Dorset View April 2021 by Dorset View

April 2021 Volume 18, Issue 9

Winner

Rare nightjars threatened by heath visitors

Disgraceful Dorset verges Plan to support aquaculture in Dorset

Covid-19 a survivor's story Charity of the Year

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

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Picture of the month

Volume 18 • Issue 9 • April 2021

DORSET VIEW

Dear Readers!

Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk

2021 certainly has been interesting so far. I’ve navigated attitude and angst from my usually sociable teenager, who has been cooped up at home, while I and my pre-teen have had off days too. The return to school in March brought palpable relief to us all. While I am delighted the children have a semblance of normality returned, I am all too aware of all they have sacrificed in the past year. The talk from the government is of lost learning, and yet I find myself worrying more about lost social contact and missed opportunities to do the things they love. We know the return to school is risky and could increase spread of the virus again, so regular testing gives some reassurance. Twice weekly lateral flow tests and the ‘negative’ results text or email afterwards, mean we know, at least for that snapshot in time, we’re in the clear. As we’ve taken the first step along the roadmap out of lockdown, I find myself becoming excited by the possibilities of what’s next – a haircut (the first in more than a year), catching up with friends, hugs, watching live shows, attending festivals and events, and dancing with others, rather than on my own in the kitchen while the children die of embarrassment, even though no-one is watching. So let’s all stick to the rules for now, so we can all enjoy a lovely summer together.

Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Louis Pulford creative director louis@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

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

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

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

Chaffinch winging it © Danny Howe

How to contact us

01202 870270 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Twitter: @dorset_view Facebook: dorsetview.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow us on FACEBOOK:

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Copy deadline

12 APRIL 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.mags4dorset.co uk

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Disgraceful Dorset verges to get spring clean

Support available for domestic abuse victims

If you have been driving in Dorset recently you will have noticed the disgraceful amount of litter along the county's verges which has built up during lockdown. In a statement, Dorset Council says it will continue its fight against roadside litter with the annual spring clean of verges along some of the county’s busiest roads. With vegetation being cut back, the full extent of littering by drivers has become apparent, and verges have quickly become a scruffy eyesore because of it. Litter picking has been scheduled across the county following the flailing of roadside verges. Litter picking was due to take place on the A338 Bournemouth spur road at the end of March during a closure for annual

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

maintenance. Overnight litter picking on the A31 from the River Stour to the county boundary is scheduled for April, when a Highways England approved traffic management contractor will be used to ensure waste operatives’ safety on the trunk road. Elsewhere in the county, Stapehill Road in Wimborne, the A354 Weymouth Relief Road, B3157 Granby Way, Blandford Bypass and Upton Bypass are monitored and inspected for litter, as well as having programmed litter picking throughout the year. Cllr Jill Haynes, from Community Services at Dorset Council said that

Roadside litter

while the council has “a duty to clear the litter from our roads, I would kindly ask people to remember that it is not the council who produce this waste." Are you fed up of seeing Dorset Council area verges covered in litter? If so, report them at www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Lockdown measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have left many victims of domestic abuse feeling trapped and a greater risk of harm. But Dorset residents are reminded that confidential advice and support is available. Speak to You First advisers can be contacted anytime day or night on 0800 032 5204. Or call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. A range of other support options can be found at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/dvahelp. Dorset Council is also supporting the national AskforANI campaign, which enables victims of domestic abuse to get support at their local pharmacy. Cllr Molly Rennie who leads on domestic abuse work, said, “Look out for a poster in the window of your local pharmacy and ask for Ani (pronounced Annie). You’ll be taken by a staff member to a private room where you will be put in touch with support services which can help you.” In an emergency, always dial 999.

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Front Cover Photographic Competition – Spring 2021 Subject: Life in Lockdown Classification: Positivity Winner: Steve Regan

Winner Steve Regan talks to Louis Pulford What is your name and where are you based? Steve Regan, I'm Bournemouth-based. Where was the photo taken? Durdle Door near Lulworth. What gear do you use? A Nikon D850, Nikon lenses, NiSi filters and a Gitzo tripod. What is your favourite time of day to take photos? Sunrise is my favourite time to be out taking photos. How long have you been into photography? I’ve been seriously involved in photography for nearly seven years. What compels you to go and take photos? I go out with my camera for my love of photography, to get some exercise and also for mental health benefits. What advice would you give to someone who is planning to take up photography in the Dorset area? Photographing Dorset really opened up my eyes to so many beautiful places on my doorstep that I never knew existed. Do you have a website where our readers can see more of your work? My website www.stevereganphotography.com is currently being redesigned but you can see most of my work on my social media at facebook.com/stevereganphotography/ or instagram.com/steve_regan_photography Do you have anything else you wish to add? I offer 1-2-1 photography tuition, post processing techniques, photography workshops (to resume when safe to do so), print sales and all manner of private work from portrait, wedding, property and pet photography.

