Viewpoint December 2014 by Dorset View

Established Over 35 Years Mid Dec 2014

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 39, Issue 2

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

County Council leader

STANDS DOWN

Cllr Spencer Flower stood down as leader of Dorset County Council (DCC) on 2 December following a court hearing earlier in the day when he was accused of failing to declare interests under the Localism Act 2011 in two housing companies to East Dorset District Council, and in one company to DCC. He denies the charges and not guilty pleas have been entered. The 72-year-old Conservative councillor from Verwood will face trial on 24 April 2015.

The new leader of DCC is Cllr Robert Gould (see page 24). Cllr Flower is pictured here.

Free take on e it’s

thisissue

Inside

• CAROLINE JO HN A WALKING MI SON RACLE • MURDERERS JAILED • A31 IMPROV EMENTS GET GO AHEAD • WINNING BR ASS BAND • RINGWOOD’S LIFESAVING DEFIBRILLAT OR

motoring

Viewpoint December 2014

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Vol 39 • Issue 2

VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE 01202 870270 editor

janine pulford

editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

assistant editor

liz turner

news@mags4dorset.co.uk

managing director

ben pulford

design@mags4dorset.co.uk

design director

louis pulford design4dorset@btconnect.com

graphic designer

daniel lee

design4dorset@btconnect.com

account managers

mark beechey

sales@mags4dorset.co.uk

07875 962344

russell harness

advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk

01202 816140

company secretary

nick pulford

accounts4dorset@btconnect.com

accounts

debbie payne

Editorial

HelloReaders

My phone app is telling me there are 21 sleeps until Christmas. No panic then, still plenty of time to buy the presents, get the tree, write the cards and stock up with a ridiculous amount of food! As my children have grown up, the way we celebrate Christmas has naturally changed with visits to Father Christmas no longer top of the to do list. It’s often said some of the magic is lost when this happens. However last weekend I had a reminder of how much joy Christmas can bring when families come together. We were all home at the same time - a rare event as my daughter works in London and my son is studying away. And it was wonderful. A roast meal with flavours of Christmas – sprouts, parsnips and pigs in blankets, a log fire and getting out the advent calendars. And it made me realise, what does it matter if cards arrive late, the Christmas cake is made at the last minute and I missed the bargains on Black Friday, we will be together, celebrating Christmas and all the good things we have. Some families will be relying on foodbanks for their Christmas meal (see page 18), many will have no home to go to (page 8) or no family to be with. Christmas is a time to remember them and to do what we can to help, through donations, by opening our homes to those who need a bed or simply by visiting an elderly neighbour living alone. Christmas is about the gift of love – and this doesn’t cost anything. EVERYONE AT MAGS4DORSET WISHES YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Pic of the month

Waiting for Santa, Victoria Road, Ferndown

Viewpoint Magazine is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in Ringwood, Verwood, Three Legged Cross, Ashley Heath, St Ives, West Moors and Wimborne. Views or opinions expressed in Viewpoint Magazine 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 Magazine and may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

COPY CLOSING DATE 5 January 2015

Liz Turner, Assistant Editor Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/mags4dorset Follow us on facebook: www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news Join the editor at www.facebook.com/janine.pulford Visit our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Email the editor at: editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

First Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EN Tel: 01202 870270

December 2014 Viewpoint

local The Mayor of Ferndown proceeds through the ‘guard of honour’ to cut the ribbon

ALL YEAR ROUND TENNIS You can now play tennis in Ferndown after the sun goes down – it’s official!

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Mike Parkes, cut the ribbon and pressed the remote control to bathe the courts in light on the evening of 20 November.  Club Chairperson Lynn Chong said, “It has long been a dream of Ferndown Tennis Club to have permanent floodlights.”

She explained that the bid for £39,765 from Sport England had been submitted twice before being granted and thanked King George V Playing Fields (KGV) Charity for supporting the bids and putting so much work into the applications, in particular former town clerk, Ian Jones. A grant of

Viewpoint December 2014

£15,300 from KGV also helped make the floodlights possible as well as contributions from Ferndown Tennis Club, West Moors Tennis Club and Synergy Housing. The ‘tennis for everyone’ floodlights will help the club considerably

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with expanding its busy programme to offer year round, low-cost accessible tennis-based activities to the local community. Lyn said, “Our mini and junior players can now play 12 months a year so they don’t drift away in the winter months and have to be recruited again the following year.” She explained that the Head Coach Chris Biddle had been very patient in waiting for the floodlights to be installed. He has already built up evening classes by borrowing portable floodlights for the juniors and minis, “and he runs adult classes into the evening, including cardio fitness and rusty racquets,” added Lynn. “It is the aim

of the club to offer pay and play in the evening too.” The mayor went through a ‘guard of honour’ made by tennis club members before cutting the ribbon. He said, “It is tremendous that so many have put the effort into achieving the installation of the floodlights, which now offer tennis to all ages in the community throughout the whole year.” Ferndown Tennis Club is situated at King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown. www. ferndowntennisclub.org.uk

The floodlights being installed

Have your say

Dorset residents are being asked for their views on possible money-saving changes to the county’s household recycling centres (HRCs). The Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) provides 11 HRCs for residents to recycle a range of household materials that cannot be put in their bins. In response to continuing financial pressures, the partnership is looking at a range of options to make its HRC service more cost-effective.

Residents are being asked to say how they might be affected by the following options: • • • • •

Closing one or more HRCs. (Potential savings up to £100,000 a year per site) Charging for entry at one or more HRCs instead of closing them. (Potential savings £65,000 a year per site) Closing all HRCs for two or three weekdays. (Potential savings up to £300,000 a year) Charging residents to dispose of non-household materials, such as DIY waste and tyres. (Potential savings £250,000 a year) Charging Dorset residents to use their HRCs in neighbouring areas, which the DWP currently subsidises. (Potential savings £70,000 a year)

The consultation is open until midnight on Friday 13 February 2015.  Residents can complete an online questionnaire at www.dorsetforyou.com/hrc or pick up a questionnaire at the main borough, district and county council offices, all HRCs and libraries in Dorset. Cllr Anthony Alford, chair of the DWP Joint Committee, said: “The DWP needs to recognise the major reductions in funding for our partner councils and do what we can to help them meet their savings targets. We need to look at everything we do and ensure we provide an efficient and effective service. “We know that residents value our HRCs and are keen to hear how these possible changes might affect people before making any decisions. It is important we understand the aspects of the service that are most valued by people when deciding what the future service will look like.” Feedback from the consultation will be considered by the DWP Joint Committee before any decisions are made on which options to pursue.

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ON R

TITI

PE COM

S SULT

ion s Aviat n y a w r i A ito ompet flying c

Flying competition TAKES OFF WITH

24,000 entries!

he highest number of entries ever received in a mags4dorset competition was achieved by Airways Aviation who offered a flying lesson from Bournemouth Airport. There were over 24,000 entries. Editor Janine Pulford said, “It was a phenomenal response. Our readers really wanted to win this prize.” Congratulations to Ben Arnall from Bransgore whose entry was drawn using a randomiser.

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December 2014 Viewpoint

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BRASS BAND

A WINNER!

Verwood Concert Brass (VCB) earned a fantastic result at the 68th Annual Championships of the South West Brass Band Association held on 1 November. Not only did they win the special award for the highest placed First Section Band but also won the contest outright. Band chairman and cornet player, Helen Dunnings said, “This is a great achievement for the band. We have been putting in some consistently good contest performances but in the past have just missed out on winning some silverware. Coming away with the winning cup and special award for highest placed First Section Band has given us all a real boost and is great recognition for everyone’s hard work and efforts.”

VCB with the winner’s cup and a special award for highest place First Section Band

Planning for minerals and waste in Hampshire

Following the adoption of the Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan, a new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) was adopted in May 2014. It sets out how Hampshire will involve communities and interested parties in minerals and waste decision-making. More information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/mineralsand waste/sci-2.htm Hampshire County Council (HCC) has recently adopted a revised Hampshire Minerals & Waste Development Scheme setting out the programme and timetable for producing the planned supplementary planning guidance as well as other future planning policy work. Visit www.hants.gov.uk/ mineralsandwaste/development-scheme-3.htm All documents associated with an oil and gas development event held last June are available to view at www.hants.gov. uk/oil-gas-development.htm The event was arranged in response to the significant increase in interest in oil and gas, particularly with the potential for shale oil and gas extraction and associated hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Hampshire.

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Bus stop

The More bus 175 Ringwood to Christchurch service is being withdrawn from 4 January due to cuts in Hampshire County Council support. Gardbus is still running a service covering the route. Details on page 3.

A31 PART OF £15BN

ROAD INVESTMENT The notorious A31 at Ringwood is to be widened in a bid to improve road safety

he accident black spot will become three lanes as part of a £15bn ‘roads revolution’ for England announced by the government. The investment will also cover junction improvements to help local traffic and changes to assist pedestrians. These should address the safety and congestion issues which have blighted the section of road along the Dorset and Hampshire. The police and crime commissioners for both counties, Simon Hayes for Hampshire and Martyn Underhill for Dorset have joined councillors and MPs in lobbying Government to do something to improve safety.

Describing the section of the A31 as a “nightmare piece of road”, Martyn Underhill said: “It’s great to see this action from Ministers. We only need to look at the tragic events involving Jade Clarke last year to understand why improvements to this gateway to Dorset are needed. “These improvements to the A31 will help to keep road users safe as they enter and leave our County. I welcome this cash injection to our road infrastructure.” Other work includes a tunnel at Stonehenge to ease congestion on the A303.

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December 2014 Viewpoint

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inn ’ ’

FIND ROOM AT YOUR

THIS CHRISTMAS

t’s 6pm on a wet, winter weekday evening in Ringwood and a worried-looking teenager is waiting in the car park. Three days before, after months of battles at home Sam (not his real name) a 17-year-old boy had no alternative other than to leave. After two nights staying on friends’ sofas and one night alone in the open forest he is waiting, cold, frightened and hungry, to meet a complete stranger. But this stranger means no harm and instead welcomes him into his own family home where Sam can have a hot meal, a shower and safe night’s sleep.

It’s five years since Ray and Catriona first welcomed a homeless teenager into their home. Usually, like tonight’s teenager, it’s a young person who has left home after family relationships have broken down, sometimes due to abuse, violence, illness or perhaps a lifestyle choice, such as coming out as gay that the parents can’t accept. “Most young people leave home because of tension and problems, and these are exacerbated by the financial stress that many families find themselves currently up against,” says Catriona. While she puts extra food on to cook, Ray introduces Sam to their children, shows him his room and lets him know a meal will be ready soon; if he wants to chat over dinner they will listen but if he prefers to rest alone that’s fine too. “The young people mostly stay between one and five nights to get them through the immediate crisis and to us, offering a simple meal makes little difference yet it can really make a huge difference to the young person’s future by saving them from the dangers of homelessness. It’s a stop gap whilst other help is put in place,” says Catriona.

