Viewpoint November 2015

Established Over 35 Years Mid Nov 2015

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 40, Issue 1

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

POLICE WARNING AFTER NITROUS OXIDE THEFT Following the theft of three bottles of nitrous oxide from a gas storage unit outside Victoria Hospital in Wimborne, Detective Sergeant Al Marks of Dorset Police said, “I would urge members of the public not to use the bottles should they come across them, as the gas can pose serious health risks. If nitrous oxide is not used under professional medical supervision, there is a risk of death, as it can lead to a lack of oxygen.”

It is believed the bottles were stolen between 4pm on Friday 30 October 2015 and 8am on Monday 2 November. Witnesses and anyone with information should call the police in confidence on 101, quoting 2:190. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 (mobile phone tariffs may apply).

Free take on e it’s

thisissue

Inside

• SCOUTING FO R GIRLS INTERV IEW • ENTER OUR COMPETITIONS SHOW TICKET S! SHORT STOR Y! • UPCOMING CH RISTMAS EVEN TS • MEET SANTA’ S REINDEER

November 2015 Vol 40 • Issue 1

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 BrightBox Designs: 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

graphic designer

daniel lee design4dorset@btconnect.com

account managers

mark beechey sales@mags4dorset.co.uk

07875 962344

russell harness

HelloReaders

It’s good to be back and writing to you all again It’s hard to believe it’s five months since I fell off a garden bench and fractured a vertebra and I’m still amazed by how lucky I was. I’m working hard on my exercises, in the water, at the gym and by walking.

My walks have taken me to places I never knew existed, even in the village where I live. I have met lots of dogs and their owners and I’ve become friends with the hydrotherapy session regulars who are in far more pain than me, but just get on with life.

I’ve got many more hospital appointments to go to and I’ve been told it will take a year for me to recover.

But that’s no problem. My accident has made me realise what in life is important – friends, family and the chance to live life to the full – and I don’t plan on wasting a single minute.

I was writing about spring and looking forward to summer before my accident so it’s strange to be now writing about Christmas.

I already started food hoarding, ready for the annual eating fest – nuts, chocolate and stollen have all been safely stored and I’ve made my Christmas cake.

There’s plenty going on around the area as people start preparing for the festivities. We’ve includes stories about Ringwood and Verwood‘s light switch-on events in this magazine and you can find out all about a local herd of reindeer that help Father Christmas every year.

There are also competitions for tickets to Christmas shows to help get you in the festive mood while Jasmine, who did such a wonderful job while I was away, has interviewed Scouting for Girls. Their tour brings them to Bournemouth with hopes that their catchy festive track out ‘Christmas in the Air (Tonight)’ might just make the Christmas number 1.

What ‘s that song going round in my head? Oh yes –‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’.

advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk

Liz Turner, Assistant Editor

company secretary

Twitter @mags4dorset Facebook: www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news Join the editor at www.facebook.com/janine.pulford Website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Email the editor at: editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

01202 816140

nick pulford

accounts4dorset@btconnect.com

Pic of the month -

editorial

Going potty at Kingston Lacy

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 27 NOVEMBER 2015

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

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

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Christmas will be smuggled into town Arr! This year’s Christmas festivities in Fordingbridge follow the nautical theme set by the new ‘pirate’ ship on the town’s recreation ground.

Captain Diamond definitely won’t be scuppering the plans.

Instead, the event will be themed around this infamous Fordingbridge smuggler.

The town council is encouraging local children to participate in ‘Is it Captain Diamond?’ and join Santa’s procession through the High Street. It’s a great excuse to dress up as a pirate and, shiver me timbers! there will also be a rolling play performance along the route, that will introduce children to the history of their town with a panto flavour.

Christmas festivities continue with a street fair and carols at the town hall followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

So reef the sails, run a rig and set sail to Fordingbridge on Friday 4 December.

The fun starts at 5.30pm

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

with Santa’s procession leaving Roundhill at 5.55pm and arriving at the town hall at around 6.15pm. The High Street and Provost Street will be closed for the event – details will be published on the council’s website nearer the time.

The provision and maintenance of the Christmas lights had to be transferred to a contracter three years ago due to increased government regulation, and increasing risk from traffic in the High Street. The council is able to fund only part of the cost and the Rotary Club of Fordingbridge has agreed to contribute £2,500 through fundraising. Donations from local businesses are welcome and will be ringfenced by the Rotary Club for Christmas trees and lights. Other ways to assist include general help with setting up and running the annual Christmas event and new ideas - which will be gratefully received. Visit www.fordingbridge.gov.uk

Pirates ahoy!

A new multi-activity ‘pirate’ ship has sailed into the children’s play area on Fordingbridge recreation ground and dropped anchor The bright new vessel, along with other play equipment, were an instant hit with local children who couldn’t wait to get aboard.

The work on the playground follows the provision of a new toilet block and refreshment kiosk in the memorial gardens.

Works have also been completed on the paddling pool and skatepark and refurbishment of the memorial gates and entrance are currently in progress.

Fordingbridge Mayor, Cllr Malcolm Connolly said, “The town council hopes that these works together with the replacement or refurbishment of the recreation ground pavilion will enable users of the facilities to enjoy the benefits of these projects for many years to come.

“We welcome feedback on all aspects of the council’s work, suggestions and support for additional community projects – please leave a message on the council’s website. www.fordingbridge.gov.uk/contact-us/

Foodies

flock to Wimborne

“Wimborne is becoming the eating mecca in East Dorset.”

T

hose who love food, flocked to Wimborne Food and Drink Festival held on 24 October. The imaginative event was spread throughout the town and included a vibrant and colourful Anonymous Travelling Market in Willow Walk, which provided delicious food-to-go with artisan makers and producers. Arts, crafts and vintage stalls added to the mix. On top of this, there were slices of live music and, not far from the stage, Waitrose was giving away mince pies.

In the Rising Sun car park was a chance to win a Mercedes Benz for the weekend. Stalls galore, further entertainment and demonstrations could be found on Minster Green, in the Square and in the Cornmarket. Dorset Food and Drink, and the Dorset Farmers Market offered a huge variety to eat and drink on the spot, or to take home with you. From a New Orleans PoBoy (a nice, big, juicy sandwich) to sausages, freshly cooked pizza, Greek and Mexican delights, the foodies in Wimborne were spoilt for choice. And for afters? Biscuits, cakes and sweet treats including as much fudge as you could possibly wish for, were in abundance.

Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Shane Bartlett paid tribute to the organiser Jenny Brown and said, “It’s wonderful that we have this festival to bring people into the town. Wimborne is becoming the eating mecca in East Dorset.”

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

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Beyond the sled-pulling capabilities and the famous red-nosed Rudolph, what do you really know about reindeer? I tracked down Susie Stewart from Stewarts Garden Centres in Broomhill and Christchurch to find out more.

Comet and Santa

Susie Stewart of Stewarts Garden Centres talks to Janine Pulford about the Centres’ herd of reindeer J. I understand you look after a small herd of reindeer for Santa. When did you start doing this?

Susie: It’s hard to believe, but it is over seven years since we took that very large leap

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

to take on this commitment.

J. Did you decide to do it on a whim?

Susie: No, not at all. It’s a big responsibility to look after reindeer, whether for Santa or not, and we wanted to do it properly. We did our homework. The year before they arrived, Bev Stewart and I had gone up to the Midlands to stay with ‘The Reindeer Man’, Steve Swinnerton, a renowned reindeer expert, to learn as much as we could about

these fascinating animals.

J. Did your reindeer all arrive at once?

Susie: No. A year after visiting Steve, we returned and chose our first two boys, Comet and Dasher. They were joined gradually by others.

J. How many have you got now?

Susie: We have a happy, healthy, little herd of six.

Three boys: Comet, Dasher and Button and three girls: Jingle, Snowy and Twinkle.

J. Santa obviously sees them every Christmas, but what about the rest of year?

Susie: They are now fully part of the Stewart family and very much loved. When not helping Santa, they live on our land alongside our herd of Dexter cows. We have cared for them since they were young. They are handled frequently, fed and checked twice a day, and they are relaxed in the company of humans. They have wonderful facilities, field shelters and plenty of ground to roam.

J. They are not native British animals. How do you manage their welfare?

Susie: We take the welfare responsibility for them very

Magnificent Button © Sam Stewart

seriously, not only through regular visits from Damory vets in Blandford but also the RSPCA and Steve Swinnerton.

J. When you first took the step to care for your reindeer, you must have been nervous about looking after them.

Susie: Absolutely. It’s hard now remembering how daunting the early days were. It was at times a little scary, but amazing. Until you have lived through the full yearly lifecycle of losing and growing antlers it can be a little weird! Seeing them grow took a bit of getting used to.

J. Can you tell our readers more about what happens?

Susie: First there is the rapid growth of the soft, beautiful, velvety antlers in the spring.

It is so rapid, you can almost see it happening before your eyes. Then there is the agonising look of the antlers as the reindeer begin to rub the velvet off in the autumn.

They finally lose them completely during the winter.

They also shed their thick, winter coats before the whole cycle starts all over again.

J. I can imagine it being weird the first time you see that. Is it just the boys that grow antlers?

Susie: No. In most species of deer, it is only the males that grow antlers, but this is not true of our reindeer. Both boys and girls grow antlers.

J. That’s something new I’ve learnt today. What about the ‘pecking’ order in the herd.

Have you got a reindeer who is the big boss?

Susie: Button is the selfappointed ‘head boy’ of our herd. He is a very handsome chap and loves visiting ‘his audience’ at Christmas time at the garden centres and of course, meeting up with his great pal, Santa.

J. Well, Susie, I can tell how much you love being custodian to these six gorgeous reindeer. It is good to hear that they have become such a part of the Stewart family and have settled into their home in Dorset. I’m sure Santa can’t wait to see them again. When is he arriving?

Susie: Father Christmas will arrive at our Winter Wonderland grottos on Saturday, 28 November and stay until Christmas Eve. The reindeer will already be at each Garden Centre in Wimborne and Christchurch, where they will have had a few days to settle beforehand.

J. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the reindeer before you go?

Susie: They really are very precious to us and we love them loads. Our reindeer are part of the family 12 months of the year.

Stewarts are proud to be members of the British Reindeer Herders Association.

Santa arrives in a horse-drawn sleigh at the Winter Wonderland Grotto in Christchurch at 10.30am and at Broomhill at 1.30pm on 28 November.

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

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Fordingbridge and District Horticultural Society The first meeting after the summer break saw members out in force to listen to Stewart Pocock talking about roses. What a great depth of knowledge he had, which was shared in a way that made everyone want to give rose-growing a go. Even those who thought roses wouldn’t grow in their own soil.

Stewart explained that roses will grow in any soil, with one exception - soil that has previously had a rose in it. But even that need not deter you. You can either remove a 45cm x 45cm square of earth where the old rose was, or add some root-grow to the soil as you plant the new rose.

For those who may have been put off growing roses because of diseases, such as mildew, it was good to discover that new varieties are disease resistant and can mostly be pruned in the dormant season (November to March), and only need to be fed twice a year.

Roses like the sun, so plant them where there is sun for at least 40% of the day.

At the next meeting, the society will learn about bees and wasps.

Conquering the wall for Wimborne

Two ladies with a great affection for the town of Wimborne Minster have conquered the length of Hadrian’s Wall Path, in just four days, to raise money for local charities Tracy Whitham and Rachel Limb and her husband Paul, set off from Wallsend in Newcastle Upon Tyne on 14 September, arriving in Bowness on Solway on 17 September, having spent just over 30 hours walking.

With some minor route diversions and walks to overnight stops, the trio walked over 90 miles. (Hadrian’s Wall Path is 84 miles). Despite blisters and aching limbs, they enjoyed the challenge thanks to the stunning scenery, rich history of the route and the friendliness of the local people.

Tracy and Rachel hope people in East Dorset will support them by donating to their charities. Rachel is a trustee of the Priest’s House Museum and is collecting on their behalf. Donations can be

made at the museum or at www.justgiving.com/ walkingthewallforPHM.

Tracy is fund-raising on behalf of the Mayor of Wimborne’s charities including Dreamboats and Wimborne in Bloom, and national charities The Royal British Legion and Cystic Fibrosis.

Donate at www.justgiving. com/Tracy-Whitham

Especially for tots and tinies Little ones are welcome to Fordingbridge Library’s next Tots and Tinies sessions. These are free and include songs, rhymes and stories aimed at 0 to 4 year olds. Pop along to the library at Roundhill SP6 1AQ from 9.30 to 10am on 13 and 27 November.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

The Museum’s Pianola

regarded it as hopelessly out of date and not worth keeping.

Today, entertainment technologies change and develop with a rapidity that leaves some of us always behind the times.

It does not seem long ago that I was admiring my friend’s top-of-the-range HiFi equipment when it was the latest thing for playing vinyl records and listening to radio broadcasts. Now, it would be looked on with the same disdain as my grandparents viewed their gramophone - obsolete and fit only for the rubbish dump.

In Fordingbridge Museum there are several examples of entertainment technology that would have been regarded in their time as cutting edge.

The magic of projected images goes back a long time. Two weeks before the Great Fire of London in 1666, the diarist Samuel Pepys wrote “Comes by agreement Mr Reeves, bringing me a lanthorn, with pictures on glass to make strange things appear on a wall, very pretty.”

The Victorian projector we have in the museum would have included the latest lenses and light source.

Lantern projectors enthralled Victorians when their glass slides projected what would have seemed huge, often brightly coloured and animated images onto the screen. They soon became known as Magic Lanterns.

Early in the 19th century the Phantasmagoria public lantern shows were often designed to shock and frighten

Want some nostalgia therapy?

Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum I can remember my grandparents having an old-fashioned gramophone complete with wax cylinders and a large horn to amplify the sound.

Even at a young age, I was mortified when I went to visit them and discovered they had thrown it out. They, of course,

the audience with images of ghosts and monsters.

Later in the century, the shows were more likely to be ”improving” in their subject matter and would include moral and Biblical stories or images of current events and foreign parts, and lanterns would be produced for domestic use by the middle classes.

In the 1920s, even if you could not play the piano you could purchase a self-playing piano, popularly known as a pianola.

We have an example of one of these in the museum that was an affordable model produced in England by the Triumph Piano Company.

Popular and classical music was recorded on a roll of paper in the form of a series of small holes. Looking like a conventional upright piano, the pianola has a pneumatic device that inflates a bellows, which in turn blows air, guided by the holes in the paper roll, to operate the piano keys.

It is operated by rapidly working pedals with your feet. Visitors to the museum are welcome to play the pianola and experience making music whilst having a free workout.

The Triumph factory was founded in1923 and lasted until the early 1930s when developments in gramophones and radio technology eliminated the market for pianolas.

Like me, you may amuse your younger family and friends by calling the radio, the wireless, and digital recording of TV programmes, taping. If so, do visit Fordingbridge Museum for some consoling, nostalgia therapy.

A note for your diary: There will be a fundraising Soup and Pud on Saturday 21 November from 12–2pm in St Mary’s Hall.

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

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Orchard Day Nursery’s triple celebrations What a busy time was had at Orchard Day Nursery in Verwood at the beginning of the new term On 1 September, the nursery celebrated its 10th birthday with a party on the field. Around 200 staff, children and their families enjoyed the warm late-summer weather and even Peppa Pig turned up for a dance.

After the party, the Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Mrs Sandra Grove officially opened the brand new classroom built earlier in the year.

It provides an additional preschool room, and is light and airy, with new resources and an outdoor play area.

During the same week, the nursery was visited by two Ofsted inspectors.

Debbie Appleby said: “We are delighted to say that, yet again, Ofsted found the nursery to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, with comments such as, ‘Children benefit enormously from highquality resources and learning spaces, which include being able to explore the outdoor areas in all weathers,’ and ‘The wellqualified, experienced staff use their excellent knowledge and high quality teaching to ensure that all children achieve exceptionally well.”

If you have a child aged between 0–5 years, and you want more information about Orchard Day Nursery in Coopers Lane, please ring 01202 820124.

Businesses beware of rogue traders East Dorset Safer Neighbourhood Teams are warning businesses of rogue traders offering a tool sharpening service to garages, car workshops and other industrial premises.

These traders offer to take tools away for sharpening and return asking for extortionate amounts of money, or returning with incorrect and in some cases additional tools. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams are urging businesses to be careful when accepting this type of service on the doorstep. The message is: if you are in doubt - decline and don’t give these people access to your property.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

News from Hillside Community First School, Verwood

Happy harvest

Children bling bikes to school

Bling winners: L-R - Aiden, Harvey and Phoebe

Hillside children prepared for the darker winter days by ‘blinging’ their rides. They took over 70 bikes and scooters to school and made great use of foil, lights, tinsel and reflective and neon materials. Everyone worked really hard and received a certificate for taking part. Mr Harrison, head teacher, judged the entries and awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. He commented, “Wow. What super, original ideas! Everyone has made my judging difficult this year.”

This event was organised by Mrs Daw, reception class teacher, with advice from Darren Orchard from Sustrans, a leading charity encouraging both adults and children to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys.

The school’s October Harvest celebration took place in the Methodist Church. Children read out poems created in class and sang traditional and modern songs, like ‘Harvest Rock and Roll’. Everyone joined in with the story of the Good Samaritan, told by the Rev’d Nigel Deller who encouraging them to share with others.

The large amount of food, brought in by the children, is being used to stock the Trussell Trust’s Foodbank in the town.

Harvest Festival

Feeding the hungry Craig Adams spoke to the Inner Wheel Club of Ferndown about the Ringwood Foodbank, for which the club will be raising funds.

Thanks to donations of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food from individuals and organisations, Ringwood Foodbank has been able to provide emergency food aid to an increasing number of adults and children over the past 12 months. As well as supplying food, the Foodbank also offers friendship and support to enable clients to find long-term solutions to their difficulties.

There are now three distribution centres in operation in Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge, each one opening three times a week.

Craig Adams with Sue Sismey (President), Eileen Bray and Pauline Richardson

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

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in health & fitness

Walking Football, a slower version of the beautiful game!

Have you a yearning to play football, but know you are not fit enough?

How about trying walking football?

This up-coming sport is small sided, with no running on or off the ball, very little contact and kick-ins instead of throwins.

With less stress on the body and no real sudden change of direction or cutting movements, the game allows participants to play in a safe environment.

Aimed primarily at people aged 50+, walking football has become increasingly popular and is designed to help people live an active lifestyle, as well as to support getting people back into football who have stopped playing, due to age or injury.

Long term benefits can include reduced heart rate and blood pressure and better mobility.

As well as offering health benefits, walking football

offers social benefits - the opportunity for participants to meet new people, prevent isolation and create interaction for individuals and small groups. Many sessions are increasing in numbers simply due to word of mouth within local communities, and players sharing their positive experiences from taking part in the game.

Sessions are taking place across Dorset for men and women keen to come back to playing, or to take up the sport and wanting to stay healthy, make friends and socialise.

New sessions will be introduced where there is enough demand and, for those who want competition, a walking football league is being developed across the county.

Ferndown Leisure Centre offers a weekly session on Thursdays from 7–8pm. New players always welcome. For further details, please contact Rob Doyle - RobDoyle@ pfpleisure.org – 01202 887468.

For details on how to join sessions or to enter a team into the league please contact Justine Mosley at justine.mosley@ dorsetfa.com or 01202 688277.

Dorset Army veterans

Dorset HealthCare pledges support to local veterans Dorset HealthCare has come together with representatives of the armed forces to sign a Corporate Covenant Pledge to recognise its commitment to better support and enhance the care available to veterans living in Dorset.

This pledge has arisen as the size of the ex-service community in the UK is currently estimated to be at 10.5 million and, of this number, 89,000 are estimated to be living in Dorset.

New figures also reveal that veterans aged 16-64 are more likely than the general population of the same age to report a long-term illness, 24% versus 13%, which includes depression, heart problems and diabetes.

