BH Six & Seven | April 2022

History:

Amidst alot of sadness that world events have broughtusrecently, onereason to celebratethisyear will be theQueen’sPlatinum Jubilee. TheUKhas alonghistory oforganised street partiesand there’sstill plenty of time to organiseonein your areaormaybe searchfor aneventtakingplace near you.

With so manyBank Holidays happeningoverthe next few months,you maywanttotake advantageofthose extradaysand create apaintingfor theStanpit Village Hall competition, details can be foundonpageS26, Iwishyou ahappyand sunnyBank Holiday.

Best Wishes, Julie

10. Puzzles

S2. Recipe:Coffee& Walnut Muffins

S4. Competition

S6.Low MaintenanceGardening

S8. Recipe:Spanish Meatballs

S10. What’s on at theRegentCentre

S12.Book Review

S14. Wine of theMonth

S18. Understanding Eating Disorders

S20.ShortStory

S24.Life AfterDivorce

S28.History: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

S30.BlythHarbourLights

50.MudefordRNLI Lifeboat Guild

52. Bird Watching

57. Keep Calm AmidtheChaos

58. FindingHope

60. Travel:Vancouver

PhotocourtesyofPresident.gov.ua

VolodymyrZelenskyy

PhotocourtesyofPresident.gov.uaua

SHOWCASEYOURHOLIDAYPROPERTYAND MAXIMISEYOURBOOKINGSBYADVERTISINGON ALL THE ‘GOTO’HOLIDAYSITESFORJUST12% Letusmanageyourenquiriesandbookingsgivingyou peaceofmind thatyour responserateswill remainhigh andthatyourpropertywillgetthebookingsitdeserves. Forjust12%plusvat –bookingsare centrallymanaged andmadeviaAirnbnb,HolidayLettings/TripAdvisor, VRBOandourownwebsitewww.mudhuts.life

Formoreinformation,pleasecall jane on07801679985oremail jane@mudhuts.life

MudHutsis alocallybasedholidaylettingscompanythathasbeenoperatingsince2006. ThebusinessisownedbyhusbandandwifeteamIanandJaneandsupportedby ateamof experiencedcustomerserviceprofessionals.

Theyarelaunching anewservicefor2022torunalongsidetheirfullymanagedmodel.Thisis designedforowners,whomanagetheirownpropertiesintermsofcleaningandmaintenance needsandwishtogainmaximumexposurebyadvertisingwithallthemajor‘go to’holiday agencieswithoutthepersonaloverhead.

“Everyonehastheirfavourite goto,”saysJane,“andwhatweofferis aback-officesystemthat linkstoourownwebsitewww.mudhuts.lifealongwiththelikesofAirbnb,HolidayLettings/Trip Advisorand Vrbo.Wehaveadedicated teamwhoareconstantlyansweringenquiriesfrom potentialguests.Itisoftenthe first peopleto respondwhogetthebookingandaswealready have‘Superhost’status,we haveagreat reputationgivingnewgueststheconfidencethattheir bookingwillbehandledin aprofessional,friendlyandefficientmanner.”

Keepingupwithconstantenquiriescanbetimeconsumingforownersandlinkingcalendars togethertoensurenodoublebookingsaremadeisveryonerouswithoutthesystemstosupportit. Owners/operatorsmaybe using asimilarmodelwithoneagency,butthis modelgivesmaximumexposureonallthemainsitesat ahighlyreducedrate.

Tel:07801679985Email:info@mudhuts.life

Web:www.mudhuts.life

Whatever yourdenture needsor yourbudget

DorsetDentureClinic isheretohelp.

UCompleteUpper& LowerDentures

UChromeCobaltDentures

UPartialDentures

URelines

UImplantRetainedOverDentures

UExpressDentureRepairs

UHomeVisits Available

Newdenturesthe way youwantthem...

We offercuttingedgetechnology and acomprehensive strategyto ensurethateachpatientachieves theoptimumresults,improving functionandfacialaesthetics.

Awarmandfriendly welcome awaits youwith modernfacilitiesand professionalstaffonhand.

LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENING

Enjoy not endure your garden

Low maintenance gardening doesn’t mean you cannot have a beautiful garden full of plants and interesting features. It does, however, take a bit of planning to get it right.

It is also important to get the right balance to live in harmony with the wildlife around us and retaining environmentally carbon capturing plants.

A few tips on how to achieve it..

Trees and evergreen shrubs require little maintenance apart from an annual trim. Flowering perennials only need the dead growth to be cut back in the winter

Bulbs and annuals are easiest grown in pots and containers. Use bark as a mulch on your beds to suppress weeds and stopping the soil drying out too quickly

Letting the corners go a bit wild will save work and encourage the butterflies and bees

Install a simple water feature and log wall for the wildlife

Sit back and enjoy.

