The Bulletin | February 2023

S12 Travel: India

Firstly, apologies to the Regent Centre as the incorrect listings were printed in the December and January publications. You will find the current listings for February and March 2023 on page S20.

Mid-Winter has been and gone and we can now enjoy lengthening days and look forward to the spring and all that it brings. The clocks will go forward on Sunday 26th March.

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is on 19th March and if you’re looking to treat that special person in your life The Oak in Burton might be the place to celebratesee page 63 for details. Alternatively, if you want to impress your nearest and dearest with your culinary skills why not have a go at baking and share a slice of homemade Dorset Apple Cake with them – recipe can be found on page S28.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Best Wishes, Julie

The Bulletin Welcome to

6. Declutter Your Wardrobe

8. Competition

10. Beach Clean

12. Book Review

14. Puzzles

16. Short Story

S2. Power of Thought

S14. Wine of the Month

S20. Regent Centre What’s On!

S22. Whitby Lighthouse

S26. Bird Watching

S28. Dorset Apple Cake

S30. How Resilient Are We?

S32. Garden Design

50. Local History

54. Spanish Kitchen Recipe

58. Veterinary Corner

Editor: Julie Smith

Tel: 01425 270100 or 07762 701271

Email: julie@themudefordmag.co.uk

www.themudefordmag.co.uk

Front Cover: John Clarke

Graphic Design: Rivista Design

Printed by Micropress Printers

Too Many Clothes yet Nothing to Wear?

I know that feeling only too well. Maybe it’s time to spend some time decluttering your clothes. I have a confession to make; a few years ago, I was a clothes shopaholic. I could not stop spending money on lots of stuff, but clothes were my favourite.

The thrill of the find, putting them on, the way I felt wearing that new item. All were designed to make me happy, but strangely they never did. I found myself floundering in my wardrobe, unable to see what I had, especially when items had fallen down the back.

But that was then, and this is now. I am a Professional Declutterer and my speciality is decluttering clothes. I have worked with fashion stylists and make-up artists, so I have learned a lot and have an ‘eye’ for what looks good and that is why, today, I have a small wardrobe of clothing compared to many, but I never struggle when it comes to dressing. I simply fling open the doors, select whether it’s a dress or skirt/bottoms day and take it from there. Everything matches so it is so easy to dress now.

Here are my tips for Decluttering clothes. If you want to make your life easier and dress to impress every day of the week. Here’s what you do –

1. Take everything out of your wardrobe

2. Put like with like – trousers with trousers, tops with tops etc

3. Look at your blank canvas wardrobe and focus, on what you truly want in there. I love it when the wardrobe is empty, it’s like starting again

4. Only chose the items you love, that fit you, that make you feel good (not sure…try them on)

5. Donate 50% to charity and the rest you can sell on Vinted or similar (make sure you are honest with yourself as to whether you will do this, often jobs put to one side get overlooked in our busy lives, if you think you don’t have the time it can all go to charity)

6. Put to one side your high summer items (or winter if you are reading this blog in summer) and pack them away until next year, this will make your wardrobe more compact and easier for you to see. After all, there is no point wading through summer dresses when you are searching for your Christmas jumper is there?

You can look great every day with a decluttered wardrobe, so get decluttering your clothes today!

With Love Beth, x

Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

Thinking of letting your holiday property?

Beach Clean Dates 2023/24

All dates subject to change. Please follow the individual groups for updates. Open to everyone, free to join

Sunday 2nd April 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 23rd July 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 15th October 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 7th January 24 10.30am - 12.30pm

www.highcli ebeachcleanteam.org.uk

Sunday 5th February 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 14th May 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 27th August 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 5th November 10.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 4th February 24 10.30am - 12.30pm

www.friarscli beachcare.org.uk

Saturday 25th February 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 25th March 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 29th April 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 20th May 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 24th June 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 22nd July 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 26th August 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 30th September 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 28th October 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 25th November 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 16th December 10.00am - 12.00pm

Saturday 27th January 24 10.00am - 12.00pm

www.mudefordquaycleanup.org.uk

Book Review

Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley, paperback £9.99

The Murders at Fleat House is a suspenseful and utterly compelling crime novel from the author of the best-selling Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley. The sudden death of a pupil in Fleat House, a small private boarding school in deepest Norfolk, is a shocking event that the headmaster is very keen to call a tragic accident. But the local police cannot rule out foul play and the case prompts the return of high-flying Detective Inspector Jazmine Hunter to the force. A particularly grim discovery at the school makes this the most challenging murder investigation of her career, because Fleat House hides secrets darker than even Jazz could ever have imagined…

