Dorset View January 2022 by Dorset View

Tech Moon's Owl in Boscombe

January 2022 Volume 19, Issue 6

introducing our

Cause of the Y

Happy New Year!

ear

Time for a resolution?

West Parley changing forever

Look inside…

have your say now Louis Pulford speaks to

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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Picture of the month

Volume 19 • Issue 6 • January 2022

DORSET VIEW

Dear Readers!

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk

It may just be psychological – or tradition, or the result of Christmas excesses – but, along with many others, I’ve always used the start of a new year to reset with a New Year’s resolution or two. In the past, I’ve decided to lose weight, change my career path and get fit (more than once). This year, I’ve decided to change it up and just be kinder to myself. Yes, a few pounds lost is always welcome, but I do generally eat fairly healthily and I’m in the thereor-thereabouts when it comes to a healthy weight. I’m a little in denial about not being as young or fit as I used to be, but I’ve always enjoyed a walk, dancing, or yoga, and see no point in fixing what isn’t broken. Having said that, the lack of tangible resolution is making me feel twitchy, and I’m back to pondering new directions. Luckily there is plenty to inspire me in this magazine, so I know I won't run short of ideas. Take a look for yourself – whether you want to get fit and healthy, change your career or make changes to your home, you will find something in this issue to kickstart your new year and our advertisers will always be pleased to help in any way they can. It's been another challenging year for the world, but let's hope for a brighter 2022. We wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louis@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.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

Reflections at Canford suspension bridge

How to contact us

01202 870270

Email: news@dorsetview.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

12 JANUARY 2022

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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Council to spend more than £1million updating civic centre The former Bournemouth Town Hall is to be redesigned at a cost of more than £1million. Cllr Drew Mellor, council leader said: “Remodelling the civic space will make it fit for purpose for the public, as well as facilitate modern, more efficient ways of working for our staff and councillors. The works will give people with disabilities the same independent access to the building as any other member of the public, and the introduction of new technology will ensure access to council meetings remains available to all. This is good for local democracy and creates greater transparency over how important council decisions are made.” Whilst the initial phase of works agreed by cabinet will focus on the council chamber and committee meeting rooms, a second phase of work will be evaluated to better understand the best way to achieve improved accessibility and fire safety measures. The budget for the delivery of phase one is £1.067million, including a 17.5 per cent contingency to account for fluctuations in the supply chain currently being experienced. This also includes feasibility funding for the accessibility and fire safety works. A Members Working Group established in early 2021 identifed the needs of the civic space which included improved access for the public, up-to-date technology, sound proofing, flexible

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

meeting spaces, and clear signage for the public. Parts of the building were classified as grade II listed in 2001, so all works will need to be carried out within the constraints of its heritage listing. The space is used for civic purposes, including council meetings, board, committee and panel meetings, school appeals and election duties. It is a popular venue for weddings and civil partnerships and also provides accommodation for the Bournemouth Charter Trustees including the Bournemouth Mayoralty.

Dorset councillor crosses the floor Dorset Councillor, Mike Barron, has crossed the political floor and left the Liberal Democrat Group in favour of the Conservative Group. This follows recent discussions with the other Dorset Council ward member for Corfe Mullen, Cllr Paul Harrison, who said: “I’m delighted that Mike has made the decision to cross the floor and join the Conservative Group at Dorset Council. I have always got on with Mike and I have every confidence that we will work well as a team, serving our residents.” In a statement, the leader of the Conservative Group at Dorset Council, Cllr Spencer Flower said he was delighted that Mike Barron had joined the group.

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Have your say: face of West Parley set to change forever West Parley Parish Council is urging residents to continue to give feedback on development proposals which will change the face of the village for ever. In 2014 the East Dorset District Council Local Plan was adopted which allocated land to the east and west of Parley Crossroads for development. Both applications are now being progressed and whilst the development will happen, the details are still at the planning stages. The land east of New Road on the crossroads is currently seeing the near completion of an 86-bed care home and more recently has been subject to a reserved matters application by Lidl in respect of the food store on the development. The access to the site and the link / relief road - which goes through the estate - was agreed under the planning application 3/17/3609 and

granted by Dorset Council in February 2021. This comes under the control of Wyatt Homes to deliver, with financial support from Dorset Council. The parish council is concerned over the increased traffic that will be generated by the additional housing and commercial provision as well as the effect the increased vehicle movements will have on the congestion in the village and the subsequent noise and pollution impact on residents. All elements of the development other than the link / relief road and access were stated as ‘reserved matters’. These ‘reserved matters’ form the more recent application for the foodstore and the imminent application for the housing, and then the local centre. These applications are split between Lidl, Bellway and Wyatt respectively. Continued on page 8…

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County lines gangs targeted Dorset Police has been working with Merseyside Police to target county lines gangs from the Merseyside area dealing drugs in Dorset. The operation – part of Merseyside’s Project Medusa – saw gangs targeted on the road and rail networks with Dorset officers working alongside colleagues from Merseyside to disrupt drug dealing, arrest gang members, seize weapons and protect vulnerable people who were being exploited. Over the course of the two-day operation, 15 arrests were made. In addition, eight vehicles were seized; a warrant was carried out which resulted in the seizure of approximately £1,000 in cash, a small quantity of suspected class A drugs, and an imitation firearm; and a street search of a suspect resulted in an arrest when seven wraps of suspected class A drugs were discovered. Further searches at the suspect’s property revealed more drug paraphernalia including scales. Quantities of suspected drugs, cash and stolen property were seized and over 50 safe and well checks of vulnerable people were carried out. ACC Steve Lyne said: “This operation saw us reinforce our

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commitment to be relentless in making Dorset a hostile place for criminals and organised crime. County lines is a particularly unpleasant crime as it relies on the exploitation of vulnerable people – including vulnerable children. By working with colleagues and partners in this way, we don’t just tackle the gangs who bring misery to our communities, but we also safeguard the vulnerable people at risk of being exploited. “Working with our colleagues in Merseyside allows us to attack these gangs in both the locations where they originate and the places where they have decided to set up shop. This sends a clear message to county lines gangs that Dorset is not a safe place for them to carry out their business and we will do everything we can to disrupt their activities and keep our communities safe.” ‘County lines’ refers to gangs selling drugs using dedicated mobile phone lines. Not all county lines gangs operate across county borders; some operate between towns and cities within a county border and some even operate across cities. These gangs tend to exploit vulnerable people including children.

Sam de Reya

New deputy chief constable appointed Dorset Police has announced that its new deputy chief constable will be assistant chief constable Sam de Reya. Sam de Reya was appointed as assistant chief constable for Dorset Police in April 2020 and stepped up as temporary deputy chief constable in August. Prior to this she spent several years in Devon & Cornwall Police as chief superintendent and commander leading frontline policing services, investigation, neighbourhood policing and partnerships. As a senior female police officer and former gender representative of the Police Superintendents’ Association, Sam is actively involved in supporting equal opportunities and inclusion. She established the South West Women in Leadership programme in 2013, to help female police personnel to fulfil their full potential.

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NEWS IN BRIEF Man jailed for assaults Tobias Michael John Gent has been jailed for two years for assaulting two men in Bournemouth while in possession of a firearm. He admitted two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm as well as possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence during the incident at a pub in Kinson on 12 July 2021. New housing support system There is now a new online system that allows people in the Dorset Council area to join the housing register, bid on properties and seek help if they are homeless or at risk of homelessness. See www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing-register for details.

Planning application backlog cleared Dorset Council says it has managed to clear the planning backlog that built up after the merging of councils, but there will still be some delays in issuing decisions. The council claims that applications are now being validated within a few days of receipt following the planning transformation project. This brought together the data from five former district councils onto one planning database. The transformation work continues, with a final phase of migration work due to be completed in the New Year. The council will continue to develop its system and improve its online register.

