Dorset View September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 Volume 18, Issue 2

Call to ban cruel rabbit hutches

Mother inspired by lockdown to home educate

£150 voucher up for grabs in our shop local competition Your Independent Local Magazine ISSN 2397-723X (print) | ISSN 2397-7248 (online) Broadstone | Christchurch | Colehill | Ferndown | Merley | West Parley | Wimborne | Ashley Heath | Bournemouth | Canford Heath Kinson | Poole | Ringwood | St Ives | Three Legged Cross | Verwood | West Moors

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

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Picture of the month

Volume 18 • Issue 2 • September 2020

Dear Readers!

Last month we said goodbye to Russell “Rusty” Harness.

He had been an account manager with us for eight years and we were very sorry to see him go and will miss him. However, having been on furlough since the end of March, he took the opportunity to find a new challenge and we wish him well for the future. We will miss his sense of humour and excellent headline-making ability and we will never forget when we set him a ‘word of the day’ to use when making sales, which he managed with flying colours.

There is no doubt about it, this has been a difficult year all round. It makes it all the more worthwhile when new businesses bite the bullet and open up. The latest to do so in Ferndown is Love All Food, see page 5 to find out more.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Fred Read.

He passed away in July. His widow, Jean, opened our offices at Dana House when she was mayor of Ferndown.

Fred’s obituary is inside this issue.

Our offices are now fully COVID-19 compliant, although I am still working from home – I just can’t get out of the habit of wearing slippers. And no, by crikey, they are not made of rabbit fur. I am all for giving rabbits a better deal.

Read on to find out more.

Janine Pulford

MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING Mark Beechey account manager mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Sturgeon Moon | captured 3/8/2020 ©Louis Pulford

How to contact us

01202 870270

Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow us on FACEBOOK:

www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news/

Copy deadline

Editor

LOGISTICS

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

Mike Talbot Alexandra O’Neill

11 SEPTEMBER 2020

Dorset View is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in Dorset View are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Dorset View and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co uk

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Art society exhibition Thousands mourn the the theme of Corfe Castle closure of the Blackmore on Although members of Broadstone Art Society haven’t been able to meet formally as a group because of COVID-19 restrictions, Vale Magazine they certainly haven’t been idle.

Staff at Blackmore Vale Magazine have been overwhelmed with the huge number of kind messages from readers, following the announcement from the owners, Reach PLC, that the much-loved magazine, which suspended publication in March, will not be returning.

The sister publication, the Stour and Avon magazine, closed down in December 2018.

A spokesperson from Blackmore Vale Magazine said, “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been a much-loved part of life in the Blackmore Vale and beyond for more than 40 years and we will miss you all.

“We would like to thank all the readers and advertisers who have supported us, from our very humble beginnings as one folded sheet of paper, through to those glory days, when we were busting the staples with 200 plus pages.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the team at Blackmore Ltd who have printed us through thick and thin and our distribution team, headed up by Lorraine Drake, who have always delivered, no matter what.

“The BVM, regardless of ownership, has always, at heart, been a family affair. Our colleagues past and present are very sad to see it end.”

Alan and Ingrid Chalcraft bought a struggling local magazine called Stalbridge News in 1978, and it became the Blackmore Vale Magazine. They moved to an office in Stalbridge High Street the following year.

A Facebook post announcing the closure has been reached by more than 88,000 people.

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

They are continuing to post artwork on line and there will be an online exhibition running from 1 to 30 September. This will include a section on the theme of Corfe Castle.

There will be a separate mini online exhibition later in September of work members have done on the theme of the recent Wareham forest fire.

Some people have used charcoal from the site to make their images. It is hoped to raise money from this exhibition towards the restoration of the site at Wareham.

The society also has a new website broadstoneartsociety. com which replaces broadstoneartsociety.org.

Man charged with murder

A man has been charged with murder following the death of Gary Ballet after an alleged stabbing at an address in Rossmore Road, Poole on 9 August. The 66-year-old victim was taken to hospital suffering with a stab wound to his abdomen. He sadly died the next day.

Christopher John Stocks, 53, from Poole has been charged with murder.

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With over 15 year’s combined experience in the restaurant industry, the Lovell family have come together to create an eatery in Ferndown.

Against all the odds, they’ve worked together through one of the most difficult times in the history of the country. The result? Love All Food opened at 489 Ringwood Road on 18 August and has been applauded by local people.

Dedicated to providing simple but fresh food and drinks, Love All Food (LAF) also offers tasty plant-based and glutenfree options.

Chef Adam says, “All produce is locally sourced and prepared with lots of love.

“Flavours, texture and presentation are the essence of good food and plates are prepared with great care, thought and attention to detail.”

You can get breakfast and lunch at Love All, and regular ‘supper club’ events are soon to follow.

LAF is proud to be working with Bournemouthbased coffee roasters Bad Hand to provides delicious coffee sourced in the most ethical way possible. Dorset Teas are also served.

Eat in and enjoy the aroma of fresh herbs; sit under an ivy wrapped ceiling or simply take in the beautiful moss wall that helps purify the air, boosting your mind in an even, air conditioned, temperature as you savour your food.

In a hurry? No problem. Pick up a Love All takeaway for a quick fix without compromising on flavour or quality and the packaging is compostable.

LAF is fully accessible, pushchair friendly and has baby change facilities.

Call in and meet the family: Abby, Adam, Sam and Suzy Lovell.

Suzy says, “There is oodles and oodles of love at LOVE ALL FOOD. We hope you LOVE it too!”

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Have your say on licensed premises If you have a view on premises such as betting shops, bingo halls, amusement arcades and licensed premises, now is the time to let Dorset Council know what you think.

The 2021-2026 draft alcohol licensing policy is being consulted on for a period of 12 weeks, with the deadline for comment being Sunday 27 September.

The results will be reviewed alongside replies from the service manager by a series of committees. The draft polices will be presented to Full Council on 11 February 2021 for final approval.

Both policies aim to align with the Council’s policy priorities of ‘staying safe and well’, ‘unique environment’ and ‘economic growth’ as found in the Dorset Council’s Plan 2020-2024.

When commenting, the Council is reminding people that it needs to balance the needs of businesses and local residents whilst encouraging a vibrant night-time economy. It also needs to ensure that alcohol misuse is discouraged whilst reducing unnecessary regulations.

Log onto https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ business-consumers-licences/licences-andpermits/alcohol-and-entertainment-licences/ alcohol-licensing.aspx with your comments. inspection.”

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

Crime Bournemouth hoteliers supported reduces in Dorset over road layout Dorset continues to East Overcliff Drive in Bournemouth is not to be closed to through traffic after all.

Follow consultation with hoteliers in the town to discuss draft proposals to implement a COVID-19 related experimental traffic regulation order, BCP Council has decided not to progress the scheme.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder responsible for Transport, said, “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by the hoteliers on East Overcliff Drive and are sympathetic to their position. We understand the hotel trade in this area rely on pass-by traffic and we need to give these businesses the best possible chance to come through the COVID-19 recovery. Now is simply not the time to be putting changes in that could hinder their chance of recovery.”

