Dear Readers!
Happy Easter to you all. First, let me congratulate Wimborne Minster for being selected as Dorset’s Town of Culture in 2026. The town will receive £30,000 to spend on a year-long programme of art and culture.
Commiserations to the other towns shortlisted for the award: Ferndown, Sherborne, and Swanage & Purbeck. I do wonder — given that Wimborne already has such a thriving arts scene with several drama companies, the Museum of East Dorset and both the Tivoli and Allendale Centre — whether the money might have gone further in one of these other towns? Fingers crossed they will try again in 2027 and beyond and have more luck. However, as a resident of Wimborne, I’m excited to see the results.
Speaking of culture, my four-year-old daughter appeared in her first performance in mid March, starring as the Magic Mirror in ‘Shrek: The Musical’. Next stop, Hollywood.
I think she has inherited the acting bug from me. I performed in dozens of plays and musicals throughout school and university. I even considered studying for a degree in drama, but decided against it as I didn’t think it would be a stable career. So I went into journalism instead. I’ll let you decide whether that was the right career choice!
I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. Do check out page 30, with all the details about our brand-new podcast.
Luke Graham
Editor
The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine
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Alpacas in the aisle at Wimborne Minster wedding fayre © Dorset View
A special ‘flush’ in Alderholt
Market day at Alderholt Village Hall is held on the third Saturday of the month, and the next one on Easter Saturday 19 April will be extra special.
Lord Cranborne, accompanied by Lady Cranborne and a special guest are to undertake the opening ceremony of new facilities at 10am.
The village hall management committee have recently completely refurbished all three toilet facilities with environmentally friendly materials. This was made possible by grants from Alderholt Community Fund, Cranborne Estate, ACRE, and Dorset Council.
Grants available to tackle ASB
Grants worth up to £5,000 are being offered to help community groups reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Groups have until Friday 2 May to apply for funding from Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
This is the fifth round of funding from the PCC. In total, £150,700 from the Operation Relentless Community Fund has been awarded to community groups for 35 initiatives which aimed to reduce ASB or increase feelings of public safety. Projects have included community outreach work, employment skills workshops, sports activities and school education sessions. Apply via the PCC website or at bit.ly/ OperationRelentlessCommunityFund.
BCP Council reveals £24m spending plan
BCP Council is planning to spend more than £24m on regeneration projects that will help provide new housing across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) — a charge paid by developers which councils can reinvest into vital projects and infrastructure to benefit communities.
More than £29m of this funding is available for BCP Council to spend over the next five years. BCP Council’s Cabinet has outlined plans to invest £24m into four priority areas and leave around £5m of the funds unallocated for discretionary spend.
The four priorities are:
• Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defence scheme
• Habitats site mitigation strategies
• Transport
• Bearwood and Merley education provision
These investments will support the delivery of new homes to the area. For instance, investing £7.3m in Poole’s flood defences means the council would receive a multi-million-pound grant from the Environment Agency.
The flood defence scheme will protect homes at risk of tidal flooding and unlock land for regeneration in Poole, while the habitats site mitigation strategies will enable the council to offset the negative impacts of development on wildlife, allowing the council to grant planning permission for more new homes.
Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “Strategic CIL funding is a vital capital pot, not at the cost of taxpayers, which allows us as a council to reinvest money into projects that we know will benefit communities.”
Seven-day marathon challenge raises £80k
Two men from Dorset raised a huge sum of money for charity after attempting to run seven marathons in one week in March. The pair were fundraising for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) –Dorset View’s charity of the year.
Chris Helberg crossed the finish line at Bournemouth Pier on Sunday 16 March, but his friend Chris Bryer-Ash had to pull out on day three following a sudden hospital admission. However, his 59-year-old father, Rich, stepped up to represent Chris for the rest of the challenge.
Helberg said: “It has been an amazing week with so many ups and downs. I’m gutted my mate wasn’t able to complete it with me, but his dad Rich has stepped in and has done us all proud.”
The pair aimed to raise £20k for DCCF, which helps Dorset residents and families who are facing financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis. They topped this target, raising over £80k. To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/super-seven-dccf.
L-R: DCCF patron Jeff Mostyn, Chris Bryer-Ash, DCCF Chairman Chris Thomas, Rich Bryer-Ash and Chris Helberg
New chapter for Verwood Library
People in Verwood now have the chance to use their local library outside normal opening hours.
Membership of ‘Extended Access’ offers the public access to most library services beyond staffed hours.
Verwood is the first Dorset library to benefit from the new technology, and library users can now borrow books, return items, use the free wi-fi and computers, and hire rooms for community events from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
This is in addition to the library’s usual staffed opening times.
The official opening was attended by local councillors and library users who were given a demonstration of how the new system works, and a chance to have their library cards activated.
Any Verwood Library member over the age of 16 can upgrade to Extended Access membership.
Cllr Ryan Hope, portfolio holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said: “Libraries are key community assets, growing beyond book loaning, with the spaces being used for meeting, studying, IT, events and socialising.
“This is a big step forward in our commitment to enhancing library access and services, and we know the residents will benefit significantly from this expansion of opening times.”
The investment in Verwood Library was funded by Arts Council England.
Wimborne Minster named Town of Culture 2026
Following the well-attended Wimborne Minster Pancake Race on Tuesday 4 March, the town crier, Chris Brown, made an exciting announcement on the Minster Green.
Wimborne has been selected as Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026.
This means that next year, the town will receive £30,000 — which will be match funded by the town council — to spend on delivering a year-long programme of extraordinary cultural and community events, including new and existing creative projects.
Town of Culture was established by Arts Development Company in partnership with Dorset Council to give a town, village or hamlet in the county the opportunity to strengthen the cultural activity already happening in their area and deepen the relationships between communities, venues and organisations.
A panel of industry experts choose one town each year to receive the £30,000 of matched funding and support from Dorset Council to deliver a year’s worth of cultural activity.
The first Town of Culture was Bridport in 2024, and this year Portland & Weymouth were chosen with a joint bid.
The other places shortlisted to be Town of Culture 2026 were Ferndown, Sherborne, and Swanage & Purbeck.
Wimborne’s theme for Town of Culture is ‘Bridging the Past and Future’. The programme will reach beyond the town centre into the new housing areas. The town council hopes to combine Wimborne’s heritage and traditions with innovative technologies, to create a programme of events that will appeal to residents and visitors of all ages. This mix of traditional and interactive experiences may include digital experiences, public art installations, and cultural festivals.
The Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, said: “This is a lifechanging opportunity for Wimborne Minster. Our programme of events will create lasting positive change while celebrating our remarkable heritage and creative talent. We are looking forward to collaboration with all our venues, groups and creatives to deliver our Town of Culture 2026.”
Huge turnout for Wimborne Minster Pancake Race, see page 12
L-R: The Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, Chris Brown, town crier, and Melvin D Gudger, deputy town crier and Serjant of Musket © Dorset View
The wonderful world of reading
Children across Dorset celebrated World Book Day on Thursday 6 March by dressing up as fictional characters and bringing their favourite books to school.
At Witchampton C of E First School, children put on a book parade for parents, walking around the playground to music to show off their fantastic costumes. After the parade, they took part in several book-themed activities, including reading and sharing their books and decorating bookmarks.
Teacher Rachel Jenkinson said: “We were so impressed with all the children’s creative costumes. They certainly have been thinking about the books they enjoy reading and are building quite a repertoire of authors and illustrators that they know and love. Well done, Witchampton, and thank you parents for all of your support.”
Witchampton is part of Initio Learning Trust, which looks after several schools across Dorset. Liz West, CEO of Initio
Learning Trust, said: “World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to remind children that reading is about adventure, imagination and fun. Our pupils have very much enjoyed celebrating the day and we hope that they will continue to explore the joy of reading in their own way.
“At Initio, we believe all children are aspirational readers and that the love of reading empowers them to grow, explore new worlds, and develop a lifelong passion for learning.”
Enjoy your chocolate treats this Easter
-Advertisement featureBy Paul Webb, Dorset Water Softeners
Hi reader, I hope the month of April and Easter finds you well. Before we start, I think we can all agree that it has taken a long time to get to this holiday; many months since Christmas as we toiled through the cold and rain. Anyway, it is finally here. The long Easter weekend.
