Dorset View December 2021

December 2021 Volume 19, Issue 5

CRITICISM OF LOCAL PLAN RESPONSE SUMMARY

COMPETITIONS

Christmas Cathedral (mychristmastrails.co.uk 2020) © Richard Haughton @ Sony Media is featured at Kingston Lacy this year

TIVOLI PANTO AND SHOW TICKETS UP FOR GRABS

Charity of the year

Christmas celebrations across East Dorset

local knowledge | local reporters | local news 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 December 2021

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Picture of the month

Volume 19 • Issue 5 • December 2021

DORSET VIEW

Dear Readers!

What a difference a year makes.

The run up to Christmas 2020 was littered with ‘will-we-won’t-we’ conversations, having just come out of a snap lockdown into the tier system, and all signs pointing to a subdued Christmas at best.

Events were cancelled in their droves, with the health of the public at stake if they went ahead and event organisers facing severe financial difficulties in the event of late cancellations. Gatherings with family and friends were limited too, in the face of high case numbers and an overwhelmed health service.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom though – the first Covid-19 vaccination was given to 90-year-old Margaret Keenan, and we started to hope there would be a way out of the Covid nightmare that was 2020.

We are clearly not out of the woods yet but, already, last year’s not-so-festive season seems like a distant memory. Although the virus is still very much among us, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the run up to Christmas if you’re keen to get out and about.

This issue, we tell you about Christmas events happening in Wimborne and Christchurch, but also think about ways we can celebrate on a smaller scale at home, if that’s what you prefer.

However you are planning to celebrate this year, everyone here at Dorset View wishes you a happy, healthy and very merry Christmas.

Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

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 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM Chloe Baxter junior designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

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

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Honey fungus at Alexandra Park

How to contact us

01202 870270

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

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Copy deadline

7 DECEMBER 2021

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.dorsetview.co uk

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CPRE criticises Dorset’s Draft Local Plan analysis

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

Dorset CPRE (The Campaign to Protect Rural England) says Dorset Council is hoping to hide the scale of the opposition to its housing target of more than 39,000 properties contained in the draft Local Plan.

The countryside charity points out that the recently published summary of responses to the draft Local Plan (LP) has revealed overwhelming opposition to Dorset Council’s housing strategy, disguised as a misleadingly low number of responses. It adds that this was achieved by recording the submission of each town and parish council as a single response and by incorrect categorisation of many of their responses.

Peter Bowyer, the chairman of trustees of Dorset CPRE, said: “Our analysis, which is ongoing, was made much more

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

difficult since each response was filed under the name of the respondent. This is fine for individual people but the parish clerk of, for example, Corfe Mullen, is responding on behalf of 10,000 residents and the town clerk of Dorchester represents over 21,000.”

The CPRE added that that people wouldn’t know the response from their organisation would be under the name of the chairman Peter Bowyer or Jo Witherden, the planning consultant that put together their submission.

CPRE also found numerous examples of respondents who had comments to make on housing policy, but their comments have been recorded elsewhere.

The first consultation of the draft Dorset Council Local Plan was carried out between January and March

this year, with around 9,000 respondents having taken part.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Planning, said: “We continue to work on the policies that underpin the plan. This includes research and gathering information to make sure the plan delivers what it needs to for Dorset’s next generations.

“I am very proud of the work the team is doing. We have had representation from

across the Dorset Council area. There will be a further chance to comment upon the plan before it is voted on by our full council next year.”

The comments that were received during the first consultation of the draft Dorset Council Local Plan have been published on Dorset Council’s website https:// wa.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ LocalPlanDCComments/ pages/View.aspx

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Bid for bus services funding

Dorset Council is working towards the provision of improved bus services in the community and has submitted a bid for the government’s Bus Back Better £3 billion fund.

The plan is to rejuvenate services by making them more attractive to passengers, more affordable, easier to understand and use, faster and more reliable and greener.

This strategy requires each authority to produce a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to coordinate services and future investment through either an Enhanced Partnership (EP) or franchise approach.

Dorset Council is working closely with local bus operators, community and business voices, bus passengers, and the voluntary and health transport sectors.

The key aims of the BSIP are: • To significantly increase the number of people using local buses across Dorset • To increase daily services with a mix of fixed and flexible services across rural and urban areas of Dorset • To develop a range of on-demand public transport services delivered by a mix of operators by identifying gaps in the current local bus network • To continue to protect Dorset’s environment by moving to a decarbonised local bus fleet • To create and maintain a comprehensive network of travel options to link up communities and reduce rural isolation.

Once it is known whether there will be an award, and the amount, then an amended BSIP and action plan will be put in place.

The BSIP can be viewed at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/roads-highways-maintenance/transportplanning/bus-service-improvement-plan Comments, suggestions, and ideas can be emailed to busbackbetter@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Dorset police officers guilty in two separate incidents Two men who served with Dorset Police have felt the full force of the law.

A former Dorset Police officer is now behind bars for a fraud offence and a former police superintendent has been found guilty of gross misconduct.

Matthew Littlefair falsely claimed that he suffered a longterm injury following a car crash in 2017 and was unable to work.

He continued to receive his full salary during his sickness period.

Investigations, which began in 2020, discovered that Littlefair had lead a full and active lifestyle throughout his period of sickness, while claiming to colleagues and medical professionals that he was in constant pain and unable to work.

Subsequently, Littlefair was charged with fraud by false representation. He entered a guilty plea and resigned as a police officer. He was sentenced

Rogue trader to pay back thousands of pounds A member of a rogue trader gang that targeted a Bournemouth man has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds by a court.

Daniel Mold, from Cannock in Staffordshire, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to defraud at Bournemouth Crown Court in December 2019, has now been ordered to pay back money he fraudulently obtained.

Members of a group, which included Mold, approached a partially-sighted man in Bearwood, offering to do

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

at Salisbury Crown Court on 3 November to two years and three months in prison for the offence.

Michael Rogers, who retired as a superintendent in May 2021, was found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith between 27 October and 3 November.

He faced allegations that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, as well as those concerning orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities and conduct, in relation to misuse of hire or pool vehicles, not declaring all private mileage and submitting claims for expenses not incurred.

It was determined that, had Rogers still been employed

by Dorset Police, he would have been dismissed.

For full details of these cases, see www.dorsetview.co.uk.

some work on his roof. No supporting documentation, contracts or invoices were provided and additional charges were repeatedly added to the point where the victim lost track of his finances.

At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 21 October 2021, a judge ruled that Mold had benefitted by £16,500 from his offending.

A confiscation order was made, which remains in place for life until the full benefit figure has been repaid.

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Pippins to be demolished The Pippins building in Hanham Road, which has long been an eyesore in the landscape of Wimborne is to be demolished.

Owners Dorset Council says it no longer needs the property which is not only in poor condition, it has suffered constant breakins and vandalism since it was vacated. At one time the building housed the council’s Children’s Services.

The site is to be redeveloped.

Asbestos will be removed from the building in late-January 2022 and demolition will start at the beginning of February. It should be completed before the end of March.

During the demolition works, there will be temporary traffic lights on Hanham Road periodically to permit safe working and access to the site.

Join the Santa Fun Run

The Great Santa Fun Run returns to Wimborne on 4 December.

Starting at 10am from Allenbourn School, entrants will be able to choose from a 2K or 5K course. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s with all proceeds going to local charity Julia’s House. Entrants can either turn up on the day or pre-book by registering via email at: santarun2021@wimbornerotary.org Every entrant will receive a free Santa suit and a mince pie.

Whether entering as an individual, or as a team, runners are encouraged to fundraise for their own favourite charities by seeking sponsorship.

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law spot by HG Walker Solicitors Court considerations regarding an application to relocate children abroad

By Rob Price, HG Walker Solicitors "We’re separating and my wife’s been offered a job abroad. She wants to take our 12-year-old son with her. Can I object to this?"

Separated parents often decide between themselves what is in the best interests of their children over the long term, to ensure a meaningful relationship between each adult and each child.

When a court is asked to adjudicate a difference of opinion between the parents, there is naturally going to be more than one option to consider.

The welfare of a child is paramount.

The impact on the child’s welfare with regard to their relationship with each parent will be assessed, due to the prospect of parental separation, balanced with whatever advantages may be afforded to the child by relocation abroad.

This approach is gauged rigorously by the court against settled statutory principles contained in the Children Act 1989 known as the Welfare Checklist.

This gauge is in turn balanced against the specific facts of the

case and how those specific facts in turn may affect the child’s welfare either positively or negatively.

The following help you get a good idea of the kind of things that the court considers.

• Is this a genuine request to relocate, or one made to specifically exclude the other parent?

• Is the proposed move practical financially, educationally, and in the interests of the general welfare of the child’s health?

• What is the impact on either parent/child relationship given the options available?

• Is a parent opposing relocation a motive for enabling the exertion of control over the child and the other parent?

