Viewpoint September 2020 by Dorset View

Oly and Roy approaching Durdle Door on the Swim Jurassic Coast challenge photo © Louis Pulford

Mid September 2020 Volume 44, Issue 11

2 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

VIEWPOINT

Volume 44 • Issue 11 • September 2020

Dear readers

MAGS4DORSET

Whilst accepting we are in no way ‘out of the woods’ as far as the pandemic is concerned, six months since the start of lockdown, it is worth reflecting on any positives this ‘new normal’ has created. I think most of us would agree that it has given us the chance to explore our own locality. Having grown up in Wimborne, I’ve re-discovered childhood haunts, which in some cases have grown exponentially thanks to the creation of new footpaths. And we have not only got to know our neighbours a bit better, most people say hello and thank you when you step aside in order to pass them on country and town walks. My garden looks different. In the eyes of a horticulturalist not necessarily better, but I like it. The scattering of wild flower seeds that had been lurking in my office for some time, produced some interesting, if not neat, borders. The shed is tidier. Well I can at last step into it without rakes, spades and loppers falling over and threatening to chop off my toes. And now, the easing of lockdown has made us appreciate the returning activities that we took for granted. Over the years I have been lucky enough to go to many local theatres to see both professional and amateur performances. And I have missed it dreadfully. However, the Allendale Centre in Wimborne is featuring folk music on Friday evenings, and at the end of August I enjoyed a concert by the Polly Morris Band. It was held in the main hall, but we were all socially distanced and the doors were open to create the necessary ventilation. Roll on the re-opening of the Tivoli and the Regent.

Marilyn Barber 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 Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 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 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

LOGISTICS

Mike Talbot Alexandra O’Neill

Picture of the month Seal visits Bowleaze Cove to the everyone’s delight © K Jayasekera

How to contact us 01202 870270 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset/

Copy date 18 SEPT 2020

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.mags4dorset.co.uk

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

Action4Alderholt continues to fight development People in Alderholt are becoming concerned about the possible development of the 13 plus acre field at the old Cross Farm. This field is currently owned by a trust and they (not the previous or present occupants of the farm house) have currently offered it to the Highwood Group based in Romsey with a view to development. The field has very limited access to Sandleheath Road but runs behind many of the bungalows on Station Road. Action4Alderholt say they fear the developers might try to put an access road onto Station Road by purchasing an existing property for demolition. A spokesman said, “This is yet another attempt to over develop our village and should be resisted by every possible means. We are all well aware of the lack of infrastructure in Alderholt from the quality of the roads, lack of local employment, overstretched schooling and medical services – the list goes on and on. All of this, in my opinion, makes such developments completely unsustainable.” He said that both Dorset Council and

4 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

the parish council have declared a climate emergency, which involves cutting carbon emissions from excessive car journeys as well as ensuring low carbon use in dwellings. The spokesman added, “Action4Alderholt is represented on the committee writing a Neighbourhood Plan for Alderholt but that will take some time to formulate and meanwhile the latest news from Robert Jenrick (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government) is hardly reassuring. Proposals for the new Dorset Local Plan are due to be published in September. The already increasing traffic around Pressey’s Corner is causing problems and the ‘pinch points’ on Bowerwood Road (leading to our nearest town) seriously need attention. The trouble there, is that the problem is in Hampshire – not Dorset, and Hampshire are already planning some 900 new homes in Fordingbridge adding even further to the problems of providing education, medical and general shopping services for our village.”

County Councillor David Tooke, who is on the Strategic Planning Forum for Dorset, said, “I have had discussions with the Cabinet Member For Planning, David Walsh, who said that he and the committee developing the new local plan did not agree with the old East Dorset assessment and did not feel that Alderholt was a good site for large housing development – infrastructure, roads, lack of employment, effects on climate change with necessary increased commuting were just a few of the reasons cited.” Mr Tooke added that Cllr Walsh’s comment was not the same as saying Alderholt was safe from development and no decision had yet been made. Helen Jackson transport policy manager said, “Based upon the fact that this parcel of land isn’t currently identified within the village envelope, this would suggest that it is in a less suitable location for creating suitable walking and cycling links connecting to the village when compared to sites within the identified village envelope.”

