Viewpoint July 2018

Established Over 35 Years Mid July 2018

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 42, Issue 9

VERWOOD RINGWOOD FORDINGBRIDGE WEST MOORS WIMBORNE FERNDOWN ASHLEY HEATH ST IVES, ALDERHOLT

Ringwood man will be “missed forever”

The family of Ringwood man Nigel Andrews, 46, who died following a collision on the A31 eastbound on 19 June, has paid tribute to him saying, “he was loved dearly and will be missed forever.”

Officers were called shortly after midnight following the collision involving a white Vauxhall CDTi, prior to the Salisbury Road roundabout at Ringwood.

Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 4418 02283 10, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nigel Andrews

take one it’s

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• MAN JAILED FOR HANDLING STOLEN GOODS • HOSPITAL CL OSURE LOOMS • FERNDOWN FETE ON THE FI ELD COMPETITIONS • £40 RINGWOO D SHOPPING VO UCHER • 10TH MAGS4D ORSET SHORT STORY COMPETITION

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VIEWPOINT Volume 42 • Issue 9 • July 2018 MAGS4DORSET Dear Readers I’m getting a feeling of déjà-vu as I write this. I’ve been helping here on and off over the last couple of years. But this is not the first time I have worked with Viewpoint. Those of you with incredibly good memories might just recall that I was editor prior to Janine, when the magazines were published by Airborne Printing in Verwood. In those days, when I wanted to leave to take up a full-time position, I was told I couldn’t leave until I’d found my replacement. In Janine, we couldn’t have found a more dedicated and hardworking editor and she’s still here all these years later. A lot has changed in the technology used since those days in the 1990s.

It has been great working once again with the team at mags4dorset and meeting some of the supporting businesses, hearing from lovely readers, interviewing interesting people and attending shows and events. I have also had some wonderful meals while reviewing, something that may have reflected in my waistline expanding, helped recently by attending a Verwood slimming club, see page 15.

Something I have shared with the editor is finding how to help an elderly parent who needs hospitalisation and follow-up care. Janine makes an impassioned plea on page 30 concerning St Leonards Hospital. I am in total agreement that we need to save our ‘cottage hospitals’, especially when patients, whatever their age, are not quite ready to return home.

I have the feeling this won’t be the last you’ll hear from me. Until then, it’s been a pleasure.

Carol Waterkeyn

Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 893430 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

DESIGN 01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk

Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Contributing Editor

LOGISTICS

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

editorial Picture of the month

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Two’s company, three’s a ‘crow’d. © CatchBox

How to contact us Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441

Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news NEW ADDRESS

Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

next copy closing date:

27 JULY 2018

Viewpoint is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £35 per year. Views or opinions expressed in Viewpoint 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 Viewpoint and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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Buddy-up in Ferndown

Ferndown Community Connectors are on the look-out for volunteers.

Headed by the community outreach programme, PramaLIFE, the ‘connectors’ scheme aims to help those who have lost confidence.

Volunteers will be trained and partnered with people in Ferndown who they can help with simple things like going for a coffee, walking the dog or catching a bus.

Emma Regan from Douch Family Funeral Directors, which runs the Jolliffe branch in Ferndown, is on the working group. She said, “Spending a bit of time with someone in order to hold their hand and improve their confidence is extremely simple but can change someone’s life.”

To find out more visit Ferndown Community Connectors on Facebook.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

Man jailed for handling stolen jewellery A Bournemouth man has been jailed for four years for handling jewellery stolen by the men who murdered businessman Guy Hedger.

Jamie Evans, 38, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 8 June, after pleading guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard Evans was identified as being linked to the murder investigation via mobile phone data linked to the offenders, and was subsequently caught for the handling offences when he attempted to return the stolen items to police. He did this two days after the independent charity Crimestoppers, issued a £10,000 reward on 27 July 2017 for the recovery of the firearm used, and the return of sentimental jewellery, which was stolen during the crime.

Evans said he’d purchased the items for £150 in May and didn’t realise the prominence of the items until he saw a newspaper article about the Crimestoppers reward and then he panicked and returned them to the police.

Mr Hedger was shot in the chest at close range by one of two masked burglars who had broken into the home near Ringwood on 30 April 2017. Around £124,000-worth of jewellery, bags and watches were stolen.

Kevin Downton, 40, and Jason Baccus, 42, were convicted of his murder and received life prison sentences in January 2018.

School litter pick reveals load of rubbish

Ringwood Waldorf School is celebrating a silver award under the Eco-Schools programme, recognising a host of on-going green and recycling initiatives.

Just recently, in half an hour on Bournemouth beach, pupils litter-picked enough plastic and other rubbish to fill two buckets.

They also surveyed the number of plastic bottles being brought into class each day, encouraging families to find sustainable alternatives.

Among other initiatives, pupils ran a café at the school’s screening of A Plastic Ocean, raising £100 for Surfers Against Sewage.

In continuing its Eco-School journey, Ringwood Waldorf is aiming to gain the top Green Flag accreditation.

Ferndown First Eco-champions save the butterflies

Photos by Louis Pulford

The eco-champions at Ferndown First School have become increasingly aware of the struggles butterflies are facing this summer. The butterflies are running out of energy and dying before they make it to plants to refuel. In order to combat this problem, the eco-champions have been putting out butterfly feeders – sponges soaked with sugary water – so that butterflies can land on them, regain strength and fly off.

The eco-champions range from ages four to nine.

Butterfly

wn First School eco-champions at Ferndo lord with eco leader amanda

feeeder

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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5

LAW SPOT

Silent Soldier decapitated

How to protect your property from fraud

By Karen Liddiard, Head of Conveyancing at Harold G Walker Solicitors Incidents of property fraud have unfortunately increased in recent years. Karen Liddiard, a Chartered Legal Executive and Head of Residential Conveyancing at Harold G Walker talks about some practical steps you can take to help protect yourself and your property.

Make sure your address is up to date at the Land Registry. Most title fraud occurs where the Land Registry does not have a current address for the owner of a property. If you move from your property, perhaps to rent it out, or have a period of extended travel, it is really important to make sure that the Land Registry has up-to-date contact details. This is to ensure that you will receive any notices served in respect of the property. It is

possible to have more than one address registered, and I recommend that clients consider registering a second address – this can even be an email address.

Sign up to the Land Registry’s ‘Property Alert Service,’ which is aimed at anyone who feels a registered property could be at risk from fraud. This is a free service and enables you to receive email alerts from the Land Registry whenever certain activity that seems suspicious occurs on your property, allowing you to then take action if necessary. To create an account, visit https://propertyalert. landregistry.gov.uk.

Register a restriction against the property. As a further measure, where you will not be living at the property, it is possible to

Karen Liddiard

register a restriction against the property, which aims to prevent forgery. It requires that a conveyancer must certify that they are satisfied that the person transferring or mortgaging the property in the future is the same person as the owner.

Apply for first registration. If your property is unregistered, it is particularly vulnerable and I would, therefore, suggest submitting an application for a voluntary first registration.

This may also save time and complications when you eventually come to sell the property.

For further information please contact Harold G Walker Solicitors. This column is supplied for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

Another Silent Soldier has been vandalised in Ferndown.

Situated on the entrance to Pennys Walk, the figure was decapitated.

It is the second to be vandalised since 10 were installed around Ferndown in May by the town council.

The Pennys Walk installation was quickly replaced with the Silent Soldier that had been standing at Longham near the Angel Inn. The silhouettes form part of the RBL campaign to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1 and are symbolic of the 1.1 million British and Empire servicemen and women who died during the war.

Grant Parrott, chairman of the Ferndown Royal British Legion said, “Firstly, can I thank the town council for acting so quickly to replace the figure which in itself gives an answer to whoever did this. This is the second of our town’s Silent Soldiers to be damaged.

It is hard to believe this represents the Ferndown that we know and are proud to be part of.”

The first act of vandalism occurred to an installation at the junction of Dudsbury Avenue and New Road.

Grant Parrott added,“These silhouette figures are not there to glorify past wars; they are there to remind us of the cost in human lives of going to war, of the sacrifice of a generation lost and a legacy that it must never be allowed to happen again.” He suggested that if anyone feels so strongly that it is wrong to learn that lesson, they should come forward; use the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press to give their reasons.

Judicial review in the shadows Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shadow Authority and the Shadow Dorset Council have held historic inaugural meetings. The new shadow authorities will oversee the formation of the two unitary authorities that will replace the existing county and district councils throughout Dorset.

Meanwhile Christchurch Borough Council is proceeding in the High Court with a judicial review challenging the secretary of state’s decision to implement government reorganisation in Dorset.

Its policy is to oppose local government reorganisation and it held a local poll about the formation of the two new unitary

authorities.

Leader of the Council, Cllr David Flagg said, “Christchurch Borough Council firmly believes the regulations that have passed through Parliament approving the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset are ultra vires.

Based on the local poll we believe the majority of our residents remain opposed to local government reorganisation in Dorset and, being granted permission to have our judicial review application heard in the High Court, demonstrates that we have an arguable case.

“Whilst the Government

might believe that our case is absurd, that it is clearly not the view of the judge and we believe we have a strong legal argument.

The council has been thorough and meticulous in its approach and being granted permission sends a strong message that the case is wholly with merit. I am pleased that we are able to continue to challenge the abolition of Christchurch Borough Council in line with the wishes of those we were elected to represent and we will continue to do so.”

Christchurch Borough Council officers will now work with its legal advisors preparing the case for a substantive hearing.

The Honourable Mrs Justice Lambert has ordered that the case will be expedited and heard in the High Court by 27 July.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, Christchurch Borough has confirmed that the council has set aside £200,000 from unallocated reserves to fund the Judicial Review.

Cllr David Flagg

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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GOVE’S PLANS WELCOMED

In a recent announcement, Environment Secretary Michael Gove committed to conserve and enhance England’s finest landscapes as he launched a review of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As part of the government’s 25-year Environment Plan, an independent panel will look at how these areas meet our needs in the 21st century – including whether there is scope for the current network of 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks to expand.

To be led by writer Julian Glover, the review will also explore how access to these beloved landscapes can be improved, how those who live and work in them can be better supported, and their role in growing the rural economy.

Weakening or undermining their existing protections or geographic scope will not be part of the review, which will instead focus on how designated areas can boost wildlife, support the recovery of

natural habitats and connect more people with nature.

The Viewpoint Magazine area includes the New Forest National Park, the Cranborne Chase AONB, and the Dorset AONB. Dorset is the English county most covered by the landscape protections, in recognition of its outstanding beauty.

The designations and the county’s inherent natural beauty are a key contributor to Dorset’s environmental economy, recently valued at £1.5Bn

per annum.

Dorset AONB chairman, Jim White MBE, said, “We’re delighted that the environment secretary has underlined his commitment to protected landscapes and look forward to fully participating in the review.

Since the Dorset AONB was designated in 1959, the world has moved on and it’s right that we should look into how these areas fulfil a basic human need for beautiful, inspiring places in which to live, work, and relax.”

Dorset’s outstanding natural beauty: White Nothe towards Lulworth © Owen Vache

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Future planning with Nicholas O’Hara

Planning for future events is something we often think about and discuss daily and whilst funerals are one of life’s more difficult subjects, it is becoming increasingly more common for people to discuss their future wishes.

A funeral plan allows people to talk about all the different options there are, and then make educated decisions on the type of service that they would feel represents them, giving comfort to their loved ones that these often difficult decisions have already been made.