If you would like some expert advice on creating your low maintenance garden that is also wildlife and environmentally friendly contact Colin to arrange a visit and free initial consultation.

“Creating the best of both worlds”

MeatballsinSpanish Sauce

Ingredients (for 12 people):

500gofMincedPork

500gofMincedBeef

2Eggs

100 gManchegoCheese

3ClovesofGarlic

1TablespoonChoppedParsley

1GlassofMilk

APinchofGroundCloves

1sliceofslicedbreadwithoutcrusts

FortheSauce:

1GlassofWhiteWine

1GlassofMeatStock

1GreenPepper

3Grated Tomatoes

2Carrots

2Garlic

1Onion

Oliveoil

SaltandPepper

Preparation:

Putthemincedmeatin abowltogether withthesliceofbread,previouslysoaked inmilk,theeggs,thegratedcheese,the choppedgarliccloves,thegroundcloves andtheparsley.Mixverywell.

Takesmallportionsofmeatandshapeinto balls.

Placeon abakingtrayandcookfor7 minutesat200c.

FortheSauce:

In afryingpanwithoil,frytheonionand garlicfor 5minutes,addthecarrotsand pepper,andfryfor another5minutes. Addthetomatoandcookfor 5minutes more.Thenaddthewine,letthealcohol evaporateandaddthestock,stirandcook for acoupleofminutes.

Finally,addthemeatballstothesauceand cookfor afurther15minutes.

ExperiencetheflavouroftheMediterranean,cuisinewithsoul,madewithlove,toteachandtransmit theGastronomicCultureofSpain.

Withsimple,fresh,aromatic,variedingredients,fullofflavourandsunshine. We make100%Spanish foodtoenjoyandshare. We don’tsellanything,everythingonthischannelisfreeandauthentic.

Watch me prepare this and other meals on my youtube channel: https://youtube.com/c/TheSpanishKitchen eMail me: thespanishkitchen@outlook.com

AuthenticMediterraneanCuisinewithChefJosé thentic Mediterranean C isine with Chef José

APRIL

THESPIRITOFELVISINCONCERTSTARRING

GORDONHENDRICKS

Sat23rdApril:7.30pm

Tickets:£28,Concessions£27

WinnerofITV’s“StarsintheirEyes”.GordonHendricks supportedbyhis11-pieceband.

MILTONMUSICALSOCIETYPRESENTS“CHESS”

Wed27th,Thurs28th,Fri29thApril:7.30pm &Sat30April:2.30pm &7.30pm

Tickets:£18,Concessions.£17

MusicalwrittenbyTimRice&ABBAsongwritersBenny AnderssonandBjörnUlvaeus.Scoreincludesthehit songs“IKnowHimSoWell”,“OneNightinBangkok”& “Anthem”.

SHOWINGONNATIONALRELEASEDATE!

DOWNTONABBEY:A NEWERA(CERTTBC)

DailyscreeningsFri29thApril -Thurs19thMay

Tickets:£7.50,Concessions.£7

Forlmtimes,visitwww.regentcentre.co.ukorcallthe BoxOfceon01202499199

MAY

REGENTCOMEDYCLUBWITHLOUSANDERS

Thurs5thMay:7.30pm

Tickets:£17

‘Taskmaster’championand‘LiveattheApollo’ starLouSandersheadlines. WithsupportfromJoshJones,MorganRees &hostedbyFelicityWard.

THEFULLMONTYREVISITED

Fri6thMay:7.30pm

Tickets:£22.50 -StrictlyOVER18sonly. Theoriginal2CRFMFullMontyisbackforonenight only!RaisingawarenessofMensCancerandraising fundsforMacmillanCaringLocally’s “BrickbyBrick”appeal.

THEREALTHING

Sat7thMay:7.30pm

Tickets:£26,Conc.£25

OriginalvocalistsChrisAmoo&DaveSmith,plusa liveband,performthelegendaryhits“YoutoMeAre Everything”,“Can’tGetbyWithoutYou”&more.

DRACULA:PRINCEOFDARKNESS(1966)[35MMPRESENTATION]

Inassociationwith‘DirtintheGateMovies

Sun 8May:8pm

Tickets:£10,Concessions£9

BANFFMOUNTAINFILMFESTIVAL2022 (REDPROGRAMME)

Thurs12thMay:7.30pm

Tickets:£15.50,Conc.£14(Groupsof6+£14)

IAN WAITEANDVINCENTSIMONE…ACTTWO Sat14May:7.30pm

Tickets:£36,Conc.£34.50

VIPtickets:£70each(includes apre-show meet &greet &signedprint)

JointheStrictlyComeDancingstarsforamagical eveningofdance,comedy&song! Agerecommendation14+

HORRIBLEHISTORIESLIVE:TERRIBLETUDORS

Sun15thMay2022:1.30pm &4.30pm

Tickets:£15,Conc.£13(Over60s,U16s,Students) FamilyTicket:£52(2adults, 2U16s)

