks into the River Allen by the Riverside Mews Café bridge on Saturday 29 August. Following the recent rains and increased river water levels, the first ducks crossed the finishing line at the Rising Sun Car Park in as little as 15 minutes! Results: 1st 669, £50 Michael Bond 2nd 98, (Co-owned) £25 each Alan & Caroline Knight and Jane Love 3rd 861, £10 Austin Cole 4th 662, £5 Rose Gilson 5th 996, £5 Mary Austin 6th 8,4 (Co-owned) £5 each Hazel Layne & Dai James Last Duck Home, 425, won a bottle of wine Archie Morgan

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 29

in and around the area

mags4dorset’s

s a e d i l l Hallowe’ e n i r b spooktacular ing busy this at

Kingston Lacy

This Hallowe’en, enjoy some scary fun at Kingston Lacy. Throughout the whole of half term, 24 October to 1 November, there will be many activities to keep the entire family entertained. Around the garden, follow the clues to solve the riddle of the trail, what spooky things will you spot? You never know - there may be a prize at the end! From 11am to 3pm daily, stop by the laundry, where something different will be happening every day. Join in with the arts and crafts and take home some decorations for your own house. From 26 October to 1 November, look out for the storytelling walks at 11am and 1pm, where you will be able to share and enjoy spooky tales based on stories from the Bankes’ family history. These walks are bookable in advance. Visit Kingston Lacy’s website for booking details and prices. Don’t forget your wellies and coats to enjoy these walks whatever the weather! Everyone is encouraged to get into the spirit of Hallowe’en and come along in fancy dress. Who will be the scariest? Kingston Lacy will be open daily, 24 October to 1 November, 11am to 6pm. Normal admission prices apply. To find out more about Kingston Lacy and the Hallowe’en spooktacular, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy.

for keep

With half term suddenly upon us, it’s time to think of things to do to keep the kids occupied come rain or shine this October. But fear not, we’ve got it covered with a wealth of activities on offer in and around Dorset.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, West Moors Phew, look at all the events on at Moors Valley this autumn! On Saturday 24 October, there’s a Kids Mountain Biking event; kids can explore the tracks through the park whilst learning new skills and improving cycling techniques and confidence. On Tuesday 27, Fitness Buggy Workouts are specially designed exercise classes for parents with babies. If that’s not enough, listen to Hallowe’en stories for the whole family on Wednesday 28. For more details and even more activities, visit www.moors-valley. co.uk/events.

Brownsea Island Perfect for adventure-hungry explorers, Brownsea Island is your child’s dream. There’s a natural play area, a tree-climbing trail, bird and wildlife spotting (fish out those binoculars), and much more. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island/thingsto-see-and-do/ The National Trust’s brilliant 50 things to do before you’re 11 and three quarters’ is a free website which helps kids find fun things to do nearby and tick them off a checklist. If they complete all 50 activities, they can claim a secret reward. 50 Things will get the whole family out exploring the great outdoors and making memories whatever the weather. www.50things.org.uk

Ferndown Leisure Centre Alongside all their usual classes and sports sessions for children and adults of all ages, Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering Fit For Sport Activity Camps, allowing your child to keep active during the half term break. Try something new and take part in a whole range of activities and sports, including swimming. For more information and to book, head to www. placesforpeopleleisure.org/centres/ferndownleisure-centre/

Other ideas include: Splashdown, Poole www.poole.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk Bovington Tank Museum, Wareham www.tankmuseum.org Monkey World, Wareham www.monkeyworld.org Lemur Landings, Poole www.lemurlandings.co.uk Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester www.thedinosaurmuseum.com Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Verwood www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk All Fired Up Ceramics Café, Bournemouth www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk Paultons Park, Romsey www.paultonspark.co.uk

30 |

4DORSET October 2015

s hbalfotenrmanza Not only can the weather be touch and go, but at mags4dorset, we understand that keeping the kids entertained can be a costly (and exhausting) operation. Here are some of our ideas to keep the costs down and energy levels up.

Build a den!

Stay cosy this autumn, and build a den together out of duvets and pillows, drape blankets over chairs and tables to create a canopy. Fill the den with favourite toys and books, light the room with fairy lights, and read stories together inside the den.

“

Purse-friendly activities

For 101 free activity ideas this half term, visit www.netmums. com and search for ‘101 ideas for free family fun’. They even provide a free printable half term planner to keep the whole family organised.