It also allows a person to financially secure the funeral directors’ services at today’s price and includes contributions towards the likely thirdparty costs.

All money is safeguarded in a Trust for the future, giving peace of mind that, at a difficult and emotional time for loved ones, the decisions and finances surrounding a funeral are taken care of. Being a true independent family business allows Nicholas O’Hara to personalise all aspects of this service, so that each person’s unique and individual requirements are catered for and the costs related to these are matched also.

There are many different ways of funding a funeral plan and one option depending on age, allows the costs to be spread from 2-30 years.

Nicholas O’Hara has been working with Golden Charter for over 25 years. Golden Charter is one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers, despite only working with independent funeral directors. Nicholas O’Hara believes this is because of Golden Charter’s excellent awareness of funeral plans, the needs of family businesses, and as a result of their constant support of good causes.

Through funeral planning, Nicholas O’Hara, alongside Golden Charter, will be supporting the RBL Poppy Appeal all year round, as well as making their own continued donations to local charity LEAF. For more information, please contact Nicholas O’Hara at any of their funeral homes or on 01202 882134.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

Moors Valley

disposable barbecue ban Moors Valley Country Park and Forest banned disposable barbecues from 1 July as part of a campaign to reduce environmental damage.

Visitors will only be able to use more environmentally sustainable, portable, reusable barbecues.

Forestry Commission recreation manager, Tracey Churcher said, “Right now our woods and countryside are very dry, and we’re concerned

about the anticipated increase in fires that could result at this time.

It is important that people are aware of the dangers of using disposable barbecues. Summer fires can cause serious harm to wildlife and destroy plants and trees. Moors Valley is a beautiful place and we would like people to think about the impact their visit has, and take steps to keep it safe.”

For several years, Moors Valley has provided

visitors with stands to raise disposable barbecues off the ground and has asked visitors to take their barbecue rubbish home with them. Some have ignored the rules, burning grass and picnic tables and dumping coals and ash in the protected river environment.

Rangers at the park hope that by taking the step to ban disposable barbecues, not only will there be fewer anti-social and safety issues but it will also encourage visitors to reduce the amount of waste they produce for landfill.

Moors Valley team leader, Clare Gronow said,

“If you’re planning to enjoy a barbecue at Moors Valley over the coming weeks please do so safely. We simply ask that you only bring portable or re-usable barbecues to the park and respect the countryside environment by disposing of your waste responsibly and ensure your barbecue is extinguished fully after use.”

Local teenager stops fire Local hero, Marcus Lovesey, 19, alerted the fire brigade when he saw a house on fire on Station Road in West Moors on 12 June. By doing this so promptly, four dogs that were in the property at the time were saved and the fire was extinguished.

Verwood Rotary Club and Sheiling School day out Each year, Rotary District 1110 organises a day out for children with special needs. This year, Verwood Rotary liaised with Sheiling School in Ashley Heath, and organised a trip to Marwell Park on 13 June. 70 staff and students and five Rotarians went along.

There were 2,000 other children from the Rotary district on the trip. They enjoyed seeing the wild animals and eating packed lunches on the grass.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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9

Mardi Gras jazzes up

METROPOLE MARKET SE

PHOTOS BY TOM SCRA

New Orleans, musicians and street performers marched down the street in extravagant

costumes with masks, beads, necklaces and feathers. Food reflected the famous Louisiana cuisine.

The eclectic entertainment programme included Mombassa, the Gatsby Stompers and Scared of Jazz.

The market will be returning to Holdenhurst Road on 29 July with a ‘Summer Circus’ themed extravaganza.

Friday Coffee Club

If you fancy a natter with a jolly bunch of ladies and gents, then you’re more than welcome to attend the Friday Coffee Club (a cuppa tea is also available).

It takes place every Friday, 9.30am–11.30am at the Barrington Centre.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

Time is precious

By Daniel Parkin

A

‘Mardi Gras’ celebration of colour and jazz took over Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth on 24 June for Metropole Market’s latest event.

Combined with Bournemouth’s acclaimed week-long Jazz by the Sea Festival, marketgoers could listen to some of the region’s most skilled artists. To recreate the festive atmosphere of

Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

How much money do you really need for the rest of your life?

Many people struggle to see where they are heading financially. They may have savings, income, loans and mortgages during their lifetime but when it comes to retiring there is always that additional worry. The worry about either retiring too early and not having enough money to live on, or retiring too late and not having time to enjoy a lifestyle in retirement that they would aspire to.

Time is precious and like money, should be spent wisely. I believe that you should have no regrets with things you may have done in the past, so don’t have any regrets about not doing anything in the future. As you grow older it doesn’t mean you stop experiencing new things and still learn, and one way of doing this is to travel.

According to Lonely Planet, one of the world’s most iconic travel guides, the UK is one of the top 10 places to visit on a budget, with places to visit not just London, but the likes of Bath, York, the Jurassic coast, Lake District etc, just on our doorstep. There is

no need to spend a lot of money on travelling when this country has so much to see and do.

One of the areas that seems to be expanding in the retirement arena is Lifestyle Financial Planning, with the belief that good financial planning can change lives and the perception of what a retirement should look like.

For example, a 50 year old today may consider retiring on their state pension age of 67 without even considering there may be options to retire early. By reviewing one’s pensions and investments, and expected cashflow in retirement, you might actually have sufficient money to retire on, before your state pension kicks in, or do some of the things you plan to do in retirement now, rather than a year or so later. This would allow you to spend more time on new experiences and enjoy an active retirement.

For more information about pensions, telephone Daniel Parkin on 07801 432182. 17 Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PB

This column does not constitute financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only.

charity of the year

10-year-old Lola makes mountainous contribution It’s probably fair to say that not many Year 5 pupils climbed 15 mountains during half-term - but that’s exactly what Talbot Heath School pupil, Lola House, did to raise money for Forest Holme Hospice.

10-year-old Lola House recently became one of the youngest, if not the youngest ever person to have completed the huge challenge of the Welsh 3000, which involved 21.5 hours of very demanding climbing and walking. Lola was motivated to do the challenge in memory of her nanny, who was cared for at Forest Holme, and she managed to raise over £1,500 for the hospice, which holds a special place in Lola and her family’s hearts.

Lola began by walking up Snowdon and camped close to the summit. The following morning she set off, full of self-belief, strength, motivation, pure grit and determination, and

climbed 15 mountains in North Wales that all stand above 3,000 feet tall. She completed the challenge in 21.5 hours across two days and managed a total of 104,000 steps.

Her dad, Gary House, who accompanied Lola, said, “She was sore and had some aches but was absolutely buzzing from her experience. It was the hardest thing she’s ever done by far, but with grit and determination she managed it.”

However, the challenge wasn’t without some heart stopping moments, as Gary explains. “We had a very scary experience during heavy rain close to the summit of Mount Yr Elen, which was the 12th mountain. We could hear a storm nearing until eventually at 3,100ft high we found ourselves actually in the storm. The thunder and lightning was very scary and unbelievably a bolt of lightning hit the ground, just metres from us.

“I just froze, heart in my mouth, and when I turned to look at Lola, she was on the floor crying her eyes out. It was absolutely petrifying, especially as we had no shelter and could do nothing other than hit the summit as quickly as possible and descend. It was awful and something I will never forget. Lola was shaken

but with only three mountains left, the end was in sight, and she did it!”

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole provides end-of-life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck. Lola’s mountainous contribution will be a huge help towards the £850,000 target the hospice needs to raise this year.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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education NEWS

Hillside Head goes to Downing Street

Photo (L-R) Simon Hoare MP, Jeremy Harrison, headteacher and Damien Hinds MP, Education Secretary

Jeremy Harrison, headteacher of Hillside First School in Verwood, was delighted to be invited by local MP, Simon Hoare, to visit 10 Downing Street recently to celebrate the outstanding work of teachers in Britain. Mr Harrison was selected by his MP to represent the constituency.

Whilst at Downing Street, Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to MPs and headteachers present, about how proud she was of education in the country. She praised schools for how they educated, inspired and unlocked the potential of young minds today, turning their aspirations into reality. The visitors also had the chance to look around the rooms behind the famous front door of Number 10 and even met the Downing Street cat.

Simon Hoare followed up the trip with a visit to Mr Harrison’s school, Hillside First School in Verwood, to meet the staff and pupils.

School’s record attempt is no flash in the pan

When it came to attempting to break a world record the youngsters and staff at one Dorset school proved they were no flash in the pan when they dressed as superheroes.

St Michael’s CE Middle School in Colehill, Wimborne, aimed to smash the record for the most people dressed up as a Flash superhero. The record stands at 250 and final totting up revealed that 274 Flash superheroes turned up at the school.

Photos and logs have been submitted to the Guinness World Records as evidence and the school awaits confirmation that it has broken the record.

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Dumpton School

– South West Environmental Youth Award Winners

This year, Dumpton School in Wimborne has won the prestigious South West of England Environmental Youth Award, having already won the Dorset prize. Children from six schools, all county winners from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, gathered together at the Royal Bath and West Show on Friday 1 June to await the final result.

The committee of judges were particularly impressed by the Dumpton pupils working independently on the extensive school allotments, along with a wide range of eco-schemes around the school. Headmaster, Andrew Browning said, “I am delighted that so many pupils have been involved with the various eco-projects. They have built an impressive environmental awareness, and it is lovely that all their hard work has been recognised in this way.”

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

verwood NEWS

Symbolic poppies on Ferrett Green To celebrate Armed Forces Day, the Mayor, Cllr Sandra Grove, gave a speech on 30 June, thanking all the Armed Forces for their dedication to the service and expressed how much Verwood appreciates the work they carry out.

She also dedicated two World War One benches to them, which had been purchased and placed on Ferrett Green.

There were also 70 poppies placed on the Green to symbolise the 70 names on the Memorial Stone.

Introducing ‘FootGolf’ Crane Valley Golf Club is introducing a new sport suitable for all ages. ‘FootGolf’ is played by the same rules as golf but instead of using a club, players kick a football into the hole – the fewer kicks the better. The course is played on a 9-hole woodland course and will be available seven days a week, from 12pm. There is opportunity to play as a single person or in a group, to a maximum of five people playing together.

The course will take around one hour to complete with a group of five playing. Only AstroTurf trainers, trainers or golf shoes are allowed. Footwear with blades, studs or cleats is not allowed. Shirts must have sleeves and socks must be worn. Pre-booking is required and charges apply, with rates starting from £5 for juniors and £10 for adults. If you are ready to try something new, why not give ‘FootGolf’ a go? To book, telephone on 01202 814088 and for more information, visit www.crane-valley.co.uk.

Caring visit Verwood Mayor, Councillor Sandra Grove, attended an open morning to raise awareness for Carers Week at the Verwood Day Centre.

The mayor is pictured with Sue Thorne, manager of the Day Centre.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

verwood NEWS

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson Cllr Simon Gibson

The cabinet at East Dorset District Council met recently to discuss several important issues.

The East Dorset local plan review options document was on the agenda and was approved for a period of public consultation. This is important as it sets out potential sites for future development.

The council must ensure the plan for development will meet the housing need for our area. The housing need figure is set based on government requirements and without a plan in place, the council risks being unable to refuse any future unsuitable development. I am pleased that the period of agreed consultation, which begins in July and runs for six weeks, is a non-statutory stage, as it is important that everyone has a say throughout the process. I have spoken before about the need to ensure provision of enough homes for our community, especially affordable homes for young people. It is also important that the most appropriate sites are prioritised. If you are interested, have a look and have your say.