In July, as part of the government-funded initiative the council announced potential proposals to temporarily close East Overcliff Drive to through traffic as part of the government’s emergency active travel programme. The proposals included the road being temporarily closed to through traffic to make more space for those cycling and walking, and as an alternative route to the promenade for those travelling by bike. The draft plans did not include the pedestrianisation of the area and access to properties and hotels by car, coach and bus would have remained in place.

be one of the safest counties in the country to live and visit after Dorset Police sees a 2.3 per cent drop in recorded crime. Data released by the Official for National Statistics on 17 July, shows the Force has reversed a previous rise in crime in just six months.

However, there are two areas where offences increased in the 12 months up until the end of March.

Violence against the person rose 2.9 per cent, compared to a 6.7 per cent rise nationally, while violence with injury dropped 3.7 per cent, better than the national average, which was down 1.2 per cent.

Vehicle offences were up 10.7 per cent.

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River memories sought Wimborne Community Theatre is planning a site-specific community theatre production in 2021 performed in, on or near the River Allen in Wimborne (one of the purest chalk streams in Europe) or the River Stour.

To launch the project readers are being invited to share their memories of visiting the river with people from around the world on World Rivers Day in late September.

Ask yourself: 1. Do you have a special memory of being by the river?

And a special place?

2. Why do you enjoy being near the river?

How does it make you feel?

Stories from people of all ages, as well as family stories are welcome. If you would like to share your rivery thoughts and memories, please send to Gill.horitz@talk21.com by Friday, 11 September. Either email the story/memory or record yourself on a mobile phone talking about the above. Or maybe you will film yourself in the actual location (about 1 minute in length).

More information can be found on WCT’s website: www.wimbornecommunitytheatre.co.uk/river-memories/

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Dorset funeral directors’ lost year revealed by 1909 newspaper cutting Douch Family Funeral Directors were disappointed that because of the coronavirus they had to cancel their celebrations into what they thought was their 110year anniversary - but in fact they should have marked the occasion last year.

A vintage newspaper story tells how Mr J E Jenvey sold his business to Mr FC Douch – in March 1909.

It was always thought that Frederick Charles Douch had founded the cabinetmakers business in Wimborne a year later.

Nick Douch, his great grandson and managing director of the company that is now a group of funeral directors, said, “For many years we thought we had been founded in 1910 because our earliest document comes from that year.

“My father’s cousin, however, is an historian and he discovered a small story in a paper from early 1909 and it shows that my greatgrandfather was in business before then.

“The story explains that the new business was based in Leigh g cuttin paper The news

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

Nick Douch with a photo of his greatgrandfather

Road, Wimborne, where our Douch & Small branch is located today.

“We had lined up a series of events to mark our 110-year anniversary, but they would have been misleading.

“The business ultimately diversified into funeral directing

and over the years the cabinet making and furniture dealing side of the company was disposed of.”

Nick, who is the fourth generation of the family to run the business, oversees seven funeral branches, some of which have their own histories going back to the 19th century.

They are situated in Wimborne, Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Swanage, Blandford and Corfe Mullen.

Nick said, “In our business, history and traditions are important and that is why we have always kept the original names of the companies we have taken over.

“The Douch name is very well known in the county, especially Wimborne, and we’d love to hear if anyone has further information about when my great-grandfather began in business.”

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law spot Harold G Walker Solicitors

Why should I make a Will?

Research carried out in December 2018 showed that 54% of UK adults don’t have a Will. It may surprise you that this has included some well-known names; Rik Mayall died in 2014, Amy Winehouse died in 2011 and Kurt Cobain in 1994 all without a Will. If a person dies without a Will the intestacy rules apply. This sets out the order of which persons inherit from the estate of the deceased. It is a common misconception that if you die without a Will, but you are married, your spouse will automatically inherit everything. If your estate is worth over £250,000 and you have children this not the case. Anything over £250,000 is divided half to your spouse and half to your children. The intestacy rules may not distribute your assets in accordance with your wishes.

You may want to include gifts to people other than family. If you do not have a spouse, children or parents, then the next to inherit would be your siblings. However, if you wanted a friend or your nieces and nephews to inherit part or all of your estate this would be achieved by making a Will.

Finally, taking advice from an expert in relation to a Will will help you to distribute your estate in the most tax efficient way. We understand that people are busy and time is precious and that is why our HGW experts can visit you or take instructions over the telephone if you prefer. Contact us at any branch for an informal chat and a no obligation quotation.

This column is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

Drugs busts in Dorset A number of people in Dorset have been arrested as part of an operation targeting organised crime gangs involved in the supply of controlled drugs.

Dorset Police worked alongside the SW Regional Organised Crime Unit and National Crime Agency as part of Operation Venetic to act on intelligence uncovered through the takedown of EncroChat, a bespoke encrypted global communication service used exclusively by alleged criminals.

Seven men, aged between 25 and 42, a woman in her 20s and a woman in her 40s, all from the Bournemouth and Poole areas, were arrested on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences. A man in his 20s and a man in his 40s, both from Bournemouth, were arrested on suspicion of a drugs offence and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Also, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s, both from Dorset, were arrested in south London on suspicion of being concerned

in the supply of controlled drugs. A search of their vehicle located approximately £80,000 in cash.

Following these arrests, a number of warrants took place in Bournemouth, Christchurch and London. A large quantity of suspected controlled drugs and further amounts of cash were located.

Three men aged between 30 and 55, all from London, and a local man in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

All those arrested have been either released on police bail or under investigation pending further enquiries.

In total from all of the warrants, approximately £160,000 in cash, a large quantity of suspected class A drugs and a firearm were seized.

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MAGS4DORSET

Charity of the Year Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub

Hi there and welcome Once again, I must thank mags4dorset for choosing ‘Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub’ as its charity of the year.

Who was to know that lockdown would follow and our MS charity would lose its usual ways of fundraising and we would have to temporarily close our Hub at the Osborne Centre in Church Lane, West Parley.

To help with fundraising mags4dorset is running a poetry competition.

It’s an excellent way of making a small donation

and you might win a prize at the same time.

Last month saw several ups and downs relating to the UK’s easing of lockdown.

Social distancing still seems to have different meaning to different people. Like true Brits, we stand in line on sticky tape and footprints, only to stand next to someone outside our “bubble.”

Unfortunately, many of our local MS family are still shielding; some unable to venture outside, or frightened in case of being too close to people they

don’t know. They rely on social media, the Internet and TV to maintain some sort of “human contact.”

The Osborne Centre remains closed, which means exercises and physio have taken on new dimensions.

Thankfully, the Internet can provide some sort of remote exercise class but is everyone doing exactly what they should be?

Our Hub offers local people affected

by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) physiotherapy in a fully equipped gym. We have craft workshops,

a library, a hairdressing salon, and offer support and advice. Prior to the pandemic, the Hub was open three days a week.