Take extra rubbish to the tip

Rubbish, recycling and food waste collections in the BCP Council area have continued as normal over the festive period, with crews operating on the Bank Holidays 27 and 28 December and Monday 3 January. However, any extra rubbish or recycling will need to be taken to a recycling centre. Bournemouth repair café These events are held on the third Saturday of the month, usually in the upstairs meeting room of Bournemouth’s central library. They are free to attend although donations are welcome. Volunteer fixers are always needed. Email hello@ transitionbournemouth.org.uk if you’d like to help. Avian influenza: follow the rules Since 29 November, it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate avian influenza. Full details from: www.gov.uk/guidance/ avian-influenza-bird-flu#AIPZ

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....continued from page 5

Have your say: face of West Parley set to change forever A large proportion of the land is now owned by Bellway Homes, who will not be holding a public meeting. Instead on 7 December, they held a webinar which is still available on www. newroadwestparley.co.uk. A council spokesman said: “Feedback received by residents is that they are shocked that the proposal now spreads over a greater area of the site, with the apparent absence of the community facilities of allotments, open space and play area. They feel their views are being ignored and that the Bellway ‘experts’ failed to answer questions effectively. “The environment representative was completely unaware of the recent removal of trees and hedgerows

on the B3073 to facilitate commencement of the access. This is likely to be excused as the land being in a separate ownership, yet later in the webinar representatives explained that the two owners will be working closely on the delivery of the site. Equally shocking was their statement that the flats were three to four-storeys to dampen the noise to other dwellings on the site, emanating from the high volume of traffic anticipated to be using the link road.” Only 19 per cent of the development is allocated to Affordable Housing, when on rolled back greenbelt land such as this site, it can be anything up to 50 per cent. However, the developers will be making contribution to existing providers of health and

Field at West Parley fenced in preparation for development

education, as well as toward improvements to the highways. The level of contribution was fixed at the stage the outline planning application was granted by Dorset Council. Whilst this is still in the consultation phase and comments were welcomed by 17 December and beyond, Bellway anticipate submitting the formal planning application in early 2022 which could see

construction start as early as autumn 2022 and initial occupation by autumn 2023. In addition, a planning application is expected to be submitted to Dorset Council next spring for land on the western side of New Road, the counterpart development by Cala Homes behind Ridgeway. The parish council said that it welcomes residents’ views on the applications.

Care home under construction at West Parley

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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NEWS IN BRIEF Car arson in Wimborne

One car was set alight in Leigh Gardens on 5 December, and another vehicle parked nearby was damaged. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police.

Have your say on Dorset libraries

You have until 7 January to tell Dorset Council how the library service can best meet your needs now and over the next 10 years. To have your say, head to: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk-libraries. Paper copies are available at your local library or you can complete the survey by phone by calling 01305 221000.

Awards for Dorset volunteer heroes

Dorset Council is asking for nominations for its Volunteer Heroes Awards. The closing date to nominate is 31 January 2022. Residents who have benefited from the help of a volunteer or the support of a community group can submit their nomination online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ volunteer-heroes

West Parley Gardening Club to reopen

West Parley Gardening Club will restart at West Parley Memorial Hall on 25 January at 7.30pm. The committee has prepared a varied programme of speakers for the year, as well as garden visits and an annual show. To find out more, contact the chairman, Rod Darch on 01202 896711, email rod@ rdconsulting.co or the membership secretary, Jane Glover on 01202 874975.

Changes to Poole market

Poole market’s operating days have changed to Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Initially, this will be for a three-month trial period.

Dorset Council encourages tree planting People in Dorset are being encouraged to plant as many trees as possible during the tree-planting seasons that run from October 2021 through to March 2022, and again from October 2022 to the end of next year. The initiative is part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) that encourages people to plant trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Dorset Council set an example with an English Oak being planted at County Hall by council chairman Val Pothecary and Lord-Lieutenant Angus Campbell. Cllr Pothecary said: “The Queen's Green Canopy is a great opportunity for the county to come together and plant more trees and we want to encourage community groups, organisations and Dorset residents as well as town and parish councils to join us in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. “I am looking forward to seeing how Dorset gets behind this fantastic new project.”

Lord-Lieutenant Angus Campbell and Val Pothecary

To learn more about the project, visit: www.queensgreencanopy. org. This provides advice about how best to select and plant trees.

Christchurch underpass transformed In a joint project between BCP Council and Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the underpass linking Waitrose and Saxon Square in Christchurch has been subjected to a deep clean, wall artwork wrap and new safety initiatives. It was a continuation of renovation work started last year when stair treads were replaced. The wall wrap design includes a newly designed map of Christchurch Town Centre to encourage visitors to

explore different areas of the town and increase their time there. Underneath the map there is also a QR code to the BCP Council tourism page to highlight places of interest. The rest of the wall wrap includes 14 photos of Christchurch and surrounding areas and where people can learn more at www.visitchristchurch.co.uk The final stage of the project is to consider if security mirrors can be installed so pedestrians can see who is in the underpass before they enter.

L-R: Peter Watson-Lee and dog, Pete Brown, Tim Brown, Peter Thorne, Cllr Phillip Broadhead, Andy Barfield and Bob Atkins

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law spot by HG Walker Solicitors

‘No-Fault’ divorce to become law By Colin Mitchell, head of Family Department and Collaborative Family Lawyer, Harold G Walker Solicitors The New Year comes with major changes in terms of getting divorced, because from 6 April 2022 a new ‘No-Fault’ divorce process will become a law. Therefore, married couples who have recently separated will be able to start the divorce process by simply stating that their marriage has ‘broken down irretrievably’, without the need to go into detail or apportion blame. Also, for the first time, a married couple can apply jointly for their divorce, but one person can still unilaterally divorce the other if they want. The new divorce process from start to finish will take at least 26 weeks (six months). However, it is essential to remember that the divorce process will not automatically sort out any related issues concerning finances or children. We should hope that those additional issues can also be resolved within the 6-month divorce period, but in some cases, it will be wise to delay the completion of the divorce process until a full and final financial agreement has been recorded within a ‘consent order’. As this legal change has already been postponed from autumn 2021, we hope that there won’t be any further delays. We also hope that removing the need for ‘fault’ will help divorcing couples move on with their lives with less acrimony and upset. HG Walker’s team of family law solicitors provide free advice with an initial 30-minute consultation, so contact our specialists today to find out how they can help you. Law Spot is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

Diamond anniversary for choirman Jonathon Hiscock has celebrated 60 years of singing in Wimborne Minster Choir. In that time, he has served under two vicars and five rectors, six choirmasters and a similar number of assistants. He has taken part in two live service television broadcasts, including Christmas Day 1973 plus BBC Songs of Praise in 1990, and also some live and recorded radio programmes and sung in 17 different cathedrals. He was publicly thanked for his service at the family Eucharist Service on Remembrance Sunday.

The Revd Canon Andrew Rowland and Jonathan Hiscock

Farewell Dave Smith

"It is with great sadness that we report that one of our longstanding advertisers, Dave Smith of David Smith Motors on Ferndown Industrial Estate, has passed away. The funeral took place at Poole Crematorium on 7 December. "Dave was a lovely man to deal with and our working relationship was very harmonious. He and his team also kept several of our vehicles MOTd and serviced over many years. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and work colleagues at this sad time." Editor, Janine Pulford

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Louis Pulford meets street artist Tech Moon technicolourmoon.com

tech.moon

Celebrated street artist Krishna Malla (Tech Moon) grew up in Truro. When he was 20 he moved to Bournemouth. Here’s an exclusive Q&A with Dorset View about how his career took off: LP: How did you get into art? TM: I’ve always been into art and fairly good at it, but I never planned to work as an artist. I remember always drawing as a kid, copying Disney covers or creating my own characters. There was a time when I was nine that I drew dogs with backwards baseball caps and glasses which I would sell to friends for 2p at break time. We used to go on holiday a lot in Spain, which is where I first remember getting really excited by graffiti. I’d always be looking out the window as we drove through the country waiting to see the next big piece. I first picked up a spray can in my teens and started trying my own things at the local skate park but there wasn’t really a big graff or street art scene around me in Cornwall at the time. Art was always going to be a hobby, I did pretty well at school in most subjects, A* for art and As for science. I felt pursuing science would be more beneficial so I did all the sciences for my A levels, but general distractions of being a teen saw those grades slip drastically. It was only in my last year at college that I picked up AS level fine art. My teacher Louise was great, she saw I was good at art and had a passion for it. She was the person who suggested applying to the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. LP: Is that where you studied? TM: Yes. I studied Illustration there. After graduating I stayed on as the president of the Students' Union. I represented all the art students there for a year and worked at introducing the live art scene to Bournemouth via competitive live art events, and continued to do so for seven years. This gave artists a platform

to demonstrate and promote their skills. In 2014 I was invited back to teach at the arts uni and also spent seven years teaching short course graphic design. LP: When did you realise your talent for creating huge images? TM: I did a few when I was 15, but it was 10 years later when I really started to experiment with bigger paintings having only really focussed on smaller designs and artwork up until then. Even now, all my pieces start as a small drawing or a design at my desk and then enlarge on to the sides of buildings. It used to all happen freehand but now I mostly use gridding techniques to save time. I would say it’s not that I realised I had a talent for big pieces, but I had a thirst to paint them. The more I did, the better they got until eventually it became a pretty good living. LP: What are the high points of your career so far? TM: Being lucky enough to make a full time living from painting is an ongoing high point. Working for Netflix was a great one although I don’t think it was my best work. It was for the series ‘Sex Education’ starring Gillian Anderson and shot near Bristol. The whole production and atmosphere was great to be involved in (especially the catering truck). Generally working with big clients feels good but doesn’t usually offer a lot of creative freedom. When a painting goes well, that feels great, and I am very thankful to the Bournemouth Emerging Arts Festival, who have given me some big opportunities in Boscombe (the Dachshund, Elephants and Owl). Each of those are big walls where I was given a lot of freedom. The Dachshund on freight containers was only meant to be there for two weeks in 2019 but was liked so much that a petition was created for it to stay. There was also a big sausage dog meet up in front of it, which was a massive high point. LP: What and where is your favourite piece? TM: The Owl on the side of Snu-Peas record store at the end of Boscombe high street. I was trying something new in that design and that risk massively paid off.