The cabinet also approved a full roll-

out of an energy switch scheme, trialled earlier this year. The trial encouraged residents to sign up for a bulk energy switch that, on average, saved £223. This is open to everyone and the more that sign up, the better the deal is likely to be.

I have supported this since Cllr Steve Lugg originally proposed it, as it will help with rising costs of energy bills and is useful to lower income households. I came into local government to try to improve things for those who needed help and this is a project that does just that. Signing up for this scheme is free.

Finally, the cabinet agreed on measures to allow the greater purchase of temporary accommodation, which is vital for people and families who face homelessness. As the cabinet member for housing, this has been an objective of mine. When housing is involved, options are not cheap but it is a fundamental duty of our council and I will keep pushing to make our service the best it can be.

Fourth gold for Rhonda A weight loss expert from Verwood has struck gold for the exceptional work she does in helping more than 350 people to lose weight every week.

Rhonda Felton, who runs the Verwood Memorial Hall Slimming World groups, was presented with a prestigious gold award for the fourth time at the organisation’s annual national awards ceremony in Birmingham because of her success in supporting slimmers to reach their goal weights.

Rhonda was one of 40 of the organisation’s 5,000 Slimming World consultants to ‘go gold’ this year, making Verwood home to some of the most exceptional support in the UK. Like all Slimming World consultants, Rhonda lost weight at a group herself and so knows just how valuable group support can be. Consultants receive in-depth training from the Slimming World Academy to help give their members the support they need to make long-term changes to their eating and activity habits.

To join the Verwood Memorial Hall groups, which are held every Wednesday at Verwood Memorial Hall, just go along or give Rhonda a call on 07812 567877.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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health & FITNESS -advertisement feature-

Learn to swim – your first month free!

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

Swimming begins as an important life skill, then turns into an activity that can be enjoyed throughout childhood and adult life, whether you swim for fitness and fun, or for other activities from canoeing to scuba-diving.

Throughout July, Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering your first month of lessons for free – you just pay the £10 joining fee.

There are many benefits of learning to swim at any age – here are just some of the reasons to learn with the centre: Lessons are taught by fully qualified swim teachers, who focus on the fundamentals of swimming in a positive, encouraging way.

The centre is proud to follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework for adults and children.

The free course portal allows Terms and conditions: • Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

• Offer applies to children and adult swimming lessons.

• Offer available 1 to 31 July 2018 only.

• A swim supervision policy applies.

Contact site for details.

you to track progress against the key competencies for each stage.

The centre believes in promoting quality not quantity and recognise that everyone is an individual and may progress at different speeds. For children, progress will be acknowledged with awards from the Swim England Awards Scheme.

Free swimming is available for all children undertaking swimming lessons so that they can come swimming with you at other times to develop their confidence.

There is an easy monthly direct debit payment scheme.

• • • •

Offer applicable to direct debit memberships.

Normal direct debit fees will apply from your second month.

Offers, sessions and facilities vary between centres.

Offer is subject to availability.

For more information about swimming at Ferndown Leisure Centre, please contact the swim team on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk - advertisement feature -

The increasingly popular alternative to residential care

By Lorraine Maher, care manager, Bluebird Care

Live in care has several advantages over residential care; the most obvious one is someone being able to remain in their own surroundings with their memories and personal comforts.

If the time comes when you or your loved one needs extra support, it can be a terribly stressful upheaval to move into an unfamiliar setting, and fit in with a daily routine that has been created to support the needs of many.

Live in care provides one-to-one support and personal routines can be upheld.

Bluebird Care aims to have one care professional with you for several weeks. When breaks are required, a full handover to another care professional is given.

Bluebird Care is a national provider of home care with each office run by local individuals or families who believe in providing personalised care for loved ones in the same way they would want for their own loved ones.

If you are considering live in care, contact a member of the Bluebird Care team.

Call 01202 977200.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

health & FITNESS St Leonards Community Hospital is due to close this September By Janine Pulford Following the Clinical Services Review in Dorset, St Leonards Hospital near Ferndown is one of the community hospitals scheduled for closure. This will begin in September 2018, when Fayrewood Ward and its staff are transferred to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

In a statement, Dorset HealthCare said there will be no redundancies and that they and Royal

Bournemouth Hospital Trust are working very closely together to ensure a smooth transfer and to support staff.

Fayrewood is a 22bed ward, which provides rehabilitation services for elderly patients. The transfer is said to form part of a wider plan to improve access to health services in Dorset.

There will be a phased transition of all community

services at the hospital to other sites in the local area over the next 12 months.

If you live near St Leonards Hospital, and have never had cause to use it, you probably have no idea what a wonderful service it provides.

Even Ron Shields, the Dorset HealthCare Trust chief executive, recently spoke with Fayrewood staff and stressed that they had provided a fabulous service to patients over many years and that the ambition was to continue with Fayrewood staff delivering the same high quality of service on the Bournemouth Hospital site.

One thing he may have overlooked is the fact that St Leonards League of Friends has put in the region of £1m into St Leonards to improve the hospital. This voluntary fundraising group, headed by chairman Jacqueline Moss, and with Evelyn Stone being on the

committee for the last 50 years, have helped improve the hospital to become one of the best in the area for rehabilitating elderly patients, and getting them back into their own homes.

And yet, Dorset HealthCare has decided to shut this facility down.

It’s difficult to believe that with such strong local support and dedicated volunteers, St Leonards Community Hospital is being axed.

Continued on page 30…

-advertisement feature-

iLevel mobility Kinetic Mobility has branches in Wimborne and New Milton and provides an extensive range of mobility equipment; from mobility scooters to wheelchairs, and hoists to walking aids.

Kinetic Mobility offers a wide range of powerchairs and manual wheelchairs, for improved mobility in different situations. In particular, they have an extensive range of Quantum chairs, which can be raised to eye-level for conversation or allowing the user to have a better reach in particular situations.

These state-of-the art chairs have a number of features and can be tested out at either of the Kinetic premises, and will then be made to measure for the individual following an assessment.

Kinetic Mobility is proud to have been named the Quantum Rehab iLevel Specialist for the South of England. Building on their longstanding and unique partnership with Quantum Rehab, Kinetic Mobility are dedicated to the Quantum range of powerchairs and specialise in the iLevel seat lift system, together with the new TruBalance3 seat, QLogic3 Joystick System, and the TB3 Powered Seat options, such as tilt and recline. All are available to see in store.

Kinetic Mobility were also proud to have been named the first ever Pride Mobility Products ‘Centre Of Excellence’ with an unrivalled selection in their Quantum Power Chair Centre. Kinetic Mobility say it’s the best place to see the finest and most comprehensive selection of powerchairs, like the Q6 Edge 2.0, anywhere in the UK.

If you would like to test drive a Quantum powerchair, please contact Kinetic by calling Bryan on 01202 884200 or Mark on 01425 621211 to discuss any requirements or to book an appointment. You can also see the range on the website at: www.kineticmobility.co.uk Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 17

health & FITNESS

Dorset cancer charity seeks ‘ambassadors’ A charity, which helps local people through the financial pressures of cancer, is inviting people to become its ‘ambassadors’ so it can help even more people in the county.

Co-founder of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, Eve Went, explained, “DCCF set out with the aim of helping Dorset people with cancer cope with the financial pressures caused by the disease.

“Having cancer can leave people unable to work, with mounting bills and also facing extra costs, such as transport to-andfrom hospital.

“The money raised by DCCF and its supporters goes directly as grants to those who need it most, often within days of them applying for help.”

Eve also said that the plan is to grow the charity in the next five years and for that ambassadors are needed to raise awareness as well as funds.

DCCF is looking for people of any age or background who would

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) celebrated its fifth anniversary in June and plans to recruit a network of voluntary ambassadors

be willing to become an ambassador for their own tiny patch of the county.

Eve continued, “An ambassador might distribute some collecting tins in local shops and empty them regularly for us. They might also spread the word about what we do, encourage people they know to fundraise for us and maybe even fundraise themselves, in any capacity they can.”

Ali Campbell, a volunteer from Shillingstone said, “I

want to help spread the word about DCCF because the charity was there for me when I needed it, during my own cancer treatment.”

There is no need to commit huge amounts of time; just help in any way you can.

Ali added, “I’m looking forward to organising some coffee mornings and other events in the village where I live.”

For more information visit www.dccf.co.uk or telephone Nikki on 07593 890879.

Microbead ban is not enough Retailers will no longer be able to sell rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads, including shower gels, face scrubs and toothpastes in England and Scotland. The ban was put into place on 19 June.

The Government says it’s the final step in its world-leading efforts to prevent these harmful pieces of plastic entering the marine environment.

The senior pollution policy officer at the Marine Conservation Society, Dr Sue Kinsey, said she was delighted that the ban had come into force, adding, “This is the strongest and most comprehensive ban to be enacted in the world and will help to stem the flow of microplastics into our oceans.

Although the ban on the manufacture and sale of personal care products containing microbeads is fantastic news, the Marine Conservation Society says the ban must be now extended to all products that contain these harmful pieces of plastic.

Two years ago, the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee said that the accumulation of plastic in our oceans was increasing the damage done to marine life, as well as leading to potential harm to

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human health.

Last year, Scientists at Ghent University in Belgium calculated that shellfish lovers are eating up to 11,000 plastic fragments in their seafood each year and earlier this year, record levels of microplastics were found in Arctic sea ice. Up to 12,000 of the tiny plastic particles were discovered per litre of sea ice in samples taken from the Arctic Ocean in 2014 and 2015.

Dr Kinsey said, “A particular concern, is the fact that much of that microplastic load will be released as ice melts. This highlights the absolute importance of stopping the flow of plastics to our oceans as soon as possible.

“We can and must act now to prevent further environmental harm to our oceans, wildlife, coastlines and potentially to human health.”

www.keithmotors.com

Why not do the maths on a new car?

Have you driven past Keith Motors, Ringwood recently?

We all know how boring it is sitting in traffic, waiting for the next opportunity to move forward a centimetre or two.

Well, Keith Motors, Ringwood's Ford Main Dealer, have done something not only to help you keep you and your passengers’ minds focussed firmly on cars, but have set you a problem to keep you alert.

They have created a maths teaser to hone everyone’s problem solving abilities; even pedestrians have been taking a second glance at the conundrum above the entrance to the dealership.

When Viewpoint Magazine spoke to Amy, Keith Motors marketing executive, she told us what it was all about...

"We wanted to create something to get people talking. When I was at the dealership at 5pm one evening, I realised just how busy that road can be and I thought it would be fun to give bored passengers something to do as they crawl by at a snail’s pace.

“We think its brilliant, so next time you are sitting in traffic on Christchurch Road, make sure you have a look above the entrance to the dealership and all will become clear.”

Don't forget to post your answers on the Keith Motors Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find out if you're right!

Keith Motors are currently preparing for the launch of the All-New Ford Focus in September.

They can’t give away too much detail about the car right now, but they told Viewpoint that they are holding a spectacular launch event that customers, old and new, won’t want to miss.

There’s never been a better time to get your next car from Keith Motors – you could say all the FOCUS is on them!

KeithMotors Ringwood 156 Christchurch Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3AP

01425 472242 www.keithmotors.com

ringwood NEWS mags4dorset

COMPETITION Your chance to win £40 to spend in Ringwood!

