The Mudeford Mag | February 2022

As theweatheroutsidecontinuestobe cold anddark, it wouldseem that most of usturn to comfort foodto getusthrough thistimeofyear. More especially,withthe rise in Dessert Shops, notjustcomfort foodbutsticky, sweettasting treats.

Ifthis sounds familiar, then youmay like the recipeonpageS20.Chocolateand Raspberry Cake is the perfectselfindulgence to banish thewinterblues;to sharewitha lovedoneor to eatall to yourselfjustbecause you’re worth it!

Ifthis hasjusttoo many caloriesfor you so soon afterthe newyearfestivities, but youare stillcravinga teatimetreat,you maywanttotravelbacktoJane Austen’s time andrelivesomeofthose old fashionedcakes,bunsand pastriesthat are stillfavouritestoday andwhich canbe foundinthe articleonpageS2.It might even inspireyou to bake oneforMother’s DayonSunday27th March.

Best Wishes, Julie

Disclaimer:Whilstevery care hasbeentaken to ensure thatdata in this publicationisaccurate,thepublisher cannotaccept anyliability to anypartyfor loss ordamagecaused by errorsoromissions resultingfromnegligence ,accident or anyother cause. TheMudefordMagdoesnotofficially endorseanyadvertising material included within this publication.Nopartof this publication maybeproduced, stored in anyretrieval systemsortransmittedin anyform,without priorpermission of thepublisher.

6. Puzzles

8. SpanishKitchen Recipe

24.CoquetLighthouse

S2.Regency TeaTime

S4.RNLIMudeford Lifeboat Guild

S8.RegentCentre—What’sOn

S10. WineoftheMonth

S12. Stigma Around Self Harm

S14. Competition

S18. Together We CanGrow!

S20. Chocolate &Raspberry Cake

S22. Creating BeautifulGardens

S24. History: Oliver Cromwell

S28. Me &MyDrill!

S30. Bird Watching

S32. WhyVolunteer?

60. Church News

62.Travel: TheMaldives

66.BookReview

70.Short Story

AuthenticMediterraneanCuisinewithChefJosé thentic Mediterranean C isine with Chef José

BatteredVolcanicStones

With this new creation in Honour and Solidarity of all the citizens of the Island of La Palma (Canary Islands). The recipe is a Spanish-Japanese fusion, where the combination of the ingredients creates a range of flavours in your mouth, on the one hand it tastes of the sea and on the other of the forest. The products used are well known and easy to find, and its preparation is quite simple

Ingredients (for 2 persons):

4PortobelloMushrooms

2SlicesofSerranororIberianHam

60gBlueCheese

2SheetsofNoriSeaweed

1Egg

Panko(sufficientquantity)

PlainFlour(sufficientquantity)

Preparation:

Cleanthemushrooms, removethestemand skin,andeventheedgeswith aknife.Heata fryingpanorgriddlewith afewdropsofoiland searthemushrooms,sothattheylosesome waterandbecomemoreflexible.Removeonto absorbentpaper.Set aside.

Cutthehamintostripsandsetaside.Stuffone mushroomwiththehamandbluecheeseand coverwiththeothermushroom.

Placethestuffedmushroomon asheetofNori andcarefullywrapthelastpieceofseaweed aroundit,brushwiththebeateneggandfinish coveringthemushroom.Nowitis a“Volcanic Stone”.

Dredgeinflour,beateneggandfinallyinPanko. In afryingpanwithplentyofoliveoil,fryeach “STONE”mushroomovermediumheaton bothsidesfor afewmoments, removeonto absorbentpaper.

Servehot,withsalad,chipsor roastedpeppers. Enjoy.

ExperiencetheflavouroftheMediterranean,cuisinewithsoul,madewithlove,toteachandtransmitthe GastronomicCultureofSpain.

Withsimple,fresh,aromatic,variedingredients,fullofflavourandsunshine. We make100%Spanish foodtoenjoyandshare. We don’tsellanything,everythingonthischannelisfreeandauthentic. Attheendofthisvideoyoucanfindthecomplete recipe.Enjoyour recipesandshareyourexperiences. IfyoulikeSpanishfoodandwhatwedo,pleasesupportusbySUBSCRIBING.

Watch me prepare this and other meals on my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/6puDLx7xAdI

eMail me: thespanishkitchen@outlook.com

Self Massage Technique to Reduce Muscle Tensionand Pain

Everfelt atensioninyourmusclesthatyou justcan’tgetto?Hereisa simpletechnique, forfast reliefthatwon’tbreakthebankand youcandoyourself!

Muscletensioniscommonandcausedby manythingsincludingsittingstillfortoolong, doingtoomuch,livingwithon-goingstress orevenjusthaving aworkout.Thistension createsknotsinthemuscle(alsoknownas triggerpoints)andcanbe ahugesourceof pain.Finding aself-caretechniquecanbe invaluableespeciallyifitcanbeusedinthose hardtoreachareassuchastheupperback, shoulders,buttocksandeventhefeet.

Irecommendusingmassageballsbecause theyareaffordable,easytocarryaroundand youcandoityourself!

Choosing aball

Iliketorecommend aspikeymassageball or ahardballlike alacrosseball(picture1), theseareeasilypurchasedonline,and Isell theminmyclinic.However,youcanstart withjust atennisball.

Wheredotoit?

Youcandoitleaningupagainst awall,on thefloor,inachairorevenjustusingyour handsto roll theball.Itdependsonwhich areaofyourbodyyouarefocussingon.

Whatdoyoudo?

Find aknot(youwillknowwhenyouhave), theyarepointsmoretenderthanthe surroundingarea.Gentlypressintheball increasingthepressureuntilyoufeel‘good pain’.Becarefulnottopresstoohard.Hold stillontheknotand relaxuntilthetenderness has reducedtoabout80%.Inmyclinic Iteach abreathingtechniquetosupport relaxationtoo.

Alsotry rollingtheballaroundtolookfor moretenderpointsorjustenjoygentlygoing backandforthoverthetightmuscle.

Repeat2-3 aday.

Shoulderandneckfocus

Withyourbackupagainst awallplacethe ballbetweenyourneckandshoulderblade (picture2). Youcanputtheballinto asockto stopitfallingontothefloor.Gentlyleaninto thewalland roll upanddownorsideways. Holdand relaxto releaseanyknotsasyou findthem.

FormoreinformationaskKateFreemantle whois ahighlyexperiencedacupuncturist andqigongpractitioner.Sherunsa communitypracticefromMudeford. Youcan contactheron 07880545943 orgotoher websiteat Christchurchacupuncture.co.uk.

Pleasenotethatallself-caretechniquesare doneatyourownrisk,ifyouareconcerned speaktoyourGPorpractitionerbefore starting.

