Dorset View October 2023

Christchurch

Hello readers!

Over the past month, I’ve seen some recurring themes on social media, the news and in documentaries on various streaming services.

The march of artificial intelligence – or AI – is a little unnerving for someone brought up on film series such as The Terminator or The Matrix, despite the time-saving benefits technological advances can afford.

There is also disquiet about the isolating impact of technology on today’s society, and the effects it may be having on our communities. And while there may be some truth in this, my inbox tells a different story.

People are coming together at community events – in September alone, the Bournemouth Air Festival, the Clifftop Music Festival in Highcliffe and Inside Out Dorset entertained crowds in their hundreds and thousands.

I hear about people undertaking personal challenges to raise money for those less fortunate, or to help their communities in whatever way they can. Prince William visited Bournemouth to discuss issues around homelessness, the Dorset COP brought together businesses to discuss reducing the county’s carbon emissions and the Grounded Community held an event to encourage eco-friendly, community-focused living.

Dorset View’s charity of the year, Dorset Mind, discusses five ways to wellbeing in this month’s column on page 17, and connecting with and helping others is a vital part. Pulford Publicity is holding a charity dinner and auction event in October to raise money for Dorset Mind – details on page 26 – and this is a perfect way to give back while having a great evening out too. There are limited tickets remaining – why not join us?

Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Deputy 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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10 OCTOBER 2023

Wow! Red Arrows from Bournemouth clifftop by Steve Hogan (Sony mirrorless camera, 400mm lens). © southcoastphotography60

Unprovoked assault

A man in his 60s was assaulted in the centre of Wimborne.

Prince William visits Bournemouth

The Prince of Wales made a visit to Bournemouth on Thursday 7 September.

He was joined by star of BBC’s Dragons' Den, Steven Bartlett, at Pret-a-Manger to hear about the company’s long-term commitment to

tackling homelessness. This includes offering more support, training and employment through The Pret Foundation’s Rising Stars scheme.

His Royal Highness and Steven Bartlett then joined a roundtable discussion with local and national organisations who have pledged their commitment to work with Homewards at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. These included BCP Council, AFC Bournemouth, The Pret Foundation, Bournemouth and Poole College, Sunseeker International, Lush, Dorset Chamber and the Bournemouth Town Centre BID.

Led by the Prince and the Royal Foundation, the Homewards campaign seeks to demonstrate it is possible to end homelessness making it rare, brief and unrepeated.

The incident occurred shortly after 1am on Sunday 3 September in Crown Mead near to Wimborne Library. It is reported that the victim was assaulted from behind, knocking him unconscious. He was taken to hospital for treatment and

subsequently discharged. The suspect is described as white, in his late 20s, between six feet two and six feet four inches tall with a beard. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset. police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230139399.

Wimborne Athletic Club retained their South West Athletics League title at Exeter in September. Already four points ahead after match 3, Wimborne were pushed hard by the host club but team manager Paula Hine made sure that they kept their noses in front. In addition to the overall title, the club won the trophies in the under 13 girls, under 13 boys, senior women and relay categories. Pictured is the record breaking under 13 girls relay team.

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Events at community garden

By Jane Benson

Whatever the weather throws at us and whatever the season, life still carries on in the Wimborne Community Garden. We are still harvesting veggies and sharing them with Wimborne Food Bank, the Community Kitchen and Beaucroft students for their super café. We also have two big events coming up in October.

On Tuesday 10 October, Tamsin Westhorpe, horticulturist and Chelsea Flower Show judge, is coming to Beaucroft College Hall at 7.15pm to give a talk focused on how to prepare the garden for winter – everything from frost protection, cutting back borders, pruning and planting. She said: “Winter is such a key time in the garden. I garden most days even in the coldest weather because before you

know it, spring is upon us again! My aim is to encourage people to carry on gardening during the colder months to get ready for spring. I will end with suggesting a selection of easy-to-grow but unusual spring flowering plants.” This will be a great evening. Tickets are £10, and include a glass of mulled apple juice and slice of Dorset apple cake, and are available from https:// faithworks.churchsuite. com/events/ikx3quy4

Then on Sunday 15 October, we are holding a ‘Pumpkin Curry’ afternoon at the garden. Wimborne Food Bank will be joining us, armed with recipe bags containing the necessary ingredients for making a delicious pumpkin curry, and The Jolly Good Food Company are coming along too, with

their cookers and utensils. This means that folks can see how the curry is made, have a go at it, taste it and generally feel very pleased with themselves. We had a great time last year

making pumpkin soup so feel sure this heart-warming curry will set us up for whatever the winter weather may bring. Another busy and exciting month ahead.

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Lasting Power of Attorney vs Deputyship

By James Rust, Private Client Solicitor and Associate

Who would you choose to manage your finances or healthcare decisions if anything happened to you, and you were unable to make decisions yourself? We are often asked when you should make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). The sooner the better, as LPAs must be prepared whilst you have mental capacity.

If you lose capacity, you can no longer use this route and have to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. With the overwhelming delays at the Court of Protection and the administrative burden these present, not to mention the problems finding a doctor willing to complete the necessary capacity assessment, the simpler, faster, and cheaper option of creating an LPA is becoming more appealing.

Whilst a deputyship grants you the same powers as an LPA, the delays mean that you are unable to act until the order

is in place and in some cases, this can take up to one year.

The LPA allows you to put attorneys in place immediately to manage your property and financial affairs and to manage your health and welfare decisions. These decisions can range from allowing your attorneys to continue making birthday and Christmas gifts to the sale of your property, or dietary and beauty regimens to life sustaining treatment decisions and treatment options.

The LPA allows the attorney/s to make these decisions with the permission of the person granting the power. The health and welfare decision can only be made by the attorneys if the person granting the power has lost capacity or is unable to communicate their decision.

If you run a business, you may wish to consider an LPA so that your business can continue if you are unwell.

A splash for charity

Bournemouth children’s speech and language therapist Rachel Harrison has paddle-boarded the River Thames to raise awareness of developmental language disorder (DLD). Rachel, who works for Dorset HealthCare, completed the

130-mile challenge in 10 days, starting at Lechlade in Gloucestershire and ending in Teddington in London. She generated more than £700 for the charity RADLD (Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder) in the process.

Avoid getting into debt at Christmas

With festive items already in the shops, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has some very worthwhile advice for those who are fearful that the added cost would stretch their budget to bursting.

Starting to plan your Christmas budget before the big day can help you avoid unnecessary spending, reduce stress and allow you to focus on enjoying the festive period with friends and family.

First, decide how much a week you can save. Make a list of all you want to buy for Christmas. Consider decorations, food, transport costs, as well as presents.