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Most young people leave home because of tension and problems

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Ray and Catriona are part of a local charity called New Forest Nightstop, the only provider of emergency accommodation in the New Forest for young people age 16-24 and this is all done through the homes of trained and approved volunteers. “The young people we help are not the street-hardened rough sleepers people typically think of in regards to homelessness but everyday teenagers, just like your son or daughter but suffering a crisis, in need of help and protection; often many of them are still at college,” says Ray. In 12 years, New Forest Nightstop has provided over 2000 nights of safety to vetted, vulnerable young people from our local communities aiming to save them from reaching the streets and becoming victims there. However the reality is that more homes are needed to accommodate the number of young people needing help. If you want to make a real impact on someone’s life and have a spare room, New Forest Nightstop offers a flexible way to volunteer which fits into your work and home life, a small friendly team, robust training and round the clock support. To find out more phone Jude or Catriona 01425 478391 or visit the website newforestnightstop.org.uk

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- Advertising feature -

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December 2014 Viewpoint

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OFSTED FIGHT CONTINUES Report by Liz Turner

Students and staff at Ferndown Upper School (FUS) were proud to welcome visitors to their sixth form information evening held in mid-November

this, the report was published in March his year the school enrolled 300 prompting an angry reaction from parents students on a range of level 2 and and pupils incensed at the slur on what they 3 courses, including BTECs and A-levels. Surveys of students show consider to be a good school. that they are very happy at the MP Chris Chope even wrote to the Inspector of Schools about the report school and making very good progress on highlighting everyone’s concerns. their courses. The appeal is still going on but It’s all a far cry from the image of the school created in an headteacher Alex Wills Ofsted report earlier believes this summer’s results counteract this year. Mr Wills urged everyone any doubts about the Following an to consider the facts about inspection in January, quality of the school. Ofsted described the He said: “We the school and to make their are very proud of school as ‘inadequate,’ own mind up about whether all our students a label criticised by the inspection was unfair and their many staff, parents and pupils as completely successes. We believe in comprehensive unfair and inaccurate. education and that means giving all young FUS had submitted a complaint against people the chance to show that they can the draft conclusions as soon as it was produced explaining why in the school’s view achieve. We know that our school is a great place to be – just visit us any time. the report is both flawed and unjust. Despite

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Alex Wills with students

local “People are therefore surprised and even shocked by the last Ofsted report on the school. After all, this is a school that has always secured at least ‘good’ judgements from Ofsted over the last 12 years. Parents don’t recognise the school that they know from the last report and have joined with us to raise their voices against the injustice they believe occurred.” He added: “We are still appealing the judgements and have now reached the Parliamentary Ombudsman stage, which is the final stage of the process. Once that is complete I will be able to report fully on the overall outcome.” Mr Wills urged everyone to consider the facts about the school and to make their own mind up about whether the inspection was unfair. He explained: “Results are excellent at sixth form level. In 2014 Ferndown was placed in the top 25% of schools in the country for its AS level results and was also very well-placed in the Dorset ‘league table’ for A-levels. The vast majority of students following BTEC and other Level 2 courses achieved distinctions at the end of the year and have moved on to jobs with further training, A-levels or Apprenticeships.” He highlights maths at GCSE as being a particular strength of the school, with results a full 12% above the national average for the subject.

needed

Home Library Service volunteers are needed to deliver in the Ferndown and West Moors area Libraries in East Dorset have a team of dedicated Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who are able to visit readers who find it hard to get to the library. They deliver books including large print and talking books to people’s homes free of charge.

This service is funded by Dorset Library Service and can be provided on a temporary basis as well as long term. All RVS volunteers are DBS checked and receive ongoing training and support.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or receiving the Home Library Service contact Maria Jacobson, on 01305 236666, or e-mail Maria.Jacobson@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

He is proud that the FUS does well when measured against the main indicators used by Ofsted to judge success and has released figures for this year’s results:

5 A*-C grade GCSEs or more including English and maths: 54%, improved over the last 4 years from 47%, 49%, 50% to 54%. At least 7 local secondary schools are lower than Ferndown with the school around the middle of the Dorset league table. The national expectation was exceeded by 14% 3 levels of progress or more in English: 69% increasing from 50% in 2012 and 59% in 2013. English, which the inspectors criticised the most, was spot on the national average for A*-C grades this year at 62%. 3 levels of progress or more in maths: 74% increasing from 68% in 2013. 12 local schools have a lower rate of progress and maths was 2% over the national expectation at FUS. For GCSE maths Ferndown is one of the best schools in Dorset.

He concluded: “What matters is the reality for our students and their enjoyment of their learning. Above all we want to see them succeed and progress to excellent further education or jobs. I am delighted to say that they manage to do this year after year. FUS is a great place to work and study. It is a special place to be, and we will continue to fight to support the school that we all know and the community that we serve.”

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December 2014 Viewpoint

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Dear Readers,

This is the last letter you will read from Green Cottage RDA group as our 12 months CHARITY OF THE YEAR: of being the mags4dorset charity of the year comes to a close. Green Cottage RDA It doesn’t seem possible that a year has passed since the editor, Janine, first introduced herself during our young riders’ Christmas Party at Moors Valley. We have met many new friends and supporters and we hope that you understand more about the Riding for the Disabled Association and the benefits for those who learn to ride despite their disabilities. We now have 22 youngsters who come to us on Thursday mornings and there is a waiting list. During the year some riders progressed from the ‘little’ to the ‘big’ school. Several have passed their Proficiency Tests by demonstrating they can ride, know parts of the pony and RDA volunteers recognise grooming items. Certificates and rider and badges are proudly received. In the summer you may remember that 10-year-old Kevin travelled to Cornwall to take part in his first dressage competition and returned with a 2nd rosette - a first time effort for anyone from Green Cottage RDA. Others went to Hanford near Blandford for a weekend of fun riding and made new friends. As winter approaches, we hope that we don’t have to cancel too many sessions due to the weather. We use outdoor arenas so need to be a hardy lot and, when well wrapped up may not win many fashion prizes.

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The ponies have their warm rugs ready for the colder weather. We need to look after them as they are such a major part of RDA, and sometimes I think they know it too, when they receive hugs and kisses from their young riders. We look forward to the future, hoping we can continue to offer help to such special young people. Needing nearly £5,000 a year to survive, we are grateful to everyone who donates. We can’t thank the mags4dorset team enough for their friendly support in raising our profile locally as well as generously raising £350 towards our running costs, and we send good wishes to next year’s chosen charity. With love from us all. Jane Dowding Secretary Tel: 0845 241 5357

RDA volunteers at Christmas 2013

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We will miss you

Christmas 2013

Ben presents a cheque for £350 to chairperson Anna, Green Cottage RDA Group

ing director l, mags4dorset’s manag As an end of year farewel group for RDA e tag Cot en que to Gre Ben Pulford handed a che . nts eve s iou of £350 raised at var presented with a bunch Editor Janine Pulford was supporting for you nk tha a as s unteer flowers from the RDA vol lly enjoyed Janine said, “We have rea the group during 2014. . Perhaps one day, RDA the from er lett ly receiving the month en Cottage ll volunteer to help at Gre when I have time, I sha job and ous end trem a h suc does RDA because this group .” ing car and py hap so everyone is l be of the year for 2015 wil The mags4dorset charity and their first UK ch ear Res cer Can the Ferndown Branch of uary’s issue of 4Dorset. column will appear in Jan

in fitness & health TACKLING

ALCOHOL

Don’t slip up in slippery slippers If you’re over 55 and have a pair of old, slippery slippers, you could trade them in for a free new pair at a Home Safety and Falls prevention event at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne next month.

he aim of the event is to raise awareness of potential dangers in the home, including faulty electrical equipment that can lead to domestic fires, and injuries caused by slips, trips and falls.  Information about surviving the winter, accessing aids and adaptations for the home, joining local activities and managing finances will be available.    Organised by Dorset Partnership for Older People’s Programme (POPP) in partnership with Dorset Fire and Rescue, the event is also supported by other partner agencies, Cllr Jill Haynes, Cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: “Falls are all too common among older individuals living at home, and are often life-changing events that lead to severe injury and loss of independence.    “The chances of falling and being seriously injured in a fall increase with age. Research shows that one in three adults aged 65 and over experience at least one fall each year.    “Many of the accidents happen at home, and one of the most common factors is old, ill-fitting slippers.” Anyone over 55 can visit the Wimborne event on Wednesday, 21 January 9.30am-12pm and find out more about how to prevent falls and make sure the home environment is safe.

Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country marked Alcohol Awareness Week (17-23 November) by launching a national plan to tackle alcohol misuse. With the annual cost to society of alcoholrelated crime in England estimated at £11bn, Police and Crime Commissioners are undertaking increasing work to tackle the problem. The Strategy looks at ways in which commissioners can work collectively at a

national level and locally with their chief constables to reduce the harm and cost to society of alcohol-related crime by changing attitudes, deterring offenders and tackling irresponsible supply. Commissioners are keen to work with partners such as local authorities and businesses to tackle shared issues. Martyn Underhill, Dorset PCC and Chair of the APCC’s

Working in Partnership to Reduce Crime Standing Group, to which the Alcohol Working Group reports, said: “Police and Crime Commissioners have a huge role to play, both locally and nationally in lobbying and challenging Government, partners and the industry to drive cultural change, improve legislation and improve health outcomes in relation to alcohol.”

HELP WITH PIP CAN BRING BENEFITS

The Advice Team, part of Diverse Abilities, the only Dorsetbased charity that supports children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in the county, is offering assistance with Personal Independent Payment claims for adults with a disability and those who have a long-term illness. The charity’s team are concerned that many people in Dorset are still not aware that the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit has replaced Disability Living Allowance, and that they may qualify for this benefit if they are unable, or less able, to look after themselves and do daily tasks like washing, dressing and cooking and managing money. Nikki Haswell, advice manager, said: “Even if you can do these tasks, but slowly and with difficulty or you cannot do them reliably and safely, you may still qualify.” If the criteria are met, you can receive PIP benefit regardless of income or savings as it is not means-tested. If you meet the criteria you can be in work, earning, and still claim, but must be over 16 and under 65. For over 65s, who are long-term sick or disabled, Attendance Allowance can be claimed. If under 16, Disability Living Allowance can be claimed.” The Diverse Abilities Advice Team can help with completing these applications. They will also help with requests for reconsideration and appeals, if you have made an application and been refused or awarded a lower rate than you think you should have been. For further information please visit www. diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk/advice or call the team on 0300 330 5514, weekdays 9am–1.30pm.

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December 2014 Viewpoint

RINGWOOD NEWS Council helps to

SAVE LIVES

The Town Council has bought and installed a defibrillator for use by the public in Ringwood

he defibrillator is on the outside wall of the council’s Gateway building where it can be easily accessed in an emergency. Councillor Christine Ford said: “This is wonderful news. We know that access to a defibrillator in the first few minutes of a heart attack can save lives and, while I hope it will never be needed, it will provide some comfort to those people living in the town.” In order to access the defibrillator, the first aider must ring 999 and will be given a ‘pass number’ which will then allow the machine to drop free of its case ready for use.

Cllr Ford with the defibrillator

Town Mayor, Councillor Barbara Woodifield added: “It’s so easy to use this machine and it doesn’t matter if you don’t know first aid because it will talk to you and tell you what to do, as soon as you turn it on.” The new machine is compatible with the defibrillators used by the Ambulance Service and a list of locations in the town where defibrillators are available is being compiled for residents.

NEW WI Ringwood’s new WI meets at The Meeting House on the 4th Monday of the month at 2pm.

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RINGWOOD NEWS Blue Badge cheats

TARGETED Hampshire County Council is cracking down on Blue Badge cheats More than a quarter of Blue by parking close to their Badges checked during destination. targeted enforcement action Council leader Roy to tackle misuse and fraud in Perry, said: “It is shocking disabled parking to find out the areas were lengths to which confiscated. some people The will go, for just We are determined infringements a few hours of to protect the included; people free parking quality of life for using someone including using our vulnerable else’s badge; a deceased residents people using person’s Blue a deceased Badge.” person’s badge, He added: “We and use of are determined expired badges. to protect In addition to losing the the quality of life for our badges, holders received vulnerable residents.” penalty charge notices and formal warnings. The council has been using new powers to target Blue Badge fraud and stepping up partnership working with Hampshire’s local councils who have responsibility for parking enforcement in general. Around 70,000 people have Blue Badges in Hampshire to ensure that those with the most severe mobility problems continue to be supported so that they can get around more easily

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GOLFERS SUPPORT EMERGENCY DOCTORS

omerley Park Golf Club has raised over £1000 for local charity BASICS Hampshire. The club is located on the Somerley Estate, just outside Ringwood, and members supported the charity on this year’s major fundraising day. Bob Quantick, outgoing captain, presented the cheque to Jay Andrews of BASICS Hampshire. She said: “We’re a small county charity funding the kit for doctors who volunteer in cars and serve on the air ambulance so Somerley’s contribution makes all the difference.”