Lord Dashington, Boscombe

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LP: What is your best approach to starting a new piece of work? TM: It’s all in the design. As long as the design is good, reflects the brief and enhances the area it sits in, the rest usually goes well. So there’s a lot of work that goes

Fly on the Wall, Bournemouth underpass

into the research of who I’m working for and where I’m working, and as the image slowly comes together, the more I sketch it, the more I know what to do at the wall. LP: How do you keep yourself motivated? TM: That can be tricky when working for yourself, so getting enough sleep and waking up early is important. In fact resting in general. My issue is that I take on too much work, specifically over the summer when it peaks, and usually crash out around November to take time off. The quality of my projects are a big motivation, my inbox is usually quite full with work but every now and then something special comes along and that really inspires me to keep working. LP: Where has your work taken you physically and mentally? TM: Both have been broken. It’s very labour intensive painting big, so it definitely keeps me fit and makes me ache. It also requires a lot of concentration, so can be mentally draining as well but creating anything is therapeutic, so it’s all worth it. LP: Do you have any advice to upcoming artists in the local area? TM: Keep the faith and practise. The more you do the better you get and becoming an artist doesn’t happen overnight, it’s an on-going process. I’m not finished developing as an artist, nor do I think I will ever be. Having faith is important. There have been a lot of times where I thought about giving up. I don’t advocate working for cheap or for free but you do have to start somewhere. I entered a lot of competitions when I had more free time, some paid off, some helped with experience. When you’re finally happy with work you’re creating, it’s important that it gets seen so don’t hide it away (trickier when it’s on walls). LP: Is there anything else you would like to add? TM: Thank you for the interview, and to everyone that comes and speaks to me when I’m painting. I’ve never felt more like a minor celebrity than in 2021. It’s hard for me to talk much when I’m out painting as I have a job to do, but it does mean a lot. And the biggest thanks go to anyone that’s given me the opportunity to work over the years, without you I couldn’t do it.

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Volunteer litter-pickers

Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year

Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year for 2022 is Clean Jurassic Coast Formed in early 2020 by sea kayaker Roy Beal, Clean Jurassic Coast (CJC) has grown into a vast network of similarly minded volunteers wanting one thing – a clean Jurassic coast. Thanks to some fabulous people doing amazing things to raise money for the cause, CJC purchased a load of equipment including litter pickers and safety gear, did a deal on a boat (a folding RIB) and started promoting environmental education after becoming a Community Interest Company in January 2021. The CJC team organises public beach cleans along the Jurassic Coast, often collaborating with other groups and organisations. We also venture out on the RIB (named Sea-Rex) to collect marine plastics from difficult to reach areas along the coast. From there, all the hard plastics, rope and fishing nets get taken to Exeter where they are recycled into things like picnic benches through the Ocean Recovery Project. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only natural one in England, and must be protected. Working with charities like the Jurassic Coast Trust and the National Trust, as well as the many volunteer groups based along this spectacular coast, CJC believes in the Strength In Numbers ideology. The team also carries out beach cleans and talks for schools, youth groups and businesses, and the ultimate goal is to find funding to provide a small educational centre that will also act as a base for the team and the equipment. Whilst the team is happy to clean up in our spare time, we wouldn’t be this succcessful without the kind donations we receive to cover the running costs.

Roy and Sea-Rex

Roy Beal, founder of Clean Jurassic Coast You can find out more, and donate, at www.cleanjurassiccoast.uk, or follow Clean Jurassic Coast on Instagram or Facebook.

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

Lions quiz again

The first Lions quiz since the start of the pandemic was held in the Allendale Centre in October. Approximately 120 people attended. The questions were tough, but most enjoyed the challenge, and there were some high scores. More than £700 was raised, which will be donated to selected Lions’ charities. The next quiz is scheduled to take place in the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown in spring, with a date to be confirmed.

Section of cycle path complete

The second section of the Leigh Road / Wimborne Road West sustainable travel routes has been completed. The newly finished section of the project runs from the western entrance of Stapehill Crescent to just east of the entrance to the new Quarter Jack Park development. Construction of the third and final section of the Leigh Road sustainable transport route is now underway and runs from west of the entrance of the Quarter Jack Park development, past the entrance to ByTheWay Field and up to the new signal-controlled Brook Road junction. It is expected that this final section will be completed in the New Year.

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WIMBORNE

Model of the model If you think Wimborne Model Town is small – it’s going to get smaller, although thankfully the original one will remain. Plans are well underway for the construction of a new ‘Model of the Model’ to celebrate the charity attraction’s 70th anniversary season in 2022. The model, which is a 100th scale construction of the existing miniature buildings, will be laid out behind the Cornmarket area, representing the original location of the Model Town open from 1952 to 1983. The new mini-model, which consists of over 100 shops, banks, pubs, the minster and the King’s Head Hotel, is being produced from 3D printed polylactide derived from plantbased renewable resources. The new project answers the perennial question posed by visitors – where is the model of the model town? – and with the digital technology employed, could even lead to the development of an even smaller 1000th scale replica. The project will be lead by Penri Jones, a model town trustee, and heading up the painting is Becky Campbell from the Winter Workshop group. Onsite groundwork will be undertaken by model town maintenance volunteers, with the assistance of Penri with a model of The George Inn contractor Jay Angus.

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WIMBORNE

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Socialising your puppy Socialisation forms a huge part of your puppy’s journey and the critical period is between three and 17 weeks of age. Experiences here influence and shape their behaviour. Why socialise? Providing plenty of opportunities for socialisation for your puppy and exposing them to a variety of different environments are key to ensuring they mature into a well adjusted adult that will get on with other dogs, animals and people. How to socialise You can create learning experiences with objects in the home like the hoover, television or washing machine. If your puppy hasn’t been fully vaccinated, you can still take them out in a safe environment (in a doggy sling), or in the garden to meet other people. Always ensure other dogs are healthy and fully vaccinated. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, short trips out are recommended – even walks in bad weather will be novel to your

puppy, so don’t shy away from those wet days. Try to introduce them to motorbikes and cars, as well as other animals, all from a safe distance. Meeting up for regular dog walks with friends is great for socialisation. If your puppy becomes frightened, remain calm and try again another day. Frightening experiences can stay with them, so it’s important to introduce new things gradually. Always reward with a happy tone, treats and playtime. All of these reinforce the desired behaviour. When to visit the vets Regular, happy visits to the vets are always recommended even before your puppy starts their vaccinations. This reinforces the positive experience and will help them be less reluctant to visit in the future. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

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Great turnout for

We Three Kings

Wimborne Christmas parade Report and photos by Marilyn Barber • newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

The Mayor and her escort

The national news might be downbeat but the people of Wimborne were in an upbeat mood as they filled the streets to greet the annual Save the Children Christmas parade on 11 December. The participants were full of Christmas cheer too with

the organisers pleased to report that there were around 40 floats including – to the delight of several little boys – a number of tractors. There were also attractions in the Square to entertain both children and adults.

Members of the Museum of East Dorset with their giant pudding

Dorset Health Walks – Free

A health walk is a free, short and regular, guided walk that lasts between 10 to 90 minutes for people of all abilities. They are the perfect way to get more active and to meet new people. With so many beautiful parks, green spaces, towns and villages waiting to be explored in Dorset, these community walks give you the opportunity to discover new places in the fresh air and to socialise afterwards. Trained volunteer walk leaders are on hand to welcome participants at each location and will provide encouragement and support throughout the walk. Walking can help improve overall health and wellbeing. It is important to start slowly and build fitness gently, at a pace that is comfortable for you. There are over 30 weekly walks to choose from across the Dorset Council area. East Dorset, Purbeck, North and Mid Dorset, Dorchester, Bridport, Weymouth and Portland all offer a variety of walks in each location, most of which are close to public transport. There are also walks available within Dorset’s country parks. If you enjoy walking and would like to be part of the volunteer team, please contact the Health & Activity Team. New leaders are always being sought. To find out more about the individual walks in your area, or the volunteer walk leader training, please visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ dorset-health-walks or contact Dorset Council’s Health & Activity team by emailing dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Dorset Health Walks are supported by Dorset Council’s Health and Activity team and work in partnership with The Ramblers’ national programme of Wellbeing Walks. A similar programme is available in the BCP area and is supported by BCP Council. Contact: Health & Activity Team, Dorset Council dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. 01425 480811

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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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.