“

Half term at home

Have a

in and around the area

scarily good time at Beaulieu this half term

Howls…of laughter, and screams… of delight, will echo from deep within the New Forest as Beaulieu celebrates its ghostly heritage this October Half Term, from 24 October to 1 November. It will be quite a spectre-cle! Beaulieu is reputed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in its 13th century Abbey and at Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538. Hear Spooky Stories from the costumed monk in the Abbey and from guides in Palace House; children can also take a lucky dip in the Witches Cauldron and have a Gruesome Face Painting. All children who get into the ‘spirit’ of the season and come to Beaulieu in Halloween fancy dress will receive special half price admission. * In the National Motor Museum, you can follow the Halloween Trail and see some of the 250 vehicles on show from every motoring era. See the museum’s two new motor sport display areas: Grand Prix Greats and Road, Race and Rally. The displays feature F1, rallying, trials and drag racing exhibits, as well

as clothing, trophies, photographs, film and video, telling the story of both track and road racing from its beginnings to the present day. Have a ride on Wheels, a pod ride through 100 years of motoring history and take a trip on the high-level Beaulieu MoanA-Rail, which passes through the roof of the Motor Museum. Enter On-Screen Cars to see vehicle stars from TV and film, including Mr Bean’s lime green Mini, Del Boy’s Trotter Van, Harry Potter’s ‘flying’ Ford Anglia, used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Wallace and Gromit’s Anti-Pesto van. Don’t miss World of Top Gear to see actual cars from some of the presenter’s most ambitious challenges, and enter the Top Gear Enormodrome to hear the stories behind them and enjoy clips of some of the best Top Gear moments. Beaulieu is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information, please visit www. beaulieu.co.uk or telephone 01590 612345.

*Excludes 31 October after 3pm

Baking

Check out www. bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ collection/kids-baking for oodles of recipe ideas to try out with the kids. Make it more fun by dressing up in chef hats and aprons to avoid messy clothes. It’s also the perfect time to try out some spooky Halloween baking. Visit www.goodtoknow.co.uk/ recipes/halloween for some scarily good ideas. Classics like carving a pumpkin and engaging in some sugarfuelled Trick-or-Treat antics is perfect for this time of year.

Get groovy with a mini home disco

Invest in a glittery disco ball, locate some colourful fairy lights, let the kids dress up as outrageously as possible and boogie to Fun Kids Live radio station (streamed online at www.funkidslive. com, also available as podcasts on iTunes). Or, for decidedly more grown-up kids (and, let’s face it – adults too), learn Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance moves!

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 31

Room forImprovement BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

When it comes to keeping your home spick and span, regular upkeep is key. From choosing the colour of a fresh lick of paint to the value of space-saving storage solutions, we’ve compiled some useful tips and tricks from leading DIY stores to help you create and maintain a home to be proud of.

? t n i a P g n i s o o h C Get colour confident

If you’re a little apprehensive about putting brush to wall, simply follow Dulux’s guide to achieving colour confidence. Try paint testers in a range of shades. This is a wonderful way to ensure the colour you love looks just as great on your walls as it does on the tin. You can order Dulux testers online or buy them in-store at any Dulux Decorator Centre or good hardware store. Before you start painting, apply two coats to a piece of A4 lining paper. Hang the paper on different walls throughout the day to see how the colour changes in sunlight and under artificial light. You’ll find that the effects of light particularly influence whites. Which direction does your room face? It’s important to keep in mind that most colours will look slightly darker and colder in north-facing rooms because the light is cooler and flatter. Wet paint looks vastly different to dry paint. Try not to make any decisions until the paint is completely dry. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If you love it, it’s right.

32 |

4DORSET October 2015

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

TIP: If you’re looking for some help from the experts, the Dulux Design Service can help you get your home looking exactly the way you’ve always wanted, simply and affordably. They will bring you the latest and very best in interior design at competitive prices, to suit your own individual style and taste. Contact the Dulux Design Service on 0333 222 7021 or visit www.duluxdesignservice.co.uk

Dulux Colour Futures 16, colour of the year ‘Cherished Gold’, 2.5L £24.49

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 33

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Waste not, want not

what to do with leftover paint Before you start painting, work out how much paint you need to finish your project. Visit Dulux for help calculating paint quantities.

Dulu x Colour Futures 16, ‘Marble Swirl’, 2.5L £24 .49

You can reuse leftover paint, provided it is stored correctly: keep the tins away from direct sunlight and in a frost-free environment. If you only have a small amount remaining, pour the leftover paint into old jam jars and store in a safe, dry place.