Spreading the cost over

the next few weeks can give you peace of mind, plus you’ll be able to take advantage of any special offers or bargains available in the run up to Christmas.

Only buy what you can afford according to your budget.

Why not sign up to one of CAP’s hundreds of free money coaching workshops launching this autumn?

If you or someone you know is struggling with debt or other financial challenges, get in touch with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for free expert guidance alongside practical and emotional support. Find out more by visiting capuk. org or calling 0800 328 0006.

Former golfing champion turns 100

A former English women’s amateur champion in golf has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Jeanne Bisgood, who was born in Surrey, enjoyed an excellent career as an amateur golfer, winning the English Women’s Amateur Championship on three separate occasions – one of only three players in event history to achieve that feat.

Jeanne represented England at amateur level eight times at the Women’s Home Internationals. She also represented Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) in the Curtis Cup and in 1952 helped the team win the competition for the first time in their history with a 5-4 victory.

Jeanne won a number of open championships on the continent and was crowned Swedish champion in 1952, the German and Italian champion in 1953, the Portuguese champion in 1954 and the

Norwegian champion in 1955. Well-known locally, Jeanne was the first lady president of Parkstone Golf Club and has been a member for over 80 years. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1982 Birthday Honours as chairman of the Dorset Education Committee and was given an honorary Doctor of Education at Bournemouth University in 2018.

Jeanne Bisgood

Stellar future for Charlotte Geary

Exclusive interview by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Rising star will appear at Pulford Publicity’s Charity Gala event in aid of Dorset Mind

There probably aren’t too many school pupils who can say that the Covid lockdowns helped them to hone their skills for a successful career – which has already started.

But singer, musician and songwriter Charlotte Geary can.

Now in the sixth form at Ferndown Upper School, Charlotte who lives in West Moors, wows audiences wherever she performs.

She has sung at the Friday night folk evenings at the Café @ the Allendale in Wimborne, receiving an enthusiastic reception. And she will be appearing at the Pulford Publicity Charity Gala event in aid of Dorset Mind on 14 October.

Charlotte is just 16, with a confidence that belies her years, however, it hasn’t always been so.

“I had bad anxiety from Year 5 when I was at Hillside School,” she said, adding that in Year 7 at Emmanuel Middle School it

was alleviated when she started to play the ukulele and guitar, and by the time she reached the age of 13 she was singing too.

During the lockdowns, as well as doing her school work, Charlotte was writing a song a day and recording herself in her bedroom studio.

She did her first gig in 2021. Although she admits she sometimes gets a bit nervous before a show, she said it was easier in front of larger audiences, and she wasn’t fazed at all by the more than 1,000 people who watched her at the Coronation event in Verwood this year.

Songwriting is very important to Charlotte.

“I have things I want to say and I can write wherever I am. Sometimes I can’t sleep as I am composing and so far I have 1,718 voice recordings. I sit at my piano or my guitar and just start strumming and I find the more I practise the more it becomes natural.”

Although she sings numbers in a variety of genres, her first love is country music and she has been inspired by American singer-songwriter Maren Morris and Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth B.

“I also love the lyrics of Tedeschi Trucks Band, but I sing in more of a pop style.”

However, she gears her set to the audience and will do numbers by such artists as Bryan Adams and Whitney Houston.

“I also sometimes take a well known song and rip it apart to produce my own version,” she said.

Charlotte comes from a musical family. Her father and his brother had a band; her mother plays the cello and her sister the drums.

She has continued to hone her skills and, during the summer holidays, attended a four-day songwriting camp funded by West Moors Town Council’s Jean Ware Legacy

Award – and wrote six songs.

“I was working with other people and it was so much fun and very revealing,” she said. She is studying music, drama and art at A level and hopes in the future to do a degree in songwriting.

And looking ahead?

“I hope to record an EP and to put it online and after A levels it would be good to do a degree in songwriting,” she said. Watch out for this young woman. She is heading for a stellar career.

Human fish completes Ithaca challenge

Endurance swimmer Oly Rush, from Upton, has completed his latest challenge – swimming around the Greek Island of Ithaca – to raise awareness of plastic pollution.

At 4am on 9 September, Oly set out for the swim, which took a gruelling 19 hours and 41 minutes, facing formidable obstacles along the way. Strong currents, jellyfish stings, blustery winds, relentless sunshine with no shade, and extended periods in the vast expanse of the ocean did not prevent him from completing the challenge, which also served as a fundraiser for

Project Planet Earth.

To keep his energy up, Oly consumed carefully balanced food and drinks that included coffee, oats, soup, bananas, and essential electrolytes.

Oly was accompanied by a team of kayak supporters, who relayed health updates to the main boat, Kalipso, and ensured he received sustenance at predetermined intervals. The challenge was made possible through sponsorship by Hampshire-based recruitment agency GreenFolk Ltd.

Donations can still be made at www.projectplanet.earth.

An annual fundraising golf day raised more than £12,500 for a local charity.

The event, organised by Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors, took place on 4 July at Remedy Oak golf club in aid of the Steve Bernard Foundation (SBF). It had an American theme in a nod to the date, and was enjoyed by 88 players.

SBF was chosen as the benefitting charity as it is the funeral directors’ charity of the year. Established after the tragic death of Stevie B, whose passion in life was sport, the charity has raised over £600,000 to support sporting projects from schools, grassroot clubs, elite athletes including Olympians, county, national and world champions, Invictus games medallists and hundreds of disability athletes.

Following the golf event, Anthony and Jane O’Hara presented a cheque for £12,647.33 to Tony Bernard,

Steve’s father and trustee to the charity. Anthony said: “We know the charity will do great things with the money and if we can have helped one child enjoy sport, or one team have the equipment they need, or help an elite athlete achieve their goal, then we will feel really proud to have been a small part of that.”

From October 2023, a ban on single-use plastics including plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers will come into force.

According to estimates, England uses 2.7 billion items of single-use cutlery, most of which are plastic, and 721 million single-use plates per year. Of these, only 10 per cent are recycled. The rest are thrown away, only to break down into smaller and smaller parts, impacting the environment and wildlife

The site of the former Adult Education Service in Oakdale – which has been vandalised – could in the future provide a supported housing complex.

If the application is approved, demolition of two portacabins on the site will take place in the autumn. BCP Council has also increased the security measures on-site for the old school building to help reduce any further

for years to come.

Already in place are bans on the supply of single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers, cotton buds and the inclusion of microbeads in personal care products, and retailers must charge a minimum of 10 pence for a single-use carrier bag, which has taken billions of bags out of circulation.

The new ban will include online and over-the-counter sales and supply, from new and existing stock, and businesses will be required to offer alternatives.