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Family tribute to a fantastic father

The family of a man from St Leonards who very sadly died at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision near Wimborne has paid tribute to an “incredible loving person and a fantastic father.” Daniel Williams, aged 40, died on 18 August following a twovehicle collision on Blandford Road near Kingston Lacy involving a white BMW 114i and a white Skoda Fabia. Daniel Williams’ family said in their tribute, “Daniel will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends. Daniel was the most incredible loving person and a fantastic father to his young children who he loved dearly. “Daniel was a loving man with a kind heart and the funniest sense of humour, he was always happy with an infectious smile. He did all he could to make others happy and would always put himself out to help others and nothing was too much trouble. “Daniel has left a huge hole in everyone’s lives and will be sorely missed.” Very sadly, the other driver, a woman aged in her 50s from Warminster, also died at the scene. Sergeant Nikki Burt, of the traffic unit, added, “Our thoughts are with the families of both of those who very sadly died in this collision and they are being supported by officers.” An investigation into the collision is on-going.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

6 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Radio Ha-ha!

An internet comedy radio station, created by Dorset-raised entrepreneur Clive Exton, could give you a pick-me-up if you need a laugh. Radio Ha-Ha! is now celebrating its 5th year of broadcasting around the world. After being continually frustrated by the lack of comedy available to listen to whilst on the go, Exton decided to create his own source of listening. He said, “Being stuck in a traffic jam when you need to be somewhere can really raise the blood pressure – comedy can bring it right back down!” You can tune in to www.radiohaha.co.uk where they play nonstop comedy, 24 hours a day.

VJ Day marked by town council West Moors Town Council held a short service on 15 August to mark VJ Day 75. This day remembers Japan’s surrender, in the wake of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs, which drew a close to all hostilities in the Second World War. Prayers and introductions were read by the Rev Andy Muckle just before 11am and this was followed by a two-minute silence. Vice chairman of the council, Cllr Alex Clarke laid a wreath on the War Memorial and this was followed by the Cry for Peace around the world, performed by Iain Mitchell, the town crier. A public gathering could not be organised due to Covid-19.

Increase in users to advice service The Advice Team, operated by Dorset’s disability charity Diverse Abilities, has seen a 20 per cent increase in service requests. After launching a telephone advice service in early 2019, enquiries are up almost 91 per cent after increasing its hours due to popular demand. Benefit clients increased 12 per cent over the same period of the 2019/20 financial year. Diverse Abilities Advice Team offers assistance with benefit applications, drafting of appeal submissions and representation at Tribunal hearings, along with the drafting of Lasting Power of Attorney. Elaine Ewing, advice service manager, commented,

“Our advisors are experienced and supportive when helping people in often overwhelming situations. Applying for disability benefits and preparing legal documentation for appeals can be a

daunting task, so we strive to do everything we can in order to make the process as seamless as possible.” Visit diverseabilities. org.uk/advice for more details or call 0300 330 5514 between 9am and 1.30pm on weekdays.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

Book reveals top rugby players connection with club

Whilst rugby supporters will have mourned the loss of the game during the end of the last season, people in New Milton are able to reflect on the success of their local club with the publication of a new book. Malcolm Mecklenburgh, Nick

8 |

Mussert and Philip Hutton, former players, have written the history of the first 50 years (1924-73) of New Milton and District Rugby Football Club, one of the oldest in Hampshire and Dorset. And to their surprise they discovered that it was older than

VIEWPOINT September 2020

originally thought, with the first game having been played in 1924, three years before the traditionally accepted date of its founding. That game was played on New Milton recreation ground against a BBC XV from London, captained by the noted musician Dan Godfrey. He was the son of Sir Dan Godfrey, founder of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who lived locally. The game was, apparently, a ‘how-doyou-do’ affair and ended when someone removed the posts. England and British Lions winger Jim Reeves and Scotland international Drummond St Clair Ford both turned out for the club in the 1920s, as did Ken Goldschmidt who was capped by the Barbarians. Author Mecklenburgh said, “We have included

some of the great stories including the time a player was arrested on the pitch, other brushes with the law and a notorious trip to Twickenham,” added Mecklenburgh. As well as some of the more light-hearted stories generated usually by post-match celebration, the book details those players who died in the Second World War. These included Simon Trestrail, the son of the club’s first president, Major Alfred Trestrail, himself a soldier who was mentioned three times

in despatches during the Great War and was awarded a DSO. Now the authors are researching the second 50 years and would welcome any information from former players, opponents or anyone else connected with the club. New Milton and District RFC now run three senior sides and booming mini and youth sections. The book costs £15 (£20 when posted) and can be purchased by email from Malcolm Mecklenburgh on mmecklenburgh@ btinternet.com.