Andy Gritt, Locality Manager for Mental Health at Dorset HealthCare and Trust Lead for the Armed Forces Community within the Trust, said: “This pledge was developed by the Trust’s Access and Equalities Development Team and aims to improve access to services and the creation of tailored plans of care. We want to reduce the stigmas facing members of the armed forces experiencing difficulties accessing health care, including mental health issues. This is particularly key for individuals and their families finishing their service. As part of this, we have created a Transition Toolkit as returning to civilian life presents unique challenges and many can find this difficult once the discipline and routine of the military is removed.

“We recognise the huge value and contribution of serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families within our community. Each and every individual deserves to receive care that will support and rehabilitate veterans and their families and this pledge marks our ongoing mission to reach this goal.”

mags4dorset Charity of the Year

New chair, new venue, new date!

Following a successful Relay For Life Bournemouth and East Dorset event held outside Ferndown Leisure Centre on 11 and 12 July, which raised over £41,000, it has been announced that the new chair this year is Sara Keets.

She has confirmed that Relay For Life has introduced a new location for 2016. The event will be held at Butchers Coppice, Holloway Avenue, Bournemouth, BH11 9JW, a site chosen for its central location, excellent on-site facilities and improved security. The date of the relay will be the weekend of 16-17 July 2016.

Anyone interested in joining Sara on the committee, or taking part in next year’s event can contact her on R4Lbournemouth@gmail.com or on Facebook: Relay for Life Bournemouth and East Dorset.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

Ferndown Chamber of Commerce AGM

DRONES

on trial

Dorset Police will begin trialling two drones equipped with high definition (HD) cameras from 26 November.

Inspector Andy Hamilton said: “Using a drone to capture footage on difficult terrain and hard to reach areas such as cliffs or woodland to find a missing person, combat wildlife crime or even a firearm incident, will allow officers to gain vital information, quickly, safely, and allow us to respond effectively at the scene.”

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations state that drone operators must pass a national CAA accredited qualification. Dorset currently has three trained pilots.

Insp Hamilton added: “The drones have a HD downlink which means officers on the ground can see live footage captured by the drone in the air.” The limitations are that the drones can only stay in the air for up to 18 minutes, so have to return to the operator for a change of batteries, they can’t fly at night or in adverse weather.

Members of FCOC should make a note in their diary to attend the Annual General Meeting on 8 December in the lounge bar of the Barrington Centre from 5.30pm.

Your vote is needed. Either vote for existing members, or any other member who wishes to stand for election. The secretary’s position is currently vacant.

To stand for election contact tony@ynotfinance.co.uk, votes should also be sent to this address as soon as possible.

Current officers are: president/ chairman James Edgar, treasurer Tony Brown, membership secretary David Staddon, committee members: Phil Fletcher, Ben Pulford, Andy Bryant and Tom Clark.

An updated constitution will also be open for adoption at the AGM.

Free seminar

Builders and architects in Christchurch and East Dorset can attend a free seminar on changes to the BS5534 standard for slating and tiling. Organised by Christchurch and East Dorset Councils’ Building Control Department, it will take place at EDDC offices at Furzehill, Wimborne on 24 November from 11.45am to 1.30pm.

Lunch is included. Changes to the BS5534 were made recently to improve the security of roof structures.

Interested? Email buildingcontrol@ eastdorset.gov.uk to book a place.

- advertising feature -

Station Hair

welcomes new stylist Station Hair in West Moors was opened in April this year by Frances (Fred) A familiar face in the village, Fred started her apprenticeship in West Moors at the age of 16, so is delighted to be back.

After six successful months, she has recruited a new stylist: Suzie, who has been welcomed into the hair salon that prides itself on its warm, comfortable and friendly surroundings.

Fred’s daughter Jazmine will also be joining the salon next year as an apprentice.

Station Hair stocks Paul Mitchell products and uses the complete range to ensure clients’ hair not only looks fantastic, but feels fantastic too.

“We like to make sure every customer leaves with a smile,” said Fred, so it’s not surprising that Station Hair has been wellreceived within the local community. A recent coffee morning in aid of Macmillan raised £295.95 for the charity.

The salon covers all aspects of hairdressing including specialities such as semi-permanent keratin hair straightening, wedding / prom hair-up, and hair extensions.

In addition, there is a nail station offering gel nails and Shellac.

The Station Hair loyalty card scheme for returning customers is very popular.

Need a new look for the festive season?

Call Station Hair on 01202 895394 for your next appointment, or pop in to purchase some gift vouchers for Christmas – a perfect surprise for the lady of your life.

And just in time for Christmas, gift vouchers are now available, which can be used against all salon services and retail products.

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Verwood

Extravaganza!

Where and when?

Ferrett Green will come alive on the evening of Saturday, 12 December when the Verwood Extravaganza gets underway for 2015.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

advertising feature

Lights switch-on!

The annual event leads up to the official Christmas lights switchon by the town mayor, Cllr Mrs Sandra Grove.

FREE rides!

The kids will be able to enjoy free rides with all donations going to the Community Christmas – a heartwarming event that takes place at Crane Valley for people on their own at Christmas.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Carols around the Christmas tree

The Extravaganza wouldn’t be the same without carols around the Christmas tree, with music by Verwood Concert Brass Training Band. So come along and sing those well-know verses with a hearty voice.

Father Christmas in his grotto!

Father Christmas never misses an Extravaganza and as usual, he will be in his grotto giving away presents and accepting wish lists, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Verwood. He is usually accompanied by elves and last year the beautiful Snow White turned up to help him too.

Live entertainment A band and singers will provide live entertainment on stage.

Stalls to see The Scouts and local churches will have fundraising stalls.

Mulled wine and mince pies You can warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine and a festive mince pie.

What time?

Make this an Extravaganza to remember by joining in with your community for a little Christmas cheer between 5-8pm on Ferrett Green.

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY - VERWOOD

advertising feature

RAVE

Verwoodians Christmas

You must have heard of the Verwoodians on Facebook. With over 4,000 members and much banter going on between them, the group has decided to hold a Christmas event in the town’s Memorial Hall on Saturday, 21 November, so they can get to meet each other.

The rave will feature Fayrewood Convention and a disco. There will also be a “quiet room and refreshments,” says organiser Clare Foss-Smith. “It’s a community get together and we have extended the invitation to local people within a five mile radius.”

Tickets are £5 and revellers must be over 18. Call Clare to book your ticket 07816 589499 or buy direct from the Verwood Heritage Centre.

40s night The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Mrs Sandra Grove, attended a celebration of 100 years of the WI at the Memorial Hall in October. She said, “It turned out to be a wonderful event. We had beef stew and dumplings, and jelly and ice cream. This was taken to the tables by the WI who are celebrating their 100 years this year. Many dressed up in 40s style clothes, which gave a real authentic atmosphere and we all had a real sing along at the end of the evening.“ The event raised £750.

Christmas with Probus

The Probus Club of Verwood would like to send Christmas greetings to everyone.

The club welcomes retired businessmen and gives them the opportunity to meet regularly, listen to speakers and enjoy outings and an annual holiday.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Crane Valley and the next two are on 17 November and 15 December. For more information about membership, call the secretary Peter Richardson on 01202 829778.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

VERWOOD - BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Have a Dickens of a Christmas Verwood man Roy Slade will be giving a reading of the well-known short story: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.

Roy will be narrating from a copy of the script, which Dickens used for his readings.

Dickens began his readings of ‘A Carol’ in 1853, when it took three hours. In May 1858, it was shortened to two hours, and later, reduced again to 90 minutes.

Roy has made only minor changes, but reading it is a taxing task, because there are a number of different voices required to breathe life into the characters to make the story come alive.

Roy Slade Roy’s reading will take place on 17 December in the Parish Centre, St Michael & All Angels in Verwood and money raised will be donated to the church charity. Tickets £5. Refreshments will be available.

Panto fun!

Verwood Pantomime Society’s next show will be Beauty and the Beast

by Alan P Frayn. The production will take place at the Hub and tickets are already on sale. Show times are 23 January at 2pm and 6.30pm, 27-29 January at 7pm and 30 January at 2pm and 6.30pm. Book at the Hub box office on 01202 828740.

Mary Rose

Members of Verwood Afternoon TG were treated to an interesting talk and slide show on ‘The Mary Rose - 500 years under the sea, to her new Museum’ by Dr Ken Collins and Jenny Mallinson. The guild’s 35th birthday lunch is now being arranged for January.

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

| 17

Double the The Fordingbridge Twinning Association has been busy of late.

The annual festivities in Vimoutiers took up four days from 16 to 19 October. The weather was perfect, especially for the large Sunday parade and the French hosts really looked after their visitors, wining and dining them all weekend.

A few days later, in Fordingbridge, it was time for ‘jazz on an autumn evening’ in the town hall, which was packed out.

Both events were attended by

fun for Twinners Malcolm Connolly, the Fordingbridge Town Mayor, with Marie his wife.

Events for next year include a murder mystery evening on 6 February, a visit to Sontra in Germany in May, and another event in Vimoutiers from 14–18 October. Some French visitors are expected for the Fordingbridge Show over the weekend of 15, 16 and 17 July.

The twinners are on the lookout for jazz musicians who would like to join them on next year’s trip to Vimoutiers and walk with the

CAN YOU WRITE

A SHORT STORY? th

8 mags4dorset procession. Contact Derek and Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or by email Hippotrain@btinternet.com

Creative Writing Awards (Fiction)

Open up your laptop and let your fingers do the talking the mags4dorset short story competition for 2015 should really get your creative juices going. The length should be approximately 1,000 words on one of the following: ‘Girl on a bus’, ‘The thief next door’ or ‘The worst interview of my life.’

Let your imagination run riot, and when you’re done, send us your masterpiece. Include a covering sheet and do not put your name on the manuscript. Use double spacing. Typed entries only. Closing date is 31 January 2016 so get writing. You could win a fabulous cash prize and publication in 4Dorset or Viewpoint.

Each magazine reaches around 55,000 local readers.

1st Prize: £150. Runner-up £50 plus publication in 4Dorset and/or Viewpoint and online.

