Viewpoint December 2022

It would have been at the top of my Christmas wish list, but with the temperatures dipping sharply and mindful of not using too much fuel, I couldn’t wait, and so I bought myself a hot water bottle.

Unsurprisingly, sales have trebled in recent weeks as households attempt to avoid high energy bills this winter. If suppliers can’t keep up, let’s hope we don’t see them rationed.

However, I hadn’t expected the instructions for its use to be so comprehensive and I wondered if I should go on a ‘hot water bottle training course’.

Guidelines filled an A4 sheet of paper. Who knew that a rubber warming aid that was patented in its modern design in 1903 could be so dangerous!

As well as instructing the new user not to use boiling water and to only fill it to a maximum of two thirds capacity, there is a warning to prevent it from contact with oil and grease and exposure to sunlight, and on no account should I allow anyone with sensitivity to heat to come anywhere near it.

The hot water bottle should not be used as a cushion and sat on. As if.

Going back in time, a rubber hot water bottle was a necessity and I even remember using a stone bottle. Just think how long the instructions would be for that.

This could be a challenging festive season for our readers and advertisers on several levels, but the staff at Viewpoint would like to wish you all a very warm and happy Christmas and a better New Year.

Meanwhile enjoy this issue. From controversy to competitions with fabulous prizes, this magazine has it all, so grab your hot water bottle (safely filled), snuggle down and enjoy.

Marilyn Barber

VIEWPOINT

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk

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Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

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Colehill villagers

‘say no’ to pop-up campsite

Residents living in the Vineries, Leigh Lane and Colborne Avenue in Colehill say they’ve pursued every avenue when it comes to addressing a problem which is not only adversely affecting their lives; they also feel it is causing long term environmental damage.

At issue is a pop-up campsite at Cottage Farm in Leigh Lane, which is adjacent to the Bytheway SANG.

Resident Peter Clifford said: “Originally, there was a planning application and some objections were registered on the Dorset Council website. However, it was determined by the council that this was an admin error and, in fact, a planning application was

not required for the site due to it being allowed to operate as an ‘exempted Camping and Caravanning Site’.

Pop-up campsites were introduced in July 2020 to help the rural economy to recover from the Covid pandemic.

But there are rules. There should be no fire pits or barbecues and dogs shouldn’t be allowed to roam off the lead.

And this, the villagers say, is being broken.

“In the summer I couldn’t open my windows; it was like having a neighbour with 30 barbecues,” said one resident who did not want to be named. “The fire service

Continued on p6...

One of the days during the summer when numerous barbecues were held on the site

Exclusive by Marilyn Barber

was called out on several occasions and rubbish has been thrown into gardens.”

Another resident said that, at one time, the dog bins had been overflowing at the SANG.

People book to go on the site through the Freedom Camping Club. On behalf of villagers, Mr Clifford wrote to express the villagers’ strong objection to the application to grant a 12-month certified site certificate on the land.

He said: “The licence incorrectly implies this site is a farm situated in rural Dorset. In fact, the site is a field off a lane in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Colehill. There are no on-site facilities such as showers, toilets, running water or power at this location nor in the surrounding area.”

He added that there were several occasions when residents experienced abuse from campers and it had been necessary for some incidents of anti-social behaviour to be reported to the police.

Also at issue is the access to the site.

Mr Clifford said: “Leigh Lane is a narrow lane with only short sections of pavements. There is also a sharp bend near the campsite entrance which increases the risk of accidents. There are no local amenities so campers need to drive to reach shops, etc, significantly increasing the volume of traffic each day.”

Another resident commented that there were portaloos in the field close to nearby properties which were not only unsightly; they also caused foul smells throughout the warmer months.

Local people also fear that the campsite location had disrupted the habits of deer, badgers and a variety of birds.

Mr Clifford wrote to Natural England who pointed out that the decision whether to grant or withdraw individual site certificates lies with the exemption certificate holder, which is the Freedom Camping Club.

In an email to residents, East Dorset Environment Partnership (EDEP) said that problems experienced by residents in 2021 involving both the police and fire and rescue were unacceptable. It added that wildfire risk in Dorset was of great concern in hot dry summer months and that disposable barbecues and campfires should not be used.

Local MP Michael Tomlinson said: “I have raised this matter with Dorset Council planning department and asked that this matter is investigated so that all activities on the site are shown to be within planning regulations. I understand the concerns of the local community and it is for Dorset Council to provide the reassurances that this is being looked at.”

Villagers turned out in the pouring rain to protest Photo by Marilyn Barber

Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling

Remember:

1. Up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin will be collected on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day

2. No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday 9 January

3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am-4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

4. Extra recycling – including glass and food – will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person

5. Please help collection crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/which-bin

These tips can help you make savings on your Christmas food budget. It can save you time as well.

• Plan your meals over Christmas fortnight – make a shopping list and stick to it

• Check your food cupboards before shopping

• Use the portion calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com/ portion-planner

• Use up foods in your freezer beforehand to make room for Christmas leftovers

• Store food correctly – check pack instructions

• Keep an eye on ‘use by’ dates

• Use up leftovers in delicious recipes

• Freeze leftovers that can’t be eaten

Find more top tips and recipes at dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/lovefoodhatewaste

On the twelfth day of Christmas, the elves at Lush gave to me: six stunning bath bombs, two festive bubble bars, one spirited shower gel, one sweet little soap, one sugary and salty lip scrub, and a pot of shower jelly!

