Viewpoint October 2021 by Dorset View

Mid October 2021 Volume 45, Issue 12

India Cottage

Charity of the year

celebrates 40 years Merley residents object to development plan

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

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VIEWPOINT

Volume 45 • Issue 12 • October 2021

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

When a friend who was trying to arrange an outing with me asked tongue in cheek “As you’re so tied up next month, what are you doing at 10.32am on 22 March 2022?” I realised that my diary had become over-full. With emails and texts going back and forth, we just couldn’t find a date when we were both free. And how about you? Thankfully, you’re now taking a bit of down time to read Viewpoint, your favourite local magazine - but after that? Last month I pointed out that there was an abundance of local groups for people to join – and I am guessing you’re all doing just that, in addition to working and caring for the family, the home and garden. And even if you are retired, you are hopefully living a full life. But how did we all become too busy? Let’s blame Covid – it takes the wrap for everything else including the inability to get through to helplines and the lack of your favourite brands in the shops. We withstood three lockdowns and months of curtailed freedoms, so we’re all making up for lost time, meeting friends, joining clubs and generally upping our social contacts. This to all intents and purposes is good. However, for some reason, the words of the W H Davies poem spring to mind. ‘A poor life this is if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare’. And not at your diary or the calendar on your phone!

Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441

Marilyn Barber

recycle

News editor

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

Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM Chloe Baxter junior designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Picture of the month Gorse and heather in bloom on Holt Heath

How to contact us 01202 870270 Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Twitter: @Dorset_View Facebook: dorsetview.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset/

Copy date 11 OCT 2021

VIEWPOINT is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with VIEWPOINT and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co.uk

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Views sought on New Forest National Park building design The New Forest National Park Authority is asking for people’s views on a new design guide for the whole of the national park in a six-week consultation. The updated guide will, once formally adopted, be used by the National Park Authority in discussions with planning applicants and architects to help inform the design and materials used in new development. The design guide will also be useful for town and parish councils and local communities in making comments on applications within the national park. The National Park Authority deals with around 900 planning applications each year and places a strong emphasis on good design, with an annual Building Design Awards, Local

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

Plan policies on protecting and enhancing the built environment and local design guidance. The public consultation on the draft design guide runs until 22 October. You can view the documents and response form at http://www.newforestnpa. gov.uk/planning/designguide/. The documents are also available to view at the National Park Authority office at Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG weekdays from 9am to 4pm and people can write to that address or email policy@newforestnpa. gov.uk with their responses. The final Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document is due to be considered by the authority for approval at its meeting in December 2021.

BCP Council responds to Afghan families resettlement programme A number of Afghan families are now living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area – albeit temporarily. They have been transferred by the Home Office as part of the South West’s response to the resettlement programme. Further efforts are to be made to find them permanent homes across the country. BCP Council Leader Drew Mellor said: “We are pleased to be supporting the

government resettlement programme helping Afghan families start new lives in the UK. In many cases the families have experienced so much trauma already just to get here and I am sure they are made to feel welcome by people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.” Information around how local people can choose to help can be found at www.bcpcouncil. gov.uk/supportingafghanistan.

Plan for retirement complex continue Plans for a retirement complex on the site of Wimborne Market came to a halt in July when Dorset Council turned down the application, however developers have put in an appeal. The proposals by McCarthy and Stone for 66 Extra Care apartments, 32 Extra Care bungalows and nine open market homes, alongside communal facilities, landscaping and car parking, were refused by officers citing a number of concerns including surface

water drainage flood risk and the impact on local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Subsequently McCarthy and Stone has put in an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal of the application. The company has also submitted a duplicate application to Dorset Council to enable continuing discussion with planning officers and to address the reasons for refusal. If the discussions are positive, it will withdraw the appeal.

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Panic at the pumps Following a media scare about a possible fuel shortage, there was panic at the petrol pumps at the end of September. In Dorset, the police issued a reminder that there was no need to panic-buy. Despite this, queues continued until the pumps ran dry. Superintendent Dean O’Connor said: “Like many other parts of the country, Dorset is experiencing a delay in delivery of fuel to forecourts, but there is no suggestion that there is a fuel shortage.” The panic was evident outside the Viewpoint offices in Ferndown, when a queue started at the Tesco garage on the morning of 24 September. Around lunchtime the station closed because it had run out of fuel. Viewpoint went to print whilst garages were awaiting fuel deliveries and it is hoped

dangerous queues like the one in this photograph have ceased. It was snapped by the editor whilst she was walking along the A31 near West Moors. “Motorists in the fuel queue seemed oblivious of the danger they were in as traffic on the dual carriageway came speeding up behind them,” she said.

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Objections to 600-home development scheme at Merley on the increase By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mag4dorset.co.uk Although local people are very concerned about the lack of infrastructure to support hundreds of new homes being built in Merley, environmental issues have come to the fore in recent submissions. A date for the hearing of an outline planning application for the erection of 600 properties and a care home for up to 62 bedrooms at Merley has not at the time of going to press been set. Objections to the proposal from local people have been huge and the Save Land North of Merley Group has been vociferous in its concerns. In a submission to BCP Council, Frank Ahern, on behalf of the group, said the major issues were groundwater levels and pollution. He said: “It is our contention that rising groundwater levels have not been given sufficient

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

attention and pose real risks to the River Stour and to settlements downstream.” In July, the group submitted a 70-page objection to the application to BCP Council. It has also commissioned a powerful report from a traffic consultant. Wimborne Town Council also has a view. It points out that the community of Wimborne Minster has seen over 1,500 new homes added to the area and BCP Council is effectively proposing to increase the local population and demand on services by an additional 40 per cent of new homes relative to these developments. It is also fears that Wimborne Minster would no longer be a rural market town but annexed to Poole. The authority is also concerned about the

impact on wildlife such a huge development would have on the area. Gerald Rigler, on behalf of The Poole and Purbeck Goup of CPRE (the Campaign to Protect Rural England), said the group was concerned about the lack of additional health service provision. He said: “Even if other issues prove to be acceptable, no doubt this proposal (for so many houses for so many people) will be refused until the health and well-being of the extra community involved can be fully supported by the NHS, amongst the other infrastructure providers.” The Lantern Church at Merley is worried about the environmental impact such a large new development would have on vulnerable people. The Rev Mike Tufnell, chairman of Canford Magna

PCC, told BCP Council: “The build-up of traffic waiting to enter Oakley Hill is still of concern due to an inevitable increase in airborne pollution in the area, particularly near Oakley House and the residents of Silverwood Close, and we would like to understand what measures are proposed to ensure there is no increase in these levels.” Local resident Sharen Green said: “If the government was remotely sincere about the climate emergency, every single new house would be carbon neutral. They could do it with the stroke of a pen. And how much social housing - how many affordable homes are there in this scheme? It’s the young and the poorly paid who desperately need homes.” The planning application APP/19/00955/P is available on the BCP Council website.

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Joe Wicks rescued by beach cleaners

The most random beach clean find by Clean Jurassic Coast and Project Planet is The Body Coach who was rescued in Dorset on 21 September. Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, was stranded after his jet board broke down. Anti-plastic pollution campaigner Oly Rush from Project Planet said, “We had been alerted to some plastic pollution at Bats Head near Lulworth and were on our way to pick it up in Sea-Rex when we happened to see Joe Wicks who needed to be rescued. “Smarties lids and Lego pieces are a rare treat to us beach cleaning folk to find now and again, but there’s only one

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

Joe Wicks! What a legend. “He’d broken down and we spotted him. It just so happened to be his birthday too. “We are pleased to say he’s safe and well.” A relieved Joe Wicks was quick to thank the guys via social media for picking him up. Sea-Rex is the boat purchased specifically for the environmental groups’ beach cleaning efforts after Oly’s mammoth fundraising Jurassic Coast swim last year. For a video of the rescued Joe Wicks visit www. facebook.com/ProjectPlanet-106020571709610

Caption: L-R Joe Wicks, Oly Rush (Project Planet), Derek Billings (Lulworth Estate), Roy Beal (Clean Jurassic Coast)

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LETTER OF THE MONTH To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Avonway re-roofing is complete As readers will have seen the re-roofing of the original school building is now complete. Our roofers have finally been lucky with the weather. This has been very welcome after a series of hold ups, including days which were too hot to work safely, problems getting materials because of Covid and the owner of the company and his wife getting Covid themselves. The work was completed on 8 September and a small libation of champagne was shared with the roofing team. The scaffolding has now gone. The work on the roof has been done by Chris Snell Roofing and we have very much appreciated his friendly and courteous team of roofers. We are grateful to all those who have helped make this possible including generous individual donors, the district and town councils for grants, Iain Kidson for project management, the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Skip Hire for their free skip, the Rotarians who have provided all sorts of labour, Ian Newman for allowing us to put scaffold in his yard, and local media for publicising our funding appeal. The new roof should be good for 50 years to come. With support from local residents the Community Association can look forward to a secure and leak free future. The work to maintain the Avonway buildings never stops but with the fascia boards and guttering on the north side done, the chimneys demolished and the re-slating done it feels as though we have reached something of a landmark. We have taken the opportunity to enhance some areas of inadequate roof insulation to current standards to the satisfaction of the building inspector. All lead gullies and flashings have been replaced with valueless alternatives. Next we need to do some more guttering and deal with the damage inside Avonway where there have been leaks. Janet Brown Chairman For more information about Avonway email enquiries@avonway.org or call 01425 652706 (answerphone)

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

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Knitted poppies to adorn West Moors War Memorial Red, mauve and white knitted and crocheted poppies are to decorate the war memorial at the Petwyn in West Moors, with the help of local Scouts and Guides. Muriel Moore, who is church secretary of St Martin’s United Reformed Church in the town, has garnered the support of local people to knit and crochet poppies. She said: “A couple of years ago I saw a news item on the television about a village

in the New Forest which had decided to decorate the area with poppies and I thought ‘we could do that’. So I contacted various people I know and now we have hundreds of poppies. They are red for Remembrance, mauve for remembering animals and white for peace.” However, Muriel realised she would need some help with attaching them to the Petwyn, hence contacting the Guides and Scouts. She is hoping the poppies

will be put in place on the last week of October or the beginning of November.