A Brief History of the British Monarchy: From the Iron Age to King Charles III by Jeremy Black, hardback £16.99

Concise and engaging, this book charts the very beginnings of British reign through to the longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II - and looks forward to the reign of King Charles III. Much more than a linear history, this is the intertwined story of royalty and state, of divisions, invasions, rivalries, death and glory; the story of nation fates deeply tied with the personal endeavours of monarchs through the ages. Exploring the House of Wessex, the Norman Conquest, Henry VIII and the Tudors, Victorianism and key events such as the abdication of Edward VIII, this book is a necessary and comprehensive guide to the British Monarchy and how it has shaped history, and our lives today.

Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King, paperback £7.99

Aimed at junior school age children 8-12

Many people go their whole lives without noticing anything is afoot, amiss, or even untoward; without ever experiencing that toe-tingling, stomach-twisting sensation that a mystery is about to unfold. Not Bonnie Montgomery, the world’s best detective. Not that anyone (other than Grampa Banks) has heard of her. But they might have heard of the great Montgomery Bonbon, the well-dressed gentleman detective who (apart from the hat and moustache) looks suspiciously like a 10-year-old girl. In this brilliantly funny young murder mystery, they must solve the mystery surrounding a highly suspicious death at the Hornville Museum. Together they’ll interview some dodgy witnesses, scour the scene for clues and, above all, hope no one notices that Bonnie and Montgomery are never in the same room at the same time...

Why not pop into the shop to have a browse, choose one of our alternative Valentine’s cards and see lots of lovely new publications for Spring?

Or you can contact us on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find us on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that we have to offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.

2023 AT STUDIO ARKELL

With signs of spring and new growth appearing around us, now is a great time to think about fresh plans for your home and workplace, bringing to life your visions and ideas of flexible space that works hard for you.

Studio Arkell is a friendly and approachable Chartered Architect’s practice, with a talented and growing team led by Hannah Arkell, in her home town of Christchurch, Dorset.

Hannah has travelled & studied in Manchester, London and Copenhagen, and worked in London, Stuttgart and the South Coast to qualify with First Class Honours and Distinction as an ARB & RIBA accredited architect.

‘Design is individual and unique in its appeal to each person, I aim to bring these elements together to give each client something beautiful and practical that meets their own hopes and imaginings, whatever scale or size the project’ says Hannah

If you are looking for a local Architect for advice, Studio Arkell would be happy to help with the smallest household reconfiguration right up to large & innovative commercial or investment plans. Having successfully designed and gained planning for projects right across the New Forest and South Coast, Studio Arkell has the experience and creativity to help bring your vision of new spaces and schemes to life.

To take advantage of a limited offer of a complimentary 1-hour Design Consultation – please get in touch with Hannah or her Team at Studio Arkell today.

You can find our offices just off the top of Christchurch High Street. We’d love to see you so why not pop in and say hello!

A: 5, Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1DP

T: 01202 232423

Enquire for a free consultation.

E: info@studioarkell.com

W: www.studioarkell.com

Down Memory Lane

By Colin Seager

Carlton sits with head pressed against the window; his mind as blurred as the distant moors rushing past. ‘Who am I kidding? I can’t go through with this. I’ll get off at the next stop and go back to London. No, no, no, I promised. I can’t give up now, she’ll be waiting for me. What will my son think? He won’t mind, he’ll be only too pleased that someone else could want to look after me in my doddery dotage.’

The train arrives at Plymouth station ten minutes late. Deirdre is still waiting. At a distance, she has difficulty recognising him. Up close there is no doubt. Not surprisingly, he looks care-worn, with white hair and a slight stoop. But his ice-blue eyes reassure her that some things never change. There is a not-quite-touching attempt at a welcoming hug but enough for them both to feel a frisson of hope that their journeys may have been worthwhile.

“Where are we going?”

“I’ve got a surprise Carlton I hope you’ll be pleased. I told you I believe we could make this work. In a half an hour or more, traffic permitting, all will be revealed.”