Winner and runner-up will be announced in March 2016.

Fee: 1 story £4, 2 stories £6, 3 stories £8, £2 per story thereafter. Send cheques payable to PULFORD PUBLICITY LTD, or stamps to the value of the entry fee. Judges to be announced but the shortlist will be chosen by author, editor and publisher Janine Pulford.

This entry form can be copied.

If you don’t have an email, please put your phone number.

Last year’s competition resulted in a short story anthology, Lacey Lightfoot goes to… which is available as an ebook from www.amazon.co.uk for £1.99.

ENTRY FORM Name:

Email address:

Title of story:

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS

Skatepark on a roll Work has started on the new £150,000 skatepark in Ringwood The former skatepark was installed 14 years ago and the metal, noisy ramps have deteriorated and rusted. Some ramps had been removed and those remaining were split and cracked.

The youth of Ringwood, backed by Ringwood Town Council and local community groups, formed Campaign4Carvers skatepark in a bid to raise money towards a new park and have been able to contribute £5,000. They have also committed to continue fundraising to pay for its ongoing upkeep.

Ringwood Town Council has allocated £150,000 from developers’ contributions towards the facility.

The new skatepark will be on the same footprint as the old steel one in Carvers Recreation Ground.

It will be built of concrete, which is a

quieter surface than metal and will have taller and more varied ramps with the highest part measuring 3.3metres.

In giving planning permission, New Forest District Councillors considered three objections to the scheme with concerns including the size of the new skatepark, and an increase in anti-social behavior.

One resident supported the plan explaining the proposal would provide a much needed facility with a quieter surface that will be of benefit to the youth if Ringwood and the local community.

Initial plans for floodlighting were withdrawn following residents’ concerns about noise after dark. Plans were also amended to ensure that opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour are minimized.

It is hoped the new skatepark will be ready in January 2016.

Topaz for November

By David at Fields Jewellers November’s birthstone is topaz, a name which signifies a bright, shining fire.

The ancient Egyptians believed it symbolised their sun god.

It is one of the 12 stones on the breastplate of the high priest, written about in the Old Testament.

Topaz comes in a wide range of colours including pink, purple, yellow, brown, orange and blue. Pure topaz is colourless and when brilliantly cut, it can be mistaken for a diamond. It has a level of hardness which is ideal for jewellery.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS

Communities unite to become Dementia Friendly Businesses and organisations have pledged to support people with dementia with the launch of Dementia Friendly Ringwood & Bransgore at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood. By joining the Dementia Friends social movement and the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance, they have committed to respond to the needs of people with dementia.

The Mayor of Ringwood, Michael Thierry, and the Chairman of Bransgore Parish Council, Mike Manley, echoed the same message: ‘We can all make a difference’.

Members of Dementia Friendly Hampshire will prominently display dementia friendly welcome stickers in premises throughout Ringwood and Bransgore.

Ringwood allotment winners

T

he 2015 Ringwood allotment competition prizes were awarded at the meeting of the full council.

Ringwood Garden Club selected the winners

with the chairman, Mr Atak reporting that he and his three fellow judges had enjoyed the task. He said high standards had been set on all sites, with the overall winner being

exceptional.

Andy Briers, chairman of the recreation, leisure and open spaces committee, presented the prizes of gift vouchers and trophies.

Clover Club supports children Ringwood Clover Club has presented £550, raised over the last year, to Gully’s Place Trust Fund, based at Poole Hospital.

The fund supports children’s palliative care across Dorset. Due to falling membership the club will be holding its final meeting this month.

Thank you Winners: Hightown Road, plot 18, Mr M Gubbins – overall winner; Mini Plots, plot 10D, Mr and Mrs B Sutton; Southampton Road, plot 1 Mr A Robinson; Upper Kingston, plot UK23, Mr A Adams

The Ringwood and Fordingbridge Club for the Blind raised £141.73 during October’s street collection in Bransgore.

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

| 21

RINGWOOD NEWS

Christmas

Ringwood churches’ nativity scene 2014

in Ringwood Ringwood’s Christmas lights switch-on will be brighter and busier than last year’s successful event

T

he extravaganza on Saturday 5 December will provide fun and entertainment for all ages and expect gasps when the lights go on as the town council has invested in more decorations this year and the trees will twinkle with extra bulbs.

Read on to discover why Ringwood is the place to be on 5 December and make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.

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Fresh produce at Christmas market It wouldn’t be Christmas in Ringwood without a trip to the weekly market held on Wednesdays.

Stalls fill the Market Place selling everything you need for a great Christmas with traders there from 8am-3pm.

Meat, fresh produce, household goods are all there in abundance and traders are sure to be filled with the Christmas spirit making your shopping trip fun in the run up to the festivities.

Henry III granted the Market Charter to the Earl of Pembroke back in 1226 and visitors come from throughout the area to enjoy the special atmosphere of the market.

With markets held on 23 December, just two days before Christmas and 30 December, make sure you’re up and about early to stock up for the big days.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS - advertising feature -

Christmas in Ringwood

Welcome to the

family farm In November 2013 a Ringwood family, Laura and Jonny Burrell and Laura’s parents, Anne and Robin Norris, bought Hockey’s Farm Once a thriving business, it had become rather neglected and was in need of much TLC. Two years on, the farm is looking wonderful again; in fact the family have recently won a rural enterprise award and have reached the final three of the Hampshire Life, Best Farm Shop Award (winner to be announced 25 November).

Jonny is behind the wide and tempting range of products sold in the shop. Keeping it in the family, it is run by Laura`s sister Emma, with the help of the butcher and other staff.

Emma`s son Jack manages the livestock and has developed a small herd of rare breed British Lop pigs, which were almost extinct 50 years ago. It is now a growing breed

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

favoured for their traditional, tasty pork.

The butcher follows traditional methods and ensures all he produces remains additive and preservative free.

Robin also has a growing flock of guinea fowl, bantams and aviary birds while Anne manages the cottage gardens and pots around the farm.

The newly refurbished cafe, which Laura is now focusing on, serves hot and cold snacks, cooked breakfasts and delicious local bread and cakes. Everything served in the café comes from the shop.

Hockey`s is a true family business which welcomes customers and visitors to visit the animals and relax in its delightful surroundings.

It’s going to be another exciting Christmas switchon event in Ringwood this year, even bigger and better than last year’s celebrations The event last year, the first to be held in Ringwood, attracted thousands of people and the town council is determined that this year’s switch-on on 5 December will be even more memorable.

The celebrations start at 10am and the day is packed with entertainment, activities and events before the switch-on at 6pm.

After the success of the 2014 event, the town council has managed to get additional funding of £4,000. Hampshire County Council contributed £3,000 from the arts and culture pot while the National Lottery has given £1,000 to provide activities for young people across the town.

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2014 celebrations

RINGWOOD NEWS

TEDS for everyone

TEDS offers a myriad of children’s items, including clothing for all ages, school uniform, baby necessities, pushchairs, games, puzzles, pocket money toys and beautiful books. All items are brand new or gently used, with only the best quality items making it into the shop.

TEDS run on minimal staff, encourage volunteers including those with learning difficulties and people with English not as their main language. It supervises D of E and work experience students from local schools and runs as a Social Enterprise.

Additionally: • Local community causes are helped with items or a cash donation • Surplus or non-child related items are donated to Naomi House and Julia’s House children’s hospices for their fund-raising charity shops • Child support professions use TEDS for free goods when they have a child in need/family in crisis • Free toys are given to nurseries and playgroups when possible and a generous discount scheme is offered • Free toys are given for seasonal events and raffle prizes for local charities and children’s groups and schools Come in and bring the little ones for a browse and...remember to ask for items you may not at first see as they may be under a table or on the ceiling!

2014 lantern parade

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TEDS is open Monday to Saturday from 10am - 4pm - hello@tedstoys.co.uk - www.tedstoys.co.uk - 01425 474302

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

| 25

RINGWOOD NEWS Christmas in Ringwood

Entertainment will be provided throughout the town

L

ast year, the bustling Christmas fair in the Market Place and along the High Street attracted 60 stalls.

This time the town council is encouraging local business to come out onto the High Street to join in the fair and with even more local organisations and cottage industries joining in, it is hoped the stalls will fill the whole High Street to Fridays Cross, creating a Christmas village.

There will be plenty for children to do. As well as the chance to see Santa in his grotto in the Market Place from 10am-5pm, Ringwood churches will again be creating a static nativity tableau. However this year, children can join in a second nativity scene with costumes provided so they take part in the traditional Christmas scene.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

The shop previously occupied by Tulip Crafts on the High Street is being turned into a cinema for the day, showing Christmas films. Youth workers and volunteers will be running this and parents can stay to watch the film or leave their children while they join in the festivities. For £1 children can also be treated to popcorn and a drink.

A lantern workshop is also being held at the Meeting House ready for the big parade at 5.45pm Children and their parents can take part in a ‘guess the location’ quiz around Southampton Road and Fridays Cross with rewards for children when they identify places.

They will also be able to follow the elf footprints from the Furlong which will take them to Santa’s grotto or the reindeer prints which go to Fridays Cross.

There will also be Dickensian carol singers in period costume around the town and watch out for the naughty street elves – courtesy of Ringwood School - who will be giving out sweets and making sure the children join in the activities.

And of course Roger the Reindeer, who has been visiting local schools recently will be welcoming everyone to the town.

A Fresh face - advertising feature -

RINGWOOD NEWS

for an old favourite

Ringwood Brewery is rebranding its most popular beer, Ringwood Best Bitter in a change which will affect over 1,000 pubs, and thousands of beer drinkers and lovers of Real Ale. Ringwood Brewery was one of the very first micro-breweries, established in 1978 by the father of micro-brewing, Peter Austin. Ringwood Best Bitter has now become one of the top 10 biggest cask ale brands in the UK and the world.

The rebranding of Ringwood Best Bitter will start on 1 November and will be most noticeable in the South of England, in particular The New Forest where Ringwood is the largest regional brewer.