Hopefully as you read this, your chops are smeared in a light dusting of chocolate. Do you have a favourite? Are you a ‘milky bar kid’, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, soft centres or high cocoa content? Expensive or cheap? Personally, I can eat most and in desperation have been known to turn to cooking chocolate.
One big change I’ve noticed is that they no longer stuff the chocolate eggs with other sweets and treats. Why? Because of health and safety, or just some money man trying to save a penny? Should we talk about water? I had better, or the editor will be on at me.
We can agree that chocolate is not super healthy, but we all believe that water is good for us. It is, but unfortunately the water companies in their haste for profits often let us down. Many of us now worry about ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS, microplastics and sewage in our water.
Fret not, at Dorset Water Softeners we have some amazing drinking water solutions that will leave you with confidence in your drinking water while keeping your family safe. Many people combine this with installing a water softener to protect their home from the effects of water hardness, meaning no more blocked shower heads, shabby shower screens or expensive boiler repairs.
So, let’s make this year great for you and your family. Shop locally with a company you can trust. For more information, please go to dorsetwatersofteners.com or phone the office on 01202 375565.
Children from Witchampton First School dressed up as their favourite characters
Great news for water sports fans
Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre has a new lease of life following the recent completion of a 99year lease with BCP Council.
Negotiated by community group Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO), this lease effectively transfers the ownership of the centre to the local community from the council.
Since opening in 1964, Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre has been the place for water sports. In 2019, the centre ran over 10,000 school sessions for around 75 schools and more than 5,000 public sessions. But the centre was closed during the pandemic and has not fully reopened since March 2020,
as a survey by BCP Council deemed the main building to be unsafe for public use.
HHO was set up in late 2023 to revive the centre and create a space for the community to participate in outdoor activities. As well as securing the lease, HHO has reached an agreement in principle for a grant from the government’s Community Ownership Fund of nearly £700,000 to refurbish and repair the centre. This grant is subject to certain conditions being met and HHO will need to raise around £150,000.
HHO is actively seeking donations from the community, local businesses and grant providers to raise these funds. For more information, visit hengistbury.org.
Directors of HHO receiving the keys from BCP Council
Ferndown social club celebrates first birthday
Ferndown’s Creative Happiness Club celebrated its one year anniversary on Monday 10 March
More than a dozen members of the club met at The White Heather on Ringwood Road to mark the occasion.
The Creative Happiness Club is a free, weekly arts and crafts group created by Eleanor Green in March 2024 to encourage friendship and connection. She said: “When I started the group, I hadn’t realised just how much our weekly sessions would improve people’s lives in many ways. I’m so pleased that I persisted with my idea, and I look back now with a happy heart.”
Member Maureen Smith expressed how much she loves the club. She said: “It’s given me back so much. It’s heartwarming and makes my heart smile. Eleanor is just great. She’s the kindest person I’ve known.”
Another member thanked Green for starting the club in a message. She wrote: “You have worked so hard to make it the successful club it is today. You have gone above and beyond,
no matter how you are feeling.
“You deserve a medal.”
The Creative Happiness Club meets every Monday afternoon (except bank holidays) from 2pm to 4pm at Kings Park
Care Home, 14 Church Road, Ferndown, except for the second Monday of each month when it meets at The White Heather. For details, contact Green via green.eleanor2@gmail.com.
Members of the Creative Happiness Club gathered at The White Heather
Eleanor Green set up the club in March 2024
Crackdown on cannabis crime
Forces across the South West worked together in a major crackdown operation on suspected large-scale cannabis growing and other drug supply networks.
The latest phase of Operation Scorpion in February saw 36 people arrested and more than 30 warrants executed across the region. Officers discovered and destroyed 2,240 suspected cannabis plants and recovered £57,335 in cash.
In Dorset, police executed seven warrants, leading to 12 arrests. An estimated 1.5kg of suspected cannabis was seized, as well as 400 grams of suspected cocaine and 600 grams of suspected ketamine. Cash totalling £35,000 was seized and weapons recovered included two zombie knives, two further large knives and an air pistol.
This was the 11th time that Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Police, Wiltshire Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have joined forces to disrupt drug gangs and dealers operating in the region.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Results like these demonstrate the importance of community intelligence in our battle against the harm of illegal drugs. Without reports from the public, telling us what they’re seeing and hearing, outcomes like those seen during this latest phase of Operation Scorpion would not be possible.”
If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, you can report it by calling 101 or online at dorset.police.uk. law
Why having Lasting Powers of Attorney is essential
-Advertisement featureBy
Rebekah Taylor, private client
Many people assume that their loved ones can automatically step in to manage their affairs if they become unable to do so due to illness or injury. However, without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, this is not the case. An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
There are two types of LPA: Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. The former allows your chosen attorney(s) to handle financial matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, or selling property. The latter gives them the authority to make healthcare decisions, including medical treatment and care arrangements.
Without an LPA, your
executive
loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection to gain control over your affairs, which is a lengthy, costly, and stressful process. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the court will appoint the person you would have chosen yourself.
By putting LPAs in place, you maintain control over who will act on your behalf, ensuring that your financial matters and personal welfare are handled according to your wishes. It provides peace of mind for both you and your family, avoiding unnecessary legal complications during already challenging times.
At Harold G Walker Solicitors, we specialise in drafting LPAs tailored to your needs. Contact us today to ensure your future is protected.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
Huge turnout for Wimborne Minster Pancake Race
Report by Marilyn Barber
After four years of having to take place inside the Minster due to bad weather, this year’s pancake race was held outside in bright sunshine
Attendees had a ‘flipping’ good time at this year’s Wimborne Minster Pancake Race on Tuesday 4 March. Crowds of spectators filled the Minster Green to watch the annual event sponsored by Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazines
There were 23 competitors in the adults’ section. After a number of heats, Daniel Bennett became the Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2025.
He received a prize from Dorset View News Editor Marilyn Barber, which he retains, and the John Loader Memorial Trophy from Kathy and Martyn Curtler, which he holds for a year.
Other prize winners
The toddlers were first off as the Pancake Bell was tolled. Winner: Edith Crabb with a prize of £5.
Next up were four runners from
L-R: The Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, the town crier, Chris Brown, Anthony Oliver, Daniel Bennett with Christopher Rolfe and the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland © Dorset View
Wimborne First School, and the winner was Angus Craig who received £20 for his school donated by Jeremy of Hearnes.
The middle school winner was Ryan Tope from St Michael's who received £20 for his school donated by Dan from The Card Gallery.
In the final of the schools’ section, which included participants from Beaucroft Foundation School and Innovate Dorset, the winner was Will Parrish who received £20 donated by Maurice from Piccolo Mondo.
Christopher Rolfe, pushed by Daniel Bennett, was the winner of the wheelchair race. The pair received a large sack of wild bird food donated by the Wimborne Pet Centre.
The event was co-ordinated by Anthony Oliver. A collection taken for Minster Funds raised £227.39.
Mural makeover announced
The underpass at Allenview Car Park will soon get a makeover courtesy of professional artist Kizzi Bennett, of Kizzi B Creative.
Bennett has brought several murals to life across Dorset, including one at Towngate Bridge in Poole last year. She will work alongside 12 art students from Beaucroft College on the project.
The mural project is organised and funded by Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District). BID chair Fiona Harwood said: “We are delighted to be driving this project forward as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing all areas of Wimborne and maintaining it as a beautiful place to live and visit.”
Painting at the site is expected to take place in May. You can track the project’s progress on social media by following the Instagram accounts @kizzibcreative and @wimbornebid.
Sad farewell to Wimborne’s Reg Dunningham
20 December 1931 – 2 March 2025
Wimborne resident Reg was born in Ongar, Essex and grew up in Navestock, then moved to near Lechlade. After the war the family moved to Leatherhead, and he got a job in the Crescent Cinema. After demob from National Service in 1952 (training with the Royal Signals Corps ‘Vimy Lines’), he worked for the Co-op.
At a Methodist youth club, he met “this lovely girl called Eleanor” and they married in Redhill in 1955. He then got a job with Kraft Foods followed by a job with Brillo, which led to the family with son Mark moving to a new bungalow in the Vineries, Colehill in 1962. Sarah, and then Matthew arrived in the following years, though Matthew sadly passed away in 2004.
Reg and Eleanor were well known in Wimborne, through Eleanor’s many activities. Both of them were involved in Riverside Mews café, the Chamber of Trade (Reg was secretary for 20 years), and Ochsenfurt Twinning.