Knitted and crocheted poppies will be similar to these but with white and mauve poppies added

Christmas card competition West Moors Town Council is running a competition for children of middle school age and younger to design a Christmas card. The winner will receive a pack of cards of their own design and there will be runner up prizes too. The winner will be announced at Carols on the Petwyn on 3 December. See www.westmoors-tc.gov. uk for more information.

Activities resume at St Martin’s United Reformed Church St Martin’s United Reformed Church, in the centre of West Moors, has restarted its popular community activities. The community singa-long is now taking place at 10.30am on the first and third Thursday of every month, with all welcome. In addition, after 18 months of virtual practicing via Zoom and putting their musical concerts on the internet, the choir are back rehearsing in

person and welcome new singers. Rehearsals are at 7.15pm on Tuesday evenings in West Moors. The choir is led by talented professional musicians Francesco Iannuzzo and Daniela Ievolo, who are also putting together a Christmas programme. Go to www.urc-eastdorset. org.uk and click on the Gospel Choir button for further information.

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West Moors Skatepark re-launch The skate park on Fryer Field, West Moors has had a makeover and the official opening of the new park will be on 15 October. Running from 3.306.30pm, there will be music, demos, competitions and free pizza. Designed by the local user group and built by Canvas,

the new skate park replaces the previous one, which was rusting and beyond repair. Now transformed into a modern, concrete and sustainable facility, West Moors Skatepark is suitable for both beginners and experienced skaters and other wheeled sports. Favourite parts of the old park have been replicated.

Local people save Colehill Methodist Church Members of a village Methodist chapel have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have helped to save its future. Colehill Methodist Church had faced the possibility that the building, opened in 1913, would have to lock its doors permanently only months after re-opening following the Covid-19 shutdown. The central heating boiler had been condemned and without heating or hot water, the church faced closure. In a last-ditch effort to find the thousands of pounds needed for the boiler replacement, church members organised a Gift Day, welcoming people from a wide area and from neighbouring Methodist churches for a busy morning of tea, coffee

and home-made cakes. The outcome was astonishing. Work is now going ahead to install the new boiler and pipework. Superintendent minister, The Rev Pauline Crispin, said she believed that it was an answer to a prayer for the church to continue in Colehill to serve the community in many ways and added: “I would like to send a big thankyou to those who supported the Gift Day and particularly those who will continue to support the work of the church in the years to come.” Church member Liz Hayward, who looks after bookings at the church hall, would welcome inquiries on 01202 888080 or lizhayward92@hotmail.com

Ringwood chorister joins Salisbury Cathedral Logan Broom from Ringwood is one of five new choristers to have been admitted to Salisbury Cathedral Choir. Logan formerly a chorister at Wimborne Minster, along with Joshua Field from Salisbury and Gabriel Watson were welcomed into the boys’ choir on 19 September. The following day Phoebe Budd from Salisbury and Emma Piper were welcomed into the girls’ choir. In both cases the special Evensongs were followed by traditional ‘bumping’ ceremonies unique to Salisbury Cathedral Choir. The boys’ time-honoured tradition involves bumping newly admitted chorister’s heads on a special stone opposite the vestry. Each new girl chorister is ‘bumped’ on the head in Trinity Chapel with a gigantic prayer book in which the

names of all the girl choristers since 1991 are written. Choristers were also promoted to senior at both Evensongs. They were Zeeshan Mahmud, Charlie Scammell, Isabel Moss, Alice Hubbard, Rosie Bennett and Emma Wyse. Salisbury Cathedral’s Director of Music David Halls said: “The boys are singing really well at the moment, so Joshua, Logan and Gabriel should be proud to have earned their places, given the level at which they are currently performing. I am also pleased to be welcoming the new girl choristers. We are very lucky to have such a promising line up this year. As for the seniors, they have all proved over the last couple of years not only that they are musically able but that they are excellent team players.”

New chorister Logan Broom is welcomed © Ash Mills

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MP meets youngsters working in the National Park New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne recently met young people starting out their careers in the environment and outdoor sector in the National Park. The New Forest National Park Authority has employed two apprentice rangers as part of a national £2.5 million ‘Generation Green’ project. The project will connect young people to nature, create and save jobs, and build a workforce for a green recovery. It is a collaboration

between YHA (England & Wales), the Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, Field Studies Council and the 10 English National Parks. Jordan Jones and Ben Attwell are following on from six other apprentice rangers before them, gaining college qualifications and working with a range of Forest organisations during their Countryside Worker Apprenticeship. Sir Desmond also met Ellie Banks, one of two assistant

trainee rangers who have joined the National Park as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme. Later, Sir Desmond joined NPA staff litter picking in Burley village. He said: “It was a privilege to speak with young apprentices, volunteers and other National Park employees: their enthusiasm and commitment was tremendous. It bodes well for the future of the National Park which is in good hands.”

Sir Desmond Swayne litter picking in Burley

Fordingbridge Twinning Association is back

5 Gold Anchors for Buckler’s Hard

Fordingbridge Twinning Association have met in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic. For their first social gathering, members of the group attended a tea party. Helen Tague made her first appearance as the new president, alongside Alison Ayling, chairman of the association. Helen has been involved in Fordingbridge Twinning since it began and has visited Vimoutiers, Fordingbridge’s twin town,

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has been awarded a top rating of 5 Gold Anchors by The Yacht Harbour Association, in recognition of its first-class facilities and outstanding customer service. The yacht harbour was commended by the assessor as offering “some of the most picturesque boating facilities in

on numerous occasions. On 30 October, there is the annual musical soirée in the town hall with local band Blue Tides, and a murder mystery evening is planned for 12 March 2022. Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the twinning of the two towns, and celebrations are set to take place in Vimoutiers in July.

the UK,” while harbour master Wendy Stowe and her team were praised for “keeping customer satisfaction high during exceedingly challenging times,” during the pandemic. The award comes shortly after the 50th anniversary celebration, and following an extensive £2million redevelopment of the marina.

For more information, see www.fordingbridge.gov.uk/ twinning-association

The Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour team

L-R: Helen Tague and Alison Ayling

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Out and about with Forest FM

Pulford Publicity’s

Charity of the Year

As we’re coming towards the end of our year with Viewpoint, I thought it would be a good opportunity to remind you of the sheer breadth of services we have – because we always need support from our community, whether it’s through fundraising, volunteering, or working with us as part of #TeamDA. First and foremost, we have our Advice Team, and they are here to help everyone, not just the people we support. From benefit applications and appeals through to Lasting Powers of Attorney, our team are ready to provide you with advice and guidance through life’s difficult situations. Our Children’s Team operate a specialist school, Langside School; a respite home for children, Lily’s Place; and one for young adults, Lawford Lodge. We also provide care in the

home through Shapes and Transitions and support children with special educational needs in the school holidays and weekends with our Short Breaks services and youth clubs. Adults are supported through The Beehive, a day therapy and activity centre where they can socialise, learn new skills, and develop their independence, and we look after a number of people in their own homes 24/7 through our Supported Living Service. No day is ever the same at Diverse Abilities, and we guarantee you’ll meet some truly fantastic personalities. If you want to find out more then our latest vacancies can be found at diverseabilities. org.uk/jobs and general details about us are at diverseabilities.org.uk Cat and the team at Diverse Abilities

Local community radio station Forest FM is back out doing what they do best, broadcasting from the heart of the community. During the Covid lockdowns, the station continued to provide a full community radio service, keeping listeners informed and entertained with music and specialist radio programmes. Just before the pandemic, the station traded in their outside broadcast trailer for a mobile broadcast van but, apart from entertaining queueing shoppers outside local supermarkets during the lockdowns, there were no events to go to. At Christmas, it was converted to a mobile Santa’s grotto and visited local schools – much to the delight of pupils. The station also switched on their second transmitter in December to boost coverage in Ferndown

on 98.9 FM. Station manager Steve Saville said: “We’re now on 92.3 and 98.9 FM, on internet, smart speakers and very soon DAB as well.” Now that restrictions have eased, the OB van has been seen out and about with station staff broadcasting live from events such as the Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre. It’s kitted out with a mobile studio and sound system and can broadcast live from any location. Look out for Forest FM at an event near you.