Viewpoint in conjunction with Lush, the British cosmetics retailer based in Poole that does not test its products on animals, is offering this fabulous Limited Edition 12 days of Christmas luxury prize worth £75. Inside the

attractive box made from 100% recycled board you will find:

A variety of bath bombs including

Magical Santa

Snow Fairy shower gel

Snow Bear soap

Salted Caramel lip scrub

Candy Cane reusable bubble bar

Bouncing Santa shower jelly

Elf Shake shower gel

Party Popper bubble bar

WHAT TO DO:

What a treat. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this superb prize is ‘Spot the Santa’. He can be found ‘hiding’ in some of the advertisements in this magazine and there is no telling how many adverts he could be in. But be careful, the Santa in the competition must be identical to the one shown here, don’t count any others.

When you find an identical Santa to this one, write down the page he’s on and which advertisement(s) he’s in (there is no need to count the example shown here or on the front cover). When you’re sure you’ve found all the Santas, submit your entry online, or post your answers with your name and contact details to the address on page 3 of this magazine.

As you know Santa is on a tight schedule, so the deadline for this competition is very soon. Even so, we cannot guarantee getting the prize to you before Christmas Day although we will make every endeavour to do so. The winner must agree to be photographed.

How to enter

Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. Closing date is 16 December 2022. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and Lush are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue or the promoters for the purposes of allocating the ticket.

Tree planting unites generations

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a resident’s association in West Moors organised the planting of a beech tree in autumn 2022 as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. However, due to the passing of Her Majesty on 8 September, the beech was also declared a memorial.

Families from Beechwood Road gathered for the planting of the Fagus sylvatica beech ‘Dawyck Purple’ which brought together the oldest and youngest residents, Liz and Kiera. Their spades of enthusiasm saw the tree settled into its permanent location on 20 November. Liz and Kiera’s combined ages total nearly 100 years.

Next Chief Constable announced

Scott Chilton will be the next Chief Constable for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The appointment was approved by Hampshire & Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Panel on 22 November after PCC Donna Jones selected him as her preferred candidate.

He will take over the role from Olivia Pinkney, who announced her decision to leave policing earlier this year after 31 years’ service.

Scott Chilton and Donna Jones

Residents with Kiera in white jumper and Liz in pink jacket

Christmas is here!

Christmas has arrived, and across the Viewpoint distribution area, towns have rung in the season with lights being switched on, entertainment and parades.

Ariana and Theodor visit Santa

Festive joy at Pennys Walk

Ferndown came to life for the Christmas event in Pennys Walk. Father Christmas popped into the Barrington Centre with a sleigh full of presents. There was a Christmas market, street organ, trampolines and stalls collecting money for charity, not forgetting Forest FM and the wonderful voice of Charlotte Geary.

Mulled wine and mince pies raised funds for Ferndown Community Support and the Community larder and bank, as did the fabulous Christmas hamper draw. The crowd gathered at the clock tower to see the mayor Cllr Lawrence Wilson switch on the tree lights at 5pm.

Christmas in Ferndown was organised by the Ferndown and Parley Rotary with support from Ferndown Town Council, Xerocad and Pulford Publicity and sponsored by Hearnes Estate Agent.

Spirits not dampened in Wimborne

It may have been a wet and windy afternoon, but the people of Wimborne turned out to see the lights switch on in their hundreds. Throughout the day, there was entertainment in the Square, including choirs, the Quarterjacks Marching Band and dancing from Footlight Performance Academy. The lights were switched on by the Mayor Cllr Carol Butter. As is the tradition, the event ended with the Wimborne Militia firing their muskets on the Minster Green to scare away evil spirits.

Yuletide in Christchurch

Christchurch began its Christmas celebrations with a Yuletide Festival and parade. There was also music and entertainment, a Carol service, and a market, with crowds gathering to enjoy festive food and drink before the lights were switched on.

Volunteers and vans are required to join Diverse Abilities’ efforts for a sustainable Christmas as part of its Treecycling fundraising initiative. The Treecycling weekend takes place from Friday 6 January until Monday 9 January and the charity will be collecting in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, and Ringwood. Email: treecycling@ diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 711507 to find out more. Alternatively, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/trees for a full list of locations that trees can be collected from, and to book your tree collection for a suggested £10 donation.

Memory tree

West Moors Town Council is to once again position a Memory Tree outside Dixon Kelley on Station Road. When you are ready to choose a star or a dove with your chosen message telephone: 01202 861044 or just pop in to the council offices from 10-2pm Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday.

Name change for police force

Hampshire Constabulary will now be called Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The official name change was marked today on 16 November at an unveiling event at Newport Police Station, where the new logo was revealed.

The move was championed by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who said: “I’m absolutely delighted Isle of Wight residents have their county included in the name of the police force which serves them.”

COMPETITION WINNER

The winner of the £60 voucher to spend on a meal at Amarone Italian Restaurant, Ringwood, in the October issue of Viewpoint was Janet Elkins from Fordingbridge.

Working parties help wildlife

Fordingbridge Conservation Group is organising working parties in the coming weeks on the Bishop’s Pond Conservation site, which is at the corner of Normandy Way and Cottage Mews, Fordingbridge, SP6 1RJ.

The next working party (weather permitting) is scheduled for: Saturday 17 December, at 2-4pm.