Summmer Competition now live on www.dorsetview.co.uk/photo-comp/

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Insight into aquaculture in Dorset A report has been released that provides valuable insight into how sustainable aquaculture production can be increased while managing the needs of multiple marine users, with potential sites along the Dorset and east Devon coast mapped out. The report reviews potential sites within the inshore waters, out to six nautical miles, along the stretch of coast. The project was carried out by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), and funded through the Dorset and East Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), match funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with support from The Fishmongers’ Company. It provides potential aquaculture businesses with locations which might be suitable for development without introducing additional

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

pressures on other marine users. Martin Sutcliffe, Aquaculture and Fisheries development officer for Dorset Coast Forum said, “The South Marine Plan is a great tool for sustainable development of our marine environment but, often, the scale is much too large for businesses looking to develop aquaculture sites. Cefas’ spatial mapping tool really looks at the Dorset Coast in much finer detail allowing potential investors to pinpoint the best spot to develop.” This collaborative project was developed alongside extensive marine stakeholder engagement, including commercial fishermen. Martin added, “Dorset has one of the highest numbers of inshore commercial fishing boats anywhere in England which, along with some of the best sailing waters in the South West, makes our inshore

Map showing the area covered by the aquaculture report

waters very busy. So, it was important to the development of this tool that we spoke to the people who are out there day-to-day earning a living or enjoying the fantastic bays and waters of the area.” Cefas has produced an interactive map which is hosted on the Dorset and East Devon Aquaculture Hub (Aquaculture Map - Dorset Aquaculture). The map lets potential investors zoom in on specific areas and see which species are most suited to grow there. Martin said, “England’s coastline is suited to the growing of shellfish and seaweed on long lines, as shown in Lyme Bay which already has a large mussel farm offshore, producing rope grown mussels. “The study has highlighted

significant potential areas for different species and systems within the FLAG area in which aquaculture could contribute to increasing the share of ‘lowcarbon’ protein from the ocean as a substitute for emissionintensive land-based animal proteins as a climate change mitigation strategy. “Stakeholder engagement was key to developing this tool, and the mapping alongside the report will support sustainable aquaculture in Dorset.” In the event of future planning applications, more detailed site assessment and impact assessment would need to be undertaken by the applicant. For more information, and to leave feedback, visit: www. dorsetaquaculture.co.uk/map/

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Transforming travel The second phase of a major public consultation on plans for 78km of new cycling and walking routes and bus infrastructure improvements across south east Dorset gets underway 21 April. Consultation for the remaining two, of a total of six sustainable travel routes, will run until the middle of May. The two routes are the longest ones in the programme, connecting Wimborne and Ferndown in the north with Poole town centre, and Merley in the west to Christchurch in the east. As well as helping to encourage more walking and cycling, the proposals are also designed to improve bus journeys. New shelters at bus stops are proposed, alongside real-time service information

at bus stops, and highway infrastructure changes to improve bus journey times. BCP and Dorset councils, who are jointly proposing the routes using money awarded from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, are encouraging people to have their say on plans. Go to: haveyoursay. bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ transforming-travel to view detailed maps and plans and complete a feedback survey.

‘Discover Wimborne’ virtually Discover Wimborne is to go ahead in April, albeit digitally. Some of the events on offer include a virtual version of the well-loved craft market, Handmade Wimborne, a virtual food tour, and some top tips from specialist businesses. For more information, visit www.wdiscoverwimborne.com.

Printed copies of the proposals are also available on request by emailing transformingtravel@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or calling 01202 451451.

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

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Commonwealth Day flag raised in Wimborne Commonwealth Day 2021 was marked in Wimborne Minster on 8 March, but because of the pandemic there was no audience. The town crier Chris Brown delivered a cry and the Commonwealth Day message from HM The Queen was read by the Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Shane Bartlett as the flag was raised outside the Allendale Centre. Also present was the Mayoress, Tracey Bartlett. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day was ‘Delivering a Common Future; Connecting, Innovating and Transforming’ in unity with the theme for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting which will take place in June.

The Mayor delivers the Commonwealth message from HM The Queen, the Head of the Commonwealth. Also pictured are the Mayoress Mrs Tracey Bartlett and the town crier Chris Brown.