BELLA’SBeautySalon

Beautyandaestheticsaresomuchmore than anewsetofshinynailsor apairof enhanced,plumplips –althoughthese arejust afewofthebenefitsweprovide. AtBella’sBeautysalonouraesthetic practitionersandbeautytherapists genuinelycareaboutthewellbeingofour clientsnotonlystrivingtomakethemfeel good,promoteconfidenceandbuildself esteembuttoalsolendanearandsupport theirmentalhealth.

Ourteamofhighlyskilledtherapistshave awealthofknowledgeandexperiencein thebeautyindustryoffering awiderangeof qualitytreatments;fromwaxingtolashes, manicurestofacials,massagetotinting.

Inadditiontothebeautysalonwewere pleasedto recentlylaunchTheAesthetics Room,providingnonsurgicalcosmetic treatmentsbyKirsty,afully trainednurse, whosepriorityishercustomerscareand safety.IntheAestheticRoomweenhance yournaturalbeautyofferinganti-wrinkle injections,skinpeels,dermalfillersand much,muchmore.

Afterthechallengingpastcoupleofyears, Bella’ssalonistheperfectplacetobe pamperedfromheadtotoein atranquil, luxurioussettingleavingyoufeeling relaxed, beautifuland readytofacetheworldagain!

Thereisashortageofrental propertyin thisarea!

We arereceivingmanycallsandemailenquiries everyday, especiallyforpropertiesin Mudeford &WestChristchurch.

Most tenantsare lookingfor long term rentals,anythingfrom12months to 10 years,andon averageour tenantsin3-bedroomhousesstaya littleover8 years.

Renting apropertyoutcangiveagoodincome, certainlymorethanputting moneyinthebankand,theasset isthere,itdoesn’tgo away until yousellit.

Areyouin aposition to become alandlord,have you inherited aproperty,doyouhave moneyinthebank earningpitifulinterest?

In early2009 Iwasapproached by achap looking to investin abuy-to-letproperty; at thetimehewas looking to investc£230,000.

We satdowntogetherandshortlisted5 propertiesfrom localagents’details,hethen wentawayto make appointments to view theseproperties. Ithenaccompaniedhim onall 5viewingstogivemyinputas to what eachproperty would returnas farasrental income.Duringthatdaywe settledon1 house;anextended 3bedroomsemi offof CometWay in Mudefordpriced at £230,000.

Overthenext weeksthenegotiations culminatedinanagreementtobuythehouse at £220,000andabout 5weekslaterhehad thekeys. Therewasnomortgage required to buy,themoneycamefromaninheritance.

May2009,purchased for:£220,000 Rent received2009 –2021c£143,335

SaleagreedApril2021 £347,500 Obviouslytherehave been costs –c£18,000 Sowhatdothesefiguresshow?

Theyshowthatthe ownerhas returned approximately £125,000(rentless costs)on hisoriginalinvestment–about50%andhe nowhasan assetworth£127,500more thanhepaid forit, an overall “profit” of c£252,500, –114%!

Idon’tknowwhathedid with theincome but,ifhesaveditforhis retirement,that combinedwiththesaleproceeds couldmean thathenow hasalmost£500,000 available

Wall Street movie(1987)GordonGekko: “Idon’tthrow dartsataboard. Ibet onsurethings. Read Sun-tzu, TheArt of War. Everybattleiswonbefore itis everfought.”

jeremy.clarke@belvoirlettings.com

TheJaneAustenSociety

HampshireBranch -Anyoneforcake? -Any

Twoofourmembers,JoyPibworth andHelenHowe,embarkeduponan investigationofcakeinJaneAusten’s day.Some researchlaterinvolving severalsamplingandbakingsessions, theyproducedcakesfor aregencytea forthemembers.HelenandJoytook alittlelibertywithhistorywhenserving teaat4pm.Afternoonteaonlybecame asocialeventfrom1840andduring thelifetimeofJaneAustencakewas eatenatvarioustimesduringtheday, probablyatsimilartimestoourlunch andintheeveningwith acupoftea.

“Thesolemnprocession,headedby Baddeley(thebutler)ofteaboard, urnandcakebearersmadeits appearance...” MansfieldPark.

Gingercake.

Gingerbreadandgingerbreadcake wereverypopular.MarthaLloyd,who livedwiththeAustenladiesinChawton,

wroteout areceipt(recipe)inher HouseholdBook.

InHighburyEmmasaw “astring ofdawdlingchildren roundthe baker’slittlebow-windoweyeingthe gingerbread.” Emma.

Portugalorpotingalcakes.

Portugalcakesaresonamed,itis thought,because adropofsack, asweetfortifiedwhitewinefrom Portugal,wasaddedtothesimple ingredients. Adropofrosewateradds tothelightflavour.

MrsMusgroveonhergrandsons,“but youknowitisverybadtohavechildren withone,thatoneisobligedtobe checkingeverymoment...orthatone canonlykeepintolerablebymorecake thanisgoodforthem.” Persuasion.

Breadpudding.

ThiswasmadefromMrsAusten’s own recipe,convertedinto apoemfor inclusioninMarthaLloyd’sHousehold Book.

BathBuns.

Thesearebestservedwarm,spread withsaltybutter.Theadditionof carrawayseedsinthedoughadds aninterestingflavour.Whenstaying forvisitswithherwell-meaningbut perhapsstingyAuntyLeighPerrot, Austenapparentlyaugmentedmeals withBathbuns.

‘tobesure,thekeepoftwowillbemore thanofone, Iwillendeavourtomake thedifferencelessbydisorderingmy stomachwithBathbuns.’

JanetoCassandrain aletter,1801.

PoundCake.

Thiswassocalledasthe recipeuses apoundofeachingredient.Itisa rich,egg-ladensponge,notlikethe airyfatlessGenoesesponges,ora VictoriaSandwichoftoday.Theair isincorporatedbybeatingtheeggs thoroughly.

‘Youknowhowinterestingthepurchase of asponge-caketome.’

JanetoCassandrain aletter,15June, 1808.

RoutCakes.

Theword‘rout’has amilitarylinkand means‘adisorderly retreatofdefeated troops’.InAusten’sday,theselittle dropsconeswouldbeservedwitha glassofwineorcoffee,particularlyat aneveningball,tosustainthedancers.

MrsEltonmentionstheminher criticismoftheHighburyparties inEmma:

‘HerBathhabitsmadeevening-parties perfectlynaturaltoher,andMaple Grovehadgivenher atastefordinners. Shewas alittleshockedatthewantof twodrawing-rooms,atthepoorattempt at routcakes,andtherebeingnoiceat theHighburycard-parties.’

Emma,Chapter34.

To jointheJaneAustenSociety (HampshireBranch)pleasecontact LesleyWilson, hants@jasoc.org.uk

Membershipforoneyearis£5,it includesanAGMwithspeakerinApril/ May,twonewslettersandinvitationsto talksandeventsthroughouttheyear.