Visitors are welcome to explore the conservation site on those dates and find out more about its flora and fauna, its history and the plans for its future management. Volunteer help is always welcome, just head along and bring gardening gloves and secateurs if you have them. Children are welcome to help if accompanied by an adult. Visit www.fordingbridgeconservation.uk.

Rainy litter pick in West Moors

Despite the torrential rain, litter pickers were out in force in West Moors at the bi-monthly litter pick, when 10 bags of rubbish were collected from the streets.

A spokesman said: “It is genuine concern for our environment that these faithful volunteers turn up every other month, many doing their own litter picking in between.

“The next clean up is in January 2023 and if you wish to join in, please contact the council office on Park Way.”

www.dorsetview.co.uk

Christmas in Ringwood

Ringwood’s 2022 Winter Wanderland kicked off on Sunday 27 November. The free event, which took place across the town, included a market with over 60 stalls made up of local arts, crafts and produce, gifts and charity stalls, a small fair in the Market Place, entertainment from Ringwood and Burley Band and Steamship Circus and children’s

rides on a mini ‘Polar Express’. Santa appeared in two parades before the switching on of the Christmas lights.

The Christmas Window Competition is also now open and members of the public are able to wander around the town and vote for their favourite from 27 entries.

A Wanderland map is available to download from www.ringwood.gov.uk.

Merry Christmas from the Ringwood Francesco team: Millie, Mel, Kiera, Erica, Amy, Shauna, Dan, Chloe & Hallie (the dog)

Santa in the parade © Amanda Guy

Ringwood bouncing back for Christmas

Ringwood is a popular market town with many independent and family run businesses. However, there has been major traffic disruption in and out of Ringwood since work on the A31 improvements started in January 2022. This has, without doubt, affected all businesses in the town as many customers avoided the long queues. Some businesses have reported sales down by as much as 30 per cent.

While many of the Ringwood businesses have struggled with the drop in footfall over the last 11 months, just as many also demonstrated commendable resilience and creativity to entice customers to shop with them. They have expanded their digital offering, introduced loyalty schemes, adapted their product or service offering and changed the way they reach customers.

Angela Cork, owner of Ringwood Fabrics, said: “Ringwood businesses are delighted to have the slip road open again. The roadworks were definitely not our friend

but we adapted by putting on more home deliveries. We are now looking forward to welcoming back our customers into our physical store, just in time for Christmas.”

Julie Astley-Weston, owner of Love to b skincare, has been attracting customers into her Ringwood store with an increased social media presence and exclusive events in store, such as their popular Prosecco Pamper evenings.

Despite the roadwork disruption, businesses have still shown faith in Ringwood as a prosperous destination, with a number of new businesses opening their doors in 2022.

There is a lot to look forward to in the town.

Ringwood Town Council has launched its annual Christmas Window Competition and an impressive 27 businesses are involved. A Wanderland Map with all the businesses, shops and community organisations taking part is available to pick up from the Gateway building. The winners are

voted for by the public and the competition gets more fiercely competitive every year.

Free parking across the town will be introduced in the Ringwood NFDC Pay & Display car parks on 17 and 18 December.

It is fortunate that so many businesses (sadly not all) were able to weather the storm of the roadworks but they need your support more than ever now. If you can, please #shoplocal and #loveRingwoodagain

Help for diabetes patients in Dorset

People who live with long-term health conditions such as diabetes are being reminded that support is available.

Living with a physical condition can affect mental wellbeing and, when their mood is low, people can start to adopt unhelpful habits for managing physical health.

Steps2Wellbeing is a free NHS mental wellbeing service run by Dorset HealthCare that offers a dedicated ‘Body and Mind’ service to help people with long-term health conditions – like diabetes – manage their emotional wellbeing.

Vanessa Ballard, Body and Mind lead at Steps2Wellbeing, said: “Living with diabetes can be really challenging. There’s so much to think about with self-management of your diabetes.

“It’s understandable that you might feel worried, stressed or down at times. Our Body and Mind team can help you to understand how your diabetes affects your mental health but also how feeling down or worried can impact on how you manage your condition.

“Steps2Wellbeing offers a variety of approaches to improve how you feel to enable you to take better care of yourself.”

One Steps2Wellbeing patient said: “It’s been useful to talk about things that specifically affect me with my diabetes. I have found the techniques applicable to my lifestyle and it has helped to reduce the impact on myself and others around me of the stress diabetes can cause.”

You can access the Steps2Wellbeing Body and Mind service without going to your GP. Refer yourself quickly and confidentially online at www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk.

Support for working carers

One in seven people in the UK have caring responsibilities, which can affect their working life.

Carers who work already have legal rights including time off for unexpected problems with the person they care for, to request flexible working if they have worked for their employer for 26 consecutive weeks, and not to be discriminated

against as a result of their caring role and association with a disabled person.

In addition to actively supporting these legal rights, Dorset Council has developed new guidance with its network of employees who are carers, to grow understanding of caring roles, help managers have honest conversations with employees who are carers, and to ensure employees understand the support available.

The new guidance can be found at https://news. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ employers-urged-to-joinus-on-carers-rights-day.

All people who provide care for others unpaid are urged to register with Carer Support Dorset, a service commissioned by Dorset Council to help carers access services, information, education and training, respite, and breaks from their caring role. Visit www. carersupportdorset.co.uk or freephone 0800 368 8349.