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Pulford Publicity’s

Charity of the Year

Spring is well and truly on the way – don’t these brighter days make such a wonderful difference? I don’t know about your working from home set ups, but I’m looking directly out of the window from my desk to blue, albeit slightly cloudy, skies. A year on from the first case in Dorset and the beginning of lockdown, and we’re all feeling rather reflective, while also optimistic about what’s to come. At the beginning of lockdown number one, we launched a new campaign called #GrowTogether. This encouraged people to make a donation and send seeds of hope to others they were unable to see due to isolation. As we head towards what looks like the end of all this, we’ve decided to bring it back. Send seeds of hope now, and fingers crossed we can all enjoy the

colourful flowers together in the summer. Seeds can be ordered at diverseabilities.org.uk/ growtogether There’s even the option to send seeds to someone you’ve not yet met and our team of fundraisers and volunteers will deliver them to local care homes and community groups, as well as to the people we support. If you’re looking for another way to get involved and spread some colour, we’ve shifted the date of Dorset Neon Run slightly, so it’ll now be taking place on Saturday 22 May – head to dorsetneonrun.com if you want to get involved, we’d love to have you there. For now, keep smiling, we’ll all get through this together. Cat and the team at Diverse Abilities

Traffic queue near Millhams HRC

Try to avoid the trip to the tip Dorset’s recycling centres are being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people wanting to get rid of their excess waste. The recent warm weather has seen people working in their gardens and consequently they have been eager to drop off excess garden waste and wood, resulting in long queues for the tips. The problem has been exacerbated because safety restrictions remain in place, meaning that access still hasn’t returned to pre-Covid levels. Parts of each site may have been sectioned off to help

with social distancing, there can only be one person on the access steps at any given time and on-site staff are not permitted to physically help visitors unload and drop off their waste. As a result, vehicle access and visitor time on site is slower than usual. Both Dorset and BCP councils are asking that people keep their waste at home while lockdown restrictions are still in place, if they can do so safely. People can also sign up for either councils' garden waste service, or consider home-composting.

The garden in spring Spring in the garden is in full force now, with beautiful spring blossoms on trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs. Acers, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias are putting on marvellous displays of foliage and flowers. Everything is really moving quickly. With warmer, drier weather, it’s now the perfect time for planting all trees, shrubs, perennials, roses, herbs and fruit. Prepare the ground with organic compost material and fertiliser for the best results, mulching with bark to suppress weeds, enhance the garden and help with moisture retention.

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

Sowing of vegetable and flower seeds can be carried out now for flowers and fruits and product for the whole year. Lawns should now have been cut and may need feeding and weeding to create a perfect sward. Planning and planting of summer tubs and baskets may begin now, but watch out for late spring frosts and protect as necessary. With a little effort and planning now, you can enjoy a perfect start in your garden for the coming summer ahead. Create a perfect place for flowers, fruit, planted pots and containers for yourself, and the birds, wildlife, bees and insects.

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Be active, play tennis Live4Tennis are excited to announce they will be re-opening their programme starting with Easter tennis camps. They are also kickstarting their courses from before Christmas with brand new LTA Youth Start courses to add to the offer. Some information about LTA Youth Start: • This is a modern approach to tennis training • Forget standing around waiting for your turn to hit a forehand • Think dynamic sessions catered for all abilities Live4Tennis wants to encourage children to play tennis throughout their lives – and be active too. So, if your child is aged 4-11, why not give it a try?

Wimborne Model Town is to reopen to the public on 12 April, with a prescribed socially distanced route in place. Pictured is Jessica Donovan, 6, on the Model Town Trail. Photo by Colin Ridley

Festival Coast Live! planned for late May BCP Council is planning an ambitious programme of outdoor activities and events as part of its Bounce Back plans, starting in late May with Festival Coast Live! The festival will involve professional and community artists, musicians and dance groups entertaining though a series of outdoor pop-up event experiences celebrating live music, dance, food, heritage, culture, literature, health and fitness, wellbeing, and lifestyle. Festival Coast Live! is about creating something that will give towns, high streets, seafront, and open spaces that positive ambience and family atmosphere. If you would like to become involved visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ festivalcoastlive and register your interest.

Christchurch Food Festival will take place this year

The Christchurch Food Festival is to take place this year during the August Bank Holiday weekend instead of the usual May dates. It will take place on Christchurch Quay instead of in the High Street, to allow for any social distancing measures that are still in place. There will be a series of pop-up restaurants on the Quayside in the run up to the festival. And, as always, it will be free to attend.

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law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Gifting to grandchildren By Nicola Lowe, Managing Partner, Harold G. Walker Giving gifts can be a way to reduce your Inheritance Tax liability. There are several different ways to give a gift depending on what you are trying to achieve.

of the funds. The child has access to the funds when they cease to be a minor. For tax purposes the bare trust is treated the same way as a direct gift.

A direct gift No Inheritance Tax to worry about, provided you survive for seven years after making the gift. The parents of the child have control of the funds until the child ceases to be a minor. The child can use their personal tax-free allowance to reduce or avoid income tax on any income or dividends they receive.