Help for long Covid sufferers

A new service has been set up to help people across Dorset recover from lingering after-effects of Covid-19. Around one in 10 people who contract the virus have persistent symptoms which can last for months, affecting their quality of life, relationships and ability to work. Dorset HealthCare has established a Post-Covid Syndrome (PCS) service, which will support patients with self-management or direct them to specialist advice or treatment. PCS symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, headaches, brain ‘fog’ and pain in joints or the chest. People who have had symptoms for 12 weeks or more are encouraged to contact their GP, who can refer them for specialist support and guidance. Once referred, a team of healthcare professionals will then decide on the best way forward.

Winter grants

Households who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are to receive support through the Household Support Fund scheme delivered through BCP Council and its partners. The grants will fund a flexible food voucher scheme for children, young people and their families who are identified as needing support; the provision of school uniform, coats and shoes; funding to Citizen’s Advice BCP to provide advice and support to residents with utility bills and ‘winter warmth’ costs; funding to voluntary and community organisations providing food and fuel support; and to support the increased demand on community food provision (such as food banks) through the Access to Food Partnership.

Find more information at: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ coronavirus-1/health-advice-families/post-covid-syndrome

Crazy hair to support carers Do you fancy adopting a crazy hairstyle in the New Year whilst raising funds for a children’s charity? MYTIME Young Carers will be running its national Hair2Care campaign on 18 February. The Dorset-based charity supporting children and young people caring for family members is on a mission to make sure the 700,000 young carers in the UK get the appreciation they so deserve. MYTIME is asking people to do something different with their hair to show they care – the bolder the better. Penelope Day, fundraising director at the charity said: “We know that young carers provide invaluable support to their families, but lots of people don’t realise how much they really do, because it happens behind closed doors. Lots of young carers can feel isolated, invisible and lonely because they don’t have much time to see friends or because they don’t feel they can talk about their responsibilities. So, we launched Hair2Care to give young people a day all about them, to show them that people see what they do and appreciate their hard work. And what better way to do that and make sure young carers are seen, than with the brightest, boldest hairstyles possible?” To get involved in the Hair2Care campaign, simply share a photo of your hair on 18 February on social media with #hair2care and donate to MYTIME if you can. Donations can be made via text: to donate £1, text HAIR to 70201; to donate £5, text HAIR to 70970 or to donate £10, text HAIR to 70191. To find out more about MYTIME Young Carers, visit https://www.mytimeyoungcarers.org/.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity . - Advertiser’s announcement -

Live every day your way with Care UK When you move into a Care UK care home, you’ll be supported to live life in the way you choose. The teams at Ferndown Manor in Ferndown, and The Potteries in Broadstone, find out all they can about your personality, preferences and wishes and create a care and lifestyle plan that’s tailored to your unique needs. Ensuring you enjoy the very best care and quality of life is at the heart of everything Care UK does. Moving into a care home is just another part of later life, and Care UK’s passionate and dedicated teams strive to make every day fulfilling and fun. Continue enjoying the hobbies you love, try new interests, or get involved in regular outings and live entertainment. If you’re a keen gardener, or enjoy doing daily tasks around the home, Care UK will support you to live each day your way. Whether it’s enjoying delicious meals and treats from the awardwinning catering team or keeping active with activities organised by the lifestyle teams, there’s something different to look forward to every day at Ferndown Manor and The Potteries. To find out more about Care UK’s Dorset homes, please call 01202 070954 or visit www.careuk.com/dorset

Beaucroft expansion approved A proposal to expand Beaucroft School and increase provision for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities has been approved by Dorset Council’s cabinet. The plans will allow the former Wimborne First School site to be used to increase the capacity of Beaucroft School, adding an extra 80 places with a focus on those in post-16 education.

Blueberries are food for the brain

It’s common knowledge that the food we eat can influence our physical wellbeing, and there is growing evidence that healthy eating is good for our brains too. A review by Lynne Bell and Claire M Williams recently published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition describes how blueberries could have the potential to positively influence cognitive function in people of all ages. The positive effects recorded were for extracts, juices, and whole berries (typically freeze-dried and powdered) and were seen at doses equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries, which is easy to achieve within a normal diet. Previous studies into the benefits of blueberries in children saw improvements in memory and executive function, while further studies observed improvements in cognitive control of mood, meaning that they could play a role in helping to manage anxiety and depression. There are also benefits for the older generation, as blueberries have been linked to slower rates of cognitive decline and improved working memory and executive performance as we get older. Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health nutritionist, said: “Blueberries are full of polyphenols such as anthocyanins which have been linked to cognitive benefits. These are exciting findings and imply that berries have an important role to play in reinforcing cognitive wellbeing, both in school and as we age. “Berries can be easily included in the diet, no matter what our age. Scattered onto cereals, pureed into porridge, juiced into a smoothie, or simply eaten as a portable snack. It will be fascinating to see how research evolves in this exciting field.” For blueberry recipes, go to lovefreshberries.co.uk.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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Want a FREE personal health coach? It’s #YourMove

New Year can leave us feeling sluggish and flat – physically and mentally. We might start out filled with good intentions of going on a health kick but finding the motivation is another story. Let 2022 be the year when you make #YourMove. We know that getting our body moving and blood pumping can do wonders for our wellbeing, yet many of us don’t complete the recommended 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week target. Do you? Did you know that if you are an adult living in Dorset you can access free support and 1-2-1 coaching to help you make these healthy lifestyle changes, funded by your local council? It’s true! Instead of struggling alone, you could be talking to an advisor or coach from LiveWell Dorset who will help you make a plan – and encourage you to stick to it. Options include coaching sessions, activities and tools to target activity and weight loss vouchers for local slimming groups. As part of the LiveWell family there’s even the chance to buddy up and share your journey through community support networks including a private LiveWell Facebook group. Get active and enjoy all the benefits of moving more - not to mention losing a few of those unwanted festive pounds. You’ll notice the difference if you increase your activity even just a little. GPs refer to physical activity as the wonder drug: there really is nothing like it to improve your physical and mental health. Use your phone camera to scan the code in the ad or call 0800 840 1628 to find out more.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

New year new you! We’ve arrived at the beginning of another year, and the vast majority of us are hoping for a better one, whether it be healthier, wealthier or happier. If nothing else, how lovely would it be to move on from the pandemic? Whatever you want to achieve this year, setting goals is a positive way to start. Don’t set a goal for a goal’s sake – make sure it means something to you, or you’ll find your motivation waning fairly swiftly. Don’t overload yourself with changes either, as that is not sustainable and you may be setting yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on the things most important to you – would you like to get fit or lose weight, take steps to live a healthier lifestyle, start that project you’ve been dreaming about, take up a new hobby or upskill to get your dream job? Once you’ve set your goals, break them down into bite-sized chunks. Making a list can help if there’s a logical route to your goal, or it may be that achieving your goal will require a change in behaviour. New ways of behaving take time to embed and become habit, so make changes manageable and ones you don’t have to change your whole life to accommodate. If you slip up, try not to worry about it – try to chalk it up to experience and begin again as soon as you can.

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Free off-peak memberships in January Losing a few pounds or trying to get a bit fitter is a common New Year goal. How many of us have said we’ll just enjoy ourselves over Christmas and then behave ourselves afterwards? And let’s face it, never does a plate of vegetables look more appetising than after a few days of Christmas holiday gluttony! If your aim is to eat a more balanced diet or lose weight, start by aiming for your five-a-day and you will soon find you get back into a better pattern of eating. Bulking out your meals with vegetables is a good way to reduce calories and adding a portion of protein will help fill you up too. If you would like to lose more weight than the few Christmas pounds put on, it’s worth shopping around to find a diet plan that suits you. Most work on the same premise – fewer calories in than energy expended – so you’ll need to look for one that includes food you like and has the level of support that works for you. Increasing your fitness levels can help improve your overall health, both physical and mental. You can’t beat getting outside for a walk or run but, when it gets dark early and you don’t want to step outside without numerous layers of clothing, it’s easy to make excuses. Committing to a class or gym slot can be a great motivator, and also means you have access to professional support in the guise of a personal trainer or class leader. In the meantime, why not try a new look? There is something about having your hair done and putting on clothes so you can feel good about yourself and head out into the world with confidence that may give you a little boost to hit those goals. 2022 is there for the taking – what are you waiting for?