ROYALBALLET:SWANLAKE(LIVE)

Thurs19thMay:7.15pm

Tickets:£18.50,Concessions:£16.50, Child(U16):£10

THEFOG(1980) -[35MMPRESENTATION](15) Inassociationwith‘DirtintheGateMovies Fri20thMay:10pm

Tickets:£10,Concessions.£9

REGENT90TH:

ACELEBRATIONOFMUSICALTHEATRE

Sun22ndMay:7.30pm

Tickets£10(allproceedstothe RegentCentreDevelopmentFund) 90yearsofmusicaltheatreclassicsperformedby talentedlocaltheatregroups.

EXHIBITIONONSCREEN:

PISSARRO: FATHEROFIMPRESSIONISM(PG)

Tues24thMay:7.30pm &Sun29May:2.30pm

Tickets:£14.50Concessions.£13.50

NTLIVE:STRAIGHTLINECRAZY(LIVE)

Thurs26thMay:7pm(Encore:Sun12thJune:2pm)

Tickets£14Concessions.£12

RalphFiennesstarsinNicholasHytner’snewplay, broadcastlivefromtheBridgeTheatreinLondon.

THESOUNDOFSPRINGSTEEN

Sat28May:7.30pm

Tickets£25.50

Aneight-piecetributeto“TheBoss”.PerformingBruce Springsteen’sgreatesthitsincluding‘BornintheUSA’, ‘GloryDays’,‘StreetsofPhiladelphia’andmore.

BookReview

ATownCalledSolacebyMaryLawson£8.99

Clara’srebelliousoldersisterismissing.Following arowwiththeir mother,Rosehasstormedoutofthehouseandsimplydisappeared. Eight-year-oldClara,isolatedbyherdistraughtparents’effortsto protectherfromthetruth,isgrief-strickenandbewildered.Sheyearns touncoverthetruthaboutwhathappened.Liam,newlydivorced andnewlyunemployed,movesintothehousenextdoorandwithin hoursgets avisitfromthepolice.Itseemshe’ssuspectedof acrime. Elizabethisalsothinkingabout acrimecommittedthirtyyearsago,one thathadtragicconsequencesfortwofamilies.Shedesperatelywants tomakeamendsbeforeshedies.SetinNorthernOntarioin1972,the novelexploresthe relationshipsofthesethreepeoplebroughttogether byfateandthemistakesofthepast.Byturnsgrippinganddarklyfunny, ituncoversthelayersofgrief, remorseandlovethatconnectus,but showsthatsometimes anew lifeispossible.

ALittleDevilInAmerica:

InPraiseofBlackPerformancebyHanifAbdurraqib£9.99

Aftersomanyenquiriesaboutthe WorldofDickensjigsawfrommy reviewinthelastedition,hereisanothernewjigsaw release,andit couldn’tbemoreperfectforlocal residents!What aspread,withthe mainpuzzlealsocontaining 5mini-puzzlesforextrafiendishness.The onlyproblemisthatitisboundtomakemehungry!Don’tforgetthatour puzzle room isnow apermanentfeatureintheback room oftheshop.

The World’sWorstPetsbyDavid Walliams,£14.99 (ourprice£11.99)published28thApril.

Pre-orderavailable(ages 7to11yearsold)

Thesetentalesoftheworld’scraziestcreatureswillhaveyoushaking withlaughter,and you’llneverlookatpetsinthesameawayagain! MarvelatHoudini,themagician’srabbit;take atriparoundtheworld withZoomthesupersonictortoise;gaspatthechaoscreatedby Griselda, agrizzly bearwith abig secret;andrunforyourlives,it’sFurp, themonstrousgoldfish!Goodpets,badpets,supervillainpets,petsas bigas ahouse andpetsthatcouldeatyouinonegulp –these arethe mosthilariousandhorrendousanimalsaround.

Previousbooksinthe World’sWorstseriesinclude 3volumesof atrociousChildren,someterrible Teachers,andpitifulParents.

Whynotpopintotheshoptohave abrowse,chooseoneofouralternative Valentine’scardsand seelotsoflovelynewpublicationsforspring?Oryoucancontactuson 01202418403,email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or findusonsocialmedia @bh6booksandhome toplace ordersanddiscoverallthatwehavetoofferatBH6BooksandHome.

We tastedthislastweekinLondonforthefirsttimeand voteditthebestwinewetriedthatday. We wrote:Beautifulsilkywhite,lotsofminerals, perfectlybalanced,almostviscousonthepalate... fantastic!

Sitswellwithspice;Moroccan,AsianandIndiandishes.

UNDERSTANDINGEATINGDISORDERS

ByDrArmorelWood

Whatisaneatingdisorder?