We are looking forward to reopening soon and are anxiously awaiting the necessary guidance from health and safety experts. We have some new and exciting ideas for when we do reopen.

In the meantime, our “communications” team of volunteers continues to keep in touch with everyone by phone.

Please remember where we are and

who we are, because “we will be back”.

The changeover to us becoming the Bournemouth & District Community Hub has been put on hold until it is safe to do so.

Take care, stay safe and keep in touch – we are always at the end of the phone.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon and keep smiling.

Best wishes Rod Slip Chairman 01202 570300

POETRY COMPETITION - £50 total prize money

To help raise funds for the Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub, mags4dorset is running a poetry competition and putting up £50 in prize money.

Using the following themes (use your own title) write a poem not exceeding 25 lines: (1) Effects of 2020, (2) Litter.

The winning poets (one from each category) will receive £25 cash and their poem will be published in one of our magazines. You must agree to your poem being published in print and online. The copyright remains with the poet.

There is one entry fee of £6. You can submit up to four poems for that fee.

Poems must be your own work. Entry fees (less PayPal charges/bank fees) will go to the Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub. Enter online at www. mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry(ies) to mags4dorset Poetry Competition, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9BZ with a cheque for the correct entry fee payable to Pulford Publicity Ltd. Poetry will not be returned, so keep a copy. Good luck.

Judging will be carried out by mags4dorset. Closing date is Friday 30 October 2020.

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OBITUARY

Frederick George Read Born in Iselworth on 3 August 1940, Frederick George Read (Fred) had three bothers and a sister.

He died a few weeks before his 80th birthday on 19 July 2020 at his home in Ferndown after a short illness.

As a young boy, nesting had been Fred’s favourite occupation, in a time when it was legal to do so, and he amassed an impressive collection of eggs.

When he was only nine, he rescued a little boy from the Grand

Union Canal. The heroic deed was reported in the local newspaper and Fred was rewarded with a pen and pencil set for saving the boy’s life.

Fred trained as a car mechanic and served an apprenticeship servicing buses. His next apprenticeship was with Walls Ice Cream maintaining their London vehicles.

He met Jean in Brentford when she was only 15 and they became sweethearts.

The couple tied the

knot three years later in 1963 at John Keeble’s Church in Mill Hill, starting their married life in a bedsit in Hendon.

Fred’s expertise in maintaining heavy plant and machinery was put to good use on the M3 motorway where Jean recalls he worked many nights. He later took a job with a Russian company repairing heavy machinery.

In 1986, he and Jean wanted a change in lifestyle and moved to Ferndown where they have lived ever since.

Fred worked for three companies in Dorset and took early retirement from CRMS,

based in Three Legged Cross.

A good family man, Fred also maintained his childhood friends throughout his life.

He loved holidaying in Cornwall and Devon and supported Jean when she was a Ferndown councillor and in her role as town mayor. He liked a weekly flutter on the horses and enjoyed going to the races. For the last six years he had been part of the Old Duffers voluntary group helping out at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown.

Always a busy person, Fred was gentle and quiet. His most recent project, which remains unfinished, is a

car he was building.

Fred leaves his widow Jean, two children Judi and Alan, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Fred’s funeral took place at Harbour View Crematorium on 6 August. Donations in his memory can be made to Macmillan Caring Locally through Tapper Funeral Service in Poole.

Hampshire police disperse large gatherings

Officers across Hampshire have dispersed seven large gatherings and groups attempting to host a party or rave in open spaces since the middle of May. Unlicensed music events are not permitted at any time, and large gatherings are not allowed to take place under the health regulations in place to limit the spread of coronavirus.

To report large gatherings in Hampshire either ring 101 or email www. hampshire.police.uk/

Introduction of cycle routes on Bournemouth cliff tops If you fancy a walk or cycle ride along Boscombe Overcliff Drive and Southbourne Overcliff Drive, life has

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

recently become a little more pleasant.

Responding to the government’s emergency active travel

fund, BCP Council is trialling a scheme and has implemented restrictions between Shelley Park and Chessel Avenue, and between Portman Crescent and Seaward Avenue. Motorised traffic is no longer able to use these two locations as a through route. Access to properties by car, to car parking spaces and businesses is being maintained.

A consultation on the changes will run for six months, to have your say, visit bcpcouncil. gov.uk/BoscombeAnd SouthbourneOvercliff.

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health and care

COVID-19 cases low in Dorset We mustn’t be complacent, but figures recently released by Public Health Dorset show that Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Councils are experiencing low numbers of COVID-19 cases compared with many other areas in England.

In the seven-day period from 28 July to 3 August, there were just two cases in the BCP Council area and six in the Dorset Council area.

Public Health Dorset is to publish weekly updates to keep residents, businesses and partner agencies informed of the latest COVID-19 situation in the county.

From 24 -30 July case rates per 100,000 of the population were 1.8 in BCP Council area, 1.3 in Dorset Council, 4.5 in the South West and 9 in England.

There are a very small number of care homes with positive COVID cases in the county. These are being monitored closely and are all currently under control.

Public Health Dorset says the national estimate of R is below one, and current advice is that it is safe for schools to return as long as the guidance is followed to maintain social distancing and hygiene.

Rachel Partridge, assistant director of Public Health, said, “We are working really hard to respond to COVID-19 across our area. As part of our work with the Local Outbreak Management Plan, we want to keep residents informed about what’s happening in Dorset and any actions that need to be taken.

"I want to thank everyone for your continued hard work and patience around observing social distancing, really good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and getting a test if you are becoming symptomatic with symptoms of COVID-19."

Keeping a check on cholesterol Cholesterol travels around the body in our blood and it is present in our cells.

We all need some cholesterol to stay healthy, but high levels of cholesterol can increase our risk of heart disease.

Dr Helen Flaherty, head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK says, “Nearly half of all adults in the UK are estimated to have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. Many people

are unaware that their cholesterol is high because there are usually no symptoms.”

It is recommended that adults over the age of 40, or anyone at high risk of heart disease should get their cholesterol levels checked. If you want a cholesterol check, you should speak to your GP. Anyone can have high cholesterol and it is very common.

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Beach campers face eviction

David Willey (left) curator of the Tank Museum and Richard Cutland, head of Military Relations for World of Tanks

No wonder the car parks at our beaches are full by 9am as people have been camping overnight.

However, this is not permitted in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at any time, warns BCP Council.

Not only does anyone camping on the beach face a visit from the council’s security teams and an eviction notice leaving them with nowhere to stay, failure to provide details to council staff moving them on is a criminal offence which risks prosecution. In addition, the presence of heavy plant vehicles on the beach overnight means campers are putting themselves in danger and the likelihood of a peaceful night’s sleep is next to zero.

Director of destination and culture Chris Saunders explains, “We have never before experienced camping on our beaches anywhere near the scale that we’ve seen this summer.