To celebrate its first anniversary, Snap Fitness in Christchurch is giving away a free month’s off-peak membership to the first 25 people who apply. The memberships will run for the month of January and offer access to the gym Monday to Thursday, 9am-3pm and during all staffed hours Friday to Sunday. Off-peak membership is ideal for people who don’t work during the day, or parents looking for a way to keep fit in school hours. The gym tends to be quieter at these times so if you’re new to the gym and a little nervous, it’s the perfect opportunity to try it out and gain confidence. For this offer, there is no joining fee. All classes – which include Zumba, spin, Pilates and yoga amongst others – and access to the gym are included and there is free parking on-site. There is no obligation to continue after your free month but if you do decide you’d like to carry on, Snap Fitness offers flexicontracts that you are not tied into long-term. To claim one of the free 25 memberships, contact Snap Fitness at Christchurch@ snapfitness.co.uk.

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New Year

new hobby

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

One of your New Year’s resolutions may be to try a new hobby. Winter is a great time to try crafts that are suited to indoor settings. Knitting and crochet are relatively easy to start with, as they require little in the way of equipment. There are plenty of books to help you get started or, if you prefer, look for instructional videos online. Other crafts such as scrapbooking, paper cutting or felting are also popular. They’re broad enough for you to experiment with while you find the style that suits you. You may not have picked up a paintbrush since school but, if you are artistic, painting can be a pleasant way to fill the time. Or why not experiment with photography? If you have a smart phone, you’ll find lots of different settings on its camera, and you can use it to explore the medium before deciding whether you love it enough to invest in a better camera. Perhaps you’d like to invest more time in your garden this year? There are always things to do, whatever the time of year, and it’s as good a reason as any to get outside. You can buy a gardeners’ calendar or book that has suggestions of jobs to do each month, which takes the guesswork out of the process.

How about a bit of upcycling? You may have some tired, old furniture that you could update with a splash of colour or different fabric. The only limits are your imagination – and maybe the décor in the room you want to put it in! All of these hobbies can be sociable too – look out for Knit and Natter groups in your local library or cafés, join an art or photography club, look up the nearest horticultural society or volunteer for a repair café. You’ll likely meet some people with similar interests, and you can tap into a wealth of experience along the way. You never know, perhaps that new thing you try could end up being your new passion.

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A career in counselling

Iron Mill College, which is located at Acorn Business Park in Poole, Dorset, has supported many people to change their careers in its 40 years as a provider of mental health and wellbeing education and training in Poole and Exeter. Principal Dr Jo Trelfa, from the college, said: “It’s extremely humbling to think that these professionals who’ve studied with the Iron Mill College have been part of the process of enhancing the general public’s mental health and wellbeing during one of the most difficult times we’ve all experienced. “If you’re thinking of changing your career in 2022 to help people improve their mental health, then our doors are open to you. We welcome anyone who is interested in our courses, including those who want to change their career but are unsure where to start.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

“To become a counsellor, you will need to start with our Certificate in Counselling entry-level 12-day course that is NCS Quality Checked. “The 12-day study program is designed to offer an overview of humanistic approaches and therapeutic models, and it provides preliminary training in the use of counselling skills. “After completing the certificate, you can either sign up to our Advanced Diploma or FdA Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling course, accredited by BACP and validated by the University of Worcester. Once successfully completed you will be qualified as a counsellor and ready to start your practice. “We hope to see you soon!” For more information visit www.ironmill.co.uk or call 01392 219200.

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Meet the consultant Louise Seddon, a consultant for Slimming World, based in Wimborne, introduces herself: “I’m Louise, an awardwinning Gold Slimming World consultant with 14 years’ experience and I’m passionate about helping members in our lovely town of Wimborne lose weight and feel amazing. “I’ve been a member myself for 15 years. I was always a yo-yo dieter and tried everything. At my largest, I was four stone heavier after having my boys so I totally understand through my own experiences the struggles people go through. “I’m so privileged to work in the town I live in with such amazing members. I can promise that our groups are filled with warmth, support and encouragement and not to mention the most amazing and generous

weight loss plan around you will never be hungry. “Feel free to pop into a session to find out more. There’s no obligation to join and I’m more than happy to discuss the plan with you. My groups are Tuesdays 9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm, at the Community Learning and Resource Centre. “Hope to see you there.”

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New Year, new career?

Free course for Dorset seniors

If you don’t find getting up and heading out to work each day inspiring, it may be time for a change of direction. It could be that you are in need of a further challenge, in which case, seeking a promotion may be right for you, or perhaps you’ve fallen out of love with your job and fancy a change of direction. If you are looking to make a change in your career, the best way to attain it is to set clear goals. These will be dependent on what you want to achieve. If a promotion is what you want, assess opportunities in your current workplace. Many companies will be keen to see you progress, so have a chat with your manager and set targets to help you achieve your personal goals. If you’re planning a change in career, it’s best to start with some research. Are your current skills transferrable, or will you need training? The government offers free online courses to help you upskill. You can find more information at

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-acourse/the-skills-toolkit. Alternatively, further education providers may offer a suitable course, either through full-time or part-time study. You may need a higher level course, and access courses can provide a useful pathway to university study. If you decide a new job is in order, you’ll need to update your CV. When searching and applying for positions, make sure you tailor each one to suit, using the job descriptions provided. Taking time to call for a chat about a role may also stand you in good stead when it comes to getting an interview. Preparation is key when it comes to interviews too – you’ll be expected to know something about the company you’re hoping to work for. Having questions prepared will also show your interest in the role. Whatever your career aspirations for 2022, putting some actions in place will help you on your way to your dream job.

Startup School for Seniors is a free eight-week eLearning course for unemployed Dorset residents who are looking to start their own business. If you have a passion or idea you’d like to turn into a business, you want to gain the skills necessary to get a new business off the ground, or you would benefit from the support of others, this course is for you. It’s being delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott, who will create a fun, interactive, learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Funded by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, the course is free for those based in the county. It starts on 14 January 2022. Add your email address now and you will be contacted soon. Sign up here: https:// startupschoolforseniors.com

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Apprenticeships boom Apprenticeships have traditionally offered the chance to learn a trade on the job, giving an apprentice new skills while earning. Some trades have seen a surge in popularity, with more young people between the ages of 16-18 opting for an apprenticeship as an alternative to A-Levels and university. According to Bournemouth & Poole College, construction, carpentry and electric apprenticeships are the most popular as these trades have been able to continue during the pandemic mostly uninterrupted. The college saw a 44 per cent increase in new apprentices at the start of this academic year. Apprenticeships are also available in other fields including engineering, mechanical engineering, boat building, aerospace, marine, business, catering, health and care and hairdressing and beauty. Some apprenticeships offer the opportunity to study further and gain degree-level qualifications. Apprenticeships are reasonably flexible and give individuals the chance to explore their strengths and develop their education to fit their own needs so they can have a successful career during and beyond their studying years. To explore apprenticeship opportunities that might suit you, you can search openings at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Become a school governor

If you have an interest in education, you might consider becoming a school governor. There are a number of governor vacancies across the county. You don’t need to be an education expert to apply. Schools benefit from having governors that bring a range of creative ideas and experience, as well as links to the local community or businesses. As a governor, you would be part of a team supporting children and young people, helping them meet their full potential. You would not be involved in the day-to-day running of the school, but rather in setting its strategic direction and as part of an accountable body responsible for key decisions. Training for governors is available to make sure you have the knowledge needed. Find out more by emailing governorhelp@dorsetcouncil.gov. uk or telephone 01305 224156.

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Blue tit © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 Whether you know a thing or two about birds or not, there’s never been a better time to begin birdwatching, as the RSPB’s ever popular Big Garden Birdwatch is set to return for its 43rd year on 28, 29 and 30 January 2022. Having attracted one million participants – including nearly 16,500 people taking part across Dorset – in 2021, you can join 2022’s Big Garden Birdwatch event by simply recording the birds you see land in your garden, balcony or local park and sending your results to the RSPB. On hand to help you connect with the nature in your garden, the charity has a fantastic range of resources at rspb.org.uk, including their handy bird identification guide at rspb.org.uk/ birdidentifier to help you get started.