Golf event raises money for sports charity Single-use plastics ban Supported housing proposal

health and safety risks.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole currently have a limited number of extra-care housing schemes and, with an ageing population, more of these types of homes are needed in the local area.

BCP Council will soon commission an architect for design work for the site which will be shared and consulted with residents in future months.

Inspiring the next generation

Six primary school children who won a competition to design a paper aeroplane met the Red Arrows at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

The winners were taken on a tour of the festival’s Ultra Energy STEM Village (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), which featured demonstrations from local STEM companies.

One winner of the paper

Dylan Goodman

aeroplane competition was Dylan Goodman from Winton Primary School, whose brightly coloured design caught the attention of the judges.

Squadron Leader Tom Bould, team leader and Red 1 of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “We’ve all been very impressed by the creativity and ingenuity in all in the children’s paper aeroplane designs. Every entry was a possible winner!”

Applying for a school place for September 2024

If your child due to start school or transfer to a junior, middle secondary or upper school in September 2024, you will need to get your application for a school place in soon for the best chance of securing your first choice of school. The deadlines are:

• 31 October 2023 (for secondary and upper

school applications)

• 15 January 2024 (for reception and junior or middle school applications)

For more information and to apply, go to www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if you live in the Dorset Council area, or www. bcpcouncil.gov.uk if you live in the BCP Council area.

Canford Heath in peat restoration project

Canford Heath is one of 16 sites identified by Dorset Peat Partnership as having damaged peatlands that are suitable for restoration.

The partnership, led by Dorset Wildlife Trust, has been awarded a £750,000 grant from Defra’s Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, matched by £250,000 from other funders and partners, to fund work on the sites across Dorset. The

aim is to rewet and restore 172 hectares of fragmented and damaged peatlands.

Dorset’s heathlands contain the largest areas of the county’s peat in ‘peaty pockets’ and valley mires. Peatlands are England’s largest land-based carbon store, yet most of them are degraded and emitting carbon because they are not wet enough to be building up peat.

The grant has been

awarded following 18 months of survey work by the partnership organisations and volunteers to gather data on an initial long list of 80 candidate sites across urban and rural Dorset, before deciding on the final 16. Work will now take place to encourage these sites to hold water for longer each year, reducing the amount of carbon emitted from degraded peat. Once restored, it will allow carbon sequestration. The work will also improve drought and fire resilience by holding more water in the landscape during the summer. By increasing capacity for water storage, it will also help to reduce flooding.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s conservation director, Imogen Davenport, said: “We are delighted that the hard work of the partnership to plan for restoration of some of Dorset’s precious peatlands has been recognised by the award of this grant. Our peaty pockets not only act as a carbon and

water store, so keeping sites wet in drought and holding back water in flood but of course, they are home to some of our most precious and specialist wildlife. This includes sphagnum moss which plays a part in forming peat soils, insect-eating plants like sundew; and raft spiders, which sense their prey by feeling for vibrations in the water surface.”

Natalie Poulter, Dorset Catchment Partnerships co-ordinator, said: “Dorset is well-known as a beautiful and wildlife-rich county, but our peatlands are overlooked and in decline. This project will provide a huge kick-start to the long-term recovery of these precious wetland habitats. The patchwork nature of Dorset’s heaths and mires means that restoring the wet peaty areas will have a ripple effect of supporting wildlife in the wider heathland habitats too, making this restoration doubly exciting.”

Protect your pets during bangs and flashes this autumn

By Lynwood Vets

Planning ahead makes all the difference for your pet when it comes to fireworks season.

Many pets are scared by unexpected loud bangs and flashes and will pick up on how their humans react as well. It can actually be helpful to play a recording of fireworks (available online) in advance to get them used to the noise.

On the evenings you expect fireworks, walk your dog as early as possible and ensure your cat is safely inside and provided with a litter tray. Try to create a ‘safe place’ where they can feel reassured.

For rabbits and guinea pigs, consider bringing the hutch or cage indoors and provide extra bedding so they can burrow and get cosy. A quiet room is best or an unused garage or shed is a good alternative.

Draw the curtains and turn on the radio to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks. If your pet tries to hide away don’t coax them out, this is a

place that they may feel safe.

Have your pets microchipped in case they escape – by law your dog should already be microchipped and it’s the law for cats by April 2024.

It is easy to feel the urge to frantically pet or speak to your pets to calm them down when they are anxious but one of the best ways to relax them when they are nervous is to be relaxed yourself. In very severe cases speak to your vet who can prescribe some medication to reduce the anxiety felt by your pet.

Canford Heath quad © Dorset Peat Partnership

New president for Wimborne Rotary

Broadstone resident, Graham West, the new president of Wimborne Rotary, received his chain of office from outgoing president Ron Franks at a handover meeting of members at Wimborne Town Football Club.

Graham said: “I want us to give a strong focus to supporting local young people – not only because they are our future but, who knows, their parents could end up joining us in Rotary.

“Any youth organisation in the local area which is looking for support for a project they want to complete

should contact us to explore whether we can help them.

“Wimborne Rotary has a first-class venue for its fortnightly regular meetings, and we would welcome any enquiries from potential new members who are keen to get involved in our support of the local community.”

Youth organisations should initially make contact via the youth section of the Wimborne Rotary website at www.wimbornerotary.org. Those interested in finding out more about Rotary should make contact via the friends page on the same website.

The 23rd Wimborne in Bloom August Bank Holiday weekend duck race raised nearly £1,600 towards ‘In Bloom’ funds. Pictured are the mayor with Richard Nunn, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom and first prize winner Brenda Hare-Brown. Photo by John Allen.

L-R: Vice president Sue Young, incoming president Graham West, and president Ron Franks

Household Support Fund opens for applications

Low income households in the Dorset Council area can apply for funding from several dates in the coming months.

Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will open at 10am on Thursday 5 October; Thursday 2 November; Tuesday 5 December; Wednesday 3 January 2024; Tuesday 6 February and Tuesday 5 March.

The support will be in the form of supermarket vouchers. Citizens Advice will be allocating this fund on behalf of Dorset Council and vouchers will be issued to residents who meet the eligibility criteria within six to eight weeks.

Find more details on https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ household-support-fund

Memory walk in aid of dementia research

Driving rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of people walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

The charity’s annual Memory Walk took place on 17 September along the seafront at Bournemouth, and money raised will be used to fund crucial research and support people living with dementia.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born in the UK today going on to develop the condition in their lifetime.