Ferndown organisation advises how to stay warm this winter According to Ferndown-based The Bus Stop Club Charity, the rise in food prices, the Universal Credit uplift being cut and an increase in fuel tariffs could see people struggling to keep warm in their homes this winter. The charity, which along with Hope Church runs a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre offering free debt help for people in the local area, has some suggestions that may help people save money and stay warm this winter: • Check if you are on the most appropriate tariff for your gas and electricity and, if necessary, shop around for a cheaper deal by swapping suppliers • Ensure that your meter readings are accurate and that you are only paying for the energy you use

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• Investigate whether your home needs insulation to keep the heat you are paying for in your home rather than having it escape through the roof and walls. There are local sources of support for warmer homes such as boiler grants and free loft insulation. For more details see: simpleenergyadvice.org.uk moneysavingexpert.com/ utilities/free-cavity-loftinsulation or

• Spend less time in the shower by setting a timer – this could save a family of four, on average, as much as £100 per year • Use cold water for handwashing - it’s the soap that kills the bacteria, not the hot water • Unplug your microwave when not in use – the clock is powered 24/7, so unplugging it can really reduce your electricity consumption

• Replacing your light bulbs from traditional incandescent bulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LED bulbs saves money because they are 90 per cent more energy efficient and last 50 times longer

If you find you are still struggling, you can call the CAP Debt Helpline on 0800 328 0006 for more information.

moneysavingexpert.com/ family/grant-grabbing • Turn your thermostat down by just two degrees from 20°C to 18°C and if you can afford to, have your boiler serviced to ensure it is operating efficiently. If you feel cold, wrap up in a jumper or blanket before turning the thermostat up Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

verwood news

Verwood Rotary Rustic round-up 2021 By Louisa Hiscock, president of Verwood Rotary Club The 27th Rustic Fayre took place in Potterne Park on August Bank Holiday Monday. This was the culmination of a very busy few months by Rotary members working to get everything in place, from the arena programme to portable toilets. Anyone in Potterne Park on the day before would have seen us putting up marquees, marking out for the stalls and setting up as much as we could. On the day, we all arrived early to finish getting ready and welcome in all those involved to set up, such as the stallholders, arena performers and classic car exhibitors. By 12 noon, we were ready to let in visitors and I officially opened the fayre with Forest FM broadcasting it live. We hoped the local community would support

the event and were thrilled by the large numbers who came through the gates. Many of the popular attractions were there including: the arena events, a range of stalls, a Spitfire fly past, the duck race, children’s entertainment, music acts, the classic cars, the beer tent and food stalls to name just a few – hopefully something for all the family to enjoy. As a result, we are delighted to confirm that the event has raised a significant amount of money for local charities and organisations. More details on this to follow soon. I have to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, all the volunteers who helped us (we could not do this without you), all who took part and the support of all who attended on the day.

Verwood Carnival on the move Next year’s Verwood Carnival procession will be finishing at Potterne Park where the carnival and funfair will be held. The organisers are planning to run the procession between the previous site,

the Fuzzy Bit, off Crane Drive, and Potterne Park and aim to keep the traditional elements of the carnival alive. For more information, or to get involved, see www.verwoodcarnival.com

Verwood Afternoon TG meetings are back Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild met recently for the first time in 18 months. With a good attendance of over 40 members, the afternoon had something of a party atmosphere to celebrate the guild’s 40th

birthday, delayed from last January. Sandwiches and a birthday cake were provided, plus musical entertainment. A Soup & Pud lunch is planned for October and a Christmas lunch at Remedy Oak Golf Club in December.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee plans for Verwood Verwood Town Council is to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 1 June next year. There will be a Vintage Fair and demonstrations on Verwood Memorial Recreation Ground and Ferrett Green, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and street parties if residents want to hold them. The Town Council will offer help with the parties. In addition, there will be

an evening of local bands at the Verwood Hub, a church service on the Verwood Memorial Recreation Ground and a Verwood Concert Brass concert. The Town Council will be looking to work with the Carnival Committee and other clubs and societies to make this a fabulous weekend of celebration.

Rotary Club members at the Rustic Fayre

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Kings Park officially opened in Ferndown Barchester Healthcare’s new luxury care home, Kings Park, opened its doors on 10 September. General manager, Helen Lacey, and homes services advisor, Lucy Lester, hosted the grand opening event and invited members of the community to look around the impressive new care home. Helen said: “We are delighted our home is now open. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do at Kings Park, and we look forward to welcoming them and their families, and delivering best-insector personalised care. “We take pride in really getting to know each of our residents to provide tailored care and support, ensuring dignity and choice in every aspect of daily life.” VIP guest Paul Kinvig, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and local facilitator and connector, said: “Kings Park has a stated intention of being an active part of the wider community of Ferndown.

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The community are welcome here through the various activities that take place and the residents are encouraged to play a part in the wider community. I am certain Kings Park is going to be an excellent addition to our town and that the staff and residents will enrich all our lives. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone.” Bespoke residential,

dementia and respite care is provided at Kings Park in beautiful surroundings, with home-cooked meals, a café for socialising and enjoying freshly baked treats and a choice of life-enrichment activities. If you are considering care for yourself or for a loved one, the expert team at Kings Park are available to answer any questions you may have. Please call 01202 863630.

(L to R): Simon McCall – Barchester’s commercial director, Helen Lacey – general manager of Kings Park and Paul Kinvig – local facilitator and connector.

Charities join forces

Two local charities focusing on creativity as a means of supporting health and wellbeing have pooled their resources and are working together in a new partnership. Coda Music Trust and hArt (Hampshire Art for Recreation and Therapy) will be working together at Coda’s centre in Walkford, Christchurch. Phil Hallett, formerly Coda’s CEO, is now leading both charities. He said: “Our creative arts and music services are a lifeline for many, including some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and have played a vital part in our response to the pandemic. Our two charities are delighted to be working together and our new partnership is both a natural extension of our existing services and will enable us to increase our capacity to work with local people.”

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health and care

Specialist school unveils eco-friendly roundhouse

Portfield School in Christchurch has created an ecofriendly roundhouse to give its students even more access to dance and movement therapy, music and yoga. Portfield School in Parley is owned and operated by the charity Autism Wessex and provides specialist teaching and care for students aged 4 to 19 who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD). Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Wessex, said: “We are continually exploring ways to develop therapeutic processes at Portfield School. The roundhouse came from our thinking around the important nature of the environment in which sessions on music and dance therapy and mindfulness occur. “We held discussions with various playscheme developers

about what kind of building we could create. From this came the idea for a circular space, built from sustainable materials, with a light focus at the pinpoint of the radius in the ceiling, producing a serene sense of calm and peace.” The Roundhouse cost £90k to build and has been funded entirely by Autism Wessex. It was opened with an informal gathering on 3 September and will be used by all student age groups. Siún added: “The building is simply stunning - a real testament to our continual investment to improve the quality of the environment at the school and something which will bring huge benefits to Portfield School students for many years to come.”

The official opening of Portfield School’s Roundhouse for dance and movement therapy, music and yoga.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

Dorset Care Record has 3,000 trained users The Dorset Care Record (DCR) enables professionals to have the most up to date health and social care information for their patients and now, more than 3,000 health and social care professionals have been trained to use it. The DCR holds patient data from University Hospitals

Dorset, Dorset County Hospital, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, Dorset Council, Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, which represents GPs. The health professionals have completed the mandatory information sharing and security training, ensuring that the records are used correctly and stored safely. The DCR will also soon pilot its patient health record myDCR, which will enable people in Dorset to view their record, record and monitor health goals and actions, share data with health and social care professionals and receive clinic letters from hospitals about discharge information and appointments.

Top marks for Care South Residents and their families have praised Care South’s homes for their high standards putting them in the top 20 mid-size care home groups in the UK. There are nearly 18,000 care homes in the UK, with the top 20 care home groups receiving an award from the leading reviews guide to care homes, carehome.co.uk. Simon Bird, chief executive at Care South,

Could you reduce your meat consumption? By Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK As the NHS recommends a daily meat intake of no more than 70g, if you eat lots of meat, reducing your intake of red and processed meats could not only benefit your health, but it is also good for the environment. Many red and processed meats are high in saturated fat, and too much of it in your diet can raise the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Here are some tips to help you reduce your red and processed meat consumption. What are red, white and processed meats? Red meat includes beef, lamb and pork and it tends to be higher in saturated fat. White meat, such as chicken and turkey are lower in total fat and saturated fat. Processed meat includes smoked, cured and preserved meats, such as bacon, salami, sausages and ham. Take a break from red and processed meat every week Don’t feel pressured to cut out all meat from your diet. If you tend to eat red or processed meat most days, why not challenge yourself to one meat-free day every week? Try searching online or in cookbooks for meat-free recipes. You can also get some inspiration by visiting: https:// www.meatfreemondays.com/

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

said: “This award is testament to our wonderful teams and their hard work and ongoing commitment to providing food, fun and friendship across all our homes.”

Switch to white meat or fish If you cook with a lot of red and processed meat, or if steak is your usual option when eating out, try switching to chicken, turkey or fish instead. This will help to reduce your saturated fat intake. Aim to eat two portions of fish every week, one of which should be an oily fish. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep your heart healthy. Try some vegetarian alternatives Meat substitutes, such as vegetarian sausages, mince and burgers are lower in saturated fat than the equivalent meat products. Keep an eye on food labels though, as some meat substitutes are high in calories and salt. If you’re not a fan of ‘fake meat’ you could try products made with beans, pulses, and nuts as these are all good sources of protein.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity Could you host a homeless person? Action for Children’s Dorset from Christchurch have Nightstop is making an urgent volunteered for Dorset plea for volunteers to support Nightstop for over three years, its work with homeless young and have offered temporary people across the county. shelter to five young people. The project provides Laura said: “It’s meant a lot emergency temporary to us to have been able to be accommodation to homeless there for these young people young people aged 16 to 25 and be that first step up to a from across the region, placing better situation for them. them with volunteer host “Many of those we’ve families, typically for up to three supported simply had nowhere nights, while local agencies to turn after a family argument find a long-term solution. or relationship breakdown. Volunteer coordinator, Others couldn’t afford their Simon Keys said that since private accommodation lockdown lifted, the number anymore for one reason or of homeless young people another and had no support approaching the organisation for network to fall back on.” help has risen sharply, so new To find out about becoming volunteers are urgently needed. a volunteer for Dorset Volunteers receive training Nightstop, call Simon Keys on and support, so do not need 07779 029 292 or email simon. experience, only a genuine keys@actionforchildren.org.uk concern for children’s welfare and the desire to really make a difference in a young person’s life. They need to be over 21 years of age and have access to a car. Laura and Carl Carl and Laura

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

Nurses recognised by Royal College of Emergency Medicine Two nurses from University Hospitals Dorset, Liz Hurdidge and Julia Mullally are some of the first in the country to receive credentialing from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine for Advanced Practice. Liz and Julia are now emergency care advanced clinical practitioners, working as a part of the multidisciplinary team in the emergency department. To achieve the credentialing, the two women, who are both based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, completed three years of study alongside their full time roles. They clocked up around 4,000 hours of

clinical study and more than 1,000 consultant assessments throughout their course. The award means they are able to look after patients with a wide range of conditions and have expertise in resuscitation, trauma and practical procedures. Liz said: “I am so proud of how hard we have worked to receive the Royal College of Emergency Medicine credentialing. Our roles are a benefit to the team as they complement the existing medical workforce within the emergency department, ensuring patients continue to receive timely and appropriate care.”