L-R, Philip Hutton, Malcolm Mecklenburgh and Nick Mussert

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Swim Jurassic raises hope for the future “This may be the biggest swim I’ve ever done, but it’s not about swimming, it is about raising awareness of the problems of plastic waste and the effect it has on our environment.” These are the words of local plasterer, Oly Rush, just before he started on his mammoth 96-mile swim from Exmouth to Studland on 26 August. The long-distance swim is to raise funds and awareness of the

issues that are plaguing the coastline of the UK’s only World Heritage site – the Jurassic Coast. Oly chose to swim along the length of coastline that he regularly cleans in his spare time. He remains vigilant as a beach cleaner throughout the year and says his favourite spot is Chapman’s Pool in Worth Matravers. This remote coastal area could easily be ruined by plastic if it wasn’t for volunteers like Oly who Oly swimming through Pulpit Rock, Portland accompanied by Roy

spend hours collecting and removing it, along with other litter, from the shore. On his swim, Oly’s friend and fellow beach cleaner, Roy Beale, has kayaked alongside him, keeping him safe, motivated and well fed. Roy operates cleanjurassicacoast.uk, a group of like minded individuals who have banded together to help keep the coast clean from rubbish by doing regular beach cleans along the Jurassic Coast. At the time of going to print Oly had swum through Durdle Door and had the last ‘leg’ of the Jurassic Coast in his

Roy Beale and Oly Rush at Charmouth, picking up litter on the journey

sights. It looked likely that he would complete the distance on 4 September, just after Viewpoint went to print. Oly had exceeded his target of £2,000 to raise for the charities Clean Jurassic Coast

and Go Pladdle prior to the start of the swim, but it’s not too late to donate, please follow the link: www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/ swimjurassic

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

Man arrested Since the beginning of August there has been an increase in theft from motor vehicles – predominantly work vans – in the Ringwood and Hythe areas. A man driving a blue Renault Megane was stopped by specialist officers on 26 August in Totton. A search of the vehicle revealed a range of tools linked to these burglaries. A 44-year-old man from Totton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

Burglary rates drop in Ringwood

An increase in police visibility and on-going stop and search checks resulted in a 25 per cent decrease in reported residential and commercialrelated burglaries in Ringwood and the surrounding areas from 16 July to 4 August. During this time there were 15 burglaries reported by members of the public to Hampshire Constabulary, compared to 20 burglaries from 26 June – 15 July. Specialist officers – alongside PCSOs – were deployed to patrol high-risk areas in order to deter suspicious activity and identify any offenders, as well as using stop and search powers to disrupt any suspicious or potential criminal activity. A number of cameras have recently been used to further enhance investigative opportunities relating to burglaries in the area.

Snap into action to report dangerous road users Following almost a year-long pilot, Hampshire Constabulary has launched Hants SNAP, where road users can submit footage of dangerous incidents via an online portal. This can be from a dashcam, head cam or other recording device that is being legally used. The footage must be reported within seven days, not be edited, must not have been deleted from your device, not shared on social media and should show footage either side of the incident. For further information and to submit footage visit https://hantssnap-police.egressforms.com or visit the Force website. In Dorset, the launch has been

named Operation Snap. The secure online facility allows submissions of video and photographic evidence relating to driving incidents that members of the public have witnessed. Operation Snap can only be used for submitting evidence of road traffic offences, not for sharing clips of road traffic collisions or any other crime. For more information or to submit your dashcam footage, please visit www. dorset.police.uk/OpSnap. To view the footage already submitted to Dorset Police visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=msm4CFNqWBU&t=8s

£5,600 worth of Class B drugs found in Fordingbridge Hampshire Constabulary officers seized £5,600 worth of Class B drugs on 28 August after executing a pre-planned drug warrant at a property on Riverside Place in Fordingbridge. Cannabis related to the suspected cultivation of drugs, and a number of mobile phones were seized. A 19-year-old man from Fordingbride was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug with the intent to supply.

The law of camping by Edward Holmes, Meesons Solicitors I have just returned from our annual but possibly last camping trip with my wife and Charlie our cockapoo. Our children have long since abandoned camping preferring to go abroad when possible and missing out on all the fun and games of the UK outdoor experience.

Finding a pitch

I have come to the conclusion, that when you go camping you need to know the law. When we arrived, we were told we could pitch our tent anywhere. We then spent the next 15 minutes disagreeing where the tent should go. Eventually we agreed and therefore did not need either Sarah Macey or Meriel Quian of our conveyancing team to say it was in the right place.

Erecting the tent

Have you ever watched a husband and wife team putting up a tent? You should have seen my wife and I battling through the wind and rain. A few terse comments passed between us with the politer ones being “why did you put that peg in now?” “Don’t tell me what to do,” and “Why did you let that pole go?” Eventually the tent was up and I didn’t need the services of Sue Barnes, our matrimonial expert.

Blowing up the airbed

This is always more difficult than you think and when you’ve finished, you feel half dead. However, it was managed without incident so there was no need to contact the Private Client team of Ruth Lucas and Fiona Clarke to make a will or deal with probate. The weekend was rather cold and as we left the campsite, my wife stopped the car, placed the tent in the bin and informed me that we are glamping next year! Please contact Meesons for all your legal needs now, whether you are camping or not.