What you might see Taking just an hour to complete, the nature conservation charity uses the records created by the survey to help monitor bird trends across Dorset and the country as a whole. Last year’s survey saw the house sparrow remaining at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings in Dorset, followed by starlings and blue tits. Being on the south coast, keep your eyes peeled for unusual migratory bird species that often travel to our shores

Redwing © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

from overseas to make the most of our milder winters. Birds such as chiffchaffs, redwings, bramblings and fieldfares may join your familiar garden friends, especially if food shortages on the continent have forced them to come in search of food. To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch in January 2022 and for your free Big Garden Birdwatch guide – which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, and advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Great tit feeding a garden bird table © Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) Follow DORSET VIEW on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/dorsetview.news

pets and wildlife

Keep pets safe in the dark The shortest days of the year can present extra problems in keeping pets safe on the roads. With the sun rising later and days drawing in by late afternoon, it isn’t always possible to walk dogs in the daylight, and cats could be exploring near busy roads in the dark. Lynne James, from vet charity PDSA offers some advice: Insurance Make sure you have pet insurance in place. If the worst happens, and your pet is involved in an accident, it will help to cover the cost of veterinary treatment for their injuries. Reflective collars Reflective collars can make it easier for drivers to spot your pet if they’re exploring near roads. A ‘quick release’ type is best

so they can’t get caught up anywhere. It’s a good idea to keep cats indoors at night, only letting them out during daylight hours. To encourage this, try feeding your cat as it begins to get dark — they should get used to the schedule and return home for food before nightfall. Leads Keep your dog on a short, strong lead attached to a well-fitting collar when around roads. If you’re going to take them off the lead try to use an area that is safely secured with fences or railings so they can’t run onto any nearby roads. Commands When approaching a road with your dog on a lead, ask them to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’. Once your dog has sat calmly and you’re happy it’s clear, give the command to ‘walk’ and cross the road together carefully.

Visibility If you need to walk your dog in the dark, make sure drivers can see both of you. Brightly coloured clothing or a high visibility jacket are a good idea for you while a high visibility dog coat or an LED collar will help your dog stand out in the dark.

Pet fit for 2022 By Lynwood Vets As we consider losing those extra pounds and resolve to make 2022 the year we get fit, we shouldn’t forget our pets. A recent report indicates 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small animals are overweight or obese, an increase of 10% in 10 years. Overweight pets can develop problems including arthritis, diabetes and heart issues. Obesity makes breathing difficult and affects the liver and guts. Managing this growing problem requires honesty: particularly around over-feeding. It is all too easy for us to grab a biscuit or three and often our pets get a little extra too. It can be hard to resist appealing eyes or a plaintive meow. The cold, wet winter months don’t help when we are often tempted to miss the dog walk in bad weather and cats often choose to stay snuggled in the warm, which all contributes to an increase in pounds. Weighing out your pet’s daily food ration at the start of the day, including treats and little extras, can help manage the calories. Keep today’s food and treats in one place to act as a visual aid for family members to not feed more than the calculated allowance. Your veterinary team can also support you in managing this chronic disease using bespoke programmes including puzzle feeders, play, hydrotherapy and swimming along with a weight loss programme. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix but the rewards of an energetic healthy pet with an increased lifespan make it worth the effort. So, include your pet in those New Year resolutions. please mention Dorset View Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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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

Finance trio buy Wimborne Town FC Wimborne Town Football Club has three new owners. Martin Higgins, Adam Tovey and Lee Merrifield have acquired a majority stake in the club. The new owners say the undisclosed purchase price is “a sizeable sum backed with a long-term commitment to do the best for the club.” Adam said: “This is all about writing an exciting new chapter for Wimborne Town with significant investment on and off the pitch. “We are committing ourselves to improve the playing squad and progress the profile of the Magpies with new community initiatives. “We would like to attract new supporters and further investment including from potential sponsors. Our door is open and we are more than happy to talk to you if you want to get more involved with the club.” The three work at MSP Capital, but say the majority stake in Wimborne Town FC is something they are doing personally.

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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@dorsetview.co.uk

1 January 2022 11.40am

Charity bathtub race on Poole Quay from the Customs House Steps to the Lord Nelson.

1 and 2 January, 4pm and 5.30pm

A Christmas Carol in grounds of Beaulieu Abbey. www.beaulieu. co.uk/events/a-christmascarol/

3 January 7-10pm

7 January 8am–2pm

Minster Market at the Allendale Centre Wimborne; continues every Friday. Over 40 stallholders inside and out.

8 January 2.15pm

The Long Way Around Africa with Andy Skarstein at the World Ships Society at the Centre, Barns Road, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown BH22 8XH. info@ shipsdorset.org

Wimborne Town FC play Tiverton Town at the new Cuthbury site.

8 January 3pm

25 January 7.30pm

Wimborne Town FC play Truro City at the new Cuthbury site.

4 January 7.30pm

Strictly Over 16s to Bourne Free Trustee’s adult panto Peter Pansy at the Allendale Centre. Various times. 01202 887247.

Experience the magic of theatre from props to make-up, special effects, costume design, curtain–up to curtain-call, in a free exhibition at Red House Museum, Christchurch.

22 January 3pm

23 January 10-4pm

Wimborne Rugby Club play Corsham at home at Gordon Road.

12 January – 2 February 10am

6 January 10am-4pm

£5 donation suggested. Booking essential as numbers limited. Call 01305251228 or email hardysbirthplace@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

8 January 2pm

The Wessex Friends meet at Cobham Sports & Social Club, Merley. Guest speaker and quiz. All welcome, non members £1. derekabaker@hotmail.co.uk for further info. Wimborne Town FC play Yate Town at the new Cuthbury site.

Events

Naturally Beautiful Dorset Exhibition at Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve.

12-16 January

20 January 10.30am

Join Dorset Council’s County Archaeologist and Thorncombe Wood ranger for a walk along the site’s Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Grandma’s Attic Antique and Collectors Fair at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne West Parley Gardening club with a presentation by Roger Frampton on ‘Orchids’. Visitors welcome £3. For further info contact Rod Darch 01202 896711or email rod@ rdconsulting.co

27-30 January

Highcliffe Charity Players present Sleeping Beauty at the Regent Christchurch. 01202 499199.

9 February 7.30pm

Swing Unlimited Big Band at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. Doors open 7pm. Admission free with a retiring collection in aid of Youth Music Wessex and Rotary charities.

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around & about

Free soft drinks for designated drivers During its 2020 Christmas campaign, Dorset Police charged 46 people with a drink drive related offence so, this year, it has come up with an innovative approach to stop people drinking and driving. The force has launched

its Lift Legend Christmas campaign, with over 50 licensed premises set to offer soft drinks to those who give free lifts home to friends and family after a night out. The initiative runs until 1 January 2022. On the

purchase of their first soft drink, drivers will be able to receive a voucher to have their second free of charge at participating venues. This is in addition to breath testing and intelligence-led fixed site checks.

If you have information about anyone who has been drinking or taken drugs and is about to drive, you should call police on 999 with the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.

Jazz back Following the successful return of Wimborne Rotary’s popular annual series of ‘Jazz at the Allendale’ charity concerts in September 2021, the event reverts to its traditional pre-spring scheduling on Wednesday 9 February 2022. As always, the venue will be the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. Entertaining the audience once again will be the south coast’s foremost 17-piece big band, Swing Unlimited Big Band, which will play a broad repertoire of swing, jazz, and contemporary music from the golden age of swing through to the present day. Admission is free with tickets available at the door, which opens at 7pm, but with audience numbers dependent on Covid rules applying at the time. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Youth Music Wessex and Rotary charities which it is hoped will be generously supported. Organiser of the concert, Rotarian Darryl Reach, said: “Our latest charity jazz concert marks the tenth anniversary of these events. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of our audiences, we have been able to raise more than £15,000 for worthy causes.”

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around & about /

Peter Pan –

The Return of Captain Hook UK Productions Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre 7 December Review by Karen Wyatt-Epapara karen@dorsetview.co.uk The poster promised a show awash with swash and buckle, and it certainly delivered. The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook was a hilarious pantomime romp with traditional characters and skits brought up-todate with topical jokes. The story sees the return of the previously defeated Captain Hook who has spent years plotting his revenge. He has an evil plan and it’s up to Peter and his friends to save the day. The star-studded cast brought new life to much-loved panto scenes, giving them a fresh feel, and impressing with their vocal and acting skills. Shaun Williamson, best known for playing Barry in Eastenders, played Captain Hook, while local comedian Noel Brodie was excellent as Mr Smee. They were joined by David Ribi as Peter, Holly Atterton as Tinkerbell, Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Darling and Mermaid and Ruth Betteridge as Emily Darling. A highlight was the pirate gang, played by The Nitwits, whose comedy acrobatics were funny and impressive in equal measure. For many, this would have been the first trip back to live theatre since the start of the pandemic, and what a fun-filled, celebratory way to do so.

