Viewpoint January 2022 by Dorset View

Rose hips in the frost © Tracy Whincup

Happy New Year!

Mid January 2022 Volume 46, Issue 3

Wimborne Community Garden about to become a reality introducing our

Cause of the Year

Old Beams, Ibsley Food review to whet your appetite

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VIEWPOINT January 2022

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VIEWPOINT

Volume 46 • Issue 3 • January 2022

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

I have rather fallen out of love with trains. However, my faith in the kindness of people of all ages has been renewed. Just before Christmas I was travelling from the West Country to Bournemouth when I spotted an email on my phone telling me that my train was to terminate at Westbury. South West trains stated we would all have to get off as there was a staff shortage and the train was unable to continue. (I have subsequently been told that even before the pandemic people found their journey was unexpectedly terminated at Westbury, but it could be because the town lies at the intersection of two railway lines.) The news quickly spread through the carriage and people immediately started tapping away at their phones trying to find another route to their varied destinations. But they weren’t just looking to find a train for themselves, but also for the other passengers. A carriage that had been silent became a babble of voices as despite the inhibition of masks what is often called ‘the Blitz Spirit’ was set in motion. Disembarking at Westbury was an elderly couple with three suitcases – presumably full of Christmas parcels for their family – and several people rushed to give them a hand to get off the train, and to assist them to the platform they needed. And yes of course I did get home – eventually – and I, like all the staff at Viewpoint look forward to bringing you news and features for the coming year, as our magazines go from strength to strength.

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

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

DESIGN TEAM

Marilyn Barber

Dexter Elliot junior designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

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

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Picture of the month Hay! Did you hear about the New Forest pony who ate his own bedding? His owner said it really was the last straw.

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 26 JAN 2022

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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Please follow diversions during Forest road closures From 4 January 2022 the A35 and A31 will have road closures and diversions in place. Forest organisations are asking drivers to follow the official detours and not deviate onto unfenced roads to get to their destination. The deadliest months for New Forest livestock are in winter, with most accidents taking place between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays and involving commuters. If drivers divert from the official detours onto unfenced Forest roads, a spike in animal accident deaths could result. In 2019, 58 animals were killed and a further 32 were injured whereas in 2020, when traffic was reduced by Covid-19 restrictions, 50 animals were killed and 21 were injured. Forest organisations are appealing to road users to expect the unexpected and remember that animals have right of way on unfenced New Forest roads. The New Forest National Park Authority’s executive director, Steve Avery said: “If you do travel on the unfenced roads, please take extra care and always be prepared to stop for New Forest animals.” He advised road users to allow extra time for their journeys and not to overtake unless “you can clearly see the road ahead and any animals which may be grazing on the verges.” Driving to the road and weather conditions is just as important as keeping

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to the speed limit. If roads are freezing, stopping distances will be increased and animals may also be drawn to the road to lick the salt. Low winter light, dazzling headlights and bad weather can all impede the view of the road ahead. Drivers can help by following the official diversions set by Hampshire Highways and not the satellite navigation. If you do have to use the unfenced roads please: • Be ready to stop – animals can step out even when they’ve seen you approaching. • Drive slowly, especially in the dark – there is a pool of darkness behind the headlights of approaching cars and an animal may be standing in it or crossing the road. • Give animals grazing by the side of the road a wide berth – move over to the other side of the road and be prepared to STOP if there is on-coming traffic. • Grazing animals on both sides of the road? Take extra care – they may cross to join their friends. • One animal by the roadside means there are others close by – be aware.

• Bends and tops of hills need more care – animals may be standing in the road just out of sight. • Reflective collars worn by some ponies may help you see them in the dark – but be aware that not all ponies have them. • Deer can easily jump the fences alongside roads such as the A337, A31 and A35 – and when there is one deer more will usually follow. • Be animal aware at all times. The New Forest’s Animal Accident Reduction Group has asked for further measures and additional warning signs during the winter months. Hampshire Police are constantly carrying out speed checks either with radar guns or the police camera van - part funded by the Verderers of the New Forest. Information on the road closures can be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/ our-work/south-east/a31ringwood-road-widening/ https://www.hants.gov.uk/ transport/transportschemes/ holmsley-rail-bridge-replacement

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Ferndown motor trader sentenced after car is clocked A Ferndown car trader has been fined after he was found guilty of advertising a clocked car and obstructing trading standards officers who visited his premises to investigate. Abdul El Fortia (aged 33) of Malmesbury Road, Bournemouth was sentenced at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2021 for offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The sentence relates to the clocking itself, obstruction of an enforcement officer and for possessing counterfeit Nike training shoes (52 pairs were found at the premises). El Fortia had been a director of Ferndown Car Sales Ltd trading from 13 Cobham Road: the company was also fined. The court heard that Dorset Council’s Trading Standards

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team received a complaint from a consumer living in Scotland who had seen a VW Passat advertised on a car sales website. He telephoned the company and after asking about the condition and history of the vehicle, paid a deposit and arranged to fly down to collect the car. An Internet search at a later time showed the car had been a private hire vehicle licensed in Portsmouth. The true mileage was 312,000 miles, not the 71,000 miles advertised. The consumer contacted Ferndown Car Sales, who appeared surprised, and gave him a refund. He then complained to Dorset Trading Standards. El Fortia pleaded not guilty to all charges. He told the court that he allowed a number of other people to use his website

to sell cars and his login details to the trade auction website to buy them and was paid a small commission for doing so. In relation to the Passat, he said he didn’t know the mileage was false until the officers’ visit and that he hadn’t bought the car. When asked about the trainers, El Fortia said he was storing them for his brother’s friend, and they were not for sale. He admitted he knew they were counterfeit and was unable to explain why an invoice relating to the trainers was made out to “Abdul”. He was found guilty on all charges after the trial on 19 October. On 23 December Ferndown Car Sales Ltd was fined £500 with costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £50. El Fortia was fined £1,276, with costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £127. He was

also disqualified from being a company director for five years and a forfeiture order was made for the trainers. The chair of the Magistrates said that reducing the car’s mileage was a deliberate act motivated for financial gain and that trading standards’ role was to protect everyone and they should be applauded for bringing the case to court. Consumers who want advice about vehicles or other goods and services they have bought, or wish to report unfair or unsafe trading to Trading Standards, should call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or visit: https:// www.citizensadvice.org. uk/consumer/ . This is the first point of contact for all consumers on Trading Standards issues.

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Santa’s sleigh success Ringwood and Verwood Round Table accompanied Santa and his sleigh for 49 miles across Ringwood, Verwood, Fordingbridge and Bransgore before Christmas. During that time a total of £3,340 was raised and over 1,000kg of food was donated to feed over 100 people with three meals a day for three days. Volunteers totted up 196 hours during the six successful nights out with Santa.

Dozens of arrests during festive crackdown Dozens of people were arrested and hundreds more were stopped in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of a festive crackdown on drink and drug driving, which ran between 1 December 2021-1 January 2022. Within the first two weeks of Operation Holly, which combined educational and enforcement activity, 567 breath tests were conducted, with 10 positive results; 78 drug wipes were carried out, with 35 positive results; and 138 people were arrested – 84 for drink driving and 54 for drug driving. Four vehicles in a dangerous condition were also stopped, with their

drivers ordered to have them made roadworthy before being allowed to drive them again. Several other road safety offences were dealt with and tickets issued. Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of Hampshire & Thames Valley Police Road Safety Unit thanked the vast majority of drivers who he said make the right choices and comply with the law. He added, “Our priority is always to make the roads safer for everyone.” If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Planning application decisions remain behind Dorset Council says it has managed to clear the planning backlog that built up after the merging of councils, but there will still be some delays in issuing decisions. The council claims that applications are now being validated within a few days of receipt following the planning transformation project. This brought together the data from five former district councils onto one planning database. Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Planning, said: “Clearing the validation backlog has been a huge task and well done to all concerned. But this means that a large wave of applications must go through the planning process. “Our planning officers now have the huge task of assessing all the applications, and there will still be some delays in issuing decisions.” The transformation work continues, with a final phase of migration work due to be completed in the New Year. The council will continue to develop its system and improve its online register.

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Planning application stages in simple terms: • Validation: this checks whether all the information required to process the application has been submitted. • Registration: if valid, the application is placed on the planning register, allocated a case officer and a reference number. • Consultation: the planning application is publicised, and people can make comments. • Assessment: following consultation, planning officers will assess each application against Local and Neighbourhood Plans and National Planning Policy, considering any material considerations raised in submitted comments, to determine whether planning permission should be granted or not. • Determination: most applications are determined by officers using delegated powers, while more complex or controversial applications may be presented to a committee of elected councillors for a decision.

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Business Community Unity at its finest Dorset View and Viewpoint tracked to the door In Pulford Publicity’s latest move to guarantee distribution of their publications, they have chosen a tracked distribution system and are very pleased with the results. Provided by experts in the field, IMS Group in Bournemouth, Dorset View and Viewpoint are now fully GPS tracked to the door. Pulford Publicity’s managing director, Ben Pulford said: “Not only are the distributors reliable and deliver to a strict code of conduct, the door-to-door distribution is tailored to our specific needs. By using GPS trackers, carried by delivery agents, it is possible to track over 39,000 magazines to the door in real time every month and obtain immediate progress reports.” Managing director of IMS Group, Jason Harris, said: “At the end of the distribution, we are able to log in and check our distributors have covered their rounds properly. Pulford Publicity can have complete peace of mind and full confidence that their publications have reached the target areas.” Ben added: “We also use a reliable contractor to deliver over 3,000 magazines to supermarkets each month and our own bulk deliveries of early 7,000 magazines are delivered to pick up points in our company’s electric van to help reduce our carbon footprint. “We feel confident that we have one of the best magazine distribution systems in the area, enabling us to deliver important local news into the community and ensuring our advertisers can reach a huge audience.” Deliveries are complemented by the dorsetview.co.uk news website, online magazines and social media posts.