10 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

- advertisement feature -

Upgrade your lifestyle with the perfect garden shading Your garden is a natural extension of your living space, somewhere to enjoy your own slice of nature with family and friends. With the right outdoor shading, you can get the most out of this valuable space and enjoy a more al-fresco lifestyle all year round.

Versatile Garden Awnings

Ideal for shading areas directly outside your home, garden awnings create flexible, meaningful spaces that allow you to utilise your garden in a number of ways, from al-fresco dining and relaxing with a favourite book (or tipple) to protecting the inside of your home from strong sunshine. Broadview awnings are available in a range of colours and styles so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home.

Stylish Pergolas

Unrivalled in their style and elegance, aluminium pergolas are a fantastic addition to any garden and provide the ultimate way to increase your living space without the hassle and expense of planning permission. The perfect place for positioning garden furniture, a BBQ or even a hot tub, your pergola will allow you to host unforgettable garden parties and also find a quiet place to enjoy some ‘me-time’.

Accessories

Take your chosen shading solution to the next level with Broadview’s range of exciting accessories, including LED lights, electric heaters, sliding glass panels and speakers. Why not indulge further and add automation so you can control your shading at the touch of a button? To arrange your free, no-obligation design consultation, contact Broadview today on 01202 679012.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 11

To advertise in Viewpoint call 01202 816140

MAGS4DORSET

Charity of the Year Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub Hi there and welcome Once again, I must thank mags4dorset for choosing ‘Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub’ as its charity of the year. Who was to know that lockdown would follow and our MS charity would lose its usual ways of fundraising and we would have to temporarily close our Hub at the Osborne Centre in Church Lane, West Parley. To help with fundraising mags4dorset is running a poetry competition. See below. Last month saw several ups and downs relating to the easing of lockdown. Unfortunately, many of our local MS family are still shielding. Our Hub offers local people

affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) physiotherapy, craft workshops, a library, hairdressing salon, support and advice. Prior to the pandemic, the Hub was open three days a week. We are looking forward to reopening soon and anxiously await the necessary health and safety guidance. We have some new and exciting ideas for when we reopen. In the meantime, our “communications” team of volunteers continues to keep in touch. We are always at the end of the phone. Just call 01202 570300. Ansafone messages are picked up. Looking forward to seeing you all soon and keep smiling. Rod Slip Chairman

POETRY COMPETITION - £50 total prize money To help raise funds for the Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub, mags4dorset is running a poetry competition. The closing date is 30 October 2020. Poems should not exceed 25 lines, and be about the Effects of 2020, or Litter. Cash prizes. There is one entry fee of £6 for up to four poems. Visit www. mags4dorset.co.uk for full details and how to enter.

12 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

ringwood news

Ringwood Regal could be saved by the community for the community In June Viewpoint online, we reported on the efforts by local people to save the derelict Regal building in the centre of Ringwood from being redeveloped into luxury flats. Shares have now been released through Ringwood Community Investment CIC to further the ambitious

14 |

project. The aim is for the community to purchase the building and turn it into a cinema and live performance venue at an estimated cost of between £5-6 million. Ringwood Community Investment CIC (community interest company) has been formed by local businessmen Jim Stride and Darren Loose. Shares are now available costing £100 each. Jim Stride said, “Darren and I will not take a single penny out of this community interest company, we are doing this on a voluntary basis for the good of Ringwood and will be investing our own money too.”

VIEWPOINT September 2020

The pair have the backing of Donaldson Ross & Co accountants of Ringwood and Forest Edge Solicitors of Ringwood who are providing their services free. “We also have many experts offering their expertise and skills free of charge on a community basis,” said Jim. “We are in contact with the building owners U&I Group PLC and we are negotiating a

purchase agreement to buy the cinema. “It's a bit of a twohorse-race: we are up against property developers who want to turn the Regal into luxury flats.” If you would like to help save the Regal, you will find more details on how to buy shares on the Ringwood Community Investment Scheme page on Facebook or you can email: contact@ ringwoodlocal.net

Jim Stride and Darren Loose

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

ringwood news - advertiser’s announcement -

Paperchase welcomed back to The Furlong The Furlong shopping centre is really excited to welcome back Paperchase to Ringwood after temporarily leaving the centre in June last year. Since returning, the store has received the warmest welcome from both customers and fellow businesses. The Paperchase mission is to spread a little joy - they are doing this by not only bringing a pop of colour to the store (check out their cute sunshine yellow door) but also through their innovative cards, gifts and fun but functional back to school products. The reaction from customers has been overwhelming in store and on social media, with people saying it’s the “happiest store” they have ever seen. Store manager, Edd Mackay-Swift says he was “over the moon when I was approached to re-open Paperchase at The Furlong in Ringwood. I am also so happy that the majority of the original team are back together again. We’ve seen so many familiar faces since we opened the store, and had so many lovely comments from our customers who seem to be just as happy as we are about being back at The Furlong.”