To mark Carers Rights Day on 24 November, Dorset Council has developed new guidance to support workers who care for others.

Boost for Fordingbridge playgroup

Superstars playgroup in Fordingbridge, which supports children with special needs, has received a boost to its funds. The Superstars playgroup has received £4,500 thanks to donations to the Local Community Fund scheme from customers of the Fordingbridge Branch of the Co-op. Receiving the cheque, the Rev Kate Wilson of Avon Valley Churches and its associated charity Avon Valley Community Matters said: “Thank you so much to all those who donated and to the Co-op team for supporting our charity. The funds will be put to very good use providing support and sensory toys for children with special needs to use at our weekly sessions.”

Hospital carer passport launched

Dorset carers are to be recognised and supported while their caredfor person is in hospital with an ‘Our Dorset’ Hospital Carer Passport.

Dorset County Hospital, Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust have come together to launch the scheme. It meets one of the recommendations made by Healthwatch Dorset in a recent report on carers’ experiences of supporting loved ones leaving hospital to recover at home – a process called Home First.

Although each hospital’s passport offer may differ, the carer passport scheme includes: flexibility with visiting times; inclusion in care; inclusion to assist at mealtimes; involvement in discussing and planning for discharge and access to information about patient care (with relevant consent).

The passport encourages hospital staff to have ‘carer conversations’ to ensure carers are involved and supported in their cared-for person’s care from admission through to discharge. For this reason, they are non-transferrable from hospital to hospital.

Mark, a carer, said: “Communication is the key challenge to face, or rather, lack of communication. Getting the message across to the medical specialists about the particular needs and wants of the patient’s medical needs is so important. We need staff to realise every patient is individual and no one has all the answers, but they can listen to us as a carer. I’m not a medical professional but I am a reasonable expert in my own wife.”

Wimborne MIU maintains extended opening hours

Extended opening hours for the busy Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Victoria Hospital in Wimborne – increased following closures at other units during the pandemic – are to be maintained to help relieve pressure on emergency departments in Poole and Bournemouth. It is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Despite the partial closures, attendances at available units have markedly increased compared to pre-pandemic levels – with almost 93,000 appointments projected for this year compared with just under 57,000 for the whole of 2019.

Tim Hodgetts, Dorset HealthCare’s deputy director for Integrated Care Services, said: “We would continue to urge anyone needing urgent medical help or advice to call 111 in the first instance, rather than just turning up at an MIU. This is our preferred route as it will help us to assess your condition and ensure you get the right support, at the right place, as quickly as possible.

“However, walk-ins will be accepted and assessed but may be directed to a more appropriate service or asked to return to the MIU with an appointment time.”

Full details of Dorset’s MIUs are available at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu

– why, when and how?

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Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them to bite together more evenly. Crooked teeth can lead to problems speaking or eating and can be harder to keep clean which can lead to problems with gum health. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear that children as well as adults don’t like smiling for photos because of how they feel about their teeth. Orthodontic treatment can improve all of these areas whilst boosting self-esteem and confidence for a lifetime. Is it available on the NHS? Yes – there are qualifying criteria and children are normally referred by their dentist to a specialist orthodontist for assessment. If your child qualifies, their treatment will be provided free of charge. Unfortunately, demand for treatment often outstrips the NHS’ capacity, meaning that many children are now waiting beyond the ‘optimum age’ for treatment. This age varies for each child, but the British Orthodontic Society and NHS guidance says that on average it’s usually around the age of 12.

Why does age matter?

Children are growing and how their individual stage and rate of growth interacts with their treatment is really important. For a lot of children, it can be best to wait until they have all their adult teeth, but there are some cases where the timing of braces

can have a big impact on the overall result – some treatments need to occur during growth spurts to be effective (as in these photos).

With modern, gentle treatments like Invisalign, we’re now able to treat some children much earlier than we used to, which can avoid the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatment later on. The Straight Tooth Company would love to welcome you for a complimentary initial consultation. You will always be told if you or your child would qualify for treatment under the NHS and there’s never any pressure to commit to treatment – take a look at our 5* Google reviews.

Prostate cancer patients to benefit from new kit

Life should be a little more comfortable in the future for prostate cancer patients.

University Hospital Dorset NHS Charity has funded a new biopsy chair which is designed so patients can sit in a more comfortable position while they are having a biopsy taken. It manually moves the patient into position, meaning staff at the Royal Bournemouth

Hospital can focus on other elements of care, and is height adjustable making it easier for patients who struggle with their mobility to sit on.

The design also enables a more thorough examination of the prostate, giving more accurate results and a higher likelihood of detecting cancer in harder to reach areas.

The technology can improve recovery for patients, including reduced risk of infection and readmission, and reducing the need for repeat procedures. The procedure does not require general anaesthetic resulting in a shorter stay in hospital for patients and a positive effect on waiting times.

Awards success for Poole outpatient clinic

The University Hospitals Dorset’s (UHD) outpatient assessment clinic, which is based in Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre on the second floor of Beales department store, has proved to be a success.

Opened last year in response to long waiting lists caused by the pandemic, it received high commendation in the Performance Recovery Award category at the HSJ Awards ceremony in London.

Since opening, as well as delivering thousands of Covid vaccinations, the clinics have seen over 10,000 patients, have had great feedback from patients, and received a number of high profile visits to see how the model could be adopted elsewhere across the country, including from Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS.