Our army of beach tractors are out at 2.30am raking and cleaning the beaches. These are extremely large and noisy vehicles making the beach far from the peaceful retreat you might expect overnight. As the cleansing is carried out overnight and obviously in the dark, visibility is significantly reduced. Of course our crews are extremely vigilant and experienced, but anyone pitching a tent on the beach overnight really is putting themselves at risk of harm, not to mention probably getting very little sleep.”

Over 100 tents were moved on at the beginning of August by security teams and a number of formal eviction notices were issued.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Vikki Slade, said, “Clearly the foreign travel restrictions are having an impact and many who aren’t lucky enough to live by the sea are desperate for a break by the beach. We understand that, but our beach is not a campsite. There are plenty of campsites with the proper facilities plus, hotels, B&Bs and selfcatering accommodation offers in our area and around. After a significantly delayed start to the British holiday season, these businesses need support. Please, if you want to visit our area, you are welcome, but be responsible and fair, and pay to stay.”

New signs have been installed reminding people of the risks of overnight camping.

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

TANKFEST online raises £80,000 for Tank Museum A total of £80,000 was raised and one million viewers across the globe enjoyed TANKFEST Online, as the Tank Museum partnered with World of Tanks for a unique live-streamed event.

The world’s first live-streamed historic tank event took place on the weekend that 25,000 tank enthusiasts would have gathered in Bovington for the annual TANKFEST event, had the COVID-19 pandemic not forced its cancellation.

Nik Wyness, head of marketing at the Tank Museum, said, “The cancellation of TANKFEST was as disappointing as it was financially damaging. TANKFEST is our biggest fundraising event of the year and so, having already been closed for three months, doing nothing was not an option.”

Instead, the world’s finest collection of tanks in action was made available online, packaged in a ground-breaking three-hour fundraiser for enthusiast’s world-wide to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The show was presented by museum curator David Willey and World of Tanks head of military relations Richard Cutland, who spent 30 years in the Royal Tank Regiment.

World of Tanks players were encouraged to support the museum by purchasing in-game fundraising packs which raised £57,000.

The Tank Museum has one of the most successful YouTube channels of any museum in the world, with 270,000 subscribers. It achieved over 14m views during 2019, and over 5m views during the Lockdown period of 2020.

Model town now open seven days a week Wimborne Model Town is open for a full seven-day week and no pre-booking is required.

Greg Hoar, the charity’s development manager said, “We are delighted to be able to pass on the government’s VAT reduction to our visitors right at the start of the main summer season. Our trustees and volunteers have worked extremely hard to produce a socially distanced environment for visitors to enjoy this year.”

Although the events programme has been curtailed to prevent overcrowding, a new garden refreshments facility is provided and usual attractions, crazy golf, model railway and Wendy Street all available with modification.

Social distance routing at Wimborne Model Town

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foodie news

Brighten up teatime with some bunny-face scones Here’s a recipe to make you smile – and we all need that right now.

Blueberry bunny-face scones were dreamed up by those creative people at Waitrose.

Makes: 10 Ingredients: • 60g blueberries, plus extra to decorate

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp caster sugar • 1 tbsp flaked almonds • White writing icing to decorate For the dough: • 225g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 40g Flora Buttery • 1 Braeburn apple (about 140g) • 50g caster sugar • 75ml milk Method 1. Put blueberries in a small saucepan with lemon juice and cook gently until softened, (about 5 minutes), breaking up the berries with a wooden spoon. Add sugar and let the mixture bubble gently for 1–2 minutes, until thickened. Leave to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Grease a large baking sheet. To make the dough: put flour and baking powder in a bowl, add butter, cut into small pieces. Rub in with your fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Peel the apple and grate the flesh into the dough, working around the core. Stir in sugar and milk and mix to a dough.

3. Turn onto a well-floured surface and roll out to a 45x18cm rectangle, dusting with additional flour as needed. Trim off the scruffy, long edges. Spread the blueberry mixture thinly over the dough. Cut lengthways into 10 strips.

4. Half roll up one strip. Bring the middle of the unrolled strip to meet the coiled dough and pinch in place to make one floppy ear. Do the same with the remaining strip of dough to make the second ear. Transfer to the baking sheet and do the same with the remainder.

5. Push a small blueberry into the centre of each spiral. Press 2 flaked almonds under the blueberries for the bunnies’ teeth. Bake for 10 minutes until risen and just beginning to colour. Leave to cool slightly. Halve 10 blueberries, then use writing icing to make some eyes on each bunny and dot each with a halved blueberry in the centre.

Each scone contains 168 calories.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

Competition

Front Cover Photographic Competition – Winter 2020 New for Dorset View The aim of this competition is to raise the profile of local photographers by giving them the opportunity to have their photograph published on the front cover of Dorset View.

It’s another way of photographers being able to share their interpretation of the rich tapestry that Dorset offers, from its sprawling views to wildlife, unusual characters, architecture and events. The winner of each competition will also be invited to test their judging skills in the next competition.

Here are the details of the first Dorset View photographic competition for the January 2021 front cover (proviso: the editor reserves the right to publish a photograph to cover a breaking news story, in which case the winning photograph will be held over to another issue).

Subject: Winter View in Dorset Classification: Sunset / Sunrise

Spend!

Spend!

Spend!

Shop locally with £150 of our money!

Rules: • Only one image per entrant.

• Must be DSLR or mirrorless camera body (no phone shots).

• Emailed images must not exceed 1.5mb • Images must be able to be supplied at print quality minimum A4 size (if winner cannot supply full image then the image will be disqualified).

• Images must not include watermarks, borders or signatures.

• Black and white images not allowed.

• Images should be taken in 2020.

• Deadline for entries is 21 December 2020 • Image must be suitable for a front cover portrait orientation.

• Email your entries to photocomp@mags4dorset.co.uk • Entries will not be returned.

There is no age limit. The winner will be invited to judge the next photographic competition.

Here is a wonderful opportunity to spend £150 without it costing you a penny and helping the local economy at the same time. mags4dorset is putting up one generous cash prize of £150 to spend at one of the local advertisers on the page opposite (Page 17) or choose two or three retailers and split the £150 winnings between them in multiples of £25.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of scooping this generous prize is to work out the following anagram, which could be used as a shop local slogan: HUMBLY MAGS TILT The answer is three words: 5, 3, 6

ENTER NOW!

YOUR PHOTOGRAPH COULD BE AN UPCOMING COVER OF DORSET VIEW

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk.

Postal entries can be sent to mags4dorset £150 competition, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 18 September 2020.

When you enter you must nominate where you would like to spend your winnings (maximum of three retailers).The first correct answer drawn will be the winner.

The editor’s decision is final. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or employees of any of the businesses taking part are not permitted to enter. The winner will be announced in a future magazine and their details will be passed to the retailer(s) they have chosen to enable the prize to be allocated.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

| 17

- Advertiser's Announcement -

Local jewellers welcomes you Portique Family Independent Jewellers of Wimborne are ready to welcome you for business as usual.