Itisnotjustlimitedtothecommon disordersthatweallhaveheardof, forexample,anorexiaorbulimia.It encompassesanyunhealthybehaviour involvingfoodorconcernaboutweightor bodyimageandmayinvolvecontrolling foodinputthroughpurging,fastingor excessiveexercise.Itisbelievedthat 1.25millionpeopleintheUKsufferfrom thesedisorders.Surprisinglyperhaps25% ofsufferersaremaleand85%oftotal sufferersmaynotactuallybeunderweight. Thedisordermaynotnecessarilybeabout foodpersebutmay represent acoping mechanismtoallowthesufferertofeel incontrol.

Thecauseofthesedisordersisnot entirelyclearbutmayinvolve agenetic predispositionandthenanenvironmental trigger.Thelattermaybe amajorlifeevent suchas atrauma,bereavementorsexual abuseormayinvolvesomethingseemingly quitetrivialtoanobserver.Triggersmight be acriticism regardingbodyshape, weightoreatinghabitsormaybedueto pressurefromhobbiesorjobstomaintain acertainbodyshapesuchasballet, modelling,gymnasticsetc.Thosewith perfectionistorobsessivepersonalitiesare moreatrisk.

Eatingdisordersthriveonsecrecyand deceit.Itispartofthedisorderandcauses

addeddistressforfriendsandfamily members.Oftensufferersarepreoccupied aboutfoodandself-consciousabout eatingaroundothers.Theyoftenexercise andeatinsecret.Becausethismental healthdisorderisusuallyassociatedwith shame,guilt,anxiety,andlowself-esteem itisoftenaccompaniedwithlowmood, irritabilityandsocialwithdrawal.

Howshouldwebehavearoundourfriends andfamilythataresufferers?

Keeptryingtotalktothemeventhough youmightbemetwithangeranddenial thatanythingiswrong.Breakingthe secrecyisalwaysessentialfor recovery tooccur,andtheearliertreatmentoccurs thebetterchanceof recovery.Discuss howyoumighthelpbutavoidtrying totakecontrol.Focusonhowtheyare feelingratherthanfocusonweight,eating habitsoractivities.Howeverharditis,be patienttrynottoexpressanger,frustration ormakeaccusations.Focusandpraise positivethingsintheirlivesunrelatedto eatingorweighttotryandbuildtheirselfesteem.Keeptryingtoincludethemasthe isolationandwithdrawalonlyfeeds theproblem.

Watching alovedonewithaneating disordercanbeverydistressingandcause feelingsoffrustrationandhelplessness sobehonestaboutyourownfeelingsand reachoutforhelp,adviceandsupport fromyourGPoreatingdisorder charityBEAT.

M:07765915211

E:woodarmorel@gmail.com

W: mapletreetherapy.org.uk

DrArmorel WoodMBACP, AccredMNCSCounsellor

Cruising

By ColinSeager

FromStephanie’sviewpointintheconservatory, itseemedthatJackwasassaultingthe roses, notpruningthem.Shecontinuedwithherbook, althoughifanyonehadaskedthegistofthelast fewpages,shewouldhavebeenhardputtocome upwithanythingsensible.

AsthelateafternoonlightfadedJackhunghis secateursintheshed,wentindoorsandplonked into aLloydLoomnexttoher.‘Sorryaboutthat,old girl. Ihadtogetitoutofmysystem.’

“Don’tworry,I shareyourfrustration,putyourfeet up,I’llmakesometea. We needtotalkaboutit.’

‘No,no,youstaytheredarling.Doingthe roses clearedmyhead,althoughI’veprobablydone moreharmthangood;shouldhaveleftthemtothe gardener.Theyareourkids,butthey’vegonetoo farthistime.I’veanidea.’

Stephaniestoodupandputdownherbook. ‘Let’sgointheliving room. Ican’t bear lookingat my reflectionanylonger,particularlyfeelingthe way Ido.’

Tenminuteslater,tuckedintotheirfavourite chairs,Jackpouredthetea.‘Istillfindithardto believethattheycouldhavebeensoupinarms becausewedidn’tconsultthembeforewebooked the round-theworld-cruise.God,Steff,whenHarry questionedwhywewerespendinghisandBetsy’s moneyonthat, Inearlyexploded.’

‘Iknowdear,I wasthere. Youworriedme,any moreofthatandyouwon’tmakethe cruise anyway.Thetruthis,perhaps,we’vealwaysmade ittooeasyforthem. We’veworkedourbuttsoffto

getwhereweare today.They’veneverhadtowant foranything.’

‘ThetroubleisSteffyou’reright.It’sour fault,we ledthemtobelievetheyhad akindofaristocratic entitlement. We gavethembothprivateeducation, helpthroughuniversityandthey’vebeen beneficiariesoftheBankofMumandDad.Plus, inthelastfewyearswe’vedonethesameforthe grandchildren.’