A move to a flat in Wimborne 10 years ago was followed in 2018 with Eleanor’s passing, which Reg took very hard. In recent years, he was often seen around
Wimborne on his buggy, sometimes parked up in the Square to sell his book ‘My War aged eight to 13 years old’. He was very proud to lay a wreath at the 2024 Remembrance Service in Wimborne and had been looking forward to taking part in the Freedom
of Wimborne Minster Parade in honour of 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron on 22 March. Sadly, he passed away in Poole Hospital, with his family at his bedside. His funeral took place on 31 March, and he is buried with Eleanor at Wimborne Cemetery.
L-R: Chris Brown, town crier, Kathy and Martyn Curtler, Marilyn Barber, news editor, Anthony Oliver, the Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart, Daniel Bennett, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland, and Melvin Gudger, Serjant of Musket. Photo by Gordon Edgar
Maurice from Piccolo Mondo practising before the race © Dorset View
Kizzi B Creative will decorate the underpass
Obituary and photo by Graham Mallett
Trapped in darkness
Volunteers for a Bournemouth-based charity survived a Russian missile strike while delivering aid in Ukraine
A Russian missile strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine in early March killed at least four people and caused massive amounts of damage, including destroying vehicles full of aid that had been brought over by Bournemouth-based charity Ukraine Relief.
Ukraine Relief’s founder and Chief Executive Karol Swiacki, who received a medal from the mayor of Bournemouth in February, and his international team of aid workers were in the city to deliver items including sports equipment from Intersport Ukraine and Epicentre, along with 10 generators to support schools, shelters, orphanages, and refugees in need of electricity.
Swiacki and the aid workers had checked into a hotel when they received a missile alert. As they started gathering their things to evacuate,
an explosion shook the building.
He said: “The air filled with dust, screams, and fear. We struggled to breathe. The corridors collapsed, leaving us trapped in darkness. Together with the hotel staff, we searched for a way out.
“Stepping outside was devastating. Car alarms blared. Our fully loaded vans were destroyed. Debris was everywhere. People were crying. Some had lost their lives. Others were wounded.
“Despite the destruction, we focused on helping others while retrieving our documents and belongings. Strangers heard us speaking English and helped us navigate the aftermath.”
The charity’s destroyed vehicles included a Ford Transit van, a VW Caravelle ambulance, and a Renault family car used for travel.
While most of the aid was destroyed, Swiacki and his team still visited a school the next day and delivered what they could. “We didn’t give up. We went to the school, and we gave hope to the children.”
Swiacki described the attack as “pure terror”. He added: “This needs to be seen and heard as much as possible. People need to help Ukraine, so we can stop this madness.”
Following the attack, the charity has set up a Just Giving page to recover the costs of the vehicles and continue its vital work. To donate, visit justgiving .com/campaign/ukrainerelief.
Ukraine Relief is a Bournemouthbased charity that has delivered over 5,000 tonnes of aid to the war-torn country. To find out more or donate to the charity, visit ukrainerelief.org.uk.
Karol Swiacki, left, in front of the destroyed vehicles
Both vans were carrying aid for Ukrainian schools
A building struck by the missile
Fly-tipping fines skyrocket
More people than ever have been fined for dumping waste in Dorset.
The number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping has increased by more than three quarters in the last year, meaning more people have found out the hard way about the cost of committing waste crime.
Dorset Council’s Environmental Enforcement team, bolstered by the introduction of an enforcement officer jointly funded by the council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, have issued 78 per cent more fines for waste offences in the past year. There has also been an
11 per cent increase in the number of vehicles linked to waste crime being seized, a 43 per cent jump in fines for commercial waste tips and a 600 per cent increase in fines for household fly-tipping. In total, 53 fines totalling £16,500 have been issued in 2024/25 across the Dorset Council area.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I know how much fly-tipping affects landowners and how the people of Dorset hate to see our countryside being abused in this way, and that’s why funding this [enforcement officer] has been so important.”
A waste enforcement officer in action
Remembering Poole sailor Brian Cooke
By Lilliput Sailing Club
2025 marks 50 years since the death of a sailor from Dorset who died trying to break an Atlantic speed record
Brian Cooke was a long-distance sailor who, in 1975, died whilst attempting to break an Atlantic speed record of 4,000 miles in 20 days. His yacht was found overturned 450 miles off the Canary Islands, with no-one on board. His body was never found.
After serving in the merchant navy, Brian joined Westminster Bank in 1947 and was a founding member of Westminster Bank’s sailing club. He moved to Poole in the late 1950s and in 1961, Westminster Bank Sailing Club in Poole affiliated itself to the growing Lilliput Sailing Club.
Initially a dinghy sailor racing Merlin Rockets, Brian helped a friend build the 32-foot sloop Opus, in which he then completed the 1968 Single-Handed TransAtlantic Race from Plymouth, England to Newport, Rhode Island in the United States.
In 1971, he raced a NatWest Bank Sailing Club yacht in that year’s Fastnet Race and in 1972, he again competed in the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race, this time in Chay Blyth’s 59-foot British Steel, finishing fourth in a field of 55 yachts.
In 1974, Brian and fellow NatWest Bank SC and Lilliput SC member Eric Jensen completed the Round Britain Race in the 49-foot trimaran Triple Arrow, despite capsizing off the Shetlands.
Brian then planned to break the Atlantic speed record of 4,000 miles in 20 days, from West Africa to British Honduras, before competing in the 1976 Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race.
His first departure for West Africa in Triple Arrow ended when the ship’s mast broke near Portland. His second attempt a few weeks later was no more successful, after he fell from the mast and sustained severe back injuries, 70 miles off Cornwall. He was still suffering from his injuries when he set off on what was to be his final
attempt at the record in December 1975. His last transmission was on 11 December, some 700 miles from the Canary Islands.
Lilliput SC is rightly proud that such an accomplished sailor was part of the club during those formative years. Records show that in 1966, Brian won Lilliput SC’s ‘Best Cruiser Performance’ in Opus for a single-handed cruise he took to Santander and Cork, and in 1968, he and Eric Jensen took the ‘Trophy for LongDistance Sailing’ for the return voyage from Newport, Rhode Island to Poole, following his successful completion of his first Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race.
Lilliput SC is a small, friendly, selfhelp club situated adjacent to the Blue Lagoon on the northern shore of Poole Harbour. It encourages amateur sailing, with both dinghy and cruiser fleets. It is currently looking to recruit dinghy sailors to participate in social sailing or regular dinghy racing.
Further information about membership and sailing can be found at lilliputsc.org. uk, by emailing office@lilliputsc.org.uk, or calling 01202 740319 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 1pm.
The sailing club is next to the Blue Lagoon on the northern shore of Poole Harbour
Brian Cooke © Lilliput Sailing Club
The clubhouse in Lilliput
Charity of the Year
‘I don’t know what I would have done without this support’
A nursery worker who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at age 28 has expressed her gratitude after the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) — a local charity that helps Dorset people facing financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis — stepped in to help pay her food and heating bills.
Stephanie Peacey, from Verwood, was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer in August last year, just weeks after moving into her own flat and starting a new job.
Peacey, now 29, said: “When I noticed a cloudy discharge coming from my nipple I went to my GP. But even then, I didn’t think it was anything serious as I had not found a lump of any kind and everyone was telling me I was far too young to have cancer.”
An ultrasound at The Jigsaw Centre at Bournemouth Hospital revealed a deep-set mass – not easily detectable through self-examination – and following a three-week wait after a biopsy, she learned she had rare Triple Negative Breast Cancer and would require treatment.
“My chemo lasted from the beginning of September last year until New Year’s Eve and was exhausting,” she said.
But even worse was to come, as genetic testing showed she had a mutated gene that raised the risk of getting ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.
Peacey said: “There I was, 28 years old and one minute I was happy. I had a new flat, a new job and a new car and my whole future to look forward to, and the next minute I was being told about preventative measures like losing my breasts and ovaries.”
She had to stop working because of the high risk of infection from working with children.
“It was heartbreaking,” she said. “But then my fears about cancer were joined by fears about how I would pay my rent after my short-term sick pay ended.”
After learning about the DCCF from someone at The Jigsaw Centre, Peacey applied for a grant online.
“When the DCCF came straight back and told me they could help me pay for my heating bill and some food I was so grateful.