Awards celebration for Home-Start volunteers

Home-Start Wessex supports families in the area, and those who volunteer at the charity have received recognition. Among those recognised was Michelle Dixon, who was given a special award for 20 years of service. She joined the charity in 2001 as a volunteer playworker and has now personally coached over 500 volunteers enabling over 2,500 children to have a better start in life.

Sarah Gardiner was recognised for her 10 years of service as a volunteer and Nicki Gibbons was given a two-year volunteering award.

Since 1995, Home-Start Wessex has helped over 3,500 local families and supported over 10,000 children. More volunteers are needed. No special qualifications are necessary, and full training will be provided. Find out more at https:// homestartwessex.org.uk/.

Supplier

thermometers, Carell bed/body care wipes and Clinell surface cleaning solutions. www.twenty20hc.co.uk

Staff, volunteers and trustees at Home-Start Wessex with Peter Grigg, CEO of Home-Start UK

Christmas Extravaganza

Christmas is starting in Verwood with the Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 10 December, 5-8pm on Ferrett Green.

During the free community event, Santa will be in his grotto, there will be music from Verwood Concert Brass and refreshments available, with proceeds going to local clubs and societies. The Christmas lights, which

include an illumintated Christmas tree and the festive lights that were on display in 2021, will be switched on by the Mayor Cllr Simon Gibson.

The event is made possible by volunteers from Verwood Rotary, Flameburst, Verwood Carnival Committee, Verwood Concert Brass, Verwood Scouts and the Heathland Heritage Trust.

If you would like to help a family in need this Christmas, you could buy a bauble from the Giving Tree in Morrisons. The donations will be distributed by Second Chance Community Support, along with the usual food parcels for the families the charity supports.

You can also help by volunteering. You need to be based in Verwood, preferably DBS checked and willing to have some fun. If you don’t mind dressing like an elf, that could also help!

Second Chance ‘elves’ on a Christmas parcel drop

A previous Christmas Extravaganza

Community Christmas lunch returns

Those who will be alone this Christmas can enjoy some company and festive cheer at the Community Christmas Lunch, which will be held at Crane Valley Golf Club on Friday 23 December.

The event is free to attend and is open to anyone who would like some company over the Christmas period. As well as good company, guests can also enjoy a two-course Christmas

dinner and Christmas music.

Booking is essential, as numbers are limited. If you would like to attend, or you know someone who would, email communitychristmasverwood@ gmail.com.

The lunch can take place thanks to Crane Valley Golf Club, Andrews Butchers, Verwood Rotary Club and Alan Froud Ltd.

The ‘big

The

Ringwood & District Round Table’s annual Santa’s Sleigh will be visiting Verwood on Thursday 15 December from 6pm.

man’ will be escorted around the town by Round Table members to spread some Christmas cheer, while raising money for local charities as they go. They will be collecting spare change, as well as donations for local food banks.

organisation will also be running its Christmas Kindness Appeal, which is intended to hep families in crisis this Christmas. You can donate on the day, or in advance at https://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/christmas-kindnesscampaign. Every penny raised or food item collected will go to local charities, good causes and families.

The Santa’s Sleigh will also be visiting Fordingbridge, St Leonards, Ringwood, Burley and Bransgore and Poulner between 7 and 16 December. For the full routes, follow Ringwood & District Round Table on Facebook.

Verwood Rotary round up

By Louisa Hiscock

This month, our club has continued to meet regularly and has been treated to entertaining and interesting talks by two of our own members, David McGregor and Peter Campbell.

In early November, Rotary members worked hard to collect shoeboxes of gifts for our annual Shoebox Christmas Appeal, including from all our local schools. Once sorted, we were delighted to take over 156 boxes to our district’s collection point. Our Rotary district collected an amazing 18,000 shoeboxes this year and soon these will join thousands of boxes being transported around the world to disadvantaged children for Christmas, including to Ukraine. Our sincere thanks to all who supported this appeal.

On Remembrance Sunday, our president, Clive Grove, was honoured to represent our club at the service and lay a wreath. What a fantastic

turn out of the community on such an important occasion, with so many organisations and services represented by all ages.

In late November, we hosted an evening for all the local organisations and groups in our community that we were able to support from the funds raised at the Rustic Fayre. It is always a pleasure to hear about the great work they do in and around Verwood.

Finally, look out for us supporting Father Christmas around Verwood this month. He has kindly agreed to join us in the Rotary Tent at the Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 10 December, hoping to meet as many local children as possible. They can also leave their Christmas letters with him if ready. We also hope to join him on some visits to local schools before the big day arrives.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Warm spaces

In response to the energy crisis and increased cost of living, Verwood residents are able to access a Warm Space each Wednesday at the Council Chambers, Verwood Town Council, Vicarage Road. Everybody is welcome and warm drinks are provided free of charge.

Grant aid for groups

Verwood Town Council has recently awarded grant aid to a number of local groups. These include Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck, Forest Community Radio (Forest FM), Verwood Concert Brass, Verwood Pantomime Society and Verwood & Three Legged Cross Dementia Friendly Community Association.

Verwood Afternoon TG

At the recent meeting of Verwood Afternoon TG, members were given an update on the progression of the new building for the Macmillan Caring Locally charity by Christchurch Trust secretary, Neal Williams.