• What is the potential impact of the loss of an important parental relationship, and the risk of harm that would entail on the child?

• Which course of action best meets the need to afford paramount consideration to the child’s welfare?

Law Spot is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

L-R Ben Pulford, Ian Girling, Hayley Moore and Louis Pulford

Local publishers focus on business The directors of Ferndown-based Pulford Publicity and publishers of Dorset View and Viewpoint magazines, Ben and Louis Pulford, are continuing another of their success stories.

They recently met with Dorset Chamber’s chairman, Ian Girling and marketing executive Hayley Moore, to discuss the continued production of the official 64-page, monthly chamber magazine, which is the most widely distributed business publication in Dorset.

Ben said: “We are pleased to be continuing our working relationship with Dorset Chamber producing the Dorset Business Focus magazine during 2022.”

Dorset Chamber is a member of, and accredited by, the British Chambers of Commerce and provides a unique network with a local and nationally recognised voice. If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of Dorset Chamber, please visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk

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New primary school open Young children in Poole have moved into a new school building which replaces Hillbourne Primary School.

The new school includes: 14 classrooms, a practical room and learning resource centre; administration block; large hall with servery; a pre-school with a dedicated play area; two multi-use games areas and outdoor play areas; purpose-built sports pitch; a secure staff car park; solar panels; mechanical ventilation in all classrooms; sprinkler system and intelligent lighting.

Headteacher, Helen Roderick, said: “Our new school building allows all of our pupils and staff to work together for the first time. We are very excited about this. We are all thrilled to be working in such a beautiful building. Having drinkable water, windows that open and shut, a heating system that will keep us all at the right temperature and ‘intelligent’ lighting is going to make learning so much easier.”

Funding available for community and cultural groups Not for profit community or cultural groups can now apply for grants of up to £5,000 from Dorset Council’s Community and Culture project fund.

If you have a sports, arts, or communitybased project you want to deliver in the next 12 months in the Dorset Council area then you can find out how to apply on the Dorset Council website.

You can apply for 80 per cent of your total project costs – between £1,000 and £5,000 – and will be required to demonstrate how you will raise the other 20 per cent. You must be able to start your project from April 2022.

All applications are welcome, particularly those that deliver a benefit to marginalised people.

If you need to discuss your project, please contact the appropriate person: • Communities: Ian.wells@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk • Culture, Arts & Heritage: tracy.cooper@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk • Sport: sarah.davies@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk • Museums: vickydewit@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk The online form closes on 7 January 2022.

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Poole Park Railway back on track

The much missed railway in Poole Park is to return.

Following a successful tender process, BCP Council has awarded the contract to construct a new railway track and engine shed at Poole Park Railway to Track Systems based in Shropshire.

The railway service was suspended in 2018.

Work on site to construct the new larger engine shed and track is anticipated to begin later this year, with an expectation of the service being operational next summer.

Planning permission was granted in August 2019 for the demolition and replacement of the existing engine shed; details available at www.boppa.poole.gov. uk/online-applications

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Business Community Dorset funeral Unity at its finest director is European chairman Dorset View and Viewpoint tracked to the door

Nick Douch (right) and past chairman Derek Case

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The managing director of a Dorset funeral group has been installed as the European Group Chairman of Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Nick Douch will head the association for a year and plans to promote it and attract new members.

His company, Douch Family Funeral Directors, has belonged to the US-led organisation for 15 years, which represents familyowned funeral businesses and has branches across the globe.

Nick said: “It is an honour to be chairman and it is an important time having got back after Covid which has affected all of us.

“Despite different funeral traditions in countries, there is a lot that is common to everyone.

“We use the association to share ideas and good practice and we have learned from our European partners.

“We have really felt the benefit of belonging to this association and would encourage others to consider joining.”

DORSET VIEW December 2021

In Pulford Publicity’s latest move to guarantee distribution of their publications, they have chosen a tracked distribution system and are very pleased with the results.

Provided by experts in the field, IMS Group in Bournemouth, Dorset View and Viewpoint are now fully GPS tracked to the door.

Pulford Publicity’s managing director, Ben Pulford said: “Not only are the distributors reliable and deliver to a strict code of conduct, the door-to-door distribution is tailored to our specific needs.

By using GPS trackers, carried by delivery agents, it is possible to track over 39,000 magazines to the door in real time every month and obtain immediate progress reports.”

Managing director of IMS Group, Jason Harris, said: “At the end of the distribution, we are able to log in and

check our distributors have covered their rounds properly.

Pulford Publicity can have complete peace of mind and full confidence that their publications have reached the target areas.”

Ben added: “We also use a reliable contractor to deliver over 3,000 magazines to supermarkets each month and our own bulk deliveries of nearly 7,000 magazines are delivered to pick up points in our company’s electric van to help reduce our carbon footprint.

“We feel confident that we have one of the best magazine distribution systems in the area, enabling us to deliver important local news into the community and ensuring our advertisers can reach a huge audience.”

Deliveries are complemented by the dorsetview.co.uk news website, online magazines and social media posts.

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Pulford Publicity’s

Charity of the Year

Huge thanks to Dorset View and Viewpoint

As the countdown to Christmas continues, December sees our last column as Dorset View’s charity of the year.

We want to thank the whole team at Dorset View and Viewpoint magazines for supporting us this year, it’s been great fun getting to know you all, and your fundraising has made a huge difference.

We’re counting down to our Christmas Treecycling campaign – our volunteers hit the roads of Dorset postChristmas to collect your Christmas trees to make sure they are sustainably disposed of and recycled.

We’ll be out and about on 8, 9 and 10 January – book your collection at diverseabilities. org.uk/trees with a suggested £10 donation. We’re also still on the hunt for volunteers and vans so if you want to get involved then email volunteer@

diverseabilities.org.uk and let Laura know you’re keen.

We’d also love for you to join us at our Christmas Carol Concert. This year it’s at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth on 15 December, and we’ve got three special guest speakers; former deputy to Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Christine Bueno, Valerie Singleton OBE, and Maggie the seaside baker from this year’s Great British Bake Off. You can continue following us across social media – we’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. You are able to donate online at diverseabilities.org.uk/donate – it’s thanks to the support of our community that we’re able to keep on keeping on.

It’s been a blast and thank you Dorset View again.

The directors of Pulford Publicity and publishers of Dorset View and Viewpoint, Ben and Louis Pulford, raised over

£1,000 for Diverse Abilities in June. The brothers took part in the charity’s Dorset 3 Peaks Challenge and climbed the three peaks during a 50km walk (31 miles).

Cat and the team at Diverse Abilities

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Five year plan to improve inclusion in schools and colleges A report approved at BCP Council’s cabinet states that inclusion practice must carry equal status and importance to academic results and keeping children and young people safe in education by local schools.

The Appreciative Inquiry report follows a consultation with all schools and colleges across the area and makes 45 recommendations. The report comes as the council is

setting out its written statement of actions following a recent SEND inspection and the Appreciate Inquiry will be integral to that response.

BCP Council will be inviting all schools and colleges to a conference in early 2022, providing the launch pad for the fiveyear plan and to present a framework for delivering on the recommendations.

New digital education building Ferndown Upper School is to get a new digital education building in which its new T Level courses will be taught from September 2022.

The development will include a software development lab, a network engineering workshop, a seminar suite, a computing

office and kitchen facilities.

Including the building and equipment, the project will cost £1.2million.

The school plans to run Digital T Level courses in Software Development, Digital Support and Network Engineering in the next academic year.

Innovation studio launched The Arts University Bournemouth’s Innovation Studio has been launched.

Odile Decq, Mike Davies CBE, and Professor Sir Peter Cook were among a group of internationally renowned architects who marked the opening of the state-ofthe-art studio. It has been developed using approximately £1.5million in funding from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (Dorset LEP) to support business research, development, and innovation across the region, acting as a base for small business start-ups and emerging entrepreneurial projects.

The event was hosted by university Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Gough, alongside alumni Professor Sir Peter Cook, the project’s architect, who celebrates his second building at AUB following 2016’s Drawing Studio, the first purposebuilt drawing studio in Britain for more than 100 years.

Professor Sir Peter Cook, who graduated AUB in the

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1950s, said: “It’s been my pleasure to speak to students from across AUB’s many disciplines and welcome them to the university’s exciting new venture, the Innovation Studio.

“The space is a rich vessel for creativity and innovation, and those creating within these walls will almost certainly be working towards solutions to some of mankind’s greatest challenges; from climate change to transport, and connectivity to infrastructure.”