The decision to change the Best Bitter name to Ringwood Razorback is a response to the current trend, especially for new ale drinkers, towards named beers and away from the traditional ‘Bitters’, which enjoyed popularity when Ringwood was founded in 1978.

“

The name is a homage to our brewery symbol...

”

Brand Manager, Alex Harrison said “We feel that this repositions Best Bitter, making it more relevant to the current consumer. The name is a homage to our brewery symbol, the boar and as Razorback is an American and Australian term for a wild boar it seemed to be the perfect choice.”

Jeff Drew, Head Brewer at Ringwood said “We have not made any change to the Ringwood Best Bitter recipe. Ringwood Razorback will be brewed to the same specifications in Ringwood, as Best Bitter has been for 37 years.”

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS Christmas in Ringwood - advertising feature -

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS for Christmas

a

S

Fun in 2014

FIND GIFTS TO TREASURE AT SIMPLY BEAUTY WITH CHRISTMAS BY CLARINS

Create the perfect gift for loved ones using the bespoke gift-wrapping service.

Owner Alison Smith explained: “Simply choose the Clarins products you wish to include in a gift box or gift bag, or choose one of our great value gift sets and let us take care of the rest, we will ensure that everything is beautifully wrapped ready to give.”

She added: “Don’t forget the men… We have the full range of Clarins Men including great value gift sets.

“We also have a glittering array of OPI Star Light Collection nail colours and gifts, Connock London products and for those friends and family who are a little harder to please, a Simply Beauty gift voucher is the answer” If you’re wanting to treat yourself to a pre-Christmas pamper, book now to avoid disappointment.

Christmas is simply all wrapped up at Simply Beauty!

Last year’s tree in Gateway Square

Tree-mendous

New lights brightened up the town last Christmas and the town council has used some of its additional funds to add to the illuminations. There will be more festoon lighting down Southampton Road and into Christchurch Road as far as Lunns. In the Market Place there will also be additional lights.

And to top it all, an additional 1,000 light bulbs will be added to each of the Christmas trees in the Market Place and outside Ringwood Gateway in The Furlong.

Both trees will be six feet taller than last year – that’s almost 170 lights a foot creating spectacular effects which everyone is bound to love.

So when the lights are switched on, prepare to be dazzled.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS Christmas in Ringwood

Artisan market and snow globe fun in the Furlong The Furlong Centre is celebrating the Ringwood light switch-on event with a festive artisan market on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. There will be a selection of hand-crafted gifts, with something to delight everyone, making present shopping easy. Father Christmas will also be there, so children can make sure he knows what to put on his sleigh for his Christmas Eve to Ringwood. There will also be a giant interactive snow globe for all the family to enjoy, ensuring the youngsters will see ‘snow’ this year. The event is completely free to attend and everyone is welcome.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS

Lighting up the town

e

e

Light up with lantern parade

The big switch-on will be carried out by the Mayor at 6pm in the Market Place.

Everyone will have a good view as he will be on the stage on the Market Place and crowds will join in the festivities by taking part in a countdown before he throws the switch. There will be a ripple effect as lights go on first at the main tree, then the Market Place, wall mounted lights and then the festoon lighting down the High Street.

And to ensure that there will be a white Christmas in Ringwood for the switch-on, two giant and two small snow machines will blow snow over the crowds. The celebrations will continue with carol singing which will be led by the 80-strong Ringwood Rock Choir.

The lantern parade will be a highlight of the celebrations

Led by Santa, Roger the Reindeer and elves along with a marching band, the lantern parade is open to all ages and last year families were keen to join in the fun.

There will be a free lantern workshop in the Meeting House during the day This is being provided by the former owners of Tulip Crafts and run by helpful elves from Ringwood School.

However, don’t worry if you can’t make the workshop, extra lanterns will be available so everyone can join in the parade.

It starts in The Furlong Shopping Centre then will go down Meeting House Lane, and into the Market Place. The parade will then arrive at the stage where everyone will be congregating for the lights switch-on. And there will be an extra treat for the children taking part as they will be given a small gift by the elves.

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

| 31

RINGWOOD NEWS Christmas in Ringwood

Tune up for Christmas with Ringwood and Burley band

Programme of events

– may be subject to change

10am-3.30pm

Lantern making, Meeting House

10am-7pm

Face painting, Market Place

10-10.30am

Church bell ringers open the event

11-11.45am

Mayor, Roger Reindeer, elves, Dickensian choir, stage, Market Place

11.30-11.45am

Harley Voices, Dickensian Singing Quartet, Fridays Cross

11.45am-12noon

Steppin’ Out Dance Academy, stage

12noon-12.15pm

Harley Voices, Dickensian Singing Quartet, High Street

12.45-1pm

Harley Voices, Dickensian Singing Quartet, Gateway

1.15-1.30pm

Harley Voices, Dickensian Singing Quartet, Fridays Cross

12.45-1.15pm

Steppin’ Out Dance Academy, High Street

1.45-2pm

Harley Voices, Dickensian Singing Quartet, stage

1.45-2.15pm, 2.45-3.15pm

Steppin’ Out Dance Academy, Fridays Cross

2.30-3pm

Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society, stage

3.30-4pm, 4.30-5pm

Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Society, stage

5.30-6.30pm

Ringwood Rock Choir, stage

5.45-6pm

Lantern parade, Furlong Shopping Centre to Market Place

6-6.10pm

Lights switch-on

See the band at: Friday 4 December, New Milton Conservative Club, 8pm Saturday 12 December, carols outside Meeting House, Ringwood, 10am Tuesday 15 December, Ringwood Conservative Club, 8pm Wednesday 16 December, carols in the Queen’s Head, Burley, 8pm Saturday 19 December, carol concert Greyfriars, Ringwood, 7.30pm Thursday 24 December, the arrival of Father Christmas, Market Place, Ringwood, 6pm 01425472799

- advertising feature -

Merryfrom Christmas all at Cedar Vets

We would like to wish all of our clients and their pets a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We have lots of exciting new things planned for 2016! Our car park has recently been renovated, and now includes separate artificial grass dog walking areas for inpatients and outpatients. We hope this will help our dogs to feel more comfortable, while also enabling us to maintain the highest hygiene standards.

Our new website will be going live early in the new year, with regular updates both here and on our Facebook page. Following the success of our recent talk on fireworks at Greyfriars, we are currently working on a full programme of talks and events for 2016 – keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for details!

We hope that you will not need us over the Christmas period, but if you do, please rest assured that we will be here for you. We believe that in order to offer the best possible service to our clients and their pets, we need to be there for you whenever you need us. Our vets are available at our Ringwood hospital 24 hours a day, so if your pet needs urgent treatment at night, they will be able to see a familiar face in a familiar place and we will have immediate access to your pet’s records. We have nurses on-site at our Ringwood hospital 24 hours a day so if your pet needs to stay with us overnight they will be cared for by a member of our own team.

We wish you all a safe, healthy, happy Christmas.

Darren Lucas, clinical director

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

RINGWOOD NEWS

Christmas show for all Ringwood’s Forest Forge Theatre Company is making sure that all children will be able to enjoy its Christmas production of Hansel and Gretel.

It is giving a relaxed performance of family favourite Hansel and Gretel for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or learning difficulties, and their families on Thursday 3 December, at The Theatre Centre, on Endeavour Business Park.

A ‘relaxed performance’ is when the show is reworked to be suitable for an audience with different needs. Forest Forge is being supported by Hampshire Autistic Society in providing this opportunity, which has been made possible by funding from Hampshire County Council’s short breaks fund.

The company has provided information about the venue and show, which is available in advance to ensure that all those attending are fully prepared for the theatre experience.

This is an opportunity for all children and their families to enjoy a professional theatre performance in a safe and supportive environment.

To book tickets for the relaxed performance of Hansel and Gretel call 01425 470188.

Tickets cost: £5

Give a gift to change a child’s Christmas Ringwood is again honoured this year with a very important visitor on Christmas Eve. On this, his busiest evening of the year, Father Christmas comes specially to see the children of Ringwood for a special reason.

Instead of expecting presents, youngsters queue up to give him gifts for children with special needs who might not have the chance to experience the joy of Christmas.

Ringwood Rotary Cub invites Father Christmas to the Market Place and so many children come, that it can take 45 minutes for him to see everyone.

Knowing that their gift will make another child happy is enough for the families who wait patiently to

see him.

At least 30 sacks of presents have been collected in the past and Rotarian Dick Sheerin and his team of enthusiastic Rotary members who organise the event are hoping Ringwood residents will turn out in force again to donate presents.

Ringwood and Burley and Ringwood Salvation Army bands are also coming along to join in the Christmas Eve celebrations with the event starting at 6pm.

So join in the carol singing and encourage the children to celebrate the joy of giving at Christmas.

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

| 33

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

Scouting For Girls Ahead of their tour date in Bournemouth, reporter Jasmine Watkiss chatted to Roy Stride, lead singer and frontman of smash-hit band Scouting For Girls to find out more about their brand new record, and what it’s like to go on tour.

JW: The sound of this new record, ‘Still Thinking About You’ seems much more uplifting, life affirming, and innocent in comparison to your previous records – what made you rethink your sound and the recording process for this album?

RS: We did a greatest hits tour after our third album, and after that we played loads of really random shows around the country and around the world.

It made me realise exactly what people love about Scouting for Girls. Our music has always basically been pop music, but for quite a while we tried to sound more serious, a bit more indie. The third record is an example of that. But I realised after a while that people come to see SFG to have a dance, sing-a-long, act a bit stupid and have a really good time. Now I think our plan is to become the ultimate party festival band, and so this record is more pop-based, more fun.

JW: So are you trying to replicate what will sell?

RS: We try to replicate what is fun; I don’t think we’re trying to replicate what will sell. That’s what people like about us. There’s honesty and nostalgia, and coupled with that are songs that are power-pop and just really good fun. We don’t really overthink it. I know that the people who buy our records will really love the new album.

JW: You’re taking this new direction with the songs but you still have to play all the old hits.

Do you groan inwardly when you have to play the old tunes or do you still enjoy playing them?

RS: No, I love playing them! If anything, this latest album goes back to the atmosphere of our first album, with songs similar to ‘She’s So Lovely’.