Some members attended the Dorset Federation Lunch at Remedy Oak Golf Club and were entertained by Maggie the Seaside Baker, who took part in the Great British Bake Off last year.

Oh yes, it is!

Rehearsals are well under way for Verwood Pantomime Society’s production of Aladdin, which takes place from 21 to 28 January.

The pantomime promises to be full of modern songs and dances, topical jokes and exotic costumes. Tickets are priced between £7 and £10 and you can get yours by calling 01202 828740 or by visiting The Hub’s box office online.

Respect shown at Remembrance services

Across the Viewpoint distribution area, people turned out in their hundreds to show respect to those who sacrificed their lives during conflict. Remembrance services and parades were held across the region and, in the run up to the event, towns and villages were decorated with poppies, in a fitting tribute.

Verwood © Karen Wyatt-Epapara

West Moors © Paradox Photography

West Moors © Paradox Photography

Nuisances in Fordingbridge

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

My last article looked at the report by the Medical Officer of Health for Fordingbridge in the year 1898. Working under him was Arthur E Alexander who was the local Inspector of Nuisances. His job was to be the man on the ground for the medical officer but he had lower status and was less well paid than his boss.

The role had been introduced in response to epidemics of cholera and other ailments that many medical experts at the beginning of the nineteenth century believed were caused by ‘miasma’, or bad air, wafting from decomposing organic matter. Sanitary reformer Edwin Chadwick thought that all smell is disease Germ theory and the understanding of bacteria and the discovery of viruses only began to emerge later in the century. The 1846 Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act gave parishes the power to deal with nuisances. A Medical Officer of Health wrote: Can we really hope to moralise these people, adults or children, who are constantly surrounded by degradation and filth.

In 1898, Mr Alexander had a busy year. He inspected nine schools, including some where insanitary surroundings might be suspected from the outbreak of Diphtheria. He had also disinfected five houses where there had been cases of scarlet fever.

Six cottages that were overcrowded were condemned as unfit for human habitation. Three were rebuilt, one repaired and two were closed. Three samples of water were taken and reported on although the report does not describe how they were tested. Three wells were sunk, repaired or cleansed. A house in Martin that had been a recurrent nuisance due to the filthy state of the house was inspected, as was another Martin property that was in a poor state of repair. One was closed and the other was repaired.

There had been the usual number of pigsty and privy nuisances.

At that time, fresh meat was a luxury and many working people would have kept a pig, often close to the house. Before modern sewage systems, an outside earth closet was the norm. This would have been emptied by the night soil man and the contents often used as fertiliser on the fields. The report identifies one recurrent pigsty nuisance occurring near the Union Workhouse. This was inspected by the Medical Officer who decided I could not conscientiously give it as my opinion that the smell was actually injurious to health. He did however make suggestions that he thought would abate the nuisance.

In Shaftsbury Street, a drain being laid underneath a house was not laid according to the medical officer’s directions. Mr Alexander spotted this and the drain was uncovered and re-laid. A house where there had been a fatal case of puerperal fever had some very insanitary pigsties close to the back door moved away from the house.

The very dry summer had caused surface drains and their water traps in the roads to dry out causing a very foul smell. These had to be flushed out. Dangerous gravel pits near to roads were directed to be fenced. The report points out that there is still no system of sewage or refuse collection in the town. The medical officer had frequently drawn attention to this before and suggested low-cost solutions by which the contamination of streams and the fouling of back premises by the storage of refuse and garbage could be prevented.

People often found the work of the nuisance officer intrusive, but you can see from the above accounts that it would be an effective way of improving the health and living conditions of the community. This is despite the causes of diseases and infections still being poorly understood. Thank goodness for the health and safety regulations that we have today.

Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Dorset skills plan launched at Merley House Club for children with disabilities reopens

Business leaders, training providers and council officers gathered in Merley House in Wimborne recently to join in a new initiative to close the skills gap in Dorset.

The Department for Education funded programme – led by Dorset Chamber – will review the county’s skills and training provision to ensure it aligns with the needs of business.

Thousands of Dorset firms will be invited to take part in online and face-to-face research to understand the skills they need and shape recommendations on how Government could improve how these skills are delivered and accessed.

The first phase of the Dorset LSIP is designed to scope and understand the areas and job roles in which Dorset employers want and need better skills.

Its initial findings will be shared with contributors in February before its

review report is submitted to the Department for Education in May. Its recommendations will shape the type and method of delivery of skills, including the format and curriculum.

Nicola Newman, LSIP co-ordinator, said: “If you have skills needs or a suggestion on how skills provision should change, we want your input.

“Visit the website, register your involvement and join the conversation. We want to reach as many employers as possible across the whole of Dorset.”

To get involved, visit: www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/ lsip or follow #changingskills on social media.

Children under four with physical and learning disabilities are now able to enjoy facilities at the Caterpillar Club in Poole, which has returned following a break during the pandemic.

Part of Diverse Abilities’ Langside School, the club is a fun, free and friendly group that gives parents the chance to meet other parents who have children with complex disabilities, while children and siblings can enjoy a wide range of multisensory activities.

Families can attend and meet the school’s multidisciplinary team of nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists to ask questions or discuss any concerns.

Weekly sessions are tailored and themed alongside the school’s

bespoke curriculum including music, art, massage, sensory sessions and stories.