NHS chefs win regional heat Royal Bournemouth Hospital chefs Endri Setyawati and Dave King took first place at the south west regional heat of the national NHS Chef of the Year competition after creating a gourmet three-course meal in line with hospital food budgets in just 90 minutes. They cooked fresh tortellini with a butternut squash and sage filling on a tomato sauce with a herb oil for their starter, pan fried cod with crushed new potatoes, roasted radish and broccoli served with a cream and caper sauce for

the main, and de-constructed strawberry cheesecake as dessert. Beating the competition on criteria such as nutritional balance, suitability for NHS patients, creativity and tool skills, Endri and Dave have now progressed to the next stage of the competition. Dave said: “Winning has really brought back a buzz to the catering department. While we did the cooking on the day, we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of all of our colleagues.”

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health and care

Ambulance patients helped by smartphone technology The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is using smartphone technology to help reach patients virtually within seconds. Clinicians in the ambulance control rooms are asking some 999 callers to use their phone camera to help them assess a patient’s injuries or illness and decide what treatment is required. With their permission, the caller is sent a text message asking them to click and accept a link to send a live stream from their camera phone to

the clinician. This enables the clinician to see the patient on their screen, and provide the most appropriate help and advice for them. In some cases it can help identify patients who don’t need an emergency ambulance. SWASFT launched a trial of the technology in May 2020, and found that it helped its response to numerous

emergency incidents. It meant that seriously ill patients could be observed while an ambulance was on its way, while patients who simply needed advice to manage their illness or injury at home had access to the correct clinical advice. The technology has now been rolled out for use

by all clinicians within the ambulance control rooms. It can be used by anyone who has a smartphone, and they don’t need to download an app for the video stream to be enabled. All data is securely transmitted with end-to-end encryption and the video consultation is not recorded.

A SWASFT call handler

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Fatal feud in Fordingbridge By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum In London in 1600, on a cold April day, a well-dressed man in his sixties climbed to the top of the tower in St Sepulchre’s Church and threw himself off. The suicide caused a sensation because the man was Sir William Dodington, a powerful Hampshire landowner who was auditor to the Royal Mint at the Tower of London, and married to the sister of the spymaster to Elizabeth I, Sir Francis Walsingham. Sir William, who lived at Breamore House, had been embroiled in a long dispute with a neighbouring landowner John Bulkeley. The Bulkeley family were owners of the Hundred of Fordingbridge and the manor of Burgate and, as such, claimed certain liberties and rights. These included the regulation of bread and beer and other victuals, scrutiny of weights and measures, the election of the constable and other officers of the court, and the nomination of the bailiff of the Hundred. Their manor house was thought to be just north of the building now owned by the Game Conservancy. The ownership of the manor of Fordingbridge had been the subject of claims

and counter claims for some time. In 1402 the manor was disputed by Katherine de Ripariis and her husband and things had become nasty. Katherine reported that her servant Richard had been bound and thrown “into the great river called Avene (sic)”. In subsequent years, court cases over the manor abounded and in 1593 there was a disagreement over the ownership of East Mill between the Bulkeleys and the Dodingtons. In 1597, there was an attempt to resolve this by commissioners who met in Ringwood to examine evidence from witnesses. Outside the court John Bulkeley confronted Sir William. Bulkeley and some of his servants drew their swords and “railed against him with diverse and bitter and hard speeches, terming him a Jew and such like.” The commissioners had to intervene to keep the peace. This was followed by a dispute over some hay fields below Sandyballs Wood. Sir William’s men were gathering in the hay when John Bulkeley and some of his men rowed across the river armed with guns and attacked them.

In April 1600, the Star Chamber was due to hear another dispute between the two men but the stress of the feud was more than Sir William could bear. His suicide note read, “John Bulkeley and his fellows by perjury and other bad means have brought me to this end. Surely after they had slandered me every day that I lived was to me an hundred deaths, which caused me to choose to die with Infamy rather than to live with Infamy and Torment.” Breamore House passed to Sir William’s wife Christian, whose portrait still hangs in the house. On her deathbed she cursed anyone who should dare to move the painting and to this day no one has felt brave enough to test the curse. After her death the estate passed to her son who was also called William. William’s son, Henry, led a dissolute life and when his mother remonstrated with him over his behaviour he “drew his sword and ran her twice through and afterwards, she being dead, gave her many more wounds.” Henry was hanged for the murder. There is an elaborate brass

memorial plate in St Mary’s Church showing William Bulkeley, his wife Jane and his three sons and five daughters. All are portrayed as kneeling and praying before open bibles. William Bulkeley died in 1581. One wonders what he would have made of the subsequent dispute between his family and his neighbour, which drove Sir William Dodington to suicide. If all this had happened today, how the tabloid press would have revelled in it. I imagine that it was the dominating topic of conversation in the Fordingbridge area for some time.

Pressies for Fordingbridge Hospital staff

Elizabethan drama at Hale Park

Staff at Fordingbridge Hospital have been given presents from the local Freemasons as a thank you for all their efforts during the last 18 months. Where staff in larger hospitals received deliveries of food, flowers and other treats, all the team at Fordingbridge Hopsital had seen were patients. Leon Whitfield, who heads

People in the Fordingbridge area travelled back to the 16th century last month. A spectacular sell-out Elizabethan Evening Picnic was enjoyed by more than 100 people at Hale Park with more than £1,500 in funds raised towards the upkeep of Avon

the Freemasons in the southwest of the county, said: “Fordingbridge Hospital has gone under the radar during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It is a small community hospital with a dedicated team and we felt they deserved something because all the larger hospitals had received donations.”

Leon Whitfield (right) with staff from Fordingbridge Hospital

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Valley Churches Hale and Woodgreen Churches. Guests were serenaded by Renaissance recorders, lute, tambour, pipe players and madrigals. They also enjoyed a mock trial with interactive elements of Dr Faustus, Christopher Marlowe’s play.

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Injured war hero conquers Pen y Fan One of Britain’s most injured soldiers, Ben Parkinson, has conquered Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales. Ben took on the challenge to mark 15 years since he was injured during the Afghanistan conflict. Having lost both legs and suffered brain damage, he was not expected to live and is one of the most seriously injured soldiers to survive the conflict. A former paratrooper, Ben is now a patron of The Pilgrim Bandits, a New Milton-based military charity that supports injured and amputee veterans by inviting them to take part in physically demanding expeditions that push them to their limits, helping them to enjoy life again and see just what they are capable of. The Pen y Fan expedition was the latest of many Ben has undertaken with the charity. Ben was joined on his challenge by John Chart, a former firefighter who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and Laurence East, a police officer with stage 4 cancer. The trio were supported by a group of former military and emergency service personnel, with their own injuries and mental health conditions. The Pen y Fan event was organised for members of the Curtis Palmer Program – a branch of the Pilgrim Bandits that supports emergency services personnel who

Ben on the summit

have suffered life-changing injuries or are living with mental health conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety, as a result of the trauma they have faced on duty. Headed up by Thames Valley Police’s Inspector Isherwood, the program members helped Ben, John and Laurence to reach the top of the summit as part of their own recovery programme. Previously, Ben became the first double amputee to cross the Hardanger Plateau in Norway and one of the few to conquer the mighty Yukon River in Canada. More recently, he took on the charity’s winter survival course in Sweden, trekking across inhospitable terrain and sleeping in snow holes at minus 20 degrees, and conquered a 1,000-mile bike ride across the country alongside 10 other amputee veterans – in support of John Chart who had set himself the mammoth challenge after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Ben didn’t think twice about taking on the challenge. Before the challenge, he said: “Pen y Fan is very important to ‘Paras’, it’s known as the Fan Dance. And, the first time I was ever contacted by the Pilgrim Bandits it was with an invitation to ‘fan dance with the Pilgrims’.