Their selection of fine jewellery will promote any memorable occasion. In times of restrictions and cancelled holidays – the gift of jewellery will turn disappointment into positive memories.

There is nothing so beautiful as a naturally occurring scintillating conflict free Diamond, a cornflower blue Sapphire, a Pigeon Blood Red Ruby from Burma or an Emerald as green as the grass.

The rich coloured Amethyst and delicate hues of Aquamarine all find their place with the opals including Black Opal, and Peridot, Garnet and Tourmaline, all within Portique.

A repair services ensures tired jewellery is given a new lease of life – supplying missing diamonds, resizing rings, re-rhodium plating yellowing white gold and building up worn settings around diamonds to avoid loss. Batteries fitted to watches, pearls rethreaded and cleaned to enhance their lustre.

Valuations for insurance and inheritance tax purposes (formerly probate) and many more services. Broken jewellery is purchased for scrap if it cannot be refurbished etc.

Appointments are available to control social distancing and ensure customer privacy. Portique’s motto is “Our privilege is to serve, our pleasure to welcome you.”

18 |

Wimborne marks VJ Day 75

Photographs by Tom Scrase

A short service to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day took place beside the war memorial on the Minster Green adjacent to the Minster Church of St Cuthburga on Saturday 15 August. It was led by the rector of Wimborne Minster the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland.

Four roll callers read out the names and regiments of those from the town who fell during the Second World War. The Last Post was sounded and the Exhortation read. Two minutes silence at 11am was followed by the Reveille and the Kohima Plea. The Mayor, Cllr Shane Bartlett and the president/chairman of the Wimborne Branch of the Royal British Legion laid wreaths.

Social distancing was observed throughout the short service.

Ferndown shares memories during socially distanced celebration The community of Ferndown joined together for a street party in Glendale Avenue to celebrate VJ Day 75 on 15 August between 6-8pm.

Organiser Warren Brown said, “What a fantastic evening.

The rain and drizzle stopped and made way for the celebrations to take place. There was a ride-on train for the children together with Jules the children's entertainer, and the lovely voice of Linda Sambrook led the singalong.

“Children made homemade cakes designed in the shape of The Burma Star and welcomed residents to the event with lemonade. Residents caressed the road with flags and bunting

Isabella and George Corrall

DORSET VIEW September 2020

and the evening was enjoyed by all.”

He added that memories were shared during the event by relatives of 6093092 LCpl RG Taylor of The Queen's Royal Regiment who fell and is now remembered in the Kohima Museum.

Ron Taylor was Pat Sheehan’s uncle. Pat and her family have recently moved to Ferndown.

Earlier in the day a twominute silence was held

Pat Sheehan with The Burma Star

throughout the nation to mark the 75th anniversary of the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945 and effectively ended the Second World War.

LCpl RG Taylor’s memorial stone Follow DORSET VIEW on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/dorsetview

Street cats look for furr-ever homes For the adoption fee of £65, all Cats Protection’s cats are microchipped, neutered, vaccinated, up-to-date with their flea and worm treatments and have four weeks of pet insurance.

Amber What a cutie. This timid but lovable seven-year-old cat, Amber, could be yours if you can offer him a relaxed new home.

Amber was taken in by Cats Protection’s Ferndown Adoption Centre in June. He had been living on the streets as he didn’t get on with his owners’ new dog.

Holly A moggie with a heart of gold is looking for a home to call her own.

The 15-year-old black and white cat was found by a member of the public who saw how unwell she looked and took her to a local vet just before Christmas. The vet contacted the volunteerrun Cats Protection Blandford & Sturminster Newton branch.

Holly was emaciated, had bad teeth and was struggling with cat flu. She also had an overactive thyroid, which was causing extreme weight-loss. After finding the right medication to manage her condition, removing five teeth and years of street grime, Holly soon began to show her loving character, enjoying regular cuddles with her fosterer.

She is ready to begin the next phase of her life with a loving family and a home to call her own, but because Holly’s cat flu symptoms could flare up again, she will be best-suited to a home where she can be the only cat.

Anybody wishing to find out more about Holly or her fellow felines in need of homes should call 01258 858 644 or visit www.cats.org.uk/blandford

Amber

Cats Protection's Ferndown Homing Centre is operating a hands-free homing scheme as it is currently not able to welcome visitors to the centre. Anyone interested in adopting Amber – or wanting more information can visit www.cats.org.uk/ferndown, Tel: 03000 120 175 or email ferndown@cats.org.uk

- Advertisement Feature -

Keyhole Surgery For Your Pet Comes To Wimborne

Molly, an 11-month old Cockerpoo is a picture of cuteness as she sits on Dad’s lap in the waiting room at Lynwood Vets’ Wimborne clinic. She is here for a postoperative check-up after a keyhole spay.

“Everything we read about it was positive. We had a quick chat with Molly and she agreed,” said Dad. Neutering (spaying) has long been advised for bitches. Not just to prevent unwanted litters of puppies, spaying also has numerous health benefits. Many dogs die each year from hormone-related diseases including breast cancer and womb infections. Spaying at a younger age can prevent many of these illnesses.

Unlike surgery for fixing a broken leg or stitching a wound, spaying is an elective procedure performed on an otherwise healthy dog. Therefore, on grounds of welfare it is essential to do everything possible to reduce the pain and stress associated with the surgery.

Lynwood vets are now offering keyhole spays as an alternative to the traditional surgical approach. With tiny wounds, and a less invasive procedure, pain is reduced, and recovery can be significantly quicker and smoother.

This was the opinion of Molly’s ‘Dad’, “After the surgery she slept, then the next day she was right as rain – bouncing around all over the place!”

“Three days later she was a livewire. We couldn’t say more – we thoroughly recommend it.”

Please call the Wimborne clinic on (01202) 882101 for more information.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

| 19

Bournemouth woman wins £500,000 London home It’s the stuff of dreams to win a £500,000 two-bed London apartment and a brand-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, so you can imagine the delight when a Bournemouth woman got a call to tell her she’d won the fantastic raffle prize.

Insurance consultant, Niomi Boontam, 27, from Bournemouth, was told about her incredible property and luxury SUV on a phone call with TV property expert and Raffle House ambassador, Sara Damergi, on 4 August.

Niomi said, “I never thought I’d actually win. I was shaking, my hands were shaking and I was thinking, this is not real, but I checked on RaffleHouse.com and started reading it all and…oh my goodness! It’s amazing.

“I live with my other half and we’re renting and it’s a lovely location but we don’t own it. I don’t have the words to describe this.

“This has just made lockdown worthwhile. Thank you so much!”

As well as awarding the property and the car, Raffle House is also covering legal fees and there’s no Stamp Duty to pay.

What’s more, Raffle House has raised a further £11,000 for its two homelessness charities, Housing for Women and

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

Delighted Niomi Boontam receives the keys

Centrepoint.

CEO of Raffle House, Benno Spencer, said, “This is a good news story at a time when we all need one. We are beyond thrilled to announce our jackpot prize winner and, having spoken with Niomi, I know that she is over the moon.