Welcome to Nayberle

Localfriendlyhelpasandwhen youneedit.

Do yourememberthedayswhen youhadthatonespecialneighbourwho wasalways lookingout foryouand yourlovedones?Doyou rememberwhennothing wastoo muchtrouble forthemandtheywerealwaysmorethanhappytohelp youwhenever andwithwhatever youneeded? Ifyoustillhave thishowspecialthisisnowadays,butif youdon’t howwould youliketohavethisbackagain?

Nayberleis exactlythis, we areneighbourlyandwillcomeandhelpandsupport youin yourhomewithwhatever youneedandwheneveryouneedit,nothingis toomuch trouble forour Nayberle helpers.

We canarrangeforone of our Nayberlehelpers to comeandhelp youfromaslittleas 30minutesup to full24hoursperdayliveincare.PleasecallAlison fora freesupport assessmenton 07918984482 oremail alison@Nayberle.com sheis readyand eagerto speak to youaboutwhatbenefitsthereare to having aNayberlehelperin yourlife.

Comeandjoinus

Areyou agoodneighbour?Could youbeNayberle to peoplewhouseourservice?Are you caringand feelgoodwhen youhavegoneabove andbeyond to help others?Ifyouhave said yestoall of thesethen wewouldlove to meetyou!

As aNayberle carerorhelper youwillbecome avitalpersoninthelives of ourserviceusers makingsurethattheyhavealltheirneedsmetandin return foryouroutstanding work we will reward youwith averycompetitivesalarywith aguaranteedminimumhourcontract (subject to passingourcriteria), excellenttrainingand ateamaround youthatwillbeas supportiveandashelpfulas youare to ourserviceusers.

Nayberleis alocalservice to helplocalpeoplewithmakingtherunning of theirday to day businesseasier.Weneedkindandcaringpeoplewho want to makeadifferenceinpeople’s livesandbethebest of thebest.

If thissoundslikeyouthenpleasedonothesitatetocontactAlison: Tel:07918984482oremail:alison@nayberle.co.uk sheis waitingand very eagertotalk to you!

SHOWING

GONOW! –THEMOODYBLUESTRIBUTE

Tickets:£24,Conc.£23

POLTERGEIST(1982) -[35mmPresentation]

Tickets£10,Conc.£9

REGENT90TH:BIG BANDBIRTHDAY BASH

Tickets:£10

REGENTCOMEDYCLUBwithShappiKhorsandi

Tickets£17

NATURALLY7

Tickets:£26,Conc.£25 SupportactforMichaelBuble,Coldplay,DianaRoss& manymore.

FRIDAKAHLO: Exhibitionon Screen

Tickets:£14.50,Conc.£13.50

ROYALOPERA:RIGOLETTO (AnniversaryScreening)(12A)

Tickets:£18.50,Conc.£16.50,Child(under16):£10

SIMONBRODKIN -Troublemaker

Tickets:£21

NATHANCARTER &HIS BAND(plussupport)

Tickets:£30

MONTYPYTHON’SLIFEOFBRIAN(1979) [35mmPresentation]

Tickets:£10,Conc.£9

DOWNTONABBEY2: ANEWERA(CERTTBC)

Tickets:£7.50,Conc.£7

ANEVENINGWITH JACK PACK

Vocalharmonies

Tickets£25

THEOMEN(1976) -[35mmPresentation](15)

Tickets:£10,Concessions£9

THEMANFREDS

Hits,Jazz &Blues Tour £26.50,Conc.£25.50

DATE &TIME

Fri25Feb2022:7.30pm

Sat26Feb:10pm

Inassociationwith‘DirtintheGateMovies’

Sun27 Feb:2.30pm

NewForestBigBandwillentertainwiththeir usualairplayingnumbersfromtheirextensive repertoirewiththeirvocalistAngelaJackson.

Thurs 3March:7.30pm

Thefeisty,irtyandeffortlesslyfunnyShappi Khorsandi,asseenonLiveattheApollo&Mock TheWeek.WIthsupportfromAngelaBarnes, BenNorris&hostedbyJarredChristmas.

Sun 6March:7.30pm

Americanacapellagroupwhosimulatethe soundsofinstrumentals,usingonlytheirvoices!

Tues 8March:7.30pm

Ajourneythroughthelifeofatrueiconandkey worksthroughouthercareer.

Thurs10March:7.15pm

Fri11March:8pm

WorldfamouspranksterandcreatorofLeeNelsonisbackwithanewstand-upshow.

Sat12March:7.30pm

Sun13March2022:7.30pm

Inassociationwith‘DirtintheGateMovies’

ScreeningsfromFri18thMarch

Sat19March:7.30pm

Britain’sGotTalentnalistsinaidof TheBrainTumourCharity.

Fri25March:10pm

Inassociationwith‘DirtintheGateMovies’

Sat26March2022:7.30pm

Featuringoriginalfrontman,PaulJones.The Manfredsperformtheirgreatesthits.

Beatthosewinterblueswiththisblockbuster. Imagine alovelyrichrubyport,butwiththeMalbec flavourfruitprofile.

Thisisourbestsellingfortifiedwine.

Asoftpurplecolourwitharomasofoverripened plums,driedfigsandnuts. Acomplex sweet winewithspicytonesofcinnamonandtoasted almonds.

Enjoywith:MildCreamyCheeses

Tryasanalternativeto Tawnyport

Cheers,

THESTIGMAAROUNDSELFHARM

ByDr ArmorelWood

Ifanyonehaspreviouslyexperiencedselfharmingeitherdirectlyorindirectly,they will realisehowmuchdistresssurrounds it.Manypeoplehavenoinsightintowhy peoplefeeltheneedtoself-harmandthink thattheyarejustseekingattentionand shouldbejudgedorevenpunished.This infactwillonlymakethesituationworse. Distressedpeoplehurtthemselvesas away ofdealingwithdifficultfeelings,emotions oroverwhelmingsituations,andtheyneed insteadtobetreatedwithcompassion, empathyandunderstanding.Itisimportant to reflectandidentifyourownpersonal feelingsandfearssurroundingself-harm andtosettheseasideifwearetohelpour friendsorfamilythataresuffering.

Peopleself-harmfor amyriadof reasons suchas:

…self-punishmentbecauseofself-hatred

…as atangiblewayofexpressing themselvesbecausetheylackthewords

…itgivesthem asenseofcontrolina worldthattheyfeelisoutoftheircontrol

…tochangeemotionalpainintophysical pain

Theactofself-harmis acopingmechanism thereforeforcing themtostopisunhelpful. itdoesnotalwaysinvolvecutting,butcan involveotheractionssuchashittingoneself, overexercising,overorundereatingor pickingorscratchingyourskin.Unsafesex anddrugtakingarealsoformsofselfharming.Theseactionsdon’tnecessarily

meanthatthepersonwantstotaketheir ownlifeanditisactuallyrareforself-harm toleadtodeatheitherintentionallyor accidentally.