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520 saplings planted at Colehill school All the pupils at St Michael’s School in Colehill have become tree planters. A total of 520 saplings have belief that they were doing been dug into the ground something of lasting worth. to mark the school’s 50th “It was a joy to see them anniversary and to improve taking their parents around the local environment. the wood the next morning The trees, a mix including showing family members oak, silver birch, beech and where their tree was.” buckthorn were planted in the Triangle Wood opposite the school which many of the pupils walk through to get to their lessons. Headteacher Ron Jenkinson said: “The younger generation understand better than most that more care is needed for our world. “They set about the task of planting Parish chairman Emma Urquhart, with the sense of headteacher Ron Jenkinson, and the commitment that youngest pupil at the school Lily Launder comes from the

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Ferndown land sold Nearly 7.5 acres of land in Ferndown has been sold. The freehold site at Thames Close, which had a guide price of £120,000-plus, was among 127 lots listed by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson across southern England. Rob Marchant, the Dorset and Hampshire auctioneer for Clive Emson, said: “There was keen interest in this parcel of land, which is situated at

Trickett’s Cross close to the larger settlement of Ferndown and is bordered by the Moors River to the north and Thames Close to the south. “The seller was made an attractive offer before the auction, which was accepted. “The site may be suitable for a number of future uses, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable. However, we are not privy to any plans the new owner may or may not have.”

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Slavery By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

As regular readers will know, like John Betjeman, if passing a church, I cannot resist going in to look around. On holiday in Yorkshire recently, I visited Helmsley and in the church there found a gruesome relic hanging on the wall. It was a slave yoke that was used in Africa to lead a captive when they were marched to the coast in a line or a coffle to be transported across the Atlantic and sold into slavery. The yoke was made of heavy wood with a forked end which was put around a captive’s neck and secured with an iron bar. It must have been extremely uncomfortable and was often used as a punishment. In the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries, the enslavement of Africans was an important part of the British economy. In the 16th century, Admiral Sir John Hawkins established the ‘triangular’ trade in slaves and goods between Britain, Africa and the Caribbean and was assisted in this work by his cousin Sir Francis Drake. In 1663, the Royal African Company was founded by Charles II and was given the monopoly on supplying Africans to British colonies. This became big business and in the 1730s, 170,000 Africans were transported in terrible conditions. Africans were viewed as chattels with a monetary value and were crammed into the ships to maximise the cargo size. In the early 17th century, 20 per cent of the slaves would die on the crossing.

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A slave yoke in Helmsley Church, Yorkshire

Things were no better in the early 19th century when the slave ship Zong, carrying 422 slaves, ran short of water. The captain gave orders for 132 slaves to be thrown into the sea so that he could claim the insurance on them. Slaves who died of natural causes were not covered by insurance. The case went to court, not to try the captain for murder but to test whether the ‘cargo’ was covered by insurance. The chief justice of the King’s Bench stated that the massacre of the slaves, “was the same as if horses had been thrown overboard.” Reading about the case in the 1840s, the artist Turner was inspired to portray this incident in his painting, The Slave Ship. Many large country houses and estates were built by people who made their wealth from the slave trade. Frances Woodley, who was married to Henry Banks, owner of Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle, was a renowned society beauty but also came from a family made wealthy

by slave ownership. The marriage came with a substantial dowery that was used to enhance the estate and purchase many works of art and historical artefacts. When slavery was abolished in the British colonies in 1833, £20million was set aside to compensate slave owners for the loss of their ‘property’. This is the equivalent of £100 billion today. This money was used to pay for many private and public buildings, country estates, works of art, monuments and charitable institutions. Much of this history has been ignored until recently but now historians are quite rightly researching and sharing these challenging stories. This is often dismissed as being ‘Woke’, which means to be awake or alert to injustice in society. I believe that we should all be aware of our history, however uncomfortable and I am certain that the slave who was dragged along by the heavy yoke now in Helmsley Church would agree.

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Volunteer litter-pickers

Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year

Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year for 2022 is Clean Jurassic Coast Formed in early 2020 by sea kayaker Roy Beal, Clean Jurassic Coast (CJC) has grown into a vast network of similarly minded volunteers wanting one thing – a clean Jurassic coast. Thanks to some fabulous people doing amazing things to raise money for the cause, CJC purchased a load of equipment including litter pickers and safety gear, did a deal on a boat (a folding RIB) and started promoting environmental education after becoming

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a Community Interest Company in January 2021. The CJC team organises public beach cleans along the Jurassic Coast, often collaborating with other groups and organisations. We also venture out on the RIB (named Sea-Rex) to collect marine plastics from difficult to reach areas along the coast. From there, all the hard plastics, rope and fishing nets get taken to Exeter where they are recycled into things like picnic benches through the Ocean Recovery Project.

Roy and Sea-Rex

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only natural one in England, and must be protected. Working with charities like the Jurassic Coast Trust and the National Trust, as well as the many volunteer groups based along this spectacular coast, CJC believes in the Strength In Numbers ideology. The team also carries out beach cleans and talks for schools, youth groups and businesses, and the ultimate goal is to find funding to provide a small

educational centre that will also act as a base for the team and the equipment. Whilst the team is happy to clean up in our spare time, we wouldn’t be this succcessful without the kind donations we receive to cover the running costs. Roy Beal, founder of Clean Jurassic Coast You can find out more, and donate, at www.cleanjurassiccoast.uk, or follow Clean Jurassic Coast on Instagram or Facebook.

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ringwood news

Spate of burglaries

NEWS IN BRIEF

A series of residential and business properties were broken into between 9pm on Sunday 12 December and 2.15am on Monday 13 December. • An attempted burglary at a property on Ashley Close where two men were seen on CCTV trying to break into a garage at around 9.05pm on Sunday 12 December, but no entry was gained and nothing stolen. • Two bikes – a dark Specialized Strom Jumper and a grey Trek Domane bike - were stolen from a garage on Parsonage Barn Lane at around 10.55pm on Sunday 12 December, before returning again at 11.45pm. • The Vape Shop in Monmouth Court on Southampton Road was broken into and an untidy search conducted at around 2.15am with a number of vape units and liquids stolen as a result. • A convenience store in Ashley Heath in Dorset was also targeted at around 11.10pm on Sunday 12 December but nothing was stolen.

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Bunny on his retirement

A tribute to Bunny Ringwood man Colin Rabbets, known locally as Bunny, sadly passed away after a battle with cancer on 3 December at the age of 72. Bunny was well-known about the town, having worked at Waitrose as a ‘trolley man’ for 16 years, only retiring in November last year. The announcement of his passing on social media resulted in an out-pouring of memories and commiserations. His funeral was held on Monday 20 December.

Extended mineral working Cemex UK Operations Limited has applied to New Forest District Council for permission for an extension of mineral working at Hamer Warren Quarry. This is to extract some 600,000 tonnes of sand and gravel from Bleak Hill lll, including works to create an extended haul road and back filling with inert material and progressive restoration to agriculture with increased nature conservation and biodiversity enhancements until 31 December 2025. Crime plan Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has launched her Police and Crime Plan ‘More Police, Safer Streets’, which sets the strategic direction and priorities for policing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for the next three years. The full plan can be read at www.morepolicesaferstreets. com Meeting House Lane changes The direction of flow of traffic in Meeting House Lane in Ringwood has been reversed following observations of traffic movements over the last few months. The change reverses the one-way system in Meeting House Lane between the Furlong and the Market Place. The one-way system will remain in place for the duration of the onslip closure, but it will be subject to constant review.

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ringwood news

NEWS IN BRIEF New building for Ringwood School

A new-build project at Ringwood School will provide a dedicated eating space for students, as well as an auditorium with seating for up to 650 people. The project is going ahead thanks to a £2.1m grant from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Condition Improvement Fund. Further fundraising initiatives will take place over the coming months.

New facilities for football club

New Forest District Council has granted permission for a new pavilion, the construction of a football turf pitch and improved car parking at Ringwood Town Football and Social Club in Long Lane, Ringwood.

Additional classroom

An application to construct an outdoor timber classroom at Ringwood Church of England Infants School has been submitted to New Forest District Council.

Concert group’s grant

Ringwood Town Council’s policy and finance committee has given a grant of £550 to Avon Valley Concerts to support the provision of a season of quality classical music performances in Ringwood and Fordingbridge.

Ringwood events

A recent meeting of Ringwood Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee heard that the town’s fireworks, the Winter Wanderland launch event and the Christmas shop display competition went well and ideas were being formulated for the Queen’s Jubilee. Sadly, Christmas Eve in the Market Place was cancelled due to the changing Covid situation, however, people were still able to donate presents for children in need at various drop-off points through the town.

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

Plan to tackle waiting lists Over the last year, many nonemergency operations and procedures across the NHS had to be cancelled or postponed. University Hospitals Dorset has plans to prioritise its lists and will be contacting patients waiting for appointments via text message or letter. If you receive one of these messages, please respond so hospital staff can help you with your care. Only questions relating to your care will be asked; they will never ask for bank details or reference to money or payment; you will not be asked for your name or address, however you will be able to update your details if necessary and their message will include a unique pin. You will need to input your date of birth only to log in. A business reply address in Macclesfield will be supplied.