A gift to an IPP or a discretionary trust The interest in possession trust (IPP) gives the child an automatic right to income or capital from the trust. The discretionary trust gives the trustees who oversee the trust the power to decide if and when the child receives the income or capital. Both trusts must pay income tax on the trust assets. When the assets pass to the child, they can use their personal tax allowances to claim a refund of the tax that has been paid. The value of any

Gift to a bare trust This is similar to a direct gift but someone else other than the parent has the legal ownership

assets you put into either trust is chargeable to Inheritance Tax immediately and every ten years they remain in the trust if the trust assets exceed £325,000 (for the tax year 2020/21). The advantages to using a trust vehicle rather than giving a direct gift is that the trustees have some control over how much income is paid to the child and the child does not have an automatic right to the trust fund upon attaining

majority. In addition to this there are various trusts that can be used to provide support for those who are disabled or vulnerable. For this and any other questions you have regarding tax planning, wills or probate you can contact Nicola Lowe or any member of the HG Walker Probate team. Call 01202 203200 or visit www.hgwalker.co.uk

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

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When it pays to over-order By Janine Pulford If you like Indian food, you won’t go wrong with a Cinnamon curry. This Indian Restaurant is situated in Ferndown and delivers free in the local area. A takeaway we ordered recently to celebrate a birthday included: • Poppadoms with chutney • Chicken Tikka starter • Mixed Grill Biryani with dal masala, plain nan • Chicken Naga, honey creamy nan • Chicken Malaya, pineapple rice, Peshwari nan • Vegetable Delight, ginger rice. Poppadoms are a big favourite in our house and keep the wolf from the door while dishing up. Great crunch and with a choice of chutneys and dips they tickle the senses ready for the curry. If you want a starter before your main curry, a Chicken

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Tikka is not too heavy. This lightly spiced chicken with fresh sliced salad and yoghurt dressing is tasty and refreshing. Mixed Grill Biryani includes various cuts of meat mixed with spicy rice, but it is not a hot dish. We chose it for its fragrance and mild tones. There is no need to order extra rice with this dish. It’s a complete meal in itself and usually comes with a vegetable curry, but we prefer it with dal masala, which gives a different twist. The plain nan is perfect for scooping a biryani into the mouth. Cinnamon Chicken Naga is not for the faint hearted. The fiery red colour is a warning in itself and you will find the intense heat of the spices will build up and get hotter as you eat. It can be enjoyed with a creamy honey nan dripping with honey, which laces the heat with something sweet. Rice must be ordered

Mixed Grill Biryani with dal masala and plain nan

separately – both the ginger and the pineapple rice pair well with the naga, so choose either. Chicken Malaya includes pineapple, so natural pairings with this curry are pineapple rice and a fruity Peshwari nan bread. This deliciously fruity dish is so popular in our household, it’s a regular. A relatively new dish at Cinnamon is the Vegetable Delight. It is fairly mild, beautifully creamy with coconut and there are some fabulous pops of ginger. It pairs perfectly with ginger rice. Packed

with vegetables including mushrooms, it’s a great option for vegetarians and breaks away from the classic curry. We ordered more than we needed and popped the leftovers in the fridge overnight. The following day we enjoyed them immensely – it definitely pays to over-order. If you would like your take away service reviewed get in touch with Dorset View as soon as you can. Call or text Janine on 07910 680986.

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How Care UK can help you care for your loved ones “If your family is thinking about a care home for an older loved one, you want your loved one’s safety and wellbeing to be a priority,” says Zita Turner, home manager of Care UK’s the Potteries care home in Broadstone. Zita, and Jan, home manager of Care UK’s Ferndown Manor care home, talk about how they’re supporting families through these challenging times. “Care UK has been delivering care for 35 years and over 6,500 families across the UK trust us to care for loved ones,” Zita says. “Both of our Dorset care homes deliver a full range of tailored quality care services, including residential, respite and

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dementia care.” Jan continues, “Safety is all-important. Our teams wear PPE, and both homes have an infection prevention and control champion to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained.” “New residents must have a negative Covid-19 test before they move in, and we care for them in their room for at least seven days to reduce any further risk,” Zita explains. “After that, your loved one can enjoy a more normal routine. Both homes have a Covid-safe visiting suite so family visits can continue.” Call Care UK to find out more about how its Dorset care homes can help you care for your loved one.

Hospital to tackle smoking Smokers who are admitted to Poole Hospital’s acute medical unit (AMU) are to be encouraged to ditch the habit. The initiative is part of a wider plan to encourage smokers to quit in all hospitals across the county, and reduce smoking rates in the county from 13.6 per cent of the adult population now, to five per cent by 2030. It is estimated that offering patients smoking cessation support in hospital could help reduce the 1,000 deaths and £3.5m cost to the NHS in Dorset each year. At the AMU at Poole Hospital, all patients will be offered a carbon monoxide test and nicotine replacement therapy, for example gum or patches, to treat nicotine withdrawal while in hospital.