Peoplewhoself-harmareoftenvery ashamedoftheiractionsandhidethe evidencewiththeirstyleofclothing therefore,makingthemfeelguiltyorjudged abouttheiractions,onlyexacerbates thesituation.Theyneedoursupportbut needto remainincontrolofanychanges theymightwanttomakeandmakethese changesattheirownpace.

Itisoftenveryhardtocopewithourown feelingsaroundfamilymemberswhoselfharmandthismaybe areasontoseek supportourselves.

Trynotto beshockedbuttryandbenonjudgementalandunderstanding.Continue to remindthemoftheirpositivequalities. Encouragethemtothinkofusingless harmfulmethodsofself-harm.

Ifcutting;encouragesafetyforexample,by usingcleanblades,having afirstaidkitto handandchoosesaferlocationswhereto inflictwounds.Itisimportantnottoignore theirinjuriesoroverfocusonthem.

Helpthemidentifypositivedelaying distractionsuntiltheurgetocuthaspassed.

Encouragethemtoseektherapytowork ontheunderlyingissuesthattriggerthe self-harmingandhelpthemdevelop newstrategiestocopeandmanage overwhelmingemotions.

DrArmorel WoodMBACP, AccredMNCSCounsellor

GroundedCommunity Together We CanGrow!

Someofushaverealisedourvulnerability as asocietyoverthepasttwoyears.There hasbeen adisconnectbetweenusin communitiesandtonature.Sadly,many havelived amoreisolatedlifeas aresultof lockdowns,butinourSecretGardeninthe heartofBoscombewehaveexperienceda timeof real connectionandpurposeover theseseasons.

GroundedCommunitybecamean EducationCharityatthestartof2020, possiblynotthebesttimetolauncha charity.Butactually,ithasbeenamazing. We havebeenrunningourfoodgrowing projectsince2016andthroughthepast yearhavedevelopedourcharityandteam muchfurther.Weare focusedonFood

Growingandbuildingcommunity resilience aroundfoodandfoodwaste. We have6 projectsover 4siteswhichinclude,Bee Keeping,Compostingand 3foodgrowing gardens. We operate afoodhubfor

preservingandgatheringsurplusfoods,this iswherewerunourFeedOurCommunity Projectwhichpicksupsurplusfoodfrom 65supermarketseachweekanddistributes boxestolow-incomehouseholds.

We arecommittedtocreatingcommunity sufficiency,whichmeansworkingwithlocal peopleandgroupstotacklefoodinsecurity andlookatthewayweeat,growandbuy food. We desireeveryonewhocantobe growingsomefoodfortheircommunity. Thisisfarfrom‘SelfSufficiency’,which seemstobe apopularphrasethesedays, butratherfocusesonallcontributingwhat theycantobuildourlocalcapacityand alleviatepressureonthelargerfoodsystem intheworld.

We havearound100volunteerswho contributetoourprogrammesandconnect throughsharedmeals,foodgrowing,nature playandservingotherstogether.Butyou don’tneedtocomealongtoanyofour

sessionstobeinvolved. We aremappingall whogrowfoodlocally,anyonewhohasfruit treesandcancollectglutsoffruitfromtheir gardens. Youmayhave apatioandwantto setup araisedbed. We cansupportyouto dothis.

In afuturearticlewewillexplorefurther thoughtsonthe‘way’weeat,butfornowit isenoughtosaythatthereisa hugedesire andenergyforchangeinourcommunity. BCPcanbe amodelforotherpartsofthe UKandtheworldinourattemptstocreate amoreresilientarea.

We havelostmanyoftheattitudesand skillsonceheldinoursocietyandourhope isthroughimagination,inspiration,and collaborationwecan recover,regenerate and restorewhathasbeenforgotten.In thesecondworldwartheUKwentfrom producing30%ofitsownfreshproduce tonearly100%in 7months!Rapidchange ispossibleinthefaceofcrisis,andweare realisingas asocietythatweareinalongtermcrisisofbothconnectiontopeopleand nature.Pleasejoinininwhateverwayyou canandinbelievingwithusthat‘together wecangrow’.

Our Websiteis: www.groundedcommunity.co.uk forfurther detailsandcontactinformation. StClement’sRd,Boscombe,

Phone:07530987349

CREATING BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

A recent case study…….

My clients recently acquired a beautiful house but with a nightmare garden on a slope. All the rotting decking and paving slabs had to go and be replaced with a multi-use garden comprising of a new composite decked area, a large paving/entertaining space, a lawn and low maintenance raised flower beds.

The decking needed to be large enough for a pathway from patio door to back door and yet still room for a small table and 2 chairs. This in turn led down to the lower levels.

The main sandstone paving area was laid adjacent to the existing summerhouse and large enough for a table and 8 chairs.

A new lawn softened up the hard landscaping areas and the raised beds helped link together the varying levels. The beds comprised of mainly evergreen shrubs with seasonal colour of spring bulbs, summer flowering perennials and autumn grasses

Now is the time to start thinking about any changes to your garden before the summer is upon us. Contact Colin to arrange a visit to your garden and free initial consultation.

“The key is paying attention to every detail”

Oliver Cromwell(1599-1658)

O.k. youmay besurprisedthatI’m looking at Oliver Cromwellin alocalhistorycolumn. What didheeverdo forus? It’s arefrainakin to ‘The LifeofBrian’andthosepeskyRomans.Well, he did featureinChristchurch’s storyacoupleof timesbut I’llpickthatuplater.

Cromwell(1599-1658) wasaHuntingdon-born Puritansonotthelifeandsoulofanyparty. He wasrelatedtobothThomas Cromwell (c.1485-1540), executed by HenryVIII,andJohn Hampden(1594-1643)the Parliamentarianand oneofthe‘FiveMembers’whose attempted seizurebyCharles IprecipitatedtheEnglish Civil War.

Ilikedhisdepictioninthefilm ‘Cromwell’ (1970)when ahuskyRichardHarrisfilledhis considerableboots.Aswithanyhistoricaldrama therewereinaccuraciesbutit wasaworthy effort. Ilikedthe re-enactmentofthefirstmajor battleofthe war, Edgehill (October1642),when the twosidesparleybeforehand,trying to agree atimeforthebattleasthoughthey’rediscussing when to headdownthepub.Cromwellgets boredwiththedelayandfiresoff afewcannon (as youdo).Thatgetsthingsstarted. Cromwell foughtatEdgehillas acaptainofhorse.