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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.

New chief executive for UHD

Siobhan Harrington has been appointed as chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and will take up her role on 1 June. She will succeed Debbie Fleming, who will be retiring from the NHS on 31 March. Siobhan is an experienced director in the NHS and has been chief executive of Whittington Health NHS Trust in London since 2017. She began her career in nursing posts in London, before progressing through management roles including director of primary care, acting director of nursing, director of strategy and deputy chief executive. David Moss, chairman of UHD said: “We are delighted that Siobhan will join our trust as chief executive at this exciting time in our development. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her that will help us to work with partners to care for our population, realise our transformation ambitions and ensure that we will play a significant role in the Dorset integrated care system.

Siobhan Harrington

“I would also like to thank Debbie Fleming for her significant contribution to our trust as the first chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset which was formed in October 2020. She has been a phenomenal leader, helping to drive the merger of Poole Hospital with the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and the £250m transformation of our estate. She has also led our hospitals during the Covid-19 outbreak.” Siobhan Harrington, said: “This is an exciting time for UHD. I am looking forward to being part of Team UHD and leading the organisation through this next phase – building on the past, continuing to provide excellent patient care and as an integral partner in the Dorset integrated care system.”

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health and care

Funding accommodation for rough sleepers Sleeping rough in the depths of winter is very tough for those without a home, but BCP Council is hoping to prevent many people from doing so. Additional emergency accommodation places will be provided in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole thanks to £148,000 of funding. The additional funds, from the government’s Winter Pressures Fund Grant, has been awarded to BCP Council to provide extra emergency accommodation and wrap around support for people who are sleeping rough in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during the winter months. An additional 22 places in emergency accommodation will be made available including any additional support services someone might need such as health, social care, substance dependency and mental health support in collaboration with colleagues from the BCP Homelessness Partnership.

Carers Dorset Festival

The first Carers Dorset Festival took place in November at Dorset Museum, but if you missed it, you can still view it online. The festival is available digitally as unpaid carers can be a full-time carer or have a full-time job as well as caring for someone else and the organisers were conscious many would not be able to watch the live sessions. Radio DJ Johnnie Walker and his wife Tiggy, who are patrons of Carers UK, spoke at the festival, as did Dame Philippa Russell, the vice president of Carers UK, who spoke about her

near 60-year experience with care provision and how technology could help more people in the future. The virtual sessions are from providers such as CAiD, Help and Kindness and CRISP, and provide information about digital support, assessments, paying for care and technological advances. Cllr Peter Wharf, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Listening to Dame Philippa, and others who shared their personal stories, was just inspirational.

“She spoke so eloquently about her journey as the mother of a son who has needed care, during less enlightened times in the 60s and 70s to today where the developments in technology facilitate independent living.” Some of the recordings can be found at https:// www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/carers-dorset-festival.

L-R Tiggy Walker, Cllr Cherry Brooks and radio DJ Johnnie Walker

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

Fundraising target smashed A learning disability charity plans to provide more support to help people to change their lives after smashing its largest ever fundraising target. Minstead Trust raised £47,000, against its target of £40,000, in under a week during the nationwide Big Give Christmas Challenge fundraising campaign, where donations from the public are doubled by generous pledgers. The trust supports more than 220 people with learning disabilities across Hampshire to learn new skills and live in their own homes. It plans to use the funds to help people recover from the mental trauma of the pandemic and return safely to their communities. This will involve re-establishing drop-in community groups, giving support and financial help to people wanting to attend social activities, recruiting volunteers to accompany people out and about and offering courses to rebuild skills needed to be comfortable around others.

People supported by Minstead Trust hold up the Big Give 2021 total

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Financial help for vulnerable residents Vulnerable families in Dorset will receive help with the cost of food and heating and other essentials this winter. Dorset Council has been awarded £2,294,941 from the government’s Household Support Fund which has been set up to help vulnerable households across the country in need of financial support. Some of the money allocated to the council will be used to make sure children who receive free school meals during term time will have food vouchers over the February half term and Easter school holidays. Information about food vouchers will be shared with families direct from their school. One-off winter energy vouchers of £200 will also be made available to households in receipt of Universal Credit with limited capability for work or earnings below the free school meals and free prescription threshold. To find out more and apply for a winter energy voucher go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/winter-energy-voucher At least 50 per cent of the Household Support Fund will be used to support vulnerable families with children in Dorset. In addition to food and winter energy vouchers, other targeted emergency local assistance will be available including support for care leavers, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and people using food banks. Find out more about how to apply for free school meals at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/free-school-meals More information about access to food, financial advice and help with isolation is available at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ reaching-out

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

Winter walkers © The Woodland Trust

Walks a boost to wellbeing We all know by now, having lived through the pandemic for the best part of two years, that getting out for a walk can give our mental health a boost. A walk through a wood can be particularly soothing for the soul, especially at this time of year. In winter, woods take on a whole new character. Spectacular, frosty landscapes and bare branches expose elusive wildlife and hidden history. A woodland walk is also a chance to catch up with friends outdoors, so you can

have the benefits of social interaction without the risks of meeting indoors, and reap the physical health benefits of exercise and fresh air too. So why not head towards your nearest public wood or, if you would like to explore somewhere different, The Woodland Trust’s woods are all free to visit and open every day. You can locate your nearest woodland escape easily - just enter your postcode at woodlandtrust. org.uk/findawood.

Ballroom and Latin show wows Joan An afternoon of ballroom and Latin dance performances has brought back happy memories for former dancer Joan Whelan. Joan was even inspired to revisit a few moves herself under careful guidance from staff at Brook View in West Moors where she resides. The show by Just the Two of Us – Tanya Hutton and Graham Cooper – was organised for Joan after she expressed a wish to see a live performance and possibly dance again. Tanya and Graham gave demonstrations of the waltz, quickstep, foxtrot as well as the Latin rhythms of rhumba, cha-cha-cha and jive.

“It was absolutely spot on,” said Joan whose favourite dance is the foxtrot. “I give it a definite thumbs-up.” She had dance lessons when she was growing up in Birmingham and went on to perform in a troupe that went on national tours. After retirement and a move to Ferndown, Joan continued to perform at events. Sarah Moule, companionship team leader at Colten Care’s Brook View, said: “Joan used to perform on stage in lots of different shows and had expressed a wish to dance again. We were only too pleased to make it happen for her.”

Air ambulance scoops awards Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were winners in three categories at this year’s National Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence which were held virtually on 4 December. The awards were: Doctor of the Year – Dr Phil Hyde, DSAA’s medical lead Innovation of the Year – a collaboration between DSAA, Southampton Oxford Retrieval Team (SORT), Wales and West Acute Transport for Children Service (WATCh) and Bristol Children’s Hospital Trauma, supporting the time-critical inter-hospital transfer of paediatric patients in the South West Lifetime Achievement Award – Bill Sivewright, chief executive officer of DSAA

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health and care

Help get loved ones home Clinicians are hoping relatives can play a key part in helping loved ones to leave hospital, freeing up beds for people who need them. The regular support of relatives can be a key part in enabling patients who are medically ready to leave hospital so that they can be more comfortable and recover at home. Relatives able to help their loved one are being asked to speak to the team planning their care as it may mean that they go home a few days earlier. Care can include providing some personal care, shopping, administering medication, changing dressings, meal preparation and checking on their welfare and wellbeing by having regular contact with them particularly following discharge from hospital. Dr Tristan Richardson, medical director for medicine

at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We need to ensure that when our patients are medically ready they can leave as soon as possible to avoid having a knock-on effect across our hospitals. “The person who can’t leave means someone can’t get out of the admission area, so someone else can’t get out of the emergency department into admissions, which means an ambulance cannot offload and therefore can’t be attending an emergency in the community. “We need to work with families to help support their loved ones when they leave our hospitals. We thank everyone involved with the ongoing care of our patients as we know what a difference it makes for their recovery and health to be able to safely leave our hospitals when ready.”

New assessment clinic in Poole A new, purpose-built outpatient assessment clinic has been opened on the top floor of Beales department store in the Dolphin Centre, Poole. As part of Dorset’s Think Big initiative, it is hoped it will play a vital part in tackling hospital waiting lists and increasing the volume of lifesaving screening available. The clinic will initially assess ophthalmology and dermatology patients as well as running breastscreening clinics. There are plans to further develop it to include AAA screening and orthopaedic clinics.

Planning for the clinic was inspired by the Nightingale hospitals and mass vaccination centres established during the pandemic. Much of the material used in the construction came from the Nightingale hospitals stock. The project has been led by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with other NHS organisations across Dorset, the department store Beales, and Legal and General, the landlords of the Dolphin Centre.