Staff will receive special training on how to support patients withdrawing from nicotine, and in motivational and behavioural support. And when a patient leaves the hospital, further support will be available through community smoking cessation services to help patients quit and stay quit. With approaching 500,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year resulting in some way from smoking, the habit has a huge effect on patients and on health services. While the risks are widely known, around 14 per cent of the adult population in the UK smokes. Estimates vary on the cost to the NHS of treating smoking-related conditions, with the charity Action on Smoking and Health putting a £2bn annual figure on it.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity . - advertiser's announcement –

Considering care for a loved one? Netley Court is an established care home combining superior facilities and design

innovations with the very best 24hour residential and dementia care together with the option of short stays. Situated in the delightful community of Netley, with sensational views across Southampton Water, it is a special place where residents can continue to live life to the full, enjoy new experiences and make new friends. An experienced and qualified team strives to make each day special at Netley

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To book your personalised tour of Netley Court, call Kathryn on 02380 984 017 or email netley. haa@cinnamoncc.com.

Motor Neurone Disease support at Forest Holme Patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) are now able to receive specialist support at Forest Holme Hospice. Annemieke Fox has joined the Poole organisation as a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) advanced healthcare practitioner co-ordinator, a new role that will be fully funded by the hospice charity. Annemieke was previously a neurology research nurse and before that worked as a regional adviser for the MND Association as well as a palliative care nurse specialist at the Macmillan Unit in Bournemouth. Her role at Forest Holme will be to support people with MND and their families from diagnosis onwards, as well as be a single point of access for people with Annemieke Fox MND and their families.

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

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Help for military veterans to pay for home adaptations If you’re a military veteran with a mobility issue, you might be able to get financial help. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a means-tested payment for people with physical disabilities who want to make adaptations at home. Unfortunately, many veterans find they are turned down for it because of their military pension. But there is another route. The armed forces charity SSAFA have case workers all over the UK who can advise you on what help is available. Look at the SSAFA website or call their Forcesline on 0800 260 6767. Charlie Symcox, director of bathroom adaptations company AHM Installations, spent 12 years in the Royal Navy and is now a Reserve. “We’re a family-run company with a military history, so veterans are close to our hearts,” he said. “We’ve installed many accessible bathrooms with SSAFA and we offer discounts for veterans.” For advice about your bathroom call AHM on 01202 509188.

Get cooking for a healthier diet By Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Sticking to a healthy diet can be easier if you cook from scratch. Home-cooked meals are often cheaper, tastier, healthier and better for the environment. Here are some tips for cooking some healthy recipes: Finding healthy recipes There are lots of healthy recipe books and websites available – when choosing what to cook, make sure you use a trusted source. Check the ingredients list Pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid recipes that include a lot of fat, salt, sugar or processed meats and cheeses. Healthier recipes include: • Fruit and vegetables • Wholegrain ingredients (eg brown rice, brown bread or wholewheat pasta) • Lean sources of protein (eg fish, chicken (without skin), beans, pulses or tofu) • Low-fat dairy products (or alternatives), such as skimmed milk, fat-free yoghurt or soya products Choose healthy cooking methods Steaming, baking or grilling are healthier than frying in oil. Avoid or adapt recipes that cook with animal fats (such as lard or butter) and coconut oil, as these are high in saturated fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Adapt your favourite recipes Eating healthily doesn’t mean giving up on all your favourite foods. Identify ways to make your favourite recipes healthier, such as adding extra fruit or vegetables, switching from white to brown rice or pasta, swapping cream for low fat yoghurt, reducing the amount of salt and sugar or switching to a healthier cooking method.

- Advertiser’s announcement -

Carers keep loneliness at bay Covid-19 has exposed many people to loneliness, but for many older people with no family, loneliness was a way of life even before the pandemic began. Care staff working in the community perform a vital role which goes way beyond care and support needs. Care staff from Candlelight Care may be there to help with a meal or personal care, but they also may be the only human contact that the client receives that day, so they take time to chat and focus on mental as well as physical health. Find out more about how they make a difference or how you could brighten someone’s day as a care worker by visiting Candlelight Care’s Facebook page.

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

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Dorset Council offers free PPE to personal assistants Dorset Council is now offering free PPE to personal assistants. You can apply if you are directly employed by an individual (or selfemployed) to provide care and support to help a person to live as independently as possible, and if the care provided means you come within two metres of an adult over the age of 18. This includes support in the home, or help for someone to go out into the community. To request your PPE, complete a form on the Dorset Council website or call 01305 221000. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. Delivery options are available.