TIP: Leftover whites? Mix them together and use as a base coat next time you decorate.

34 |

4DORSET October 2015

Can someone else use it? You could pass it on to neighbours or friends, or perhaps a local theatre group, school or community centre. Community projects, such as Community RePaint, are also a great option. Coordinated by the not-for-profit environmental consultancy Resource Futures, Community RePaint collects ‘half-tins’ of leftover paint from donation points at numerous local authorities’ Household Waste Recycling Centres and Civic Amenity sites. To donate paint, simply visit www.communityrepaint. org.uk to find your nearest Paint Donation Facility.

Five top tips for using leftover paint creatively in the home

Remember: You can’t tip paint down the sink or drains, or put it out with your normal rubbish. For responsible disposal, call your local council. They should be able to direct you to a special facility for disposing of paint without harming the environment.

•

• •

•

For a simple take on an artinspired feature wall, tear along the sides of some old lining paper. Blend your leftover emulsion from top to bottom. Then, drip some water over the top to make a striking wall panel. Paint pieces of old driftwood and attach to the wall for a unique, 3D installation. You can use up leftovers from tester pots to paint over a boring cork pinboard. Use darker shades to create a striking background for your favourite photos, postcards and to-do lists. Combine a few brush-fulls of leftover paint and transform a simple plant pot into an elegant, colourful piece of bespoke home ware. Channel your inner artist and have fun dripping leftover paint onto a canvas. Who knows, it may be the start of your new artistic career – or, at the very least, will provide you with some fantastic artwork to hang on your freshly painted walls.

advertising features

e u l a v to your home s d ad

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Good storage

Good storage leads to an average value increase of £18k nationally and up to £45k in London, says IKEA.

New research from the Swedish there are some things that remain furniture retailer IKEA has shown invaluable to home buyers and one that good storage alone can add an of those things is storage. It doesn’t average of almost £18k to the value matter if you’re selling a one-bed flat of a property in Britain. The research or a ten-bed mansion, if there is no found that two thirds of Brits believe storage, you are asking buyers to house prices increase by up to 10 per spend a lot more to make this right. cent when they have good storage. By getting it right pre-sale, you can With the average house price in the add thousands of pounds to the UK now standing at £179,492, this value of your home, which will make amounts to over a £17k increase, moving to your new home that bit and with property prices in London easier.” being the highest in the UK, averaging £458,283, this Dulux Colour Futures 16, ‘Cherished Gold’, 2.5L £24.49 figure rises steeply again to an impressive £45k, leaving a whole host of families better off. These findings are supported by the National Association of Estate Agents who believe that, in a market where people are struggling to afford larger homes, it’s becoming more and more important to make the most of the space they have – a large part of which is often about getting the storage right. Regionally, the desire to have a home for everything we own is consistent. Despite fluctuations in house prices across the country, every region claimed the value of their property increased with good storage by up to 10 per cent. Mark Hayward, Managing Director for NAEA, said, “The housing market is constantly changing, but