Marion Child, Alzheimer’s Society head of Local Services, said: “We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers, who turned out in their hundreds to support the 6,900 people living with dementia in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“It was extremely moving to see so many people come together to honour or remember their loved ones. Every pound raised from Bournemouth Memory Walk will make a huge difference. Supporters walked to fund faster diagnosis, ongoing support and vital research, helping people with dementia live more fulfilled lives now and in the future.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Memory Walk such a brilliant success.”

The link between fundraising and wellbeing

As the seasons change, so can our mental wellbeing and it is important to look after and care for it. Fundraising can be a great way to improve your wellbeing both physically and mentally. Doing something positive for others can also give you a personal boost. Knowing that your hard work will help so many people can be a great motivation to complete a challenge or hold an event to raise donations for charity. You’ll also feel a real sense of accomplishment for achieving your goals and helping your local community.

The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ is a proven method to follow for managing mental health in everyday life, and fundraising can be worked into this. The five proven steps are ‘Connect’, ‘Get Active’, ‘Take Notice’, ‘Learn’ and ‘Giving.’ Here’s how the fundraising

can be incorporated:

Connect: fundraise with a family member, friend or a colleague. This can help you raise more money, keep you accountable – and you’ll have more fun along the way. Get active: why not take part in an organized challenge?

Dorset Mind offers a variety of challenges to suit all abilities – from walking, jogging or running in the Ultra Challenges to the wheelchair category and 1km category for children in the Bournemouth Bay Run. Take notice: whatever you’re training for, from a skydive to a challenge, notice your surroundings and how you feel whilst you’re doing it. You should find your wellbeing improves.

Learn: fundraising is a skill and whilst you’re setting up your event or challenge, you’ll learn how to do it. We can fully support you during

your journey and help you with fundraising ideas. Give back: if you fundraise for us, you’re helping us make a life-changing difference to local people’s mental health, so thank you.

Dorset Mind has some exciting events coming up, such as our Marathon Walk on 23 October. We are challenge partners for the Jurassic Coast Challenge and the Bournemouth Bay Run in 2024 which provide active ways to fundraise for Dorset Mind.

However, if that is not for you, head to our website – dorsetmind.uk – and see what other ways you can #JoinOurMovement!

There’s more about the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ here: https:// bit.ly/5WaystoWellbeing

Find out about upcoming fundraising opportunities here: https://bit.ly/DMFundraise4Us

The Dorset Children’s Foundation has received a grant of £2,000 to purchase new equipment to support a family in Wimborne.

Since its launch in 2013, volunteers at The Dorset Children’s Foundation have been supporting children to enhance their mobility, overcome isolation, improve their self-esteem and play a larger part in the society around them, be that with family or school.

The money, donated by developer Chancerygate and Northwood Investors, went towards a ground level trampoline for Charlie, aged eight, who has cerebral palsy, profound and multiple learning difficulties and is a full-time wheelchair user.

Dorset Children’s Foundation co-founder and head of operations, Patsy Hallmey, said: “We were

thrilled when we were offered this great donation, we were able to purchase a ground level trampoline which will provide years of enjoyment for Charlie and his family.”

Bouncing fun for Charlie Care home residents sing praises of school choirs

Students from Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School filled Dorset House – a Care South home –with songs and laughter recently.

Cornerstone Academy choir sang a handful of songs, whilst some children sat with the residents and recited poems. One mini-rockstar brought his guitar and impressed everyone with his talent.

Hamworthy Park Junior School choir visited the following day and, after serenading everyone, took the time to bond with residents and discuss all things summer holidays, from Disney cruises, trips to Australia and camping.

Resident Thelma, said: “The children brought tears to my eyes,” and Paul, another resident, said: “You could see how much they have practised. They must have an excellent teacher.”

Neil Dominy, home manager at Dorset House, said: “Our home is always enhanced by visits from schools and nurseries. It was a wonderful gesture from the students of Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School to visit us and make special memories with everyone. The residents and staff loved it, and it’s so warming to overhear their conversations with the children.”

International healthcare workers welcomed in Dorset Vaccine changes

Dorset HealthCare is the first NHS trust in Dorset to be acknowledged for supporting internationally-educated nurses.

The trust has earned the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award, which aims to standardise the quality and delivery of pastoral care for international nurses and midwives across England.

Maria Thomas-Smith, international recruitment lead at Dorset HealthCare, said: “We are committed to supporting our wonderful international nurses from the start of their journey and throughout their career, enabling them to excel in their roles.

“And we are very grateful to our international colleagues for their feedback and assistance, enabling us to continually improve what we do.”

Christy Thomas, a mental health nurse from India, who has been with the trust for a year, said: “From the day I passed the interview up until now, I have had tremendous support and guidance from the trust. It has made my journey much easier, and I thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”

More people are now eligible for a shingles vaccination.

Those turning 65 and 70 from 1 September 2023 and those aged 50 and over who have a severely weakened immune system can now book an appointment for the vaccination with their GP surgery. Those aged 70-79 remain eligible.

Shingles can occur at any age, but the risk and severity of shingles increases with age and for those with severely weakened immune systems. Symptoms of the disease can include blindness, hearing loss, and nerve pain.

In addition, the HPV vaccine for under 25s, which can help prevent HPV-related cancers, has moved to a single dose.

Mental health nurses from India (L-R) Reshmi James, Jiss Varghese and Christy Thomas

Never give up on giving up

Good things start to happen when you stop smoking.

Every time you smoke a cigarette, your body is being flooded with thousands of poisonous chemicals including arsenic and formaldehyde. At least 70 of the chemicals in tobacco smoke cause cancer.

It’s a frightening thought. The bottom line is, there is no safe level of smoking –quitting completely is the only way you can protect yourself from these risks.

The day you stop, your body starts clearing itself of toxins and begins to repair itself. Within a few days or weeks,

your senses of taste and smell improve, you’ll start to breathe more easily, and have more energy. Your longer-term risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke will be significantly reduced. One year on, your risk of a heart attack halves compared to a smoker’s.

This month is Stoptober, the perfect time to break free from tobacco. Be part of the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt – but with local support from LiveWell Dorset. Register for a free quit pack and 1-2-1 coaching support.

Choose from a range of options including face-toface support from your local pharmacy, nicotine gum and patches in the post, a vape starter kit or – new for 2023 – a place at an Allen Carr Easyway stop smoking seminar. LiveWell coaches can help you identify your triggers and support you to overcome them. Coaching sessions take place over the phone at a time that suits you.

GET YOUR FREE QUIT KIT:

Call free on 0800 840 1628, visit livewelldorset.co.uk or scan the QR code on the advert.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Underwear to carry awareness label: underwear from Morrisons will now carry advice urging people to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer. Initially, it will feature in men’s boxer shorts, with crop top bras also featuring the labels in the coming months.