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Radio Wimborne goes live on FM

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Great Expectations

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara | mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Since its inception in January 2014, Radio two members: “We are especially lucky Wimborne has been steadily building its to have Chris Rigler and Glen Fowler on listener base through its internet radio board. Both are very well-respected for model and is now ready to reach a wider their technical expertise in their fields audience as it has gone live on 94.6 FM. of work and we could not have got up While the station has regular listeners and running on FM without them.” as far away as California, station directors Radio Wimborne is also behind Malcolm Angel and Kelly Webb are Son et Lumière and Carols in the looking forward to increasing their local Cornmarket, both of which will be reach. Broadcasting on FM means returning this year. You’ll be able people can listen while out and about and to sing along to the Carols in the not have to rely on Internet connection Cornmarket on 17 December, while to listen to their favourite shows.

Son et Lumière, a lightshow set to The path to launching on FM has music, will take place on the evening not been without its difficulties. The of 18 December at the Minster. opportunity to apply for an FM licence only comes about every four years and the station was not able to apply until early 2019.

After more than six months, the licence was granted and the software needed was purchased.

Plans to access grants to update equipment were scuppered by the pandemic as funding streams were diverted to organisations directly helping with the response efforts.

Funding was eventually secured, the studio and transmitter set From L-R: Glen Fowler, Chris Rigler and Malcolm Angel up, OFCOM was satisfied that its conditions had been met and the station went live on FM on 16 October.

Malcolm said he held a firm belief that a local radio station for local people, airing local news would complement Wimborne’s sense of community. “Wimborne can hold its own against larger towns as it has a heart. People want to hear positive, local news, which feeds back and helps grow a thriving community.”

He added: “We made sure we were a source of up-to-date information for people during the pandemic, with Kelly’s daily updates on where to get help and support. We also aim to cover local events such as Wimborne History Festival and Dreamboats events, so people who aren’t able to get out and about don’t miss out.”

Community spirit inside the station is just as important. Everyone involved is a volunteer and dedicated to the station’s success.

Malcolm paid particular tribute to

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Perhaps this year, even more than usual, there are great expectations surrounding Christmas.

Last year, Covid required last minute changes to plans and meant that many of us couldn’t gather with friends and family to celebrate in our usual ways. So this year, St Mary's will make up for it.

This year, Great Expectations is the theme for the Christmas celebrations at St Mary’s, Ferndown.

There were great expectations surrounding the first Christmas. There had been such a long wait for God’s promised rescue plan. There were great expectations around what that rescue would look like. But what actually happened was far more wonderful and momentous than anyone had anticipated – all quite unexpected really.

That God should leave the rescue of humanity in the hands of a vulnerable baby, born in dubious circumstances is extraordinary. But this is the way that he chose to demonstrate His love, and because of this we can have great expectations for our lives and future. Hope is restored.

St Mary’s will have something for everyone to enjoy, and will also be live streaming many of its services to enable as many as possible to join in. So why not grab a neighbour or friend, and book a place?

They look forward to welcoming you.

St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Ferndown BH22 9EU www.stmarys-ferndown.org.uk office@stmarys-ferndown.org.uk

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Christmas in Wimborne

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY Wimborne Art Clu b– The parish hall in the snow

Wimborne will be getting into the Christmas spirit this year, starting with the Christmas lights switch on, which will take place on 27 November.

The Christmas Save the Children Parade will be back on 11 December. The parade will start from Cobham’s in Brook Road at around 2-2.15pm. It will feature steam engines, floats and walking groups. There will also be entertainment in the Square with a fun fair, a ukulele band and dance groups booked.

For musical entertainment in the run up to Christmas, Wimborne Choral Society will return to Wimborne Minster on 4 December. The concert, led by musical director Chris Dowie, will feature soloists Nicola Burley, Hugh Sutton and Elizabeth Denham.

The choir will be accompanied by Wimborne Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are available from Square Records.

The choir will also be singing carols on the Minster Green on Saturday 11 December from 10.30am until 11.30am. And if you’d like to join in with a bit of carol singing, Carols in the Cornmarket takes place on the evening of 17 December.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a pantomime, and you can head to the Tivoli Theatre to see Sleeping Beauty between 17 December and 2 January. The Best Ever Christmas Show is also back at the Allendale Centre from 11-24 December, and features local children in the cast.

If you need Christmas shopping ideas, there are plenty of local, independent shops to browse through for inspiration. Or head to one of the Christmas craft fairs taking place in the town.

Wimborne Art Club will be hosting an arts and crafts event at Pamphill Parish Hall from 3-5 December.

In town, the Allendale Centre is hosting craft fairs most weekends until mid-December, including the popular Etsy Christmas Fair and Handmade Wimborne. On Friday evenings in December, head to Walford Mill where there will be a festive market, food and live music.

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WIMBORNE

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

Wimborne Bears launch new magazine – a Christmas story

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

Some years ago Marilyn wrote stories about the Wimborne Bears who live in the Model Town. She read these at a recent event and now has produced a special Christmas story for readers of this magazine.

“There was a toy fair in town at the weekend, and I didn’t know it was happening,” grumbled Bluebell Bear. “And I’m sure there will be lots of Christmas events too that nobody will tell me about. What can we do?”

“I’ve got the answer,” said Beddington Bear. “We will start our very own magazine and distribute it to every home and business in our very special little town.”

“A splendid idea,” said the mayor, Dudley Bear, who was rather annoyed that he hadn’t thought about it first.

He added, “I will of course have to be the editor and we can call it Bear View like the big

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

magazine, Dorset View, that is delivered to local people.”

“We can have lots of interesting articles as well as a list of events,” said Bluebell. “And I can provide one of my food recipes.”

“You’ve only got one recipe and that’s for trifle,” muttered Bedlington, sniffing.

“We will have to have a really good front page story, and I think I know who to speak to,” said Mayor Dudley, puffing up his chest and speaking in his very best official voice.

“I was chatting to William the Wareham Bears’ mayor yesterday and he told me that one of their rugby players has

Wimborne Bears love living at the Model Town

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WIMBORNE a very interesting story.”

And so the next day, Mayor Dudley sat down in the King’s Head Hotel with Ben Bear, notebook in his hand and looking very important.

Ben said, “Last December, whilst we were living at the Blue Pool near Wareham, before we moved to the Wimborne Model Town, I decided to go out for a walk in the woods.

“The mayor had told us that we shouldn’t venture out alone, but I had heard that there were elves living there and I really wanted to meet one. And I am very brave. So I packed myself a picnic with a hot drink and some cake and when everyone was asleep I crept out.

“As I’m a rugby-playing bear I’m big and strong and very, very brave, so of course I wasn’t afraid.”

“And what were you going to do when you found the elves?” asked Dudley.

“I was going to invite

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY them to our Christmas party and also as they are Father Christmas’s helpers I hoped they could have a word with him to see if I could have a new rugby shirt,” said Ben, who continued his story.

“It was very cold and dark, but as I was walking along one of the paths I spotted a light coming from the bottom of one of the trees. A door was open, and I could hear music.

“Although, as I said, I am very, very brave, I thought I ought to hide behind a bush to see if anyone came out of the door.”

“Yes, you were being brave,” Dudley said.

“It was very, very cold, but I was wearing my best thick red coat, gloves and hat, so I was happy to wait,” said Ben. “Just then, who should come out of the door? It was five elves, dressed in brightly coloured outfits. They started dancing and singing, and looked so

friendly that – being the brave bear that I am – I decided to go over and speak to them. They told me they were so pleased to meet me, as they knew there were some bears living at the Blue Pool, but they had heard that bears were fierce, and they were frightened.

“They told me that I looked like a nice bear – and a brave one.”

Dudley sighed. He was getting a bit fed up with hearing how brave Ben thought he was, but as a good reporter, he continued to listen intently.

Ben said he had a nice chat with the elves and when he told them that the Wareham Bears were moving to Wimborne Model Town, they said they would like to move there too, as they had heard it was so nice and that the houses were lovely.

Ben said that when the Wareham Bears moved to Wimborne, the elves came too.

“Well I’ve never seen them,” said Mayor Dudley.

“You have to be very brave like me to spot

them,” said Ben Bear.

Just before Christmas the first edition of Bear View was distributed to every house and shop in Wimborne Model Town.

All the bears just loved it, and Ben Bear was approached by many of them who wanted to know where the Christmas elves were living.

“They are hard to find and if they’re busy making Christmas toys, they don’t like being disturbed,” said Ben. “You have to be very brave like me to meet them.”

Mayor Dudley

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

Wimborne illuminated If you’ve picked up an early copy of Dorset View, you may still have chance to see the Christmas light switch on in Wimborne. It takes place on Saturday 27 November, with a full programme of events in the Square from 11am until 5pm.

Don’t worry if you’ve missed it – there are still plenty of options to enjoy Christmas lights in and around the town.

Kingston Lacy will once again be hosting a glittering trail through its grounds. The house and its grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland. This year’s highlights will include elegant rainbow Christmas trees, a giant bauble tree, heartshaped arches and a carpet of glowing white roses. You’ll also be able to walk through the fire garden – a mix of lanterns and flame-filled sculptures – and walk through the Christmas cathedral, surrounded by thousands of lights.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

The trail is open between 3 December and 2 January and is designed to be accessible to all. Booking is essential via www. nationaltrust.org.uk/kingstonlacy/features/christmasat-kingston-lacy-2021.