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SECURITY INCREASED

at cemetery CCTV is to be installed at Ringwood Cemetery

own councillors have agree to spend £3,000 on CCTV following another breakin at the cemetery when grounds maintenance equipment was stolen.

The cemetery has been repeatedly targeted by thieves costing the council significant sums in staff time in arranging repairs, replacing equipment and compiling information for insurers.

POWER POINT PRESENT

Electric cars can now be charged in Ringwood. A Rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charge-point has been installed in the Furlong car park by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Scottish and Southern Energy. Vehicles can be fully charged in approximately 30 minutes.

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RINGWOOD NEWS Wish Week donation

FOR JESSICA Jessica Galton has received a donation from Ringwood Rotary Club’s ‘Wish Week’

er story touched the hearts of the club members. When she was a small child, Jessica walked on her toes and had to

endure numerous splints and endless physio. Two operations followed to lengthen her tendons, and she now carries out daily exercises to keep her

muscles stretched. Last year she caught glandular fever and had a swelling on her neck, which was discovered to be a bronchial cyst that had become infected. It was operated on just prior to her GCSE exams this year. Jessica is now busy fund raising to visit Borneo as a volunteer. The trip of a lifetime has been organised by Ringwood School and Camps International. Her mother Pam, who applied for the donation, explained that Jessica would grow in confidence from the trip and while in Borneo, she will be helping the

local people. She will also help protect endangered animals. The Rotary Club presented Jessica with a cheque for £250 to help towards her dream of a lifetime. President Ian Wallington, said, “Having survived so much trauma with her own health problems she now wishes to visit Borneo to give others some of the love she has received over here.”

Dementia Friendly RINGWOOD Town Councillors have been invited to become Dementia Friends with an action group needed to create a Dementia Friendly Ringwood

y becoming Dementia Friendly, the community has a greater awareness of what dementia is and how those who have been diagnosed might be feeling. Ultimately, the aim is to forge a community spirit in which people with dementia will be able to live independently for longer, but with help and support when they need it. In order for Ringwood to have a Dementia Friendly High Street, people working in shops and businesses would need to undertake a short training session to help them recognise the signs of dementia and know how to help those affected. Twenty people have already received this training and an action group would be able to take this forward.

Further information can be found online at: www3.hants.gov.uk/adultservices/dementiafriendly.htm

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RINGWOOD NEWS

RECORD DESPITE COST CUTTING BREAKING POPPY APPEAL T RECYCLING CENTRES SAFE

Almost £1m of savings are to be made at Hampshire’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) without having to close any of the sites or introduce charges for normal household waste

These include:

Reducing opening hours from 1 April to reflect peak user times. Exact opening times will be agreed in January. Closing some small, quieter sites on one day during the week. Enhancing trade waste controls, introducing a chargeable business waste service and charging for some DIY waste. Working more closely with charities and the third sector to maximise reuse, and reduce the amount of material going for treatment and disposal.

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No householder will be expected to pay for taking any waste to the centres

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he County Council has been looking at different and innovative options for running the HWRC service, partly in response to further reductions in Government funding, but also to see how a modern, value-for-money service can best be achieved for Hampshire. Measures based on 6,500 responses from a public survey will be implemented in a phased approach from April.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy transport and environment, said: “Hampshire County Council is having to make £100 million savings by March 2015 and the Household Waste Recycling service is part of this review.” He explained that following the survey, the service will reflect how people use it and added: “No householder will be expected to pay for taking any waste to the centres that would normally have been allowed in their domestic waste collection such as recycling, green garden waste or residual waste.”

he Poppy Appeal fundraisers from the Ringwood and District Branch of The Royal British Legion have celebrated a record-breaking collection of £25,000. Val Aldridge, the branch coordinator said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously to help us reach this total. We would also like to thank all the businesses and organisations in the area that backed the Poppy Appeal by allowing us to use the Furlong; collect on their premises around the town and villages; for their fund-raising efforts and the amazing support they continue to show towards the Appeal.”

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COUNCILLORS ACT ON REQUEST Ringwood Town Council has supported the town’s Forest Forge Theatre Company with a grant of £1,050.

Miranda Whitehead, chair of the board of trustees, applied for £1,000 to support the continuing work of Forest Forge with Ringwood events, productions and workshops. She explained that funding from the Arts Council was lost in 2012/13 and the company was surviving with the assistance of various grants and sponsors. Other sponsors had reduced their grants by approximately 10% year on year which, she said, had been budgeted for. Councillor Jeremy Heron argued that Forest Forge, as a prominent Ringwood organisation, was something the town should be proud of and should support.

December 2014 Viewpoint

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Chris Chope with Ringwood Foodbank volunteers and staff at Tesco’s Ferndown.

SPIRIT OF GIVING BRINGS GIFT OF FOOD Generous shoppers in Ringwood and Ferndown have ensured families will have food this Christmas by donating 1,872 kilos of food for the Ringwood Foodbank

he number of people using the foodbank is increasing with 600 people having been fed over the last seven months. The support of residents is essential to meet the continuing need. At Tesco in Ferndown from 2729 November, 1,589 kilos of food was collected, with Christchurch MP Christopher Chope offering his support. On 29 November, 283 kilos was contributed at Sainsbury’s in Ringwood. Staff at the Foodbank warehouses have been processing all the donations

Viewpoint December 2014

so they can go out to the clients. Like all Trussell Trust Foodbanks, Ringwood is completely dependent on the generosity and goodwill of local people to support its work giving emergency food aid to people in crisis. A spokesman for the Foodbank said: “To everyone in Ferndown and Ringwood who donated food – thank you very much indeed. We couldn’t carry out this work without you and we know that your generosity makes a very real difference to the lives of people facing hardship in and around Ringwood.”

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Absolutely fun

erndown’s Absolutely WI learnt about the work of the Green Island Holiday Trust, at its November meeting at the Barrington Centre. The local charity provides holidays and respite for the disabled and disadvantaged. President Linda Barber, has also present a cheque for £50 to Steve Lugg, of Ferndown Skatepark Action Group towards the new wheelbowl. As well as monthly meetings, the WI has a book club, craft group, lunch club and walking group and organises social occasions such as quiz nights, film nights and outings. Anyone interested in joining should go to www.absolutelywi.co.uk, email absolutelywi@ googlemail.com or contact Linda Barber on 01202 861750.

Computer

SAYS YES

Villagers are being encouraged to use a public computer at West Moors parish office to help with problems or concerns over highway complaints, street lighting, rubbish collections, overgrown trees or hedges or any other issues which are the responsibility of local councils. The office, at 4 Park Way, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and 1pm and Saturday morning from 10-11am to meet parish councillors.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

The competition for ‘Unnatural Selection’ by James Donnelly was won by Joan Adams of Ferndown and Hazel Davies from St Leonards. They correctly identified that ‘something sinister was happening’ on Poor Common. Congratulations.

local PARKING PRESENT FOR SHOPPERS

KINGSTON LACY Visitors to Kingston Lacy are getting into the Christmas spirit during a celebration of the season’s traditions. The National Trust estate is open 10.30am – 6pm (7pm on Fridays, on: More information is available Saturdays, Sundays) all week ltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy iona .nat www until 21 December so visitors can (line 8). or telephone 01202 883402 experience traditional food and drink and craft activities for all ages. There is also the opportunity to help make the longest ‘Christmas Wish’ paper chain in Dorset. Father Christmas will also be in his Shepherd’s Hut at weekends with a present for all the children. At dusk the garden is being transformed with an illuminated Christmas walk with highlights including a 12 days of Christmas trail, illuminated obelisks and cedars planted by royals. The house is closed. Lily Parsons, aged 2 | Photos by Nick Ashby

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Festive shoppers in Christchurch and Wimborne will be able to take advantage of free parking periods in council-run car parks. There will be no charge in town centre car parks in Christchurch and Highcliffe after 10am from Wednesday 17 to Wednesday 24 December. Free parking in council-run car parks in Wimborne is on the weekends 13/14 and 20/21 December, and after 10am from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 December and from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 December. The free parking periods do not apply in car parks owned by Waitrose and The Co-op in Wimborne.

WINTER WALKS

West Moors Parish Council is installing a new tarmac footpath from the Fryer Field car park to the children’s play area to make it easier for parents and the children during the winter. A new kissing gate to allow pedestrians access to Fryer Field when the gate is locked has also been installed by the council, with Councillor Peter Finney contributing £500 towards the cost.

December 2014 Viewpoint

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Poppies pupils INSPIRE

REMEMBRANCE DAY

fundraising

Ferndown Middle School marked Remembrance Day by raising money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. Staff and pupils donated loose change to cover a picture of a poppy. St Mary’s Church led a school assembly on remembrance with the last post being played by former pupil Ben Kinch, now studying at Ferndown Upper. Royal Marine John Thornton who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008, was an ex-pupil of Ferndown Middle. Just over £100 was raised.

Viewpoint December 2014

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Students at Queen Elizabeth’s School were inspired by the vision and impact of the Tower of London poppies to develop their own installation in the school featuring personal messages. Staff and governors and Pamphill residents also added their comments on the blank poppies. Deputy Head Tim Farrer said: “We wanted to mark the 100 years in a more significant manner and so many of the students had seen the poppies at the Tower of London that we felt an installation would really work. We have been really inspired by the comments the students have made as well as the very personal stories that have been shared by our staff and the local community.”

Care home concert with a peal Christmas gift idea MONKEY POP-UP art gallery

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andbell ringers struck the right notes to enchant residents at a family-owned Dorset care home. The afternoon concert at Colten RING TONE. Members Care’s Avon Cliff home of the Fordingbridge Handbell Ringers from in Bournemouth left: Jean Brown, Ann featured six ladies from Tattersall and Viv Finch Fordingbridge Handbell Ringers playing a tuned set of 12 bells. The performance was conducted with each ringer reading from their own musical score and wearing gloves to hold two bells. Among the melodies were the ‘Skye Boat Song’ and ‘St Paul’s Steeple’.

“We wear gloves to handle the bells so our hands don’t tarnish the metal,” explained conductor and ringer Viv Finch. “The more we have to clean them, the more they have to be tuned.” The bells belong to St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge, where some originals cast as far back as 1894 are still kept. The bells have to be periodically overhauled and tuned by campanology experts at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. Dawn Watson, Colten Care Activities Co-ordinator, said: “We were all enchanted by the pitch, harmony and resonance of the sound. It was beautiful and really stops you in your tracks.”

rtists from around Salisbury and Southampton have joined forces to launch a pop-up gallery in Southampton city centre offering original art during the Christmas shopping period. Bringing together 22 artists, the Monkey Gallery has created a lively exhibition space featuring contemporary artwork including paintings and drawings, photography and screenprints, sculpture and ceramics, together with screenings of animation and installation work in dedicated rooms. It opened in November in a retail unit at 14-15 Hanover Buildings, formerly occupied by Santander and is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am-4pm until 22 December.

Twinning event:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP SOLVE A MURDER?

ordingbridge Twinning Society is holding its annual Murder Mystery Evening on Saturday 7 February and would love you to bring your detective skills to the table. For further details contact Alison Ayling (Chairman) or Derek Ayling (PR & Marketing) both on 01425 650770 or by email on: Hippotrain@btinternet.com

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December 2014 Viewpoint

local Blowing his own trumpet: Steve Rowland says his music and gardening go hand in hand.