L-R: John Chart, Ben Parkinson and Laurence East on Pen y Fan

It will be far harder for the support team than for me. When we cross the waterways, they’ve got to carry me and the wheelchair and I’m not small. I’ll just keep pushing the gears. “It’s been 15 years, when people didn’t think I would even survive 15 days. I’ll never stop doing things that people say are impossible and now I’ve got Ish [Inspector Isherwood] and the Curtis Palmer Program supporting me, I’ll get to the top.” Inspector Isherwood said: “Ben climbed Pen y Fan prior to his injuries, but hadn’t since and we knew this challenge meant a lot to him – as it did to all those taking part. Emergency service personnel who are part of the Curtis Palmer Program, many of whom themselves are struggling with physical and mental health illnesses, worked together to reach the summit. It was all about teamwork. All those taking part had their own mountain to climb as well as the actual mountain – and we believe that a big part of their healing process is in helping others. It was a privilege to lead this group of inspirational individuals to the very top. We

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are all beyond proud of them.” Earlier in the week, John Chart also conquered Mount Snowdon with the support of the Curtis Palmer Program. John was just 48-years-old when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2019; a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disease, with a life expectancy of three to five years of symptom onset. Unfortunately, John no longer has the use of his arms, which affects his balance. Teamwork got him to the top on both occasions. Matt Hellyer, CEO of Pilgrim Bandits, said: “The charity’s motto is ‘Always A Little Further,’ because we know that pushing injured veterans and emergency service personnel physically and mentally – when they have already endured so much – sees them rise above and beyond. We don’t do sympathy, but we offer camaraderie, an adventure and we believe in the power of humour over pain. It is that mentality that helps the veterans and emergency service personnel we work with to keep pushing forward, not only in the challenges we set them, but in their day to day lives.”

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Livestock worrying bill passes first reading Dorset farmer Cameron Farquharson, who has been campaigning to change the law following the death of his now famous Highland cow, Gladis, is one step closer to ensuring the safety of livestock across the country. After the pregnant Gladis died due to a dog attack in May this year, Farquharson began campaigning to make it a legal requirement for dogs to be on leads around livestock. With the backing of West Dorset MP Chris Loder and Farming Minister Victoria Prentis, the Gladis’ Law Campaign has been successful in driving livestock worrying to the forefront of upcoming legislation and seen extra protections for livestock included within the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. The bill passed its first reading

in the House of Commons this summer but many more stages remain in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords until Royal Assent is given and the bill becomes law. Under the proposed changes, dog walkers will face criminal prosecution if their dog chases any livestock to the point of causing harm or abortion and will also be prosecuted if their dog is off their lead or out of control in a field of sheep, poultry, or enclosed game birds. “We’re over the moon with the result,” said Cameron, “but we’re not counting our chickens until the dotted line is signed. “We’ve been overwhelmed with donations from people all over the country; we’ve now had over £40,000 donated

Help your pet through firework season With Guy Fawkes Night approaching, many pet owners will be concerned about how to help their animals cope with the inevitable flashes and bangs. Most animals are susceptible to being affected by fireworks, but a bit of planning ahead can help alleviate their stress. You will know if your pet is not coping as they will cower, shake, pant excessively or hide – all signs that they may be scared. You can help your pet feel calmer and more relaxed by making a few changes in your home and to your routine during firework season. Walking your dog earlier, before it gets dark, will help, as will making sure your cat is inside and provided with

a litter tray so they don’t need to go out. You can reassure them by trying to create a safe space inside. Smaller outside animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs would benefit from being brought indoors or being moved to a garage or shed. Providing extra bedding will mean they can burrow and get cosy. Once it is dark, close the curtains to block out flashing lights and turn on your television or radio to mask the sounds. It’s best for you to stay relaxed around your pet, even if you know they are anxious, as they can pick up on your signals. Don’t try to coax them out of a hiding place, as this is where they may feel safe.

which is just incredible. We want to create a charity in Gladis’s name where these funds will go to help and support farming families who are struggling. We also want to open our gates and allow people to spend time with our fold at Eggardon Hill and stay at Redlands Coppice. The support from others really helped my family get through these difficult months, and it’s important for us that we can do the same for others when they need that support.” The team behind the Gladis campaign has been working tirelessly since May petitioning the government and getting as many people behind the campaign as possible. Cameron said: “We would like to thank the farming community and every single

Cameron and a Highland Cow

person that has supported us in changing the law to keep our livestock safe. Together we’ve done it!” To support the campaign visit www.gladis-law.com and add your signature to the petition.

Ramping up access for newts

The Knoll Gardens Foundation (KGF) at Hampreston has teamed up with Amphibians and Reptiles Conservation (ARC) on ‘Project Newt’ to make the gardens’ iconic Dragon Pond and Mill Pond more accessible for these elusive creatures. Volunteers have built a rockery ‘ramp’ leading from the top of the pond into the garden. Special netting was added allowing newts to easily scale the inside wall. Clearance work is also being undertaken to create an

open area where newts can display to attract a mate. Speaking on behalf of ARC, volunteer coordinator Richard Sharp said: “We hope projects like this will encourage people to add wildlife friendly ponds to their own gardens. “If you want to create a wildlife pond, ensure it has gently sloping sides for easy access and add plenty of native vegetation such as forget-me-not and starwort to provide egg-laying sites and curled pondweed and hornwort for underwater cover.”

Wildlife resource for children If your children or grandchildren love being outdoors, there are lots of free activities available to help them explore the great outdoors and find out more about the weird and wonderful creatures we share our world with. Wildlife Watch, which is

part of the Wildlife Trust, has produced a series of free and fun activities to keep kids entertained and learn all about wildlife including spotter sheets, activity guides, mask making and colouring in. See www.wildlifewatch.org. uk/activities

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ringwood news

Covid memorial tree proposed for Ringwood By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Ringwood could in the future have a Covid memorial tree. Ringwood Coronavirus Assistance has told the town council that it would like to plant a Covid memorial tree to provide a quiet spot where the residents of Ringwood can remember those who were affected by the pandemic and also to celebrate the coming together of the town to support those people who were affected. A spokesman from the group said: “We would like to arrange for the planting of a Canadian

Sugar Maple (Acer Saccherum), to be surrounded by a circular metal bench with a brass plaque containing a few words about Ringwood’s experience of the pandemic. We will source a relatively mature specimen, the bench and the plaque.” The group pointed out that sugar maples are deciduous and can grow large so will suit a lone specimen. They produce yellow flowers in spring, green foliage throughout the summer, which turns through yellow to orange/red before falling in the autumn, with “helicopter” seeds also produced. While not native, they are quite widely planted in the UK as ornamental trees. The spokesman added: “We would prefer this to be located in the south-western portion of the Carvers recreation ground, to allow passers by on the footpath to linger in the vicinity of the tree. We are happy that the town council specifies the precise location consistent with its overall plan for the recreation ground

and would accept another location if the council decides that this is not appropriate.” If the council is in agreement with the principle, the group said it would proceed further with the project with a view to planting taking place in 2022. The outline cost would be £2,500 for the bench, £50 for the plaque and £300 for the tree. Members of the recent Ringwod Town Council Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee agreed to support the proposal. It is recommending to officers that two sites could be suitable for the tree – The War Memorial Garden and the south-west quadrant of Carvers Recreation Ground. In addition, sugar maple was agreed subject to expert advice as to whether it would be suitable in those locations or if an alternative variety should be recommended. The committee asked the group to bring a detail proposal back to the committee.

Two people arrested after aggravated burglary Officers have arrested two people in connection with an aggravated burglary in the Ringwood area. It comes after an occupant of a residential property on Willow Drive reported that two people entered their flat at around 6.24am on Sunday 12 September. The victim was assaulted and threatened, before a quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen from the premises. A 40-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman from Ringwood were located in a vehicle nearby and were both subsequently arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. They were later released under investigation, pending further police enquiries.

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Solicitors merge Meesons Solicitors in Ringwood and Spurlings Solicitors in Christchurch are very excited to announce the merger of their two firms. This will bring two long-established, and well-respected, solicitors’ firms together, and enable them to provide an even better service to their clients in the Hampshire and Dorset area. The merged practice will offer a comprehensive range of legal services, that can deal with all your legal requirements in relation to Wills, Probate, Family, Employment, Dispute Resolution and Residential Property. They will continue to operate from the existing offices in Ringwood, Christchurch and Mudeford, under the name of ‘Meesons and Spurlings’. The directors of the new alliance will be Edward Holmes, Ruth Lucas and Tamasine Whitbread (nee Spurling).

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

Tamasine will continue to practice in Christchurch and Mudeford with the added benefit of offering Dispute Resolution and Family services while Edward and his team will continue to be based in Ringwood covering all the surrounding areas. Edward Holmes said: “I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to join together two firms with a common clientfocussed philosophy. We are all looking forward to the opportunities this affords us not only to offer an even better service to our clients, but also to expand the range of legal services we can offer.”

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Ringwood’s first Eco-Fair is a huge success On Saturday 11 September, Ringwood hosted its first ever Eco-Fair event to raise awareness of how communities can take steps to become more sustainable. Despite being rearranged several times due to the pandemic, the event finally went ahead at The Furlong shopping centre and outside the Gateway, with talks about conservation, sustainability tips and alternative technologies in the Ringwood Meeting House. Mary DeBoos, from RACE, said: “Due to Covid-19 it feels like we were planning this event forever. We were delighted to have the opportunity to share hints, tips and knowledge with the people of the Ringwood area to help everyone do

a little bit (or more) to help tackle climate change.” Organised by the Rotary Club of Ringwood and Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE), the inaugural Eco-Fair is hopefully just the first of many with another one currently being planned for Saturday 21 May 2022. Charlotte Reed, marketing manager at The Furlong commented: “On behalf of the shopping centre and all our businesses here, we were delighted to support this community event. Many of our shops are passionate about tackling climate change and it was great to see everyone really get behind the activities, including live soap making workshops from our Love to b store.”