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 15

pets and wildlife / an animals eyes speak a poweful language.

Fall of salmon population in Dorset river Young salmon leaving the river for the sea at Poole Harbour two years ago were the smallest ever recorded by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, (GWCT) which could have led to the reduction in adult salmon on the River Frome. And according to the trust’s Fisheries Research Review, this decline shows no signs of abating. It had been hoped that a good number of smolts (young salmon leaving the river for their marine journey) in 2018 would boost these numbers, but far fewer returned to the river than expected. Previous research by the GWCT has shown that larger smolts are more than three times more likely to return from the sea than smaller ones. The worryingly low number of smolts that left the river in 2017 will also have had a major impact. Despite these alarming findings, the fisheries ecologists at East Stoke, near Wareham are working hard to understand the declines. 2019 and 2020 have been very busy years, beginning with smolt monitoring on

the River Frome, 24 hours a day for six weeks. The fisheries team enlisted their families to ensure that the River Frome was perhaps the only river in Britain to have full monitoring through lockdown. This dedication avoids a two-year gap in the data, as this year’s smolt will be monitored when they return as adults over the next two years. Much of this work is part of SAMARCH, a multi-millionpound project that will provide crucial evidence to strengthen the management and protection of salmon and sea trout at sea from 2017 to 2022. David Mayhew, chairman of GWCT fisheries research steering committee, said, “Our fisheries team spent more time in the field last year than probably any other year in the last 10 years. Furthermore, two of our PhD students, Jessica Marsh and Jessica Picken, submitted their theses on the importance of instream vegetation for salmonids and the effect of low flows on salmonid ecosystems, respectively.”

It is hoped that Jessica Marsh’s work will offer rare optimism for salmon numbers. The review can be downloaded for free at www.gwct.org.uk/fisheriesreport.

Duck tale: an uplifting story from Cedar Vets In the Summer of 2019, Cedars' Darren and Vikki were driving through Ringwood when they spotted an Indian Runner duck in the road. They stopped to check on the duck and noticed it had a deformed leg and was having difficulty walking. They managed to catch the duck and took her to Mike and Carla at Moyles Court Wildlife Rescue, who took her on and managed to fix her leg. A little while later, another duck arrived at the rescue with a broken leg; Mike and Carla again worked their magic and the two ducks became firm friends. Earlier this year the two ducks went to live with Peter and Carol Traves in Verwood to live happily ever after. Neville and Luna, as they are now known, are loving their new life; in fact they are so content that they decided to start a family. Luna surprised everyone by laying eggs and sitting on them patiently until nine very cute ducklings arrived.

16 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

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.

fitness, health and care

Double amputee climbs Matterhorn By Marilyn Barber

Attempting to climb the Matterhorn, one of the most dangerous mountains in Europe, would be a huge challenge for any able-bodied person, but to attempt to scale its summit, which is 4,478 metres high, if you are a double amputee is almost inconceivable. However, Neil Heritage, who lost both legs above the knee when he was serving in Iraq in 2004, completed the journey at the beginning of August – the first double amputee to do so. Neil, 39, who lives in Poole, and who 10 years ago worked as an assistant in the PE department at Wimborne’s Allenbourn School, was accompanied by his friend Mark Hooks, 46, alongside guides and a support crew. “It was a big team effort,” said Neil, for whom this was the third attempt to scale the mountain, which this year alone has seen six die in the challenge. “The first attempt had to be abandoned as there was too much snow and my prosthetics weren’t suitable, and on the second time the weather was just against us,” he said. However on the third time, conditions were better, although there had been snow on the day before they started. “One of the issues that has to be overcome is high winds but we were so lucky on this occasion as the weather was great. It was sunny and warm during the day, but freezing at night.” Neil was able to spend 25 minutes at the summit, an exhilarating experience. He served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Iraq with 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment as an electronics specialist. It was whilst he was in Iraq clearing a route for IEDs that he became the victim of a suicide bomber. Neil defied the doctors’ predictions, and after a five-year battle learned to walk again. Discharged from the army, he thought, ‘what do I do now?’. He has gone on to become a motivational speaker, specialising in leadership and management training. Fitness is paramount in Neil’s life. In 2012 he took part in a 51-day, 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic, and four years later founded Climb 2 Recovery to support wounded soldiers. He is a scuba diving instructor and enjoys skiing. “I just looked at the sports I could do,” said Neil