Despite both wanting to flood each other with questions, initially they chat inconsequentially as they head for the villages to the west of Dartmoor. Before long Deidre’s presence is enough to ease some of his fears and inhibitions.

“How have you done it Dee? You don’t look any different? Those exquisite dimples inherited from your mother are beginning to give me goose bumps.”

“You always knew how to make me feel good. The answer is simple: no kids and a soft life.”

“Hang on Dee, I know it’s been thirty years plus, but isn’t that The White Hart ahead. If I’m not mistaken that’s where we first met at that skittles evening where your friend was so drunk, she forgot to let go of the ball, nearly knocking over the pins herself. Cassie, wasn’t it?”

“Well spotted. Great memory, nearly right. It was Sally, close enough. Sadly, she died a year or so ago, felled by breast cancer. I’ll always miss her. Anyway, let’s talk about now: that’s where we’re stopping for lunch. Do you remember the lane opposite the pub that eventually leads to the other end of the village?”

“Of course. How could I forget? I’ve had too much time to go over every detail of my life. We took a short cut across a field and had to negotiate a broken kissing gate. Appropriately named. I fell for you there and then. You know it took me ages to recover after Laurence whisked you away and you became an attachment to his career in the diplomatic service.”

“I’m here now Carlton, complete, and totally unattached, the torch I hold for you never went out. Let’s eat and then I’ll take you down that lane again. As you’ll see, we won’t need to cross the field now.”

A long catch-up lunch is taken in a secluded corner. They leave and drive down the narrow, winding high-hedged lane, passing a cluster of ancient cottages that are content to lean on each other like old married couples. Soon they arrive at the village centre. Deirdre takes a cut next to the community store and after a couple of hundred yards pulls into the drive of a new barn conversion.

“Here we are Carlton. What do you think?”

“Well, Dee, it’s amazing.”

“It’s mine. Larry left everything to me, I thought why not. This is where I want to be. I told you what I think. I don’t want to be alone; there’s still time for us to have a good life together. It’s up to you.”

“With my history? What about the neighbours, the shop, the pub?”

“Carlton, I meant what I said at lunch. I always believed in your innocence. You could never harm anyone, even someone like the woman that led you and your boy such a merry dance. That’s why your conviction was quashed, and you were released, and the real killer now rots in jail.”

He hugs Deidre. “Are you really sure?

© Colin Seager

Dentist role in detecting Mouth cancer

Mouth (Oral) cancer is a serious health issue. There were over 8, 700 new cases of mouth cancer in the UK last year alone . Mouth cancer affects men over 55 twice as women, and the five - year survival rate is around 50 to 60% due to late diagnosis. There are many risk factors but tobacco , alcohol and HPV infection are the main causes of mouth cancer. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, white or red patches lasting over three weeks, swelling or lumps in the mouth etc.

Treating oral cancer lesion at early stage is the most effectual way to reduce mortality, disfigurement and complications. Oral cancer gets less attention than other type of cancer , that results in delaying of diagnosis and poor outcome.

NHS Statistics show only 15.8m adult and 5.1m children accessed dental services in 2021 in the preceding 24-month period. This has slightly improved since we come out of the pandemic but still many adults and their children do not visit a dentist regularly. since the pandemic we have seen a decrease in patient attendance and we are now detecting more cases of oral cancer more than ever before.

When I was a dental student thirty years ago in Sweden, we were told that it would be rare to come across oral cancer during our entire dental career. However, In my 25 years career as a general dental practitioner - mostly in Christchurch, I have personally diagnosed several cases of mild to aggressive mouth cancers, in or around the face, head and neck areas.

Cancer is very close to my heart. I was horrified to learn that my father was diagnosed with head and neck cancer about 20 years ago. One day he noticed a lump in his throat when shaving. It was later diagnosed as a stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma (the most common form of oral cancer). I was horrified. He endured aggressive surgery, chemo and radiotherapy but shortly he succumbed to the inevitable at the age of 63.

Since then, without fail, I have been examining every patient on my dental chair to ensure that they do not present any symptoms of potential pre-cancer changes in or around their mouth, face, head and neck I have seen patients who had early symptoms or lesions of oral cancer and I referred them to secondary care for further investigations. Dentists and dental hygienists are the only dedicated professionals regularly examining a pat ient’s mouth. I believe in early detection and management of mouth cancers that could achieve better outcomes and save lives

If you and your family are not regularly visiting a dentist, please make this your new year’s resolution to avoid all dental diseases as well as undetected oral cancer.