Thewar’s earlystagesdidn’t go well for Parliamentbut Cromwellintroduced rigid discipline,formedhis formidable‘Ironsides’, and at Marston Moor (July1644)it washiscavalry chargesthatweredecisive. Healso,underSir Thomas Fairfax,ledtheNew Model Army to victory at the war’sdecisivebattleatNaseby (June1645). Cromwell wasoneofthe regicides whosignedthe king’s death warrantwhichsaw himgetthechop (January1649). Cromwellthen wonanotherdecisivevictory overthe king’s son,CharlesII, at Worcester(September1651) effectivelyendingthe warwiththeheirapparent heading forexile.

Cromwellbecame Lord Protectorand waseven offeredthecrown. Yes,we couldhave had aKing Olly.Hedeclined.Hisrule wasmarked by reform at homeand avigorousforeignpolicywhich tried to achievehisboastthat‘he wouldmake thenameofEnglishmanas respectedasthat of Roman’. Those Romansagain.Noteveryone lovedOllythough. TheIrishhatedhim(andstill do)forhisbrutalendingofthecivil warthere whilst renegade Royalists were alwaysout to assassinate him. Apparently,therewas a‘strainof coarseness’inhisbehavioursomaybehe would have been o.k. on alads’nightoutafterall.After hisdeath(September1658)it wasn’t longbefore themonarchywas restored(1660).

AndthoseChristchurch connections? Well,Olly decidedourcastleshouldbedestroyed to stop itbeingheldagainst Parliamentagain. Idon’t thinkhe washerewhenthebulldozersmovedin (c.1652). Also,our venerable RoyaltyFisheryhad Ollypersonallyhear apoachingcasein1657. Cromwell wasburiedin Westminster Abbeybut wasdugup by revengeful Royalistsafterthe Restorationandhanged at Tyburnbeforebeing reburiedthere.

ByStephenRoberts www.steveroberts.org.uk

Photo:Eluveitie

LocalConservatory InsulationSpecialists

Use your conservatory all year round withan insulated conservatory roofsuppliedandinstalled by local professionalspecialistsinPoole.

The conservatory roofing systemwillbringelegance, warmth,and versatility to your conservatory –allowing youmorespaceall year round.

The companies expertsbuild anew ceilinginside your conservatory andinsulateyour existing conservatory roofsaving youthousandsofpounds.

Transform your conservatory into a“Real”Comfortable Room to use everyday andnightofthe yearwhatever the weather.

Hereare someofthebenefitsofthe conservatory roofingsystem:

•Never TooCold•Never TooHot •NoUVGlare

•UVDamagetofurnishings –NeverAgain

•Noise –Reducenoise by up to 95%

•The conservatory roof systems stopspiders,flies, cobwebs&insects comingIn.

•Theinside roofis asmoothmaintenancefreeproduct

•Thedouble cavityairflowconservatoryroof systemenables your conservatory to befreeofany condensation,moistureordamp

•Savemoneyonheatingbillsallyearround

•The roof systems stopall drafts

•All refurbishment, repairsand modification work carriedoutand handbuiltonsite by our ownmultiskilled teamgivingourcustomersthefinestofhigh qualityfinishesandthebestBritishcraftsmanshipand the best customerservice

•Improveshomesecurity

•Governmentapprovedenergysavingproductwith reduced5% Vat

The companycan complete thejob usually withinone or 2daysandsave youmorethan50%ofthecostofa new replacementroof, plusit keepsyour conservatory still lookinglikeaconservatory asit wasdesigned to look.

Whateverthedesignof your conservatory theguarantee isthatitwillbeusableevery dayand nightofthe year whateverthe weather.

Me andMyDrill

Mydrilland Ihaveastoryandit’sallabout memories,thoseyouholdontoandthoseyoulet goof.

In2009mydadpassedaway,foranyofyouwho havelost aparent,youwillunderstandthemixof emotionsyougothrough.

Irememberfeelingthisdeepsorrowathispassing andaswewentthroughhisbelongings,itwas almostimpossibletomakeanysensibledecisions onwhat Ishouldtakewithme.However,one thingcaughtmyex-husbandseye,anditwasmy dad’sdrill.Dadhadbequeathedittohimmonths beforehepassed.Itwasused regularly.

Yearslater,I wastopartfrommyhusband,stillfull ofgriefatmydad’spassingbutnowmourningthe lossofmymarriagetosomeone Ihad lovedvery much.

Aswewentthroughourbelongings,itwasonly rightthat Itookbackthedrillthathadbelongedto mydad.

However,asawomanwhohadtrulylostherself for abit, Ihadnoclueif Iwouldeverusethedrill asquitesimply,theskills Ihadhad,priortomy

marriage,hadgone,andfranklyspeaking,even changing alightbulbhadbecome achallenge.

In2017,ontheslow roadto recoveryafterour splitin2016, Idecidedtoenrolmyselfona woman’sempoweringcourseinLondonwherewe weretaughtthebasicskillsofdrillingandpainting.

YearswentbybeforeI pickedupthedrill,butin 2019,withmybusinessstartingtotakeoff,the drillwasneeded. Aclientaskedif Icouldputupa pictureforher.

Thatnight Ichargedupthebatteryandthenext dayputuptwopictures,confidentlydoingso.

Lastweek Iputupanothertwopictures.Every time Iusethatdrillit’slikemydadisstillwithme andwhen Iwonderwhichscrewordrillbittouse, Isimplyaskhimforguidance.

Ibelieve,thatwhenyoulosesomeone,theyare never reallygone,theyaresimplyin adifferent placeandthememoriesyouholdofthemhereon earth,canbebroughtdowntojustoneitem,inmy case averyspecialdrill.

Mydadmaybegone,buteverytime Iusethat drill, Ihavealittlepieceofhiminthepalmofmy hand. Ibet he’ssmiling nowas Itypethisand proudthathisdaughtereventuallygothermojo backandfoundthehappinessshewasseekingall herlife. WithLove,

Photo:RussWard~UnSplash

BIRD WATCHING

By ValerieKelly

CHOG (ChristchurchHarbourOrnithological Group)are interested to findouthowmany youngbirdersareinourarea. Do youknow ofanyyoungpeoplewhomayormay not bemembersofCHOG,butare interestedin watching andidentifyingbirds? Please contact CHOGviathe websitewww.chog.org.uksothey canbeinvited to theoutdoormeetingsofbird watching.

Localpeople were amazed to find aBeanGoose on Stanpit RecreationGround,allaloneand seeminglyquiteconfident.

oneonHengistburyHeadinDecember.This largebuntingisabout10%longerthana Chaffinchandhas adistinctly forkedtail.The maleis avibrant yellowinthebreedingseason, hencethenameandeasilyidentified.They preferopen countrysideandcanbeseenon farmlandthroughoutmuchofBritain.