We’ve spent all that time playing live and getting really good, and working out what songs really connect with the audiences; it’s these kind of upbeat songs. I love playing the old songs - I absolutely love them - I’ve never got sick of them.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

JW: What are your favourite songs to play, the old or the new?

RS: It’s always preferable playing the new songs, because we want to get them out there and heard, but we never stop loving the reaction we get when playing the old songs. It’s like asking me to choose my favourite child. I can’t. I love them all.

JW: How long did the album take to complete?

You’ve been reasonably quiet for 2 or 3 years. Did it take all that time?

RS: Yeah, pretty much. I do a lot of writing and production for other people, outside of SFG, and that’s my main job. As a band, we just wanted to take our time, there was no real rush; we didn’t even have a record deal as our contract had ended with Sony after the Greatest Hits. No one was asking for a record, so we just wrote one when it was ready. It allowed us to make the best record possible without compromising it with other people’s opinions or stressful time factors, which I think affects a lot of records. We recorded it in the space of three months, because we wanted it to feel like a record, not a collection of songs. And I think it does – it flows, it was all done in the same room with the same instruments, it’s like a space in time. I feel like in the past, we compromised the quality of some of our records by taking on advice that I wish we hadn’t, or releasing songs before they were ready. So it was nice to think about nothing other than the music and writing songs that would work well together.

JW: You hit the road to go on tour this month – are you excited? What do you get up to on tour?

RS: Oh, we have the best time. We’ve known each other for nearly 30 years – were like family, best mates, we like each other; it’s honestly like one big, month-long party. I’m so excited for the shows; they’re going to be amazing. It’s so much fun as we meet new people at every location. The whole thing is going to be epic.

JW: Do you prefer touring to recording because you get the immediacy of audience response?

RS: I love touring for about one month a year.

Actually, an optimum timetable for me would be touring for one month every six months. To be honest, my life is amazing at the moment; in the summer I do festivals virtually every weekend, and then we’ll do a tour for a month, maybe once a year, and then the rest of the time I’m in the studio writing new stuff. I have an amazing balance – I’m really living the dream and I feel very lucky.

JW: It’s hard not to notice that love and relationships are a prevailing theme in lots of your songs. Have you just been ridiculously unlucky in love or do you have a great imagination for heartbreak?

RS: I think it all stems from the first ever break-up I ever had; I find the topic such a creative basis to write from. I’ve heard it said that all pop songs are written about the first or last five minutes of a relationship. It’s the most powerful moment in someone’s life, when you fall in love and it all goes wrong. So you can’t go wrong writing about that.

But I do write about some other stuff [he laughed]. I also love writing lyrics that nobody else would write, lyrics that really connect with people. There’s a song called Bad Superman on the new album, and I love the lyrics on that.

You can catch Scouting For Girls on 4 December at the O2 Academy Bournemouth as part of their ‘Still Thinking About You’ album tour. Don’t miss out on what is set to be a fantastic night! For more details and to book, visit www.o2academybournemouth.co.uk/ event/109826/scouting-for-girls-tickets or call 01202 399922.

UNNECESSARY DEATH of endangered porbeagle shark

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) was saddened to see a critically endangered porbeagle shark (lamna nasus) landed on Chesil Beach recently by a local fisherman. The two metre shark, a mature female, was accidently caught in a trammel net 300 yards off Chesil Cove.

Marc Smith, DWT Chesil Beach Centre Manager said, “This was an unfortunate incident. The fisherman was clearly not targeting the animal, given the location of the nets. But porbeagles are breeding at this time of year, ready to give birth in the spring, so it is a shame to see this reproductive female removed from the population.”

Porbeagle sharks typically grow to around three metres, but despite their appearance and size, they are not considered a danger to humans as their main interest is fish.

Like most sharks they are long-lived, slow growing, mature late and produce few young, making them extremely vulnerable to overfishing. Since 2010, commercial fishermen within the EU have been prohibited from targeting and landing porbeagles. When accidently caught, they must be returned to the sea, unharmed if possible.

Porbeagle shark © Chesil Beach Watch

“...it is a shame to see this reproductive female removed from the population.”

Marc Smith added “I am not surprised that this shark has been caught just off Chesil Beach. We get regular reports from fishermen about porbeagles around the Dorset coast. Basking sharks, blue sharks and porbeagles have all been seen close by.

We also get dolphins just off the beach, following the fish. All of which are susceptible to nets.”

The Wildlife Trusts are currently proposing that 17 special areas around England and Wales should become protected areas for dolphins, whales and sharks to safeguard these species (some of which are in decline) against damaging activities.

To find out more about the Ocean Giants campaign visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/oceangiants.

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

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in and around the area

what’s on

this month 21 November 10am-3-30pm

Christmas gift and craft fair, Church House, High Street, Wimborne in aid of Friends of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne.

Free. 01202 840272

21 November 10am-2pm

Christmas Fayre in aid of Traidcraft, Village Hall, Damerham. 01725 518635

21 November 7pm

Light Up a Life Christmas carol concert in aid of Naomi’s House children’s hospice at Christchurch Priory. Free.

0770 202 2067

21 November 11am-3pm

Christmas market, Portfield School, Parley Lane, Christchurch. Raising funds for interactive room. 01202 703198

21 November 6.45pm for 7pm start Lewis-Manning Barn Dance, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Wimborne Road, Poole, featuring the Black Sheep.

Tickets £16, including a fish ‘n’ chip supper. 01202 708470

21 November 7pm

Fordingbridge Rotary quiz night, Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge.

Proceeds for town’s Christmas lights. 01425 655269

21 November 7.30-10pm

25 Years and Counting – Celebration Concert by Bournemouth and District Concert Band at LifeCentre, 711-715 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth.

01202 530265

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

24 November 7.30pm Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group, ‘Travels Inside Turkey’, Richmond Hill St Andrew’s United Reformed Church Hall, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth. www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

25 November 10am-12noon

Your care home questions answered – with a care adviser from Colten Care. Free drop-in session at the Coffee Lounge, 137 Station Road, West Moors.

28 November from midday Ferndown Christmas tree lights switch-on. Live music, food, drink, children’s rides, Father Christmas in his grotto, Gugge 2000. Lights switch-on 5pm.

28 November 2.30pm The Fayrewood Singers perform ‘Christmas Is Coming’, at Verwood Methodist Church.

Retiring collection.

25 November 7.30pm

28 November 3-4.30pm

27 November

28 November from 5.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society presents Ian House playing a Yamaha keyboard, Verwood Hub. 01202 822936

Wimborne Movie Makers club. Clubhouse adjacent to Allendale Centre. Mini Cameras show and tell. Exhibit work filmed on mini camera. wimbornemoviemakers.org

27 November 6pm

Light Up A Life at LewisManning. 1 Crichel Mount Road, Lilliput. A hospice event for remembering loved ones.

Free. 01202 708470

28 November9 January

Christchurch Arts Guild exhibition, Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch. Free. 01202 482860

28 November

Christchurch Christmas Festival. Street market 10am7pm, Santa procession 4pm, lights switch-on 6pm.

VIEWPOINT November 2015

Table top sale, Verwood Hub. Entry £1, under 15s free. 01202 576613

Fordingbridge festive evening in town centre including entertainment and shopping.

Carol singing at 5.45pm at Town Hall, Father Christmas in his grotto and lights switch-on.

28 November

Christmas lights switch-on Wimborne.

28 November 8pm

Alan Davies’ stand-up comedy show ‘Little Victories’ at The Pavilion, Bournemouth.

1 December 6.15pm Broadstone Christmas lights switch-on, outside Budgens, The Broadway.

2 December 10am-12noon

Legal matters with Harold G Walker Solicitors. Free drop-in session at the Coffee Lounge, 137 Station Road, West Moors.

3 December 7.30pm

Verwood and District Horticultural Society presents a talk by Victoria Ennion on ‘Blackthorn Winter and other myths’, Verwood Memorial Hall.

01202 814376.

4-6 December 11am-3pm

Christmas Tree Festival, St George’s Church, Church Lane, Damerham. Free. 01725 518350

5-6 December 10am-4pm

New Forest Christmas Fair, The Showgound, New Park, Brockenhurst. Organised

by The New Forest Marque.

Showcasing locally produced seasonal gifts. Forestry Commission trees for sale.

Free. 01590 622400

5-6 December 1-3pm

Reindeer making at Hengistbury Head. £7 per child (over 5). Booking essential.

01202 451618

5 December 10am-7pm

Ringwood Christmas fair and lights switch-on. Featuring snow machines, street entertainers, lantern parade, carol singing, food, arts and crafts and Santa in his grotto.

01425 47883

5 December

8 December 7.30pm Christmas carol concert, The Priory, Christchurch. 01202 703198.

9 December 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society presents Byron Jones playing a Wersi keyboard, Verwood Hub. 01202 822936

10 December

Late night Christmas shopping Wimborne. Entertainment from 3pm.

12 -13 December 10am-4pm

Christmas tree festival, St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall.

More than 20 decorated trees, dedicated to charities for which donations are invited. Carol singing Sunday afternoon. Free.

01258 857606

12 December

Christmas Craft Fair, Kinson Community Centre, Milhams Road, Pelham Park. 01202 576613

12 December 10.30am-4pm

The Great Pudding Stir at The Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne. Admission £1.50, £1 for children (annual pass not valid). www.priest-house.co.uk

12 December

Highcliffe Christmas Carnival.

Outdoor gift fayre 11am, music 2pm, procession 6pm.

Broadstone Christmas Parade 1.25pm. Christmas market from 10.30am.

12 December 2.30pm

6 December 4.30-7pm

14 December 8-10pm

Christmas on Poole quay.

Flotilla of lights as illuminated boats parade along Quay.

Organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners.

Save the Children Parade, Wimborne.

Meet at Hengistbury Head visitor centre to watch Geminid meteor shower. Weather dependent. Booking essential £5, under 16s £2, incudes hot drink. 01202 451618.

in and around the area

A Dickens of a Christmas show Charles Dickens’ great great grandson is coming to the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown, with a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol.