Copper Beech advert

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Mrs. Ella Aslani | Mr. Eduardo Boni-Colle | Miss. Juliana Schveitzer da Silva

Bespoke Itineraries Tailored to You

Having a Travel Counsellor by your side when planning a complex itinerary helps to remove the uncertainty and frees up a whole lot of time. With our collective travel expertise and network of connections around the world, I can create the trip that you’ve been envisaging, with a few exceptional inclusions that you may never have thought possible, all without any hassle for you.

Nobody does it quite like the locals do, and for a truly authentic experience of your destination they’re the people to follow. I can organise tours for you led by local residents who have seen the best that a place has to offer and are ready to take you off the beaten track, uncovering the hidden gems that only those in the know go and visit.

Whether it’s pairing a river cruise down the Mekong with an extended stay in Ho Chi Minh, or a voyage through the Mediterranean with a historic experience of Athens, I can piece together an itinerary that features everything you hope to experience. Here is just one example, you can immerse

yourself in Indian culture with a tour of the Golden Triangle through a whirlwind of bustling cities and magical palaces….

India offers a unique cultural tapestry, rich history and diverse landscapes, a visit to India will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Delhi | Agra | Jaipur (7 days / 6 nights)

Day 1:Arrive in Delhi. Where you will be greeted by your driver and escorted to your hotel. Have the day to yourself to relax and recover from the flight in the elegant hotel Suryaa or in The Claridges.

Day 2: Delhi. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before delving into India’s rich heritage on a tour of Old Delhi. Spend the afternoon taking in the sights of Delhi, including India Gate, the Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence).

Day 3: Delhi - Agra. Arrive in Agra and explore the palaces and grand mosques of the Red Fort of Agra before watching the sunset over the iconic domes of the Taj Mahal.

Day 4: Agra - Jaipur. Discover the terracotta buildings, lavish palaces and ancient temples of India’s ‘Pink City’, Jaipur, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fatepur Sikri.

Day 5: Jaipur. Pass by the Palace of Winds before reaching the ancient Amer Fort by jeep. Spend the afternoon enjoying the sights of Jaipur, including Jaipur City Palace and the Jai Singh Observatory.

Day 6: Jaipur - Delhi. You will be chauffeured to Delhi, where the rest of the day can be spent exploring the city or enjoying your hotel’s dining and leisure facilities.

Day 7: Depart Delhi. After breakfast you will be escorted by one of our representatives to the airport to board your flight home

To book your Indian adventure or discuss any other future travel plans get in touch with me today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.

SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

T: 01202 375150

M: 07929 626156

E: sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com

W: www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen

Wine of the Month

Appassimento Domini Veneti 14% £11.99

A rich, silky, smooth, fireside wine. With grapes being air dried for 60 days prior to fermentation.

This Appassimento has a unique fruit concentration composition.

A fine companion for meat dishes and aged cheeses. Serve at a temperature of 16° - 18° C

Colour: ruby red with garnet hints.

Perfume: spiced with notes of vanilla and cherry.

Flavour: full bodied and round with soft tannins and a long finish with spiced notes.

Graham

67 Bargates, Christchurch

BH23 1QE

We are delivering locally 6 days a week (Deliveries of 6 bottles or more)

01202 485965

graham.bonafide@gmail.com

Open 6 days a week

Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 8pm

Monday CLOSED

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Rear set colour coded: from £155

Front set colour coded: from £185

Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £275

CRUISE CONTROL FOR MOST VEHICLES £425 FITTED PRICE.

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Front set colour coded: from £185

CRUISE CONTROL FOR MOST VEHICLES £425 FITTED PRICE

Both Front & Rear Sensors: from £275

Rear view cameras for cars from £180

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Rear view cameras for Cars £180, Vans from £195 & Motorhomes from £225

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FEBRUARY

CHRISTCHURCH SCOUTH AND GUIDE GANG SHOW

FRI 17 FEB: 19:15 | SAT 18 FEB: 14:15 & 19:15

Featuringsongs,comedy,dance,acelebrationof Eurovision,hitsoftheswingingsixtiesand aspecialthankyoutotheNHS.