Stefanieputdownhercup.‘Butmaybe,weare beingtooharsh,darling.Despiteeverything Istill lovethemtobits.Itsoundslikeyou’vedecided. How Ihatetheseconfrontations. Idon’twantto losethem.’

Jackwentoverandsatonthearmofherchair. ‘Don’tupsetyourself,don’tcry.I need asplashof somethingstrongerthantea.Howaboutyou?’She declinedhisinvitation.

Backinhischairhe reachedacrossandheld herhand.

‘Not adecisionSteff,but IknowwhatI’dliketo do.It’snotaboutteachingthem alesson,although Isupposeitprobablyis.Doyou remembera fewyearsagoforyourwritinggrouponeofthe exerciseswastowrite apieceofflashfictionwith thetitleDispensing?’

‘Could Ieverforget. Istruggledatfirstand finishedupwith astorytorivalJekyllandHyde; thatwentdownwellas Iremember.But Idon’t understand.’

‘Thatgotmethinking.Howaboutthis?First,we dispensesomejustice. We changeourwillssothat whenthelastofusdropsofftheperchthereisonly aperfunctoryamountofcashandthehouseto shareout.Second,fromtomorrowthingschange.’

‘Jack,you’reworryingme.Howdoyoumean, change?’

Now,moreatease,Jackdownedhis Glenmorangie.‘Hmm, Ineededthat.Righto.For monthswe’vetalkedaboutdecluttering,makingit easyforthekids,etal.So,let’sdothatinearnest. We dispensewithabsolutelyeverythingwedon’t needforourdailyliving.And,ifwewanttogo onanothertencruises,wedon’tdiscussit,we justgo…untilourmoneyrunsout.Howdoesthat sound?’

Stephanieseemedtoshedyearsassheturned andsmiled.‘You’vegotitallworkedoutdarling. Whydidn’tIthinkofthat? Idoloveyou.’

Photo:HarliMarten-UnSplash

Photo: Matheus

Transformyour conservatoryinto areally comfortableroomor even asnookerroomifyouhaveenoughspace!

WeGuaranteeyoucanuseyour conservatoryeveryd conservatoryever theyear,whatevertheweather. ay of

JimmyWhiteMBE recommends Conservatory InsulationSpecialists Ltd

Forafreesurvey&quotecall01202124107 Forafrees orvisit conservatoryinsulationspecialists.co.uk uk

All refurbishment, repairsandmodificationworkcarriedoutandhand builtonsitebyourownmulti-skilledteamgivingourcustomersthefinest ofhighqualityfinishesandthebestBritishcraftsmanshipandthebest customerservice.

Whateverthedesignofyourconservatorytheguaranteeisthatitwillbe usableeverydayandnightoftheyearwhatevertheweather.

Is your conservatory yo vato toocold inthewinterand toohot inthesummer?

Foryourfreenoobligationquotecalltodayon01202124107 orvisitconservatoryinsulationspecialists.co.uk

What didyou do when yougot adivorce?

Thisonegoesouttoeveryonewhohasbeen divorcedorisgoingthrough aseparation rightnow.

In2016 Ipartedfrommyex-husband.Itwas theworstthingthathadeverhappenedin mylifeandnotsomething Ihadplannedor wishedfor.Infact,in2010 Ihad anightmare, dreamingthatmyexand Ihadsplit. Iwas so relievedtohearhimdownstairs.Maybea psychicpremonition? Youdecide.Itfreaked meoutandmystrengthofmyfeeling,made me releasethatthethoughtofbeingsinglein my50’swas notsomething Iwanted.

Rollon afewyearslaterandmynightmare wastobecomemy reality.

However,Iwastheonewhoforcedthe decision. Ihadbeenunhappyforsome timeandknewthat Iwould prefertobeon myownthanfaceyearsof adifferentkind ofloneliness,thelonelinessofanempty marriage.Itwasthehardestthing Ihad to face.Myown reality.

Inthesubsequentyears Iwastogothrough everyemotionfromfeelingliberatedto feelingincrediblysadanddesolate. Icame to realisealsohowco-dependent Ihadbeen. Itwasmuchmoretaxingthan Ithoughtit wouldbeand Iadmit, Ihavetakenyearsto heal.

Manypeoplecomeoutofmarriagesand quicklyfindnewlove,oratleastseekitbutI thinkyouneedtimetoheal.Itisokaytotake yourtime.

Ialsowas abletospeakopenlytomy husbandwithloveandkindnessabout wherewehadgonewrongbutwhatalsohad beenrightaboutourmarriage.

Forme, Irediscoveredtheoldmeand starteddoingthings Ihadwantedtodofor years.Clubbing,festivals,hiking,spiritual developmentevengetting atattooat50 yearsofage! Idonot regretanyofit,butI didlaughwhen Ireadanarticleabouthow manywomenwhodivorceintheir50’sgets atattoo.Andtherewasmethinking Iwasso unique –turnsoutnotso.