Gerald Dickens will perform the author’s best-loved Christmas story single-

handedly, on Tuesday 22 December at 7.30pm. He plays 26 different characters throughout the course of the evening.

“A Christmas Carol is an ideal piece for the stage,” explains Gerald, who has a particular affection for the central character, the curmudgeonly Ebeneezer Scrooge.

“The challenge, as an actor, is to ensure that the audience believe in the radical transformation of Scrooge as

a result of the strange experiences he has on the night before Christmas. That is what people love about A Christmas Carol. It is so thoroughly heart-warming,” he said.

To see the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future convince Scrooge that he must change his ways and begin to be generous and kind, book your tickets at the Barrington Centre 01202 894858.

Christmas crackers c

c

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the theatre to see a pantomime or magical Christmas show. mags4dorset is offering readers the chance to win tickets to two of the exciting productions taking place this Christmas.

By hook or by crook In Poole, Peter Pan, J M Barrie’s enchanting story is brought to life by Lighthouse in an original version of the timeless classic.

Starring Christopher Ellison (The Bill, Celebrity Big Brother 2015) as Captain Hook and Jamie Quinn (Bluestone 42) as Peter Pan, audiences will be able to travel to a place where no one ever grows up. Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk Wendy and her brothers off to Neverland - a fantastical world of cutlasswaving pirates, mermaids and tick-tocking crocodile - where they must help The Lost

COM P E TITION Boys battle the villainous Captain Hook. With live music, pirates, a baddy to boo at, and a hero who can fly, Peter Pan is a real treat for all the family.

Peter Pan’s magical adventure is being performed from 4 December 2015 - 3 January 2016. Book online lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 0844 406 8666. mags4dorset and Lighthouse, Poole have a family ticket to give away for the 7pm performance on Tuesday 8 December.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: Which reptile is Captain Hook frightened of?

COM P ETITI

ON

o You shall g to the ball The enchanting pantomime Cinderella is coming to the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown on Sunday 6 December with a 2.30pm start, making it perfect for all the family to enjoy.

Life isn’t easy for poor Cinderella.

Everyday her wicked stepmother, Maudline, forces her to cook, clean and tidy up after her nasty stepsisters, Germaline and Vasaline.

Her only comfort comes from her little friend, Buster and the dream that one day she may meet her handsome prince.

Over in the royal palace, Thomas, the young prince of the kingdom dreams of meeting a kind, caring and beautiful girl that he can fall in love with – at times like these the answer is simple. Throw a ball, the biggest that any kingdom has ever seen and invite every maiden in the land.

Auntie Tish, the fairy godmother will wave her magic wand and ensure that whether her invitiation has been torn to pieces or not, Cinderella will go to the ball.

Children, and mums and dads, have the chance to find out what happens at the ball courtesy of mags4dorset and The Barrington Theare who have a family ticket to be won for the show.

For your chance of winning tell us: What are Cinderella’s stepsisters called in this production?

Enter both competitions through our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answers on postcards to Peter Pan or Cinderella, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 30 November 2015.

The first correct entry drawn for each competition will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and The Barrington Theatre (Cinderella) and Lighthouse (Peter Pan) are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

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

| 37

in and around the area Photos by Liz Turner

Stunning autumn colours in

Japanese garden

K

ingston Lacy is home to the largest Japanese garden in Britain and visitors have been captivated by its autumn glory.

With reds, golds, pinks and orange leaves, especially in the acer glade, the vibrant colours provided the perfect backdrops for autumn walks.

In 1910, it’s thought that Henrietta Bankes, then lady of the house at Kingston Lacy, visited ‘The Great Japan’ exhibition in London and fell in love with it. Back home she created her own seven-acre Japanese garden, and was later photographed there in a kimono.

But when the National Trust took over Kingston Lacy in 1982 the gardens were hugely neglected.

There were few garden plans or photographs, and hardly any other documentary evidence available.

Major restoration work began, and 10 years ago the Japanese garden was finally ready to be shared with visitors. The centrepiece is the Tea Garden, with a teahouse and waiting arbour where the Bankes children originally ‘took tea’

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

brought out from the main kitchen.

There are five separate garden areas – tea garden, quarry garden, Japanese flowering cherry garden, and evergreen and acer glade.

Nigel Chalk, outdoor manager at Kingston Lacy, said: “It’s 10 years since we reopened the Japanese garden, following two years of restoration work. Looking at it today, with the plants established and the buildings weathered-in, makes me feel really proud to have been involved in such a great project.

“I can only hope that Henrietta Bankes would be equally proud of what we have done to restore the Japanese garden she loved so much.”

in and around the area

Remembering the New Forest’s First World War soldiers

W

ith Remembrance Sunday still fresh in people’s minds, volunteers are being sought to help uncover details of war-time activity in the New Forest a hundred years ago.

During World War I, the Forest was home to several hospitals for wounded New Zealand and Indian troops, training schools and camps which left a lasting impression on the landscape.

Now, thanks to support from ExxonMobil at Fawley, the New Forest National Park Authority is piecing together what life was like in the Forest during 1914-18.

So far seven volunteers are scouring thousands of pages of censored letters from Indian troops on the British Library website to find material relating specifically to the New Forest, but many more people are needed to help with the research.

The personal accounts and photographs will become part of an

online archive of the Forest’s war-time history (www.newforestheritage.org) and will form an exhibition next year in the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst.

WWI project officer Gareth Owen said: “There’s a huge number of aspects of the war years, which the New Forest is best placed to tell – we know the old race course at Lyndhurst was a camp for thousands of soldiers before they set off for the front; there were military hospitals for the wounded; a naval air station at Calshot; a bomb school at Lyndhurst and even a training school for dogs helping on the frontline.

These very personal accounts throw light on the role the New Forest played in the First World War and will create a legacy for future generations.

To get involved in the the New Forest Remembers World War I Project contact Gareth Owen at archaeology@newforestnpa.gov. uk or call 01590 646652.

Brockenhurst – in the First World War

Wounded Indian soldiers heading to their tented accommodation in the grounds of Forest Park Hotel around 1914. Credit: Topfoto.co.uk

F

rom the outbreak of war until the end of 1915 Brockenhurst was home to The Lady Hardinge Hospital for Wounded Indian Soldiers, named after the wife of the British Viceroy of India who died shortly before war broke out.

Balmer Lawn and Forest Park Hotels were commandeered and fitted out as a medical facility, with temporary structures in the grounds providing extra accommodation.

Overcrowding became a problem within months, and in 1915 a 500-bed combination of tents and galvanised huts was erected at Tile Barn (now Tilebarn Outdoor Centre) nicknamed ‘Tin Town’ locally.

At least 3,000 Indian soldiers were treated in Brockenhurst before the Corps was posted to Egypt in November 1915.

‘Tin Town’ was taken over by the New Zealand authorities in 1916 and by the end of the war over 21,000 New Zealand casualties had been treated there. Ninety-three New Zealand servicemen died while being treated at Brockenhurst and are buried in the Commonwealth War

Graves Commission cemetery at St Nicholas’ Church, Brockenhurst.

Censored letters unearthed so far include accounts from wounded Indian soldiers recovering in the New Forest, possibly at the Balmer Lawn Hotel hospital and at the Indian Military Depot in Milford on Sea. A non-commissioned officer of the 47th Sikhs wrote: ‘On 28 October in the evening, while in the act of charging, I was wounded by the enemy’s machine gun. My company suffered heavy loss and inflicted the same upon the enemy, many of whom were taken prisoner and many killed... Well, when I was wounded I came to England and many men of the Indian troops have come to England. Now I am all right again. My wound healed very quickly… The hospital in which I am was formerly a big hotel. The arrangements are excellent, and I am absolutely comfortable in every way. At first I was at Brockenhurst which was near Mr Lieut Governor Dane’s house. He used to come to see us, and the King and Queen came.’

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

| 39

motoring

THE MUST-HAVE IN-CAR GADGET

from 6% to 9.5%, the results indicate that 63% think insurance companies should encourage the use of dash cams, especially if it guarantees a reduction to the cost of their policy – an incentive the RAC has introduced.

RAC head of retail Lynn Hayzelden said: “We have seen a surge in the number of dash cams purchased from racshop.co.uk in 2015 and, as the results suggest, this is a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.

“Not only do dash cams encourage safer driving and provide excellent protection against insurance fraud, they can also now save you money on your car insurance.

We’ve listened to what motorists want and are pleased to announce that we are now offering a £30 discount to our motor insurance customers who have one of our five RAC dash cams installed.” (Terms and conditions apply).

“We’ve also recently improved our offering by launching three brand new in-car dash cams in time for Christmas,” adds Lynn. “The RAC 03,

UK motorists’ use of dash cams has more than doubled in the last year A new RAC Shop study has revealed the number of motorists now using dash cams to record their journeys on UK roads has more than doubled in the last year to 2.9 million.

The research, conducted as the RAC adds three brand new dash cams to its range, suggests the popular recording device is the latest must-have in-car gadget as more than half (52%) of motorists are currently considering purchasing one, placing it at the top of this year’s Christmas car tech wish-list.

Also topping this year’s wanted list are parking sensor kits (42%),

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

hands-free phone kits (25%) and sat navs (20%), which all play a role in assisting those behind the wheel.

What’s more, results show almost a quarter (24%) of motorists think having a dash cam installed would improve their driving. In addition, one in five (20%) of those surveyed have previously been involved in an accident where there was a dispute over who was at fault, 69% of whom believe a dash cam would have helped them solve their case.

And, with Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) having just risen (1 November)

which incorporates built in GPS - a world first for a rear view mirror dash cam – is joined by the RAC 04 and RAC 05, all of which give motorists more choice when it comes to buying a quality dash cam, at a price point that suits their wallet.

“What’s more, the RAC 04 features built in GPS and an emergency button, this means that when pressed, the current sector of recording becomes protected, and will not be lost when the camera continues recording on a loop. The RAC 05 also uses built in GPS to alert drivers when their vehicle approaches a speed or safety camera. There’s sure to be a model for everyone, from learners, right through to the most seasoned drivers.”