“Other charities have since helped too and I don’t know what I would have done without this support.”
Peacey has undergone a full single mastectomy and will have another full single mastectomy and reconstruction in the future.
“Losing your breasts at any age is a terrible experience. I am slowly having to come to terms that I will look different, but it’s better than the alternative,” she added.
Peacey turned to TikTok to share her experiences and spread awareness, and now has over 4,000 followers.
“I can now also signpost other cancer patients in Dorset to the DCCF and other charities for help. And most importantly I can tell people to seek a medical opinion as soon as something feels different – even if there is no lump.” For more information on how the DCCF can support you, visit www.dccf.co.uk.
Stephanie Peacey
Quit smoking campaign success
Since Public Health Dorset launched Swap 2 Stop last year, thousands of people in the county have stopped smoking.
The campaign is part of a government-funded programme aiming to reduce smoking rates by encouraging
adults to swap to a vape.
Public Health England claims vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than continuing to smoke cigarettes. So far, the scheme has provided 14,801 free vape starter kits to eligible adults.
Public Health Dorset data shows 3,562 people who switched to vaping through the scheme were smoke free at four weeks.
Public Health Dorset’s statement on vaping is that if you smoke, vaping is much safer, but it isn’t entirely risk-free, so if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.
Dorset residents who want to quit can find free support by visiting publichealthdorset .org.uk/stop-smoking. Options include 12 weeks of support from a GP or pharmacy, coaching sessions, nicotine replacement therapy, and more through LiveWell Dorset.
Donated
Dorset blood donors helping to save lives
Blood donors in Dorset are helping to save the lives of NHS patients around the country.
For the first time in a quarter of a century, the plasma of local donors is being used to make life-saving medicines for NHS patients, reducing reliance on imports.
These medicines can only be made from human blood. Plasma makes up 55 per cent of our blood and contains antibodies which help the immune system.
The antibodies from donated blood are separated out and made into medicines which treat
people with life-limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies.
The most important medicine made from donated plasma is immunoglobulin. In Dorset, hundreds of people receive immunoglobulin each year.
Over the past three years, blood donors in the county, including at the Poole Donor Centre, have supplied around 7,000 litres of plasma — enough to make around 3,100 bottles of immunoglobulin, which is enough to save or improve the lives of around 90 people over a year.
New maternity unit now open
The new maternity, neonatal and emergency gynaecology units in the BEACH building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital opened on Monday 31 March. All emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services have also moved to RBH.
Parking for those in labour or requiring urgent care is available directly outside the BEACH Building. For routine appointments, patients are advised to use the designated patient car park, which is clearly signposted. In addition, a support person is permitted to stay for the duration of admission.
Sarah Herbert, University Hospitals Dorset’s chief nursing officer, said: “This relocation marks a significant advancement in maternity, neonatal and emergency gynaecology services, providing modern, state-of-
the-art facilities designed to enhance the experience for parents and newborns.
“With improved amenities, including provisions for a support person to remain throughout the stay, our new units represent a commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.”
St Mary’s Maternity Unit in Poole has now closed. UHD has invited families to visit the ward for a final farewell on Saturday 5 April between 10am and 1pm.
Great Tail Trail begins
The Julia’s House fundraising mermaid tail trail goes live for eight weeks from 5 April to 1 June, after which the decorated tails will be auctioned at the Italian Villa, Compton Acres, Poole to raise funds for the charity.
A total of 45 uniquely designed mermaid tail sculptures have been sponsored by local businesses or organisations. They will be placed along the coast and in towns and parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Laura Maidment, public fundraising manager for Julia’s House, said ‘The Great Tail Trail’ has brought the whole community together and involved businesses, artists, schools, and local groups. Once the trail comes to an end on 5 June, all 45 giant mermaid tails and 43 ‘tiny tails’ decorated by schools will be gathered together at the Bournemouth International Centre from 14–15 June before going to auction on 20 June.
To find out more, visit greattailtrail.co.uk.
Dorset hospitals say ‘No more smoking’
Smoking is no longer allowed anywhere on the grounds of University Hospitals Dorset’s sites — not even outside.
Since 12 March, smoking tobacco products is no longer permitted anywhere at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals, as well as the trust’s off-site locations across Dorset. This includes outside entrances, car parks, and outdoor areas.
Considerate vaping is still permitted but must be at least three metres away from doors and windows.
Siobhan Harrington, chief
executive at UHD, said: “The NHS increasingly cares for people with long-term health conditions, and we must do more to create an environment that supports healthier choices. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death so we need to take proactive steps to prevent the very diseases we frequently treat.”
UHD has a dedicated Tobacco Addiction Care and Treatment Service offering support to all inpatients who smoke, providing guidance and assistance to promote recovery and wellbeing.
The Trust’s Smoking in Pregnancy Team also offers support to pregnant women and their families, helping people abstain or quit for good.
More information is available at uhd.nhs.uk/ about-us/smokefree. Free stop smoking support is also available via Live Well Dorset.
25 years of saving lives
Founded at the millennium, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) celebrated its silver anniversary on Friday 21 March.
During that time, DSAA has become one of the most advanced pre-hospital critical care services in the UK.
In the early years, DSAA only operated five days a week with a small team of pilots and paramedics. The aircraft was a Bolkow 105 helicopter with limited space and the equipment and skills of the team were similar to those you would find on a road ambulance.
Fast forward to 2025 and over 29,000 missions later, DSAA’s critical care team now consists of consultant-
grade doctors and specialist practitioners who bring the hospital to the patient 19 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The charity also provides an enhanced care service across both counties with two outreach cars operating 12 hours a day, and they have a compassionate team of five patient and family liaison nurses.
Since 2017, DSAA has operated a state-of-the-art AgustaWestland169 (AW169) helicopter, which was the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK.
Each DSAA mission costs approximately £3,500. To give a one-off or monthly donation via the charity’s website, see dsairambulance.org. uk/25 or call 01823 669604.
Dorset hospitals are now smoke free © University Hospitals Dorset
Report claims health services failing community
Health and social care services in Boscombe are in need of improvement.
That is the finding of a recent report, 'Boscombe Voices: Shaping better health and social care in Dorset's local communities', from Healthwatch Dorset.
During summer 2024, Healthwatch Dorset engaged with around 180 Boscombe residents at local community groups and settings. People said they had difficulty booking appointments; there was a lack of face-toface GP appointments; residents were struggling to find NHS dentists; whilst there was drug and alcohol support, access to community mental health support and treatment for leg ulcers remain difficult; and social workers lacked local knowledge.
Recommendations for change include: improved access to GPs and NHS dental services; the strengthening of community health services; ensuring continuity in social care; and committing to ongoing community engagement.
Louise Bate, Healthwatch Dorset manager, said: "This report is an important step in ensuring that local services are designed with the needs of the community in mind.”
Jack Blankley, community development manager at BCP Council, said: "It's clear from this report how accessing services is a real issue for residents in Boscombe and that local services need to reconsider how individuals access their support.”
Walk for Wards to raise funds for Salisbury Hospital
Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s charity, is asking the public to ‘Walk for Wards’ and raise money for the hospital. Walk for Wards takes place at Wilton House on Sunday 6 July. This year, the charity will celebrate its 20th annual sponsored walk. Participants can choose to walk 3k, 5k, 10k or (new for 2025) 15k. The event is free to enter and includes lunch and admission to the adventure playground
in the Wilton Estate, plus there will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Money raised by the Stars Appeal is used to fund new equipment, enhancements to hospital buildings and ongoing projects. The charity also supports patients with cancer and provides accommodation for parents of babies and children.
To register, visit starsappeal. org/event/walk-for-wards.
The Sheiling Ringwood and its commitment to providing the best possible SEND education and care
-Advertisement feature-
The students, staff and trustees of Sheiling School are celebrating a double success with two wonderful Ofsted ratings whilst also looking to the future by successfully launching the build of a new double classroom, increasing the capacity of the school by 6–8 students.
The Sheiling Ringwood, comprising a day and residential school and college for young people aged 5–25 years, is a bright light amongst SEND provisions and received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ across all inspection areas following their recent Ofsted residential inspection for the school. The residential provision has been ‘Outstanding’ since June 2023 and, in November 2024, the school education provision was rated ‘Good’ with Outstanding areas. Sheiling College is also rated as ‘Good’.