Neil on the climb

who admitted that on a daily basis he isn’t in too much pain from his injuries.” Neil, who has two children, said his adventurous days are by no means over, as next year he plans to be part of a team kayaking the Amazon. How does he manage to do all this? “Initially I set small goals based around rehab, but those little goals turned into bigger things,” he said.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 17

fitness, health and care

Call first, don’t just turn up If you need to contact Wimborne’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), you are reminded that temporary changes made to the service to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are still in place. Until further notice, if you have an ailment or injury that requires urgent care, please call 01202 856436 or 111 and you will be given advice or booked in for an appointment. Please do not just turn up, as you can’t be seen without an appointment. If you or someone you are with has an emergency or is in a life-threatening situation, don’t hesitate to call 999. For further information visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu

- advertisement feature -

New home care franchise to bring 40 jobs to East Dorset The team at new home care franchise, Good Oaks East Dorset, is delighted to announce that they are now open for business following full registration with the Care Quality Commission. The home care provider aims to bring 40 jobs to the area in the next year. Good Oaks East Dorset will provide care in people’s homes throughout Wimborne, Ferndown, West Moors, Ringwood and surrounds. The home care provider offers the option of both visiting care, where carers visit clients in their homes to deliver care, and live-in care, where a carer lives with a client and provides full-time care. Good Oaks East Dorset is led by Co-Founders, Sam Jones and Adam Downer. Sam and Adam met when working as Care Coordinators at another care company and became friends. Their commitment to delivering high quality care inspired them to open their own home care franchise together. Commenting on the opening, Sam says, “In the current COVID-19 crisis, the role that carers play in our community is more vital than ever before. Carers provide a lifeline for elderly and vulnerable people, who rely on their assistance to be able to stay in their homes. It is fantastic that this is being recognised. “This is an important time for all home care businesses and we are excited to be playing our part in combating COVID-19 by increasing the capacity for home care in our local area. We are confident that we will bring 40 jobs to the area in the next year.” Adam adds, “My career in care began when my father became very unwell. I saw the amazing care that he received and started working in home care so that I could give others that same care. Sam and I believe that quality care starts with a careful recruitment process and robust, ongoing training for our carers. This protects and enhances the quality of our premium service: the standard of care we would all want for our own loved ones. “Good Oaks East Dorset works closely with doctors, district nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. We act as the focal point to coordinate and provide the best possible solution for our clients’ wants and needs.” For more information about Good Oaks East Dorset, visit: goodoakshomecare.co.uk/ eastdorset

18 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

verwood news

Petition for a safe crossing on Manor Road People in Verwood who are concerned about the speed of cars on Manor Road are being urged to sign a petition to the town council calling for a safe crossing near the Verwood Scout Hut.

Library now open In recent weeks the library in Verwood has reopened on reduced hours and is welcoming customers with measures in place to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facemasks must be worn. Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9.30am1pm; Wednesday CLOSED. (Correct on 28 August). You can also order a book for collection on 01202 822972. Renewals 01305 224311.

20 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Local resident, Lisa Lewis, who a direct route from the village. started the petition said that cars Sign the petition by visiting travel along this road at high speeds. ‘Verwood safer road crossings’ She said, “The council is obviously on Facebook and follow the link to aware of this as it is a favourite place Change.org. for speed camera vans. “I and other locals have contacted them over the years to get the hedges At the dropped kerb cut back to make it as clear a view the pavement for crossing as possible and to fit narrows pushchairs on the path as it seems to be a slightly neglected area even though people use it regularly. “Children of school age are seen crossing here daily on foot and bikes, and they often run across in small gaps of traffic or if lucky enough a kind driver will stop and give them space to cross safely. Our children need a safer way to cross here as it is dangerous. I have seen very close misses or cars braking because people are trying to cross so there must be many more people witnessing this.” She added that when events are on at Potterne, larger volumes of people Continuous traffic flow cross in the spot as it is

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

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

Get back to the future with traditional bunches of watercress

A fast food on the market that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Dickensian London is now available by the bunch. Dorset-based The Watercress Company has taken inspiration from the past and launched traditional handcrafted bunches, wrapped in 100% biodegradable paper packaging to meet consumer demand for less plastic. The bunches are wrapped in sustainable paper made in the Lake District and printed with natural, British ink. The paper is lightly coated in biodegradable plant wax to make it waterproof and the wrap is suitable for home-composting. Watercress is packed full of vitamins and is a good source of iron. It is recognised as a natural source of fibre, and is naturally high in protein, as well as in a range of anti-oxidants. The 150g bunches are larger than most supermarket bags, so there is plenty of watercress to create a range of dishes. It is also possible to freeze the watercress in its wrap, compacted down, for later use in soup. Best eaten raw and fresh, but if it’s not being consumed immediately, keep it wrapped in the fridge, standing in a glass of water or store upright in the door like a milk bottle. The bunched watercress is unwashed straight from the farm which helps to extend shelf life, plus it is cut longer, providing more stalk – perfect for whizzing into smoothies, soups or pestos, while the leaves can be used in nutritious salads or try this delicious smoothie recipe.