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DORSET VIEW April 2021

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pets and wildlife

Visitors putting pressure on ground-nesting birds There has been a downside to people flocking to open spaces during lockdown. Rare birds in Dorset are being threatened by the huge increase in people visiting local open spaces during lockdown. March marks the start of the ground-nesting bird season and as the pressure from visitors to open spaces has increased, so has the pressure on the creatures that live in them. Dorset’s heaths are home to some of our rarest and most threatened UK birds. Birds that nest on the ground usually avoid areas near to the busiest paths and byways. However, away from the paths, hidden from plain view, there will be nests, eggs and then chicks from spring through to August. Heathland birds such as the nightjar will have flown

many miles from their native lands to nest here in the UK. Nightjars fly in from Africa and are on the RSPB Amber conservation list. They are extremely well camouflaged and, while this helps to keep them safe from predators, it can make them vulnerable from disturbance or destruction from us. While the parent birds are away from the nest searching for food, their chicks hunker down, keeping as still and quiet as possible. The casual walker would not spot them. Data analysed from the Dorset Open Spaces Survey suggests that the number of people visiting a greenspace at least every other day has increased by 20 per cent since the pandemic began.

The nightjar, photo by K Cook

Restrictions on travel have also meant that many more people are visiting their local heathlands during lockdown, with the number of people accessing some greenspaces by foot increasing by over 200 per cent, according to the data collected. The Urban Heaths Partnership (UHP) says it’s so important that people keep

themselves and their dogs to the official paths during this time. Dogs also need to be kept on leads where requested to do so. Information on alternative places to dog walk can be found at www.dorsetdogs.org. uk/out-about/. If you see deliberate disturbance of wildlife in the area, report it on the anonymous Crimestoppers helpline 0800 555 111.

Doggy dangers this Easter by Lynwood Vets Easter is a time of peace, love and family, along with plenty of Easter chocolate and tasty treats. It is also a time when veterinary practices face their most common emergency – chocolate poisoning in dogs. Beware of the dangers that lurk in your Easter basket, as many pets will be curious and want to get involved in the fun too. However, with plenty of hazards around, a fun day could turn into an emergency vet trip very quickly. Chocolate contains a powerful stimulant called theobromine, which makes dogs very poorly. Different chocolate types have different theobromine levels, but even the smallest amount can cause problems if ingested. Cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest. At Lynwood Vets, we often see dogs with tremors, vomiting and diarrhoea because of eating a small piece of chocolate and some cases can be fatal if not caught early. As well as chocolate, hot cross buns can also be toxic because they contain raisins, which can cause kidney failure. If you are concerned that your pet has eaten something wrong, seek advice from your vets as soon as possible. Try and keep any packaging to show your vet, to allow them to see the ingredients and what exactly your dog has consumed. Other useful information is your dog’s weight, how much they have eaten and when they consumed it. Although there is plenty to remain vigilant about, never forget that having a dog is also fun and you can find lots of activities to be dog-safe and involve the whole family. We hope you and your pets enjoy the Easter period and have a happy and safe time. please mention Dorset View Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Get ready for spring motoring Winter’s cold weather and icy road conditions can put extra strain on your car, especially this year as the lockdown has meant less driving for most people.

As we emerge from both winter and lockdown, now is the time to make sure that your car is safe and ready for your spring outings by checking the following: Clean under your car During winter, your car will have picked up a layer of salt and grime. Getting under the car with a hose or going to the car wash will remove potentially corrosive residue. Check your tyres Make sure your tyres are not below the minimum legal tyre tread depth, which in the UK is 1.6mm. Check the overall condition of your tyres too, and be sure to check tyre pressure regularly. Battery health Batteries can deteriorate quickly in cold temperatures. If it takes a few extra seconds to start your motor, or if your battery is more than four years old, consider getting it tested and, if need be, replaced. Top up fluids You won’t want to break down, so make sure your fluids are topped up. Topping up oil, coolant and screenwash is a quick job that could save you time and money in the long run. Make sure you can be seen Check all the bulbs are working, including brake lights and indicators. Clean the bulb casings so they are not dimmed by dirt. Brake health Brake pads need to be clean to operate properly – and after a long winter picking up grit and salt, they may not be at peak performance. It's a good idea to have your brakes checked by a professional. Change your wipers If your wipers are in poor condition this could affect visibility. The small cost of a replacement is definitely worth being able to see the road more clearly.

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motoring

Call for drug driving consistency Road safety group GEM Motoring Assist has raised concerns about inconsistencies in sentencing of offenders of drug driving, and by the large number of offences being committed by reoffenders. Responding to a report published at the beginning of March by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), GEM is calling for an end to the significant variation in enforcement levels between police forces, as well as greater consistency in sentencing offenders. GEM also supports the call for rehabilitation courses to reduce re-offending. GEM chief executive Neil Worth said, “The new roadside drug testing kits introduced in 2015 make it simple for police officers to detect the presence of drugs in a driver’s system. Furthermore, drug driving limits are set at very low levels, and there are also limits for some prescription medicines. “However, each police force chooses how much of its budget to spend on drug screening kits, and it is for local police to decide how to best use the number of kits they have. We are concerned that levels of enforcement vary so much from force to force. “Let’s be clear: driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and entirely inappropriate. This is why we fully support the recommendations of the PACTS report and call for greater consistency in sentencing.” New drug drive regulations were introduced in 2015, giving specific limits to 16 drugs while driving. Convictions for drug driving now stay on the licence for 11 years. Motorists found guilty face a minimum one year disqualification, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Light up your life By Marilyn Barber If you feel that your home needs a new look, but you don’t want to redecorate or replace the furniture, consider re-assessing your lighting. With a cost that won’t dent your budget too much, you can achieve a transformation. There are three types of lighting. General provides illumination for everyday use; ambient highlights items in the room and provides decorative light; and task is direct lighting