A Our Ringwood news pages have become so well-established that we thought we’d give readers a treat. mags4dorset is putting up a prize of £40 to spend with an advertiser (or two) in this Ringwood news section.

If you win, you can choose either one £40 voucher, or two £20 vouchers. However, you must name the business(es) where you want to spend the voucher(s), and they must be advertising in this magazine on pages 19-21.

All you need to do is match the answers with the photographs A-G and send your answers to mags4dorset. Don’t forget to name the shop(s) where you would like to spend your prize if you win and whether you want one £40, or two £20 vouchers.

B

C

E

D

ANSWERS

Good luck Mansfield Road Market Place Furlong Car Park Bickerley Green Furlong Centre Meeting House Lane

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F

High Street Enter online at www.mags4dorset. co.uk or send your answer to £40 competition, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. The closing date is 28 July 2018. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner.

The voucher(s) value will be £0.001p if it is not redeemed with the winner’s chosen advertiser(s) on pages 19-21. Employees of Pulford Publicity are not permitted to enter. The editor’s decision is final. Any personal data sent to Pulford Publicity Limited (mags4dorset) will be used only for the purpose it is intended and it will only be stored for as long as is required to carry out our lawful business. Our privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co.uk

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ringwood NEWS We’re on the shortlist!

Two Ringwood School students, Harvey Graham and Isaac Skirton, have reached the national finals of Media Magazine’s Production Competition 2018. Their entries were shortlisted and the results will be announced on 2 July following a prestigious screening event at the BFI Southbank, an iconic cinema in London.

Harvey’s entry ‘Undertaker’ competed in the Openings and Trailers sub category and Isaac’s ‘Legohouse’ competed in the Music Videos sub category.

Jasper’s garden Isaac Skirton

Harvey Graham

Year one pupils at Ringwood C of E Infant School were busy in June working to create a beautiful space for the school cat, Jasper. The 90 pupils involved are writing a special guide about their horticultural efforts.

Terry Head, marketing and retail director at Stewarts Garden Centres heard about the green-fingered work of the children and arranged to deliver a donation of plants, shrubs, garden tools and also compost to help enrich the soil.

(L-R): Teacher Tom Fairbank with Terry Head and pupils

The Furlong, Summer of Music Come along to The Furlong courtyard for a showcase of fresh new music talent from the local area. These four events will be run in conjunction with the Acoustic Connection and any funds raised from voluntary donations will be given to Julia’s House children’s hospice. They are FREE to attend and run from 11am-3pm.

Saturday 14 July 11am Nicole McNally 12pm Dfyne 1pm Tom Andrews 2pm Tori Allen

Saturday 28 July 11am Emma Hardy 12pm Matt Griffiths 1pm Mad Definition 2pm Basement Duo

Saturday 21 July 11am Bel 12pm Jonny Phillips 1pm Katie Waygood 2pm Tunebox

Saturday 4 August 11am Kez Hinton 12pm Lee Rasdall-Dove 1pm Innercity Smugglers 2pm Wild Ash Hill

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 21

The Dylan Thomas connection

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

Most residents of Fordingbridge will know that one of the town’s illustrious residents was Augustus John, but what they might not know is that the poet Dylan Thomas has connections to the area, both through his wife Caitlin and the John family.

Caitlin Macnamara lived with her mother, Yvonne, at the New Inn House at Blashford that stood on the corner of Frog Lane and the A338. Demolished in the 1970s, the old farmhouse was once an inn. It was a substantial building with 13 rooms and about four acres of land.

Caitlin was a disciple of the dancer Isadora Duncan but had been working as a chorus dancer in London. She had been a model for Augustus whom she later claimed had “pounced” on her but with whom she had an affair on and off for a couple of years.

Dylan was introduced to Caitlin by Augustus in 1936 in the Wheatsheaf pub in Fitzrovia,

London, and they immediately took a room at the Eiffel Tower Hotel where they stayed for about five nights. Caitlin charged the stay to Augustus who had an account there!

In 1937, Dylan and Caitlin married and in 1939, Caitlin gave birth to Llewelyn at Blashford.

Dylan called him his “Mongolian monkey.”

Dylan found the chaotic bohemian life at Blashford suited him saying it was, “nice not to be followed round by someone with a dustpan and brush.” He would write in a spacious back room overlooking the garden until 12, then he and Caitlin would take the bus to Ringwood for a drink in the Royal Oak in the market place. The building is now an Indian restaurant but in those days was a cosy local’s pub.

After a liquid lunch they would stock up with sweets and fizzy drinks and go back to consume

MAGS4DORSET’S

10th Creative writing COMPETITION

£400-worth of prizes for short stories!

Plus a donation to charity

“What a milestone we have reached with our creative writing awards,” said author and editor, Janine Pulford, who introduced the writing contest 11 years ago, but missed a year when one competition ran into another.

The 10th anniversary coincides with mags4dorset’s 15th anniversary, the move to Dana House, and with Janine, Ben and Louis Pulford becoming community leaders for Plastic Free Ferndown.

This year, the short story competition will be based around a ‘plastic nightmare’.

Your entry could be about one

person’s experience with plastic, a group catastrophe, the plight of animals (in their viewpoint if you like), or perhaps a story in the viewpoint of plastic itself, having a nightmare over its own existence.

If over 100 short stories are received, mags4dorset will donate £100 to the registered charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

The competition prizes are bigger than usual to celebrate the contest’s 10th anniversary.

A shortlist will be chosen by Janine Pulford, with help from other authors if necessary, and put before the judges (to be announced).

PRIVACY NOTICE: Any personal data sent to Pulford Publicity Limited (mags4dorset) will be used only for the purpose it is intended and it will only be stored for as long as is required to carry out our lawful business. Personal data, stories and poems will then be deleted or you can request deletion by contacting our data control officer. Our privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Police merger – have your say A public survey has been launched to find out what people think of the proposed merger between the Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police. Both forces have been progressing with the proposal since the announcement was made last September.

There is an established strategic alliance programme between the forces, which has seen significant efficiencies and increased collaboration since March 2015. Around 25% of staff

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

are already operating within the strategic alliance, including some areas of specialist policing such as roads policing, firearms and dogs.

Go to www.futurepolicing. co.uk for more information about the proposed merger and to complete a survey, which runs until Monday 27 August.

The results of the survey will form part of a business case that will be submitted to the Home Office in the autumn.

them in bed at Blashford. In the evening they would return to the pub with Catlin’s sister Bridget and, if he was on leave from the navy, her brother John, to play shove halfpenny, billiards or skittles.

Dylan always suspected that Caitlin’s mother, Yvonne, thought he was not good enough for her daughter.

The Thomases stayed at Blashford between 1937 and 1939.

They would go on cycle rides into the New Forest, “into Bluebell Wood or Cuckoo Hill” and also on outings to the Dorset coast to Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Worbarrow.

They regularly visited Blashford and often left their children there whilst they went off on their own.

Yvonne Macnamara is buried alongside her son John and daughter Bridget in St Mary and All Saints Church at Ellingham.

Llewellyn Thomas, who spent much of his childhood in his beloved Blashford, is also buried there.

The next time you pass Frog Lane look for the ghost of New Inn House with the sun glittering on the broken bottles that were pushed into the roughcast; its goats and ponies; its orchards and the old Yew tree from which the young Macnamara children were said to spit on people waiting at the bus stop on the main road.

RULES • • • • • • •

Entries must be your own work Entries must be fictional Entries must be inspired by the words ‘plastic nightmare’ Entries must be doublespaced and typewritten Do not use famous people’s names or brands Word length 1,000 words or under FEE: First entry £5. Further entries £3 each. Cheques

•

•

•

should be made out to Pulford Publicity Ltd. A title page, with a title, must be included showing your contact details, pen name if used, and word length There must not be any identifying marks on the story itself other than its title and page numbers.

Closing date: Tuesday, 30 October 2018

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry to: Creative Writing Awards, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

PRIZES • •

1st £300 plus publication in 4Dorset or Viewpoint or in both, and online.

2nd £100 plus publication as above.

Copyright remains with the author

Club celebrates award The Royal British Legion Club in Ferndown has taken second place in the prestigious Ian Hamilton Trophy Award for the best of the 458 RBL clubs in the UK. The award was announced at the RBL National Conference in Belfast.

To celebrate, a hazel tree was presented to the town in recognition of the part played by the people of Ferndown in the club’s achievement.

The mayor expressed his recognition of the work done by the Legion in Ferndown and said he hoped that both the club and the new tree would continue to flourish for many years to come.

Open to all, Ferndown RBL has nearly 800 members.

Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Steven Lugg and mayoress Cathy Lugg with Michael Deane, RBL chairman and Grant Parrott, RBL Ferndown chairman (holding spade)

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

WOOLSBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL PARK DEVELOPMENT

By Arabella Watkiss

Originally part of the Woolsbridge Farm, Woolsbridge Industrial Park in Three-Legged Cross, has almost 100 businesses situated on it. The site is close to the A31, not far from the ports of Poole, Southampton and Portmouth and straddles the border of Verwood Town Council and West Moors Parish Council.

A

nkers and Rawlings applied for permission in 2017 to increase the size of the park by a further 25 acres, giving more than 33,000 square metres of new industrial units.

Having received planning permission, the expansion is in its initial stages. The terrain opposite Docrafts, on the estate, is undergoing development. The first building on the site is under construction.

The range of businesses on the estate is diverse. There are roofing services and print finishers, as well as plant hire, motorcycle dealers and many others. The hope is that more and more businesses will settle on the Woolsbridge Industrial site, increasing the range of industries in the area.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 23

in the HOME

Time for summertime upgrades?

By Carol Waterkeyn

With the warmer weather, and some good deals going this month, this is a great time to make changes to your home and garden.

W

hether you need a whole new kitchen, or some bedroom furniture, check out the advertisers in this magazine for some special summer offers.

It’s amazing what you

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

notice when the sun is streaming through your windows.

Or, is the outside looking a bit drab? Do things look like they need a lick of paint? New paving, plant, window or conservatory suppliers, decorators, gardeners,

fencing stockists and more can help you achieve the look you are aiming for.

Hopefully the weather will be kind and we will be able to spend more time in our gardens in July; whether for dining al fresco with a barbecue, sitting in the sunshine on the patio, playing ball games with the kids or relaxing on a lounger with a good book.

Now is also the time to plan ahead for the notso-good weather. Do your windows or doors need upgrading; does your boiler need servicing or do you need additional radiators or supplementary heating? It’s usually better to do these things in the warmer weather than wait till you are freezing cold in the winter.

in the HOME

Houseplants: the unsung heroes

By Arabella Watkiss

Now you’ve got your gardens ready for the summer, it’s time to pay some attention to the plants in your house.

T

his time of year, houseplants tend to get less attention than the plants in our sunny gardens. However, indoor plants and flowers have multiple benefits that we may not be appreciating fully. Not only do indoor plants brighten rooms in the house, but they also boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Houseplants remove harmful chemicals (volatile organic compounds) from the air by absorbing household contaminants through their roots and leaves. When speaking to Lin Shearing, who works in the houseplant department at Stewarts Garden Centre in Wimborne, she explained that there is often a mixture of indoor pollutants from

heating, paints, plastics, fabrics and air fresheners.

Decorating your house with any indoor plant is therefore an easy way to improve air quality and make indoor spaces more breathable.