Where there’s muck,

THERE’S BRASS Hotel gardener Steve Rowland is blowing his own trumpet after picking up a bunch of awards Steve, from Kinson, has been the gardener at the Days Hotel Marsham Court for 11 years and has just won his biggest clutch of Bournemouth in Bloom awards for the hotel yet - gold for his hanging baskets, a silver gilt in the Large Establishment and Hard Surface category and silver for Best Hotel Frontage.

Now he has ‘top brass’ to add to his collection, after he and his band mates in Verwood Concert Brass won the South West Championship. Steve said: “It’s been a great month. “I was really pleased to win three awards in Bournemouth in Bloom for the Days Hotel. I

Viewpoint December 2014

was up against a number of large hotels, but I think the gardens here really stood out and impressed the judges. “Then it was amazing to be part of the band when we won the South West Championship in Torquay. It’s the award we all wanted and to have the title feels great.” Steve now selfemployed, started his business in 1985, after serving an apprenticeship with Bournemouth Council Parks Department. He has been playing the cornet since he was a child and the trumpet for 25 years. As well as Verwood Concert Brass, he also plays for The James Emmett Ragtime Revellers. He added: “If I’m not gardening, I’m playing my trumpet. “I like to think they complement each other really well as they both require a lot of creativity and a lot of hard work - I rehearse three times a week.”

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Dementia friendly

Members of the Verwood Town Council staff, town councillors, representatives from the police, MJP Law and the Heathland Heritage Centre took part in a Dementia Awareness event led by Dementia Friend Paula Pearson on 6 November. Verwood is working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Town.

Extraordinary General Meeting

The future of Verwood, Three Legged Cross & Woodlands Neighbourhood Watch hangs in the balance. An Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on 15 January at 7pm at the Verwood Memorial Hall to decide its future. Members of the public are invited.

local The giving tree

Outgoing Verwood Rotary president Clive Grove recently visited the children and young people’s hospice Naomi House/Jacks Place. He fixed a ‘leaf’ to the Giving Tree to represent the Verwood Rotary Club donation towards the hospice rebuilding project. Clive is pictured here with fundraising manager Pete Abrahams (on the right). Members of the club were touched by the care and compassion that Naomi House provides to local children with life limiting illnesses.

Acquisition of Rutland Chartered Surveyors

oses Survey Limited is pleased to announce its acquisition of the business of Rutland Chartered Surveyors. Managing Director, Philip Moses MRICS, who also trades as Philip Moses Chartered Surveyors in Dorset, is excited at the prospect of expanding the business further across Hampshire and Dorset. With offices now in Bournemouth, East Dorset, Southampton and Lymington, the company is ideally placed to cover a breadth of commercial and residential property instructions across Dorset, Hampshire, the New Forest and South Wiltshire. Philip Moses and Clive Rutland (pictured) have previously worked together, and their similar skills, high standards and areas of operation mean that the businesses fit seamlessly together and complement each other perfectly. Clive will be staying with the company as consultant, so that he can continue to serve his existing clients in his specialist roles.

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Music for the Mind

This small group is for people with memory problems. It meets every fourth Monday of the month (unless it is a bank holiday) at the United Reformed Church in Verwood. There is an hour of singing, which includes wellknown songs, rounds, some with actions, and tongue twisters. Music for the Mind aims to give quality time together for those who are cared-for as well as their carers who can enjoy and share memories. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits are served before the singing begins. Meetings are free. For further information call Gwen Turner on 01202 827800.

TOOLS NICKED OVERNIGHT

company van parked securely in a driveway on St Michael’s Road, Verwood was broken into on 18 November or in the early hours of 19 November. Among the power tools stolen were an almost new Paslode IM65 Straight Gas Brad Nailer and Paslode IM90i Cordless Framing Nailer, along with several other cordless drills and sundry tools. All of these were in daily use and vital to the running of the owner’s business. Witnesses and anyone with any information or anyone who has been offered the tools at discount prices or in unusual circumstances, please call Dorset Police in confidence on 101. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

December 2014 Viewpoint

local Now a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador

A WALKING MIRACLE By Janine Pulford

Caroline today

CAROLINE JOHNSON

A freak accident five years ago could have put Caroline Johnson from Verwood into a wheelchair for the rest of her life Following a fall from her horse Flash, who took flight after being startled by a loose boxer dog in Moors Valley Country Park, Caroline broke her neck in two places. “I suffered the same spinal injuries that confined Superman actor Christopher Reeve to a wheelchair,” she said. Miraculously, Caroline defied all the odds and within a year she was back working as a fitness instructor, walking, running and, believe it or not, riding Flash, the horse she loves so much. When she heard the snap of her spine, she knew she had to stay completely still

Caroline with Flash in January 2010

Caroline’s story was first published in Viewpoint in 2010

Caroline told me that she puts her amazing recovery down to the fact that when she heard the snap of her spine, she knew she had to stay completely still. “Any movement could have resulted in a very different outcome,” she said. Rescued by the Air Ambulance crew in super quick time, she was flown to Salisbury Hospital where treatment for her injuries began. Following three weeks in hospital, it took seven months for her spine to ‘knit’ back together before she was able to move around without a brace or ‘”stormtrooper” outfit as she affectionately called it. She followed her consultant’s advice to the letter and worked exceptionally hard with her physiotherapy exercises.

Readers may remember that I interviewed Caroline for Viewpoint (February 2010) when the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was our charity of the year. The article was published a few weeks before Caroline’s “stormtrooper” outfit was removed. Soon after, she held a sponsored walk at Moors Valley Country Park, during which she raised over £3,000 as a thank you to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, “The crew were fantastic. They are so good at what they do. So professional, yet with a sense of humour,” she said. She also took up running as a hobby and over the last few years has amassed a collection of 10k medals, including one from the Great South Run in 2012 when she raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

A change of career led her into retail in 2013 when Caroline joined Sainsbury’s in Ferndown. Her most recent fundraising event was organised for the supermarket as part of her role as a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador. The Autumn Leaf sponsored walk in October, was almost a ‘re-run’ of Caroline’s Moors Valley event in 2010. Alongside colleagues Caroline ran, then cycled, then rode the six mile route on Flash. She said, “It was cathartic and tied in with Health and Wellbeing Week, which coincidentally started on 17 November, five years to the day that I had my accident.” Over £350 raised for Leaf

Over £350 was raised and will be donated to the local charity Leaf (Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising), which is Ferndown Sainsbury’s charity of the year. It was set up to help young people and adults living in Dorset and Hampshire affected with a blood cancer. Caroline also organized a Health MOT for her colleagues at Sainsbury’s during the Health & Wellbeing Week to raise awareness of health issues and how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Her own MOT is a testament to her resolve and hard work to regain fitness following an accident that could have so easily had a different outcome. Get your dog under control

And though she bears no hard feelings against the owner of the dog that triggered the unexpected sequence of events that put her in hospital, she reiterates what she said five years’ ago, “If a dog walker sees a horse they should get their dog under control to avoid this type of accident happening again.” We can all learn from Caroline’s experience.

I hope you have enjoyed catching up with the changes in Caroline Johnson’s life over the last five years. I very much enjoyed interviewing this p-lucky lady again, especially without her “stormtrooper” brace.

Viewpoint December 2014

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local Help Victim Support

HELP VICTIMS

People can pledge money this Christmas to help young people stay safe when they go to university, through a new initiative by Victim Support. The charity is using ‘crowd-funding’ to start up specialist services in the area as it says some school leavers in the county are not getting the advice they need. Just £5 is enough for the charity to give a young person a safety pack containing a personal alarm and a set of anti-drink spiking stoppers; £25 covers the cost of delivering the #vsStrongerTogether presentation to a whole year group. To make a donation visit: https://victimsupport. hubbub.net or text Strength to 70500 to donate £5. Anyone seeking help or advice in the aftermath of any crime can get free and confidential advice from the charity’s Supportline 0845 30 30 900 or can request a phone call via www.victimsupport.org.uk Last year Victim Support offered support to more than one million victims of crime and helped more than 198,000 people as they gave evidence at criminal trials through the Witness Service.

Crews tackle a severe house fire in Fordingbridge

NEW LEADERSHIP AGREED Members of Dorset County Council elected Cllr Robert Gould as their new leader on 3 December

special full council meeting was called to vote on this issue after it became clear Cllr Spencer Flower was unable to continue with his leadership duties following police charges under the Localism Act 2011.   Cllr Gould is the Conservative councillor for the Sherborne Division and is current deputy leader and cabinet member for corporate resources. He is also leader of West Dorset District Council. He has named Cllr Peter Finney as his deputy.   Cllr Finney who represents the West Moors and Holt division is the county’s cabinet member for environment and economy. Cllr Gould said: “It was essential for the council to act quickly to deal with this issue and it is a great privilege to take up the role. I intend to continue in the clear direction we

have established for our important work to help boost the economy of the county and promote the health and wellbeing of Dorset residents.   “I will be considering the make-up of the cabinet to ensure we have a strong leadership team for the vital work of transforming services at a time of unprecedented budget reductions.”   Verwood county councillor, Spencer Flower became Leader in May 2013, but has relinquished the role following charges over alleged failures to declare an interest in a property company.  A plea of not guilty to the charges was entered at Bournemouth Magistrate’s Court on 2 December. The case was adjourned to 24 April next year.

Cllr Robert Gould

Festive cheer and breakfast with Santa

Eight fire and rescue crews were mobilised to a severe house fire in Woodgreen in Fordingbridge on 2 December. The occupants were not home at the time but the neighbours were alerted to the fire by the smoke alarm and they called 999.  On arrival crews were faced with a large detached property with the first floor and roof well alight. Hampshire crews with the support of crews from Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue Services worked together to contain the fire and stop it spreading to other properties. The cause of the fire is being investigated but is not thought to be suspicious.

John Brown’s Garden Centre, near Wimborne, part of the Golden Acres group is welcoming Santa every weekend until Sunday 21 December. Children can meet Mr Claus in his magical grotto. All profits will be donated to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity. Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm, entry £5 per child. There is also an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy breakfast with Santa and his elves each weekend from 8.30–9.30am. Breakfast costs £5 and must be booked in advance. For further information call 01202 822203, or visit www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk

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December 2014 Viewpoint

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“

WHAT A FANTASTIC TURNOUT AND WHAT A FANTASTIC EVENT

MAYOR OF FERNDOWN

Poppy Stevens (6)

LIGHTING UP FERNDOWN: Rebecca-Lee Clark and Carlos Heath

A whispered request

“FERNDOWN HAD THE BEST TURN OUT TO DATE FOR ITS 2014 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENT AND WHAT AN EVENT!” PRESIDENT OF FERNDOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, JAMES EDGAR

O Gugge 2000

rganized by the Chamber and Ferndown Town Council, it took place on 29 November. Entertainment included local singers Evelyn Walsh and Catherine Gray and the bumblebee band Gugge 2000 who pulled the crowds as they rocked out ‘Silent Night’ among other favourites. Rebecca-Lee Clark and Carlos Heath followed and traditional Christmas carols were sung by the Studio One choir. Residents agreed that the class acts attracted to the event were a constant source of enjoyment. Children’s rides, a raffle, mulled wine, mince pies and hot dogs made the occasion a real pre-Christmas winter warm-up. When Santa drew into town on a fire engine with siren and lights blazing, the children watched in amazement and couldn’t wait to talk to him. Afterwards, he helped the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Mike Parkes, turn on the Christmas tree lights in Victoria Road.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Studio One

Viewpoint December 2014

Excited: James & Harry Bryant

Lilly Rose gives Santa a picture

THE MOMENT THE TREE LIGHTS CAME ON

“What a fantastic turnout and what a fantastic event,” said the mayor. “A huge thanks go to the Ferndown Chamber and the town council. I hope this is the start to a busy and prosperous Christmas in Ferndown.” He also thanked Haskins for their generosity in providing a Christmas tree in Ringwood Road. James Edgar added, “Thanks to everyone for supporting the town whether you were involved or just came along to enjoy the day’s entertainment. The chamber would also like to thank Burnetts Amusements for coming such a long way and for their generous contribution to the Christmas lights improvements, and to the Ferndown Fire Station for their support, which made the day even more special.” The raffle was won by D Howell from West Moors and the shop window competition by 3-year-old Samuel Newth who collected his Hudl2 prize sponsored by mags4dorset. Money raised will go towards next year’s event.