Care home instead of retail unit: plans have been submitted to Dorset Council for a 64-bed care home on land south of Leigh Road, Wimborne. A retail unit had been approved on the site, but work has not commenced.

New premises for charity shop: The Friends of Wimborne Hospital charity shop has moved to a new modernised shop at 69 High Street, Wimborne.

COMPETITION!

£60 to dine out on us!

Dorset View’s reviewer, Simon Thornton, enjoyed his meal at Tiien in Moor Road, Broadstone (review in Dorset View, September 2023) so much that the editor has decided to run a competition to give one lucky winner the chance to win a £60 voucher towards the cost of a delicious meal at the restaurant.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the question below.

Q. On which road will you find Tiien in Broadstone?

Rules of entry:

Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. The £60 voucher will be valid for three months from the issue date and must be redeemed towards the cost of food only. No change will be given. Closing date is 20 October 2023. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or Tiien, Broadstone are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue to facilitate the giving of the prize.

Events

Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

5 October 7.15-9.15pm

Ferndown & District Historical Society meets at the Barrington Centre on the first Thursday of each month. Contact Andrew Palmer 01202 874407.

5 October 7 for 7.30pm

Planet Wimborne quiz at Colehill Sports and Social Club, Colehill BH21 2QR. Contact Jeff Hart jeffhart414@gmail.com or 01202 884201.

7 October 2-4pm

East Dorset Beekeepers Association Honey Show at West Moors Memorial Hall.

7 October 10am-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Keyhaven Marshes. Meet by the sea wall small parking area. Non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864.

7 October 7.30pm

Viva Voce concert to raise funds for High Mead Farm at The Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ viva-voce

7 October 6-8pm

Lewis Manning’s Candles on the Lake at The Kitchen, Poole Park. See a https://lewis-manning.org. uk/candles/

9 October 2.30pm

Verwood Horticultural Society illustrated talk at the Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

9 October 7 for 7.30pm

Friends of Victoria Hospital fundraising Big Quiz at the Allendale Centre. Contact Jeff Hart at jeffhart414@gmail.com or 0102 884201.

9 October 7.30pm

Ferndown French Circle meets at The Centre, Barns Road, Ferndown BH22 8XH. Details from secretary on 07552 074135.

10 October 7.15-9.30pm

Tamsin Westhorpe talk to raise funds for Wimborne Community Garden at Beaucroft College Hall, School Lane, Wimborne BH21 1HQ. Tickets via: https:// faithworks.churchsuite.com/ events/ikx3quy4

11 October 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Details www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

11 October 7.30-9.30pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group

AGM, Lyndhurst Community Centre. Non-members £5, members £3.

11 October 7.30pm

East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne.

13 October 7.30pm

Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club quiz at the Allendale Centre. To enter a team email Ron Neave at: events@ wimborneandferndownlions.org.uk or call 07722 025789.

14 October 6.30pm

Pulford Publicity’s Charity of the Year Dinner and Auction in aid of Dorset Mind. Last few tickets from www.pulfordpublicity.co.uk

17 October 8pm

Wimborne Civic Society meets at the Allendale Centre. Members £2, non-members £5.

18 October 10-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Hengistbury Head (SZ 162 911). Meet in car park area outside the Hikers Café. https://group. rspb.org.uk/new forest/

18 October 7.30pm

The Wimborne Valognes Twinning Association presents a variety show at the Allendale Centre. Tickets £5 from the Allendale.

18-21 October

Ferndown Drama presents Out of Focus at the Barrington. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ ferndown-drama or from the Barrington Box Office.

19-21 October

Wimborne Drama production of Rehearsal for Murder at the Tivoli. To book, call 01202 885566 or go to tivoliwimborne.co.uk

20 October 7.30pm

The Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Regent Centre, Christchurch.

21-28 October 10-4pm and

29 October 10-noon

Broadstone Art Society exhibition at the Youth Centre, Tudor Road, Broadstone.

27 October 6pm

Comedy night in aid of Diverse Abilities at The Black Cherry in Bournemouth. Tickets from diverseabilities.org.uk/comedy.

28 October 7-10pm

Quiz organised by the St Leonard’s and St Ives HomeWatch in the Village Hall, Braeside Road, St Leonards BH24 2PH. mariehomewatch@yahoo.com or 01425 475733.

28 October 10-3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne BH21 1EA. Free admission.

28 October 7.30pm

A Salute to Trad Jazz with Chris Walker and The Pedigree Jazz Band at Alderholt Village Hall. Tickets from 01425 655631.

31 October 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, Dorset, Church Lane, West Parley BH22 8TS. www. westparleygc.co.uk

Any change in Government guidelines can affect details on this page –please check with the venue for the latest information

Megan McCubbin at Wimborne’s green festival

Zoologist, conservationist, photographer, and presenter of TV’s Springwatch and Animal Park, Megan McCubbin will be headlining the opening weekend at ‘You, Me & Nature’ on Sunday 15 October at Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne.

Doors open at 4pm, with Megan’s talk at 5pm. There will be refreshments, eco displays by local schools, community groups’ stalls and the opportunity to buy a signed copy of Megan’s new book, An Atlas of Endangered Species.

Tickets are available via www.eventbrite.co.uk or by cash payment at Wimborne’s Fair Ground shop.

As in previous years, the festival features a whole host of green-themed events and activities for all ages. During the week, you can get involved in art and craft sessions, a green town trail or tree planting. You can find out what Kingston Lacy is doing to go green, how record-breaking long-distance swimmer Oly Rush is fighting plastic pollution and how your

clothes, accessories and home furnishings can be upcycled, recycled and be stylish as well.

The official opening by the mayor, Cllr Diann March, and Eloise Flinter from Lush is at 10.30am on Saturday 14 October on the Minster Green, where Wimborne Community Theatre will be performing, local green groups will be exhibiting and the apple pressing will be in full swing.

Planet Wimborne has been awarded a £500 grant by Wimborne Minster Town Council towards the costs.

Wimborne Drama to stage thriller at Tivoli

A classic 1980s TV thriller, re-imagined for the stage, is Wimborne Drama Productions’ choice of play for their autumn production at the Tivoli Theatre. Rehearsal for Murder has been adapted by D D Brooke from the TV play written by the award-winning writing team of Richard Levinson

and William Link, whose work includes Murder, She Wrote and Columbo.

Playwright Alex Dennison is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica Welles is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her stage debut. On the anniversary of that ill-fated night,

Alex assembles the same cast and crew in the same theatre, for a reading of his new play. But as the reading begins, it becomes clear that Alex believes Monica was murdered and he intends to uncover her killer.