Whilst all houseplants purify the air, Chlorophytum, also known as the spider plant, is great for this

purpose and is easy to grow. The plant can thrive in any temperature, grows in most positions, though near a window is best, and must be watered two to three times a week in the summer.

Those with allergies may also want to think continued on page 26...

Orchids

Air plants

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 25

in the HOME

continued from page 25

Dracaena

about investing in an array of indoor plants. Irritants in the air may decrease thanks to indoor plants.

Lin said, “There is no specific plant that will cure you of an allergy but any indoor plant will help symptoms.� Other plants that improve air quality are Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Dracaena and air plants.

Air plants are particularly useful, as they will dry up, letting you know if the house is too dry or the

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

in the HOME air quality needs to be improved.

Indoor plants are also known to reduce stress and anxiety. Not only do the plant’s properties improve mood, but the care involved in looking after a plant does this as well. Plants provide both a hobby and a routine for people. Brighter coloured plants, like the Gerbera, can also boost mood.

This time of year, Aloe vera is a great houseplant to purchase. It is known for its healing properties and can treat things like sunburn, wounds, insect bites, and blisters. After a day in the sun or camping in an area full of mosquitoes, this is the perfect summer houseplant.

To use it for medicinal purposes, cut off an older leaf and squeeze the sticky gel out of it, applying it liberally to the affected area.

Stewarts Garden Centre advises that the rest of the

leaf can be wrapped in foil and kept in the fridge for one to two weeks. Aloe vera grows well in normal temperatures. It must be watered plentifully in the active growth period and after that, watered enough to prevent the plant from drying out.

We all know that plant oils, such as lavender, can help induce sleep but what about houseplants?

We all know that plant oils, such as lavender, can help induce sleep but what about houseplants?

Sansevieria (snake plant) is great for this, as unlike other plants, it produces oxygen during the night and removes carbon dioxide during the day. This is a great plant to put in your bedroom to improve air

quality and makes breathing easier during the night. The one thing to be careful of is the snake plant’s very low toxicity. If a leaf has been snapped or damaged, the sap can leak out and cause stinging around the mouth.

This is one to keep on higher surfaces, out of the way of pets or children.

Stronger scented flowers are also known to increase relaxation and so plants like Jasminum (jasmine) or Spathiphyllum are good. These could also be placed in a bedroom or space for relaxing in.

However, Lin explained that indoor plant choice and cultivation is incredibly personal.

She said, “Some people could find aromas or bright colours overpowering whilst others love them.” She advised that people should make choices personal to them and their tastes.

Houseplants are the number one household decoration this summer.

They will spruce the place up and they have so many health benefits, it seems silly not to rush to the garden centre now.

Peace Lily

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 27

in the HOME

DIY Design for your house this summer

By Arabella Watkiss

It’s the perfect time to revamp your home and with these DIY design tips, it couldn’t be easier.

The tips below will include painting, wallpapering and upcycling. If you’re on a budget, doing it yourself is the perfect way to renovate your house.

If you’re thinking of re-painting, here are some tricks of the trade: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Remember to fill in any holes or marks in the walls before beginning painting. If it’s a new surface, use a primer beforehand to increase paint durability In order to get a consistent colour throughout the room, buy several cans of paint and mix them together in a large tub. This way, different walls will be the same shade.

So as to avoid lap marks, make sure that each stroke of your roller overlaps the previous stroke when the paint is still wet. This is called maintaining a wet edge.

Between coats, and instead of washing them, wrap brushes and rollers firmly in Clingfilm. They will stay moist for the next coat. The same goes when working with wallpaper paste.

Wallpapering can be a very tricky task so these tips will stand you in good stead: 1.

2.

3.

4.

In order to prevent creases, hang a lining paper on the wall before hanging your wallpaper.

If you’re looking to give your room a new lease of life but don’t want to go the whole hog, consider wallpapering one wall. A bold print or colour will turn this wall into the room’s centrepiece. Paint the other walls a neutral colour. You could also do this with an existing feature in the room, such as a chimney breast.

If you want to make a small space seem larger, vertical or horizontal stripes are popular.

They draw attention to the height or width of the room making it appear bigger.

If you choose to hang wallpaper with a repeated pattern, try to hide the last seam in an area of the room that won’t be easily seen. The chances are the last seam won’t line up.

Jazzing up the house can be as simple as re-flooring or re-carpeting. Here are some tips to get your floors looking fabulous: 1.

2.

3.

4.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

Wooden floors give a neater look and will be much easier to clean. If you’re looking for something a little different, try getting hold of a few panels of reclaimed wood.

This reclaimed wood will make your floor panels look authentic and different.

If you’re looking to revamp with minimal effort, buying a funky geometric stair runner will help to brighten the hallway without the effort of re-carpeting the entire stairwell.

Painting the skirting boards a different colour to the colour of the walls will add a nice touch.

If you’re looking to re-carpet a room yourself, buy carpet squares instead of a wall-to-wall carpet. Measure or cut the carpet incorrectly and you could ruin the entire piece. Carpet squares are much easier for beginners.

in the HOME

You may be getting bored with the furniture you have around the house. If this is the case, you can renovate it. This is also known as up-cycling and has recently become very popular: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Get creative with stencil patterns. You can stencil onto an old dressing table or chest of drawers. This will brighten the room as well as making your dressers more interesting. Suitable paints for stencilling include interior latex paint or acrylic craft paint but the paint choice will depend on the surface. You might even consider stencilling onto your wooden floors or walls.

Bathroom mirrors can easily be revamped by bordering them with mosaic tiles. To secure the tiles, use a shop-bought tile adhesive or grout.

Save some glass bottles and fill them with battery-powered fairy lights. This could offer a pretty replacement for any unwanted lamps. You could even buy some tissue paper and papiermâchÊ the bottles with coloured paper before filling them with lights. This will make the house more vibrant and it’s a perfect activity for the kids.

Want to replace your headboard with something brighter? Find some old shutters at an auction or local antique store and give them a lick of bright paint. Replacing your headboard with this will create a feature in your bedroom with minimal effort.

The summer is the perfect time for DIY. Not only can you sit in the garden with a cup of tea in the breaks between painting, but the holidays are also a good time to get ahead for the coming winter

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 29

STEERING TOWARDS A PLASTIC FREE FERNDOWN. L-R Mike Parkes, Tony Brown, Harry Worth, Janine Pulford, Louis Pulford, Stuart Fleetham and Ben Pulford (PFF Steering Committee) © Mark Beechy

join the cause

O

n 18 June, Ferndown Town Council’s Environment Committee voted unanimously to support the campaign and a recommendation to support Plastic Free Ferndown will be put before Full Council on 23 July.

The campaign now has a steering group, which met for the first time on 15 June. “We aim to do an official launch soon with an event that everyone can attend,” said committee member Janine Pulford, who is also a community leader for Plastic Free Ferndown.

“It is vital that we hear from local businesses who are doing something positive to reduce their use of single-use plastic items. Also,

Ferndown First School eco champions

Plastic Free Ferndown is working hard towards meeting the criteria laid down by the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) to achieve plastic free status for the town and needs Ferndown businesses and residents to help.

if anyone wants to be involved with the launch, get in touch through this magazine or Facebook.

Shout outs this month go to: Colten Care for their group-wide reduction of single-use plastic.

They have three care homes in Ferndown: Amberwood House, Brook View and Fernhill, so their ‘Caring, without plastic’ campaign, is a huge achievement for Ferndown itself, as well as for Colten Care in general.

Ferndown Pharmacy buyer, Sharon Pharaoh, has eliminated the use of plastic bags for prescriptions and substituted them with paper bags. “Where we need to use a plastic one for certain

items, we use a biodegradable one,” said Sharon who made the conscious decision to do this for the environment.

The Flying Teapot: Luke Armstrong has cut out plastic straws and replaced them with paper ones. He also serves his takeaways in paper bags.

Penny’s Café at the Barrington Theatre is now offering paper cups and straws and takeaway food is popped into brown paper bags. mags4dorset has ceased receiving regular deliveries of two parcels a month because they were wrapped extensively in plastic tape. The office waste paper bins no longer have plastic liners, which has cut out around 200 bags a year.

Ferndown First School eco champions recently collected hundreds of lids and took them to be recycled at Lush. They also carried out a class survey to find out how many pieces of single-use plastic are used inside lunchboxes and have asked parents to help the school have a plastic-free July.

Have you got a success story you would like to share with Plastic Free Ferndown? Or, after reading this, will you be reducing your use of single-use plastic? If so, please contact Janine Pulford, so that your contribution can be included in the campaign to help make Ferndown a better place in which to live.

And don’t forget to join the Plastic Free Ferndown Facebook page.

…continued from page 17

St Leonards Community Hospital is due to close this September

By Janine Pulford

Why would any health service believe that closing a local community hospital could be beneficial?

The advantages of being able to look after people locally are too great to measure, especially for close relatives and, or, carers as they are able to visit regularly and offer support.

It is surely time for the NHS to recognise the value of their community hospitals and acknowledge when they have a gem of a facility, and preserve it.

With an ageing population, community hospitals like St Leonards are indispensable. They should be building more, not closing down the ones that are working miracles in our communities.

This first class NHS hospital is being let go “to improve access to health services in Dorset.” It may improve the access, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people will be healthier because of it. It could see elderly people becoming increasingly isolated from their families and carers.

Closure of St Leonards will be

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

beyond comprehension. I query the reasoning behind the loss of this incredible community facility, where many of the staff have been there for years because they love the work, live nearby and are dedicated to their community. Plus the hospital is financially supported by an active League of Friends.

There is a huge housing estate being built adjacent to St Leonards Community Hospital – ironically making it even more vital to the community – yet the NHS is letting it go. Dorset HealthCare admits that much of the site was sold some time ago for the current housing development and that the remaining land is likely to be sold for housing at some point in the future.

They justify their decision by saying that moving from St Leonards to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site will mean there is a much greater range of services available for patients in one place and that it will also be part of a much bigger development of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, (where, by the way, you can’t find a

parking space at busy times).

When Ron Shields said, “I am very proud of all of the staff working at St Leonards Hospital and they are a great credit to the NHS. They have provided a great service to the people of Dorset and will continue to in the future,” had he even given a thought to those who will be left floundering in Ferndown, Ringwood, Verwood and the surrounding areas when they have to travel to Bournemouth to visit their loved ones, and can’t manage it. Hospitals without visitors will not L-R Peggy, Angela and Jan celebrate Harry and Meghan’s wedding at Fayrewood Ward

help patients recover, and those who can’t visit will be distressed.

It’s no good providing a great service if it creates health issues of another kind to develop in its wake.

The NHS needs to think more deeply about the future of this country, about people’s wellbeing and our ageing population.

The site at St Leonards also includes a variety of clinics, an invaluable out of hours doctor, ambulance station and a physiotherapy unit. All of which will be a great loss to the community.

Barbecue season is watercress season!

foodie NEWS

Summer is the start of the UK watercress season. The peppery salad leaf is at its freshest from the watercress beds of Dorset and Hampshire and is the perfect addition to pep up any salad and so much more.

Watercress contains over 50 vital vitamins and minerals. Gram for gram, it provides more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more vitamin E than broccoli and more folate than banana. Watercress has also been shown to improve the condition of the skin, minimising wrinkles. But most importantly research suggests that watercress could actively help to prevent cancer.