The RAC Shop survey also shows that men are three times more likely to own a dash cam (13%) than women (4%). And, findings indicate that older drivers appear to be the most tech savvy, as the majority (22%) of motorists who already own a dash cam are aged 50 and over, followed by those aged 35-39 (6%).

For more information on dash cams visit the RAC Shop at www. racshop.co.uk/sat-navs-tech/carcameras.html

More than half say they would like one, making it the ideal drivers’ gift this festive season

motoring

Autojumble’s The 20p tyre test Diesel date fixed emissions in the real-world With the onset of winter, drivers are being reminded to ensure they’re keeping the risks to a minimum by practising #SafeTyreChecks.

Brakes, steering and all advanced safety systems designed to help avoid accidents depend on the vehicle having a sure footing on the road. “Their tyres need to be in good condition,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe.

Many drivers are aware that recommended tyre pressures vary to suit the weight of the load the vehicle is carrying, yet they don’t take the time to make this important adjustment before they set off on a journey.

Typically, the unladen and laden pressures are on a plaque inside the fuel filler flap or in the door shut, but they are sure to be found in the handbook. Incorrect pressures not only increase wear and decrease fuel efficiency but also make the tyre more vulnerable to sudden deflation.

A tyre’s tread depth is particularly important, as the more worn it becomes, the longer your car will take to stop. Checking is easy using the 20p test, as the outer band of a 20-pence piece is 1.6mm, which is the minimum legal tread depth.

To check how close you are to that limit, place the 20p in the main grooves in the centre section of your tyre: if you can’t see the outer band above the tread, then check at two other points across the width and repeat at two more places further round the circumference. If you can see the 20p’s outer band at any point or are unsure, you need to get the tyres checked by a professional as the tyre maybe illegal and dangerous. If you see something in the grooves, like a stone, remove it if you are able to do so.

While you’re checking the tread depth, you should also ensure the tyres are in good condition, looking out for cracks, lumps, bumps or embedded objects. If you see anything suspiciously out of the ordinary, get it checked by a professional.

TyreSafe recommends these checks are done at least once a month and before long journeys.

In response to the recent VW Group emission scandal and renewed focus on air quality, Next Green Car, the green car website, has updated its unique NGC Rating to account for known discrepancies between official and real-world CO2 and NOx emissions.

By incorporating a series of correction factors to the official test figures, the NGC Rating more accurately represents the environmental impact of different fuel and vehicle types.

Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of Next Green Car said: “In part a response to the VW Group emissions scandal, we have updated the NGC Rating to account for the higher CO2 and NOx emissions associated with real-world driving.

In particular, the new NGC Rating better reflects the higher tailpipe NOx emissions from Euro 4, 5 and 6 diesel vehicles.

“We have also launched a new Emissions Calculator for CO2, NOx and particulates as part of our mission to provide motorists with powerful yet easy-to-use online tools. The calculator is the latest in a set of cost, emissions and car buying tools developed by Next Green Car.” www.nextgreencar.com/tools/ emissions-calculator

Beaulieu has announced the 2016 dates for its International Autojumble, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, as 3 and 4 September.

Traditionally, the event is held on the second weekend of September and for several years the Goodwood Revival, the date of which is always dependent on the F1 Grand Prix calendar, has taken place on the following weekend. However, for the last two years the Revival has been brought forward a week to fit in with the F1 race schedule and as it is not in the best interests of Goodwood, Beaulieu, their exhibitors or visitors, to hold events on the same weekend, the decision was made to move Beaulieu’s International Autojumble forward a week as well. The same situation has prevailed for 2016 so the Beaulieu event will again be held a week early.

2016 is a special year for the International Autojumble as it will be celebrating its 50th year. www.internationalautojumble.co.uk

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

| 41

specialist services ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

DECORATING

BLINDS

BUILDING & REPAIRS

BUILDING & REPAIRS

COMPUTER SERVICES

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

CLEANING SERVICES

FENCING

HAIR & BEAUTY

specialist services GARAGE DOORS

GARAGE DOORS

LOCKSMITH

MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING & HEATING

TREE SURGERY

SHUTTERS

TILING

WASTE MANAGEMENT

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

| 43

specialist services WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT NOVEMBER 2015 ARIES March 21 - April 20 Channel your restless energy into a race or competition during mid-November. The Full Moon on the 25th warns against arguing with relatives and neighbours. Agree to disagree and steer clear of controversial subjects.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Don’t challenge an expert’s authority in late November, or you will make a powerful enemy. The Full Moon on the 25th brings an end to a source of income. This will prove to be a blessing in disguise.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 The New Moon on the 11th is perfect for adopting a pet. If you’ve been feeling lonely, pay a visit to your local animal shelter.

You’ll find a faithful companion that is just perfect for your lifestyle. The second half of the month is perfect for signing contracts, negotiating deals and forming partnerships.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 The Full Moon on the 25th will make you feel isolated. Resist the urge to become even more introverted. Reach out to friends.

If they don’t respond on the first try, call back. You’ll eventually reconnect. Learning advanced computer skills is strongly advised as November turns to December.

LEO July 24 - August 23 The Full Moon on the 25th forces you to shift the focus onto a group project. You hate cancelling a fun outing for the sake of this job, but it can’t be helped. The quicker you fulfil this responsibility, the less painful it will be. Be sure to attend a fun party at the end of November.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 The New Moon on the 11th is perfect for taking a short trip for pleasure. Visit a holiday destination famous for its natural beauty. Be as frugal as possible during the second half of the month, when you’ll incur some heavy expenses.

LIBRA September 24 - October 23 If you’re thinking about changing your appearance, the first half of November is a good time for an image overhaul. This is the best time of the entire year to update your look. The Full Moon on the 25th finds you facing off with an unpleasant authority figure. It’s best to follow their directions, rather than challenge these orders.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 You could unintentionally offend a neighbour or relative with a thoughtless remark on the 21st. Be sure to offer a sincere apology. The Full Moon on the 25th forces you to abandon a difficult work project.

You simply don’t have the time to do justice to this endeavour. Hand it to an eager colleague.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 The Full Moon on the 25th warns against putting pressure on your best friend or romantic partner. A gentle approach will work best. If your loved one decides to take a different path than the one you wanted, be respectful.

You can’t win every disagreement.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 The Full Moon on the 25th brings a health problem to your attention. You or a loved one may have to visit several medical professionals before pinpointing the issue.

Solitary pleasures will prove soothing as November turns to December. Take time out of your busy schedule to read, write, listen to music and enjoy the beauties of nature.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 You might find yourself on shaky ground with a loved one during the second half of November, thanks to differing needs and expectations. The Full Moon on the 25th pushes you to make up or break up. Choose carefully, because you won’t be able to reverse your decision.

The final days of November will be spent in the company of sympathetic friends.

PISCES February 20 - March 20 A family argument over money could erupt during the second half of November.

Don’t let a pushy relative deprive you of an heirloom or inheritance that was meant for you. The Full Moon on the 25th will prompt you to make a painful decision about a domestic matter. It may be time to break ties with an emotionally abusive relative.

Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

June 2015

Pulford Publicity Limited (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Viewpoint Magazine accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Viewpoint Magazine. In no case shall the total liablility of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss, of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

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

Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them.

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 28 days prior to copy date.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears.

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s consent.

Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Viewpoint Magazine and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

ASK THE EXPERT Q. Why do property transactions still take so long to complete?

A. It seems crazy that in these days of email and the Internet and the technological advances available to all professionals involved in the process, that transactions can still take so long to go through.

The average time is now something in the region of 10-12 weeks, so some transactions must be taking even longer.

The longer things take, the greater the danger of something going wrong, or someone changing their mind.

And speaking as an estate agent, there is nothing more frustrating than watching while a sale that you have worked so hard to put together just drags on - or worst of all, eventually collapses altogether.

The longer a transaction takes, the greater the stress levels for all involved, particularly the client.

It is often said that moving home is the third most stressful lifetime event with only death and divorce being worse.

It’s easy to blame the solicitors, as they are in control of this part of the transaction and, in some cases, this is actually a fair comment. I appreciate the very buoyant market is adding more pressure to solicitors’ workloads, but it still astonishes me just how much time some straightforward transactions can take to reach exchange and completion.

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VIEWPOINT November 2015

In my opinion, the rise of cheap call-centre-style conveyancing factories has not helped as they are probably amongst the slowest, despite many having the slickest and most technologically advanced systems. Unfortunately it seems to me that no one in these conveyancing centres actually takes personal responsibility and the clients deal with whoever answers the phone.

This type of business approach seems to be constrained by its reliance on the computer system, rather than being liberated by it, with the fee earners seemingly unable to break free of their rigid workflows and act flexibly and pro-actively to expedite things when required.

Another factor is that the vast majority of solicitors still don’t work on a “no sale - no fee“ basis, in the way that traditional estate agents do, and can therefore charge their clients almost their full fee when a sale falls through.

I find that the most proactive solicitors are the few who are motivated by working on a “no sale – no fee” basis as they have a real incentive, along with the agent, to progress things as quickly as possible.

In my business, I am continually refining our services so that I can take a pro-active approach to as many aspects of the sale process as I can, and over which I have some influence. I always

recommend that our sellers instruct the solicitor at the point of first marketing their home, and always recommended the use of firms with whom we have developed close working relationships, and all of whom work on a no sale - no fee basis.

By taking on more responsibility than most agents, and by removing the fear of wasted costs, we enable our sellers to complete the required legal paperwork right at the start of the process.

By doing this before a buyer is found, it saves time later on and we even reward this proactivity with a Free Energy Performance Certificate for our client’s property.

Unfortunately the time transactions take to complete, will be affected by other elements, which are out of my control but at least I, as the agent, can push and chase everyone else, which takes some of the pressure off of our clients.

As a very pro-active agent, I want to be able to manage and co-ordinate as many aspects of a client’s move as I can, in order to make it as stress free as possible, but unfortunately only a long overdue reform of the house buying process will help to speed the process, and reduce the stress on all involved.

Nolan Irving Irving Estate Agents, Verwood