Admission charges apply.

Son et Lumiere Wimborne Minster will be the setting for an evening of light and sound as Son et Lumière returns on Saturday 18 December. During this not-tobe-missed, free event, images and videos are projected onto the minster accompanied by music. The evening will start with a performance by Just Sing choir at 5.30pm, followed by the light show, which starts at 6pm. The show lasts approximately 20 minutes and is repeated three times until 7pm. The event is hosted

by Radio Wimborne, and sponsored by Wimborne BID and Wimborne Town Council.

WIMBORNE

Kingston Lacy Neon Tree by Culture Creative, My Christmas Trails 2020.

Photo by Richard Haughton

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WIMBORNE

Great Pudding Stir at Museum of East Dorset Visitors to the Museum of East Dorset will once again be able to take part in the annual Great Pudding Stir on Saturday 11 December.

The museum traditionally holds an annual pudding stir in December, when visitors are invited to help stir the mixture and make a Christmas wish, before sampling the final product.

The recipe used is taken from Beeton’s Book of Household Management, edited

by Mrs Isabella Beeton between 1859 and 1861.

The original recipe for ‘A Plain Christmas Pudding for Children’ contained: 1lb of flour, 1lb of breadcrumbs, ¾lb of stoned raisins,

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

¾lb of currants, ¾lb of suet, 3 or 4 eggs, milk, 2oz of candied peel, 1 teaspoonful of powdered allspice, ½ teaspoonful of salt.

A small admission charge will apply. Further details will be available on the museum’s website: www. museumofeastdorset.co.uk

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity .

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Stay

safe

this winter

With Covid-19 still very much among us, the flu likely to be back with a vengeance and rising fuel and food costs, this winter could cause problems for the elderly.

As we get older, our immune systems weaken and we are less able to fight off viruses, we lose muscle mass that helps keep us active and warm and any health conditions become harder to manage.

Age UK suggests: Stay active Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time – a little movement often will help you retain strength and mobility. If you struggle to get up and about, chair-based exercises are also effective.

Eat well Eat regularly and try to pick healthy options but, if you have little appetite, it’s better to eat a little of what you fancy than nothing. Keep your cupboards stocked with essentials so if you do become ill or can’t venture out, you’ll still have meal options.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Vaccinations Covid-19 booster jabs and flu jabs are available to those over 50, so if you haven’t had yours, speak to your GP. You may also be eligible for the pneumo vaccine, which protects against pneumonia, or the shingles vaccine.

Keep warm at home Try to heat your home to a steady temperature. Turning down your thermostat to 18°C can save money on your fuel bill. If you feel cold, put on extra layers and keep a blanket handy if you’re sitting still for a while. Close the curtains at dusk to keep the heat in and keep your bedroom window closed at night.

Stay in touch If you live on your own, stay in contact with family, friends or neighbours to prevent loneliness and make sure you have help at hand should you need it. If you don’t have anyone to call on, care companies can call in to check on you and help with whatever you need.

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health and care

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Donate your Winter Fuel Allowance

The Surviving Winter Appeal has again been launched in Dorset to enable older people to eat, as well as to stay warm, over the colder months.

People who receive the winter fuel allowance – but who can afford to donate it – are being urged to do so by Dorset Community Foundation (DCF), which is concerned that many elderly people in the county won’t be able to afford to both eat and heat.

Citizens Advice experts are warning that older people are at risk from freezing homes or lack of nutritious meals over the colder months as the foundation launches its annual Surviving Winter appeal.

Last year the DCF helped a record number of people stay

warm through £200 grants.

East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice project manager, Kate Pryce, said: “We are dreading a prolonged cold snap this winter because we worry for the vulnerable households in poorly-insulated and hard-to-heat properties.”

The community foundation works with Citizens Advice to identify older people and those aged 50 and over who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria, which includes significant health conditions, being on the highest level of benefits or having little current chance of improving their life circumstances.

Grant Robson, DCF director, said: “We know that each year in Dorset more than 700 people

Your donation will help

die of cold or cold-related illness because they can’t keep their homes warm and the vast majority are over sixty-five.”

Mrs Pryce said the energy crisis, which has seen average yearly bills rise by up to £400, combined with the high number of poorly-insulated homes in Dorset and, for some, the removal of the £20 Universal Credit uplift, has kept the organisation’s energy advisors busy.

Last year’s appeal raised a record £100,000, meaning more than 350 people received grants and energy-saving advice.

Mrs Pryce said: “Thanks to the generous donations last year we were able to run the grants right up until April so that everyone who

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was eligible for a grant was able to be supported.”

Donate to Surviving Winter at dorsetcommunityfoundation. org and find out more about applying for help by calling Citizens Advice on 01929 775500.

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| 21

health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity .

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Eye, eye, what’s going on at Hengistbury Head?

A traditional Chinese ceremony known as the ‘eye dotting’ took place at Hengistbury Head on 23 October.

Passers-by may well have looked twice when they saw the lion dance performed by the UK Shaolin Temple, and Councillor David Kelsey, the Mayor of Bournemouth, dotting the eyes of the dragon’s head carved on the boat to end its slumber.

It was all for a good cause.

Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat team – the only all breast cancer survivor crew in the South – presented the eye dotting ceremony at the launch of their new dragon boat at the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre.

The charity provides support to members following

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

cancer treatments.

The sound of the drum combined with the distinctive boats and paddlers in pink is guaranteed to turn heads and the sound of clapping and boat horns tooting is part of the norm.

“Our new 20-man boat has been purchased with funding provided by the Postcode Community Trust.

This grant-giving charity is funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery,” said co-chair of Pink Champagne, Jo Keating.

Jo went on to explain that breast cancer survivors’ dragon boating is an international movement

inspired by the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Don McKenzie who challenged the myth that after breast cancer surgery, upper body exercise should be limited as it increases blood flow and could cause lymphoedema.

It was subsequently proven that the opposite is true, and dragon boating in fact decreases the risk of lymphoedema.

Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat team have competed worldwide, bringing home many trophies in the breast cancer category.

Jo said: “Being part of the team has so many benefits, physical as well as

mental wellbeing. No one understands your cancer journey like someone who has been through it. We have been brought together by a common bond and have made friendships that otherwise would not have happened. I love that Pink Champagne has such a varied range of members, our oldest being in their 80s, and our youngest in their 30s.”

If you have been through breast cancer treatment, whether it’s recently or 20+ years ago, and would like to find out more about this charity, please visit pinkchampagne.org.uk/

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Living Advent Calendar

launched in Christchurch

This festive season, the town of Christchurch will be showcasing 24 local talents across 24 pop-up venues whilst supporting 24 local charities during a ‘Living Advent Calendar’ event.

Launched at an event on 27 October, Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) is a new Christmas celebration organised by volunteers, led by The Rotary Club of Christchurch. Dorset View, which is among more than 36 companies and local businesses backing the event, is the programme sponsor.

The original concept of a Living Advent Calendar was created over 15 years ago in Stockholm, Sweden.

What to expect in Christchurch Christchurch’s pop-up living advent calendar will run daily from Wednesday 1 to Thursday 24 December. Each evening at 6.15pm a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ at a town centre venue will be opened to reveal a 30-minute performance which could be by choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, individual musicians, or theatrical groups – you’ll have to be there on the night to see who is performing.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

The venues and supported charities will be advertised to the community in advance via social media, but the performers will not be revealed until each door or window opens, just as in a children’s Advent calendar. There will be a new surprise every evening, with a special, surprise Christmas Eve closing event on Thursday 24 December to be held in Saxon Square at the earlier time of 2pm.

Pulford Publicity has produced the event programme on behalf of CLAC and the Rotary Club of Christchurch. It's available from outlets in Christchurch or online at www.pulfordpublicity.co.uk/ publications/christchurch-livingadvent-calendar/

Three civic dignitaries listen to the CLAC talks

Michelle Nova conducts La Nova Singers

Programme front cover

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Christmas in Christchurch

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Panto back at the Regent Panto is back – oh yes, it is! The awardwinning Highcliffe Charity Players return to the Regent Centre, Christchurch in January 2022 (Thursday 27 – Sunday 30) with the traditional favourite, Sleeping Beauty, a panto they haven’t performed for over a decade.

It’s Princess Beauty’s christening - the perfect day until, in revenge, the uninvited wicked fairy casts a spell that the princess will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die by her 21st birthday. Unable to break this evil magic, the good fairy sends the princess to sleep for 100 years instead.

Can a heroic prince save the day?

HCP chairman, Georgina Smith, said: “We have chosen Tom Whalley’s ‘one-act pantomime of your dreams’, as it both captures the magic of this much-loved fairy tale and offers a handful of hilarious modern twists, plus some side-splitting comedy.