The following recipe was created by development chef Keri Astill-Frew. Keri has worked in a Michelin star hotel in Lancashire and a variety of fine dining restaurants and gastropubs in Dorset and Sussex and is passionate about watercress. More recipes are available at www.thewatercresscompany.com.

Jacket Sweet Potatoes wi th Watercress,

Tahini Sauce Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes

and

Roasted Chickpeas

© Lara Jane Thorpe

Ingredients:

4 sweet potatoes 30ml olive oil 1 400g tin chickpeas 2 tsp smoked paprika 85g watercress Zest and juice of 1 lemon 60g Greek yoghurt 2 tbsp tahini Seeds of one pomegranate Salt and pepper to taste

vegetarian

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Wrap each potato in foil and place onto a large baking sheet.

Bake for roughly 45 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes, checking that the centre is soft. While the potatoes are cooking, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Tip them into a baking tray and sprinkle with the smoked paprika and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with the olive oil and place into the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from the oven then stir in the watercress and allow to wilt.

Whisk together the lemon juice and zest, yoghurt, and tahini. Season to taste. Split the sweet potatoes lengthways then fill with the chickpea and watercress mixture. Drizzle over the tahini sauce and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds to finish.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 31

foodie NEWS REVIEW

THE COMPASSES INN DAMERHAM

By Carol Waterkeyn

Duck salad

Set in an idyllic landscape, The Compasses Inn surpassed expectations

T

he last time I had set foot in this inn with my husband was around 20 years ago. I’m not quite sure why it has taken us so long to go back. It’s obviously a bit of a local secret, though, as when we turned up at 6pm on

32 |

VIEWPOINT July 2018

Asparagus and poached eggs a Friday in June, it was already pretty busy.

We couldn’t work out if this was a freehouse. It seemed very individual as a pub but is owned by Enterprise Inns and run beautifully by leaseholder, Lee Bush. Quieter at lunchtimes and during the week, it’s well worth the

effort of finding it. There are several routes leading to the inn, and some are a little narrow. We arrived via Alderholt and passed the picturesque Alderholt Mill, which is a lovely drive.

On the evening we visited, it was pleasing to see a variety of people visiting this welcoming and

friendly hostelry; families with children, local farmers, professional workers en route to home, young couples and friends.

You can choose to go into the restaurant or conservatory for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, sit out in the garden on a warm day, or choose one of the two bars to sit in with a beer.

There’s a good range of ales to choose from: Summer Lightning from the Hop Back Brewery, Flack Manor Double Drop – a favourite of the locals, Adnam’s Ghost Ship and on the day we visited a guest ale – Timothy Taylor Knole Spring – a blonde ale, plus lagers and a range of ciders. There’s also an impressive range of gins, which continue to grow in popularity. We liked the wine list, which allows you to have just a glass of many of the selections, and not only a bottle.

Anyway, I digress. We were there to try out the menu and boy were we

in for a treat. Compiled by the two chefs, Andy and Jamie, who work as a great team, we selected Asparagus, poached egg with a lemon and cream sauce for Paul, my partner, while I fancied the sound of Pan-seared scallops, split pea puree, chorizo and truffled cauliflower couscous. The asparagus was cleverly cooked so it still had texture, and the lemon sauce was divine.

My scallops were soft, cooked to perfection and worked so well with the little pieces of chorizo and the tiny crunchy cauliflower pieces.

We were looking forward to our main courses of Smoked duck salad with orange and spiced pecan nuts, dressed with honey, ginger, soy and coriander and New age lasagne of pulled beef brisket, in a rich tomato and truffled béchamel sauce.

This was delivered to the table with garlic bread and a bowl of coleslaw.

The duck salad was

foodie NEWS Photos: Paul Waterkeyn

Cheesecake

a new experience for me.

It was very lean and not dissimilar to the taste of smoked gammon. The pecans and sauce were delicious. They were presented with a flurry of salad leaves and thinly sliced crunchy carrot. Paul enjoyed his up-market lasagne and garlic bread.

We both complimented the food to Roxanne, who was looking after us that evening.

Now it was time for a decision – should we go for a dessert? I couldn’t resist when I found one of my favourite ice-creams on the menu: New Forest Stem Ginger, which arrived garnished with strawberries and blueberries. I liked the fact I could choose how many scoops I wanted. I decided on one, as I was pretty full by this time. Paul went for it and plumped for the Mango and passionfruit cheesecake served with vanilla ice-cream.

To accompany our food we had chosen a glass of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie white, and a gin and tonic.

We both thought the food was exceptional for a

Pan-seared scallops pub and it seems to cater for discerning palates.

We also liked the fact that you could choose either something traditional, or something slightly more adventurous for your meal.

There is a pie of the day, which varies and fish pie was on offer the day we visited.

At lunchtimes, there is also a lighter, sandwich and ciabatta menu; all those listed are served with chips and salad.

We definitely plan to go back and have added it to our list of places to take friends and family.

For info, there’s live music with the DamJam on the last Thursday of every month and if you think you might overindulge, there are five en-suite letting rooms and two holiday lets on site, so you could make

a weekend of it and go for a lovely country walk, or go fishing nearby. Just ask at The Compasses Inn for more details.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 33

d was lian greyhoun tegory Bilbo the Ita best dog ca e th in st fir awarded

inner Ladies 10k w dington ad W ah Hann

Fred Masefield (age 2) raises funds for Relay for Life

Dick Dastardly helps Muttley with his nappy

Where did you get that hat?

Fabulous fete in Ferndown

Men’s 10k winner James Baker

Jon Egging Trust (l-r) Emily, Jack, Amy, Lucy and Ruth Wright

Ferndown Fete on the Field has grown year on year and 2018 saw the best so far.

Held on 23 June, crowds of people visited King George V Playing Field to enjoy the family day out. A continuous stream of events and live music took place after the official opening by the town mayor, Cllr Steve Lugg, and both the multi-terrain 5k and 10k fun runs were started from the field.

Event director, George Phillips, said, “What a day! The sun shone and the crowds were fantastic. I hope everyone who came had as great a day as I did. The photos show the story better than words can.

“A new feature this year was the extended fun fair, running on the Friday evening and also into the Saturday evening. The fun fair wants to come back next year and open for three days.”

Prammies at the ready

Organised by John Thornton Young Achiever’s Foundation (JTYAF), the pram race at the fete took place in the afternoon. It was fitting that the first pram to cross the finish line was made in honour of John ‘JT’ Thornton who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008. JT Thunderbolt was in 40 Commando Royal Marines’ colour and sported John’s service number. The team, led by Richie Puttock, nearly slipped into second place at the obstacle course when their ‘baby’ lost the plot just as the Wacky Races team drew up and Dick Dastardly almost lived up to his name.

The most sporting gesture went to Pete Reed who made 10 prams and loaned them out. The Drag Race winner was JT Thunderbolt.

“On top of all this, we raised £5000 for good causes.” George Phillips

Results

Desert Rats (JTYAF team)

34 |

VIEWPOINT July 2018

JT Thunderbolt (1st) | Wacky Races (2nd) Ferndown Upper School (3rd)

pets & WILDLIFE

Sightings of frogs and toads are drying up Survey results released last month reveal that sightings of garden amphibians are drying up, with the RSPB calling on people to help them by getting outside this summer to create more ponds and pools in their outdoor space.

Results from the RSPB’s wildlife survey, which is part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, show that frogs had been seen in more than three-quarters of gardens across the UK. Despite being the most common non-bird garden visitor, seen at least monthly in close to 40% of gardens, this was 17% fewer regular sightings than the last time they were surveyed in 2014. The pattern was similar for toads.

The survey included results from more than 174,000 UK gardens.

At a quick glance a nature novice may not be able to spot the difference between a frog and a toad. Frogs hop, their skin is smooth and moist and they have a pointed nose, whilst toads crawl, their skin is warty and dry and their noses are rounded.

Dr Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, said, “Most people remember seeing tadpoles at the local pond or a toad emerging from under a rock while they were growing up – these first experiences with nature stay with us forever. Unfortunately, the sights and sounds of wildlife that were once common to us are sadly becoming more mysterious.

“There are lots of simple things we can all do in our outdoor spaces to make them perfect for wildlife. Frogs and toads are amphibious creatures meaning that they need a source of water close to their homes to survive.

Creating a small pond in your garden, or a pool using a washing up bowl is so simple to do and could make all the difference.”

Other results from the survey revealed a small increase in the number of recorded sightings of hedgehogs. Despite the UK population suffering widespread declines in recent decades, 65% of people spotted one in their gardens over the past year.

Foxes remained one of the other most common garden visitors with one being spotted in 72% of our gardens and outdoor spaces, while more secretive creatures such as moles, red squirrels and great-crested newts escaped much of the nation’s gaze.

Dr Karen Haysom, Species Programmes manager at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation said, “Frogs and toads face many pressures including the loss of habitat, like ponds. Helping these fascinating creatures by making wildlife habitat in your garden, or taking part in species recording and monitoring schemes

so we understand how nature is faring, is fun and can make a difference.”

With the wildlife on people’s doorsteps becoming increasingly elusive, the RSPB is calling on families to spend more time outside this summer, discovering the nature that surrounds them and seeing how they can give it a helping hand.

By taking part in the RSPB’s Wild Challenge, families can have fun engaging in activities ranging from building a pool for amphibians to bug safaris, taking their first steps on their own wild adventure.

There are 24 activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast.

The RSPB’s ambition is for Wild Challenge to help more families across the country reap the benefits of spending time outside in nature. To learn more about it and to see how you can take your firsts steps on your own wildlife adventure, visit www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge

- advertisement feature -

Happy Handling – a clinic designed to help return vet confidence to your dog Cedar Vets offer nurse clinics throughout the week at all of our branches. One of the clinics we are very proud of is our Happy Handling.

This was designed to help patients who are scared of coming to the vets. By reducing the anxiety felt when visiting us we can turn a visit to the vets into a positive experience.

Each session lasts between 30-40 minutes and is relaxed and fun for all involved. We take each session at the pet’s pace and work through a range of exercises to see how they feel about each aspect of a veterinary examination.

Happy Dylan at Cedar Vets Dylan is a four-year-old collie who became very frightened of the vets from a young age and was often difficult to examine. He was referred to the nurse to start ‘happy handling’ and a year later is doing amazingly. On his first visit Dylan was very unsure of the nurse and wouldn’t let any examination take place. The initial consultation was spent discussing what the owners felt Dylan was most unsettled about whilst he played with a tennis ball and had lots of treats.

An ‘examination area’ is created, (whether this is on the consulting table or on the floor depends on the pet), which is where any clinical interaction will take place. Dylan soon understood that nothing would happen if he wasn’t in this particular area and, if he wasn’t comfortable and wanted to walk away, that was ok.

After lots of patience, treats and many ball games, Dylan will now allow our nurse to fully examine him and we are working towards building his trust with other members of staff. He now will pull his owners into the consulting room rather than towards the exit! The Cedar Team Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 35

around & ABOUT The Red House’s Marvellous Machines

It’s that time of year when mums, dads and grandparents will be trying to keep the youngsters entertained over the school holidays. Here are some ideas to help you beat the boredom blues this holiday

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre is named after Liberty, an Alaskan Bald Eagle, one of the many birds of prey that Liberty’s Owl Centre has on display. The centre is located just outside Ringwood near the natural beauty of Hampshire’s New Forest National Park.