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EXCITED: Young Samuel Newth couldn’t believe his luck when he won the Hudl2 in the shop window competition

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DECEMBER 2014 ARIES March 21 - April 20 Spend extra time on your appearance at mid-month, as you’ll be the subject of intense public scrutiny. Resist the urge to get in a power struggle with an authority figure, as you lack the influence to emerge victorious. Working for a humanitarian organisation will be both fulfilling and rewarding later in the month. The New Moon on the 22nd is perfect for launching a campaign or going on job interviews. Christmas will be a lucrative time for you. TAURUS April 21 - May 21 The Full Moon on the 6th puts a little extra money in your bank account, just in time for the Christmas holidays. Schedule a glamorous vacation at mid-month, when you’ll be able to find some fantastic rates on luxury accommodations. The New Moon on the 22nd is perfect for applying to schools, launching a writing project, or going on a long distance vacation. December ends on an extremely positive note, with people celebrating your artistic talent. If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business, the end of 2014 is an opportune time to do so. Friends will be eager to give financial and emotional support near Christmas.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 An intimate relationship will become much more rewarding at mid-month, when you’re able to spend more quality time with your amour. If you’re single, you could catch the eye of a dynamic executive. It may be best to play hard to get with this admirer, at least in the initial stages of your courtship. The New Moon on the 22nd is great for getting engaged, married, or joining households with the one you love. Alternatively, you may decide to launch a business alliance right around Christmas. LEO July 24 - August 23 Someone will be impressed by your expertise at mid-month and could make a pass at you. While this attention is flattering, you’ll be more focused on finishing work so you can enjoy the holidays. The New Moon on the 22nd brings an exciting job assignment that puts a spring in your step. It looks like you’ll have an opportunity to hone your creative talent as December draws to a close.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Taking a short trip with the one you love will be wonderful for you both in the middle of December. The two of you will benefit from a change of scenery. If you’re single, you could find romance on this journey. The New Moon on the 22nd will cause your sensual side to come out. This is a wonderful time to exercise your powers of seduction. Money from an inheritance, dividend, or lawsuit will allow you to pursue your dream career as Christmas approaches.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 The Full Moon on the 6th marks an impressive career achievement. Prepare to receive a raise, promotion, or award. Relatives will be eager to welcome you back into the fold at midmonth. The Christmas holidays have a way of softening people’s hearts. You’ll be able to indulge your sentimental side during the third week of December. Spend this time putting up decorations, listening to carols, and making favourite delicacies from childhood. The New Moon on the 22nd will prompt you to launch a creative project or embark on a romance. There’s also a chance someone will announce they are having a child, setting off a lovely round of celebrations at Christmas. LIBRA September 24 - October 23 Spending more time at home during mid-month allows you to enjoy the Christmas season in style. Don’t feel pressured to keep up a frenetic pace at work. An unreasonable business or romantic partner will mock your family traditions as the holidays approach, but pay no attention. They’re just jealous of your capacity to enjoy this magical season. The New Moon on the 22nd is ideal for buying or selling of all types, large and small scale. 2014 ends on a high note, with your health getting a significant boost from a fitness regimen. SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 You might have a chance to go on a glamorous business trip in mid-December. Getting paid to travel is your idea of heaven. Don’t worry; this journey won’t affect your holiday plans. You’ll be back at home in time for all the family festivities. The New Moon on the 22nd brings good news about a friend, neighbour, or cousin. This is truly reason to rejoice. Christmas brings a sense of profound peace and contentment. Celebrate this special time with friends at an intimate party.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 You’ll get a mid-month raise or bonus which allows you to enjoy the Christmas season in style. Throwing a big party for friends and family will be lots of fun. The New Moon on the 22nd attracts a great job offer from a humanitarian organisation. It looks like your professional star will rise in 2015. Don’t be surprised if you’re occupying a corner office by this time next year. Alternatively, you could launch your own business, which might suit you even better. CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 Spending time on solitary activities mid-month helps recharge your batteries. Be sure to get plenty of sleep during this festive but frenetic time. You’ll be looking your best during the second half of December. The New Moon on the 22nd is ideal for changing your look. Go ahead and splurge on a salon treatment or wardrobe upgrade. Finding spiritual fulfilment will become increasingly important as 2014 draws to a close. AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 The Full Moon on 6th brings the successful end of a creative project; you’ll finally be rewarded for having a unique voice. More money for luxuries becomes available midmonth, allowing you to afford extra nice Christmas presents. Of course, you should buy yourself something special, too. The New Moon on the 22nd gives you a chance to enjoy the holiday season in heavenly peace. PISCES February 20 - March 20 An engagement, marriage, or birth will set off a round of festive parties. Friends will want your company as the holidays approach; you’ll have to choose among several enticing invitations as Christmas draws closer. You might have to spread yourself thin during this busy time. The New Moon on the 22nd finds you realising a childhood dream and nobody is more surprised than you. Making a donation to charity will continue to keep the good energy flowing, right into 2015.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA Russell’s Year Ahead Horoscope book is now available at www.russellgrant.com - it is an ideal Christmas present for anyone looking for love, considering a career change or just looking for direction in life. Russell’s Year Ahead Horoscope book is produced based on each individual’s specific date, time and place of birth so no two books are the same. The book contains a monthly Horoscope plus a daily Horoscope for every day of 2015

Especially for Viewpoint readers, the UK’s favourite astrologer has also revealed what’s in store for your star sign for 2015. Read these in full at www. mags4dorset.co.uk meanwhile here is a taster for each star sign:

Aries (Mar21/Apr20)

It’s important to play by the rules between January and mid-June. Resist the urge to cut corners…

Taurus (Apr21/May21)

Budgeting is critical between January and the middle of June. This is your chance to achieve financial independence…

Gemini (May22/Jun21)

Erratic friends will prompt you to take a second look at your social circle…

Cancer (Jun22/Jul23)

Establishing a fitness routine is critical between January and mid-June...

Leo (Jul24/Aug23)

Getting serious about a casual romance will be in the cards between January and mid-June…

Virgo (Aug24/Sep23)

Family responsibilities will continue to require a great deal of time between January and mid-June...

Libra (Sep24/Oct23)

Close relatives and neighbours will be less than helpful, especially between January and mid-June…

Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22)

Sticking to a budget remains important during the first half of the year. There won’t be a lot of money for extras…

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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21)

It’s important to take your needs seriously between January and midJune. Instead of worrying what will make everyone else happy, put your priorities first…

Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20)

Facing your demons will be a continuing theme from January through mid-June. Use this time to take stock of what you really want from life… Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) It’s important to be discerning about your social circle, especially between January and the middle of June… Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) You’ll continue to exude magic and mystery throughout 2015. Be sure to make plenty of time for creative pursuits…

December 2014 Viewpoint

Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT

Specified Period 1 Dec 2014 - 31 Dec 2014

£1,000 monthly prize guaranteed! CashUnity is an initiative devised by mags4dorset and backed by local traders that gives local shoppers the chance every month to win a huge cash prize of £1,000. Anyone over 18 who shops in a business listed in the directory and spends £10 or more on their normal shopping can enter a free prize draw. The directory is updated every month, but if you don’t see the shops listed that you visit, why not suggest they join? Entries must be substantiated by separate receipts. There is no need to send in your receipt, but keep it safe. If you lose it, you can’t win. The correct proof of purchase (POP) will have to be produced by the winner before they can collect their £1,000. mags4dorset cannot be held responsible for any lost or missing receipts and the prize will instead be donated to our charity of the year. Enter CashUnity online at www.cashunity.co.uk or use the postcard supplied at the point of sale. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.cashunity.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH & TUCKTON BORN BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

KNIGHTS AUTO

CHRISTCHURCH CARPETS

SELECT PVCU

55-57 Bargates, BH23 1QE 01202 482712 christchurchcarpets.com

CLARITY HEARING

45 High Street, BH23 1AS 01202 478881 clarity-solutions.com

HONORA (Wool Shop)

69 High Street, BH23 1AS 01202 486000 woolitwork.co.uk

NEALS & SON BUTCHERS 182 Tuckton Road, Tuckton, BH6 3AA 01202 429366 butchers-shop.co.uk

PRIORY PLAICE FISH & CHIPS 63 High Street, BH23 1AS 01202 280380

STUDIO FIFTY SIX

56 Bargates, BH23 1QL 01202 485020 studiofiftysix.co.uk

The Fountain, 1 High Street, BH23 1AE 01202 486868 tonyhair.co.uk

FERNDOWN CROWNING GLORY

515 Wimborne Road East, BH22 9NH 01202 892968

FERNDOWN ELECTRICAL SERVICES 125 Victoria Road, BH22 9HU 01202 872869

FERNDOWN FLORIST

101 Victoria Road, BH22 9HU 01202 873271 ferndownflorist.co.uk

FERNDOWN MOT

1 Library Road, BH22 9JP 01202 892323 ferndownmot.co.uk

517 Wimborne Road East, BH22 9NH, 01202 892200 tonysmithkitchens.co.uk

188 Stanley Green Road, BH15 3AH 01202 661299 poolejoinery.com

21 Haviland Road, BH21 7RZ 01202 875553 thewheelspecialist.com/locations/ bournemouthdorset

FORDINGBRIDGE BRIAN’S KITCHENS

Burnham Road, SP6 1HA 01425 654741 brianskitchens.co.uk

CAXTON DÉCOR

26-30 Salisbury Street, SP6 1AF 01425 652700 caxtondecor.co.uk

C HARRISON & SON

23-25 High Street, SP6 1AS 01425 652376

FORDINGBRIDGE BOOKSHOP

GIRLINGS COMPLETE HEARING AID SERVICE

TONY SMITH KITCHENS

POOLE JOINERY

THE WHEEL SPECIALIST

TONY HAIR

7 High Street, BH23 1AB 01202 473167

55 Victoria Road, BH22 9HU 01202 892990

184E The Broadway, Lower Blandford Road, BH18 8DP 01202 600350 forumjewellers.co.uk

112-114 Cobham Road, BH21 7PQ 01202 877977 selectpvcu.com

THINK PRINT

SWAN JEWELLERS

FORUM JEWELLERS

112 Cobham Road, BH21 7PQ 01202 877727

15 Salisbury Street, SP6 1AB 01425 653725 fordingbridgebooks.co.uk

17 Penny’s Walk, BH22 9TH 01202 874317

BROADSTONE & POOLE

Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, BH21 7PE 01202 874207 sandandgravel.uk.com

23 Church Street, BH23 1BW 01202 480151 bornbeauty.co.uk

FREEDOM MOBILITY

DIRECTORY

DORSET SOILS & AGGREGATES LTD

UNDERWOOD EYECARE 7 Penny’s Walk, BH22 9TH 01202 891955 underwoodeyecare.co.uk

XEROCAD PRINT CENTRE

527 Ringwood Road, BH22 9AQ 01202 897297 xerocad.co.uk

FERNDOWN IND. ESTATE BABY DOOZIES

Unit 6 35-39 Cobham Road, BH21 7RS 01202 610952 babydooziesltd.com

Viewpoint December 2014

5 Shaftesbury Street, SP6 1JF 01425 655142 girlingshearingaids.co.uk

KINSON SPECIALITY CAKES

1528 Wimborne Road, BH11 9AF 01202 572021 cakesindorset.co.uk

RINGWOOD ALLUM & SIDAWAY

Close Date 5 Jan 2015 MADE CLOSER RETAIL LTD 2 High Street, BH24 1AF 01425 517715 madecloser.co.uk