22 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

foodie news

o d a c o v A , s Watercres e i h t o o m S e & Lim Serves 1 Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 small avocado, peeled and seed removed • 50g diced pineapple, fresh or frozen • 33g watercress • 23g baby spinach • 1 whole lime, peeled • Small handful mint leaves • 250ml chilled coconut water Method Add all ingredients into a blender or smoothie maker and blend thoroughly. Add more coconut water to achieve desired consistency then either serve immediately or keep in the fridge for up to three days. Single 150g bunches of fresh watercress wrapped in plastic free packaging can be ordered online. To find retailers visit the farm shop at www.watercress.co.uk/where-to-buy.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 23

motoring / keeping you on the road.

Ferndown racer’s knockout performance at Knockhill Ferndown racer Josh Malin has continued his brilliant start to the 2020 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge season, with a standout performance at Knockhill over the August bank holiday weekend netting him a fourth victory of the campaign so far. The 20-year-old had previously stormed to a sensational double victory in Oulton Park putting in a perfect performance on 22 and 23 August and prior to that he’d taken a race win on the same circuit during the season opener. Bursting with confidence, Malin headed north to Scotland and a first ever visit to Knockhill. For the second weekend in

24 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

motoring succession, he would be racing in support of the British Touring Car Championship. After finishing fourth in the first race, and with a strong haul of points under his belt, Malin had high hopes for race two on Sunday afternoon, which was broadcast live on ITV2. Fired up behind the wheel of his The Car Guys and Digital Motorsports-backed car, he made immediate progress over the course of the opening lap and found himself in the thick of the action in an entertaining five-car battle at the front of the field. A slick move on lap six gained him two places to second, before he forced the leader into a mistake and took first place. With a determined pack of drivers behind, he produced a faultless drive to remain in front putting his Ginetta in the right position at every corner to ensure he stayed ahead and came home with the race victory. Celebrations followed with his family and team, as well as a live television interview on ITV. Malin said, “What an incredible race that was to cap off a great week in Scotland.

It was my first time racing at Knockhill so the testing and free practice was crucial to get up to speed and while we had some issues, we headed into the weekend in a good place.

“Considering the circumstances, I’m happy to have salvaged a couple of fifth place starts in qualifying. That put me right in the podium mix in both races and while I missed out in the first one, I

couldn’t be happier with how the second one went. “It’s always a treat to race live on ITV alongside the BTCC and we put on a hell of a show on Sunday. It was some of the closest racing I’ve been part of in this series and on a circuit that’s quite tricky to overtake around, to fight through from fifth on the grid to the win is amazing.”

He thanked his sponsors Richardson Racing and his family for making it all possible. The Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge returns to the track at Donington Park in support of British GT (19/20 September), before heading to Silverstone a week later to compete alongside the BTCC again (26/27 September).

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 25

Amputee veterans conquer 1,000-mile cycle ride to raise awareness of MND A group of 10 amputee veterans have smashed through an epic cycle ride to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Leaving John O’Groats on 10 August, they reached Land’s End on 22 August after cycling 80 miles a day, battling through the heat wave at the beginning of the challenge and torrential rain towards the end. The team raised funds for Motor Neurone Disease and the charity Pilgrim Bandits – who organise gruelling expeditions for injured service and emergency personnel, many of whom are amputees or have PTSD. Pilgrim Bandits push veterans beyond what they thought was possible to build confidence. This challenge was no exception. They ran Operation Ride UK with veteran and ex-firefighter John Chart. One year ago, John was diagnosed with MND – a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disease. As a firefighter for 26 years, John said he was “devastated” by the diagnosis but determined to fight it. He used a specially adapted tandem throughout the challenge and was joined by various

26 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

companions, including his 14-year-old son Christopher and his wife Arlene. The team had great support from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Oscarwinning actor Eddie Redmayne and SAS Who Dares Wins’ Mark Billingham. John said the ride was about doing everything he could to raise awareness of MND as not enough is known about the demonic disease that shuts down your muscular system. “You are literally cocooned inside your own body, your brain is still compos mentis but you can’t move, you can’t breathe, you can’t eat, you can’t speak and your body eventually will just close down until you sadly pass away,” he explained. He wants people to take a few minutes to read up on it to see the devastation it does, “But I also want to say to people don’t ever give up. You’ve got to keep going.” Joining the expedition was Pilgrim Bandits Patron, former Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson. Ben is one of the most seriously injured to survive the battlefield. He lost both legs and suffered brain damage while serving in Afghanistan in 2006. He was not expected to survive,