Open daily, at Liberty’s you will find a large collection of birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons and vultures, as well as a collection of reptiles and creepy crawlies in the reptile house. Daily flying demonstrations will give you the chance to see the beautiful birds in action whilst the summer reptile shows appeal to all ages.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Tarrant Hinton

This will be the 50th year of this epic event that takes place from 23-27 August. More than 50 huge showman’s engines will be on display, some performing tasks as they would have in days gone by.

There’s also a steam-driven funfair, and attractions to keep everyone entertained for the whole day. There are rows of vintage, veteran and classic vehicles, from motorcycles to military lorries, with marquees and trade stands galore. Country crafts will be on display, from cider-making to thatching. You won’t go hungry either, with a choice of food and drink suppliers. Tickets are available from 01258 860361 or go to the website.

Ralph and Viola Bankes, 1909 © National Trust

by Carol Waterkeyn

The Red House Museum is presenting ‘Marvellous Machines’, from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, which runs from Saturday 14 July to Saturday 1 September.

An exhibition for all ages, it features modern automata, or mechanical sculptures, with clever mechanisms and often humorous ideas.

Come along and marvel at these colourful, humorous and thought-provoking masterpieces, which come to life at the push of a button. You can also get involved as some of these machines need you to get hands-on and understand how they work for yourself.

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre

‘silver’ Rustic Fayre

Held on August Bank Holiday Monday, this is a Family Fun Day held at Potterne Park, Verwood and run by Verwood Rotary Club.

This year will be the 25th anniversary.

A dog agility display, terrier racing, ‘Big & Little’ horse show, egg catching and Tug ‘o War will be in the arena. Alongside will be many stalls, beer tent and food outlets.

The children’s Monster Bounce, Punch & Judy, Circus Whizz, duck race and pet show will keep younger members of the family entertained, while for the adults there’s an exhibition of 250 classic cars and vehicles. Verwood Concert Brass, Celtic Knott Folk, and the “Flamin’ Ukes of Ringwood” are among the musical entertainment.

Wimborne Model Town

A delight for all ages, this is a close replica of Wimborne in the 1950s. The model town is open daily throughout the summer holiday from 10am-5pm. There’s a café and gift shop on site, play area for the little ones, gardens to enjoy, model railway layout and exhibitions. Adults £6.50, juniors £5.50, under 3s go free. Family ticket available. More details from www. wimborne-modeltown.com or telephone 01202 881924.

Edwardian children exhibition

‘Wildflowers’ is a new exhibition at the Priest’s House Museum and Garden, which introduces four girls from Edwardian Wimborne. The stories of Elsie Stanton, Lizzie Bailey, Barbara Baker and Viola Bankes are brought to life through displays, hands-on activities and Edwardian games for visitors to play in the museum garden.

It has been produced in partnership with Dorset History Centre and Kingston Lacy as part of the Unlocking the Bankes Archive project.

Visitors can see pressed flower albums and nature books, plates used in the Kingston Lacy nursery and toys owned by the Bankes children. Also on display are items from the museum that give insight into children’s lives, including century-old clothing, toys and books.

Talented young performers needed

It’s audition time, oh yes it is! The first auditions for Disney’s Peter Pan Jnr at Regent Centre, Christchurch will be held on Sunday 15 July at 1.30pm.

West End star Earl Carpenter is looking for talented performers aged 18 and under, to play both leading and chorus roles in the musical play, Peter Pan Jnr in conjunction with The Regent Centre in Christchurch this December.

For full details please go to www.regentcentre.co.uk/auditions or contact the centre on 01202 499199.

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VIEWPOINT July 2018

around & ABOUT Wimborne History Festival

Wimborne History Festival takes place in and around Wimborne Minster on 21 and 22 July and features the First World War this year.

State of Play Arts will be representing 10 East Dorset Soldiers who lost their lives in WW1. The soldiers will be promenading throughout the weekend. The main Living History activities will take place in the Allenbourn School grounds and will include artillery displays, a military encampment, WW1 hospital and recruitment stand, WW1 vehicles and interactive activities including code breaking and spy training with the Royal Signals Museum and a craft tent.

An authentic Bristol Scout Bi-Plane will be centre stage and on display throughout the weekend on Wimborne Square.

The Minster Green will host Edwardian Home Front displays and workshops with a special WW1-themed Punch and Judy featuring Kaiser Bill.

The Allendale Centre will host a Trench Warfare exhibition and Imperial War Museum film taken on the Front.

Further details can be found on the History Festival website at www.wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk.

Have a Blast this Summer: keeping children active during the summer holidays

W

Bournemouth Air Festival Drusilla’s Steam Up Don’t forget that this extremely popular Weekend and free festival will be welcoming visitors young and old at the end of the school holidays from 30 August – 2 September.

In the line-up of aircraft this year will be the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial flight plus the world famous Breitling Jet Team. Although called the ‘Air Festival’, once again the Royal Navy will be represented with one of their naval ships moored, as well as the Army and Royal Marines. Like other years, there will be many stalls and attractions. For more details go to bournemouthair.co.uk.

From 18-20 August, things will be hotting up at Drusilla’s Inn at Wigbeth, near Horton, Wimborne. This annual charity event is a chance to see some of the steam engines that are on their way to the Great Dorset Steam Fair. The metal giants will be arriving from around midday on Friday 18th.

For the adults there will be live music on Friday night and a beer and cider tent.

Saturday is the main part of the occasion with the steam engines and live music most of the day, plus a barbecue, stalls and things for children to do and enjoy.

On Sunday morning most of the engines depart, but Drusilla’s serves breakfast so you can catch some of them before they leave. There is a suggested small donation for entry on all days, plus plenty of free parking.

- advertisement feature -

hatever the weather and whatever your children’s interests, the Summer Blast magazine will provide parents with a comprehensive and tempting menu of summer holiday opportunities across Christchurch and East Dorset.

Holiday programmes from the following providers include: QE Leisure Centre, Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, The Hub Verwood, Moors Valley Country

Park, Highcliffe Castle, Allendale Community Centre, Walford Mill Crafts, Wimborne History Festival, Christchurch Tennis Club, Go Ape, Pouncing Panthers at Mudeford Community Centre, Forest School, Christchurch Tennis Club, Artz Plus, Activate Coast and Countryside, and The Priest’s House Museum.

Packed with exciting activities for children of all ages and abilities, The Summer Blast gives parents

and children plenty of choice from a wide menu of outdoor activities, sports, adventure, and creative activities.

So whether you want to introduce your children to living history, triathlon, woodland adventures, dance, craft, theatre, film, pond-dipping, tennis or football, the variety on offer will guarantee a fun-filled summer holiday and give parents a muchneeded break.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 37

around & ABOUT

what’s on

near you Details were correct at the time of going to print but readers are advised to check before attending events

19 July 6pm

Frankenstein by SISATA Open Air Theatre Group performed on Pentridge Village Green, near Sixpenny Handley. Take blanket/cushion. Licensed bar and food available to purchase. Adult ticket £10, child £8. Details from info@ pentridgedorset.co.uk or online ticketsource.co.uk/pentridgevillage-hall

21 July 7.30pm

Rock for Heroes Show in aid of the Help for Heroes charity at the Tivoli, Wimborne with a full rock band and singers covering hits of Queen, David Bowie, Spandau Ballet and more.

Tickets £22 from the box office on 01202 885566 or www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

21-22 July

Wimborne History Festival commemorating the end of WW1, to include authentic WW1 bi-plane, artillery displays, children’s workshops, Punch and Judy, storytelling, displays, performances and talks. Most events free of charge. More details from www. wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk

21-22 July

Taste of the South Festival at Chapel Gate, Christchurch with chef demonstrations, tastings, entertainment and live music for all the family. More info www.tastesouthevents

24 July onwards 10am-4.30pm

Summer Exhibition of Wimborne Art Club at Church House, High Street, Wimborne with original paintings, browsers and cards until 4 August. Entry free.

25 July 7.30pm

‘Verwood In Tune’ concert at Verwood Hub with Michael Sullivan on Tyros 4 keyboard.

Tickets £8 from the Hub on 01202 828740

38 |

VIEWPOINT July 2018

25-28 July 7.30pm

Highcliffe Charity Players perform ‘Just For Laughs’, an evening of music, dance and comedy at St Mark’s Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe. Tickets £12.50 from the Regent Centre Box Office on 01202 499199 or www. regentcentre.co.uk but please note venue is in Highcliffe.

26 July 10am-1pm

Verwood U3A Open Day at Verwood Memorial Hall.

Drop in and find out the benefits of membership to this organisation and the range of activities on offer. More info at www.verwoodu3a.org.uk or from 01202 823541.

26-29 July

Camp Bestival returns to the grounds of Lulworth Castle. Acts include Rick Astley, Clean Bandit and Rae Morris. There will also be woodland crafts, an outdoor zip-line and a fancy dress parade. Day tickets are available at www.campbestival.net/tickets/ camp-bestival-day-tickets/

27 July

Musical afternoon at Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge. Nostalgic music and songs from Amanda of Songbird Entertainments. Enjoy homemade scones with jam and cream and cakes, with tea or coffee. Contact the office for tickets (£7) on 01425 652706.

28 July 7.30pm

Capricioso Quartet performs at United Reform Church in Wareham. Tickets are £5 on the door.

29 July 10am-3pm

Shaftesbury Carnival classic car and bike show, Barton Hill Recreation Ground, SP7 8QA. Cars £5, bikes £3. Refreshments, stalls and licensed bar. Proceeds to local charities. Info: Ray on 01747 852922.

31 July 10.30am and 2pm

Making dinosaurs with creative clay for all at the Science Zone, Royal Arcade, Boscombe. Details https:// schoolworkshops.company

31 July 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents concert of popular music by Nicholas Martin at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors very welcome. £5 payable at door. Info: 01202 895254

1 August 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Saddam Hussein’s Supergun’ at Dudsbury Golf Club. New members welcome.

Contact the secretary on 01202 875757

1-7 August 10am to 4pm

Wimborne Creatives Art Exhibition at The Medieval Barn, Courtyard Centre, Lytchett Minster, BH16 6BA. Admission free. Dylan’s restaurant will be open serving hot and cold meals.

5 August 11am-3pm

Poetry Day at Durlston Country Park with poetry walks, workshops and more. Visit www.durlston.co.uk, or call 01929 424443

6 & 13 August 9.30am-12.30am

Get to know your DOTS (Digital Options Training Support) iPad at Fordingbridge Library. The course is free and enables all learners to borrow an Apple iPad for one month. Identification required.

To book, call 01425 657524.

6,13 & 20 August 10am-12pm Help with Universal Credit. Free computer guidance provided at Ringwood Library. Book on 01425 474255

9-27 August 10am4.45pm, (1-5pm Sun) 50th Annual Summer Exhibition of Ringwood Art Society at Greyfriars, 44 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DW. Free entry, parking and wheelchair access. Details: www.ringwoodartsociety.org

11 August 7.30pm Swing Unlimited Big Band perform ‘Music from the Movies’ at the Regent Centre.

Expect music from Harry Potter, Disney and The Lord of the Rings as well as classics from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets are £12.50, concessions £10.50.

11-12 August 11-8pm (-6pm Sun) Lymington Seafood Festival at Bath Road Park, Lymington. Details www. lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk

13 August 7.30pm Wimborne Horticultural Society meeting and talk by Marcus Dancer on new and exciting plants for your garden in the Main Hall, Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Members £1, visitors £3.

16 August 2pm

U3A Ringwood, talk on Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity at Greyfriars Community Centre Ringwood.