Self-care after a cancer diagnosis It’s natural to fear being told you have cancer. And it’s all too common, as it can be when processing grief or other traumatic information, that people lose the desire to maintain self-care. Care specialist, Steve Fewings, of Visiting Angels, makes the following suggestions. Relaxation exercises Breathlessness can be a very common and frustrating symptom of lung cancer, and also of anxiety. It can become a vicious cycle, as the more frustrated you get, the more breathless you become. Trying to stay relaxed, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth and not exerting too much energy will help. Yoga and meditation are two excellent ways of calmly processing and dealing with the mixed emotions that you will most likely be feeling. Understanding your emotions You may experience intense, mixed emotions such as shock, denial, fear, guilt, avoidance, anger and loneliness, among others. These are natural reactions and addressing them may help stop them getting worse over time. If you think these thoughts might be turning into depression or anxiety, there is help available. Opening a dialogue Informing medical professionals, or friends or family how you’re feeling is one of the first and most important steps in managing and dealing with your diagnosis. Talking is a great healer of emotional trauma, and having someone to talk to in a safe, secure environment can provide clarity, a distraction and respite. Processing trauma and the effect it can have on relationships Being open and honest about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help you may put others at ease, as it can be hard for those around you to fully understand what you’re going through. But don’t feel shy about telling people that you need some time to yourself, if that’s what you need, as self-reflection and personal time is as important as sharing in these situations.

Further details: www.uhd. nhs.uk/think-big

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

Dorset Health Walks – Free

A health walk is a free, short and regular, guided walk that lasts between 10 to 90 minutes for people of all abilities. They are the perfect way to get more active and to meet new people. With so many beautiful parks, green spaces, towns and villages waiting to be explored in Dorset, these community walks give you the opportunity to discover new places in the fresh air and to socialise afterwards. Trained volunteer walk leaders are on hand to welcome participants at each location and will provide encouragement and support throughout the walk. Walking can help improve overall health and wellbeing. It is important to start slowly and build fitness gently, at a pace that is comfortable for you. There are over 30 weekly walks to choose from across the Dorset Council area. East Dorset, Purbeck, North and Mid Dorset, Dorchester, Bridport, Weymouth and Portland all offer a variety of walks in each location, most of which are close to public transport. There are also walks available within Dorset’s country parks. If you enjoy walking and would like to be part of the volunteer team, please contact the Health & Activity Team. New leaders are always being sought. To find out more about the individual walks in your area, or the volunteer walk leader training, please visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ dorset-health-walks or contact Dorset Council’s Health & Activity team by emailing dorsethealthwalks@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Dorset Health Walks are supported by Dorset Council’s Health and Activity team and work in partnership with The Ramblers’ national programme of Wellbeing Walks. A similar programme is available in the BCP area and is supported by BCP Council. Contact: Health & Activity Team, Dorset Council dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. 01425 480811

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New year ! u o y w e n We’re into another year, and the vast majority of us are hoping for a better one, whether it be healthier, wealthier or happier. If you haven’t set a New Year’s resolution, it’s not too late to start. However, there’s no point in setting a goal for a goal’s sake – make sure it means something to you, or you’ll find your motivation waning fairly swiftly. Don’t overload yourself with changes either, as that is not sustainable and you may be setting yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on the things most important to you

– would you like to get fit or lose weight, take steps to live a healthier lifestyle, start that project you’ve been dreaming about, take up a new hobby or upskill to get your dream job? Once you’ve set your goals, break them down into bitesized chunks. Making a list can help if there’s a logical route to your goal, or it may be that achieving your goal will require a change in behaviour. New ways of behaving take time to embed and become habit, so make changes that are manageable and you feel able to fit into your lifestyle. If you slip up, try not to worry

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY about it – try to chalk it up to experience and begin again as soon as you can. Losing a few pounds or trying to get a bit fitter is a common New Year goal. If your aim is to eat a more balanced diet or lose weight, start by aiming for five-a-day and you will soon find you get into a better pattern of eating. Bulking out your meals with vegetables is a good way to reduce calories and adding a portion of protein will help fill you up too. If you would like to lose more weight than a few Christmas pounds, it’s worth

shopping around to find a diet plan that suits you. Most work on the same premise – fewer calories in than energy expended – so you’ll need to look for one that includes food you like and has the level of support that works for you. Increasing your fitness levels can help improve your overall health, both physical and mental. You can’t beat getting outside for a walk or run but, when it gets dark early and you don’t want to step outside without numerous layers of clothing, it’s easy to make excuses. Committing

to a class or gym slot can be a great motivator, and also means you have access to professional support in the guise of a personal trainer or class leader. In the meantime, why not try a new look? There is something about having your hair done and putting on confidence-boosting clothes that enables you to head out into the world ready to hit those goals. 2022 is there for the taking – what are you waiting for?

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

r a e Y w Ne

new hobby

You may have decided that 2022 is the year you take up that hobby you’ve long thought about. Or perhaps you would like to try something new, but lack inspiration or a place to start. Winter is a great time to try crafts that are suited to indoor settings. Knitting and crochet are relatively easy to start with, as they require little in the way of equipment. There are plenty of books to help you get started or, if you prefer, look for instructional videos online. You could join a Knit and Natter group, popular in local libraries or cafés, and learn from an expert. Other crafts such as scrapbooking, paper cutting or felting are also popular. They’re

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broad enough for you to experiment with while you find the style that suits you. You may not have picked up a paintbrush since school but, if you are artistic, painting can be a pleasant way to fill the time. Or why not experiment with photography? If you have a smart phone, you’ll find lots of different settings on its camera, and you can use it to explore the medium before deciding whether you love it enough to invest in better equipment. Perhaps you’d like to invest

more time in your garden this year? If you’re not sure where to begin, you can buy a gardeners’ calendar or book that has suggestions of jobs to do each month, taking the guesswork out of the process. How about a bit of upcycling? You may have some tired, old furniture that you could update with a splash of colour or different fabric. The only limits are your imagination – and maybe the décor in the room you want to put it in. All of these hobbies can

be sociable too – look out for groups that meet in community venues, join an art or photography club, look up the nearest horticultural society or volunteer for a repair café. You’ll likely meet some people with similar interests, and you can tap into a wealth of experience along the way. You never know, perhaps that new thing you try could end up being your new passion.

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Want a FREE personal health coach? It’s #YourMove The New Year can leave us feeling sluggish and flat – physically and mentally. We might start out filled with good intentions of going on a health kick but finding the motivation is another story. Let 2022 be the year when you make #YourMove. Getting our body moving and blood pumping can do wonders for our wellbeing, yet many of us don’t complete the recommended 30 minutes per day, five days per week target. Do you? Did you know that if you are an adult living in Dorset you can access free support and 1-2-1 coaching to help you make these healthy lifestyle changes, funded by your local council? It’s true! Instead of struggling alone, you could be talking to an advisor or coach from LiveWell Dorset who will help you make a plan – and encourage you to stick to it. Options include coaching sessions, activities and tools to target activity and weight loss vouchers for local slimming groups. As part of the LiveWell family there’s even the chance to buddy up and share your journey through community support networks including a private LiveWell Facebook group. Get active and enjoy all the benefits of moving more – not to mention losing a few of those unwanted festive pounds. You’ll notice the difference if you increase your activity even just a little. GPs refer to physical activity as the wonder drug: there really is nothing like it to improve your physical and mental health. Use your phone camera to scan the code in the ad below or call 0800 840 1628 to find out more.

Could a career in the NHS be for you?

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown more than ever that the future of England’s health and social care system relies on its people, and many have been inspired to start a career in the health service. There are many different career paths within the NHS, from nursing to radiography to podiatry on the frontline, with many back office positions. With around 350 different roles to choose from, there is something for everyone. For more information search NHS careers online www.healthcareers.nhs.uk.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

New Year, new career? If you don’t find getting up and heading out to work each day inspiring, it may be time for a change of direction. It could be that you are in need of a further challenge, in which case, seeking a promotion may be right for you, or perhaps you’ve fallen out of love with your job and fancy a change of direction. If you want a change in your career, the best way to attain it is to set clear goals. These will be dependent on what you want to achieve. If a promotion is what you want, assess opportunities in your current workplace. Many companies will be keen to see you progress, so have a chat with your manager and set targets to help you achieve your personal goals. If you’re planning a change in career, it’s best to start with some research. Are your current skills transferable, or will you need training? The government offers free online courses to help you upskill. You can find more information at www. nationalcareers.service.gov. uk/find-a-course/the-skillstoolkit. Alternatively, further

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education providers may offer a suitable course, either through full-time or part-time study. You may need a higher level course, and access courses can provide a useful pathway to university study. If you decide to look for alternative employment, start with updating your CV. When searching and applying for positions, make sure you tailor each one to suit, using the job descriptions provided. Taking time to call for a chat about a role may also stand you in good stead when it comes to getting an interview. Preparation is key when it comes to interviews too – you’ll be expected to know something about the company you’re hoping to work for. Having questions prepared will also show your interest in the role. Whatever your career aspirations for 2022, putting some actions in place will help you on your way to your dream job.

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A career in counselling Iron Mill College, which is located at Acorn Business Park in Poole, Dorset, has supported many people to change their careers in its 40 years as a provider of mental health and wellbeing education and training in Poole and Exeter. Principal Dr Jo Trelfa, from the college, said: “It’s extremely humbling to think that these professionals who’ve studied with the Iron Mill College have been part of the process of enhancing the general public’s mental health and wellbeing during one of the most difficult times we’ve all experienced. “If you’re thinking of changing your career in 2022 to help people improve their mental health, then our doors are open to you. We welcome anyone who is interested in our courses, including those who want to change their career but are unsure where to start.

“To become a counsellor, you will need to start with our Certificate in Counselling entrylevel 12-day course that is NCS Quality Checked. “The 12-day study program is designed to offer an overview of humanistic approaches and therapeutic models, and it provides preliminary training in the use of counselling skills. “After completing the certificate, you can either sign up to our Advanced Diploma or FdA Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling course, accredited by BACP and validated by the University of Worcester. Once successfully completed you will be qualified as a counsellor and ready to start your practice. “We hope to see you soon!” For more information visit www.ironmill.co.uk or call 01392 219200.