The cast are Rob CordingCook, Tracie BillingtonBeardsley, Rosie Nye, Colin Pile, Michelle Barter, Lindsay McGowan, David Beddard-

Banks, James Bourner, Andy Gill, Russ Guillaume, Suzanne Viney, Richard Scotson and Calum Hearne. It will be performed at the Tivoli Theatre from 19 to 21 October, with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. To book, telephone 01202 885566 or book online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Comedy night fundraiser

An upcoming night of comedy at The Black Cherry in Boscombe promises to provide riotous entertainment while raising money for Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities.

The evening will be hosted by Sunjai Arif, who will be joined by Joe Wells and Spring Day. The event will be held on 27 October. Tickets are available at diverseabilities. org.uk/comedy

Megan McCubbin

Festival first a huge success

More than 5,000 people partied the day away at the inaugural Clifftop Music Festival in Highcliffe on Saturday 9 September.

The event was headlined by 70s band Heatwave, and other acts including Sound of Soul Bournemouth, Baldy and We are Robot entertained the crowds throughout the day.

The family fun day also featured a vintage car display, fairground rides, food and refreshment stalls, artisan traders and a 70s dress-up competition.

Mandy Polkey, chair of Highcliffe Actions Team, said: “We had an amazing day! Over 5,000 people came to our first event and the bands and performers were all brilliant, the social media comments of congratulations just keep on coming. We can’t wait to see what next year brings for Clifftop Fest.”

REVIEW: Plays‘n’Chips, Broadstone Players Theatre Company, Broadstone War Memorial Hall

By Marilyn Barber

With a production of four excellent one act plays and fish and chips in the interval – what was there not to like?

I have been attending this company’s start to the autumn season for many years, and this was by far the best ever.

First off was A Small Family Murder – directed by Paul Senitt – in which three of the players had to each hold the stage on their own for 15 minutes – no mean feat. Kurt MacLeod showed huge promise for the future as Gavin, with Lesley James, Andrew Murton and Chris Kemp completing the excellent cast in this play.

It was a superb first outing on the Broadstone stage for Andrea Pellegrini and Stella Henney in Alan Alyckbourn’s highly amusing play Mother Figure, with great support from Alan Dester. This was Kelly-Anne Singleton’s directorial debut.

Set in a pub on singles night, Up Close and Personal, directed by Mar Godfrey, featured two new actors, Sue Gibson and Verity Brayshaw, who totally embraced the clash of personalities that resulted in another surprising ending.

The evening ended with Murder in Little Grimley featuring splendid performances by three new actors – Peter Court, Sue Spencer and Taylor Lewendon – supported by Amanda Senitt and the always brilliant Jenny Hughes. Full marks for new director Fiona Richards for this amusing production.

Heatwave entertains the crowds © Paul Thompson Oak Photography

Main sponsor announced for Pulford Publicity’s charity gala dinner

Snap Fitness Christchurch has been named as the main sponsor of the charity gala event to raise funds for Dorset Mind.

Pulford Publicity – Dorset’s biggest family-run community magazine and event publishing company – is hosting a gala dinner and auction at Dudsbury Golf Club on 14 October with the last few tickets still on sale.

Jordan Romez, manager of Snap Fitness Christchurch said: “We feel deeply privileged to serve as the primary sponsor for this incredible event that is dedicated to fundraising for a vital and even more remarkable local cause. As an integral part of the fitness industry, we fully grasp the significance of not only physical wellbeing but also the critical importance of mental health.

“Our mission is unwavering: to consistently make a positive and lasting contribution to the overall health and wellness of the residents in Dorset.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dorset View for their on-going support in enabling us to continually uplift and benefit an ever-expanding segment of this exceptional community.”

Ben Pulford, managing director of Pulford Publicity, which owns five local magazines including Dorset View, said: “To have Snap Fitness as our main sponsor fits perfectly with our charity of the year and we are extremely grateful for their support.

“Health and fitness is so important for general wellbeing and six months’ free membership with Snap Fitness Christchurch worth over £200 has been kindly donated as one of the raffle prizes. This unique fitness centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so whoever wins this prize will be able to visit at any time of day or

night that fits in with their lifestyle.”

The charity gala evening includes a three-course meal, entertainment with up and coming local singer Charlotte Geary, raffle and an auction with some fabulous lots. Auctioneer for the night is Tony Brown (Y-not Finance) who is bound to bring the proceedings alive with the humour he is renowned for.

Ben added: “Pulford Publicity has received many donations from advertisers in our numerous magazines and publications for our charity gala evening and we can’t thank them enough for their generosity. It has been overwhelming. Without doubt, and with all the support that has flooded in, it will be a tremendous night out for everyone who joins with us to raise funds for Dorset Mind.”

Linda O’Sullivan, CEO of Dorset Mind, said: “I would personally like to thank Ben, Louis, Janine and the team at Pulford Publicity for choosing to support mental health services within our communities. The money raised from this charity gala will make a huge difference to people living in Dorset who may be struggling with conditions such as depression or anxiety; it will also help us to get people talking about mental health and raise awareness of the essential support we provide that supports local people. Thank you to everyone involved – and everyone that’s kindly donated a prize for the evening.”

It’s not a black tie event, but anyone wanting to dress up is very welcome to do so. The last few tickets are still available costing £44.50 from www.pulfordpublicity. co.uk. Proceeds to Dorset Mind.

Huge thank you to:

• Cliffhanger Restaurant, Highcliffe

• Condor Ferries

• Cuddly toy (pre-loved) – not to be sat on

• Dudsbury Golf Club

• Enuff Skateboards

• Farmer Palmers Farm Park

• Ferndown Florist

• Francesco, Ferndown

• Heathside Travel

• Laguna Travel

• Lee Cooper Photography

• Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre

• Louis Pulford Creative

• Marwell Zoo

• Matt Dixon Pet Photo

• Jill McKay, local artist

• Mellulah aromatherapy

• Poole Lighting

• Pulford Publicity – hamper

• Regent Centre, Christchurch

• Salamander Cook Shop, Wimborne

• Sandford Orchards Cider

• Snap Fitness Christchurch – MAIN SPONSOR

• Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, Bournemouth

• Station Hair, West Moors

• Stewarts Garden Centres

• The Barn, Ringwood

• Webbs Butchers, West Moors

• Wimborne Wellness Centre

• www.buyagift.com afternoon tea

• Xerocad, Ferndown

• Y-not Finance

Snap Fitness with former Christchurch mayor

Agricultural workers targeted in campaign

Dorset Police have launched a campaign which focuses on the consequences of using mobile phones while driving agricultural vehicles and heavy machinery on roads.

Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 702 collisions resulting in fatalities or serious injuries on Dorset roads; seven of these collisions occurred as a result of mobile phone use.