ROYAL OPERA: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (12A)

TUE 21 FEB: 19:15

JIM CREGAN & CO

SAT 25 FEB: 19:30

AsoneofthemostinfluentialguitaristsinRodStewartsoriginalband,JimCreganco-wrote,co-produced andmusicallydirectedforRodforalmosttwodecades.

NEW FOREST BIG BAND AND THE REGENT PRESENTS: ELEVATION

SUN 26 FEB: 14:30

TheNewForestBigBandandtheRegentpresentsElevationafundraisingconcertfortheRegent’snewlift.

SILVER SCREEN: SEE HOW THEY RUN (12A)

MON 27 FEB: 10:30

Alltickets£5,includesfreehotdrinkandabiscuit

NT LIVE: OTHELLO (RATING TBC)

TUE 28 FEB: 19:00

AnextraordinarynewproductionofShakespeare’s mostenduringtragedy.

MARCH

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

FRI 3 MARCH: 19:30

Celebratingthemusicof Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

THE ALL OR NOTHING EXPERIENCE

SAT 4 MARCH: 19:30

Celebratingthemusicoftheiconic mod band Small Faces.

ROBOCOP (18) [35MM]

FRI 10 MARCH: 20:00

Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 Sci-Fi blockbuster blasts onto thescreenfromanoriginal35mmprint!

THE BEACH BOYZ TRIBUTE SHOW

SAT 11 MARCH: 19:30

Comejoinajourneybacktothe1960s,acrosstothe sunnyshoresoftheGoldenStateofCaliforniawhere the surf sound was conceived.

MARY CASSATT: PAINTING THE MODERN WOMAN (RATING TBC)

SUN 12 MARCH: 14:30

NewdocumentaryfromExhibitiononScreen.

NATHAN CARTER AND HIS BAND

THU 16 MARCH: 19:30

Ireland’snumber1countrysingerisback!

THE FUREYS

FRI 17 MARCH: 19:30

CelebrateStPatrick’sdaywithTheFureys,oneof Ireland’s most acclaimed and influential folk and traditional bands.

VINCENT SIMONE: TANGO PASSIONS

SAT 18 MARCH: 19:30

ArgentineTangoKingandStrictlyComeDancing legend,VincentSimone,returnstothe stagewithhisbrand-newshow!

MET OPERA: LOHENGRIN (RATING TBC)

SUN 19 MARCH: 19:00

DREAMCOAT STARS

TUE 21 MARCH: 19:30

Featuringstarsfromthehitproduction JosephandtheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat. Experiencepowerfulstarvocalsinamusical eveningof WestEndandBroadwayclassics.

ROYAL OPERA: TURANDOT (RATING TBC)

WED 22 MARCH: 19:15 | SUN 26 MARCH: 14:00

RAVE ON:

THE ULTIMATE 50S & 60S EXPERIENCE

THU 23 MARCH: 19:30

ChartingthemeteoricriseofRockandRoll,RaveOn isathrillingtourthroughmusic’smostrevolutionary decades.

CALLING PLANET EARTH

SAT 25 MARCH: 19:30

ANewRomanticSymphonythatgoesonajourney throughoneofthegreatestmusical erasofalltime–theelectrifying80s!

NT LIVE: LIFE OF PI (RATING TBC)

THU 30 MARCH: 19:00 | SUN 2 APRIL: 13:00

Puppetry,magicandstorytellingcombineinaunique, OlivierAward-winningstageadaptationofthe best-sellingnovel.

We are constantly adding new films. To see our upcoming titles, please visit our website www.theregent.co.uk or pick up a film list in-person.

information is correct at the time of publication.

Photo: Matheus Ferrero-UnSplash

Tr

atory into ar

WINTER BIRDING

By Valerie Kelly

As the seasons change, so do the winter birds we see here. Whilst the South of the UK offers a milder climate, the short days and inclement weather can be a deterrent to venturing out but compared to Northern Europe, where days are even shorter in winter (18 hours of darkness) and temperatures are often well below zero making it too cold to stand and stare; we are the lucky ones. Commonly found locally are the winter thrushes, Redwing and Fieldfare along with many wintering geese and ducks that arrive from these colder northern latitudes to find food. Sifting through flocks of geese or diving ducks may take patience but occasionally reveals something unusual which is well worth the effort.

and numbers. Winter birding is a good opportunity for people who want to improve their identification skills. You can see many of the common waders such as Dunlin, Redshank, Bar-tailed, Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwing, among others at Christchurch Harbour and in particular, Stanpit Marsh.