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pets and wildlife / an animal’s eyes speak a powerful language

RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 Whether you know a thing or two about birds or not, there’s never been a better time to begin birdwatching, as the RSPB’s ever popular Big Garden Birdwatch is set to return for its 43rd year on 28, 29 and 30 January. You can join 2022’s Big Garden Birdwatch event by simply recording the birds you see land in your garden, balcony or local park and sending your results to the RSPB. On hand to help you connect with the nature in your garden, the charity has a fantastic range of resources, including their handy bird identification guide at rspb.org.uk/ birdidentifier to help you get started. What you might see Taking just an hour to complete, the nature conservation charity uses the records created by the survey to help monitor bird trends across Dorset and the country as a whole. Last year’s survey saw the house sparrow remaining at the top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings in Dorset, followed by starlings and blue tits. Being on the south coast, keep your eyes peeled for unusual migratory bird species that often travel to our shores

from overseas to make the most of our milder winters. Birds such as chiffchaffs, redwings, bramblings and fieldfares may join your familiar garden friends, especially if food shortages on the continent have forced them to come in search of food. To take part, and find advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden – visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. The cover of the December 2021 issue of Viewpoint featured this lovely image of a robin by Ben Andrew on behalf of the RSPB.

European robin © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Crustaceans feel pain

A consensus in the House of Lords found that sea creatures are capable of feeling pain and should be included in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. As a result, the bill will now include decapod crustaceans (animals like crabs, lobsters and prawns) and cephalopod molluscs (animals like octopus and squid). This is particularly relevant to the UK, as approximately 420 million crabs, lobsters and langoustines are landed in UK ports by UK vessels each year. Crustacean Compassion, the leading group campaigning for the humane treatment of animals like crabs and lobsters, has welcomed the news. Their petition calling for decapod crustaceans to be protected in law has been signed by almost 60,000 people, and their open letter was signed by scientists, veterinary organisations and public figures, including the British Veterinary Association and the RSPCA.

Working towards a happier cat clinic By Cedar Vets Here at Cedars, we are an ISFM Silver accredited Cat Friendly Clinic and, with recent building works, we are working towards our Gold standard. The aim of the a Cat Friendly Clinic is to reduce the stress of our patients and ensure all our clinic staff are trained to care for cats in a way to ensure their visit is calm and respectful. Our dedicated cat ward has moved into a larger space to allow us to hospitalise more cats and give them more spacious accommodation. Cats do not recognise their own reflection so when they see themselves they often think it’s another cat and become territorial. By using an opaque non-reflective material to build our kennels, this helps to keep patients’ stress levels to a minimum. A quiet catch door helps to keep the ward as calm and quiet as possible whilst remaining secure. Each kennel has a cat castle which provides a place for cats to hide under or sit on top. We have a dedicated examination table within the ward with access to a computer so we can perform clinical exams efficiently with minimal movement of the patients within the setting where they become comfortable. We hope that if your cats have to stay with us they feel more relaxed and comfortable within our hospital.

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verwood news

Community spirit alive and well Verwood Community Support once again delivered food, treats and small gifts to people in need in the Verwood community to spread a little Christmas cheer. Donations included food hampers and gifts and were distributed to people nominated by the community, or being supported by the Verwood Food Bank by a team of elves – Shelley Rose, Sharon Carver, Holly Carver, Emma Payne, and Barry Morris. In addition, Mission Christmas contributed toys that were given to families struggling to buy presents for their children. Callvan Hire provided a van free of charge so the collections and deliveries could be made. Shelley said she had been inundated with donations from companies and individuals but had so many families requiring genuine support that every

item was distributed over the week before Christmas. She said: “Last year we had families supporting us who are, this year, in need. The demand for help has increased four to five times, and there has been a huge rise in people needing help. We were flat out making deliveries, but while we still had items to give out, we were determined to make sure people had what they needed at Christmas.”

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verwood news

Bright new chapter for Val By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Verwood’s town clerk is to retire after almost 30 years working for the town council.

Verwood Rotary round up By Louisa Hiscock, President of Verwood Rotary Club

During December, Verwood Rotary Club was busy supporting Father Christmas on some of his visits around Verwood prior to Christmas Day. We were delighted to be part of the Christmas Extravaganza on Ferrett Green. Club members were there to help Father Christmas on his walkabout as he greeted all the children. We also had our own Rotary tent there, including a ShelterBox on display. Rotary Clubs support ShelterBox to provide disaster relief aid to families around the world in times of emergency. All the contents in the box are designed to provide the emergency aid equipment they would need in the early stages such as tents, mosquito nets, solar lights, cooking sets and water filters. We also supported Father Christmas again on his visits to some of the local schools in Verwood and Three Legged Cross. This was the second year of our ‘Santa in a Van’ project that was so popular last year. We were happy to help Father Christmas out at a time when we are having to think about social distancing again. We were able to bring Father Christmas to the children in his own mobile grotto with a special post box for children to ensure he received their letters. Our thanks to Forest FM for supporting us again, with their van being turned into a great grotto. The club continues to meet up twice a month into 2022. We are now planning for our next big fundraiser for charity, the Swing Band Evening on 26 March. Look out for tickets on sale soon and please support this local event.

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Val Bright will be familiar to many people in Verwood as a consistent, friendly face at the council offices and at community events over the past three decades. She spoke to Dorset View about her time at the council and her plans for the future. Val began her career at Verwood Town Council in 1992 as assistant to the previous town clerk at the same time as the new council offices were opened. Things were very different then – there had been no dedicated office space until the council offices were built, the area where Ferrett Green is now was a car park and there were two houses on the site of the current Potters Wheel car park. Val was promoted to town clerk in 1995 at the same time as Bob Maidment was elected mayor. When asked to reflect on her achievements in the role, Val said: “I don’t see it that way. I’m here to implement the council’s wishes in more of a chief executive role so, if anything, I’m proud of what the council has achieved.” A little more digging, and it turns out that Val does have achievements of her own to be proud of. Top of the list is getting the Remembrance parade and service running like clockwork, although Val jokes that she could write a book about the things that can and do go wrong – starting with the year six Scouts fainted. She has also organised the Christmas Extravaganza, but says the event couldn’t take place without the volunteers and organisations that get involved. Speaking about the latest event, she said: “It’s been lovely working with these organisations and individuals – people are so kind and so helpful. It was lovely to see so many people there being entertained.” On a personal note, Val completed her Certificate of Higher Education for Community Engagement and Val Bright, Rosie Kingsnorth and Joyce Gaskell at The Hub whilst being built

Val Bright at her graduation in 2012

Governance, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) and CiLCA Section 7, General Power of Competence, which helped her in her main role of providing support to the council members, especially ones new to the role. In addition, she chaired the Dorset Society of Local Council Clerks, sharing her knowledge with others in similar roles across the county. Val said she and her team provide continuity at the council, where the council members and even the mayor are likely to change as voting dictates. She is proud to work with them and said: “I really admire town and parish councillors. They don’t get paid or thanked for doing this job, they do it because they care, and because they want to.” Of her retirement, Val said: “It will be hard to leave, as the council has been a second home to me. I’ve seen many changes over the years and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with so many wonderful people who do so much for the community. Verwood is so lucky to have such a strong community spirit.” Having lost her husband of 46 years in 2021, Val said she was in need of a new chapter, a new beginning and a few adventures, adding that you never knew when time would run out. She said: “It’s been an amazing job – wonderful, frustrating, always different and juggling many balls in the air. I’ll miss it, but it’s the right time.” Val will be replaced by Carrie Lloyd, an experienced town clerk who previously held that post at Hatfield Town Council.

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EXCLUSIVE

Plans progressing for a Wimborne Community Garden by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk If approved by Dorset Council, Wimborne could soon have a community garden on land behind the Walford Mill car park. Spearheading the project on behalf of Wimborne Food Bank is Jane Benson who explained how she became involved. “I’m a volunteer at the Blandford Food Bank, and I thought it would be really good if, in addition to canned and food in packets, we could provide some fresh vegetables. However, when I wasn’t able to find a site for a garden in Blandford, my friend Sandi Cooke suggested Wimborne. “I’ve been working on this for over a year now but feel I am within sniffing distance of the starting line. I am waiting for the council to complete the necessary formalities but their solicitors have approved it so I really do think it will actually happen. I sincerely hope so and am doing everything I can think of to make the idea a reality.” Wimborne Food Bank is under the same umbrella as the Blandford one Faithworks Wessex. There is clearly support for the project; before Jane started looking for a site she went on to a local Facebook page to ask if anyone was interested in a Wimborne community garden and within 48 hours she had received over 80 positive responses. Jane explained that the purpose of the community garden was to provide a place for social connection as well as for people to have a chance to learn new skills in horticulture and share knowledge with each other. It would be a space for mutual growth and benefit and also to provide a community space where no individual has their ‘own plot’, rather the garden is worked on as a community.