More info: www.ringwoodu3a. org.uk. Visitors welcome.

21 August 10.30am and 2pm

Making Jurassic sea creatures with Creative Clay For All. Held at the Science Zone, Royal Arcade, Boscombe.

21 August 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society present concert of popular music by Steve Hubble at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors very welcome - £5 payable at door.

Info: 01202 895254.

23-27 August

Great Dorset Steam Fair’s 50th Anniversary at Tarrant Hinton.

Attractions include a steamdriven funfair, vintage, veteran and classic vehicles, country crafts and more. For tickets, telephone on 01258 860361 or go to the website.

25 August 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society Summer Show at West Moors Memorial Hall.

27 August

Silver Rustic Fayre. Verwood Rotary Club celebrates its 25th popular rustic event on Pottern Park, Verwood. Lots to do and see. Turn to page 36 for more details.

29 August 7.30pm

‘Verwood In Tune’ concert at the Hub, Verwood with Paul Carman on Bohm Overture keyboard. Tickets £8 from the Hub on 01202 828740

31 August 10am-5pm Journey to Justice exhibition is on at the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester. The exhibition explores peoples’ stories in the US Civil Rights movement.

Admission to this temporary exhibition is free. Museum and permanent exhibitions are chargeable.

around & ABOUT

a sunny aFternoon

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listening to

Not Just Sax Review by Arabella Watkiss

My mother and I went to the Miramar Hotel to see Not Just Sax (the Sarah Bolter Trio) on 30 June as part of the Bournemouth and Poole Jazz by the Sea Festival. We were treated to an afternoon of rhythmic modern jazz pieces that varied in tone and style.

The repertoire included Latin, jazz, swing and waltzes as well as original tunes written by the pianist, Ray Shea.

The musicians played extremely well, but I particularly enjoyed the weighty double bass playing and Sarah’s amazing saxophone skills. Sarah had three saxophones and switched around instruments depending on piece. The highest saxophone, the soprano, was my favourite to listen to because it had a playful tone. The pianist’s scalic passages were impressive and the hi-hat sound really created a jazzy atmosphere.

The group has been together since 2001, which was reflected in the seamlessness of the playing. You could tell that they were all massively experienced – I didn’t hear one wrong note. Improvisation,

which is characteristic of jazz, was done with style and sensitivity. Sarah displayed that she was multitalented when she began to sing. Her voice is exceptional with a deep and luxurious vibrato that you don’t hear often nowadays. Although the audience was sitting rather far away from the band, which was a shame, on occasion there were children and parents dancing on the grass so it was clear everyone was having a good time.

The band features Ray Shea on piano, Pete Maxfield on double bass and Johnny Eyden on drums as well as Sarah herself on saxophone and vocals.

Miramar Hotel

Winner will dine at Red Shoot The winner of the £60 dining out voucher in May’s Viewpoint was Lucy Beavis who chose to spend her voucher at The Red Shoot. The answer was The Bat and Ball.

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around & ABOUT Dorset Tank Museum appeals for missing commander and MC The Tank Museum in Dorset has launched an appeal to find the Military Cross (MC) won by the commander of its Mark V tank.

Harold Whittenbury’s heroics at the Battle of Amiens, 100 years ago, which included ramming a building with

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his tank, earned him the bravery medal. But its whereabouts are unknown and the museum has found scant information about the man who commanded the tank that is on display.

Whittenbury, from Manchester, was protecting Australian troops with the

Mk V tank no 9199, on 8 August 1918 – the start of the battle that is considered the beginning of the end of the Great War. The museum is marking the occasion and wants to know more about Whittenbury and ideally find his MC to exhibit.

If you have any information, contact David Willey, curator of the museum in Bovington.

Ray Dorset from Rock band, Mungo Jerry.

Mungo Jerry to headline festival In the Summertime chart toppers, Mungo Jerry, are to headline the return of Poole Harbour Festival on

27-29 July. With 30 live acts on three stages, artisanproduced street food, free children’s entertainment, local produce and crafts, and a rare full band show by 1970s’ icons Mungo Jerry, whose singer Ray Dorset lives in Westbourne, the festival is a treat for all the family.

The event at Harbourside Park, offers a full weekend’s entertainment with stunning top tribute acts, as well as local bands. Weekend and day tickets are available to be bought up until the end of the month and under-fives go free. Tickets are available from www. eventbrite.co.uk.

around & ABOUT LETTERS to the

EDITOR

Correspondence should be sent to the editor at the address on page 3, or email editorial@ mags4dorset.co.uk

Protect our heathland It’s that time of year again. The warmer weather is enticing people to attractive locations in the area.

But without days of rain, as well as warm breezes, the vegetation can become a fire hazard and a danger to flora and fauna.

Unfortunately, arson attacks appear to be on the rise as well.

Any attack on the heathland is very distressing and the damage is evident. Youngsters need to realise the consequences of any actions when out on the heath.

Certain species of wildlife are already at threat such as the humble bumblebee, which relies on the nectar sourced from the heather plant. The smooth snake, and sand lizard also make their homes here. There are also

ground nesting birds such as the woodcock and nightjar that lay their eggs in the bracken and heather.

A fire on the heathland spreads at a rapid rate, which can cause destruction not only to the animals, but to all those living close to the area.

If you are unfortunate enough to visit the heath after a fire, the sight of charred remains is soul destroying. This beautiful landscape becomes a barren shell of emptiness.

After this terrible occurrence, the big clean up of all that has perished begins. Reconstruction of the area can sadly take decades.

Tanya Fillbrook by email

FREEADS Proceed with caution when buying privately. mags4dorset cannot accept any liability for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

DVD box sets complete Deadwood series 1,2&3. Excellent condition. £10 the lot.

Bournemouth. 01202 389756

Push mower with grass collector, hardly used. Very good condition. £25. Wimborne.

01202 883347

High School Musical house 2’4”h x 2’ w with 16 figures, 6 microphones and lots more accessories, £25. Mamas & Papas travel cot, £10. Ringwood. 01425 471682

Cobra Lawnmower (large) as new, only used a couple of times. Cost £500, selling for £295.

Gents bicycle Universal Fusion, never used but needs a clean-up, £25. Christchurch. 01202 484510/07884 065631

Wooden garden arch, adjustable width, flat pack, good condition £25. Military non-fiction books incl SAS operations (39) plus servicesrelated info, Jack Higgins, Chris Ryan, Andy McNab (48). Offers. West Moors. 01202 875774 Assorted items suitable for car boot sale, 2 boxes, £10 per box. Ashley Heath. 01425 472533 Three concrete garden troughs, old but serviceable, 30” x 10” approx. £15. Buyer to collect. West Parley. 01202 893217 Large brown leather riser/recliner chair, two years old £100. Bournemouth. 01202 294085

Deluxe two-tier heated airer from Lakeland ‘dry soon’ range with fitted cover. Only used twice. £70. Corfe Mullen. 01202 696335 Winemaking equipment, secondhand, 10 fermenting jars, buckets, airlocks etc. £25.

Broadstone. 01202 021673 Paving stones and pieces of Portland stone. £7.50. Small dog’s pram, used once. £29.

Ferndown. 01202 892953.

Rabbit Hutch. Needs attention but solidly built.

FREE. Buyer collects. West Moors. Tel: 07910 680986

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. Free insertions limited to two items per person. Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

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TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

specialist SERVICES AIRPORT TRANSFERS

AERIAL & SATELLITE INSATLLERS

BLINDS & CURTAINS

BUILDING SERVICES

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specialist SERVICES CARPENTRY

CARAVAN ACCESSORIES

DECORATING

DECORATING

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

DRAIN SERVICES

FENCING

FENCING

GARDEN SERVICES

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FENCING

VIEWPOINT July 2018

GRAPHIC DESIGN

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

specialist SERVICES LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

TREE SURGERY

LOCKSMITH

LOGS

TREE SURGERY

MAINTENANCE

PLASTERING

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

May 2018

Pulford Publicity Limited (“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 Viewpoint Magazine 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 Viewpoint Magazine. In no case shall the total liablility 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 28 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 consent.

Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Viewpoint Magazine 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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ASK THE

EXPERT Q.

I’m hoping to move away from home soon and rent my own place.

What initial advice would you give a first-time renter?

A.

Probably the most important thing to bear in mind is that an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement (the commonest type) is a form of contract. This gives you a number of important rights, but also certain responsibilities – for example, to pay the rent on time, look after the property and respect any special conditions in the agreement.

When you consider renting for the first time – in addition to deciding where you want to live, and how much you can afford – you first need to be sure that you have a good credit history with no ccj’s as either of these could cause you difficulties passing the referencing process.

As you are a first time tenant, I would recommend even before you look at a property that you discuss your financial and personal circumstances with a local letting agent as they can advise you of what is expected of you in order

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to pass the referencing process successfully.

If for any reason the agent feels that you would struggle to pass the referencing process on your own, there is always the possibility of you having a guarantor in place but this is again subject to certain criteria being met.

Letting agents will, as part of the referencing process, check your identity, immigration status, credit history and employment status so make sure that you have all the relevant documentation ready to hand for when you find the home you would like to secure.

Once you have found a suitable place to live, you will be given a written tenancy agreement.

If you have any concerns about it, seek legal advice before you sign. A tenancy agreement is a formal legal document and it is not something that you can get out of just because you change your mind, or your circumstances change part way through the term – well not without authority

from the landlord, who could choose to hold you to the agreement. It is therefore recommended that you think very seriously about entering into a tenancy agreement either on your own or with a partner as both of you will be liable for the entire term of the tenancy.

For more comprehensive guidance, I suggest you check out the Department of Communities and Local Government handbook online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ how-to- rent/how-to-rent-the-checklistfor-renting-in-england. Alternatively, give a member of my lettings team a call and we will be more than happy to help you further.

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motoring NEWS

Some important changes to the Highway Code Learner car drivers now allowed on motorways

Since Monday 4 June, learner drivers have been able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales. Up until last month, you could only have motorway lessons after you’d passed your driving test.

However, learner drivers will need to be accompanied by a trained and approved driving instructor and driving a car fitted with dual controls.

Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is ready. The change only applies to learner drivers of cars as learner motorcyclists will not be allowed on motorways.

The Highway Code is to be updated to reflect the changes, although motorway driving isn’t being introduced to the

driving test as part of this change.

For other drivers, as with any vehicle on the motorway, you are advised to keep a safe distance from any learner driver and to increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog. They may not be as skilful at anticipating and responding to events as you are.

The changes are being made to allow learner drivers to: get broader driving experience before taking their driving test; learn how to join and leave the motorway, overtake and use lanes correctly; practise driving at higher speeds; understand motorway specific traffic signs and what to do if a vehicle breaks down on a motorway and also to improve their confidence to drive on the motorway unsupervised after passing their driving test.

The benefits of an old banger Here is a bit of good news for motorists driving around in vehicles over 40 years old.

Some of these vehicles will no longer need an MOT. Cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles that are over 40 years old and have not been substantially changed will be exempt from needing an MOT. Until now, only vehicles first built before 1960 were exempt. Now the rules have changed, vehicles won’t need an MOT from the 40th anniversary of when they were registered or manufactured. You can check the date the vehicle was registered online at www.gov.uk/ check-mot-history.

You won’t have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle.

However, each time you tax your historic vehicle (even if you don’t pay a fee), you’ll have to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.

Further clarification is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria

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