Thisbirdhasneverbeen recordedin ChristchurchHarbourandchosethisunusual location exploring Stanpit RecreationGround andthesaltmarsh by theRustyBoat. Thanksgo to alltheobligingdog walkerswhosensedthe importanceofthissightingandkepttheirdogs away fromthe Goose.Thesebirdsbreedin The Arctic.The nameisderivedbecausethey were knowntograze onstubblesinbeanfields.

Afurther very rare birdtotheareaisthe Yellowhammer.Itispossible to spotoneon autumnmigrationbut very surprising to find

Marshharriers continue to be regularvisitors hunting over CentralMarsh.Onemaleand twofemales together wasawelcomesightin December.

Althoughchilly,keenand experiencedbirders wererewardedin December to spyapod of6 Bottle-nosed Dolphinsfrom MudefordQuay. Thesecondsightingin twodays. Many dog walkershavereportedthe sightingof aseal whichcanbeseenfrom Avonbeachand The Run. Thismammalis aregularvisitor,sokeep youreyesopenwhen walkingonthebeach.

CHOGisalwayshappy to welcomenew members.Youdon’t have to have any experiencebecauseeveryone ishappytoshare their knowledgeandmorethanwilling to help identify birdsif youare newtobirdingand needclarification.

To join,visit www.chog.org.uk Membersare invited to outdoormeetingswith groupsof like-mindedpeopleofallabilities.The meetings areled by experiencedbirdersanditis agreat opportunitytomeetnewpeople andgain expertknowledge.

BeanGoose by Scott Usher

Chaffinch by AlanHayden/Leo Pike

Thinkingaboutbeing aVolunteer?

When Idecidedtogo into counsellingmydreamwas simple: Igenuinelywanted to help people. Ihavealwaysbeeninterestedin psychologyandmentalhealth andhad dippedinandoutofthatsubjectsince being ateenager… along timeago!

Ididn’tknowwhere thisinterestwas leadingandlifewentalong as it does,ebbingandflowingbutmostly,andquiterightly, it becameall about my children. As theygrewandflourished,I foundmyselftreading water without direction.

At this time adearfriend spotted thatIwasflounderinganduninspiredandsuggestedsomevoluntarywork.

Shehanded me anadvert from thelocalpaperlookingforvolunteers forthecrisislineat DorsetRapeCrisis.

Thischarityreallyinspired me,and IfeltthatIwas agood listener because my friendskepttellingmeso, and so …well… Ilistened!

Whatareyour strengths? Whatinterestsyou? What wouldyourfriends sayyouaregoodat?

Ongatheringconfidence to call, Iwasdelighted tospeaktoa passionateand dedicatedadvocatefortheservice. Sheexplained that Iwouldbeinterviewedandifsuccessful wouldattendextensive training. Ifeltreassuredand agreed totheprocess.

Following my successfulinterview Ibeganthetraining, metmymentorand 7orsoweekslater found myselfworking voluntarilyansweringcallstothe helpline.

The experience wasbothhumblingandrewarding. Ifeltpurposeful.

Ifyoucan commitand takepart insomethingvoluntarily,providing amuch-neededservice, Ithoroughlyrecommendit. Itfeeds thesoul.

We sometimesworryaboutvolunteering,and this mightbebecauseit canfeellike we arerescuingand therefore victimisingtherecipient… The thingis,thereis aneedand sadly, often,little ornoprovision.

Iknowpeople thatcookforandfeed thehomelessregularly; theroughsleepersgetfedandthevolunteersfeelgood. When somethingisdonewithgoodandgenerous intention, withrespectandkindnessandempathy,allthattakepartbenefit. Iwantedtoalsoshareabout my volunteering withyoubecause ifyouarelookingforaCounsellor, Iurgeyou tolookfora qualifiedCounsellor.Onceyou have made yourdecisiontotry therapy,considerthatevenas avolunteer, Iwastrained.

Intheearlystages of my journey towardsbecomingaCounsellor,this trainingwaslifechangingfor me. Itgavemeincredibleinsight intotheissuesaround theemotionsand legacyofexperiencing trauma.

This wenton tobecome thecatalystfor me toundertake moretraininganddo moreresearchandbeginmytrainingtobecome aqualifiedTherapeuticCounsellor.

Iamsogratefulfor thisearlyexperience as avolunteer.

QualifiedCounsellors musttakeexams,beassessedandshow that we workethically.

Whenyouare looking fora Therapeutic Counsellor lookon adirectorythatcheckscredentialssuchasthe BACP (British AssociationofCounsellors andPsychotherapists) whereyoucanview theprofiles ofcounsellorsthatare trainedandqualified.

Whenyou havedecidedtocontact aCounsellor,don’tbeafraidtoaskquestionspertinenttoyourneeds.

Ihavereturnedas aqualifiedvoluntaryCounsellortoSTARS -SexualTraumaandRecoveryService, which is there-brandedservicepreviouslyDorsetRape Crisis. Again, Iwasinterviewedforthepositionandgivenextensiveandaccreditedtraining to underpin my otherqualifications.

Ifeelthatitis aprivilegetobeapartofthisessentialservice.

Ifeel passionatelyaboutprovidinga progressive,useful,warm,safeandethicalservice toall my clientswhetherit’s ona voluntarybasis ornotand Ithinkthatthisis attheessence mywork.

Iamcertainthatworkingvoluntarilyhasenhanced my counselling skillsandmy life.

Ifyoucanvolunteerthen tryit, whoknowswhere your journeywilltake you.

Anna-MariaGrinterMBACP Therapeutic Counsellor

PrioryVeterinaryGroup, 59 Purewell,ChristchurchBH231EN

Tel:01202484466

Email: office@prioryvetgroup.com

Website: www.prioryvetgroup.com

TheHeartofPriory

AtPriory Vetsweareproudtobe independentlyownedbylocalpeople. Ourplaceinthecommunityisimportant tousandwesupportlocalwhereverwe can.

•Inthepastwehaveenjoyed attendinglocalschoolcareersfairs andsupportedBrowniesandScouts groupsaswellascommunityevents atHighcliffeCastle,theQuompsand Bransgore. We hopewewillbeable tostartgettingoutandaboutagain soon.

•Ourcharityworkincludes alotof discountedneuteringwhichhelps charities reduceunwantedlitters. We dothisforCatsProtectionLeague andDorsetAnimal WelfareGroup. RegisteredGuideDogsandpuppies intrainingalso receivediscounted treatment. We collectdonationsfor Cat &KittenRescuein Lymington andDorsetAnimal WelfareGroup withtinson receptionandfood binsatChristmas.AtourHighcliffe surgerywehavebeenselling facemasksfortheChristchurch branchofCancerResearchUK,this raisedalmost£500in2021! We have actedas areferenceforourclients toencourage rehomingfromlocal charitiesincluding Waggy Tailsand MargaretGreenAnimalShelterand we recentlystarteddonatingour vets’timetotheRSCPAtoenable themtokeepneuteringattheirlocal shelter.