To receive this level of recognition only deepens the resolve of everyone at the Sheiling to provide the very best in SEND education to students now and for years to come and, with a new state-of-theart classroom launching in 2025, this will create further opportunities for learning and achievement.
Sheiling School provides day and residential placements for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 19 with severe, complex and moderate learning disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders. Set in a stunning sustainable and eco-friendly 45-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset’s coastline, the natural surroundings of the school provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for its students.
Social Care Inspectors Wendy Anderson and Sally Shakespeare praised the setting and its strong track record of consistently providing children with excellent care.
The report explains, “The foundations for this excellent level of care are the very strong relationships that staff have built with children and their families. Staff demonstrate their nurturing approach and their love for the children throughout their day-to-day interactions and in how they talk about the children.” They also note that the residential provision provides children with a welcoming home.
Some of the highlights reported by the social care inspectors include:
• Children are making excellent progress from their starting points.
• Staff are very ambitious, striving for the best possible outcome for each child.
• Their safety and safeguarding practice are managed like a golden thread that runs through all aspects of the children’s care.
The school education report was equally as positive with highlights including:
• The school expertly guides pupils to overcome barriers to learning and unlock their potential.
• The school does not limit pupils’ aspirations. Pupils achieve well because staff make every moment a learning opportunity.
• Behaviour and attitudes and personal development were highlighted as Outstanding areas and education inspectors complimented the outcomes in these areas.
Both inspection teams were impressed by the strong culture of teamwork that exists and that parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school’s work.
Just a few of the comments from parents:
• “Our child is at the heart of every little thing the staff do.”
• “Staff here are ambitious for our child.”
• “It is an amazing place. It has saved our family.”
• “We feel blessed to have found this place; it is like my child has a second family.”
The Sheiling Ringwood is proud of its outstanding practice, with leaders excited about the opportunity to grow the outstanding offer with the additional facilities provided by the new double classroom building that are crucial for the students to thrive. With school places in specialist settings being very limited both locally and nationally, we are thrilled to be able to increase our school spaces by 6–8 students.
A single storey construction, the impressive new build will feature expansive facilities for students across school ages 5–19 including classrooms, quiet rooms, teachers' area, meeting room, bathrooms and covered outside areas. Plans show all spaces finished to a high standard with robust and modern finishes.
The Sheiling School’s core values of ‘every student, both because of and despite their disabilities, has something to give and something to learn in all of their relationships, with other children/young people, with staff, teachers, carers, friends and family,’ have been considered throughout the planning process and the school remains at full operational capability throughout the building project. In addition, the new build will also support the school’s sustainability mission through thermal performance and a high standard of sustainability which will achieve netzero carbon in use. The building will feature solar panels, triple
glazing, air source heat pumps and all materials selected have been weighted to achieve net zero with an emphasis on structural timber elements and insulated timber framework to ensure any carbon heavy materials are adequately offset by the carbon captured and within the wooden elements.
The school excitedly awaits an exact date for the project to complete and anticipates an official opening of what has now been named ‘Parsifal’, but it is certain to be in the spring to summer months of 2025. Andy Walters, Head of School, said: “This building reflects the ambitions we have for our students and school community, equipping our young people with the skills to access what they need to achieve their potential. New bespoke areas will also help them flourish. The eco-friendly
building is designed to enhance the educational experience and the classrooms are equipped to reflect this and the needs of our SEND students. Parsifal is more than just a new structure; it's a symbol of our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. This facility will have a lasting impact on our school community, opening further opportunities for learning and achievement.”
The opening of the Parsifal building will be a significant step for the school in its mission to provide the best SEND learning environment and to provide increased capacity to serve more students within the community. It reflects its ongoing commitment to excellence in education and future-focused development for SEND students.
Andy Walters, head of Sheiling School
The new double classroom under construction
Millennium Tapestry celebrates silver anniversary
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Visitors to Wimborne’s Allendale Centre will spot a huge tapestry in the foyer, but you have to have lived in the area for more than 25 years to know the story behind it.
In 1998, a member of the Wimborne Townswomen’s Guild entered a competition to come up with an idea to celebrate the millennium.
Joyce Eidmans’ idea of a tapestry to depict Wimborne’s clubs and trades won the competition, but sadly she died before she could get the tapestry started.
However, Jill Whitfield and Jenny Rideout volunteered to co-ordinate the project and Wimborne Town Council asked clubs and businesses to create an emblem for their club or trade.
A local person donated the canvas which was cut up into six-inch squares, and people were told which wool and stitch should be used. A local picture framer also offered their help.
“We were inundated,” recalls Jill. “We ended up with 105 six-inch squares, and the fun started deciding which square should go where. We had even more fun [trying] to stitch them together.”
The finished tapestry, which had a heavy oak frame measuring eight foot by four foot, was finally erected on the wall of the Allendale Centre coffee lounge ready for the unveiling.
In May 2000, the Duchess of Gloucester unveiled the tapestry and Jenny’s grandchild presented a bouquet to the Duchess. Jill and Jenny were also presented to the Duchess.
However, the story doesn’t end there.
The Millennium Tapestry was taken down when the cafe was refurbished and sadly was dropped and badly damaged. It ended up being stored under the stage.
Jenny and Jill expressed concern about the whereabouts of the tapestry, and in 2015 went to an Extraordinary
General Meeting at the Allendale Centre where they were told that, as it had been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, it had to be kept at the Allendale Centre.
Jenny said: “We were eventually told that we could get the tapestry reframed and it would be sited on the wall of the main entrance to the hall where it is today.”
Jenny and Jill got to work to raise £2,500 to get the tapestry reframed with a special safety glass. They received a donation from the Wimborne BID as well as from businesses and individuals who had been involved in making the squares.
Jill said: “We had fantastic help from Terry Ockenden and Vicky Spooner of Wimborne Interiors who took the broken tapestry to their workshop and restored and reframed it.”
In July 2016, the Millennium Tapestry was mounted on the wall of the Allendale
Centre where it remains today.
Jill said: “Without the community’s help, this lovely tapestry would not be on view for the community. Hopefully, it is now in a permanent position and will serve as a reminder of the clubs and businesses that were around at the millennium.”
Reflecting on the project, Jenny said: “We had moments of doubt on what we had taken on, but with the help of our members and the community, we brought Wimborne together and left a tapestry for all to see and enjoy for many a year to come. Our grandchildren and their children will also be able to see what Wimborne was like and had in the year 2000. Many thing have changed with shops, businesses and organisations in the tapestry having already disappeared.
“The picture will always be remembered as being done by the community, for the community.”
Jill Whitfield in front of the tapestry at the Allendale Centre © Dorset View
Putting the tapestry together. L-R: Jill Whitfield, Jenny Rideout, Hilda Field, Sylvia Hannah and Viv Wilkinson
Have your say on the future of Wimborne BID Easter in Wimborne
Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID) is seeking input from local businesses on its renewal business plan. The consultation is an opportunity for businesses to voice their opinions, which will help shape the future of the BID and how it should support the town over the next five years to boost footfall and market Wimborne as a premier visitor destination.
The Wimborne BID has helped to drive growth in the town since its establishment in 2011. It’s a business-led initiative to invest money into Wimborne’s local economy. The current term runs until 31 March 2026.
As well as Easter fun, April sees the month-long Discover Wimborne festival take place, with special events happening every day, including talks, live music, workshops, exhibitions and more, many of them absolutely free.
The celebration of the town is a great way to welcome the spring season and help newcomers to the area find out and enjoy fresh experiences and learn more about what Wimborne has to offer.
Organised and funded by Wimborne BID, the event was first held in 2017. A comprehensive guide is available in print and online with details of what’s on, when, how much and where. This can be collected from the information centre inside the Museum of East Dorset and from local businesses.
There will also be information boards in prominent sites all around the town.
Discover Wimborne also signals the start of the town’s festival season, with the Folk Festival to look forward to on 6–8 June, Wimborne Food Festival on 20 September, and the eco-themed Green Festival on 11–18 October.
For more information about Discover Wimborne, visit wimborne.info.
The BID’s remit is extensive, covering funding and support for major events and attractions in the town, including the Christmas lights switch-on, Discover Wimborne, and Wimborne Food Festival, plus promotions like the annual Christmas advert.
The BID collaborates closely with businesses to provide training, networking opportunities, advice and business support.