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

Regent Centre – 90 years young Christchurch’s Regent Centre will celebrate its 90th birthday on Boxing Day with a free film showing and a programme of events on 8 and 9 January. The centre opened on 26 December 1931 with a screening of an early ‘talkie’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. This year, to replicate the event, there will be a free screening of the same film on Boxing Day at 2pm. Seats are limited and should be pre-booked. Over the weekend of 8 and 9 January 2022, the celebrations continue with events including a tour, special film screenings, a musical variety show and even a game of bingo, as a nostalgic throwback to the Regent’s time as a Mecca Bingo Hall in the 1970s until the early 1980s. On Saturday 8 January, there will be a behind-the-scenes tour, bingo and special showings of ‘Downton Abbey’ (2019) and ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974). All tickets are £5. Full details can be found on the website or through the box office. The celebrations will culminate on Sunday 9 January, 7.30pm, with ‘A Celebration of Musical Theatre’. This live concert will feature classic showtunes from the past 90 years,

all performed by local musical theatre groups. Tickets are £10. Proceeds raised from the birthday events will be donated to the Regent’s Development Fund and re-invested in the centre for the benefit of the community. All tickets are available from www.regentcentre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01202 499199.

Dorset Art Prize winners Young artists are celebrating after becoming winners in Bournemouth and Poole College’s 2021 Dorset Art Prize. The competition aims to actively engage with all aspects of the community through encouraging and helping to

create a broader, more inclusive vision for art locally. The theme for this year was ‘Narrative’. The panel of judges were Michael Spender, head of culture at BCP Council; Rebecca Rossiter, museum manager for Poole Museums;

Sibyl Fine King, director of the Fine Family Foundation, Jacqueline Hurley, widely regarded as the country’s foremost Remembrance artist; and Tony Worobiec, an established fine art photographer and author.

The winners were: Years 10 and 11: 1, Ella Stephens; 2, James McMillan; and 3, Kye Preston Years 12 and 13: 1, Lucy Hannah Kendall; 2, SarahJane Brown; and 3, Sophie Hackman 19 plus: 1, Danny Byrne; 2, Kathryn Whitemore; and 3, Xin Wen. Primary school winner was Malmesbury Park Primary Academy and Years 7–9 winner was Parkstone Grammar School.

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in the home

Make your home greener for 2022 If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try to reduce your carbon footprint, the best place to start is at home. By making small changes, you will not only be helping the environment, you may also find it will help to reduce your energy usage, which has to be welcome in the face of rising fuel costs. These suggestions from Rightio.co.uk are a great place to start. Turn appliances off Leaving appliances on standby has been estimated by Energy Saving Trust to make up between nine and 16 per cent of household energy usage – which could be costing the average household around £86 a year. Switch off appliances when you’re not using them, either on the device or by turning it off at the plug, and you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and saving money at the same time. Consider your fuel sources We know that some fuel sources are better for the environment than others, and it’s worth being aware that the average home emits an average of 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year. New build homes will be required to fit a non-gas boiler from 2023 as part of the gas boiler ban. There’s currently no ban on gas boilers in existing homes, but if you do have an existing gas boiler that is coming to the end of its lifespan, now is the time to consider an environmentally friendly alternative.

Electric boilers are more eco-friendly and tend to be energy efficient. Most new electric boilers will have an energy efficiency rating in the region of 99 per cent. If you are not in a position to replace a gas boiler, keeping it regularly serviced will ensure it is as energy efficient as possible. Energy efficiency Adequate insulation will help keep your home energy efficient by trapping the heat inside. It will also help prevent greenhouse gases from leaking out into the environment. Using larger appliances sparingly – running full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, rather than small loads, for example – will mean you use less energy and water. Make your home green… literally Plants, both inside your home and in the garden, will contribute positively to your environment. If you have a garden, flowers such as foxgloves and lavender provide pollen for bees, while hedges provide a space for small wildlife and birds to make a home in. Inside, plants such as spider plants, snake plants and aloe vera are known for air cleansing properties. They produce plenty of clean oxygen and can also help remove harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning You have probably got a smoke alarm in your home, but you may not have a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, but it is also extremely dangerous. If carbon monoxide is being produced from an appliance in your home, you could be being poisoned without realising. A CO detector can be bought in most supermarkets and DIY stores. They’re inexpensive and can save lives. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Most cases of CO poisoning are caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained, or are poorly ventilated.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

There are signs that you can look for that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring and may result in the production of CO: • Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except in fuel effect fires or flueless appliances) • Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances • Pilot lights that frequently blow out • Increased condensation inside windows For advice on carbon monoxide and making your home safer, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/ carbon-monoxide

Electrical safety in your home With more people likely to be in your home over Christmas and new year, and new gadgets received as gifts, it’s important that you know how to keep your home safe around electrical items. Overloading sockets, using the wrong chargers, and not checking the wiring on items are all causes of fire, yet are all easily avoided. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has the following advice: • Avoid overloading plug sockets – extension leads allow people to plug more appliances in, particularly in older properties with fewer sockets. However, just because there is space to plug in four appliances, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to do so. Use the socket overload calculator at www.dwfire.org. uk/electrical-safety to check what’s safe and what isn’t • Don’t store flammable clutter near the electrical intake or on top of microwaves • Portable heaters shouldn’t be used to dry or heat clothes,

or left switched on and unattended. Watch out for trailing cables that can cause a trip hazard • Check that electric blankets are in good condition and that manufacturers’ instructions are followed. If a blanket is more than 10 years old, consider buying a new one from a retailer that you trust • Make sure that electrical products have not been subject to a recall or safety notice. You can check using Electrical Safety First’s online product checker, found at www. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ recall • Make sure that you have working smoke alarms and check that all appliances are in good working order If you have any fire safety concerns, you can request a free Safe & Well visit, where someone will visit you to help you assess the fire risk in your home and offer support and guidance. Call free on 0800 038 2323 or apply online at www.dwfire. org.uk/safe-and-well-visits

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Home insulation grants scheme for BCP Council residents People living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are to be given a helping hand to reduce their energy consumption. A new Climate Action grant fund is available to homeowners and private tenants living in the conurbation to help fund loft and cavity wall insulation in properties with low energy ratings, where not already installed (terms and conditions apply). Properties will be assessed for suitability and must have an energy performance rating of E, F or G to qualify. The Energy Performance Assessment will be included in the grant for those homeowners that have work carried out. Residents with an annual household income of up to £42,900 are likely to receive a 100 per cent grant to fund newly installed insulation, if their home is suitable. 40 per

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

cent grants are also available for households with income up to £50,000; 20 per cent for those with income up to £60,000; and 10 per cent for those with household incomes over £60,000 (limits apply). The scheme, funded by BCP Council, is being managed and operated by the council’s delivery partner Ridgewater Energy based in Dorset, who already deliver governmentfunded grants and operate the LEAP scheme, which offers energy improvement measures to those on the lowest incomes or on certain benefits. Cllr Mike Greene, cabinet member for Sustainability and Transport, said: “Nationally, energy prices continue to soar, so this grant scheme is very timely. As we move towards winter there is no better time to take advantage of this scheme we are offering.”

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Designed with passion Poole Lighting 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 their products in the UK’s best high street and Internet retailers. Typically, Poole Lighting manufactures products to be retailed by their customers using the customers’ own brands, but it also has over 75 years of experience with its own specialist lighting brands: Endon, Interiors 1900 and Saxby. Poole Lighting opened The Factory Shop in Poole 26 years ago. Through this outlet, they are proud to bring you end of line products that are no longer available on the high street, at incredibly low prices. The shop is open six days a week, Sunday to Friday.

You can also visit them online at www. poolelightingfactoryshop. com, where you can buy direct with confidence. As well as your statutory rights, all of their products are guaranteed for at least 12 months.

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in the home

Choose the right ladder for the task

If you fancy a spot of DIY during the Christmas break or into the new year, make sure you’re fully prepared with the right equipment, as the last thing you’ll want is an emergency trip to the hospital. During 2019-2020, according to NHS Digital, more than 51,000 people attended hospital after falling from steps, ladders or trees. To help prevent an accident when working at height, it is essential to use the right equipment and follow basic safety procedures. Ladder manufacturer Henchman suggests the following for safe ladder use. To use a ladder, you need to be physically able and have a good understanding of how to use it safely. You should avoid climbing a ladder if you’ve suffered a recent injury. Before you climb your ladder, you need to check if it’s safe to use it for the job you have planned. Where possible, always have another person with you when using a ladder. Check the weather and the terrain.