Director, Matthew Smith, added: “Our panto is packed with songs, laughter and romance - a treat for the

whole family.”

There will be plenty to boo, hiss, and cheer as good triumphs over evil in this magical pantomime. As usual, all profits from the pantomime will be donated to local charities. In their 50-year history, the Highcliffe Charity Players have donated more than £200,000 to good causes.

Sleeping Beauty runs at the Regent Centre for seven performances from 27-30 January 2022, including two matinees and two late afternoon shows.

Tickets: £15, Concessions £14, from the Box Office on 01202 499199 and online at www.regentcentre.co.uk

A gleeful wicked fairy laughs at Sleeping Beauty

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What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney?

Claustrophobia!

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?

One that’s deep pan, crisp and even!

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?

A mince spy!

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| 25

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

Festive Christchurch

Christchurch is ideal for Christmas shopping. With plenty of independent retailers, you can find unique and personal gifts.

At the open-air market, which runs on Mondays in the High Street and Saxon Square, you’ll be able to find books and household items, unusual gift ideas and stocking fillers, jewellery, clothes and plants. The produce stalls mean you can shop for your Christmas feast in the outdoors and avoid the hustle and bustle of supermarkets.

For gifts made locally, CADArts is running a Christmas boutique at the Hayloft Gallery on Wick Lane until 9 December.

For gifts that don’t cause clutter, why not purchase a voucher for a local attraction, show, pub, restaurant or hotel? You’ll be supporting local businesses and giving your family or friends a chance to enjoy Christchurch at their leisure too.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Christmas in Christchurch - Advertisement feature -

Helping

Young Minds Helping Young Minds is a new local charity based in Christchurch that is passionate about empowering every young mind to have the skills and confidence to conquer life’s challenges. They want to provide a loving, nurturing community to children and young people where they can feel heard, encouraged and supported.

By offering activities and courses such as street graffiti, cookery, craft, yoga, mental health first aid courses and coaching groups the charity aims to develop their confidence and resilience so they can enjoy life to the full.

Helping Young Minds believes in educating and empowering friends and family around a young person so they feel more equipped and confident to support them. They offer courses to parents and young people where they can gain the knowledge and skills to help those who are struggling and recognise at an earlier stage any emerging mental health issues.

A popular workshop is the Day of Discovery. Young people meet the trustees and take part in fun activities. This day is special as it is an opportunity for the trustees to hear the thoughts, views and ideas of young people and make sure they are offering relevant opportunities that help young people at this complex and difficult stage in their lives.

For more information see https://www.mad4dance.com/ about-dance-school-in-christchurch/helping-young-minds.html

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Christmas in Christchurch - Advertisement feature -

Christmas at Christchurch Priory The Christchurch Priory church is gradually returning to normal.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck?

A Christmas quacker!

What says Oh Oh Oh? Santa walking backwards!

What’s a child’s favourite king at Christmas?

A stocking!

Who is Santa’s favourite singer?

Elf-is Presley

The Christmas before the pandemic they hosted three performances of The Snowman to packed audiences, and it’s back this Christmas.

Featuring a large back-projection screen, a live orchestra, an accomplished narrator and, of course, the famous solo ‘Walking in the Air’ performed by one of the Priory Choristers, this will be the day to kick-start Christmas.

Mulled wine and other treats will add to the fun.

The film will be streamed through the TV monitors for the side aisles. For more information on how to purchase tickets, see the advert below.

Please note: the seating for this event will not be socially distanced. Christchurch Priory kindly requests that, where practical, you take a lateral flow test on the day of the performance. Please also consider wearing a face covering.

Please do not attend the event if your test is positive or you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.

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| 27

Christmas in Christchurch

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

Christmas in Christchurch

New Zealand-style

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

With Christmas celebrations underway here in Dorset, you may wonder what people in Christchurch, New Zealand, with which our Christchurch is twinned, will be doing during the festive season.

New Zealand’s Christmas celebrations are being affected

by Covid-19 restrictions this year but, as the South Island, where Christchurch is situated, only had a handful of cases at the time of writing, New Zealanders will still be able to celebrate together.

While many of New Zealand’s Christmas traditions will look familiar, they take on a different flavour as it is in the middle of summer there.

Traditional Christmas trees are popular, but the pōhutukawa is also recognised as the native Christmas tree of New Zealand.

Towns and cities are decorated, but not always with lights. Banners and

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

flowers are more commonly used as these are in full effect even when it is still daylight.

Northern hemisphere songs and carols are played, although sometimes adapted to suit a summer Christmas, with a bit of Kiwi humour thrown in. ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, for example, has been rewritten as ‘A Pūkeko in a Ponga Tree’ (a pūkeko is a native New Zealand bird).

Christmas Day itself is a day for family and friends to get together. Turkey and a roast dinner isn’t on the menu though – it’s much more traditional for Kiwis to have a ham. Christmas lunch is very often cooked on a barbeque, with a beautiful

A pōhutukawa tree

array of salads and desserts.

Most companies close down over the Christmas period and children are off school for the summer holidays, so it isn’t unusual for families to gather together for an extended period.

Usually, there are plenty of events to keep the family entertained in the run up to Christmas – Christchurch

is particularly known for its spectacular Santa parade and Christmas in the Park, a free outdoor concert that takes place in the city’s Hagley Park and is attended by around 35,000 people. Sadly, this year both are cancelled but, as Kiwis are known for looking on the bright side, there will no doubt be celebrations a-plenty over the holiday period.

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pets and wildlife

Serving up a dog’s dinner Christmas isn’t just a time to spoil ourselves, we should also remember our pooches.

Here’s a festive recipe especially for your pet, devised by nutrition experts at home-cooking platform, VetChef (www.vetchef.com) To serve one meal (providing half a day’s calories) for a typical 20kg dog, you will need: • 200g turkey mince • 300g potatoes • 100g parsnips • 100g brussels sprouts • 1 tsp cranberry sauce • 1 tsp dried sage

Chop the veg into small chunks, mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan. Pour in 300ml water and place on the stove. Bring to the boil, and simmer gently for around 20 minutes, stirring regularly.

Once the veg are all soft, allow to cool and serve.

Be warned, not all food is good for dogs. Dr Joe Inglis, head vet and founder of VetChef says: “It’s important to be aware of the dangers of some of our favourite festive snacks so you, or any of your loved ones, don’t accidentally poison your dog.”

Sage and onion or mushroom stuffing – onions and mushrooms are toxic to dogs and cats. Too much onion, garlic or chives can damage their red blood cells and cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Here is a list of foods you should not allow your dog to eat:

Grapes – like raisins and sultanas, they can cause liver damage and kidney failure.

Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding – can cause serious bloating and gastro-enteritis, potentially even kidney failure and long-term liver damage.

Chocolate – this contains a stimulant called theobromine, which can cause heart issues, tremors, seizures and kidney problems in dogs.

Tomatoes and green peppers – can cause serious stomach upsets in dogs.

Nuts, particularly macadamia – can make your pooch very poorly.

Water from the Christmas tree stand – the sap from a natural Christmas tree can poison the water so make sure your pet can’t drink from it.

Christmas decorations – they might look fun for a dog to play with but if they accidentally eat a Christmas ornament or decoration it could lead to major surgery.

Old leftovers – don’t serve your dog anything that’s been out too long or has gone mouldy as that can be very dangerous.

Foods high in fats and salts – can cause diarrhea and pancreatitis.

Blue cheese – contains a substance called roquefortine C and in rare circumstances this can cause dogs to develop muscle tremors and seizures.

Cooked bones – while dogs love a bone to gnaw on, make sure they are raw. Cooked bones are very dangerous as they splinter and can choke your dog.

A happy festive season for your pets

By Lynwood Vets Have you ever tried to explain Christmas to your pet? It is important to remember that pets like routine and predictability and when, at Christmas, things change, they won’t understand why. While some might enjoy the hustle and bustle of activities and everyone being at home, for others it causes anxiety which might lead to aggression or unwanted behaviours. All the preparations, shopping, parties and unusual activities disrupt their normal daily routine. This can include the arrival of the tree and furniture being moved to accommodate it, presents being hidden in their resting places or the spare bedroom being prepared for guests.

While everyone wants to enjoy the day itself, try and keep your pet’s normal routine.

Be mindful as to how many treats you give them – stomach

upsets on Boxing Day are no fun for us or our pets. It is not just overindulgence that causes illness – some Christmas plants and foods are poisonous and eating decorations, wrapping paper and toys can also cause problems.

For those pets that don’t want to join in with the festivities, make sure they have quiet places where they can retreat if they choose. Cats like to hide up high or under things, maybe in a leftover Amazon delivery box. Also don’t forget fish, hamsters and other pets that can’t move to a quieter place or those that live outside that may need extra bedding in the cold and may be scared of fireworks or noise from parties.