Mission complete: l-r Arlene and John Chart, Matt Hellyer and Christopher Chart

let alone speak or walk again. But his determination and tenacity meant he defied these odds. Highlights of the Challenge can be found on the Pilgrim Bandits social media feeds and via John’s page Cycle Challenge for MND or on Instagram @ cyclechallange4mnd. It’s not too late to show your support. Donations can be made to Pilgrim Bandits via the Operation Ride UK Total Giving page: https://bit.ly/3fadwvw

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 27

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

Advertise here Call 01202 870270 Today

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DECORATING

COMPUTER SERVICES

DECORATING

FENCING

28 |

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

VIEWPOINT September 2020

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

specialist services GARDENING SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

LOGS

MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 29

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

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

A local celebrity and lover of extravagant parties By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum Who lived not far from Fordingbridge, was a photographer, an author, an illustrator, a prolific diarist, an Oscar-winning set and costume designer for the stage and films, a painter, and an arbiter of taste and fashion? The answer is Cecil Beaton. Beaton was born in Hampstead in 1904 to an upper middle class family whose money came from his father’s timber business. His mother was the daughter of a blacksmith. When he was still a teenager, he became interested in photography and was encouraged in his interest by his nanny who lent him her Kodak 3A folding camera, and helped him set up a dark room. He took pictures of his elegant sisters in their garden and sent them to society magazines that were pleased to publish them. By the time he went to Cambridge University in the 1920s, his photos had been published in the prestigious Vogue Magazine. He was supported by the eccentric Sitwell family who introduced him to their aristocratic literary and artistic friends. Beaton studied Archaeology and History at Cambridge but left without a degree in 1925. He became a member of a bohemian group of aristocrats and socialites who were nicknamed by the tabloid press as the Bright Young Things. This elite group held outrageous parties where they cavorted in fancy dress and generally did their best to shock by drinking, partying and experimenting with drugs. In 1930, Beaton found the derelict and isolated Ashcombe House on Cranborne Chase. He arranged to lease the house and set about restoring the building,

30 |

VIEWPOINT September 2020

Reddish House, Broad Chalke

the outbuildings and the gardens, transforming it into a rural idyll. For the next 15 years film stars, aristocrats, artists, aesthetes, writers and eccentrics were roped in to help decorate the interiors, make amateur films and take part in extravagant parties. He bought 30 white doves to ornament the grounds and encouraged his artist friends to decorate the rooms with garish designs to match his bizarre furniture. All this time his fame as a photographer of the royal family and celebrities as well as his set and costume designs brought him wealth and made him a household name. He was devastated when, in 1945, the lease ran out and was not renewed by the owners. In 1947 he bought the beautiful 17th century Reddish House in Broad Chalke and set about redesigning the interior and extending the property. Helped by his gardener, Jack Smallpeice, he transformed the grounds and added a water garden in the meadow in front of the house. Although the extravagant parties became a thing of the past, he still had a constant stream of interesting visitors such as Bianca Jagger, David Hockney and Greta Garbo. He spent much of the year away working on theatre and film projects and increasingly pined for the seclusion and peace of his beloved house and garden in the country. He was knighted in 1972 but two years later had

a stroke that left him paralysed on his right hand side. He learnt to walk, draw, write, paint and take photographs with his left hand. However, with his ability to earn money reduced, he sold his archive of photographs to Sotheby’s in 1976 to provide him with an income in his old age. His life had brought him into contact with the famous and the infamous. He had, as a war photographer, recorded the damage done by the Blitz as well as taking iconic photographs of the Queen and Queen Mother. He had mixed with the great and the good and most of the well-known personalities of the age. He had been awarded an Oscar and four Tony awards as well as an Academy award. He had had six volumes of his fascinating diaries published. He had passionate affairs with two male lovers that he never got over as well as relationships with Garbo and the dancer Adele Astaire but ended up living alone at Reddish House. In 1980 his cat Timothy, “who had been for 17 years my friend”, was put to sleep. This depressed Beaton and made him think of his own mortality. In his last diary entry he wrote, “I felt very lonely as I spent my time thinking back through the last 17 years. I was still alive, but Timmy had gone through to oblivion. He was perhaps lucky? Who Knows?” Six days later he died peacefully in his sleep and was buried in the churchyard in Broad Chalke.

Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 31