“We founded Raffle House with the aim of giving as many people as possible the chance to get on the property ladder for the first time through the purchase of lowcost tickets.

“Making one of our customers’ dreams come true is a really proud moment for us. Helping Niomi escape generation rent is incredible and being able to also hand over the keys to a new car at a time when she along with everyone else is feeling the pinch is an added bonus.

“Not only that, but we are pleased to have also been able to make sizeable donations to two incredible charities, supporting the critical work they do in the

homeless community. Our total charitable giving now equals £25,000.

“We are already raising even more for them, and we look forward to announcing a second homeowner through our next competition in time for Christmas.”

The next property Raffle House is offering is a stunning £750,000 two-bed house in South East London. Tickets to the draw cost just £2 each and there’s also a free entry postal route available to all participants.

Tickets can be purchased from the Raffle House website, and more information on the free entry route can be found there too. The competition will close on 30 November 2020.

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As it “App-ens”

R 3 5 S O T

The amount of litter left behind on local beaches in June was horrendous and Litter Free Dorset doesn’t want a repeat of this.

Consequently, the campaign has developed the ‘Don’t Be a Tos53r’ campaign to target visitors that may choose to leave their rubbish behind.

As people’s habits are moving to ‘take away’ options disposable packaging is on the rise and it risks polluting our beautiful county if people act irresponsibly. Because many people are choosing to have staycations more visitors are coming to Dorset and the increase in litter is putting additional strain on council services.

Litter Free Dorset will be installing posters in Dorset Council car parks and larger signs in areas, which experience high footfall during the summer holidays. Litter Free Dorset is asking people to simply put their rubbish in the bin or if it’s full take it home with them.

If you see someone littering from a vehicle you can report the incident by logging onto https://dorset-self.achieveservice.com/ service/DWP_Report_litter_on_the_highway_or_pavement.

Hopefully an initiative by BCP Council will stop people ignoring social distancing on local beaches as happened in June when the authority declared a major incident after thousands flocked to Bournemouth.

A new practical app has been launched to allow visitors to check which beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are the least congested.

The simple-to-use BCP Beach Check app is free to download and available now from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

In addition to showing how busy each beach area is, the app provides handy information on the beach lifeguard status, whether toilets are open and information on byelaws for cycling along the promenade and exercising your dog. This means that long term the app is more than just a solution to help with social distancing.

Reviews on Google Play are mixed ranging from “Really useful...” to “Terrible” But one person found it “Life-changing” and gave it five stars, marking it 11/10.

A practical guide written by Cheryl Hadland, managing director of Tops Day Nurseries aims to help other early years settings to become eco-friendly. The book is modelled on changes made within Tops Day Nurseries but can be replicated in any early years setting, office or even at home. Purchase online at www.routledge. com. Proceeds will go to GECCO, a charity that promotes sustainability in Early Years childcare and education.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

| 21

Mother-of-two is inspired by lockdown to home educate her children Janine Pulford talks to Emma Foxwell

When lockdown hit the education system in March, causing schools to close, it forced most parents to adapt their daily routines to a new style of living.

One such mum is Emma Foxwell.

She had the added complication of having to shield due to multiple health issues.

After unexpectedly finding herself looking after her children 24/7 during term time, she set about helping Jack, aged 8, and Katie, aged 7, to continue with their education in the absence of going to school.

This was a daunting prospect because she has no teaching qualifications and is dyslexic, yet she has the one thing that was required by the bucketful: determination.

Emma said, “It took time to find what worked. Being with anyone 24/7 will drive you crazy and lockdown was going to be for an unknown length of time. There was a chance we could have lost our tiny minds.”

She maintains having varied interests helps, and giving space to each other is important too.

“Although we are very

close and work well as a team, each of us is our own person and we do sometimes need that time out of the group.

“It has helped everyone to know that they can have that time whenever they need it.”

Lockdown has mainly been a very positive experience for the Foxwells, although living in a home without a garden was a challenge for Emma and her husband, Kevin. “We had to keep the kids busy,” said Emma.

Life got easier when Kevin and the children could have some socially distanced garden visits to his mum’s home.

Like all siblings, Jack and Katie have their “moments” and most parents reading this will know the feeling.

“They are opposites,” said Emma, “but overall they are close and have always played together well and don’t like it if the other is not around for any reason. They are always thinking up new games to play together.

“They are both so creative

“There was a chance we could have lost our tiny minds” 22 |

DORSET VIEW September 2020

in their areas and this has really taken off since our lockdown journey started.”

Jack’s first choice of subject is coding, and Katie’s is art. Both love science.

The tricky subject of keeping their children off technology and games consoles is not looked upon as a problem by Emma and Kevin.

“We simply don’t keep them away from it, in fact we encourage it. Both myself and Kevin are gamers and understand the benefits that technology offers. Gaming inspired Jack to read early and has helped no end with Katie.”

The main proviso is that the games and technology are appropriate for the age of the child. “Plus, we do not use the online features in games, so the children are kept safe and not exposed to conversations that are not appropriate. We often play games with them as a family thing.

“If we are doing something the kids are enjoying, then the kids don’t worry about technology.”

Emma admits that she had wanted to home educate her children long before lockdown, “but with my health issues, Kevin and I didn’t think we could make it work.

“Both kids find school quite stressful, although one is more sociable than the other.

The thing was, we felt like we had no option other than to send them to school. Then lockdown hit and after a few weeks we started to realise that we could actually do this.

“We have made it work even when my health has been bad, and we have worked out how to make learning fun without impacting my health too much.

“Then we realised how much happier we all were and how much less stressed we have been.

“We knew this was so much better for us than to send the children back into the school environment, and the uncertainty of more possible closures.

“Our children need to know what is happening and when.

Also, after learning at home consistently since March, it has been working well.

“There is also the risk to my health if they return to school.

With them socialising with up to 60 families the likelihood, however small or large, of them passing the virus to me would be something I would not want them to take responsibility for. We know what the likely outcome for me would be and I could not put them in that position where they could even for a fraction of a second blame themselves.

“Then the fines were mentioned. At that point we wrote the letter we knew we had to. The possibility of waiting to see what was going to happen was quite frankly driving us nuts. We had to make that decision to say no more to living with all this uncertainty.

“It was quite frankly the most freeing decision that I think we have ever made.”

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You are not alone if you choose to home educate Emma has found a lot of support available to enable elective home education “The home education community have been really helpful and welcoming,” she explains. “They can give help with the process of deregistration from the school role."

A Dorset girl, Emma and her family now live in West Sussex. She said, “The local council’s website also helped with information and a guide about how the elective home learning process works and some of the legal aspects of the process.”

There are many books about home education, based on people’s experiences. One that Emma has been reading is

by Sue Fairhead and is called Home Education What? Why? How? “As for following a syllabus, there are online schools.

There are also many websites that have been so helpful throughout this time and there are all the worksheets that you could ever want.