Parent Anya Payne said: “This is the sort of group we’ve been looking for. It’s the most welcoming group we’ve been to and we felt at home straight away.”

If you’re interested in attending, email caterpillarclub@ diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 518635 to speak to Nicki and find out further details.

Cause of the Year

History of the Jurassic Coast, part two

By Roy Beal

The Cretaceous period ended around 66 million years ago and a lot has happened since then. Mass-extinction events occurred, the planet changed as land masses moved and, as things started to settle and the climate changed, the rise of the mammals began.

After almost 64 million years, the earliest humans evolved and, approximately 200,000 years ago, our lineage, Homo sapien – Wise man, first appeared in Africa. They started migrating at least 100,000 years ago.

We are now into the Quaternary period, which started 2.5 million years ago. We’ve survived ice ages and it’s from the last one, the English Channel and the Jurassic Coast as we know it formed.

The geology of the Jurassic Coast is perhaps the finest in the world – hence it’s World Heritage Site status. There

are many fabulous rock formations and features along the Jurassic Coast. One of the most famous is Lulworth Cove, a natural harbour that is almost a perfect circle. Its formation started about 10,000 years ago when meltwater from the end of the last ice age, along with rising sea levels, eroded the cliffs. Then, thanks to wave diffraction, the cove formed as the softer clays were worn away. Nearby is Stair Hole, a naturally forming cove that possibly shows what Lulworth Cove may have looked like as it was being born.

Sitting on the 350-mile long English Channel, the southern coast of England is subject to strong tidal flows and the Atlantic weather. Formed roughly 9,000 years ago, the English Channel has a history that is vast and exciting. Once connected to mainland Europe via a land bridge, we are now

an island nation and the English Channel is our protector.

From Roman invasion to Viking pillaging, the story of the Channel could take up a whole magazine on its own.

Chesil Beach started to form around the same time. The vast 18-mile long shingle bank was created thanks to longshore drift. Wave action pushes pebbles and stones along the coast and, with Chesil Bank, the smaller pebbles have remained at the western end, increasing in size to the rocks found at Chesil Cove to the east. Rising up to 50 feet high (15 metres) and 660 feet wide (200 metres), it is a marvel of nature.

Old Harry has been a resident of the Jurassic Coast for many years. Sitting on the Purbeck Coast, this chalk stack, formed over many years, once had a partner that suffered at the mercy of the sea and collapsed in 1896. Known as Old Harry’s Wife, this smaller stack continues to be eroded.

The stacks formed through erosion and wave action. Air and water would have been forced through cracks in the cliffs, eventually forming caves and then arches. Over time the arches collapsed, leaving the stacks we see today. Old Harry is believed to have been named after the Devil who, legend has it, used to sleep on the rocks.

There is oil on the Jurassic Coast. A ‘nodding donkey’ oil pump can be seen working at Kimmeridge if you visit. The famous Burning Cliff near Ringstead is named after a naturally occurring phenomenon – a landslip in 1826 caused trapped oil and gas to ignite, which burned for three years. There have also been cliff fires caused by landslips and the shale igniting in the last 25 years.

Other notable landslips include the Hooken Slip between Beer and Branscombe in 1790. Overnight, 15 million tons of chalk and greensand cliffs collapsed. Evidence is still visible today and is best seen from the sea.

The Jurassic Coast gets the brunt of the prevailing south westerly weather. Erosion is forever unveiling new fossils and features and, over time, the sea is gradually reclaiming the land. The coastline is an evolving and living thing.

The present day Jurassic Coast is a popular tourist destination, great for the local economy but, perhaps, not so great for the environment. Along with the natural erosion caused by the sea and the weather, the beaches and cliff paths are prone to damage from footfall and littering. We need to be mindful of this and take great care when out and about. If you happen to be exploring the coast path, the beaches or even just a side street in one of the many gateway towns, please pick up a few pieces of litter and help us make a difference.

The CJC team would like thank Viewpoint for its wonderful support and making us its Cause of the Year 2022. We’d also like to thank you, the readers, for donating, supporting and giving up your time to read our prose throughout the year.

The team has collected over 4,000kg of plastic from the coast in 2022. Our 2023 plans include a push on education, mainly with local schools but also on our corporate team building days. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Take care and don’t forget to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Season’s

Hedgehog charity in need of funds

A hedgehog rescue charity is fundraising to raise vital cash after seeing bills spiral.

Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue in Poole relies completely on donations, and helps around 700 animals a year. But with the cost of living rising, it is struggling to make ends meet, with electricity bills soaring and a lack of food donations for the animals.

Charity spokesperson, Sally Dark, said: “We have a large outdoor shed that needs to be kept constantly heated throughout the winter. This prevents poorly hedgehogs who are receiving medication, and hoglets that are too small to be released, going into hibernation while they are with us.

“The fact electricity bills are

spiralling is a very serious concern as we rely on donations alone to fund the work that we do.

“Since the start of the pandemic the cost of cat food has also dramatically increased and we now spend around £700 a month on wet and dry cat food. We used to get quite a lot of donations of food but don’t tend to anymore.”

The charity takes in sick, orphaned or injured hedgehogs with the aim of rehabilitating them back to full health before releasing them to the wild or protected sites. It is run completely by volunteers and all donations go to the animals. Visit hamworthyhedgehogrescue.org. uk for more information.

Creating flourishing hedgerows

This winter, wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is offering free hedgerow management advice to farmers, landowners, and land managers across the UK.