During our winter months we are fortunate to be visited by a variety of wildfowl and waders and also millions of smaller birds, collectively called passerines (small perching birds), who also migrate from Europe to our shores. Gathering records of all these birds is crucial to understanding how climate change is affecting movement

It may seem unpleasant to most of you to stand in the wind and cold whilst trying to steady your binoculars or ‘scope, so be prepared for your trip. Identification makes it all worthwhile as the range of species you can see can be great. Take enough warm layers of clothing, snacks and a hot-drinks to maintain your stamina and use any shelter that is available. Touchscreen gloves allow you to log your sightings if you want to share your results and is easier than using a damp notepad and pen.

The low winter sun can be a hindrance to seeing birds as the light is poor and sometimes creates silhouettes making identification difficult. However, a

Snow Bunting (a rare visitor) by Dr Chris Chapleo

Brent Goose by Dr Chris Chapleo

brisk walk, fresh air and being in an open environment is advantageous to mental and physical health, making your adventure all the more rewarding.

If you are a more experienced birder you may choose to use the winter season to brush up on bird calls. Summer time often makes it difficult to see a bird, even though you can hear it, due to foliage and with leafless trees the opportunity to find the bird is greater. Use this time to try learning the sounds of birds like the Wren, Robin and Song-Thrush, ready for the dawn chorus of spring. Try describing the sound to yourself or a fellow birder. This makes you think about what you are hearing. Does the pitch go up and down, is it a clean sound or slurred, is it constant, does it start slow and increase in speed? This is another

skill to link to the one describing to someone where you have had a sighting. The common description is, ‘it’s there! In that tree’. Where? (I hear them say) Top, bottom, middle, left or right and WHICH TREE?. You have to have been there to understand that one!

CHOG membership is increasing helping to make positive contributions to local conservation. To join please visit: www.chog.org.uk

Lapwing by Dr Chris Chapleo

Recording, Promoting and Conserving the Wildlife of the Christchurch Harbour Area S27

DESIGNING your garden AROUND PLANTS

Well thought out planting schemes are the key to keeping your garden looking good all year round. Here are just a few pointers:

 Get some structure in place with evergreen shrubs as a backdrop throughout the year.

 For seasonal colour and variation add summer flowering perennials

 Include tall grasses that move in the breeze and create autumn interest.

 Fill up any empty spaces with groundcover plants to save you weeding open areas

 Plant bulbs in drifts everywhere that will brighten up your garden in the first half of the year.

If you are looking for some inspiration to liven up your garden and supply all your plants -contact Colin Knapman

T:01425 655038 M:07925 166767

Family run business resolving all pest problems quickly & efficiently. Est 2002

Proudly servicing commercial & domestic clients across Dorset & Hampshire.

Our team of specialists have a large range of pest control and prevention methods required to resolve any pest issues that may occur.

Call outs & contract work undertaken to a high standard.

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Our services include treatments for the following:

4 Ants

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4 Bird proofing

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4 & More

John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-92)

Well, you know the Lord Bute, Hotel & Restaurant, on the Lymington Road in Highcliffe. I’m going to tell you about the chap it’s named from, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-92).

John Stuart was born in Edinburgh, the 2nd Earl’s son, and did what most earls’ sons do, went to Eton. He studied law, having already acceded to the Earldom of Bute on his father’s death in 1723. Around 1737, when he was in his mid-20s, Bute was made a Lord of the Bedchamber by Frederick, Prince of Wales, eldest son and heir apparent of George II, who missed out on the throne, predeceasing his father in 1751, when Bute became ‘Groom of the Stole’ to his son, George William Frederick, the future George III (‘The Madness of King George’ one). The Groom of the Stole was the bod ‘who was responsible for assisting the king in his toileting needs’. Well, I don’t know about you but I didn’t get where I am today needing someone to help with my ‘toileting needs’.

Lots of alternative monikers come to mind like the ‘Constable of the Crap’ or the ‘Sergeant of the Shit’. Apologies. Avoiding distraction, I understand Bute ‘strongly influenced’ the future king. I bet.