“We use Twinkl and teaching packs mainly for our subject worksheets. They cover most things and give you planning tools, you can use them to follow the national curriculum should you wish to. Also, there are some really good inexpensive subject books.”

Emma admits she is only just dipping her toe into the water.

“There is a whole new way of learning and it is quite impressive. It is all about promoting the child’s interests and based on the child’s drive to learn. I was surprised to learn how many subjects are intermingled into one subject. I am looking forward to learning more.”

There is no legal requirement for parents to have formal teaching qualifications to home educate. In fact, those teaching their own children often learn alongside them.

Emma said, “I don’t have to be a teacher because I am not trying to teach them. I am trying to help them learn – if anything they are the ones teaching me. Giving them the skills to learn how to learn is the best because then the subject doesn’t matter. They can then apply the skill to any interest that comes up, but also use it for traditional academic subjects.”

Emma’s top tips to anyone starting out on the journey to becoming a home educator: • Don’t try to be a teacher.

• Don’t try to make your home a school. Schools can be stressful places even for the most well-adjusted child. So, trying to bring school into the house also brings in some of that stress.

Emma adds, “Going with the flow has been very important to us through lockdown.

“Home education moulds around your family and adapts with you as you find out what works.

“Sometimes you might have great ideas, but they don’t work well with the kids – this will happen a lot at the start – so try ideas and variations of those ideas out first.

“By doing this I got a really good understanding of what my kids’ likes and dislikes were, and more importantly how they learn.

“Jack and Katie learn in totally different ways, so figuring this out was really important. I think we have a good idea now, but we have really taken some time with it.”

Emma recommends social media groups “because there will always be someone with an answer to a question.

“Facebook groups often show local groups, clubs and meet ups, which we are chomping at the bit to join once it is safe,” she adds.

“The social aspect is often quite a worry for people and while I have not been doing this in regular times, the amount that I see going on and being advertised is quite frankly more than anyone could ever

“Sometimes you might have great ideas”

manage. There is something for everyone.”

Emma admits she and Kevin were scared about taking the step into home education.

“Breaking from the norm is hard, but all the big things we do for our kids scare us.

So how is this any different?

If you’re at a point when you’re contemplating home educating, there is a reason that you got there.

“We asked ourselves: Would home educating be better than going back to where we were before?

– which was much worse than the freedom that home educating has given us.

“Our answer could only have been been ‘yes!’

“Kevin is always more cautious than me, so at the beginning of lockdown we looked upon it as a trial.

“All of us had to agree to this for us to go ahead. Would this be something that we could do? As time went on and we really saw the increasing benefit it was having on the kids, the more Kevin was getting on board.

“The realisation that even on my worst days, we were able to manage was so reassuring.

“Due to my complex health issues, Kevin is my carer. He is awesome and is an amazing person that couldn’t be more supportive if he tried. I couldn’t ask for anything more really.”

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| 23

Rabbits

in

lockdown Call to ban How often have you seen a rabbit in a hutch where it can barely move about?

The UK's largest charity for rabbits, along with other animal charities and organisations, wants to do something about this to improve the lives of pet rabbits in the UK. As part of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week, which ran from 10-23 August, The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund has called for a ban on cruel rabbit hutches.

There is currently no legal housing size for pet rabbits, which means many of the hutches sold by online retailers and UK pet shops only have to meet the legal housing size requirements for rabbits that are kept in a laboratory or sold for meat.

Rae Todd, Director of the RWAF said, "It's a terrible misconception that a small hutch at the back of the garden is enough for pet rabbits. Unfortunately, poor quality accommodation is sold by many online

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

cruel rabbit hutches

retailers for cheap prices, leading to hutches. many pet rabbits in the UK suffering in PDSA vet Lynne James cramped living spaces. said, “Worryingly, PDSA’s report also "Banning cruel rabbit hutches and found that over a 24-hour period, rabbits mandating a new legal housing size for spend an average of 11 hours inside their pet rabbits will help more would-be rabbit hutch. Sadly, 1 in 10 (10%) rabbits don’t owners recognise the amount of space have a run, living their lives in a hutch, that rabbits require. Until unsuitable and a further 1 in 10 rabbits don’t even accommodation is removed from sale, have enough room in their runs to hop.” people will continue to wrongly believe that a small hutch in the garden will suffice for pet rabbits."

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2019, carried out by the leading veterinary charity PDSA, found that shockingly half (49%) of all UK rabbits live alone (equating to around 440,000 rabbits) and a quarter (25%, around 230,000 rabbits) are kept Ban cruel in inadequate housing rabbit hutches conditions, such as cramped Follow DORSET VIEW on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/dorsetview

Rabbits are sociable animals

Rabbits can develop health issues due to cramped living spaces such as: • Spinal deformities: Caused by the inability to stand up straight for hours at a time.

• Obesity: Caused by the inability to exercise, increasing risk of disease and death.

• Flystrike: An extremely painful and deadly disease, this is caused when rabbits can’t clean themselves properly due to obesity or confined spaces. Flies, attracted by unclean bottoms, lay eggs in rabbits’ fur, which then hatch into maggots that eat the rabbit’s flesh.

• Overgrown nails: Unable to naturally wear down nails by foraging and digging, this results in nails being torn, ripped out of the nail bed and toes being dislocated or broken.

• Aggressive behavioural and depression: A combination of stress, loneliness, boredom and frustration causes rabbits to develop negative behavioural issues, aggression and severe depression.

Spacious run

The RWAF’s minimum housing recommendation for two average-sized rabbits is an area of 3m x 2m that’s at least 1m high.

To help improve the lives of pet rabbits living in the UK, sign the petition, please visit: www.change.org/p/ zac-goldsmith-mp-banharmful-rabbit-hutchesand-introduce-new-law-forminimum-housing-sizes Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/ media/7420/2019-paw-report_ downloadable.pdf to read the PAW report.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention Dorset View when you contact our advertisers

| 25

in the home / home is where the heart is .

- advertiser’s announcement -

Upgrade your lifestyle with the perfect garden shading Your garden is a natural extension of your living space, somewhere to enjoy your own slice of nature with family and friends. With the right outdoor shading, you can get the most out of this valuable space and enjoy a more al-fresco lifestyle all year round.

Versatile Garden Awnings

Ideal for shading areas directly outside your home, garden awnings create flexible, meaningful spaces that allow you to utilise your garden in a number of ways, from alfresco dining and relaxing with a favourite book (or tipple) to protecting the inside of your home from strong sunshine.

Broadview awnings are available in a range of colours and styles so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home.

Stylish Pergolas

Unrivalled in their style and elegance, aluminium pergolas are a fantastic addition to any garden and provide the ultimate way to increase your

living space without the hassle and expense of planning permission. The perfect place for positioning garden furniture, a BBQ or even a hot tub, your pergola will allow you to host unforgettable garden parties and also find a quiet place to enjoy some ‘me-time’.