RINGWOOD SOUND & VISION 58 High Street, BH24 1AG 01425 478688 ringwoodsoundandvision.co.uk

SCOLTOCKS HEALTH FOODS 1 Market Place, BH24 1AN 01425 473787

MADDISONS HAIRDRESSERS

1 Station Road, BH31 7PY 01202 822266 maddisonhairdressers.co.uk

PLANE CUISINE

The Gables, Ringwood Road, BH31 7AQ 01202 900107 planecuisine.co.uk

THE CURTAIN CABIN

SOUL SHED

7 Edmondsham Road, BH31 6JT 01202 813533 curtaincabin.co.uk

4 Fridays Court, High Street, BH24 1AB 07786 282381

THE SWANS RESTAURANT

(Cultural Gifts Store)

ST MARTIN’S GALLERY

Mockbeggar Lane, Ibsley BH24 3PP 01425 489090 stmartinsgallery.co.uk

Pennine Way, BH31 6UL 01202 825777 marstonstaverns.co.uk/Verwood/ Swans

VERWOOD FORD

TOWNHOUSE HAIRDRESSING

95-97 Ringwood Road, BH31 7AD 01202 825222 verwoodford.co.uk

W PATTERSON BUTCHERS

52 Ringwood Road, BH31 7AJ 01202 826994 verwoodsurplus.co.uk

19 High Street, BH24 1AB 01425 473666 townhousehair.co.uk

VERWOOD SURPLUS STORE

31 High Street, BH24 1AD 01425 472654

WEST MOORS

THREE CROSS

K&B INSTALLATIONS

3 CROSS MOT CENTRE 1 Lower Common Lane, BH21 6RD, 01202 828873 3cross.co.uk

DLH CARS & COMMERCIALS Unit 27, Liberty Close, Woolsbridge Ind. Park, BH21 6RD 01202 827470 dlhcars.co.uk

GREENMANN AQUATICS

John Brown’s Garden Centre, Ringwood Road, BH21 6RD 01202 825505 koimad.com

LEWIS CONCRETE

254 Station Road, West Moors BH22 0JF 01202 861972 kandbinstallations.co.uk

LEANNE’S HAIRDRESSERS

168 Station Road, BH22 0JB 01202 896166 facebook.com/LeannesOfWestMoors

PROFILE 2000

SLIMMING & BEAUTY

2 Park Way, BH22 0HL 01202 896477 slimmingandbeauty.co.uk

SDC SELF STORAGE LTD

Collingwood Road, BH21 6QW 01202 892710 sdcselfstorage.co.uk

47-49 High Street, BH24 1AE 01425 475180 allumandsidaway.co.uk

Old Barn Farm Road, Woolsbridge Ind. Park, BH21 6SP 01202 821895 lewisconcrete.co.uk

SELBY BUTCHERS

AMARONE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

PETALS FLORIST

WEBB’S AWARD WINNING BUTCHERS

34b Christchurch Road, BH24 1DN, 01425 472555

BELLE ENFANTS

11 The Furlong, BH24 1AT 01425 475997 belleenfants.co.uk

BICKERLEY GARAGE

Kings Arms Row, BH24 1BH 01425 470203 bickerleygarage.boschauto.co.uk

CONTAKT CARPETS

2 Pedlars Walk, BH24 1BZ 01425 477159 contaktcarpets.com

CROW FARM SHOP

Crow, BH24 3EA 01425 473290 crowfarmshop.com

FIELDS JEWELLERS 3 High Street, BH24 1AB 01425 471608 fieldsjewellers.co.uk

LAMBERTS OF RINGWOOD 16 Market Place, BH24 1AW 01425 473223 lambertsofringwood.co.uk

LIBERTY’S OWL, RAPTOR & REPTILE CENTRE Crow Lane, BH24 3EA 01425 476487 libertyscentre.co.uk

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

John Brown’s Garden Centre, Ringwood Road, BH21 6RD 01202 827444 verwoodflorists.co.uk

POSH WASH CAR VALETING 86 Condor Close, Woolsbridge Ind. Park, BH21 6SU 01202 828233 poshwashvaleting.co.uk

VERWOOD CANINE STUDIO Welwyndale, Verwood Road BH21 6RR 01202 827090 verwoodcaninestudios.co.uk

VERWOOD AVS (AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SERVICES LTD) Unit 2, Forest Close, Ebblake Industrial Estate, BH31 6DE 01202 824244

EBBLAKE AUTOCENTRE

150 Station Road, BH22 0JB 01202 873121

165 Station Road, BH22 0HT 01202 855817 facebook.com/webbsbutchers

WEST PARLEY TIEGLA TILES

159A New Road, BH22 8EB 01202 594459 tilesdorset.co.uk

WIMBORNE SCF HARDWARE

Unit 1 & 2 Brook Road, BH21 2BH 01202 857140 scfhardware.co.uk

WIMBORNE APPLIANCE SERVICES LTD Unit 9 Riverside Park, Station Road, BH21 1QU 01202 883494

WINTON CARLY’S CRAFTS

Unit 4, Verwood Trading Estate, Blackhill, BH31 6HA 01202 824516 ebblake.co.uk

1A Cardigan Road, BH9 1BJ 01202 512106

GILBEY CLEANERS

STEPHEN RUSSELL

29 Vicarage Road, BH31 6DR 01202 826176 gilbeycleaners.co.uk

LOCAL SERVICES QUALITY CARPET CLEANING

(Lounge Carpet £19.99) m.07887 707450 / t.01202 896726 sr-carpetclean.co.uk.co.uk

CASHUNITY WINNER

thought she had landed a job The latest CashUnity winner was expecting a phone call from a job agency when mags4dorset’s managing director Ben Pulford rang to tell her she had won £1,000. It took a few seconds for the news to sink in before Ursula Bonner realised she wasn’t being offered a job, but had instead won a large amount of cash. “I’m over the moon,” she said. “I have never won anything substantial before.” Ursula and her husband Philip have only lived in West Moors for a few months having moved from Cambridgeshire.

She entered CashUnity at Leanne’s in the village after having a haircut there. Her stylist Chanelle told her to keep her receipt and enter CashUnity. “It was the second time I’d put in an entry and I really didn’t think I’d win, but I entered all the same,” said Ursula with a huge smile. Her husband was busy tiling the bathroom when Ursula arrived to collect her cheque. She said, “The money will help to finish the bathroom and with Christmas just around the corner, we are bound to spend some of the money on our two granddaughters.”

Creat

Lacey Lightfoot goes to…..

ive W riting

Comp

etition

The mags4dorset writing competition is very different this year.

Lacey Lightfoot is single, white, female. Age 23. Height 5’8”. Hair long and black. Build: curvy – weight conscious. Last job: buyer for a multi-national chain store. Love life: no current boyfriend, not ready to settle down. Lacey shares a three-bed house in Surbiton with friends. Housemate and confidante, Skip, always seems to be there when she needs him. Over particular about her own personal appearance, Lacey tolerates Skip and his tattered looks (he’s a guitarist in a band and is waiting for his big break) because he is kind and a good listener. Lacey aims to become chief buyer by the time she is 30, until… her great aunt Sophia dies leaving her £100,000. Lacey throws in the towel to become a freelance travel writer/reporter. Use the present or recent past tense (5 years). Does Lacey go to areas in conflict like Syria? Will she be kidnapped and held hostage in Columbia, discover an unknown species in Borneo or be chilling on a beach in Wales and witness sheep rustling? Lacey falls in and out of love easily.

ENTRY FORM

Humour, romance, crime, thriller, mystery or even ghost stories are welcome (no explicit scenes). Take Lacey and give her an adventure of a lifetime. An ebook anthology will be compiled called ‘Lacey Lightfoot’s Awesome Adventures’. All entrants will permit their story to be used in this way. Subject to demand, a paperback version may follow. Entrants will retain copyright of their work. Length 1000–2500 words. No entry fee but complete the entry form and send in 2 first class stamps (do not stick them to anything) with your entry. Double line spacing. Do not put your name on your story, but include a title sheet with your name, address, email and phone number plus the title: Lacey goes to (fill in the destination). Max 3 entries. Closing date 31 January 2015.

NAME: ADDRESS:

Ursula said she feels very welcome in West Moors, “This is the icing on the cake,” she added waving her cheque. Ben also presented Leanne with a bottle of Champagne as a thank you for promoting the shop local initiative devised by mags4dorset so vigorously.

TEL:

L-R Ben, Ursula and Leanne

EMAIL:

“

CashUnity is a great talking point in the salon, we love promoting it and I’m so pleased one of our customers has won.” Leanne

Tree of lights

emember a loved one by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Lights at Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) Organised by the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, visitors can buy a light for a minimum £5 donation in memory of a loved one, with their name being kept in a book of remembrance at the hospital chapel. Lights can be purchased from Rotarians and hospital volunteers in the entrance of RBH 1.30pm–3.30pm and 6.30pm–8.30pm. All proceeds made from sponsoring a light will be donated to the Bournemouth Hospital Charity (BHC) and various other charities chosen by the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club. The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne, on 18 December at 6.30pm. There will be a carol service, mulled wine, mince pies and music by the Boscombe Salvation Army Band. For more information about the charity or the event please contact Bournemouth Hospital Charity on 01202 704060 or email charity@rbch.nhs.uk

local

TITLE OF STORY: DATE C LOSING y 2015 31 Januar

Lacey goes to...

Christmas shopping: ROCK THE HOUSE “I would urge all local musicians and film-makers FREE parking in Poole to enter Rock the House and Film the House” said Christmas shoppers in Poole can enjoy free parking every Sunday 10am–6pm until Sunday 21 December 2014 and Thursday nights 6pm–9pm until Thursday 18 December in all the town centre car parks run by the Borough of Poole. In Broadstone, Ashley Road, Penn Hill, Ashley Cross and Canford Cliffs there will be free parking in district car parks from noon until 6pm on Saturday 13 and 20 December. The council’s Park and Ride service will be FREE, running from Creekmoor every Saturday until Christmas. This is a special promotion to support the Small Business Saturday initiative, which encourages all shoppers to buy locally. The service will leave the Creekmoor Park and Ride site every 15 minutes from 8am until 6pm on 13 and 20 December. The service drops passengers at the entrance to Falkland Square, where they can also board the bus back to Creekmoor every 15 minutes from 8.15am until 6.15pm. www.boroughofpoole.com/ christmasandnewyear.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Bob Walter MP for North Dorset who is calling for local artists to enter Parliament’s two largest creative competitions. Founded by Mike Weatherley MP, the annual competitions offer the opportunity to put local musicians and film-makers in contact with industry movers and shakers, and to have the best of North Dorset’s talent take centre stage. Bob Walter added: “This is an excellent opportunity for North Dorset to celebrate its local talent and, as all nominations are judged by industry experts, there is no finer chance for our local musicians and film-makers to gain national exposure. I look forward to welcoming a North Dorset winner on stage on 18 March 2015.” Closing date is 31 December 2014. www.rockthehouseHOC.com www.filmthehouse.com

December 2014 Viewpoint

in & around the area

what’s on Details were correct at the time of going to print but readers are advised to check before attending events

Until 21 December 10am-4pm

Christchurch and District Arts Council, Christmas Present Makers, Hayloft Gallery, 14 Wick Lane, Christchurch. 01202 428004

20 December – 4 January

Christmas celebrations at Beaulieu, Brockenhurst. Victorian style decorations and carol singing. 01590 614614

20 December 7pm

Music for Christmas with Highcliffe Junior Choir at Beaulieu Abbey Church. Over 16s £10. 01590 611404

20 December 7.30pm

Verwood Concert Brass Christmas concert, The Hub, Verwood. 01202 828740

20 December 7.30pm and 21 December 5.30pm

Carols by Candlelight, St Bernadette’s Church, Draycott Road, Ensbury Park with Karen Wells’ choir. £5 adults. 07812 155549

21 December 7.15-9am

Winter solstice, Corfe Castle. Watch sunrise on shortest day of year followed by breakfast. £10, booking essential. 01929 481294

22 December 9am-1pm

Verwood Farmers Market, Ferrett Green, Verwood.