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which serves a purpose such as reading. We’ve come a long way from the time when you just had a light bulb hanging in the middle of a room! In the past few years – and indeed since the start of the pandemic – many rooms have become multi functional, so you need to think a bit harder about the provision of suitable lighting. Layers of light work well in rooms that can be used for

different purposes. For instance in a kitchen/ diner you need a bright light for food preparation but might prefer a dimmer light for an atmospheric meal. Pendant lights also work well to illuminate a kitchen island. The easiest way to update your living room is to add floor and table lighting, once you’ve decide the mood you hope to achieve – whether that is cool and sophisticated or warm and romantic. All you need is a bit of imagination and a nearby plug socket as you don’t want too many trailing wires.

Paired lamps on matching small tables will frame whatever is between them, giving an attractive symmetry to your room. And if you put them in front of mirrors, it can make a small living room appear larger. With grey walls still proving popular, lighting can also be a way of injecting colour to a room, by the installation of a statement pendant or reading lamp. In the bathroom you need ceiling lights with bulbs that emit light as close to white as possible and this is best for make-up application.

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in the home

- advertiser's announcement -

Pick up a lighting bargain Poole Lighting Ltd is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic lighting. Designed with passion in the UK and ethically sourced throughout the world, you will find Poole Lighting’s products for sale through the UK’s best high street and internet retailers. Typically, the products are retailed by customers using their own brands but the company also has over 75 years of experience with its own specialist lighting brands of Endon, Interiors 1900 and Saxby. Poole Lighting opened a factory outlet shop 25 years ago in the middle of Poole. Here you can purchase end of line products that are no longer available on the high street at some incredibly low prices. Visit www. poolelightingfactoryshop.com to find out for yourself and buy direct online with confidence. As well as your statutory rights, all the products are guaranteed for 12 months. See Poole Lighting’s advertisement on page 11 for 20% off all outdoor lighting – perfect for giving your home or garden an upgrade as social distancing measures are lifted.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Doorstep moments

Since the start of the pandemic, our doorsteps have become the unlikely venue for get-togethers and celebrations.

Intimate conversations and introductions to newborn family members have taken place while birthdays and even engagements have been celebrated at a distance from the doorstep during the restrictions of the past year. In a study commissioned by Eurocell Home via OnePoll, nearly half of adults across the UK have had more conversations at their front door, averaging three chin wags a week. More than four in 10 have discussed more in depth and personal topics than ever on the doorstep, including their health (22 per cent) and how they are feeling (22 per cent). A third have also spoken

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more to their neighbours, with 32 per cent feeling there’s been more opportunity, while 21 per cent now have something in common to discuss. One in 20 have either got engaged, witnessed an engagement or met a new family member. Handing over birthday presents and exchanging other gifts have also been common occurrences on doorsteps, as well as clapping for the NHS and delivering food to neighbours or relatives. Neighbours, delivery people and the postman were most likely to stop for a chat, with the average conversation lasting approximately six minutes. Of the topics of

conversation, the lockdown has been most popular, followed by the weather and the news. Some admit to having gossiped about other neighbours, and a quarter have spoken about activities such as walks in the local area. And 39 per cent of people in the South West even see a natter at the door as the new ‘popping round for a cuppa’. Friendships have flourished as 14 per cent of respondents say they have made new friends following a doorstep natter. It isn’t all positive - one in 10 have worried about being overheard chatting on their

doorstep and 10 per cent have admitted to listening to others. But 45 per cent hope to continue their newfound conversations with neighbours once normality eventually returns. A spokesperson from Eurocell Home, said, “The front door has become more than just a door, but a place where you can see key people in your life, as well as new found friends. “It’s always been a vital part of the home in terms of keeping people safe and warm, but now clearly has further meaning to the nation.”