Whateveryoudo(tattoo’saside)and whereveryouareonthedivorcejourney, acceptthatyouhave abitoftimetomakeit throughtheothersideandthereisnoneed torush.Theharmonyyouseekiswithinyour grasp.

Photo:CodyBlack~UnSplash

LOCALHISTORY

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (1978-)

At atimeofnationalcrisisall we askofour Prime Ministeror Presidentisthattheylead by exampleanddon’t askus to doanythingthey’re notprepared to dothemselves.Inother words we want them to shareourpain. Igiveyou Volodymyr Zelenskyy (1978-),the Presidentof Ukraine.

Youmay besurprised at my choiceofsubject andmayquestionits ‘localhistory’credentials butthen,asJohn Donneintoned:‘No Manisan Island’. Kyivis twinnedwithits fellowcapitalcity of Edinburgh;thesteelcityofDonetskwithour ownsteelcityofSheffield; Lvivwith Rochdale; Odessa, acityI’vevisited,twinnedwith Liverpool,acityI’veworkedin; Luhansk twinned with Cardiff.JFK once said‘’Ichbinein Berliner’at theheightofthe Cold War: Nowa lotofus feel we areUkranian,inspirit at least.Asforhistory,I argueinoneof my talksthathistoryisconstantly beingmade,the Russianannexationof Crimeain 2014beingoneofthe examples Icite.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy ismorethaninteresting, aformeractorand comedianwhonowfinds himself PresidentofUkraineduringhisnation’s darkesthour.BorninaRussian-speakingpart ofsouth-eastUkraine,Zelenskyy obtaineda

lawdegreebutbranchedintocomedyand acting,includingone TV showinwhichhe prescientlyportrayedthe PresidentofUkraine. Whenhestood forthe real Presidencyin2019 hiscandidacywas centrist,populist,antiestablishmentandanti-corruption. Political outsiderhemayhavebeen buthe rompedhome with over73%ofthe vote.Hedulybecamethe 6th PresidentofanindependentUkrainein May2019,hisparty ‘Servant ofthe People’(such shouldallpoliticalpartiesbe).

Zelenskyy’s styleismodern. Whilst Trump took to Twitter,Volodymyrtakes to Instagram. Whilst hehashadsomesuccessas Presidenthealso hascritics,suchistheacceptedlotofpoliticians. Everythingchanged forhimandhiscountry in February2022whenRussialauncheda full-scaleinvasion. ‘Comeththehour’theysay. Zelenskyy wasgiventheopportunitytofleeand establish agovernmentinexilebutdeclined.‘I needammunition,not aride’. Whenhis country neededleadershiphe wasthereonsocialmedia onthecapital’s streetsin Army-stylefatigues vowing,Churchillian-style,thatRussiantroops wouldseeUkrainianfacesnotbacks.Whilsta refugeecrisisunfoldedwith womenandchildren fleeing,menwho’d neverhandled agun were puttingdownlibrarybooks,lathesandlab equipmentandpickingup rifles, inspired bya Presidentstanding four-squarewithhispeople. In anotherof my talksI saythereisnogreater urgethan to defendhomeandhearthagainst foreigninvasion.Hereisanother examplewrit large.

Idon’t know ifthereare Ukraniancitizensliving inourareawhowillget to readthisbutifthere areIhavethissimplemessage foryou: Your countryismycountry. Your Presidentismy President.

ByStephenRoberts www.steveroberts.org.uk Twitter:@SRChristchurch

BIRD WATCHING

By ValerieKelly

Withmigrationjustaroundthe cornerthere willbemuch excitementofreturningbirds to breedinour country. Thefirstofwhichwillbe Wheatears,Sand Martinsand YellowWagtails. Of otherinterest,aGlossy Ibishas returned to the Marshand roosts overonHengistbury Head.

Many birdsarenow insongincluding Song Thrushes,Dunnocks,Skylarksandtheodd Blackbird. Thereasonthesebirdsaresinging nowistowardoffotherbirdsfromentering theirbreeding territory.Itwasthoughtthat onlythemalebirdssingbut recent studieshave foundthatsomespeciesof femalesalsosing. Ourbeautiful redbreasted Robinshave long been knowntosingallthroughthe yearand bothmaleand femalesbirdsproduceatruly beautifuland variedsong.

We know thatbirdsmigrateto this country to breeddue to optimum availabilityoffood sourceswhich theyneed to sustaintheir young. Birdsmakethousandsofmilelongjourneys from Africaandoftenarrive tired,dehydrated, worn outandhungry.Ifyousee abirdsitting

still,itmay justneed to chilland rest forawhile. TheArtic Tern makesthe longestjourneyas itmigratesfrompole to pole.Theirjourney canbeup to 22,000miles ayear.Theymove betweenthe Articsummerand Antarctic

summerandareseen regularlypassingthrough HengistburyHeadtobreedinnorthand west of Scotlandand Ireland.