It’s also committed to a cleaner, greener and safer Wimborne, funding litter picking, street cleaning, graffiti removal and a coordinated response to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Businesses can vote on whether they would like the BID to continue to deliver the business plan in a ballot this October.
Wimborne BID chair Fiona Harwood said: “There’s no replacement body that will deliver all the projects and services provided by Wimborne BID. Over the past 14 years, we’ve achieved a great deal. We hope businesses will vote ‘yes’ in October to ensure Wimborne continues to thrive.”
Wimborne BID’s current business plan is available to download via wimborne.info.
easter in wimborne
Egg-cellent events in April
There's plenty to look forward to this April in Wimborne.
The Allendale Centre hosts a spring craft fair on Saturday 5 April, from 10am to 4pm, where you can browse stalls full of unique, handcrafted items themed for the season. The centre has also arranged an Easter-themed jazz performance on Sunday 13 April, on the same day as Shimmie Theatre present a production of 'Alice in Wonderland' at 2pm.
Dance class Tappy Toes is organising an Easter party on Tuesday 8 April at Colehill Village Hall for children aged seven and under. Look forward to arts and crafts, refreshments, and plenty of dancing.
And on Sunday 20 April, why not join a guided tour of the town? Starting at the Square at 11am, a local expert will lead you on a journey through Wimborne's history. The tour is free, but donations to the mayor's charities are appreciated.
PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Come to our Great Egg Hunt
By Jane Benson
On Sunday 13 April, the week before Easter, we are holding a Great Easter Egg Hunt event at the garden from 2pm to 3.30pm. There will be Easter eggs to find and games to play for the youngsters, as well as copious amounts of tea and cake for everyone else to enjoy. Do come along to share in the children’s excitement and see what lovely plants you can buy too. Everyone is welcome.
As new life begins to lift its head in the garden with bulbs blooming and birds busy nesting, we are also embarking on new projects as we grow and develop. One such project is reaching out to St Michael’s Middle School to develop a new gardening club with staff and pupils. We have been invited to come and help make a previously rough piece of ground into a productive growing space, to enable the pupils to grow, nurture and harvest various vegetables of their choosing as well as flowers. We’re sure this is going to be a super challenge, filled with lots of hard work, learning, friendship and joy.
Finally, I just wanted to share that as our kitchen project develops, the help and generous support shown towards the garden has been quite incredible: we have been given marble work surfaces for cooking outside; local carpenter Dan Mesher has offered to provide and make the supporting structure for these work surfaces; Matt Dacombe has given us a cooker to use; electrician Ben Tointon has altered wiring for us, free of charge; and Steve from Aqualectrics has helped us out so kindly, again free of charge. The list goes on and on, and this is just for the kitchen, not including all those who generously give their time, energy and commitment in so many ways. In such a troubled world, it is so good to know that kindness, generosity and caring is still alive.
Bring history to life this Easter
-Advertisement feature-
If the dilemma of how to entertain the kids over Easter is driving you to chocolate, check out what Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset has on offer.
There’s a host of activities to suit all ages – many free of charge once you have paid admission.
There’s a special Easter egg trail to find eggs hidden throughout the museum and its walled garden, with a chance to win a prize.
There’s also free Easter crafts for children, as well as lots of dressing up fun throughout the museum. Your little ones can be an ironmonger, don an Easter bonnet, or even a headmaster’s mortar board in the Victorian classroom.
The museum is dedicated to promoting hands-on history for all ages. Interactive exhibits bring history alive in an accessible manner for children of all ages.
All these activities are included free with the normal entrance price which also entitles you to a year’s annual pass to the museum, so you can return anytime over 12 months. To find out more visit museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Wimborne goes green
Planet Wimborne has chosen global Earth Day on Tuesday 22 April as a focus for green-themed activities, which will tie in with April’s annual Discover Wimborne festival organised by the Wimborne BID. Alongside regulars like the Win on Waste collection, DonateIT and Community Litter Pick, there will be a Plant Swap at Walford Mill, a guided bird walk in Colehill Burial Ground and the opportunity to make eco-friendly party decorations at a craft workshop.
You can also meet Wimborne’s green community groups at ‘Spring on the Green’ on the Minster Green on Saturday 26 April and visit the Fair Ground shop in the Cornmarket anytime during April to pick up some seeds to plant (donations welcome).
For a full list of events, see planetwimborne.org/calendar.
Enjoy some dressing up fun this Easter at Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset
Introducing
Dorset View’s publisher Pulford Publicity is excited to announce the launch of a new venture
The publisher of Viewpoint Magazine and Dorset View, Pulford Publicity, has released a brand-new podcast.
Your Voice | Dorset Podcast aims to share stories from the people of Dorset and learn how they help their communities and make life in the county so special. New episodes will be released monthly.
The first episode, released in February, features local music legend Matt Black sharing his story with Dorset View’s News Editor Marilyn Barber. In the podcast, Black talks about his life and career as the ‘Piano Man’, his love of performing, and his experience of alcoholism.
Episode 2 features Hannah Hobbs-Chell and Tony Brown from Ferndown Community Support, who told Editor Luke Graham about running a food
bank and larder to help the people of Ferndown, and revealed what item was the strangest donation they had ever received.
Your Voice | Dorset Podcast is produced by this magazine’s Creative Director Louis Pulford. Below, Louis shares some behindthe-scenes information about the new venture.
What is the podcast all about?
The podcast is purely about the people of Dorset. My philosophy is that the people of Dorset are a vibrant, diverse, fascinating and interesting bunch of folks. Like most places you visit the world over, people can be awesome and inspiring! There are so many good people out there in this county, and I personally just want to hear their stories and share them with the people of Dorset.
Where did the inspiration for the podcast come from?
From the people themselves: the individuals who drive Dorset forward and make it a beautiful place to live. The podcast is my way of saying thank you to the community.
Can you give us a teaser about future episodes of the podcast?
We have musicians, artists, charities, businesses, sports people and more – a broad spectrum of backgrounds. They’re coming on to share anecdotes on their experiences of Dorset, telling us about their history and talking about their views.
Upcoming episodes feature Ferndown Community Support, which runs a food bank and
larder and lots of services helping the people of Ferndown, and local musician Polly Morris who even plays a song for us. If you’d like to share your story, why not reach out to us? Send an email to podcast@dorsetview.co.uk. Where can readers find the podcast?
Our readers – who we hope will become regular listeners – can find episodes on our website dorsetview.co.uk, our YouTube channel @YourVoiceDorset, or on podcasting platforms such as Spotify, Amazon, and Apple. Episode 1 and 2 of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast are available now. If you would like to share your story on the podcast, email podcast@dorsetview.co.uk.
Ferndown Community Support’s Tony and Hannah with Luke Graham in the studio
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
2 April 10am–2.30pm Makers Market at Gather, Dolphin Centre, Poole.
2 April 2pm–4.30pm
Lytchett & Upton Floral Club Easter egg or rabbit workshop at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, BH16 6DF. Details 01202 622743.
2, 9, 16, 21 and 23 April 2pm–5pm Edmondsham House, BH21 5RE, open under National Gardens Scheme.
4 April 10am–3pm
Poole Leisure Painters meets at Lighthouse Poole. Details on pooleleisurepainters.org.uk
5, 12, 19 and 26 April
Junior Chess Club for ages six to 14 years at Ferndown Library. Visit ferndownjuniorchess.co.uk or email graham7morris@gmail.com for details.
5 April 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call for more info 03303 112793.
7 April 10.30am–11.30am Reading Friends meets at Wimborne Library.
7 April 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane. Talk by Sarah Kendall on floral arrangements.
9 April 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on bournemouthjazzclub.org.
9 April 7pm for 7.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. For details, contact Hazel on 07780 705702.
9 April 7.30pm
East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne.
9–12 April 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Ferndown Drama presents ‘The 39 Steps’ at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Tickets from the Barrington, on the door or ticketsource.co.uk/ferndown-drama.
10 April 7pm
West Moors Town Council annual town meeting at St Anthony’s Church, Pinehurst Road. Guest speakers from Dorset History Centre and Dorset Council.
11–13 April
Sherborne Travel Writing Festival.
12 April 11am–2.30pm
MS Centre Dorset Spring Fayre, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS. Further details telephone 01202 570300.
12 April 7.30pm
Grange Choral Society presents Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony at Christchurch Priory. Book via christchurchpriory.org/servicesand-events or call 01202 143870. Tickets also available on the door.