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 35

specialist services AIRPORT TRANSFERS

BLINDS

BUSINESS SERVICES

FENCING

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

CARPET CLEANING

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

DECORATING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

COMPUTER SERVICES

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 37

specialist services GARAGE DOORS

INTERIOR DESIGN

ROOFING

LOCKSMITH

TILING SUPPLIERS

TILES

TREE SURGERY

WASTE MANAGEMENT

38 |

4DORSET October 2015

WEB DESIGN

specialist services WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT OCTOBER 2015 ARIES March 21 - April 20 Lately, you’ve been so focused on your own needs that you have forgotten those of your best friend, lover, or business partner. You’ll have a lovely opportunity to make amends and become more giving during the second half of the month. The Full Moon on the 27th puts a big beauty of a bonus in your bank balance. Use some for a new computer or phone system.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 Your love life takes an exciting turn during the second half of October. It will be virtually impossible to resist your allure. A group endeavour comes to a successful conclusion on the 27th, setting off a glamorous string of parties. LEO July 24 - August 23 The second half of the month finds you spending more quality time at home. Being surrounded by your family makes you feel grounded. True, your relatives can drive you up the wall at times, but they also make you feel loved and needed. Let them lavish you with affection. The Full Moon on the 27th finds you getting an award or promotion for a job well done.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Money from a lawsuit or court settlement will help make ends meet in the second half of the month. Good news about a contract or partnership is music to your ears on the 27th, when the Full Moon brings emotional and financial support. GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Beware of devoting all of your time to a child or lover in the second half of the month, or friends will become resentful. Strive for a better balance in your private life. The Full Moon on the 27th will shed light on a secret. At long last, you will be able to understand why the object of your affection has been behaving in such a mysterious fashion.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 You’ll be offered a well-paid post on or around the 13th. Think twice before accepting, because there will be hidden strings attached. You may be better off making the best of existing resources. Your sex appeal is red hot during the second half of the month. It’s a perfect time to seduce someone who you’ve always fancied. The Full Moon on the 27th brings the successful conclusion of a legal matter. It looks like you’ll be awarded a handsome settlement. LIBRA September 24 - October 23 The New Moon on the 13th marks an unexpected conflict with someone you thought was an ally. No matter how you try to explain your actions, you will be painted as a villain. Take this opportunity to go off on your own and think about your options. It may be time to put your own needs first. Fortunately, the Full Moon on the 27th poses a wonderful opportunity to satisfy your sensual side. Go for a spa treatment or enjoy a gourmet meal.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 Put a bold plan into action on the 16th. A business executive will be impressed by your initiative and offer you a position in their organisation. The Full Moon on the 27th finds you falling deeper in love with the object of your affection. This is a great time to give your partner a beautiful gift that symbolises your devotion. SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 The Full Moon on the 27th marks the successful culmination of a job. People will be very impressed with the results. Prepare for an uptick in business as October turns to November. It may be necessary to hire more staff to keep up with all of the orders. CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 The second half of October will be difficult for work, but wonderful for love. If you’re single, sign up for an advanced course on your favourite subject. You’re sure to meet someone special this way. The Full Moon on the 27th brings favourable publicity for a creative project. AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 The New Moon on the 13th brings disappointing news about a legal matter. It looks like you’ll have to cut your losses. Fortunately, an attentive lover is poised to relieve you of some heavy burdens during the second half of October. The Full Moon on the 27th brings a satisfying conclusion to a household or family matter. This is a great time to buy or sell property. PISCES February 20 - March 20 The New Moon on the 13th sparks a power struggle over joint finances. You might have to enlist the aid of a lawyer to get money that is due to you. Patience and persistence will win the day. The second half of the month is ideal for scheduling a long distance trip. Check your messages throughout the day on the 27th, when the Full Moon will bring exciting news. Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation. Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply 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.

JULY 2015

Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department. Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them. Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears. Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from 4Dorset and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 39

advertising features

Moving to Ferndown

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

By Janine Pulford

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MOVING TO THE SECOND LARGEST INLAND TOWN IN DORSET?

lthough it’s the population of 17,839 that gives Ferndown its giant status, many who drive through say their first impression of the town is that it’s small and non-descript. So let’s look past that first impression and see what Ferndown really has to offer. Its main shopping centre is along Ringwood Road and Victoria Road. There is also a pedestrianised area where the post office, doctor’s surgery, theatre and library are situated along with more retail outlets including Tesco supermarket. As well as a variety of shops, there is an abundance of places where you can rest weary limbs and slake your thirst, from the local pubs and take-aways to coffee shops. Free pull-in parking is plentiful along the main roads, but time restrictions must be adhered to. For a longer stay, or to visit the supermarket, there is a large, free car park within a few minutes walk of the town centre and motorists will also find competitively priced fuel at the Tesco garage. A host of independent retailers rub shoulders with a handful of multi-national stores, but the town is not crammed with them. You don’t have to walk far to find a friendly and helpful shop owner, who knows his/her products inside out and offers a good after-sales service. Many are members of the Ferndown Chamber of Commerce, which works hard at putting on a big Christmas event in the town, (28 November this year, from 12pm-5pm). And it’s free. So far, so good. You may even be thinking of moving to Ferndown now. If you’re looking for a property, the estate agents know the marketplace thoroughly. There are plenty of them too, so you will find a great choice of properties from high end to keenly priced, affordable homes. Once you take the step to move to Ferndown, you will find there is plenty to do for all ages; the schools are very good and there is a superb leisure centre with a swimming pool and gym. Sports enthusiasts will also love the bowling green, tennis courts, skatepark, football pitches and cricket pitch, all of which are maintained to high standards by the town council, headed by an elected mayor. For the children, there is a fenced playground, vast playing fields and a small