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COVID – expect the unexpected by Camelia Terry, Poole Since March 2020, my husband, Richard, and I, had been in virtual isolation. All essentials were being delivered from the local food outlets. We walked daily, as permitted, saw only our children and grandchildren when allowed, and when pubs were open we didn't go in, or even have a coffee out – we were very careful. However, after the second lockdown in early December, Richard went to the barbers and had to use a cash machine because the barbershop didn't have one. That was five days before the onset of our symptoms. Richard started feeling unwell. He had cold-like symptoms – a runny nose and aches. After five days he felt better and we went for a walk. I started to feel unwell with a violent headache and by the time we got home I felt achy and odd. The next day I had stomach cramps, a slight temperature, was still achy and had terrible muscle fatigue. Although neither Richard nor I satisfied the NHS test criteria for Covid-19 – we didn't have a cough or lack of taste – I had a test and it was positive. Richard tested after me, as he was feeling worse, and he was positive too. It’s likely that I caught Covid-19 from him. We called our GP who was brilliant. He put us on Dorset Healthcare monitoring, and we received finger oxygen monitors. We had to note blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature three times a day and were called daily for a progress report. It gave us enormous confidence to know somebody was on hand to give us advice. Track and Trace also called asking our prior movements, which was interesting because we felt like ‘Billy No Mates’! However, on our walk we had chatted briefly to a couple we knew, so they were contacted and asked to isolate. Track and Trace called three times and offered

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help with food, and informed us of financial support whilst isolating. “MY SYMPTOMS WERE DIFFERENT” I didn’t have a cough, or trouble breathing, my symptoms were different, but the monitoring showed my oxygen levels had dropped ‘silently’. I felt very dizzy, very sick and a had a terrible feeling of something clamping on my chest, and shortness of breath on climbing the stairs. Muscle aches were huge and I couldn't walk without feeling awful. The drop in oxygen was a concern and to avoid the chance of silent hypoxia – where levels drop without you realising – an ambulance was called. Silent hypoxia can cause Covid pneumonia, requiring help with oxygen. Older age groups are more susceptible. My worst moment was being in the ambulance on my own feeling poorly, alone and scared. I thought of my late mum and sister. Two birds flew close to the door of the ambulance and I thought, I'm not ready to go, so I shouted at ‘Covid’ and said, “No way are you going to beat me, I will win,” and then I swore at ‘Covid’ which amused the ambulance crew. At hospital I had an ECG, a chest x-ray, and lots of attention. I didn't need oxygen. I was checked and monitored in a small ward to find out if I needed to be admitted. The whole process was excellent and the staff were incredible – tired, but smiley faces, reassuring and attentive – especially the consultant who sat and chatted explaining about Covid. He had been very poorly too, so told me how he got through it. I cannot praise the staff enough, bearing in mind when I went in to hospital it was quiet compared to the peak of the third wave. The atmosphere, though, was unpleasant, people were coming in crying and scared, and some couldn't breathe. The

Camelia and Richard Terry

staff were angels, constantly reassuring. Not knowing if I was going to get worse was my biggest worry. I was on day seven and was told that mild and younger cases would start to recover at this time, but if things were going to get worse, it was likely to happen between days seven to nine. If neglected, people can get into trouble as silent hypoxia sets in. I was very grateful to have been monitored and checked. Luckily I was able to return home four hours later. After two weeks I started to feel a little better. It was a quiet Christmas as you can imagine. I had lost three kilograms, felt very weak and extremely tired. “I CANNOT PRAISE THE NHS ENOUGH” The monitoring continued for two weeks. I cannot praise the NHS enough – the service we received gave us confidence and reassurance. Thank you Dr Oxley and thank you Poole Hospital. It took three weeks to feel ‘normal’ again and we started walking but it was hard. Before Covid, we would walk a minimum five kilometres most days, often 10–14km, so to not to be able to walk further than the end of our road was a shock. Post-Covid is very real. I feel I have recovered well, but Richard even now doesn’t feel well, which is interesting because I had worse symptoms than him. He still suffers with aches, muscle cramp and pain, and has endured tummy sickness and shivers. They warned me in hospital this can happen for months. I feel okay, just very tired at times, but recently managed a seven kilometre walk.

I do not feel back to normal, Covid has left me feeling far more negative. I'm usually such a positive person and I feel more sedate. I get very tired after little effort and there is brain fog – I can’t process things in my mind as quickly as I used to, and I’m a bit forgetful. Anxiety is worse, but I think that's the same for most people currently. It has made me address my age, which is 60. Until Covid, I never felt I was at the elderly end of the spectrum, but it made me realise I am, and that was quite a revelation. For me, the worst symptoms were aches, muscle pain, clamping on chest, and an awful taste in mouth. The doctor called it the ‘taste of Covid’. Neither Richard nor I had typical symptoms – I never had a cough, Richard’s cough was slight. This was interesting because he would normally get a very bad cough and be wheezy with a common cold. This virus is evil. It affects people in so many different ways. It’s not just ‘a flu’ as people say, it's far worse. I know some people, mostly younger, who have had milder symptoms, so it does seem to affect you more the older you are. The doctor told me it loves fatter and older people, but now we are hearing of very fit young people suffering badly. We now take vitamins C, D and zinc. Despite having Covid, we’re still very cautious because reports vary about the immunity afterwards. We are continuing washing our shopping, in fact, it has made me quite paranoid. You don't want to get it full stop.

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