14 April 10.30am
Verwood Local Fundraising Committee for Cancer Research coffee morning at the URC Hall, Manor Road, Verwood.
14 April 2.30pm
West Moors Horticultural Society presents an illustrated talk by Brian Pettet called ‘Wildlife Wonders of France and Spain’. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.
14 April 7pm for 7.30pm
Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, BH21 3AP. Secretary Paul Barry 07932 581791 or email: paulrichardbarry@hotmail. co.uk for programme details.
16 April 7pm for 7.30pm start Labour Party quiz night at Colehill Sports and Social Club. To secure your spot, contact Jeff Hart at 01202 884201 or email jeffhart414@ gmail.com.
17 April 6pm–8pm
Diverse Abilities Willow Dragonfly Workshop at The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT. Visit diverseabilities.org. uk/events to book.
19 April 10am–12noon
Wimborne Minster Flower Festival coffee morning in Church House.
19 April 12noon
Damerham Duck Race at Damerham Village Hall, SP6 3HD. £500 prize money available. Enquiries info@ damerham.org or damerham.org.
20 April 11am
Guided walk around Wimborne Minster starting in the Square. Free. Just turn up.
25 April 10am–2.30pm
Stitch4u club for embroidery and textile art meets at MS Centre, West Parley. Details at astitch4u.com.
26 April 10am–3pm
Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, 41-44 King Street, BH21 1EA.
Art and craftwork for sale, handmade by local artists. Free entry. Dogs welcome.
26 April 4.30pm
Broadstone Music Series presents ‘The Fiesole Piano Trio’ at Lytchett Minster Church, Dorchester Rd, Lytchett Minster, Poole, BH16 6JE.
27 April 3pm
Ashley Wass recital at Kimmeridge Hall, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB. Details on bournemouthchambermusic.co.uk.
29 April 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre Dorset, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS.
Highcliffe Castle stained glass on show
An exhibition featuring stained glass of international importance dating from c1400 to 1830 is now on view at Highcliffe Castle.
After surviving two devastating fires, the Grade I listed building has been fully restored almost to its full glory and the number of rooms that visitors can experience has increased from four to 17. This is all thanks to The Phoenix Flies project, which began in 2017 and was completed earlier this year. The project was made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The stained-glass pieces have each been painstakingly brought back to life by the talented conservator, Sarah Jarron.
Recently, Highcliffe Castle won a bronze award for 'Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' and another for 'Wedding Venue of the Year' at the 2025 Dorset Tourism Awards. Book your visit on highcliffecastle.co.uk.
Get ready to rock, Southbourne!
The award-winning Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival will be held in Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne on 28–29 June 2025 for its 11th year.
For the first time, the festival will be ticketed, to ensure it continues to provide high-quality entertainment. The festival’s new charitable collaboration will direct a portion of ticket sales towards the Rotary Foundation, which provides grants worth hundreds of millions to Rotary Clubs throughout the world for humanitarian projects, training and scholarships.
Shake & Stir will feature artists covering genres from rockabilly to swing, and Netherlands-based rock ‘n’ roll band The Explosion Rockets are this year’s headliners. You can see the full line up on shakenstirfest.com.
Attendees can look forward to seeing classic cars, retro displays featuring nostalgic décor, browsing vintage and artisan market stalls, and plenty of food and drink vendors.
Attendees are also encouraged to dress in their best vintage outfits and celebrate the styles of the 1920s to the 1970s.
Tickets are on sale now. Book via eventsbystir.co.uk/shake-stir-festival-2025.
Highlights from previous Shake & Stir festivals
PREVIEW Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival
A taste sensation is coming to Christchurch on 17–18 May, when the Cheese & Chilli Festival returns.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy hot jalapenos or milder cheddar cheese, this festival is an unmissable experience. 2025 marks the festival’s 11th year, and it promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with incredible flavours, colours and experiences.
As well as sampling delicious food in the taste tent and at the market stalls, there’s plenty
more to see and do. Watch the thrilling action in the ring as the wrestling returns for another round of jaw-dropping battles. Catch Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave in the cooking theatre alongside other guest speakers, providing cooking demos and insightful talks throughout the day. Put your tastebuds to the test at the chilli eating competition each day at 4pm, or tackle a man vs food challenge where contestants must try to eat an entire plate of super-hot
food in 30 minutes or less. Plus, there will be plenty of children’s entertainment, including magic shows, Punch & Judy, Shetland ponies, a fun fair and much, much more.
Early bird tickets cost as little as £9 for a day ticket plus booking fee, and children
under 16 go free. To book your tickets and find out everything else that the festival has to offer, visit the website: cheeseandchillifestival. com/Christchurch.
Too hot to handle?
Celebrate spring at Winterborne Kingston REVIEW …Earnest? Say It Again, Sorry?, Lighthouse Poole
A celebration of Dorset literature and landmarks in flowers, music and art is the theme for the Winterborne Kingston Spring Festival from 16 to 18 May 2025.
Taking place over three days, the festival will feature a variety of events including: floristry displays from the St Nicholas’ Church floral team; an art exhibition by the Dorset 2020 Art Society; concerts by local choirs Cantilena Voices and Vivamente Voices; music recitals featuring young musicians from local schools; and a community art project, culminating in Hymns and Pimm’s on the Sunday afternoon. Refreshments will be served throughout the weekend.
By Luke Graham
Lighthouse Poole featured a wickedly funny adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ in February.
Currently touring the UK after several successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘…Earnest?’ is a cross between ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’, the backstage antics of ‘Noises Off’ and an improv show like ‘Showstoppers’.
Within minutes of the opening scene, a major problem occurs: the actor playing the main character is nowhere to be seen. Without an understudy available, the play’s desperate director drags a member of the audience on stage to play the part… without a script.
Following a series of unfortunate events, including broken arms, sore throats, and a drunken stupor, eventually the entire cast is replaced by members of the audience. It’s very funny and the whole cast were brilliant. Watching the actors
respond to audience suggestions was hysterical and showcased the cast’s incredible skills in improvisation, and the way audience members are puppeteered and steered through the play – often with hilarious commentary from the director – was excellent.
‘…Earnest?’ was a delight and I thoroughly recommend it. If you manage to see the show, don’t sit too close to the front if you don’t want to end up on stage!
PREVIEW
The Importance of Being Earnest Bournemouth Little Theatre, Winton
For a more traditional take on Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, head to Bournemouth Little Theatre this April.
First performed in 1895, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ sees two wellto-do gentlemen leading double lives using the fake name ‘Ernest’ to pursue their romantic interests.
The popular farce has stood the test of time and has been adapted countless times for stage and screen. Directed by John Billington, this production will be performed from Tuesday 8 April to Saturday 12 April at 7.45pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Book via bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk.
Don’t miss Damerham Duck Race
Get ready for the Grand National of Gadwalls, the Mallard Monaco Grand Prix, the Feathery Formula 1; yes, the Damerham Duck Race returns on Easter Saturday.
From 12noon on 19 April, dozens of rubber ducks will race down the waterway course in the riverside gardens beside Damerham Village Hall (or inside the hall if it is raining).
Six races will take place on the day, plus a grand finale, with prize money of £500 up for grabs. There will be food, refreshments and a licensed bar, as well as stalls and children’s games.
Prepare for a quacking good day out. For details, email info@ damerham.org or visit damerham.org.
Art students host free exhibition
A free exhibition showcasing work by Arts University Bournemouth students is open to the public until 27 April at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.
‘Echoes of the Deep’ explores the theme of water through a range of artworks, including photography, painting, sculpture and installation created by students studying for a BA in Fine Art.
Amy Steel, exhibition leader, said: “Each year, second year students at Arts University Bournemouth collaborate to bring an exhibition to Lighthouse Poole. The
Hurn Court Opera to perform 'La Cenerentola'
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Book now to see ‘La Cenerentola’, performed by Hurn Court Opera and their exceptional cast of emerging artists. Rossini’s ‘La Cenerentola’, or ‘Cinderella’, tells the familiar story of the kind-hearted girl, mistreated by her wicked stepfather and stepsisters. However, in Rossini’s version, Angelina (Cinderella) is without her glass slippers and fairy godmother, who is replaced by Alidoro, a magical benefactor and wise philosopher initially disguised as a beggar.