During the last two years, Dorset Police have issued 517 fixed penalty notices to motorists who were caught using a mobile phone while driving.

The punishment for using a handheld mobile phone when driving is six penalty points and a £200 fine.

New drivers, who have passed their test within the last 24 months, also risk having

their licence revoked if they accrue six or more penalty points within that period.

The ban still applies if you are: stopped at traffic lights; queuing in traffic; supervising a learner driver; driving a car fitted with stop/ start technology that switches the engine off when you come to a stop and holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.

Dorset Police are asking the public to provide any evidence of drivers using mobile phones. Video footage can be uploaded to: www.operationsnap. dorset.police.uk

Manual cars preferred

A recent YouGov survey revealed that 53 per cent of drivers would choose a manual vehicle over an automatic one if they were to buy a car in the next 12 months.

Nearly three quarters of those who prefer a manual transmission said their choice was because they learned to drive that way, while 39 per cent

said being in control of their own gear shifts can offer a greater level of driving enjoyment. Almost half of drivers who would choose an automatic vehicle said they found them less tiring to drive. Others said their next car was likely to be an electric vehicle, which are only sold with this type of transmission.

Recycled car is Legends Tour winner

A car built using recycled parts has won the UK leg of Hot Wheels Legends Tour, and is now in the running to be made into a die-cast toy.

The car, a 1979 MGB GT nicknamed ‘the B-EAST’ that beat a record number of 274 entries to win the competition, was built by creative engineer Michael Wallhead, using recycled parts as much as possible.

Built over eight years, it features a 3.0 litre Jaguar AJV6 engine, a propshaft from a Range Rover, an axle

saved from a Reliant Scimitar, Triumph motorcycle throttle bodies, Nissan Silvia S14 brakes, and jeans for the seat upholstery. It can go from 0-60mph in 4.2s and has a top speed of 148mph.

The B-EAST will feature in the Legends Tour semifinal on 2 November in hope of reaching the global final, which will take place later the same month. The global winning entry will be made into a new Hot Wheels toy.

Michael said: “For all my builds, I always look to find ways

to reuse parts, and on this MGB GT I’ve even used registration plates to build the glove box, everything has a second or third life and I try not to throw things away that can be reused.”

Michael’s love for speed, creative mindset and competitive spirit has also helped him achieve a Guinness

World Record for the fastest wheelie bin, which he drove at 88.344 km per hour in May this year. He said: “I really believe youngsters should have more time to play with toys, and I hope my builds inspire children to dream and do something different – either as a career or building fun projects.”

Going green

As the UK experienced below average temperatures and above average rainfall for much of the summer, it would be easy to put thoughts of climate change to the back of our minds. However, scorching temperatures and disastrous wildfires across much of the rest of the northern hemisphere indicate that global temperatures are still rising. In the UK, around 22 per cent of carbon emissions come from our homes, so making small changes to reduce energy consumption would add up to a huge reduction in national carbon emissions.

While some changes may involve financial outlay, small changes to your living habits can also help. You may also be eligible for grants to cover some home improvements.

Solar panels

Solar panels generate energy from the sun, which can then be used in your home, or sold back to the national grid. It is an environmentally friendly way to generate electricity and can save money on your energy bills too.

Heating controls

Modern, easy to use controls are a good way to make sure you’re not using more heating than you need. For a central heating system, you’ll need a timer or programmer, a room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves. Systems are available for all types of heating system, including electric storage heaters.

Heating system upgrades

Consider switching to a renewable heating system such as an air source or ground source heat pump. Powered by electricity, they are much more efficient than gas boilers. If this option doesn’t suit, any new boiler installation should at least include heating controls.

Insulation

Making sure the walls, roof, and floors in your home are insulated will cut back on heat wasted. Insulate any exposed hot water pipes, along with your hot water cylinder if you have one. Insulating the building itself will make a bigger difference, with walls a good place to start.

Homes with a cavity wall are the easiest to insulate, while older homes will require solid wall insulation. Loft insulation should be 270mm thick. Check yours is in good condition, and top it up if necessary.

Draught-proofing

Draught-proof gaps around windows and doors, between floorboards or up your chimney. It’s easy to do and, in many cases, doesn’t require a professional.

Low energy lighting

Modern LED bulbs use 80 to 90 per cent less energy than a traditional lightbulb. Replacing all the bulbs in your home could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65kg a year – the equivalent of driving your car around 220 miles.

Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk

Experts in renewable energy solutions

- Advertisement featureAdept Renewables are experts in renewable energy solutions.

Huge ORGANIC RANGE

- Advertisement feature -

Almond and Co is a plastic-free, zero-waste shop with one of the biggest organic and natural range of products you have seen in one place locally.

The shop is at the forefront of the change in consumerism to a more conscious one, with increasing demand for fresh, healthy food that truly nurtures the body, and a growing awareness of the health implications and environmental impact of the plastics, chemicals and unnecessary packaging found in so many household products.

Based in Poole, and servicing homes and businesses across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, Adept Renewables is an installer-run company whose reliable staff are MCS and HIES certified heat pump and solar panel installers. They can design, install and maintain renewable energy systems to help make the world a little greener for everyone.

The company specialises in PV solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and maintenance, so is well-equipped to help you find the right renewable energy option for your home or business that will not only

save you money on your energy bills but will be a long-term asset for your property. Solar panel prices are competitive and start from £4,000 for 4KW solar panel systems.

Once you’ve installed your renewable energy system, you’ll need to keep it maintained for maximum benefit. Adept Renewables can help with a one-off visit or a maintenance package for £24.99 per month.

Contact the customer services team on 01202 986805 or visit www. adeptrenewables.com to find out the best solution for you, and to get a free quote.

With a passion to bring about change, move away from pesticides and toxins, and to support the local community towards a healthier lifestyle – affordably – the stock includes organic foodstuffs, freshly baked bread from Bakehouse24, fruit and veg from Riverford, and non-toxic and natural cleaning products and beauty products.

The concept is simple; bring/buy a container, fill it up, and bring it to the till. If you don’t remember a container, no problem. Grab a paper bag and scoop away. You can even order online if you’re in a rush so you can get plastic-free deliveries or jars refilled for you. Pop by and say hello.

Almond and Co can be found at 75 Poole Road, Westbourne, and is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Sustainable energy solutions

With a foundation established in 2020, Thomas P&H Ltd (TPH) has swiftly become a trusted name in the renewable energy sector, renowned for its commitment to excellence. Its team of 12 skilled professionals, led by an industryexperienced director, ensures superior

workmanship, driving unmatched customer satisfaction and solidifying its standing through glowing referrals.