Accessories

Take your chosen shading solution to the next level with Broadview’s range of exciting accessories, including LED lights, electric heaters, sliding glass panels and speakers.

Why not indulge further and add automation so you can control your shading at the touch of a button?

To arrange your free, noobligation design consultation, contact Broadview today on 01202 679012.

Open your doors to a new look

By Marilyn Barber

When we moved into our 1960s house nearly 20 years ago the first thing we did was change the internal doors – and immediately each room was updated.

Replacing the interior doors is also an opportunity to add your personal style to your home.

The choice today is immense.

Panelled doors can come primed and ready to paint, with a woodgrained texture or smooth.

So you could have a different colour door to each room, which works particularly well for bedrooms in a house. How chic to be able to say to visitors ‘yours is the blue room or the pink room’.

However, if you need to let in the light you could go for glazed internal doors with either clear or frosted safety glass.

Have you thought about having sliding doors? This is not only a space-saver, it could even be used to create a new room.

And if you’re really struggling for space, you might consider folding

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

doors, which can be very useful for wardrobes or your new home office.

Once again you have a choice for external doors. You can either complement the style of the property or create a contrast.

Wooden doors are often the front door of choice for homeowners looking to add a traditional charm to their home. You could also choose PVCu – which is cost effective, or aluminium.

French doors that open onto the garden have been a boon during the recent hot weather.

Originated in France in the 17th century, they were first used as a kind of floor length single pane window. Today, they are often mislabelled as patio doors. French doors open outwards on a hinge, whereas patio doors slide along a track and open to the side. Sliding doors provide better security and offer ease of use.

And whilst we’re looking for a continental feel, how about choosing a Dutch door as a back door? Split, and double hung, the interesting doors date back to the 17th century. They are divided horizontally so that the top can be opened independently like a stable door.

Finally your doors should be environmentally friendly, so if you choose timber make sure they are manufactured using wood from a sustainable source.

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in the home - advertisement feature -

Solutions to your energy saving needs Ridgewater Energy are leaders in the delivery of energy efficiency works, with over 65 years of combined experience, working in Dorset and the South West area.

They provide free and impartial energy advice to help you find solutions to your energy saving needs, from new boilers and efficient storage heaters, to solar panels and insulation. Ridgewater Energy assist all kinds of clients including delivering fuel poverty projects in partnership with local authorities.

They assist landlords, letting agents and their tenants, and also provide quotations to owner occupiers who may not qualify for the standard grant assistance.

Grants are complicated, many people assume they are not eligible, however, this is not always true. ‘Help for Warmth’ is Ridgewater’s own scheme to help guide you on the grant opportunities which are suited to your circumstances.

There are a number of criteria and requirements that need to be

considered, for example: household income level, EPC rating, or health conditions alone can qualify you for some grant assistance. It is advisable to call or e-mail Ridgewater Energy who can advise you on the best options for your particular circumstances.

You also may have heard about the new ‘Green Homes Grant’ Government voucher scheme – many of you will qualify for something from this potentially, so register your interest with Ridgewater Energy today as it will be short lived.

Ridgewater Energy work with many third sector organisations and public services.

Reduce your carbon emissions, do your bit for the Green Economic Recovery and make your home a more efficient, desirable and affordable place to live!

Help available for those with rent or mortgage worries If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or rent, don’t delay in seeking help as possession hearings – which were suspended - restarted on 23 August.

At the start of lockdown some people were unable to earn a full salary. Many were furloughed on 80 per cent of their wages, with not enough money to cover rent or mortgage payments. Some have had to claim Universal Credit.

However despite the relaxation of the lockdown, earnings may still be insecure whilst some people are facing redundancy.

If you are worried about your rent payments you should talk to your landlord as soon as possible.

Payment breaks are not ‘rent free’ periods. Your rent will still need to be paid but your landlord will work with you to agree a plan to catch up on missed or reduced payments.

If you are struggling to repay your mortgage as a result of circumstances related to COVID-19, you should talk to your lender about what you can pay and how you can catch up.

The following organisations can provide advice: Citizens Advice and Shelter – independent free advice and can act on your behalf.

The Money Advice Service – free and impartial money advice.

First Point Dorset – housing related support and guidance to people over 16 years old facing eviction, rent arrears, court action and budgeting issues.

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need.

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BLACKSMITH

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

DECORATING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DECORATING

CLEANING SERVICES

FENCING

COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICIAN

GARDENING SERVICES

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

DORSET VIEW August 2020

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specialist services GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

LOCKSMITH

ROOFING

MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Park illegally and your car could be towed away You have been warned.

BCP Council says that thanks to new powers, vehicles causing an obstruction could face being towed away – and this has already happened in Sandbanks.

Vehicles will only be towed away if they are causing significant problems such as a dangerous hazard.

The initial operation will run until the end of September before being reviewed ahead of a decision on whether to roll it out permanently.

The option to tow has been rolled out across the whole area of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and not just in seafront locations. Vehicles which flout parking rules and are left on double yellow lines, across driveways, cycle lanes, on verges or too close to junctions blocking sight lines could be towed away.

Vehicles removed will be subject to the government-set fine of £150 and face up to £20 a day storage fee for every 24 hours their car is left before being collected.

Enforcement officers will continue to patrol all areas including car parks to ensure everyone is parking appropriately.

Reduce motorcycle casualties A road safety organisation is keen to reduce motorcycle casualties.

GEM Motoring Assist chief executive Neil Worth said, “There’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from riding a motorcycle with skill and precision.

But if you’re riding at speed, there is no margin for error if you – or another road user near you – gets something wrong.

“We’re encouraging riders to give themselves a ‘skills MOT’. We also appeal to drivers and pedestrians to make a special point of looking out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions.

After all, it’s here around 30 riders are killed or injured every day.

Follow GEM’s five simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision: 1. If you’ve had your bike in the garage for a long time, invest in a refresher day with a training professional.

Search online for motorcycle training days or consult your local club or advanced motorcyclists’ group.

4. Don’t ride beyond your comfort zone, especially if you’re riding in a group. If your friends are cornering too quickly for you, let them go and join them at the next junction.

5. Try not to dwell on your errors as you go along. Plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, anticipate the next hazards.

When you stop for a break, reflect on anything that didn’t go to plan, ask what you have learnt and how you can reduce the chance of the same thing happening again.

Finally, GEM is asking all other road users to keep a good look-out for motorcyclists.

“The roads are there for us all to use, so do get into the habit of expecting to see motorcycles on a journey,” added Neil Worth. “It may seem an easy and obvious step, but it has significant potential in terms of helping to reduce motorcyclist injuries.”

2. Make sure you take time to warm up, especially if you are not a regular rider and not ‘bike fit’.

3. Ensure self-preservation is your priority. The predominant cause of motorcycle crashes is the failure of car drivers to detect and recognise motorcycles in traffic. So wear high visibility clothing on all journeys, and ride in a way that gives others a better chance of seeing you.

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DORSET VIEW September 2020

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