park, all within walking distance of the town centre. Live entertainment is provided at the Barrington Theatre, which is a much-loved community centre with all sorts going on, day and night, and is a meeting place for many of Ferndown’s clubs and societies. There is also a village hall and a Royal British Legion branch just outside the town centre. Nearby golf courses showcase Ferndown’s countryside at its best and the many nearby open spaces offer heathland and forest walks as well as cycling opportunities to keep you fit and healthy. It’s good to know the town has a low crime record. Statistics recently released by Ferndown Central Safer Neighbourhood Team indicate mainly a low risk, with pockets of medium risk. Since the beginning of the year to July 2015, about a third of incidents involved anti social behaviour. Ferndown Central ranks fourth in the Neighbourhood crime league table, below Broadstone and Merley, Colehill, and Leigh Park. To sum up, the town has a lot more going for it than any first impression may give. Not only that, it’s set in a beautiful area with many clubs and societies bringing the community together. It’s also within a short drive or bus ride to Wimborne, Ringwood, the New Forest and the seaside towns of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. What more could you want?

GENERAL HOUSING FACTS From the 2011 Census, it can be gleaned that there are 8074 households in Ferndown with 80 per cent being owner occupied. Less than 20 per cent are either privately or publically rented. The census reveals that in the 10 years between 20012011, the percentage of people owning their own home fell. Nationally, this was the first time this had occurred for almost a century. This shift towards renting happened during a new era of tighter lending requirements since the financial crash of 2008, alongside rising house prices, increasing at a much faster rate than wages. By 2011, the number of households owned with a mortgage or a loan, dropped by 6,000 in Dorset. However, the numbers owned outright increased. This number grew by almost 9,000 in the county, resulting in almost 77,000 households in Dorset owned outright, 43% of the total. This is much higher than the national average of 31% and is due to the older age structure in Dorset. Analysis of the age of home owners from the census shows that out of these 77,000 households owned outright, over 50,000 of them are owned by an over 65 year old. In Ferndown, which is a popular retirement area, the census revealed that 34 per cent of the population is aged 65 plus.

USEFUL INFORMATION Schools Ferndown First 01202 873747 Ferndown Middle 01202 876556 Ferndown Upper 01202 871243 Hopscotch Pre-school 01202 870759 Rainbows End 01202 897677 Parley First School 01202 874400 Nearby in West Moors: St Mary’s First School, Oakhurst First School, West Moors Middle School, Busy Bees Pre-school and West Moors Pre-school Doctors’ surgeries Pennys Hill Practice 01202 897000 Orchid House Surgery 01202 897000 Corbin Avenue Surgery 01202 897989 Glenmoor Road Surgery 01202 874302 In nearby West Moors there is The Village Medical Practice and West Moors Group Practice Churches United Church, Ferndown 01202 871440 St Mary’s Cof E Church, 01202 897087 St Mark’s Church, West Parley 01202 873561 Turbary Church 01202 892351 Longham URC Church 01202 873267 Hope Church, Heatherlands (contact through website) Nearby in West Moors: Pinehurst Chapel, St Anthony’s RC Church, St Martin’s URC and St Mary’s C Of E Church

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 41

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Remortgage madness By Anthony Peters Planit Mortgages

Right now, mortgage rates are very low but are slowly on the rise. Rates have crept up by an average of 0.2% since July and may continue to creep up in anticipation of the Bank of England finally increasing the base rate. Remortgage lending is at its highest since 2009, up by 102% since August 2014, although a massive 78% of borrowers on lenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SVR are still not prepared for interest rate rises. Perhaps it is now the time to fix your housing costs to ensure no future shocks occur. With residential mortgages from 1.39% and Buy to Let mortgages from as little as 1.99%, now is the time to cash in before interest rates finally do go up. If you want to fix your own mortgage for a long period, especially if you believe you are going to stay there for a long time, 5 year fixed rates start at 2.24% and 10 year rates at a mind blowing 3.14%. So what are

you waiting for? House prices are moving higher, with prices in the 3 months to July up 2.4% from April and we are now entering the busy season as the school holidays are over and families want to be in their new homes by Christmas. If you want to move before Christmas, I recommend you get in touch now to allow us the time to get the best deal for your needs. With pension-pot holders able to access their funds to purchase property, Buy to Let business is up by 18%, contributing to a buoyant market, with the outlook beginning to look rosy again after such a long hiatus.

Anthony Peters

Call us today on 01202 233660 or 233661 or email me at tony@planit-mortgages.co.uk or visit our website at www.planit-mortgages.co.uk

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 47