Being ‘Equerry of the Excrement’ did Bute’s career prospects no harm and in 1761 he was appointed a principal secretary of state, then from 29th May 1762 to April 8th 1763 was the 7th Prime Minister of Great Britain. Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘That’s a short stint in No. 10 Steve’ although, to be fair, by 2022 standards I’d judge that to be quite a lengthy term. Seriously though, why less than a year? Well, Bute’s government was one of the most unpopular ever, its fundamental raison d’etre being the upholding of the royal prerogative (Bute was arguably the last significant royal ‘favourite’ in British politics). A straw poll would have revealed the reasons for Bute’s unpopularity: He was incapable and ‘unfit to be PM’; he was Scottish (I jest not); he was the King’s pal; and, worst, he was honest. So it’s true, we prefer our leaders to lack integrity. Bute retained his hold over the king for a while but come 1768 he was mostly resigned to retirement and country living. He indulged in botany and scientific study, and built the first High Cliff Mansion of which the Lord Bute’s entrance lodges survive. It was Bute’s grandson who constructed today’s Highcliffe Castle.

The role of Groom of the Stole was established during the reign of the malevolent warthog, Henry VIII, and was not finally abolished until 1901, when the new king, Edward VII, decided he could manage on his own although I doubt he purchased his own loo roll.

By Stephen Roberts www.steveroberts.org.uk Twitter: @SRChristchurch

eMail: littleval@talktalk.net

John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, portrait of him and allegory of his ministry. Stipple engraving by C. Watson, 1805, after A. Ramsay (portrait) and T. Uwins (allegory)’. Wellcome Collection.

Orange Hojaldrinas

Ingredients (for 30 to 35 pieces)

420g Plain Flour

250g Butter

30g Sugar

3 Tablespoons Sweet White Wine

1 Orange

1 Pinch of Salt

Icing Sugar

Preparation

Cut 50g of butter into slices and set aside in the fridge. Sieve 400g of flour into a bowl and mix with the rest of the butter, the orange zest and 3 tablespoons of its juice, the sugar, the wine and the salt. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours.

Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a floured table into a rectangle 1½ cm thick. Place the sheets of butter in the centre and fold the ends over. Roll out the dough again to its initial thickness.

Fold the dough again in the same way, shape into a rectangle and cut into rectangular or square portions. Place on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper and bake for 20 minutes at 180º. Lower the temperature to 150º and bake for a further 10 minutes. Leave to cool, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.

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Alabama Rot

An update from your local community veterinary practice

What is Alabama rot?

Alabama rot is a disease called cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV). It is caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and the kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to block the blood vessels, leading to tissue damage seen as redness, swelling, sores or ulcers on the skin of their legs and feet, tummies, faces and mouths. Some dogs go on to develop severe kidney failure.

The cause of Alabama rot is still unknown, but ongoing investigations and research are continuing by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, among other organisations. Many possible causes, such as common bacterial infections and exposure to toxins, have been ruled out.

What should I look out for?

The first signs of the disease are ulcers or sores, redness or swelling of the skin, particularly on paws, limbs, chest and tummies and occasionally on the face, tongue or mouth. Not all dogs go on to develop life-threatening kidney failure and they can recover fully. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin

Email: office@prioryvetgroup.com

Website: www.prioryvetgroup.com

problem will not be caused by Alabama rot, however any unexplained lesions should be checked and treated as necessary.

Although Alabama rot can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low (only 287 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and December 2022, with approximately 39 within a 25 mile radius of Christchurch).

Can I prevent my dog getting Alabama rot?

It is very difficult to provide specific advice about preventing Alabama rot as the cause is still unknown. However, muddy walks and wintertime seem to increase the number of cases so we would suggest:

- Washing off your dog after a walk in the Forest, especially if they are muddy

- Being vigilant about checking their skin, feet and legs

- Contacting us if you are worried about any skin problem.

If you have any concerns regarding Alabama rot then please remember we are here, as always so contact us on:

01202 484466

Sow some vegetables under cover

Gardening Jobs for February & March

Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches

Prune hardy evergreen hedges and renovate overgrown deciduous hedges

Prune trees and summer flowering clematis

Sow sweet peas

Open the greenhouse doors and vents on warm days

Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes

Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over the winter Plant summer flowering bulbs

All equipment and essentials needed for the above jobs can be found in store, ask any member of staff for assistance

www.stewarts.co.uk

/StewartsGardenCentres

@StewartsGardenC @StewartsGardenCentres