•Wetrytouselocalbusinessesand suppliersincludingourplumbers, electricians,stationerysuppliers, gardenersandcaterers,among others.

TheMaldivesis aplacethatlendsitself tocompleteandutter relaxation.Stay in astunningwaterbungalowandtake insomeoftheworld’smostbeautiful sunsets.Savourdeliciouscuisineand experienceworld-classwatersports. Withover1,000coralislandstoenjoy, there’snoshortageofthingstosee ordoontripstotheMaldives.The Maldivescombinespictureperfect beaches,friendlylocalsandwaters teamingwithwildlifewherefishswim happilyinthewarmwatersofthe IndianOcean.

Averyspecialplaceat averyspecial resort,theelegant,super-luxurious Residencestandsatthetipofthe pieratOzenLifeMaadhoo ,offering breath-takingviewsinalldirections. Perchedover aturquoiselagoon, itcomescompletewith a35m2 infinitypoolwithunderwaterfibreopticlighting,overwaterhammocks, astretchofprivateartificialbeach

andoversizedbathroomswithdeep freestandingtubsallwithlagoon views.Thevastcentralliving room opensonto aspaciousoutdoordining pavilionwithsunsetviews.Thereis also aprivategym,threebedrooms sleepinguptoeightpeopleintotal makingtheResidence awonderful spaceforfamiliesorfriendstospend timetogetherafterlongperiodsapart, includingmultigenerationalgroupswith grandparents.

OzenLifeMaadhooalsohas90 luxuriousstand-alonevillasdesigned in acontemporarystylewithlocal influences,someonthesunsetside oftheislandsoyoucan relaxinyour privatepoolwhilewatchingthesun godownovertheIndianOcean.Every villainthe resortcomescompletewith alargeoutdoordeckand atropical garden,plusanoutdoorbathroomwith abathtuband amonsoonshower.

The resorthasfivefabulous restaurants andtwobars,givingyouscopefor allsortsofdecadentdelights,from champagnebreakfaststoauthentic ChineseandheritageIndianandSri Lankancuisine.Themostfamousofits restaurants,M6m –sonamedforbeing sixmetresbelowthewater’ssurfaceoffersincredibleunderwaterviews toaccompanyitshigh-endseafood dishes.Butthetrueheartofthe resort isJoiede Vivre, apoolbarandpizzeria withsignaturecocktailsandsnacks accompaniedbysomeoftheloveliest sunsetviewsintheSouthMaleAtoll.

OzenLifeMaadhoois,ofcourse,a placeto relaxand rejuvenateawayfrom thedemandsofeverydaylife.Thesleek spaoffers100%organictreatments.

Naturallythis resorthasplentyto doforallagesandtastesincluding complimentarydiveexperiences, anarrayofthrillingnon-motorised watersportsincludingkayaking,SUP paddleboardingandwindsurfing.There issnorkellingfromthebeachandthe resortalsohasitsownsemi-submarine!

To bookyourholidaytotheMaldives contactmeandtakeadvantageof exclusivebenefitsincludingfullfinancial protectionand a24-hourdutyoffice readytoassistyoubefore,duringand afteryourstay.

SALLYPULLEN

TRAVELCOUNSELLOR

T: 01202375150

M: 07929626156

E: sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com

W: www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen

TwoRiversRefill

Monday1stNovembersawKateandGary

Ashleybecomethenewownersof Two RiversRefill,Christchurch’sveryown zero wastestorewhichissituated afewdoors downfrom Waitrose.Theyarenowenjoying gettingtoknowthecustomerswhohave beenusingthestoresinceitopenedin February2020aswellasintroducingmany firsttimevisitorstonotonlythisstorebutthe conceptof refill,plasticfreeandzerowaste shopping.“WelivedinBrisbane,Australiafor almosttenyearsandused refillandspecialist organicproducestoresaspartofourweekly shopping routinesastheyarealloverthe cityandveryaccessible.Discovering Two RiversRefillwaswonderfulandsowhenthe opportunitypresentedtobecomethenew owners,wecouldn’tsayno.Thestorefeels sofamiliarandwelovethisstyleofshopping andbelievethatsharingthe reduce, reuse, recycleethoswillbeanexcitingjourneyfor ouryoungfamily.”

Community,collaboration, conversation,connections

“Itisso refreshingtobeworkingwith amazingsupplierswhoaretrulyfocusedon reducingtheirimpactwhetheritisthrough recyclable,compostablepackaging,closed loopsystemsorlocaldeliveryzones.”

TwoRiversRefillstockanarrayoflocally madeproduceandproductsfromDorset, NewForestandIsleof Wight.

JodieFirminwholaunchedandcurated thisstoreandspacewithinChristchurch forgedamazinglinkswithbusinessesnear andfar.Tocontinuetheseconnections, conversationsandcollaborationsis atrue privilegeandpassionwhichwebelievewill onlyenhanceourlocalcommunity.

Popintosayhellonexttimeyouarevisiting Christchurch.Thebestparkingclosesttoour storeisinthe Waitrose carparkbutifyouare comingfromtheHighStbesuretocome throughtheunderpassandturnleftupthe fewstepswhereyou willfindusneighbouring PalmerSnellestateagents.Rememberto bringanemptycontainerorfewtohavea goat refills;choosefromourcerealsand granolas,nutsordriedfruits,herbsand spices,ricesandpasta,washingliquidor laundryliquid,shampooorconditioner,toilet cleanerorcleaningbicarb.

ew

BookReview

Open WaterbyCalebAzumahNelson£8.99

WinneroftheCostaFirstNovel Award2021,Open Watertells thestoryoftwoyoungpeoplewhomeetat apubinSouth EastLondon.BothareBlackBritish,bothwonscholarships toprivateschoolswheretheystruggledtobelong,andboth arenowartists -heaphotographer,she adancer -tryingto maketheirmarkin acitythatbyturnscelebratesand rejects them. Tentativelytheyfallinlove.Buttwopeoplewhoseem destinedtobetogethercanstillbetornapartbyfearand violence.Itisboth abeautifullovestoryandaninsightinto raceandmasculinityinourcurrentsociety.

ArtoftheCheeseboardMultiPuzzle1000piecejigsaw (with 5minipuzzleswithinthemainpuzzle)£23.99

Aftersomanyenquiriesaboutthe WorldofDickensjigsaw frommy reviewinthelastedition,hereisanothernewjigsaw release,anditcouldn’tbemoreperfectforlocal residents! What aspread,withthemainpuzzlealsocontaining 5minipuzzlesforextrafiendishness.Theonlyproblemisthatitis boundtomakemehungry!Don’tforgetthatourpuzzle room isnow apermanentfeatureintheback roomoftheshop.