22nd December 8pm

Alan Pickering’s Spirit of New Orleans at Bournemouth Traditional Jazz Club, Bluebirds Social Club, Longham. £5, £6 for visitors.

23 December 7.30-9.30pm

BSO celebration of Christmas carols with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Youth Chorus. Lighthouse, Poole. 0844 4068666

25 December 10am

White Christmas Dip, Boscombe Pier, Undercliff Drive, Boscombe. Morning dip in seas in aid of Macmillan Caring. www. whitechristmasdip. co.uk

27 December 8pm

The Bernie Farrenden Duo at The Nelson Tavern, 75 Mudeford, Christchurch. Contact 01202 485105

Viewpoint December 2014

28 January 11am

28 December 7.30pm

8 January 7.30pm

30 December 10am-2.30pm

Verwood and 3LX Twinning Association, talk by Robin Cook ‘Life and Times Working for Harrods’, St Michael’s Parish Centre, off Manor Road, Verwood. 01202 826449

Verwood Historical Society, final part of trilogy ‘Trick or Treat’ from Ron Taylor, St Michael’s Parish Centre off Manor Road. 01202 824175

8 January 7.30pm

Concert of popular music by Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society at The Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. 01202 590383.

John Maddocks’ Jazz Men at St Leonards Hotel, 185 Ringwood Road, St Leonards. £8. 01202 701295.

DWT Holes Bay walk, meet Upton House car park. 07947 141539

1 January 3-5pm 7-9pm

BSO New Year Johann Strauss Viennese Gala. Lighthouse, Poole. 0844 4068666

4 January 10am-1pm

DWT in partnership with Borough of Poole, Winter Woodland Tea Party, guided nature walk around Delph Woods, off Gravel Hill, Poole. Meet at car park beyond cricket pitch. Suggested donation £3. Book on 01202 692033

4 January 11am

Somerley 10k run for Autism Wessex, Somerley estate. Also 2k event. 01202 703199

7 January 12.00 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Going for a Song’ Dudsbury Golf Club. 01202 875757

Verwood and District Horticultural Society, ‘Secret Gardens of Hampshire’ with Patricia Elkington, Verwood Memorial Hall. 01202 814376

14 January 1.30-3.30pm 4.30-7pm Blood Donor Session, Verwood Hub. 01202 828740

17 – 24 January Verwood Pantomime Society’s ‘Aladdin’ at the Hub, Verwood. £9, children £7. Tickets 01202 828740

17 January 7.30pm Grange Choral Society perform Mendelssohn’s ‘St Paul’, conducted by Marcio da Silva at Christchurch Priory. Tickets £16, £9, students £5. 01202 399139.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

20 January 7.30pm

21 January 8pm Verwood Traditional Jazz Club, The Hideaway, 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood presents Bell Street Jazz Band. Doors open 7pm 01202 873725

21-24 January 7.45pm

Ferndown Drama present ‘Loot’ by Joe Orton at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. £8. Not suitable for children. 01292 894858

24 January 9.30am-1pm

Craft fayre and table top sale, Verwood Memorial Hall. 01202 826380

Fleet Air Arm Association meets at Royal British Legion, Church Road, Ferndown. 07815 824841

4 February 12.00 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Espionage, Sabotage and Illusion’, Dudsbury Golf Club. 01202 875757

5 February 7.30pm

Verwood and District Horticultural Society, AGM. Verwood Memorial Hall. 01202 814376

12 February 7.30pm

Verwood and 3LX Twinning Association, talk by Paul Hyland ‘On the Art of the Impossible’ – magic demonstrations. Heathland Heritage Centre, Verwood. 01202 826449

17 February 7.30pm

Concert of popular music by Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society at The Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. 01202 590383

19 February 8pm

Verwood Traditional Jazz Club, The Hideaway. 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood presents Sunset Café Stompers. Doors open 7pm 01202 873725

local

’ DAYA Th ink I’M Sexy ’ RETURNING TO THE BARRINGTON THEATRE IN FEBRUARY BY POPULAR DEMAND IS PAUL METCALFE’S ROD STEWART TRIBUTE SHOW

Paul as Rod Stewart

Booked for 13 February, the show is perfectly timed to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Paul has a reputation as one of the finest Rod Stewart soundalikes around. His tribute involves the same swaggering showmanship, audience participation and sheer sense of fun that has made Rod Stewart one of the most popular performers of all time. What sets Paul’s Rod Stewart Tribute Act apart is the passion, commitment and energy he brings to every single performance. Paul’s band are all highly experienced and talented musicians who have an impressive string of credits between them including Chris De Burgh, George Michael, The Spice Girls, and Shirley Bassey. The show includes all the massive hits from Rod’s incredible career - classic rockers like ‘Maggie May’, ‘Baby Jane’ and ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy’ along with classic ballads such as ‘Sailing’, ‘You’re In My Heart’ and ‘Tonight’s The Night’ - as well as favourites from his days with The Faces like ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Twistin’ The Night Away’ and timeless Motown tunes from the album Soulbook such as ‘Higher and Higher’ and ‘It’s The Same Old Song’. The evening is all about singing along, dancing and having a good time. Exactly what you would expect from going to a Rod Stewart concert.

Viennese whirl IN CHRISTCHURCH

IF YOU CAN’T BE IN VIENNA TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR YOU CAN STILL START 2015 IN STYLE IN CHRISTCHURCH

altz yourself into 2015 at Bournemouth Concert Brass’ annual New Year Viennese concert at the Regent Centre in Christchurch on Sunday 4 January, at 3pm. The band’s resident conductor, Bill Willis, is in charge of the baton for the afternoon. Bill has been with the band since 1993 and has written some of the arrangements for this year’s concert. The warm, burnished brass sound of the Strauss family and their famous Viennese waltzes, polkas and marches are known for putting a spring in everyone’s step despite the winter weather.

Following Strauss favourites like ‘The Blue Danube’ and the ‘Radetsky March’, other highlights of this perennially popular concert will include pieces by other famous composers who worked in Vienna at the time, including Franz Lehar and Mozart The band are former winners of the West of England Championship and have been finalists at the National Brass Band Championships at the Albert Hall. They are also past winners of the prestigious Milton Keynes and Reading Brass Band Festivals.

If you would like to be in the audience, mags4dorset and the Barrington Theatre are giving readers the chance to win two tickets to the show which starts at 7.30pm.

g them answer this question: To be in with a chance of winnin t sing about with ‘gladrags’? Which accessories did Rod Stewar

HOW TO ENTER

Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset. co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to The Paul Melcalfe’s Rod Stewart Tribute act competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 13 January 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Page and Pulford Ltd and The Barrington Theatre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

OH YES HE DID!

The winner of the competition to win a family ticket to see Dick Whittington at The Barrington Theatre was won by Claud Sammuller of Bournemouth who correctly named the hero’s cat as Tommy.

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

December 2014 Viewpoint

motoring cold or flu your

could GIVE SNEEZY STREET concentration drop by more than per cent and your THE COLD SHOULDER 50reaction time slows

he Institute of Advanced Motorists is asking drivers to think about the challenges faced on the road if they’re unwell. Most of us will

have a cold this winter, yet many motorists will try and ignore the symptoms and get behind the wheel when it is unsafe to do so. If you carry on driving with a heavy

down – forcing you to brake more frequently and suddenly. Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny eyes, fever and tiredness are likely to affect your ability to drive safely.

While over-the-counter medicines may control a runny nose and sneezing they tend to contain codeine, which can blur your vision and make you feel tired and drowsy. If the label reads ‘may cause drowsiness’ you should avoid driving. Check with your GP about prescription drugs for

more information about side-effects. Driving when you’re ill can have serious implications. For example, drivers can travel up to 50ft with their eyes closed during a sneeze, they can either temporarily lose control of their car or be involved in a serious accident. This

is why it’s important to think about whether you need to drive at all when suffering from a cold or flu. If you are stopped by the police after taking a cold remedy or driving when unfit to do so you could find yourself charged, disqualified or serving a lengthy prison sentence.

MIGHTY MOTORING MARVELS

ABRACADABRA THE CHRYSLER YPSILON 1.3 M-JET SE

The Chrysler Ypsilon 1.3 M-Jet SE has a ‘Magic Parking’ system that enables it to self-park – so … ‘abracadabra’. This optional extra focuses on parallel parking and is easier to master than the most basic magic trick.

s such, the motorist simply cruises passed a row of parked cars - preferably dressed as a magician - then activates the self-park system via a button on the dashboard. It then scans for a bay that only has to be slightly more than four and a half metres long. Once it finds a space the system beeps to tell the motorist to stop. He/she then engages reverse and operates the clutch, throttle and brake – but the system steers the vehicle. That, after all, is the tricky part that can cause embarrassment. Parking sensors then tell the motorist when to stop reversing. If necessary, he/she then selects first gear to move the vehicle forwards and bring its front closer to the kerb. Again, the system steers

and the parking sensors indicate when to stop. It is more impressive than pulling a rabbit from a hat. The Chrysler Ypsilon 1.3 M-Jet SE has other magical qualities. This five-door city car – that produces 95bhp and hits 62mph in 11.4 seconds - averages a tremendous 74.3mpg and its emissions are so low that it can be taxed for free. ‘Abracadabra’. Furthermore, it cannot be mistaken for any other vehicle thanks to its striking styling that incorporates a prominent front grille, memorable lights and rear door handles concealed in its rear pillars. The cabin also has a magical feel. Why? Because the main instrument cluster is placed in the centre of the dashboard (close to the windscreen) rather than behind the steering wheel. This ensures the motorist can easily view the speedometer, rather than having the view blocked by the steering wheel. The M-Jet SE also has a fair equipment specification that includes: air-conditioning, a sound absorbing roof, MP3/CD player, electric windows, powered mirrors, daytime running lights and a smart fuel cap that – as if by magic - prevents the driver pumping the wrong type of fuel. ‘Abracadabra.’ All for £14,250.

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

December 2014

Page & Pulford 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.

Viewpoint December 2014

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

motoring

www.mags4dorset.co.uk

December 2014 Viewpoint

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GOING FOR GROWTH

had secured funding to develop the infrastructure around Bournemouth Airport as well as the Port of Poole development. “These are two of the biggest development opportunities on the South Coast,” he said. “Dorset has to become more competitive, more talented, more connected and more responsive.” Key challenges, themes and interventions for the Going for Growth draft delivery plan were discussed. Business owners at the event included those from Princecroft Willis Chartered Accountants, HG Walker Solicitors, P-PR Media Solutions, Kariminia Business Intelligence Company and mags4dorset.

KEY SPEAKERS L-R Simon Tong, Claire Bath, Anna Rosier and Ian Monks

The third Growth Plan launch event organized by Christchurch and East Dorset Councils brought businesses ‘around the table’ and provided an opportunity for networking and to find out what partner organisations have to offer. Key speakers were the leader of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Ian Monks; local businesswoman Anna Rosier, managing director of Organix; Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); Cllr Claire Bath, portfolio holder for

economy and Cllr Simon Tong, lead member for economy. Gordon Page explained that LEPs are business led partnerships. They decide what the priorities should be for investment in roads, buildings and facilities in the local area. Their aim is to obtain funding from central government to improve economic growth. To achieve this, bids have to be made. “We are asked to be ambitious and we have been,” he said. The first round of bidding

Man jailed for causing fatal collision

Thapa

A man has been jailed for five years and eight months for causing a crash which claimed the life of a father and seriously injured his wife and young daughter.