She said: “We want to reach the whole community in its broadest sense, encompassing young children, students, families, adults of all ages including people with additional needs and especially people who currently use the Wimborne Food Bank.” The plan is that 25 per cent of all that is grown would be given to Wimborne Food Bank. The first stage of the project would be to create a core group to decide on the layout of the garden. A landscape gardener would create a plan and the ground would be rotavated. It is hoped that local students who are studying technology would help with the construction. The plan is for raised beds, pathways wide enough for wheelchair users and a lockable garden shed. Permission has already been granted from the

Environmental Agency for the setting up of a solar powered pump to get water from the adjacent River Allen. The middle stage would be to get in touch with local schools to offer them use of the garden and to invite a cancer survivors group to become involved. Broad beans, courgettes, runner beans, tomatoes, strawberries, marigolds and sunflowers would be planted. The final stage would be to erect a poly-tunnel to be used for plants as well as an indoor space to be developed into a teaching area. In addition the use of seed to plate kitchen facilities would allow the cooking of produce grown in the garden to take place to allow the garden community to eat together. Stapehill-based firm Brothers Farm is to change the labels on their jam next year

to state that for every jar sold, £1 will be given to support the Wimborne Community Garden. Jane said there is a community garden in Dorchester, and when she contacted them they advised her to only develop a third of the land at first, as they can always extend it. Jane concluded: “At this point of the project it is very much driven by me but as soon as I’m given the ‘green light’ then it will be getting a core group together and it will become a collaboration for the community and driven by the community. I think it has huge potential for so many in so many ways - so here’s to an exciting 2022.” If you would like to become involved in the project, text or WhatsApp Jane on 07769 614417.

Jane at the site

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

The Old Beams Inn:

A pub for all seasons By Karen Wyatt-Epapara This was the first time I had been to The Old Beams in Ibsley, and it certainly won’t be the last. I visited with my husband one Tuesday evening just before Christmas. The pub and restaurant were beautifully decorated inside and out and a roaring fire in the middle of the bar area set the tone for a cosy and pleasant evening. We were met by ownermanager Simon Ball – the son-in-law of owner Peter Cheall – who told us he has been at the helm for the past few months. Seeing him stop to chat with many of the customers, it’s clear he is a popular face behind the bar. We decided to sit in the bar so we could enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the pub, and the warmth from the fire. The alternative was the restaurant area, designed for more formal dining, and beautifully decorated. Simon told us that the decorations are changed according to the season and the room, which seats 60, is available for private hire and particularly lends itself to bookings for weddings or parties. Perusing the menu, I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of options I could choose from – I’m notoriously difficult to feed given that I’m vegetarian and have allergies, so having such a choice was a treat. I started with the homemade leek and potato soup served with warm bread from the specials board while Luke had king prawns in garlic butter. Mine was delicious and would have made a hearty lunch option too. Luke loved the garlicky sauce on his prawns. The main courses on offer were traditional pub

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VIEWPOINT January 2022

fare, with options such as fish and chips, sausage and mash, lasagne, burgers, steak and chips and chilli. Vegetarians are very much catered for, with choices including risotto, nut loaf, vegetable pie and mac’n’cheese. The chefs source the majority of the ingredients locally to guarantee freshness and quality. I struggled to choose between the chana masala and the falafel burger, and plumped for the burger in the end. Served with chips and salad, it was the right side of spicy, and very generous in its portion. Luke opted for plaice, which was the fish of the day. It was served with vegetables and the chef was happy to replace the new potatoes with mash. Luke said it was beautifully cooked and very fresh (as a fisherman, he is very picky about his fish, so

this was high praise indeed). We were both feeling full after our mains so decided to share a dessert. We chose the chocolate orange cheesecake served with vanilla ice cream and, although I was only planning to have a taste, I ended up eating far more than I’d intended. For a dish that tasted so rich, it was surprisingly light and moreish. Given it was a week night, I chose a soft drink, while Luke had a pint of Moretti. There is also a wide selection of lagers, local ales, speciality gins and vodkas and red and white wines, as well as a coffee and a selection of teas. Before we left, Simon told us of his plans for the pub. An outdoor, heated and

covered area, which was used as an alpine bar in the run up to Christmas, would be available throughout the rest of the winter should the Covid situation mean outdoor dining is preferable. Another seated area will come into its own as the weather turns warmer, with a pizza oven and outdoor kitchen being installed. He is also looking to run cabaret tea dances on weekday afternoons and there are also theme nights and monthly live acts. Children and dogs are welcome, and there is plenty of parking. We look forward to visiting again. To book, call 01425 473387.

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foodie news

Spicy vegan bean burgers

with charred red onions

If you’ve decided to take part in Veganuary (going vegan for the month of January), or have a New Year’s resolution to reduce the amount of meat you eat, these burgers are sure to hit the spot. A top tip: the mixture will freeze, so it’s worth doubling up the recipe and freezing any unused burgers – that way you’ll have some ready for when you may need a quick meal in the future. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp sunflower oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1-2 red chillies, seeded and finely chopped 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 small carrot, grated 400g can beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 tbsp hot curry paste 1 lime, juiced 50g dried breadcrumbs 2 tbsp chopped coriander 2 red onions, thickly sliced into rings ½ tsp garam masala or ground coriander 4 floury or ciabatta rolls, halved Salad leaves, lime pickle or mango chutney to serve

Method 1. Heat 2 tbsp sunflower oil in a frying pan and cook the shallots, garlic, red chillies and cumin seeds for 5 minutes until softened. Transfer to a large bowl. 2. Add the carrot and beans or chickpeas and mash with a large fork or potato masher until fairly smooth. Add the curry paste, lime juice, breadcrumbs, coriander and seasoning and mix together to create a firm mixture. Shape into 4 even-sized burgers and transfer to a plate, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or until ready to cook. 3. Lightly brush the burgers and red onions with the remaining oil. Season the onion slices with garam masala or ground coriander and a little salt. Barbecue or griddle the burgers and red onions over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes on each side until the burgers are heated through and nicely browned and the red onions are softened and a little charred. 4. Briefly warm the rolls and place some salad leaves on each, top with the burgers and charred red onions and serve with your favourite pickle or chutney. Cooks’ tip: For a dairy-free raita, mix together coconut yogurt alternative with some grated cucumber, shredded mint and squeeze of lime juice, then chill until ready to serve. Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose: www.waitrose.com/recipes

Dinner lady hangs up ladle and apron Dishing up an estimated 3.5 million meals, a dedicated dinner lady has retired from a Hampshire school after 35 years of service. “I can’t believe it is coming to an end after all this time,” said Diana Light as she retired after 35 years as a dinner lady at Arnewood School in New Milton. She joined the school as a replacement for her mother-in-law Joan Light who had worked there for 27 years. During her last week, headteacher Nigel Presnell presented her with a gift and a bunch of flowers. Four out of five of Diana’s grandchildren – all of whom attend the school – were at the presentation as were her co-workers and family members. Diana said, “I have seen many faces come and go over the years, but we have been lucky in the canteen and have always had a good team, I am really going to miss it.”

Front row (l-r) including four of Diana’s five grandchildren Oliver St John, Izzi St John, Diana Light, Madi Light, Abi St John Back row (r-l): Diana’s daughter Tanya Light and her partner Gemma Light please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

Panto time in Verwood Following last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic, Verwood Pantomime Society ‘s Sleeping Beauty by Joshua and Lewis Clarke will be at The Hub between 22-29 January. It promises plenty of panto shenanigans. Princess Aurora is under threat from the evil Magnificent. With the help of her madcap nurse and the loveable Tommy, will she survive her 16th birthday or fall asleep for eternity? Will a magical skateboarding fairy come and save the day? Or will a huge and terrifying dragon spoil the party? Packed with comedy, sing-along songs and dancing, visit www. verwoodpantomimesociety. co.uk/ for tickets.

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@ dorsetview.co.uk 12 -16 January Strictly Over 16s to Bourne Free Trustee’s adult panto Peter Pansy. Various times at the Allendale Centre. Various times. 01202 887247. 13 January – 27 February Illuminate at The Blue Pool, near Wareham. A 1km trail of illuminations and music in the woodlands around the Blue Pool. Tickets https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ illuminate-at-the-blue-pooljanuary-february-2022tickets-210586478827 15 January 7.30pm 80s Mania at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth. The music of Kim Wilde, Duran Duran, Adam Ant, Boy George, Wham, Erasure, Soft Cell, the Human League, Dead or Alive, Nena, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Gary Numan, and Tony Hadley.

16 January 11-4pm Classic cars on the Prom at West Overcliff Promenade, Bournemouth. The event supports local charities/ benefactors such as RNLI, Beach Lifeguards of Poole Bay, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances and Langside School for Disabled Children. 18 January 8pm Wimborne Civic Society presentation by Peter Scriven on Beaucroft House – a World War One Hospital in the Story of Colehill. Quarterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. £1 for members, £3 for visitors. 22 January 3pm Wimborne Town FC at home at the new Cuthbury site to Tiverton Town. 22-29 January Verwood Pantomime Society presents Sleeping Beauty at the Verwood Hub. Tickets £7 for all on Wednesday and Thursday. £10 adults, children £8 Friday and Saturdays. 01202 828740 or online for ticket sales. 25 January 7.30pm West Parley Gardening club with a presentation by Roger Frampton on ‘Orchids’. Visitors welcome £3. Refreshments available. For further details please contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. Email rod@ rdconsulting.co 27-30 January Highcliffe Charity Players present Sleeping Beauty at the Regent Christchurch, various times. 5 February 3pm Wimborne Town FC at home at the new Cuthbury site to Walton Casuals.