With a little extra thought and planning you can keep your pets happy – for Christmas, not just for life.

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| 29

Relatives of Italian internees meet for the first time

By Janine Pulford | editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Following my article about the Arandora Star last month, a Christchurch resident whose father was on the same ship got in touch and we met up.

Giovanna Gordon explained that her father Giovanni Baldelli – also an Italian internee – was on board the fated Arandora Star in 1940 when it was torpedoed. Being a young man in his 20s, he jumped into the sea, while the older men who could not swim hung back waiting for instructions.

Giovanni was rescued and lived until he was 72.

An active anti fascist, he’d fled Italy and moved to England hoping to find safety, but, like my 54-year-old nonno, Egidio Friggi, he was arrested as an enemy alien in Southampton.

When Giovanna and I discovered this coincidental

fact, we decided the two men must have known each other as they were both taken to the same internment camp in Scotland.

From there they were transported to Liverpool and put aboard the Arandora Star bound for Canada.

The ship was torpedoed off Northern Ireland and sank.

Giovanni’s life story continued, whereas Egidio’s came to an end.

The war years were tough for everyone and after his rescue, Giovanni was put on the Dunera. He and other prisoners of war were not told of the ship’s destination. They were stripped of personal and valuable possessions by the English guards and locked in the hold for most of the journey. They were abused

Giovanni Baldelli, Italian philosopher and teacher who survived the sinking of the Arandora Star

and ill-treated. Overcrowding was so severe, many succumbed to dysentery.

Imagine their fear when the Dunera was torpedoed.

Thankfully, she didn’t sink.

Speculation that they were heading to Australia was realised and Giovanni was transferred to an internment camp in Tatura. A philosopher and teacher, he edited a magazine that was written, illustrated and hand bound by the Italian internees.

Giovanna has an original copy of a Christmas issue that her father brought

back to England when he returned in 1945.

She found it amongst his possessions after he died and wanted to share it with readers.

This wonderful piece of history is just a tiny part of the story of the Italian internees in Australia. It contains jokes, sports reports, a food article, travel journal, fiction and much more, as well as beautiful artwork. If anyone knows of any other similar magazines, or has a relative who was interned at Tatura, do please get in touch with Giovanna on 07968 955343 or contact me.

Extracts from the magazine (Issue 14) Christmas edition

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

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around & about

Dorset remembers

Remembrance services were held around the country on Sunday 14 November.

In Ferndown, there was a parade between KGV pavilion and St Mary’s Church, where the service was held.

With limited numbers able to attend, the service was also transmitted outside the church and livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.

In Wimborne, a short service of Remembrance was held

on the Minster Green, with people gathered in the minster grounds and on the High Street, however, the parade did not take place this year.

The service in Colehill returned to its usual format, with a parade and service at Colehill War Memorial, and around 300 people

in attendance. Parades and services also took place throughout the region including in West Moors and Verwood, both of which were well-attended. Wreaths were laid by representatives of local councils, the army, Royal Air Force, police, fire and rescue service, Scouts, Guides, local organisations and individuals.

Verwood

Colehill

Ferndown service © Tom Scrase

Wimborne © Anthony Oliver

Ferndown parade © Tom Scrase

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| 31

foodie news / if music be the love of food, play on...

Butternut squash feta puffs Preparation time: 30 minutes + cooling Cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes Makes: 8

Ingredients • ½ golden butternut squash (roughly 500g), peeled and cut into 1cm pieces • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped • 1 small red onion, roughly chopped • ¼ tsp chilli flakes • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 8 sage leaves, finely chopped • 30g sunflower seeds • 100g feta cheese, crumbled • 4 tbsp crème fraîche • 500g puff pastry block • 1 egg, beaten

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

These delicious puffs make use of butternut squash, which is in season and readily available. They are also an unusual, meat-free alternative for buffets or snacks over the Christmas period.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the butternut squash, garlic and onion in a bowl with ½ the chilli fakes and season. Add the oil and mix well until everything is well coated.

Transfer to a baking tray and roast for 30 minutes.

2. Once the squash is soft and cooked, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.

Once cool, add the sage, sunflower seeds, feta and remaining chilli flakes. Fold the crème fraîche through the mixture and season.

3. On a floured work surface, roll out the pastry block into a large rectangle, roughly 1cm thick, and cut it into eight rectangles. Divide the squash filling between the eight pieces of pastry along one side of the rectangle, leaving a 1cm border.

Brush each border with a little egg, fold the pastry over and press with a fork to seal. Cut a couple of slits in the top of each puff and put them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush all over with the egg. Bake the puffs for 30-35 minutes, until crisp and golden. Serve them warm with a spicy chutney, such as tomato.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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foodie news

Food allergies and intolerances If you have a food allergy or intolerance, it is important that you have the information you need to make safe food choices. Allergen labelling laws require food businesses to provide you with information about what is in your food, whether you are eating out or making your own food at home.

In the UK, there are 14 legally identified allergens that food businesses should inform you about if they are used as an ingredient in foods.

These are: cereals containing gluten such as wheat, eggs, fish, milk, celery, crustaceans

such as prawns, molluscs such as oysters, mustard, sesame, peanuts, soybean, lupin, tree nuts such as walnuts and sulphites and sulphur dioxide.

Businesses can provide this allergen information to their customers by emphasising them in an ingredients list on packaging, listing them on menus or signage next to the food or be given on websites. In cafés or take-aways, signage may tell you how you can obtain the allergen information, for example, you may be advised to speak to a member of staff who will ensure the information

is made available to you.

If you have an allergy or food intolerance it is important that you check the allergen information that is given carefully and, if appropriate, ask staff about your own particular issue, so you can be sure that the food you buy is safe for you to eat. If you are unsure or you don’t feel the person you are speaking to

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understands your needs, don’t be afraid to ask for the manager or someone who may be better able to help you.

If you come across a business that is not meeting allergen information requirements, you can report it via the Food Standard Agency’s website: www.food.gov.uk/ contact/consumers/reportproblem

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around & about /

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

The details of the events below are accurate at the time of going to press but will be subject to any government regulations in place at the time of the event. Check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

5 and 12 December 2-4pm

2 December 5-8pm

6 December 7-10pm

Festive shopping evening at Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne.

3, 4 and 5 December

Wimborne Art Club Christmas crafts event at Pamphill Parish Hall. From 1-4.30pm on the Friday and 10am-4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Donations to Wimborne Food Bank.

4 December 7.30pm

Wimborne Choral Society concert in Wimborne Minster Church led by conductor and musical director Christopher Dowie. Featuring Faure’s Requiem and Handel’s Coronation Anthems including Zadok the Priest. Tickets from Square Records, Wimborne or tel: 01202 603569.

4 December

Elf Dash fundraiser to raise funds for the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals from Branksome Dene Chine beach on a 2km promenade route. Sign up online at UHDcharity. org/elfdash or call 0300 019 4060/8449.

4 December 10am

Annallal’s Gallery open garden for NGS. 150-year-old cottage with scented Victorian garden. Sculptures and paintings hide among flowers and shrubs. Christchurch, BH23 1DN. Contact 01202 567585.

The Wessex Friends meet at The Cobham Sports & Social Club, Merley, with a guest speaker and quiz. All welcome, non-members £2. Contact chairman derekabaker@ hotmail.co.uk for further information.

6 December 7pm

Christmas Bingo in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation at The Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth. Bingo books and jacket potato included in the price of £15. Big prizes. Tickets from www.jtyaf.org/events/ bingo or call Pete on 07792 121645.

11 December 2pm

Wimborne Save the Children Christmas Parade starts at Cobhams in Brook Road at 2pm and will take a route into the town where there will be entertainment in the square including a fun fair, ukulele band, dance groups and music on the Minster Green from 10.3011.30am by Wimborne Choral Society.

Wimborne Rotary Great Santa Fun Run, starting from Allenbourn School. Raising funds for Julia’s House. Entrants can either turn up on the day or pre-book by registering via email at: santarun2021@wimbornerotary.org

11 December 2.15pm

4 and 5 December 10am-4pm

11-24 December

Dorset Team Christmas Fair at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Different stallholders each day.

Dorset branch of World Ships Society, Voyages & Visits from the Archive with Bill Mayes at The Centre, Barns Road, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown, BH22 8XH. info@shipsdorset.org.

Best Ever Christmas Show at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Various times.

13 December 2.30pm

Events

West Moors Horticultural Society. Illustrated talk entitled Lyrical (LaMortella) by Rosemary Legrand in the Memorial Hall, Station Road, West Moors. New members welcome. Contact Sue on 01202 871536 for more information.

15 December 10.30am-3pm

Make Christmas earrings or decorations at the monthly craft market at GATHER in Dolphin Centre, Poole. Small charge for some materials or a donation to Alzheimer’s Society. Workshops start at 11am.