Soap making

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Forest Forge Theatre Company starts new season Forest Forge Theatre Company is starting a new season with a full programme of theatre performance and participation. The Ringwood-based company is hoping to build on the success of its July show, Joy, which was created and performed by its Youth Theatre. The company offers the chance for young people aged 7-18 years the chance to learn skills and performance from theatre professionals, and has recently launched Saturday morning drama groups for children aged 7-12, where they can build confidence and selfesteem, create art, express themselves and have fun. The Young Company, which welcomes people aged

18-25 who are looking for the next step towards creating theatre independently, will also be returning. The group operates with the support of the Forest Forge team. For the older aspiring thespian, the Act Your Age adult drama group for over 55s provides an encouraging environment where stories can be created. New members are always welcome, and no experience is necessary. If you would rather just watch, there will also be performances by

visiting companies. Forest Forge Theatre’s creative learning director, Lucy Phillips, said: “It feels so good to be back in our amazing theatre space. Online offered us connection during the pandemic, but you can’t beat the atmosphere, creativity, and fun that comes

from being in the room together. At Forest Forge we are all about inclusion, and care about every single person that comes through those doors. Welcoming new and existing participants back into our space is a wonderful feeling and we are so excited for this new term.”

Act Your Age adult drama group

Planning matters 145 Crowe Lane, Crow, Ringwood: conversion of existing redundant out-building to tourist accommodation - planning permission was refused. Land rear of Bridge House, 21 West Street, Ringwood: full planning permission was granted subject to conditions to replace roof lights to east and west elevation of link building; installation of three inverter units with timber enclosures to south and east elevations and vent to west elevation. At the same address a Listed Building alteration was granted subject to conditions. 11 Broadshard Lane, Ringwood: proposed single and twostorey extension at rear, flat roof to gable end; front porch. Granted subject to conditions. Plot 21 (Unit 2) Hoburne Enterprise Park, Embankment Way, Ringwood: erection of a mezzanine floor to provide storage and ancillary office/staff area granted subject to conditions. 31 Denholm Close, Poulner, Ringwood: full planning permission granted subject to conditions for rear extension; raising of utility/wc roof.

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ringwood news NEWS IN BRIEF Care home for Ringwood New Forest District Council has granted permission – subject to conditions - for land off Hopclover Way, Ringwood to be developed into a new care home. Offices to flats New Forest District Council has received an application for change of use of first floor offices at 54, High Street, Fordingbridge to a two-bedroom flat. Gym evacuated after chlorine spill The David Lloyd gym in Ringwood was evacuated on 14 September following a chlorine spill. Three people were treated for minor injuries by paramedics at the scene before being discharged. Surf lagoon plans Developers have sought public opinion on their plans to build a surf lagoon on land in St Leonards, adjacent to Avon Heath Country Park. Ecological surveys have been carried out and plans are due to be submitted to Dorset Council later in the year.

New youth service for Ringwood This summer has seen a new youth service trialled in Ringwood. Funded by Ringwood Town Council and operated by charity Groundwork South, a Detached Youth Service was launched. This involves making contact with young people where they are, rather than from a particular building or service. The aim is to build relationships with the young people and provide informal social education, support, games and activities. Youth workers operate across designated areas specifically targeting hot spots as identified by the police and other services to help tackle anti-social behaviour. The two youth workers in Ringwood are also exploring ideas with young people who are not engaged in other formal activities in the town about potential activities that they

would like to take part in. This is a pilot service, although it is hoped that, if successful, further funding will be found. Craig Lockwood, project manager from Groundwork South, which operates similar services in other Hampshire towns, said: “We are thrilled to be operating in the beautiful town of Ringwood and can’t wait to support and guide the local youth into a brighter future and help build a stronger community. Our detached work in Eastleigh has helped to reduce anti-social behaviours, create positive pathways for young people and listen to the young residents’ views and wants. We can’t wait to do this in Ringwood over the coming months.” Acting police sergeant, Sarah Gulliver, said: “The Ringwood Policing Team is

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pleased to be supporting the new Detached Youth Service in the area and their important work in reaching out to young people. This type of youth work is not only beneficial for the young people themselves but for the community as a whole.”

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Around the world in 100 cake ingredients The Great British Bake Off winner Dr Rahul Mandal has created the world’s first ever cake to include 100 ingredients. The average cake tends to have between five and 10 ingredients, which most people will be familiar with – eggs, butter, sugar, flour and some kind of flavouring such as cocoa powder or vanilla extract. However, the shopping list for this cake reads like a vivid travel journal, taking travel-lovers through bustling spice markets, fascinating natural wonders, and into the heart of communities and kitchens around the world. Ingredients include peaches from Paraguay, tea from Taiwan and cinnamon

from the Seychelles. The cake, which weighs more than 50 kilos and stands over a metre in height, was commissioned by Love Home Swap for its 10th anniversary and was created to transport cake-lovers to their favourite holiday destinations and celebrate the travel industry’s optimism and resilience during the pandemic. Anyone brave enough to try to recreate the cake can find the recipe at www.lovehomeswap. com/100ingredientcake

GBBO winner Dr Rahul Mandal with the 100-ingredient cake

Barrington to open its doors in coming weeks By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk It has been closed for refurbishment for more than 18 months, but soon local people will be able to enjoy the facilities at the Barrington Centre in Ferndown. David Crook, who has been appointed general manager, said he hoped for an opening date at the end of October or beginning of November. That date hasn’t been fixed as some works are still continuing. “The bar and café which have been extensively refurbished will be the first to re-open,” said David, who added the centre would be bringing back some of the staff as well as employing new people. The Centre is run by the Ferndown Town Council management committee, to

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whom David is answerable. However, local people can be assured that David has huge experience in booking acts for the theatre, as previously he ran The Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester which was owned by the Northern Ballet School. “We had lots of music and comedy acts,” said David, adding that he will be contacting touring promoters to book shows. His priority as far as bookings for the Barrington are concerned is to bring back groups and organisations who had previously called the Ferndown centre their home. After around three to four months he will then be able to look at booking in new groups to fill in any gaps. David is determined

that the Barrington should accommodate the needs of the community. “Once the bar is open I will be all ears to suggestions about events we can hold in the bar and café as the service area is combined. I have a very open mind.” Initially the bar will be

open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus one other evening. Many of the former volunteers are eager to return to the popular centre, but if anyone else is interested they should email David at BarringtonCentreGM@ ferndown.gov.uk

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foodie news

Shad filming ‘on location’ at the restaurant with Bournemouth University

INDIA COTTAGE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Restaurants across the country are reporting the extent of the crisis enveloping the curry restaurant sector so it’s positive to hear that closer to home India Cottage in Ringwood is celebrating 40 years in business. The family-owned restaurant was opened in Ringwood on 4 October 1981 by Muhammed Mannan and his wife Momotaz. Now in the ownership of son, Sadeq, aka Shad, the restaurant has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A plaque to mark the occasion is placed at the entrance of the restaurant and it seems a long while since Muhammed and Momotaz first opened the doors of India Cottage in the Eighties. They have five children: Shah, Parvin, Sadeq, Emran and Nasrin. Shad, studied at Brockenhurst College and Salisbury University, and with a business and marketing degree under his belt he returned to a life he knew and loved. In 1991 Shad took over from his father and became the owner of India Cottage. He has since taken the restaurant from strength-to-strength and 30 years later India Cottage is thriving. Lockdown created many challenges for the Indian restaurant industry, as it did for every restaurant owner, and Shad invested wisely in his outdoor space. Combining the indoors with the outdoors, he has created a heated al fresco dining area. The open fire setting provides a relaxed ambience for an evening with friends, family or business colleagues. As well as this there is a unique beach hut experience where diners can connect to their own music and

stay warm when eating their meals. At India Cottage, the family plays an important part in the restaurant’s history. Shad’s father, Muhammed was born in Sylhet, Bangladesh and arrived in Euston in London in 1963. Five years later he went back to Bangladesh and got married to Momotaz before returning to the UK and settling down in Ringwood with his family. India Cottage was opened during an era when the exciting flavours from the Indian Subcontinent had experienced

a boom in Britain and the industry was growing rapidly. The restaurant soon had a loyal customer base and some diners from the 1980s still eat there today. Shad said: “Forty years, who would’ve thought? We couldn’t have done this without the support from our loving customers and staff. Long may India Cottage continue serving the community.” While the 40th anniversary was a family affair, the real celebration will take place on New Year’s Eve when customers will get the chance to celebrate in a party atmosphere.

India Cottage celebrates 40 years

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foodie news / most of us are sorry for what we said when we were hungry.

Southern Indian pumpkin, curry s es r c er t a w d n a er w lo f cauli With Halloween fast approaching, and the supermarkets overflowing with pumpkins, you might be tempted to find different ways to cook with them, as well as carve them for decorations. This warming curry from the Watercress Company (www. watercress.co.uk) in collaboration with Dorset chef Suze Morrison is perfect comfort food for an autumn supper, and will help keep your immune system healthy as it’s loaded with nutrients too. Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: • 3 tbsp coconut oil

Method: cut into 2cm cubes

• 1 tbsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 12 curry leaves

• 1 tsp mild curry powder

• 2 tsp cumin seeds • 1 onion, finely chopped

• 400ml can coconut milk, full fat

• 1 green chilli, finely chopped

• 200g peas • 50g watercress

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 20g coriander

• 1 thumb ginger, minced

• 10g mint

• ½ cauliflower, florets

• Lemon wedges, toasted coconut and rice to serve

• 1 small pumpkin or squash,

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Heat the oil over a medium heat in a large pan. Add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and cumin seeds and cook for 1-2 minutes or until they sizzle.