Disscussion and networking

A businesses event about plans for economic growth was held at the Hub in Verwood on 26 November

MURDERERS JAILED Stabbed victim seven times – 12 December 2013 A Bournemouth man who stabbed a 16-year-old student to death has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Murdered his father – 16 May 2013 A Bournemouth man has been convicted of murdering his father in Southbourne last year.

Viewpoint December 2014

The sentence handed out today sends a very clear message to motorists in Dorset who chose to drive dangerously, that they will be dealt with robustly, especially if their actions lead to fatal consequences

Santos

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The 29-year-old was disqualified from driving for 10 years and told he would have to take an extended test before being allowed to drive again. Thapa pleaded guilty to the charges on Friday 7 November at the same court. The court heard the collision happened at 5.56pm on Monday 24 March on the A31 at Winterborne Zelston near Redpost. Thapa, who was driving a Subaru Impreza, was overtaking a lorry on a solid white line at the brow of a hill when he crashed into an oncoming Skoda Fabia, being driven by Mike Brown and an oncoming Mercedes. Mr Brown, 43 of Wimborne, suffered fatal injuries and sadly died at the scene. His wife Claire Hooper-Brown and their daughter Josie, now aged eight, suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The Mercedes driver was uninjured. Judge Peter Johnson paid tribute to Claire for finding the strength to give a victim impact statement and to the witnesses who stopped at the scene of the collision to help the casualties. Senior investigating officer Sergeant Jon Wren, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “The sentence handed out today sends a very clear message to motorists in Dorset who chose to drive dangerously, that they will be dealt with robustly, especially if their actions lead to fatal consequences.” Mr Brown’s wife Claire said: “Mike was very much a family man. He took great pride in the upbringing of our daughter Josie. “Mine and Josie’s lives have been traumatically ruined. Every day is so hard living without Mike. “I cry myself to sleep every night and not a minute goes by when we Mike Brown don’t think of him.”

Alvin Jay Santos, 26, was convicted on 31 October at Winchester Crown Court of the murder of Linda Lietaviete. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on 3 November, and handed a minimum term of 20 years before being eligible for parole. The court heard that Santos killed Miss Lietaviete on Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth on 12 December 2013 – after an evening out together. Miss Lietaviete was stabbed seven times in her upper body, two of which pierced her heart. Following the attack, Santos went home and told his sister that he had stabbed someone. Giving evidence, Santos’ sister revealed that she called 999 and alerted the emergency services to search the area. Miss Lietaviete’s body was found covered in leaves. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Miss Lietaviete

Robinson

Basanta Thapa, of Taunton, was handed the prison term at Dorchester Crown Court on 27 November, for causing death by dangerous driving. He was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to run concurrently.

Nathan Robinson (26) was found guilty of the murder of William Spiller by a jury at Winchester Crown Court on 27 November following a full trial. He had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter which was rejected by the Crown Prosecution Service. The court heard that Robinson murdered his 48-year-old father on 16 May 2013. Police were called to Mr Spiller’s home in Stedman Road on 17 June 2013 after receiving a concenre for welfare call from his partner. Mr Spiller’s dismembered remains were discovered packed in plastic storage boxes in his home. Robinson had stolen his father’s mobile phone and £8,000 in cash before travelling north to visit friends and relatives. He was arrested at his mother’s home in the Birmingham area on 18 June 2013. The jury took one hour and 50 minutes to reach a unanimous verdict of guilty. Robinson will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on a date yet to be fixed. William Spiller

specialist services BUILDING & REPAIRS

FENCING

DECORATING

FENCING

HEATING

FENCING

FLOORING

GARAGE DOORS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

LOCKSMITHS

LOCKS & GLAZING

MAINTENANCE

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PEST CONTROL

December 2014 Viewpoint

specialist services PLUMBING

ROOFING

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

TILING

STORAGE

WEB DESIGN

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WORK TOPS

WINDOW REPAIRS

Viewpoint December 2014

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motoring FREEADS Proceed with caution when buying privately. mags4dorset cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads. Dehumidifier, Widetech WDH-101P. As new. £25. Ferndown. 01202 896045 Dining table, pine, oval. £15. West Moors. 01202 854653 Panic alarm, with 2 receivers. £25 (half price). West Moors. 01202 854653 Leaf vac blower, B and Q. New. £20. Colehill. 01202 884634 Greenhouse, lean to aluminium, 2 panes missing, 4’ x 2’. £20. Colehill. 01202 884634 Gents clothing, new, including trousers, shirts, jackets, raincoat, socks and shoes. Poulner. 01425 483158 20 hardback children’s Britannica books. Unused, as new. £20. Poole. 01202 693058. Metal hand truck with mesh guard, use with 4 or 2 wheels. Hand height. 37”. Unused. £9.50. Ferndown. 01202 872596 Jigsaw puzzles, 12 x 1,000 piece. £1 each. West Moors. 01202 890097 Bed, single (3’) divan. New and unused. Cost £229. £140. West Moors. 01202 280807 Coffee table, feature stone base, bevelled edge, top 4’ x 2’ 4”. £50. Two bars stools, new. £25. West Moors. 01202 875443 Teak table, oval, drop leaf. £50. St Leonards. 01425 483896 Electric piano, Yamaha Clavinova, full size, 85 notes. £250. St Leonards. 01425 483896 Blow up bed, electric, kingsize, double height so more comfortable, with velvety surface. Used once. £25. Ferndown. 01202 896799 Heated towel rail, chrome, classic style. £25. Ferndown. 01202 896799

Ducal antique pine display corner unit with lower cupboard. Good cond. £25. Fordingbridge. 01425 654496 Titleist Ace Golf Trolley black. £10. Fordingbridge. 07799 463197 Binoculars Hanimex Classic 8 x 30 with case. £28. Ferndown. 01202 891521 Hunter ‘Regency’ 125mm brown guttering. £30. Ferndown. 01202 870905 G-Plan electric reclining chair, fawn. New Nov 2011. Guarantee available. Arrange own collection. £100. No offers. Ferndown. 01202 922493 Rocking chair, natural wood, as new £50. No offers. Ferndown. 01202 922493

Gents open field country wear coat, XL. Good condition. £40. Wimborne. 01202 888229

Giles cartoon annuals, 20 from 60s-80s. £30 Christchurch. 01202 488843

Adult wheelchair, VGC. £60. Fordingbridge. 01425 653252

Kampa Prestige caravan cover, triple ply, fit 7 metre plus. New and unused. £70 ovno. West Moors. 01202 892902

Blacksmith’s anvil, 26kg. £100. West Moors. 01202 895355 Pair Wharfedale speakers and pair Celestion Ditton speakers (10) 70s Vintage retro. VGC. £120. Fordingbridge. 07867 813213

Mayo’s Bibliotheca Dorsetiensis, Dorset reference book lists old books, maps, newspapers. First published 1885, 100copies reprinted 1996. £12. Parkstone. 01202 743157

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person. Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words. Name:.......................................................................................................................

Dark oak dining table and six Derbyshire chairs (2 carvers, bespoke solid wood. Will last a lifetime. Suit farmhouse or large home. 7’ long. VGC. Buyer collects. Ferndown. 07910 680986.

Address:...................................................................................................................

Dark oak bespoke dresser, three drawers lined with green baize. VGC. 6’ 4” long. Bargain £200. Buyer collects. Ferndown. 07910 680986.

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Doll collection, 20”, Edwardian dress. Nice condition. £15 each. Wimborne. 01202 887158 Nathan unit, drinks section, 3 cupboards. £50. Verwood. 01202 827129 Tefal Actifry, family size, used twice – too large. Boxed as new. £85. Verwood. 01202 825471 Fan heater, 2 settings 1kw and 2kw, thermal cut-out and overheating protection. Used once, boxed as new. £6. West Moors. 01202 893713 Golf waterproofs, gents’, large. As new. £10. Carrying bag. Good condition. £10. Ferndown. 01202 871026

.................................................................................................................................. Item for Sale (short description max 25 words):.................................................. .................................................................................................................................. Price:......................................................................................................................... Telephone Number:................................................................................................. DECLARATION: PLEASE CROSS OUT THE STATEMENT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU AND SIGN THE FORM BEFORE POSTING. I confirm I am not a tradesperson | I am a tradesperson and enclose a cheque for £36 PER ITEM including VAT Signature …................................................... Date …............................. TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

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December 2014 Viewpoint

motoring

ASK THE EXPERT BY NOLAN IRVING | Irving and Sons Estate Agents, Verwood

Q. A lot of agents seem to be using guide prices, or price ranges, or ‘offers in excess of’ in their marketing. What are the advantages, if any?

The notion that there is a one-size-fits-all approach to property pricing is something of a fallacy. Much depends on the state of the market, the type of property and other factors – and it is part of the individual estate agent’s skill to judge those factors and advise accordingly.

or example, you usually find the ‘guide price’ approach – or its close relative, the ‘offers in the region of’ idea – being employed at the upper end of the market. That’s where you tend to find the one–offs, the very individual properties, which are notoriously difficult to value in the usual way because of the lack of realistic comparables. It’s a lot more difficult to judge market demand for a unique property in a unique setting, than it is for a nice 3-bed semi – so agents understandably have to hedge their bets.

Conversely, in the more mainstream sectors of the market, neither of the above approaches are very popular, since they can simply give the impression that the agent doesn’t know what he’s doing! As for ‘offers in excess,’ some agents claim that in certain markets this approach can help generate higher levels of interest. The theory is that you price low, or in line with the seller’s bottom line sale price and hopefully generate enough interest to work the price up. Personally, I’m not convinced as this approach can put some buyers off expressing an interest at all.

Then there is price banding – and here too, I personally think this is a bit pointless. After all, human nature being what it is, why bother advertising a property at ‘£350,000-£400,000,’ when no-one wants to pay more than the lower price. So, when all’s said and done, my own feeling is that it’s almost always better to go to market with a clear asking price. Then you know where you stand – and so do potential purchasers. The trick, of course, is to get that asking price right – and that’s where a good agent comes in.

Give me a call and I’d be delighted to advise you on the correct marketing strategy for your home. 01202 823333.

Viewpoint December 2014

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TRADER SENTENCED

for over charging for house repairs A Poole man has been sentenced by the courts for defrauding a 64-year-old local woman of several thousand pounds.   Derek Montague, aged 41, was found guilty on 24 October of four counts of fraud and two additional charges in relation to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, following a successful prosecution by Borough of Poole Trading Standards.   He was given a sentence of three and a half years. The judge said that the victim was in ill-health and on her own, clearly a very vulnerable lady who was reliant on and trusting of others. He was in no doubt that Mr Montague identified her as vulnerable and exploited her.    The offences related to gardening and external works carried out to the victim’s home over a seven month period. Mr Montague charged approximately £41,000 for the work, which included boarding and insulating the loft space as well as pointing to outside walls. He also failed to provide a written guarantee for the work.   Mr Montague was also found guilty of an ‘aggressive practice’ when he pressurised the victim to pay the additional £1,200 for removal of the garden shed and accompanied her to the cashpoint to withdraw the money.   James Norman, Regulatory Team Manager, Borough of Poole Trading Standards said: “This is a clear case of a trader willing to exploit the trust of a customer over a long period of time for his own profit. We are pleased with the sentence given, which sends a clear message that practices of this kind will not be tolerated in Poole. Trading Standards will use every means possible to bring to justice traders who mislead or exploit their customers.”