Thebirdwatchingboat tripthatweheldin MarchfromPoole to Warehamproved very popularandisoneofthe excitingadvantages ofbeing amemberwithsightingsof avariety ofGrebesandDiversamongstother marshbirds.

Glossy Ibis by Scott Usher

YellowWagtail by Scott Usher

Wheatear by Scott Usher

Self-CaretoManageOverwhelm

In aworld wherenewsisinstantaneous, deadlinesand commitmentsare plentiful, andtheto-do listonly ever seemstogrow longer, itisno wonder that serenityis anything but thestatusquo. Arisein depression andanxietyisthe response to aworld thatkeeps uson theedgewiththe constant buzzofbusyness. Here youwill find some ideastohelpyou find calmamid thechaos.Takingtimetopause to quieten your mind andreleasesomeof life’s tensionsmay help youtotacklethe mayhem of modern life.

1.Create aSanctuary

Ourouterenvironmentaffects ourinner calm.Creating asanctuary is awonderful giftwecan giveourselves to invite calm. Choosea cornerof youhometomake your serene space. Spendatleast half hourper day here adding comfortwitha throworcushion. Perhapsmakea ritual of lighting acandle, or usinga waxmeltand melter.Keepsomeofyour beloved items to handsuchasyourfavouritebooksor photos.

2. Usethe PowerofWater

Beingin thepresenceofwater createsa mildly meditative state. Visitthe seaside and watchthe uprush andbackwashof theocean waves. Or even focusofthe gentleflowofariver or stillnessofa lake. To induce calm in your immediate environment fill aglass with waterand slowlysip. This calmsyou down by forcing youtopause.

3. Practice Visualisation

Ourthoughtshavea physiologicaleffect on our body.Ifyou visualise something, even if it is notreal, it canchange howyou feel. Pick oneofyourfavouriteplaces, perhapsa nice warm beach, andimagine what youcan hear,feel andsee,and

Fora special offer quoteBH7EVEN. (ChiropractorCare is not mandated to closeduring lockdowns)

acknowledgehow itmakesyou feel. Perhapsimagine an older wiserversionof yourself and what they maysay to you. Or even passed friendsand family wrapping their loveand support around you.

4.Develop aConnection

Connecting with thoseclosetous, our environment,and ourselves, we can develop asenseofcalm. We tendto mirrorthe mood of thosearoundusso surroundyourself with peoplewho liftyou up andgiveyou asenseof we areinthis together. Immersingyourselfin nature inducesfeelingofcalmand awe. Takea walk in theforestand engage your senses.Learn to spendtimealonetofind your inner stillnessbyswitchingoff music and programmes youmay noteverbe paying attentionto.

Address Achesand Pains

Many don’trealise it,but aches andpains canbethe reason youhavestopped doing somethingthatoncewas amoodbooster foryou. We specialiseinhelping:

Back pain

Neckpain

Jointpain/stiffness

Sciatica

Headachesand migraines

Muscle spasms

Osteoarthritis

Tensionandinabilitytorelax

Poor posture

Hope

By Anna-Maria Grinter, Therapeutic Counsellor

At this time of year, we are blessed with the transition from Winter through Spring towards Summer

The sun comes up early, handing over to the moon later.

The Spring daffodils greet us with blissfully bright optimism that’s hard to argue with. The atmosphere is one of newness, fresh opportunity and aspirant expectation. Springtime; the epitome of hope. Hope that is then rewarded with summertime’s eccentric blooms, proudly individual.

Do you agree?

Where do you find hope?

Perhaps you cannot find hope.

As human beings, when we find ourselves without hope, we become lost, without purpose, unable to accept the gifts Mother Nature bestows. We can become depressed. It is difficult to appreciate even the most subtle and delicate flower, let alone the brazen trumpeting of the ever proud, audacious daffodil, hailing all that is hopeful to come.

The seasonal transitions are metaphoric, don’t you think?

But, if you find that your Winter persists, refusing to allow the buds to push through the frozen soil to sunlight, could you consider asking for help?

All too often we turn to chemicals to restore hope, whether your chemical of choice is prescription, liquid or powder, sadly, this type of self-soothing will only prolong your Winter

These addictions build becoming all that matters, and we become hosts to the invading parasite

Flowers… what flowers?

Can you reflect on your addictive behaviour?

Did you lose hope?

Are you looking in the right place?

It’s hard to admit to ourselves or others that we are addicted. It could be exercise, sex, or any dopamine releasing activity that makes us ignore the effect on our health and well-being, and then, how this risky behaviour effects those we love. This becomes a vicious cycle where it is difficult to see hope for change, but it is there.