Add the onions and cook for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Add in the garlic, chilli and ginger and mix until fragrant. Tumble in the pumpkin and cauliflower along with the spices and stir to coat.

Cook for 2 minutes or until toasted, then pour in the coconut milk. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender.

Blend the watercress, coriander and mint with a splash of water to form a paste. Stir this paste through the curry along with the peas. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce is rich, thick and fragrant.

Taste and add salt and lemon juice to season. Serve topped with toasted coconut and extra herbs with lemon wedges on the side.

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foodie news

It’s partytime! By Marilyn Barber You may not ‘wish it could be Christmas everyday’ but it will be here soon enough, and if you haven’t booked your dinners and parties don’t delay as calendars are filling up faster than you can say ‘mince pies’. Let’s look at the different options you could consider. A group of friends Meeting for a lunch or dinner in the lead up to Christmas is a great way to catch up with those you might not have seen much recently. Either a pub or a cosy restaurant would make ideal venues. The venue will usually provide a menu and ask diners to book their choices before the day. Be warned, it is likely that very few of your party will remember their menu choice, so the organiser is advised to keep a record of what everyone has ordered. Family Catering for extended family can be a nightmare for those unused to cooking for a big

group, so why not let a hotel or restaurant do all the hard work? What a treat to wake up on Christmas morning knowing that job is someone else’s problem, and you can simply enjoy the family gathering. Office parties If you work for a big company, the chances are the office party will be organised for you, but if your organisation is small, you might like to join other companies in a Christmas party night at a hotel. That way you will probably be able to enjoy drinks on arrival, streamers, crackers and most importantly a disco. Do-it-yourself If you’ve decided to hire a hall or to have a party at home, you will need to make the room look festive. Think party hats, crackers and table decorations such as mini Christmas trees, bauble trees and even animated reindeer. You could even invite your guests to dress as elves or snowmen!

Allergy alert If you are organising a ‘do’, make sure you check if your guests have any allergies. Restaurants, pubs and hotels can ensure there is something suitable for every diner.

teetotal, as it makes the start of the evening a bit special, and ensures you get home safely. But do book well in advance. Have fun.

Getting home Police forces across the country run pre-Christmas and New Year drink driving campaigns, and the Dorset and Hampshire forces are no exception. Don’t take any risks as one drink can so easily lead to another. And although there are usually one or two people who are happy to be the designated drivers, it really isn’t fair to have them motoring all over the area late at night, dropping off their friends and family. A taxi has to be the sensible answer, even if you are

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around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Events The details of the events below are accurate at the time of going to press but will be subject to any government regulations in place at the time of the event. Check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk 16-23 October Wimborne Green Festival includes Eco Fair, apple pressing and a Repair Café workshop. Visit the Wimborne Green Festival Facebook page for programme and booking details as they become available. 16 October 10am – 4pm WDCA Eco Fair at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne 16 October 7.30pm Bournemouth Folk Club St Ambrose Church at the top of Alum Chine in Westbourne presents Midnight Skyracer. For more information or to book, visit https:// bournemouthfolkclub.com/ 16 October 10.30am-3pm Broadstone Musical Market in centre of Broadstone. Craft and produce stalls, prize shop trail and music throughout the day. 19 October 8pm Wimborne Civic Society meeting at the Quarterjack Room, Allendale Centre, Mrs Pauline Crump will talk on Portland and the Stone Industry. £1 for members, £3 for visitors. 23 October 11am-noon Love your Planet? Say it Loud and Proud art workshop at Museum of East Dorset for ages 5-11. Book at museum. 24 October 7.30pm Fundraiser for the Afghanistan crisis emergency appeal at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne showcasing local performers including Catherine Gray, Evelyn Walsh, Lily Meads, Paul Michael singing Pavarotti and children’s entertainer Jules. MC Johnny Hanrahan. Tickets £5.50 adults, children free. Reservations 01202 887247. 24 October 10am-4pm Railway Exhibition (7mm scale) at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, BH21 1AS. Traders, test track for visitors to use. Display of operating Hornby Tinplate. Admission £5, accompanied young children free. Pay and display car park. Café open for refreshments. 30 October 2.30pm Sunrise, Sunset, charity concert in aid of the new Macmillan unit at Christchurch Hospital at St Martin’s Church, West Moors. Francesco and Daniela in quartet with Dianne and Christopher accompanied by John Porter. Tickets £6 from Brewer and Brewer or online at www.urc-eastdoret.org.uk

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

30 October Jonny Fluffypunk presents a new little show for families, with poetry, puppetry, story and song at Sturminster Marshall. Further information including start times and ticket booking links, can be found by visiting www.artsreach.co.uk 30 October 10am Launch of Ferndown Poppy Appeal in the town centre precinct, Pennys Walk. 4-15 November 10am-4.30pm BraveArt 15 art exhibition at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Poole. A wide variety of work from 11 artists will be on display – including pastels, ink drawings, lino cut prints, water colour, acrylic and oil paintings. Framed and unframed work and cards will be for sale. Free entry. 5 November 4-7.15pm Free fireworks display on Poole Quay 5 November 7.30pm The Real Housewives of Codswallop at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Girls’ night out show. Tickets from 01202 887247 or www.theallendale.org 5 and 6 November 9.30-12.30pm Traidcraft autumn event at Verwood United Reformed Church (next to the library). Fairly traded food, gift items, and Christmas cards to buy / view and order, catalogues to browse and Fairtrade refreshments available. 6 November Bournemouth fireworks at Littledown Centre, Bournemouth. Displays at 7pm, 8pm ad 9pm plus giant funfair and live music. 7 November 10-4pm Wimborne & District Community Association Food Fair at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Free entry. 11 November 10.45am Armistice Day. Open air service at the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance in Church Road, Ferndown. 14 November 11am Remembrance Day. 14 November 2.30pm Remembrance Sunday parade in Ferndown will start at Peter Grant Way in the afternoon with service at 3pm at St Mary’s Church. Wimborne parade is also in the afternoon. 19 November – 9 December 10-4pm CAD Arts Christmas Boutique at The Hayloft Gallery, 14, Wick Lane, Christchurch, BH23 1HX.

The Earth moved at Moors Valley

Attracting crowds of visitors, Gaia, Luke Jerram’s extraordinary Earth installation visited Moors Valley Country Park and Forest from 17 to 19 September as part of this year’s Activate Performing Arts’ Inside Out Dorset festival.

Royal British Legion centenary parade The Royal British Legion Dorset will commemorate its centenary with a parade in Bournemouth on Saturday 16 October. The parade will feature two bands and the members and standards from Royal British Legion branches across the county, joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, and representatives from the councils, MPs, the armed services, cadet corps,

ex-services associations and the civilian services. The parade will leave the Pier Precinct at 1.30pm and march via the Lower and Central Gardens to the war memorial, where wreaths will be laid before walking to a commemoration service at St Peter’s Church. This will start at 2.45pm, and a new Dorset County Standard will be dedicated.

Fordingbridge Players on tour The Fordingbridge Players are returning for their first live productions since the start of the pandemic. They will perform two light-hearted, short plays on 14 October at Damerham Village Hall and 15-16 October at St Mary’s Church Hall, Fordingbridge. The plays are: Airfield by Bob Tucker about a real fly-by-night outfit, Young Yettie Airways. No hospitality, no departure lounge, not even any seats, and the plane might have to fly via Dublin

to get to Barcelona... or is there something else afoot? A Slight Misunderstanding by Adrian Dale – a comedy of confusion when members arrive at a women’s guild meeting to run a jumble sale, and others to demonstrate unusual skills. To add to the chaos, an eccentric outsider comes to talk about flower arranging without flowers. Be prepared for a surprise ending. Tickets available from www. fordingbridgeplayers.org.uk or Jessica’s, Fordingbridge: 01425 652395.

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around & about

New festive celebrations in Christchurch

Christchurch will celebrate window opens – just as in a the festive season this normal Advent calendar. year in a different way, with The event is being the Christchurch Living organised by Christchurch Advent Calendar (CLAC). Rotary, with administration Every evening from 1 costs being covered by a to 24 December, a door generous grant from the or window will open at Primrose Trust Charity. 6.15pm somewhere in Local businesses can also Christchurch town centre for sponsor a specific evening a surprise 30-minute pop– for information email up performance – except christchurchlivingadvent@ on Christmas Eve, when gmail.com. the performance will be in Full details of venues, Saxon Square at 2pm. charities and sponsors will be Admission to performances available at christchurchliving is free, and there is no need to adventcalendar.org.uk pre-book. Each performance from mid-November. will be in support of a different local charity, with a raffle and freewill collection for those who wish to donate. The venues will be announced in advance, but the performer(s) will not be revealed A previous Christmas in Christchurch until the door or

Fundraiser for Afghanistan crisis

A fundraiser for the Afghanistan crisis emergency appeal will take place at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne. Organised by Warren Brown from Ferndown, it will showcase local performers including Catherine Gray, Evelyn Walsh, Lily Meads, Paul Michael singing Pavarotti and children’s entertainer Jules. MC will be Johnny Hanrahan. The concert will be on 24 October at 7.30pm. Tickets £5.50 adults, children free. Reservations 01202 887247.