At TPH, the primary aim is to provide sustainable solutions that alleviate the financial strain of rising energy costs for both households and businesses. While

the company primarily operates in the south of the UK, its reach extends far beyond, demonstrated by numerous successful residential projects.

As more than just a company, TPH takes pride in being a renewable engineering partner to its clients, offering energy consultancy and diverse product installations tailored to the ever-changing needs of homeowners, ensuring they can embrace a greener future while enjoying cost savings.

Businesses/commercial properties

TPH provides a bespoke service and a truly tailored experience for businesses. Whether you’re embarking on a largescale project or you run a local familyowned shop, TPH has you covered. Their expertise is at your disposal, ensuring that you receive the precise solutions you need to achieve your business goals. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, they stand ready to assist you in powering your commercial ventures towards success.

Let TPH be your trusted partner on this journey, providing a bespoke service that matches your unique requirements and ambitions.

Sustainability award for Eco hub

BCP Council made good use of some old wooden seaside defences to create an eco hub, which has gone on to win

the Sustainability prize at the 2023 Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) awards.

The two-storey building, which is on the beachside at Durley Chine, features an educational amenity and meeting space, welfare facilities for seafront waste collection staff, a beachside kiosk and toilets on the ground floor.

Over 45 tonnes of reclaimed timber, collected from old groynes removed from the seafront as part of the 17-year Poole Bay Beach Management scheme, were used in the creation and decking of the main building.

One side of the hub’s roof has been planted with species

of vegetation matching those growing on the cliffs behind, while the low-lighting design accommodates bats.

Photovoltaic solar panels overlay the rest of the building, drawing solar power from the sun which helps to create a zerocarbon environment. Any excess energy can be fed back into the main grid.

The kiosk has been formed using low-carbon concrete and recycled glass, and drinks and snacks are available while avoiding any singleuse plastics. Visitors are encouraged to use the free water refill station, situated by the main entrance.

An interview with Miroslav Lucan

Louis Pulford met Miroslav Lucan, who signs his work as LucanArt, an artist whose pieces can be found around Bournemouth and further afield. Originally from Czechoslovakia, he has lived in the south of England for the last 20 years.

Did you study art and, if so, where?

Most of my studies were done on the Continent. There I studied architecture, and then fashion design to ‘loosen up’ a little, get bit more flow and colour into my work after all of the technical stuff.

Your style is very bold with definitive shapes and lines, do you have a name for the style?

It’s coming from an illustration background, together with love for wood block printing and applying it to large scale painting... so, you can call it street art illustration perhaps. Tell us a few of your favourite places/people you have worked with that have your artwork on the walls?

There are some big names on the list, from drinks to telecom companies, railways, councils, and universities. I always like to do anything with skateboarding, so an exhibition with Vans a few years ago was a definite highlight.

Do you have a favourite piece on display publicly?

The outside of 60 Million Postcards, still one of my favourite street art pieces I have painted, and at around 100 metres, one of the largest too.

Tell us a highpoint in your career as an artist. That would be the wall I have just mentioned. Nothing like to paint one of your favourite places, but it also opened up the doors to more large-scale public work. And a challenging point?

Most people don’t know it, but I am colourblind, so that comes with a whole set of challenges being an artist, especially trying to match the colours to clients’ requirements. Sometimes, you just have to ask for help. How do you keep motivated? Well, I wake up doing what I love, so am truly blessed to find myself in that position. But also, living in this beautiful place, always full of inspiration.

I also notice you are into photography, what got you started on this pursuit? Photography was always with me, from documenting the graffiti works around the train stations as a teenager, to capturing my travels later on. What is your favourite subject to photograph?

I love mountains, seascapes and lighthouses. And if I can

find a sunset (or a dramatic storm) happening alongside any of these, even better. Do you have any advice for local artist/photographers in the local area?

Get out there. If you are a photographer, make sure you have your camera on you as much as possible, as moments happen and you don’t want to miss them. If you are an artist, create. As much as possible, not to please anyone else, but for yourself. Do what makes you happy.

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CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Road safety for school children

Way back in 1962 when my son was five and his sister three and three-quarters there was a road safety film put on at St John’s parish hall in Wimborne, which I attended along with several other parents. It was organised by journalist Martin Harvey who lived in The Avenue, Wimborne.

Another mum, Betty, and I were very impressed with the film and the Wimborne Tufty Club was formed. We delivered letters after getting permission to use the Wimborne First School playground to chalk roads on Saturday mornings. You would see mums and a few dads carrying toy cars, bikes and scooters through the town. There were not many cars or vehicles around in those days, but children needed to be aware of road safety. The children loved it and did become aware of traffic.

With regard to the article in the last Dorset View (September 2023) about the safety of Wimborne First School children, I am astounded that Dorset Council passed the go ahead for the alterations to the Cranborne Road without putting up proper safety barriers. So wake up Dorset Council and get it sorted.

Una Cuddy | Merley

The sad state of the River Allen

Could someone give me a definitive answer as to who is responsible for the management of the path and riverbanks along the River Allen, in particular from Walford Bridge to the Allendale Centre?

Dorset Council told me the school was; the school doesn’t respond to enquiries. Someone says National Highways, others the river authorities. Either way, this river is being neglected. We have fallen trees over pathways and trees toppling over to the other side reaching people’s gardens. One tree has been lying across the river for over a year causing a dam. The reeds are so overgrown and there are over four points where the river has become restricted, and to top it all Himalayan Balsam – a destructive and invasive plant – is spreading out of control.

Are those in the know happy using volunteers as cheap labour?

Can we have some joined up thinking and action?

A bench was removed last year with no warning, which was so important for the elderly to rest. It is so sad to see such a lack of support from the various agencies/school that should be responsible for this beautiful part of Wimborne Minster.

David Emes | Wimborne

Homecare boss in cycle challenge

The director of a local homecare company is cycling to and from work every day this October to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Adam Downer, of GoodOaks East Dorset, is undertaking the daily challenge as a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, and also hopes to raise awareness of the impact reducing your carbon footprint can have on the environment.

Adam chose Alzheimer’s Society as the benefitting charity as he recently lost his aunt to the disease, having been diagnosed five years ago. Alzheimer’s is the most common disease that causes dementia, accounting for around two thirds of all dementia cases.

For the duration of the challenge, Adam is going from a two-car to a one-car household, which he hopes will not only reduce his own carbon footprint, but also inspire others to do the same.

Adam said: “Caring for our planet as well as our clients is very important to me, and I am committed to reducing the impact on the environment as well as fundraising for a disease that currently has no cure. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of ageing and we need to support important research into this life limiting disease.”

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Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

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

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

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

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date.

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

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

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