Talk to someone. Be accountable.

Stop the vicious cycle, see the flowers, find your hope.

CREATIVE PAVING

Tel: 01425278408

Mob: 07785798760

Email: scott@creativepaving.co.uk

Web: creativepaving.co.uk

URBANADVENTUREMEETSNATURALWONDER

Welcometo Vancouver.Withits magnificentoceanfrontsettingand stunningmountainbackdrop,thisexciting cityisnothingshortofspectacular.Aplace whereyoucanswimatthebeachand exploreoneof threelocalmountainsin thesameday,where thecuisineisworldclassandthenightlifedynamic –vibrant Vancouverisbrimmingwithamazing experiencesforeverykindoftraveller.

Spring

Springin Vancouveris asighttobehold. Withthemilderweather,thecityturns alushgreenandthetreesexplodeinto colour.Watchthevividcherryblossoms bloomthroughoutthecity’sstreetsand parks,enjoywatersportsalongthe waterfrontandshopthelocalmarketsfor someseasonalspecialities.

Summer

Summertimein Vancouverbringswarm sunshine,cooloceanbreezesand awide arrayofoutdooractivitiesandcultural festivals.Soakupthesunononeofthe city’sglorioussandybeaches,goonan exhilaratingwateradventure,strollorbike

alongtheStanleyParkseawallorheadto GrouseMountaintoexplorethe stunning naturalsurroundingsandseasonal activities.

Autumn

Inthefall, Vancouver’stemperateclimate lendsitselfto relaxedwalksamidstthe lustrousfallfoliageandtoexplorationof someof Vancouver’stopgalleriesand museums.

Winter

It’snosurprisethat Vancouveris consistentlyvotedoneoftheworld’smost liveablecities.Fewplacesallowyouto exploreinthemorning,shopafterlunch, skiorboardthelocalpeaksatdusk,then comebackdownagaintodineanddance thenightawayinoneofthecity’shippest nightlifedistricts.

EpicureanExperiences

Vancouver’sacclaimedchefsusethe region’sbestseasonalingredientsand combinethemwithtraditionaltechniques andmulticulturalinfluencestocreatea delicious WestCoastfusioncuisine.Pair itallwithinternationallyacclaimedwines

fromBritishColumbia’sOkanagan Valley andlocalcraftbeerstoget auniquetaste ofthecity.

HopoverthewatertoGranvilleIslandfora fabulousfoodietour,where anexperienced guidewillusheryouthroughthemaze offoodstallsatthebustlingmarketwith plentyoftastingstopsalongtheway. Vancouverhasalso recentlybeennamed astheCraftBeerCapitalofCanada,sobe suretosamplesomeofthelocalbrews.

ReturntoNature

Thankstoitsstunninglocation,thecity managestoeffortlesslycombinethebuzz of achicurbancentrewiththe rejuvenating spiritofthegreatoutdoors.For apeaceful retreatfromcitylife,headtotheleast crowdedof Vancouver’sbeaches,Spanish Banks.Namedtocommemorateits discoverybySpanishexplorersin1792, thebeachislocatedrightbytheUniversity ofBritishColumbiaandistheperfect

placeforskimboardingonceyoulearnthe optimaltidalconditions.LushStanleyPark isthecity’sbelovedemeraldheartwith nearly1,000acresofevergreenforests, cricketpitches, rosegardens,totempoles andbeaches.StanleyPark’sseawall (8.8km /5.5 miles)makesforanexcellent walkorcycle route,providingsomeofthe city’sbestsea-to-skymountainviews.For analtogetherwilderexperience,makethe shorthopoverto VancouverIslandwhere anabundanceofwildlifeawaits.Atsea, there’sseveralspeciesofCetaceansthat inhabitthecoastalwaterswithPacific Gray,Minke,HumpbackandKillerWhales allpassingthroughalongwithporpoises andPacificWhite-sideddolphins.

To book your Vancouveradventure,call metoday.You’llbenefitfromfullfinancial protectionand a24-hour dutyoffice ready toassistyoubeforeduringandafteryour trip.

SALLYPULLEN TRAVELCOUNSELLOR

T: 01202375150

M: 07929626156

E: sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com

W: www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen

Rearset colour coded:from £155| Frontset colour coded:from £185 Both Front &RearSensors:from £275

Rearviewcameras forcarsfrom £180

Rearviewcameras forvansfrom £195

Rearviewcameras formotorhomesfrom £225 Dashcamerasstarting at £145 fullyfitted or FRONT &REAR cameras forjust £245

The team at Meyers Southbourneare outstanding.Inever thoughtI would find atrustworthyestate agent,but you have theminMeyers. They got usagreatprice for the property,they pushed thesale tocompletion and keptusinformed at every stepofthe process...If we move againMeyerswillbeour firstphonecall!

GETAGENT.co.uk review, BH5