15 December, doors open 6pm

Diverse Abilities’ Carol Concert at St Peter’s Church on Hinton Road, Bournemouth.

Speakers include Valerie Singleton. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/carolconcert or call 01202 711502 to book tickets.

17 December 6pm

Carols in Wimborne Cornmarket.

17 December – 2 January

Sleeping Beauty at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.

Various times. Box office 01202 885566.

18 December 11am

Shoppers Carol Service in Wimborne Minster church.

18 December 7.30pm

Bournemouth Folk Club St Ambrose Church at the top of Alum Chine in Westbourne presents Jackie Oates Trio. For more information or to book, visit https://bournemouthfolkclub.com/

Variety performance for Afghanistan

A variety performance at the Allendale Centre raised funds for the Red Cross’ Afghanistan Crisis Appeal.

The show began after the national anthem of Afghanistan was played, and was compered by John Hanrahan. It included performances

by Wimborne St Giles First School and Nursery, Lily Meads, Catherine Gray, Evelyn Walsh, Philip Redgrave, Heather Pretlove, Laura Ruff, Sharron Pearcy, Aimee Pearcy and Charlotte Prosser.

Organiser warren Brown said people in Afghanistan have “the right to live, the right to dream, with no in between, and to look forward to everlasting peace and friendship within its peoples.”

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

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around & about /

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

The Midnight Bell

New Adventures Lighthouse, Poole

Review by Karen Wyatt-Epapara karen@dorsetview.co.uk The Midnight Bell – the latest offering from artistic director Matthew Bourne, which played at Lighthouse, Poole on 4 November – is a mesmerising piece of dance theatre that explores the under-belly of 1930s London life where ordinary people emerge from cheap boarding houses nightly to pour out their passions, hopes and dreams in the pubs and bars of fog-bound Soho and Fitzrovia.

Set to an original score that evokes the atmosphere of the 1930s, the piece explores the dysfunctional relationships between the characters, with themes of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption.

For the full review, see www. dorsetview.co.uk/reviews/

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to Bournemouth

Bournemouth will certainly be getting into the Christmas spirit this year.

The Christmas Tree Wonderland will see the town lit up by 100 festive-themed illuminations including the 60ft feature tree in the heart of the Victorian lower gardens. Visitors, who will be led by a trail from Lansdowne to the Triangle through the gardens to the seafront, will be able to enjoy the 10m Changing Tree of Light, a cascading waterfall, giant reindeer, gingerbread people, polar bears, a giant bauble and trees representing cities from around the globe.

The Moscow Tree returns to Pier Approach and the backdrop of the sparkling lights of Smugglers Cove.

Plans also include the return of the longstanding alpine bar and the ever-popular SKATE ice rink. The square will feature its traditional Christmas market.

Would you like the chance to win tickets for a show at the Tivoli in Wimborne?

If so, head to page 46 for details and how to enter.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

EV chargepoints: more planned There are now 42 electric vehicle chargepoints in 21 locations around Dorset.

Dorset Council’s completion of Phase 1 of its installation programme also includes five replacement rapid chargers and one new rapid charger at the Langton Road Car Park in Blandford Forum.

Use of the charge points has exceeded expectations and saved 51,000kg in CO2 emissions when compared with petrol or diesel vehicle use.

The council is now planning for Phase 2, which could see up to 44 more fast chargers (sockets) and seven more rapid chargers at 24 new locations around the county. Several of these rapid chargers are expected to be 150kW ultra-rapid chargers, capable of providing 200 miles of driving range in about the same time as it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Most of the Phase 2 sites will once more be in Dorset Council run public car parks, but the council is also starting to explore ways to get charge points installed in villages, in joint projects involving local residents. This will go some way to addressing the challenge of providing affordable charging for households without access to suitable off-street parking.

It will help the council move

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

closer to the short-term goal of every Dorset household being within five miles of a public chargepoint by 2023.

The chargepoints are a joint project with installers Joju Charging and Mer who have pledged at least £0.5m to Phase 2 of the programme.

Dorset Council has access to the government’s onstreet residential charging scheme (ORCS) and will be using this to fund a number of the new sites.

Dorset Council’s public car park-based chargepoints are now even easier to use.

Customers can use any charge card for the rapid chargers and, as well as Mer’s own easy to use app, they have teamed up with a number of data roaming style mobility payment partners including NewMotion, Allstar One Electric, Electric Juice Network, Paua and Zap Pay. Despite the current energy crisis, Mer have not increased their prices to charge.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “With sales of new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned by 2030, it’s essential that we expand the charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

The use of electric vehicles continues to grow rapidly, and we can already see the

benefit that EV infrastructure plays in building drivers’ confidence and encouraging people to switch to cleaner modes of transport.

“We are making sure Dorset Council plays its part in helping to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency. The installation of new chargepoints is one of a number of measures needed to support the shift towards more sustainable travel and our commitment to becoming carbon-neutral.”

For more information on public charging points in Dorset, including vehicle charging costs and existing locations of all public charging points, visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/electricvehicle-charge-points

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Winter in the homehome improvements / home is where the heart is .

Top tips for decorating your Christmas tree

By Stewarts Garden Centres

Christmas trees have been around in one form or another for at least the last 2,000 years, with origins in Egyptian and Hebrew culture as a symbol of eternal life. Adopted by the Germans during the 18th century and cultivated into a festive icon, they have become synonymous with the Christmas tradition. Today they are still a staple in homes at Christmas time and, whether you prefer real or artificial trees, tinsel or no tinsel here are some top tips to ensure you’re the envy of all your guests this Christmas.

Branches When decorating an artificial Christmas tree, it’s important to tweak the tree as you unfold the branches. Pull a branch up, with two either side, creating a ‘w’.

Repeat this all over and you’ll have a symmetrical plush-looking tree.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Lights If you’re looking for a cosy feel, then warm white lights are perfect, while classic warm lights are better for creating a more traditional look. Cool white lights will offer a more contemporary and modern look. How many lights and what type of lights should you go for? Our answer is the more lights the better – for an 8ft tree, we typically use 3,000 lights.

Decorating Once the lights are on, the next step is to attach all your floristry stems or garlands. Place these asymmetrically to add interest and create texture to the tree. Then add any glass or shatterproof baubles in the colour scheme together, to ensure the colours are evenly distributed around the tree - try to make this as random as possible so you don’t end

up with blocks of the same colour. Once you’ve got all your base colours onto the tree you can add extra decorations.

The finishing touches Once you’ve finished with the base decorations, it’s time for the finishing touches. We love to make big statement chocolate box bows to add to the tree using wired ribbon. Typically, one roll of ribbon will make one large bow. You could also add any clip-on butterflies, birds and flowers at this stage.

And that’s it, you now have the perfect Christmas tree ready to impress for the holiday season.

For inspirational gifts and decorations, a choice of beautiful flowering plants and a wide range of real or artificial Christmas trees, visit one of our centres, or see www.stewarts.co.uk.

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Winter in the homehome improvements / home is where the heart is .

Top tips for a sustainable Christmas

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara Christmas is usually synonymous with indulgence, so it can be tricky to navigate if you’re to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

However, you can still enjoy the season and have your home full to the brim with festive spirit, by making a few changes. We suggest:

Decorations Pine cones, needles, sticks and leaves can all make effective Christmas decorations. Why not see what you can find when you’re out for a walk next, and use these to create a wreath for your door or decorations for your tree?

Christmas tree If you like a real Christmas tree, consider how you will dispose of it once the season is done. You can book a treecycle collection from www.diverseabilities.com or, thinking ahead to 2022 and beyond, join a Christmas tree rental service such as Eco-Elf. www.eco-elf.co.uk

been created with love. Or visit one of the many craft markets to support local makers. Alternatively, tickets for a show or vouchers for a meal or day out means you can spoil your loved ones without buying unneeded items.

Wrapping Natural paper that does not have a shiny finish can be recycled, so is the best option if you’re planning to minimise your waste over the Christmas period. Dried

flowers or material ribbons make beautiful decorations and are a greener choice than foil bows or ribbon.

Feasting Source food for your Christmas meals from local farm shops, farmers’ markets and independent retailers as much as possible. This will ensure you know where your food is coming from – and it’s likely that it will be local, so will keep your carbon footprint to a minimum.

Gifts If you have a talent for baking, crafting or art, you could make gifts for your family and friends. Then you can personalise each one to the recipient’s individual taste and give a gift you know has

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

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Winterin home the improvements home

Household waste makes money for charity Local Dorset charity, Win on Waste, is giving people the chance to reduce their household waste while raising money for charity.

Win on Waste groups operate across the region, allowing residents to recycle items not accepted in local kerbside recycling collections such as biscuit wrappers, bread bags, crisp packets, and Pringles cans, oral care products, flexible pouches,

Marigold gloves, flexible cheese packaging, laundry packaging and coffee bags.