Roar,Giganto,Roar!£14.99 (agespre-schoolorveryearlyyearschildren)

Rocky,Tiny,BillandMazuareholding aroaringcontest,but theycan’tgetGigantotojoinin!Helpthemgetthebiggreen dinosaur roaring -fromticklingtosingingtofeedinghim walnuts -andmaketheplushhand-puppetsnore,dance, andlaughalongtheway.

Whynotpopintotheshoptohave abrowse,chooseoneofouralternative Valentine’scardsand seelotsoflovelynewpublicationsforspring?Oryoucancontactuson 01202418403,email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or findusonsocialmedia @bh6booksandhome toplace ordersanddiscoverallthatwehavetoofferatBH6BooksandHome.

It ’s no th ow yo uf al l, it ’s ho wy ou pi ck yo urse lf up

ShortStorybyMarkLaming

Richardgroanedasthe realisation dawnedthathisluckhadfinallyrunout. Hewasproudofthefactthatinallhis yearsofdrivinghe’dmanagedtoavoid getting aparkingticket,however,today was adifferentmatter.Itirkedhimthat themanintheuniformwasyoungenough tobehisson.Soherewasthisboywith chubbycheeks, amopofshockingblond hairandanearring,tacklinghimwitha fine.

Thewarden,inanapologeticvoice,said, ‘I’msorry,butyouwerealongtime.’

‘No, Iwasn’t.’

Themiddle-agedman,withmorehairon hischinthanhishead,wasbubblingwith angerasheleantagainstthesky-blue paintworkofhisbelovedFiat500.

‘Oh,comeon...I’veonlybeentwo minutes; Iwasasquickas Icouldbe.’

Hethenexpandedonhislie,‘Iwas collecting aprescriptionforanoldperson fromthechemist.’

‘I recordedyourarrivaltimeandtwelve minuteshadpassed.Also,yournearside frontwheelisonthepavementand thatisanoffenceunderthe roadtraffic regulations.’

‘And,you’veneverhadtodashin somewherequickly?’

Therewasno response.

Richardexplodedwith,‘Isthisyourfirst dayinthejob?’

Theyoungmanpackedawayhis scannerbeforesettingoffdowntheHigh Streetandoutofsight.

Richardloweredhisenormousbodyinto thecarandattemptedtogetcomfortable inthetrimbucketseat.Forthefirsttime, hequestionedwhyhe’dboughtsucha smallcar.Hisfriendsjokedthatoneday hisbottomwouldbecomelodgedinthe tinyseatandthefireservicewouldhave tocuthimout.Itdidbringhomethe frustrationofbeingsolarge.

Everythinghadgonewrongtoday;he hadfallenoutwithhiswifeandnow,with thehumiliationofbeingissuedwitha parkingticket,hewasatbreakingpoint. Heslammedthecarintofirstgearand roaredaway.Drivingmuchtoofast,his mindwaselsewhereandatonepointhe narrowlymissed amanon apedestrian crossing.

Hespentthenexthourwalkinginthe

Photo: Matheus Ferrero-UnSplash

localparkfeelingashamedofhimselffor losinghisrag.

On reachinghometherewas aproblem withparkingasthereweresomanycars alongthestreet.Helaunchedhimselfout ofthetinyFiatand,outofbreath,walked backtohishouse.

Onceinsidethehallwayhiswife,Julie, dulykissedhimonthecheek.‘Ihopeyour moodhasimproved.’

‘Igot aparkingticket.’

‘Mmm,wherewereyou?’

‘Oh,intheHighStreet.Theladwasso young –Igot reallyangry.’

‘Don’tIknowaboutit? Youhavebeen like abearwith asorehead. Ikeeptelling youit’snotgoodforyourheart.’

Richardsighedandplacedhiscarkeys onthehalltable.‘Ididdeservethefine andnowfeelterribleforbeingsorude.I alsodrovebadly.FromnowonI’mturning over anewleafandnotgoingtogetso crosswiththings.’

‘Andabouttimetoo. Ihavebeen worriedas recentlyyouhavebeensobad temperedandthat’snotlikeyou.Also, youneedtokeepaneyeonyourblood pressureoryouwillbebackinhospital. Andthat’sanotherthing,yousnapped atmethismorningforaskingifyouhad takenyourtablets.’

Withtearswellingupinhiseyes,he muttered,‘Mybiggest regretishavinga goatyou.I’msosorryand Idoloveyou.’

Juliegraspedhishandandsaid,‘Me too.’

Theythenheardthedoorbelland Richardhurriedtowardsthefrontdoor. Hewasn’tconcentratingenoughand,still tryingtotalktohiswife,losthisbalance andendedupcrashingtothefloor.Julie rushedoverandstartedtohelphimup.

‘I’mfine -leavemetocatchmybreath.

Youopenthedoor.’

Itwastheirdaughterwhohadforgotten herkey.She wassoonatherfather’sside and relievedtoknowhewasuninjured.

Hiswife,Julie,wassuddenlyaware thattherewasalsoayoungmanonthe doorstep.‘Pleasecomein,myhusband hashad afallbutheisok.’

Theirdaughterintroducedhernew boyfriendasJake.

‘PleasedtomeetyouJake,’saidJulie. Theyoungmanwiththechubby cheeks, amopofshockingblondhair andanearringsmiledbeforehelping hisgirlfriend’sfatherupfromthefloor. Richardwasbesidehimselfasthe realisationdawnedthattheboyfriendwas indeedthetrafficwardenhe’dshoutedat earlierthatmorning.

Richardfeltembarrassedbuthehadto saysomethingabouthisearlierbehaviour. ‘Youareawell-manneredyoungmanand Ishouldn’thavesparkedofflikethat. You werejustdoingyourjob. Iamtrulysorry.’

Jakesimplysaid,‘Forgetit. Ihavejust finishedmyshiftandit’sallpartofthe job.’

Richardwas relievedandtoldhimself thateverythingthatoccurredwasfora reason.He reallymustgetbackontrack.

Laterwhentheirvisitorhadgonehome, Juliesaid,‘I reallylikedJake.’

‘Yes,metoo,’ repliedRichardinan upbeatvoice.

‘OhRichard,ithasbeenquite adayfor youwithgettingthatticketandthenthe fall.’

Richardwasdeepinthought.Lifewas funnywithallitstwistsandturnsand whenyoufalloffyourperch,it’softenfor agoodreason.It’snotabouthowyou fall,moreabouthowyoupickyourselfup again.

CREATIVE PAVING

Tel: 01425278408

Mob: 07785798760

Email: scott@creativepaving.co.uk

Web: creativepaving.co.uk