While scheming shenanigans
swirl around her, Angelina maintains her belief in virtue, which ultimately wins the day, and, of course, her Prince Charming. This two-act opera is filled to the brim with complex yet thrilling ensemble numbers and glorious arias. Performed in the original Italian with English surtitles, the production will receive three performances: 14 April at the Theatre Royal Winchester, 16 April at Coade Hall Theatre in Bryanston School, and 18 April at the Regent Centre in Christchurch. For further details and to book, please visit hurncourtopera.org.
theme for this show is water, and students were asked to think in expansive and imaginative ways about how water may be significant to them and the world around them.”
The students will be graded on these works, as well as on a presentation they will give detailing their creative processes.
Cut fuel costs
Fuel prices at the petrol station hit a six-month high in March, according to data from the RAC
Filling up a family-sized petrol car now costs around £76.81, up almost £3 since the start of October. Meanwhile, filling up the average diesel car will cost more than £80, up more than £4 since early October last year.
To stop rising fuel prices blowing a hole in your budget, here is some advice.
Find the cheapest fuel station Forecourts compete on price so you will often see small differences in the cost of petrol and diesel at different locations. The differences may only be pennies per litre, but over time these price savings will add up for you. As the saying goes: look after the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.
Rather than driving around trying to find the lowest price, use the website petrolprices.com or download the PetrolPrices app to your phone. It provides the latest petrol prices at 8,300 forecourts across the UK. Simply put in your postcode and how far you are willing to travel, and it will present a map with all the petrol prices in your area.
Don’t drive too far out of your way just to get to the
very cheapest fuel station –the extra driving might burn away any savings. Instead, focus on finding the lowest price in your immediate area, or plan a stop into your day, such as when going to the shops or to see friends.
Use loyalty schemes
Nearly every petrol company has its own loyalty scheme, such as Tesco Clubcard, BPme Rewards, or Shell GO+, that give you points whenever you buy fuel. These points can be used to buy food, exchanged for vouchers and gift cards, or simply used to get money off your next fuel purchase. You can collect a card from the petrol station, or download the app to your phone, and scan it when you pay for your fuel. You don’t need to sign up to every scheme, just the ones you use regularly. Also, don’t pick a petrol station just for the loyalty scheme, as the difference in petrol prices could cost more than the value of points you receive. Always look for the cheapest fuel price, then treat the loyalty scheme as an extra bonus.
Pay with a cashback card
Many banks offer credit and debit cards that pay you
back every time you spend. For instance, Chase Bank and Santander both pay one per cent cashback on most spending, including buying petrol and diesel. Other cashback cards are available. While cashback of just one or two per cent is only a small amount, it will help to shave down the cost of fuel.
If using a cashback credit card, make sure you set up a direct debit to pay it off in full each month, to avoid paying interest or fees.
Check your car
Simple checks to your car can make it more fuel efficient. For instance, make sure your tyres are properly inflated, because low pressure tyres use more fuel. Also, make sure you are not driving around extra weight by decluttering your car, or removing roof racks and child car seats when not in use.
With warmer months approaching, you may
start to turn your car’s air conditioning on. Remember that this also uses fuel, and it is advised not to use the air conditioning at lower speeds, as it is cheaper to simply lower your windows. At higher speeds, its best to use the air conditioning and keep your windows closed to prevent drag slowing down your car.
Drive more efficiently
Small changes to how you drive can help reduce your fuel use. Accelerating more gently, driving in the correct gear, and braking less harshly or (when safe) allowing the car to slow naturally rather than hitting the brakes, will all contribute to more efficient driving.
Advice adapted from moneysavingexpert.com.
Do you have any other costcutting driving tips? Let us know by emailing news@ dorsetview.co.uk.
REVIEW: Manor Farm open garden, Hampreston
Report and photos by Luke Graham
On Sunday 9 March, I visited Manor Farm in Hampreston for its open garden weekend.
Manor Farm has been part of the National Garden Scheme for 20 years. The scheme raises money for nursing and health charities by granting access to private gardens across the UK.
Manor Farm is a working farm with around 280 cows, and it has been cared for by the Trehane family for three generations.
The garden is very impressive, with several large hedges and mature shrubbery. There were several spring flowers blooming, including snowdrops, daffodils and hellebores.
Given the time of year, many of the roses had been pruned back and the trees were bare. Owners Guy and Anne Trehane
told me the garden truly comes to life in the summer, and so I intend to go again in the future. It is a truly lovely space and gave me several gardening ideas.
Manor Farm will next be open on 15 June, 13 July and 3 August. It is open to visits by arrangement for groups of 15 to 35 until 7 September. Entry costs £5.
Energy bill hike
The cost of heating and powering our homes went up at the start of April.
The price cap that limits what energy companies can charge for gas and electricity, set by regulator Ofgem, rose at the beginning of the month by six per cent. The regulator said prices for a typical household would rise £111 to £1,849 a year. If you're on a standard
tariff from your energy provider, then what you pay is set by the energy price cap.
Ofgem sets the price cap every three months, so it won't change again until 1 July.
One way to potentially cut your energy bill is to switch to a fixed rate tariff. This fixes the rate you pay for a year or longer, giving you certainty of what you will
pay and potentially avoiding future hikes to the price cap. Competition among energy firms means that these fixed rate tariffs are sometimes cheaper than the price cap.
To find the right energy deal for you, use an online market comparison website, such as Money Saving Expert's Cheap Energy Club.
OLD TOYS & VINYL
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING &
PLUMBING &
PLUMBING
CORRESPONDENCE
NEWS IN BRIEF
Corfe Mullen plan
Dorset Council has received an application to demolish a property at 32 Highfield Road, Corfe Mullen and to erect two four-bedroom chalet bungalows.
Wimborne refusal
A proposal to demolish the vacant building at 20 Park Lane, Wimborne and to erect two semi-detached properties was refused by Dorset Council’s planning committee.
Parking permits
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Community stories wanted
Award-winning AsOne theatre company is looking for community stories: anecdotes from the few mature men and women who remember VE Day in Weymouth or Dorchester, and the villages around and in between. Or if there are any children of these wonderful people who recall these stories being told who are willing to share them, please do. We will record these professionally in your house or nearby for a legacy to be lodged in either the Nothe Fort or Weymouth Museum and the Dorset History Museum. We are creating a show at the Nothe Fort and for a beacon lighting ceremony in Dorchester where your story may be included. Please contact us on 07778 737700 or email info@ as-onetheatre.co.uk
Jane McKell, artistic director, via Facebook
Thank you
May we say a big thank you for producing and distributing the magazine. [It] really covers the local topics we want in the right detail and in paper form, which is far more readable and memorable than dull online versions which seldom get read.
Steven Walker and Mary Symons, via email
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE
Open invitation
Canford and Merley WI would like to invite you to join us to share friendship, education and fun.
We meet on the second Wednesday of the month, 7pm for 7.30pm at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne.
Our next meeting is a ‘Personal History of Wimbledon’ by Shirley Critchley on Wednesday 9 April. All welcome.
For more details, please contact me on 07780705702. Hazel Clarke, via email
Dorset Council now offers two parking permits: Flexi Stay for those who park all day for work, and Short Stay for those who park for shorter periods such as shopping, appointments or leisure.
Leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Nick Ireland gave the following example: “If you work in Dorchester five days a week, 48 weeks of the year, with our Flexi Stay permit your parking would work out at £1.28 a day compared to £6.30 a day without a permit.” Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for details.
TREE SURGERY
WINDOW REPAIRS
Yeehaw! Get your cowboy boots ready
If you love line dancing and country music, you won’t want to miss a new event being organised by Diverse Abilities.
Country Roots, to be held at The Treehouse in Hurn on Friday 6 June from 6pm until 11pm, will feature live music from country band The Wild Ones, who will perform their debut single ‘Jump On It’.
Mariana Swain, events executive at Diverse Abilities said: “We’ve got a great line-up and lots of different activities through the night. And best of all, all the money raised will support children and adults with disabilities in the local community.”
There is also an opportunity to decorate your own cowboy hat ready for the event. The Cowboy Hat Workshop will take place on Wednesday 7 May between 6pm and 8pm. There will be craft leaders on hand to guide you through the process of customising your hat with various haberdashery, trinkets, and accessories as well as the option to brand letters or embroider a design.
Both events are at The Treehouse in Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT.
To book tickets, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events.
The Wild Ones will headline the event in Hurn