Collected waste is sent to TerraCycle and recycled by shredding, cleaning and turning it into a pellet format which can then be used by manufacturers to create new generic plastic products such as outdoor furniture, lumber and construction applications, reducing the need to extract new

resources from the planet.

As well as benefitting the environment, these programmes also help raise funds for Win on Waste and other local organisations. For each unit of waste collected, Win on Waste receives TerraCycle points that can be redeemed as a monetary donation to the charity.

Alongside communitybased collection sessions,

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there is now a public drop off location in Poole.

Stacey Woods, who manages the public drop off location, said it meant local people can drop off their waste every day of the week.

Find information on collection sessions at www. winonwaste.org, or drop off at 25 Rowbarrow Close, Poole, BH17 9EA daily between 9am and 9pm.

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| 43

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

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CHARTERED SURVEYOR

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DECORATING

FENCING

COMPUTER SERVICES

FENCING

LANDSCAPING

GARAGE DOORS

PEST CONTROL

Advertise here LOFT LADDERS

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Call 01202 816140

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ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WANTED

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

Removal of Wimborne Market to Lake Farm

Land ownership query

I note that the current owners of Wimborne Market want to move to the site they like to call Wimborne Showground.

I am shocked that anyone would think of causing damage to what was the site of Vespasian’s Camp at Lake Farm. This area has traces of Mesolithic and Neolithic activity, as well as the early (AD 45) Roman fort.

The use of the site for occasional circus performances is already causing untold damage by driving large (some over one metre long) tent pegs through the remaining archaeology there, but if they build a covered market they will destroy or cover what remains forever.

The field that is currently used for car boot sales lies inside the Scheduled Ancient Monument of the fortress. I have been privileged to see the results of surveys undertaken about five years ago by Dave Stewart and a team from Bournemouth University and East Dorset Antiquarian Society and you can clearly see the traces of buildings, roads etc.

It would be an act of vandalism and a betrayal of our heritage to allow any building on the site. Even outside the immediate area of the fort there are traces of roads, buildings and other things that would only be revealed by a comprehensive exploration of the area.

There must not be any buildings of any sort put up on this rare example of a fort built during the Roman invasion.

Colin Alborough Ferndown

There must be very few Dorset residents who are aware that the private riverside land adjacent to the Stour View estate in Wimborne should be open to the public. I have spent the past four years discovering why it is not.

The development was completed by Barratt Homes in 2004. In order to obtain planning permission, Barratt signed a legal agreement with the former East Dorset District Council under Section 106 of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. This was attached to the planning permission to make the development acceptable in planning terms.

In this, Barratt undertook to landscape the river bank, transfer its ownership to the EDDC, and pay a fee for upkeep. It would then be made available as a public open space in accordance with the relevant Local Plan.

Due to the absence of any indication to the contrary, it appeared upon completion of the building work that this had been done.

However, in 2017 signs appeared on the built up area and the riverbank stating that they are private land. I queried this with an EDDC enforcement officer who sent the matter to the legal department to establish ownership. I waited just under two years before I received an answer from the new Dorset Council. This stated that there had been no transfer of land and that too much time had elapsed for a transfer to take place.

Therefore the land will remain private.

I then made a formal complaint to Dorset Council in which I pointed out that the council had lost the monetary value of the land (stated as £57,000 in undated deeds – currently at least £82,000), and the public have lost the intended right to use it. Also, that the developers had retained the value of the land and gained the cost of transferring it and the cost of its upkeep. It appears however that they did carry out flood mitigation work and landscaping as this would have been to their benefit. In addition, presumably the sales values of the homes had been enhanced by provision of private parking and the exclusive use of the riverside site. Finally, the failure to comply with the legal agreement had resulted in the site becoming legally unacceptable.

I am satisfied that a thorough investigation was carried out by Dorset Council, but due to the lack of records they were unable to answer my primary question, which had been to explain the lack of enforcement action. They did however inform me that the period within which this could have been done was 12 years, dating from the commencement of work on the site. It would seem therefore that action could have been taken up to around 2014/15, two or three years before the notices appeared.

There has been no response to three requests for Barratt to contact me.

John Bennetts Wimborne

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS 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.

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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.

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Books for Christmas The Adventures of an Elderly Gentleman and Other Stories

By Nigel Power The Adventures of an Elderly Gentleman and Other Stories is a collection of short stories that describe life in a retirement apartment.

When 85-year-old Nigel Power moved to his apartment, he might have expected life to be sedate and a little lonely. This turns out not to be the case as he discovers that the police pay close attention to some of his activities, as do a gang of criminals. He also explores dementia and how an older person still has something to offer the society in which they reside.

Available in paperback from bookshops and major online bookselling sites.

Music

Under the Waves

By Becoming Branches

Local folk band Becoming Branches were inspired by the story of Poole sailor, Eric Bird, when it came to writing their latest song.

Eric was a family friend of songwriter Rob Aston and the song, ‘Under The Waves’ tells the story of the fascinating life of the skipper, deep sea diver and marine biologist.

After a long and varied career, Eric was left with short-term memory loss after an underwater accident. Living by his beloved sea in Lilliput, he became increasingly reliant on his wife, Jo. When Jo passed away, Eric was left with only a house full of post-it notes and a longing to be back where they were happiest – diving together under the waves.

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DORSET VIEW December 2021

Sunrise over Pebble Bay

By Della Galton Set in and around Weymouth, Portland Bill and Chesil Beach, Sunrise over Pebble Bay was newly released in October.

The story follows talented, yet relatively unknown actor and celebration cake baker extraordinaire, Olivia Lambert.

Approaching 40, she’s yet to land the role that will launch her television career and she’s desperate to be a mum.

Her new man, Phil Grimshaw from the Bluebell Cliff Hotel, appears to be the perfect match, but seems in no rush to settle down.

Having ditched her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Tom Boyd, when he backtracked about being a dad, Olivia dreads making the same mistake again.

Rocked by confessions from both her sister Ruby and Tom, Olivia knows it’s time to make some life changing decisions.

Then a terrifying incident off Chesil Beach changes the course of her future and brings Olivia to question everything she values and loves.

Available in paperback or Kindle edition from amazon.co.uk

Rob says of Eric: “He was such an interesting man with an incredible heart for our planet and the outdoors. You never knew what adventures you’d end up having in Lilliput when visiting Eric.”

Becoming Branches have previously featured on BBC Introducing Solent, played at Lighthouse Poole and are regulars at the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. ‘Under the Waves’ is available through all major streaming services.

Competitions Concerts at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne

Sleeping Beauty at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Made to Measure Productions and Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre are bringing a brand new, comedy pantomime version of Sleeping Beauty to Wimborne audiences.

On the day of Princess Briar Rose’s christening, the evil Carabosse bestows an evil curse upon the baby girl, foretelling that before the princess’ 18th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. Only the fabulous Fairy Snowflake can help the princess and try to rewrite her fate.

Will Prince Louis of Lychett be able to break the curse with a true lover’s kiss? Will Carabosse’s evil reign last forever? Will Queen Thelma fit through the door with her outrageous frocks? Head to Tivoli Theatre to find out.

The pantomime runs from Friday 17 December 2021 until Monday 3 January 2022.

Tickets are available online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk or by calling 01202 885566.

Dorset View has teamed up with the Tivoli Theatre to offer two prizes of a set of family tickets (two adults and two children under 16) to Sleeping Beauty for on Saturday 1 January at 2pm.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question.

Q. What local town is Prince Louis from?

HOW TO ENTER Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. Closing date is 15 December 2021. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd, the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne or Made to Measure Productions 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 or the promoters for the purposes of allocating the ticket.

For music lovers, the Tivoli theatre, Wimborne is the place to be in January 2022.

Dorset View has teamed up with the Tivoli Theatre to give away a pair of tickets to one of the following shows: Blake Blake are a Brit Award-winning band that are known for their harmonies. They’ll be performing a new selection of classical anthems, West End hits and contemporary covers in their show on 13 January 2022.

Keeping Bad Company Keeping Bad Company is a concert-based theatre production that celebrates all things Bad Company and Paul Rodgers, and will be shown on 14 January 2022. Included are songs from Bad Company, and also from Paul Rodgers’ time with Queen and Free.

From Gold to Rio – The Greatest Hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran Head on a nostalgic journey back to the New Romantic era which ruled the charts for over a decade in this show on 15 January which features classics including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Through The Barricades, Save A Prayer, Lifeline and Girls on Film.

More information and tickets are available from tivoliwimborne. co.uk or by calling 01202 885566.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to one of the shows mentioned above (you must choose which show when entering), all you have to do is answer the following question: Q. What precious metal is also the name of a hit record

by Spandau Ballet?

HOW TO ENTER Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. You must choose which show you wish to see at the time of entering. Closing date is 21 December 2021.

The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 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 or the promoters for the purposes of allocating the tickets.

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Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

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