9 February 7pm Wimborne Rotary present Jazz at the Allendale with Swing Unlimited Big Band. Admission free with tickets available at the door. Retiring collection in aid of Youth Music Wessex and Rotary charities. 11-13 February Co Mad (Colehill Music and Drama) present Robin Hood at Colehill Memorial Hall. Contact Pam Mizon on 01202 887084 for tickets. 12 February 2.15pm The Dorset branch of the World Ship Society presents Krispen’s Travels to the Easter Baltic at the Heatherlands Centre, Ferndown. Email info@shipsdorset.org 13 February 11-4pm Classic cars on the Prom at West Overcliff Promenade, Bournemouth. The event supports local charities/ benefactors such as; RNLI, Beach Lifeguards of Poole Bay, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances and Langside School for Disabled Children. 15 February 8pm Wimborne Civic Society present The History of Blandford Camp with speaker Colonel Bob Brannigan at the Quarterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. £1 for members, £3 for visitors. 19 February 3pm Wimborne Town FC at home at the new Cuthbury site to Harrow Borough. 22 February 7.30pm West Parley Gardening Club presentation by Christopher Legrand on The History of Dorset. Visitors welcome £3. Refreshments available. For further details please contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. Email rod@rdconsulting.co

Continuing support for the arts The Arts Development Company (ADC) has been successful in winning a competitive tender process to deliver an arts development service on behalf of Dorset Council. The contract will cover a five-year period and the council will continue to provide the same level of funding. The funding will enable the ADC to provide a strategic service that will support the arts sector to enable it to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

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around & about

Ferndown Library Get fit Ferndown Library plans to keep opening into 2022, to provide a service to people in the community. As well as lending books to those who are able to get to the library, housebound customers can access a book delivery service provided by the Royal Voluntary Service. There is an excellent stock of new books, and customers can also order books in from other libraries. Full membership allows you to take up to 20 books at a time, so even if you have to isolate, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied. The library is currently running Rhymetime and Storytime sessions once a week and Knit and Natter once a month. This may be subject to change with any new restrictions so it is advisable to call ahead for the most up to date information. Booking is essential for all events. There is usually a supply of Lateral Flow Tests you can

drop in and collect and you do not need a code. Again, ring before making a journey as they cannot guarantee they will have a reliable supply. In addition, computers are available to use, and there are printing, photocopying and scanning facilities. Coins are needed to release printing and photocopying. You can also view up-to-date bus timetables. For further details call 01202 874542, email: ferndownlibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or search for Ferndown Library on Facebook.

and be social The award-winning Verwood Runners inclusive, affiliated running club is a group that aims to make running fun and safe. As Run Together Group of the Year winners for the SW region in 2020, they recognise the physical and mental benefits of running, especially as part of a group. They offer free sessions led by fully insured and qualified run leaders under the guidance of a coach. Sessions are open to all abilities and you don’t have to be an Olympian

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to join in, although you do need to be able to run 5k. The group has twiceyearly socials, run to the pub events, and parkrun events, and supports club members at other local events. Verwood Runners meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Potterne Park for paced skills sessions designed to improve running and Thursdays at 7pm outside the Hub for a 5k or 8-10k run. Visit www.verwoodrunners. co.uk or find them on Facebook.

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

Iron Age roundhouse project at Hengistbury Head

Ed Byrne on tour By Jason Barlow

With a reputation as one of the UK’s finest observational comics, Ed Byrne is happy to be back on tour. A regular on Mock The Week and The Graham Norton Show, co-presenter of Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure and its follow-up Dara & Ed’s Road To Mandalay, and featuring on BBC2’s The Pilgrimage, Ed is still best known for his stand-up performances. A quarter of a century at the comedic coalface has equipped Ed with a highly evolved story-telling ability and a silky mastery of his craft. Yet his wit, charm and self-deprecatory observational humour is often underpinned by a consistently hilarious vitriol and sense of injustice at a world that seems to be spinning ever more rapidly out of control. Ed’s new show If I’m Honest digs ever deeper into a father’s sense of responsibility, what it means to be a man in 2019, and whether he possesses any qualities whatsoever worth passing on to his two sons. Occasionally accused of whimsy, If I’m Honest is a show with a seriously steely core. The new show takes his natural tendency towards self-deprecation to unexpected extremes. “I do genuinely annoy myself,” Ed concedes. “But the thing of your children being a reflection of you, gives you an opportunity to build

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something out of the best of yourself only for you to then see flashes of the worst of yourself in them. It’s a wakeup call about your own behaviour.” If I’m Honest brilliantly elucidates the frustration that arrives in middle age – and lives up to its title. “I’m bored looking for things, I’m bored of trying to find stuff, because I can never find it, and it is entirely my fault,” Ed says. He insists that, while the show might have mordant and occasionally morbid aspects, it’s also not without its quietly triumphant moments. “I thought I was being quite upbeat talking about the small victories,” he says. “You know, finding positivity in being able to spot when a cramp was about to happen in your leg and dealing with it before it does. I was very happy with myself about that.” Since the pandemic hit and live comedy as we know it temporarily ceased to be, Ed has done a few socially-distanced gigs as well as some on Zoom and he cannot wait to get back on the road properly. It will have been 18 months since he last performed a tour date. Ed will be performing locally at Lighthouse, Poole on 21 January; Tivoli, Wimborne on 16 March; and Bournemouth Pavilion on 8 May.

A new project could bring to life the people who lived at Hengistbury Head up to 12,000 years ago with volunteers being invited to become involved. As part of its three-year Performing the Past project, staff and volunteers with assistance from Bournemouth University’s Archaeology department, have been researching designs for an Iron Age roundhouse to be constructed adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Subject to future funding and planning approval, the roundhouse will become a focal point for adults and children of all ages and abilities to explore and discover firsthand what it was really like to be living at Hengistbury Head thousands of years ago. “Visitors and schools have told us that they would love to learn more about the archaeology of the area in an interactive way,” said Cllr Mark Anderson, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Place. “If approved, reenactors will use the roundhouse to showcase ancient pottery and flint tool making, and how our ancestors fashioned bronze and iron. There will also be displays of prehistoric cooking, working with natural pigments and paints and the creation of authentic clothing.” Mark Holloway, BCP’s Performing the Past project lead, said: “We are hoping to raise £15,000 to make this a reality for the people of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. The National Lottery Heritage Fund will be approached for a grant and, together with support from other local donors and businesses, we hope to achieve our target and then bring the community together to help build the Roundhouse.” Performing the Past aims to bring to life the fascinating archaeology of Hengistbury Head and re-enact life in the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. It is made up of volunteers from the local community and was launched in 2019 with a £44,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Mark Holloway continues: “If you would like to join our project to train as an archaeological volunteer or support it in another way please get in contact.” Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, which opened in 2013, is owned and operated by BCP Council and features intriguing archaeology exhibitions and stories from prehistoric times. To volunteer, please visit: www. visithengistburyhead.co.uk/Events/ Performing-the-past.aspx

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around & about

Wimborne Eye Bridge

This short walk near Wimborne is easily accessible and is a good option for a walk with family and friends. Article and images by Janine Pulford Approx 6,000 steps Allow around 70 minutes Part is suitable for rollators and wheelchairs Motorists should leave Wimborne taking the road to Pamphill via Cowgrove. There is a small car park on the left hand side. It is signposted. If it’s full there is an overspill in an adjoining field. After parking, approach the River Stour and turn right to Eye Bridge, which is close to the car park. The narrow wooden bridge can only be crossed on foot. We walked onto the bridge to look towards a small weir and spotted an egret. We didn’t cross right over as this would take us on to a farmland loop, which although scenic, leads you to having to cross Julian’s Bridge and, if the road is busy, it is an unpleasant experience to negotiate it on foot and could be dangerous if you are

with children. Instead we descended Eye Bridge on the same side and continued along a level path that follows the river. The river was on our left and a field on our right, which had a few large rabbits in it. The ground was level and accessible for wheelchairs and we saw someone walking easily with a rollator. A large wood carving of an otter stands along this route, and further along is a tunnel of what I thought to be hawthorn. It is covered in white blossom in the spring. The path became narrower and the ground less suitable for wheelchairs. This section is usually muddy in winter and is prone to flooding, in which case, there is a higher, narrow path to follow. Later on we came across a fallen log on the path and eventually there is a stile to climb. This enables you to

View from Eye Bridge

follow the looped route past Waterman’s Oak, which took us around a field before we re-joined the path along the river’s edge and back to the car park. This was a pleasant and peaceful walk made all the more enjoyable because of the free parking.

Eye Bridge

Stile

Map of the area

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour

If high-adrenaline films are your thing, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will have something to please. The films star intrepid characters undertaking extreme expeditions to the backdrop of stunning cinematography, and filmed in the wildest places on the planet. Banff tour films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which is held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There will be two films to chose from, with more details released later this month, or you can double the action and see both. The UK tour dates and venues include: Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne – 23 February Lighthouse Poole – 26 February and 6 May Regent Centre, Christchurch – 12 May

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Be visible in the dark

As we are currently in the darkest part of the year, it is vital to make sure car lights are working properly and you are as visible as possible to other road users. Visibility issues can be caused by drivers relying on automatic lighting systems

and front-only daytime running lights. The result is that visibility ahead could be reduced, and there may be no rear lights showing at all. With an automatic lighting system, it’s easy to assume your lights are all taken care of without your needing to do

anything. However, daytime running lights are fairly dim and don’t illuminate the road ahead. They are not sufficient on their own to make you properly visible to oncoming traffic and other road users, especially in foggy or wet conditions. With only these lights illuminated, you are likely to be displaying no rear lighting whatsoever. The following advice from GEM Motoring Assist will ensure you are visible whatever the road conditions.