If you’re working outside, uneven, sloping, soft terrain requires equipment fit for purpose and poor weather can increase your fall risk. Avoid using ladders if it is windy, rainy, or damp. Check the condition of the ladder, and do not use damaged equipment. Always follow the instructions – they are there for your safety and vary by product and by application. Tom Kitching, managing director at Henchman, said: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people saying, ‘It’s OK, I’ve done this loads of times – I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously up a ladder or steps? “The sad fact is that it can and does happen. Stretch out that little bit too far on an indoor step ladder or lean a ladder against a tree or bush outside that suddenly gives way, and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death. “Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.”

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need. CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CHARTERED SURVEYOR

DECORATING

FENCING

COMPUTER SERVICES

FENCING

LANDSCAPING

PEST CONTROL

GARAGE DOORS

LOFT LADDERS

WANTED

TREE SURGERY

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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TREE SURGERY

TV Aerials

Christmas Spectacular competition winner Our competition in November’s Dorset View to win a family ticket to the Christmas Spectacular at the Regent Centre in Christchurch was hugely popular, with more than 360 entries. The winning entry was from Mavis Clark of Highcliffe.

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Today

CORRESPONDENCE To express your opinion or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk New beginnings for Ferndown Police Community Office Ferndown Police Community Office, which was based at the Barrington before its closure in 2020, will now be known as Watch Community Office Supporting the Police. It will also be moving premises. Over the period of closure, the Barrington Community Centre, which has been going through refurbishment, has had various dates for completion which have not transpired. The latest forecast for fully opening is now early January. You may or may not know that there have been quite a number of meetings between our watch, the town council and the new manager of the Barrington – who oversees the lettings of the rooms. Our concern is the office which we have had the use of for over 17 years. The manager has considered that our former office would be best served as a storeroom. We have asked what is the future

for us and the answer was quite bleak as it was pointed out that there was no availability for us to have a regular space in any other room within the building. I wonder what the thoughts are from the public of losing a community office that is a liaison between the police, a sympathetic ear and selling security items at a low cost within a community building that is supposedly supporting the neighbourhood? However, we are pleased to announce that the Ferndown Day Centre and John Dixon of Ferndown Coaches have kindly provided us with a new office at the Precinct end of the Ferndown Day Centre, 5 Library Road, Ferndown. The office will be ‘open for business’ in early January. We look forward to welcoming you all back, see you then.

Peter Ebers Watch Community Office

Picture location We were contacted to find out the location of the honey fungus pictured on page three of December’s Dorset View. It was taken in Alexandra Park, which is in Parkstone.

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. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration

Department. Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them. Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears. Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Stop driving being a pain in the neck With the new year upon us, you may be planning a winter break or trip away to see family or friends. Longer car journeys force us to sit in a constrained posture and can result in aches and pains such as lower back or hip pain, a stiff neck, foot or finger cramps or sore shoulders. These tips from GEM Motoring Assist suggest ways to avoid discomfort while driving, and to make life easier while undertaking longer journeys.

Seat belt If it’s uncomfortable reaching back to grab your seat belt, consider installing an easyreach seatbelt handle. Extra padding such as sheepskin seatbelt covers can protect your neck and shoulder from rubbing and chafing. Driving position Sitting too close to the wheel is a bad idea, as this could compromise the effective deployment of safety devices

such as air bags in the event of an emergency. Sitting too far back compromises pedal control. Experts recommend a minimum of 30cm gap between the centre of the steering wheel and the base of the driver’s breastbone. Reduce glare With shorter days and a low sun, glare can seriously compromise visibility. Ask a professional about the most suitable sunglasses

for your needs and consider additional glare shields which you can fit to the sun visor. Plan your journeys Take the time to plan any long journeys or trips on unfamiliar roads, allowing for regular breaks. Plan to travel when traffic is light and stick to the types of roads that suit you best. Consider postponing the journey if weather conditions are poor.

Getting in and out If you find it difficult to get into or out of a car, consider getting something extra to hold on to such as a handle or grip that attaches to the car door latch to improve stability. The steering wheel can offer a bit of extra leverage, but it’s not recommended because you could do long term damage to it. Loading and unloading Many drivers find it challenging to stow luggage and heavy equipment such as a wheelchair or pushchair. Use simple laminated boards, to make access to the boot easier and reduce the strain of lifting.

Mobile phone driving laws change Loopholes that have allowed some mobile phone usage at the wheel of a vehicle will be tightened up. It is currently illegal to text or make a phone call using a handheld device, other than in an emergency. From 2022, drivers will also be prohibited from using their phone to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, or play games. This applies even if a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. Drivers will be able to continue using devices ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav, if it’s secured in a cradle. They must, however, always take responsibility for their driving and can be charged with an offence if the police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle. They will also be allowed to make a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary, for example, at a drive through restaurant or toll booth.

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DORSET VIEW January 2022

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Shedding light on two men named Thomas Hardy The Dorset History Centre in Dorchester has purchased items relating to Thomas Hardy and Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy It can be a little confusing when you realise that there were two prominent men in Dorset called Thomas Hardy. In addition to the writer Thomas Hardy there was Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy – and now new documents purchased by the Dorset History Centre, which is based in Dorchester, throw new light on their lives. The items were funded jointly by Friends of the National Library and Dorset Archives Trust. The first acquisition is a letter written in September 1927 by Florence Hardy to a Mr Lea of Bockhampton portending Thomas Hardy’s death. This documents the deteriorating health of her husband and she tells of a ‘very able London Doctor’, Sir Henry Head, who had retired to Dorset and who was being particularly attentive to Hardy. Sir Henry had advised that Hardy ‘ought not to see friends or any callers, two days in succession as the strain of a long conversation

is very bad for his heart’. The letter is poignant in that it was written a little over four months before Hardy’s death on 14 January 1928 of a cardiac-related condition. The second acquisition is a set of two letters concerning the arrangements of the burial of the author in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. The exchange is between The Dean of Westminster and the Vicar of Fordingdon, the Rev Richard Grosvenor Bartelot. The Dean writes to Rev Bartelot that his decision to permit Hardy’s burial in Poets’ Corner ‘has given rise to a great deal of controversy. I am receiving every day furious protests on the ground that his teaching was anti-Christian and that he himself was not a Christian, that his moral standard was very low, etc’. He goes on to say that, having previously ignored the criticism, he had now received a letter from the ‘head of a great religious body’ so felt compelled to properly respond to Hardy’s detractors. The Rev Bartelot replied

The proof copy of The Three Dorset Captains at Trafalgar by Broadley and Bartelot published in 1906.

that, although convinced of Hardy’s essential Christianity, ‘he had never been able to penetrate the armour’ and that ‘he (Hardy) absolutely refused to be drawn’ on religious matters. Hardy’s ashes were indeed interred in Westminster Abbey on 16 January 1928. Underscoring Hardy’s undying associations with Dorset, a spadeful of soil, supplied by a local farm labourer Christopher Corbin, was sprinkled on the casket. The third item acquired by DHC relates to Captain Thomas Hardy and is the proof copy of The Three Dorset Captains at Trafalgar by Broadley and Bartelot published in 1906. The book, now reprinted several times, discusses the contributions at that critical sea battle of Captains Digby, Bullen and Hardy. The volume is particularly significant because it contains annotated changes to the text along with correspondence

between the authors as well as a manuscript letter from Thomas Masterman Hardy, Portesham’s most famous son, Flag Captain of the Victory. Pasted into the front cover is a short note from Nelson himself (signing himself as the ‘Duke of Bronte’) in which he decries the ‘scoundrels’ who attacked the French ambassador’s carriage. This is an important piece of Dorset and the UK’s maritime history and it is now held at the History Centre for the public to access. Carola Campbell, chairman of Dorset Archives Trust said the trust was privileged to support the Dorset History Centre in purchasing these important documents. She said: “They provide fascinating and intimate information on two of Dorset’s most famous men, both named Thomas Hardy. This archival material has now been saved from obscurity and is accessible to all Dorset History lovers.”

BMX Championships coming to Bournemouth Bournemouth BMX Club is to host the finale of the 2022 British BMX series over the August Bank Holiday weekend. In partnership with BCP Council, the Bournemouth BMX Club was awarded the bid to host this significant event at its Iford Lane facility. This BMX facility is the only racetrack facility in Dorset and when not being used by the club, is available for public use by the growing number of people interested in this exciting sport. Bournemouth BMX Club was established in 1982, and next year’s event marks 40 years of BMX racing, with the centrepiece being the national series visiting the town for the first time since 1994. The club runs a regular Thursday evening summer club series and was the largest club at the 2021 British Championships. It is run by a team of volunteers who are actively involved in promoting BMX as a sport.

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