Let there be Lights! Salisbury Cathedral’s hugely popular immersive light and sound spectacular returns in a blaze of glory this winter. Sarum Lights: Heaven and Earth, with all new content created by artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper of Luxmuralis, opens on Tuesday 9 November and runs until Saturday 13 November. As dusk falls, you are invited to make your way around an astonishing series of abstract displays that transport you from sunrise to sunset, immersed in the beauty of planet earth and the universe. The family friendly display uses images and music to create eight zones, which remind us what an amazing world we live in on the West Front, in the cloisters and in the cathedral itself. The 40-minute show is taking place during the final week of the

UN Climate Summit (COP26), a timely celebration of the wonders of Heaven and Earth. The event sold out after just three nights last year so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment! Advance tickets are £9 for adults and £6 for children under 16 with under 3s free - plus a special family ticket is available for £26 (2 adults and 2 children). Book at https://bit.ly/3obARVR

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around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Adventure fun day raises over £3,000 Opened by the town mayor Cllr Mrs Kelly Webb, an adventure fun day on Wimborne’s Minster Green in aid of the Minster Makes Music Appeal raised more than £3,000 for charity. Anthony Oliver, the Minster press officer and one of the small group who organised the event, said: “A

fantastic day was had by all, the sun shone, there were smiling faces all round and the money flowed. A fundraising occasion full of happy people, glad of some freedom at last.” Two highlights of the event were the climbing wall and teddy bear zip dive. The Dorset Youth Marching Band under the direction

of Simon Wheeler provided music during the day, as did Radio Wimborne. As well as stalls raising money for the Minster, several charities had fundraising stalls for their own good causes. These included Wimborne in Bloom, Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne and the Children’s Society.

Mini Steam and Vintage Day at Wimborne Model Town

Joseph Brown with engine driver Paul Ritchie

Hundreds of people enjoyed the late summer sunshine when Wimborne Model Town re-launched its Mini Steam and Vintage Day. Visitors enjoyed trailer rides given by mini steam traction engines with a miniature showman engine and an organ adding to the atmosphere. Complimentary rides were also available around the Wimborne area on a classic yellow 1950 Leyland Titan bus. Retro Rita supplied the

period vocal entertainment and the crowd were able to appreciate a line-up of vintage vehicles and motorbikes in the surrounding grounds while the model town’s own railway team launched their new model tramway. Greg Hoar, the organiser, said: “It has been a great way to end such a busy summer period at the Model Town. We are very grateful for the support of many heritage transport enthusiasts and to our own volunteers in giving their time to make this such an enjoyable event for our visitors.”

Halloween drama date revised

Ferndown Drama went a little ahead of themselves when they announced recently that they were putting on their first new drama for nearly two years. The production, which is very low-key revue with a Halloween/horror theme, will be staged on Saturday 23 October and not 23 January 2022 as previously published. A much more seasonal date! It will be produced at Ferndown Village Hall and tickets at £5 are available on 01202 897855. There will be a licensed bar, but bring your own nibbles.

Wellbeing by the Lakes With a wealth of health and wellness experiences to sample, Wellbeing by the Lakes 2021 proved to be a huge success, with some 3,000 people attending over five days in September. Taking place at Sculpture by the Lakes, this festival combined the tranquillity and beauty of its surroundings with a programme of expert talks and panels, guided meditations, fitness and movement classes, art workshops, sound baths and healing therapies. Festival-goers could create their own bespoke experience and creative types could try their hands on the pottery wheel, at paper crafting, or making floral crowns. The Riverside Stage hosted an eclectic and inspiring mix of speakers including soughtafter shaman to the A-list, Jo Bowlby, Kirsty Gallagher,

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

author of the Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller Lunar Living: working with the magic of the moon cycles, Jillian Lavender, the meditation guru to whom city high flyers turn to keep calm, and founder of the Blue Tits cold water swim club Sian Richardson. Plans are already underway for Wellbeing by the Lakes 2022.

Wheel thrown pottery: artist Stephen Yates gives expert tuition

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in the home

Autumn jobs around the home By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

As the season changes, and we begin to start thinking about battening down the hatches for the colder weather, it’s also time to do those jobs that will save you strife in the long run and ensure you’re warm and cosy throughout autumn and winter. Clear out your gutters Blocked gutters can divert water into your roof, causing damage, or clog your drains, making flooding more likely. Removing fallen leaves and other debris from your gutters will keep your downpipe flowing freely and water tracking where you want it to go. Check your roof If you’re confident that you know what you’re doing, and you have the correct equipment, check your roof for any broken or missing tiles, and make sure there are no leaks. You can also get a professional in to do this job – it’s much more cost-effective to fix any problems as they arise and before more damage is caused. Check your windows Make sure your window seals are intact to keep the cold and wet weather outside. If you are considering changing your windows – upgrading from single-glazing to doubleglazing, for example – now is a good time, before the winter really sets in.

heating as the temperatures drop, and this will ensure it’s safe for you and your family too. While you’re thinking about safety, make sure you have working smoke and CO2 alarms fitted in your home. Clean your carpets Make the most of the last of the warmer weather to have your carpets cleaned, when you can still leave windows or doors open to help them dry out. Prepare your garden for winter Cover or put away any garden furniture you won’t be using and, if you have a deck, check it for any damage. Frost can make cracks worse, so it’s best to fix them before it gets cold. Trim bushes and hedges and prepare your garden for winter. If you’re not planning on planting in your beds, clear them and cover them with a weed control fabric – this will stop the weeds growing, and will also help the soil to warm more quickly come spring.

Have your chimney swept If you are planning to use a log burner or open fire, it’s important to have your chimney swept, especially after a period of it not being used. Ash build-up or bird nests can cause chimney fires, so making sure your chimney is clear means you can light your fire with confidence. Service your boiler An annual service of your boiler will make sure it is running well – the last thing you want is to find you have no hot water or please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need. ASBESTOS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

DECORATING

CHIMNEY SWEEP

LANDSCAPING

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

FENCING

COMPUTER SERVICES

FURNITURE RESTORATION

CHARTERED SURVEYOR

LANDSCAPING

OLD TOYS

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specialist services PICTURE FRAMING

PLUMBING

ROOFING

PLUMBING

TREE SURGERY

Keeping the coast clean A group of 18 volunteers including founder of Clean Jurassic Coast, Roy Beal and team member Louis Pulford, carried out a litter pick at Studland beach on 19 September. Almost 13 kilos of rubbish, mainly plastic and cigarette butts, but also including a large cool box, were collected. Viewpoint editor Janine Pulford and her husband Nick joined the volunteers. Janine said: “We walked nearly 8,000 steps and my oddest find was a car lightbulb, which looked to be in working order.” Any hard plastic found is recycled. Among the volunteers were Ros and Nick from London, who wanted to join a Dorset litter pick. They were on holiday in Swanage and when they

discovered there was a litter picking event at Studland they joined up and afterwards said they would do it again. Roy Beal has recently received a Points of Light award from the government, recognising him as an

outstanding volunteer who is making a change in his community. Roy set up Clean Jurassic Coast to clear litter and plastic pollution from the East Devon and Dorset coast and help preserve the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit Clean Jurassic Coast to find out more about this environmental community interest company and when the next litter pick will be held at www. cleanjurassiccoast.uk

Volunteers with Roy Beal (front), Londoners Nick and Ros centre back in hats

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- Advertisement feature -

How a Broadview pergola creates the perfect outdoor entertainment space As homeowners seek to make their garden – rather than their living space – the ultimate hosting area, Poolebased Broadview Shading Solutions have seen a large increase in people enquiring about their modern, stylish pergolas – and demand is not slowing down. They’ve had the privilege of installing their pergolas in a whole host of stunning gardens across the south and it’s almost impossible to pick their favourite installation from the last year, but a particularly special one was carried out on a local property in Branksome Park. With its fully automated, louvred roof, stylishly cladded side, and flat screen TV-style heaters, Broadview created

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

the ultimate outside space in which to host friends and family for its client. With the addition of two translucent ZIP screens and mobile app control, which means the homeowner can adjust the position of the louvres from their phone, the pergola is the ultimate in outdoor living. Ian Pratt, director of Broadview Residential Shading Solutions, commented: “Transforming gardens into contemporary outside entertainment areas gives our team a great sense of pride and satisfaction. We go above and beyond to ensure every single installation is fitted exactly to specification, so the client has an area that they can be proud to show to their friends and

family. Investing in outdoor living not only adds value to your home but can also offer benefits for your wellbeing.” If you’d like to discuss the idea of transforming

your outside space, please call 01202 679012, pop into the showroom on the Nuffield Industrial Estate or visit the website at www. patioandgardenshading.co.uk

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Changes to the Highway Code

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VIEWPOINT October 2021

Two new rules have been added to the Highway Code, and a further 33 rules have been amended in an update to the laws for motorists. The new rules include clearer advice on how to use smart motorways:

• on motorways and other highspeed roads, the safest place to stop is a service area

Rule 270 states: • emergency areas are located along motorways without hard shoulders or where the hard shoulder is used some of the time as an extra lane • how to recognise an emergency area • emergency areas are for emergency use only Rule 275 will ensure motorists understand: • a place of relative safety is where the people and vehicles involved in a breakdown or other incident are less likely to be at risk from moving traffic • the safest place to stop in the event of a breakdown or incident is a location which is designed for parking

• hard shoulders provide less protection than other places of relative safety

• other places of relative safety on motorways and other high-speed roads include lay-bys, emergency areas and hard shoulders

The other rules have been updated to provide further guidance on the importance of not driving in a lane marked by a red X, the use of variable speed limits to manage congestion and updated information about key factors contributing to safety-related incidents such as unroadworthy vehicles, tailgating and driving in roadworks. All updates to the Highway Code can be found at www. gov.uk/guidance/thehighway-code/updates

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Viewpoint October 2021

Articles inside

India Cottage celebrates 40 years