• In winter, use dipped headlights at all times, day and night. Switching them on will also ensure your rear lights are on, so you’ll be more conspicuous from front and rear • Make regular checks of your main beams, indicators, sidelights, fog lights and brake lights • Know where your fog light controls are located, so you can turn them on and off as conditions require • Familiarise yourself with any automatic lighting systems on your car, but don’t rely on them to provide the right level of visibility at all times and in all conditions • Make sure you use lights in such a way that you and other road users gain the maximum benefit. After all, it’s about being seen as much as being able to see • Look out for other drivers who may not be using lights as effectively as they could

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in the home

Greener goals for 2022 If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to contribute to the fight against climate change, the best place to start is at home. There are small changes you can make which will not only help the environment, but may also reduce your energy usage, which has to be welcome in the face of rising fuel costs. These suggestions from Rightio. co.uk are a good place to start. Turn appliances off Leaving appliances on standby has been estimated by Energy Saving Trust to make up between nine and 16 per cent of household energy usage – which could be costing the average household around £86 a year. Switch off appliances when you’re not using them, either on the device or by turning it off at the plug, and you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and saving money at the same time. Consider your fuel sources Some fuel sources are better for the environment than others, and the average home emits an average of 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year. While new build homes will be required to fit a nongas boiler from 2023 as part of the gas boiler ban, there’s currently no ban on gas boilers

in existing homes. If you have an existing gas boiler that is coming to the end of its lifespan, now is the time to consider an environmentally friendly alternative. Electric boilers are more eco-friendly and tend to be energy efficient. Most new electric boilers will have an energy efficiency rating in the region of 99 per cent. If you are not in a position to replace a gas boiler, keeping it regularly serviced will ensure it is as energy efficient as possible. Energy efficiency Adequate insulation will help keep your home energy efficient by trapping the heat inside. It will also help prevent greenhouse gases from leaking out into the environment. Using larger appliances sparingly – running full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, rather than small loads, for example – will mean you use less energy and water.

If you have a garden, flowers such as foxgloves and lavender provide pollen for bees, while hedges provide a space for small wildlife and birds to make a home in. Inside, plants such as

spider plants, snake plants and aloe vera are known for their air cleansing properties. They produce plenty of clean oxygen and can also help remove harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

Make your home green… literally Plants, both inside your home and in the garden, will contribute positively to your environment.

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in the home

Don’t become a victim of burglary

During the darker months of the year, it can be more obvious to would-be thieves if you are not at home, potentially marking it as an easy target. Hampshire Constabulary has provided some advice on crime prevention to help keep you safe this winter. • Use timer switches (available from most DIY stores) to switch on lights, radios while you are away from the home to make it look and sound occupied • Shut and lock windows and doors when you return home and settle down for the evening • Use padlocks on side gates to deny access to the rear of the property • Ensure your outside lighting is in working order (consider low level ambient light on a dusk to dawn sensor) that will activate even when you are not at home • Property mark belongings with your house number and postcode, keeping a list of any makes, models and serial numbers. Take photos of jewellery. Register your items for free via the Immobilise website. Using this service will assist the police in returning property to the rightful owner should it be stolen.

Wood fuel regulations

Harmful levels of air pollution can damage people’s health and reduce their quality of life. Some people, especially children, older people, and those with respiratory problems, can be affected. While only eight per cent of homes use log burners, they are now the biggest cause of a particular type of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns across. These are tiny, and can’t be seen by the human eye. These tiny particles can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues for those most susceptible to them. As the popularity of log burners has grown the amount of this type of particulate in the air has more than doubled since 2003. Therefore, the UK government has introduced the Air Quality Regulations 2020. This new law restricts the sale of wet wood which, when burnt, produces more tiny particles than seasoned or dry wood. Banning the sale of wet wood should help improve air quality for all. Wood fuel can now only be sold in volumes of less than two cubic metres if it is certified as ‘ready to burn’ and has a moisture content of 20 per cent or less. It applies to both firewood and wood briquettes sold in single retail bags or supplied as a bulk delivery. Traders are also required to store the wood in such a way that it is not sold to customers damaged or wet.

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VIEWPOINT January 2022

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Today

CORRESPONDENCE Deaf must be considered

To express your opinion or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

The regulations about mask wearing in England are important and necessary for public health, but it’s vital that the needs of people who are deaf or have hearing loss are considered. Of course we understand why the government has taken action in response to the risk posed by the Covid Omicron variant. But the government, shops and transport companies must address the needs of deaf people and those with hearing loss, so wider mandatory use of face masks in England doesn’t exclude them from services and leave them isolated. Without being able to see people’s faces to support lip reading and other communication, many deaf people have struggled to access their normal, essential services during the pandemic. Two out of three told us they had avoided going into public places because they were worried about their communication needs not being met after masks were introduced. This must not happen now. Some people are also exempt from wearing masks because of the need to accommodate hearing aids or cochlear implants, or because they are accompanying someone with hearing loss. These exemptions need to be communicated properly to avoid situations where people are challenged unfairly and aggressively because they aren’t wearing a mask. It’s vital that information for deaf communities about these changes is accessible to them, including updates in British Sign Language. In addition, there are three simple actions that will ensure deaf people and people with hearing loss still have access to services, while staying safe. First, people working in shops and transport should be encouraged to wear face coverings with a clear panel and reminded that they are allowed to lower their mask to support communication, wherever it’s safe to do so. Second, the government’s updates about mask wearing should include information about deaf people’s communication needs and about exemptions. Finally, the government should reassure businesses and the public about the safety of wearing clear face masks, to encourage greater deaf awareness and better communication with deaf people and those with hearing loss. Mark Atkinson Chief executive of the charity RNID

New beginnings for Ferndown Police Community Office Ferndown Police Community Office, which was based at the Barrington before its closure in 2020, will now be known as Watch Community Office Supporting the Police. It will also be moving premises. Over the period of closure, the Barrington Community Centre, which has been going through refurbishment, has had various dates for completion which have not transpired. The latest forecast for fully opening is now early January. You may or may not know that there have been quite a number of meetings between our watch, the town council and the new manager of the Barrington – who oversees the lettings of the rooms. Our concern is the office which we have had the use of for over 17 years. The manager has considered that our former office would be best served as a storeroom. We have asked what is the future for us and the answer was quite bleak as it was pointed out that there was no availability for us to have a regular space in any other room within the building. I wonder what the thoughts are from the public of losing a community office that is a liaison between the police, a sympathetic ear and selling security items at a low cost within a community building that is supposedly supporting the neighbourhood? However, we are pleased to announce that the Ferndown Day Centre and John Dixon of Ferndown Coaches have kindly provided us with a new office at the Precinct end of the Ferndown Day Centre, 5 Library Road, Ferndown. The office will be ‘open for business’ in early January. We look forward to welcoming you all back, see you then. Peter Ebers Watch Community Office

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Local and regional winners at the British Property Awards 2021 Irving and Sons Estate Agents of Verwood Irving and Sons have now won the British Property Award for Verwood on every occasion that judging has taken place in the area. Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels. Irving and Sons were also awarded the Bronze Award for the South West (Dorset) region following a further period of intensive judging and assessment, which compared their service to that of the other local winners within the region. The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with the accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace. The British Property Awards are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90 per cent of agents that meet their

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VIEWPOINT January 2022

minimum criteria on a local level. The team personally mystery shops every estate agent on a local level against an initial set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The local winners are then reassessed using different criteria over a longer period as part of the regional award process. The judging criteria is both detailed and comprehensive, exploring different mediums, scenarios and time periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged. Robert McLean, from The British Property Awards, said: “Our awards have been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our awards have also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition.”

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Awards in New Year Honours List

Debbie Fleming, the chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset is one of several people in the county to have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List, receiving an OBE. She has worked for the NHS for nearly 38 years and been a chief executive for 20 years, leading the merger of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals and Poole Hospital from January 2019 when she became joint chief executive over both. Debbie said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded this honour, and was incredibly humbled to receive this news. I am so very proud of the NHS, where it is a real privilege to work with such talented, dedicated and highly skilled people, providing such important services for local people. “Throughout my time in the NHS, I have worked with many different individuals and teams, and I could not be more proud of our staff. I am grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given over nearly 38 years to develop myself and my career, and would like to say thank you to all those who have supported and encouraged me.” Amongst the others receiving honours is former Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill who receives an MBE.

Get fit with Diverse Abilities Diverse Abilities has a roster of 2km event earlier in the evening. challenges for everyone to get involved Individual challenges are also with during 2022 and this will also help available and include various dates raise vital funds for children and adults throughout the year for wing walks and with disabilities across the county. skydives. Wendy Barfoot, daughter of In the Jurassic Coast Challenge, the charity’s founder, is abseiling down 2,000 adventurers of all experience the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, in levels and ages can walk, jog, or run April to celebrate her 80th birthday. the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events Seven distances are available to choose for more details about upcoming from over the weekend of Saturday events and how to get involved. 14 May and Sunday 15 May, from 25km through to 100km. Those who sign up in January will receive a 50 per cent discount from registration fees for any charity sponsorship place. The Dorset Neon Run returns for 2022, taking place in Poole Park on Saturday 23 April and early bird registrations for the 5km fun run are currently available for £12.50 per person until the end of January. Participants at the 2021 Dorset Neon Run There will also be a family

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