The advice is available via PTES’ free Healthy Hedgerows app, which asks questions to give a quick hedgerow health check and which tells users where their hedgerows are within the natural lifecycle. It offers bespoke management recommendations for each hedge and advises which hedges to prioritise for rejuvenation when creating or adjusting their hedgerow management plans.

Hedgerows are countryside icons, and are vital habitats for much of our native wildlife, from hedgehogs and hazel dormice to bats and birds. They are safe navigational corridors, nesting sites and provide food.

Hedgerows are an asset to farmers and land managers too, offering crop protection, and acting as stock barriers and livestock shelters. They help to reduce flooding, soil erosion, air and water pollution levels too.

For more information, go to hedgerowsurvey. ptes.org/healthy-hedgerows-survey

The nature of Christmas

When putting up your decorations or writing your Christmas cards, have you ever wondered why we associate robins with Christmas? Maybe you’ve always contemplated where “the holly and the ivy” came from, or if partridges really do roost in a pear tree. In the run up to Christmas, the RSPB are taking a look at festive folklore and tradition in an attempt to answer: what is the nature of Christmas?

Robins aren’t just for Christmas

Crowned Britain’s National Bird, the robin is a firm favourite amongst the country’s feathered friends, especially at Christmas time.

Associated with Christmas since the 1900s, the relationship between robins and the festive

season is inspired by the bright red uniforms of Victorian postmen. As Christmas cards arrived through the post, the link was made between the familiar little bird and the spreading of Christmas cheer, which has led to them featuring on many Christmas cards ever since.

As a familiar garden bird to many, robins may be seen all year round, but they are most in need of your help during the winter months when natural food supplies run low, according to the RSPB.

The charity, which has been monitoring trends in garden bird numbers for over 40 years, reports that robin numbers are in decline by 32 per cent since 1979, as well as many other of the country’s garden favourites. Therefore, the RSPB is urging the public

to keep their feeders stocked and clean and water baths topped up as our feathered friends head to gardens in search of food and drink.

Thankfully, the RSPB are on hand to provide top tips on how to attract robins and other wildlife to your garden as part of their popular Big Garden Birdwatch survey, which last year saw over a million people take an hour to count their garden birds in the UK’s biggest citizen science survey.

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, which runs Friday 27 January to Sunday 29 January 2023, visit www. rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or text BIRD to 70030 for your FREE guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch and RSPB shop voucher.

A healthy hedgerow © PTES

Magic of at Stewarts Christmas

Whilst visiting Stewarts Garden Centres at Wimborne, and Christchurch, you can post a letter to Santa and see some very real and trusty reindeer building up their strength for Christmas Eve. Meanwhile Santa’s festive helpers will be in snowy Winter Wonderland to guide you to Santa’s grotto until 24 December. You must have a ticket, so make sure you book online.

Stewarts is crammed with Christmas goods and gifts. It’s a feast for the eyes.

Viewpoint went to the centre in Broomhill, Wimborne and photographed two-yearold Cloud and 13-yearold Jingle (pictured on the front cover). Ahh.

West Moors children design a Christmas card

Children attending First and Middle Schools in West Moors, and youngsters who are residents of the town, were given the opportunity to design a new Christmas card for West Moors Town Council.

The children had to design a Christmas picture, of any style, that could be scanned onto the Christmas cards and judged by the chairman of the council.

A spokesman said: “As in previous years, the decision making was very difficult and so many children deserved commendations and thanks.

“It is always so rewarding receiving such cute, talented and creative pictures.”

The winner, Madison Trim, Year 6 from West Moors Middle School, drew an inviting ‘Christmas Scene’. For this she will receive a pack of 20 printed Christmas cards with her winning design on the front, as well as an arts and craft gift.

The two runners up – Holli Tulley, Year 7 from West Moors Middle School, and Layla Stroud, Reception Year from St Mary’s First School, will receive an arts and craft gift.

Madison

COMPETITION

A chance to win £60 to dine out on us!

Viewpoint’s editor loved her meal at the Royal Oak in North Gorley so much when she went to review it recently, that Pulford Publicity decided to give one lucky reader the chance to win a £60 voucher towards the cost of a delicious meal at the restaurant.

Idyllically situated in the New Forest, this 17th century pub retains its period charm whilst embracing contemporary touches and has a spectacular garden.

The chef’s freshly prepared and beautifully presented dishes, many using local seasonal produce, cater for all tastes including vegan and gluten-free on request. It is popular with walkers and overlooks a duck pond, which attracts donkeys, ponies, and pigs.

The Royal Oak welcomes diners and their four-legged friends Wednesday to Sunday (the pub is closed Monday and Tuesday).

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the question below.

Q. From which century does the Royal Oak date?

Rules of entry: Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. The £60 voucher will be valid for three months from the issue date and must be redeemed towards the cost of food only. No change will be given. Closing date is 9 January 2023. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or The Royal Oak, North Gorley are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue to facilitate the giving of the prize.

DID YOU KNOW?

Christmas pudding originated in the 14th century as a savoury dish, and didn’t evolve to a sweet course until the 16th century.

Traditionally, the Christmas pudding is made five weeks before Christmas on ‘Stir Up Sunday’. Each member of the family would stir the mixture while making a wish, and it was said that any unmarried person who did not join in would not find a partner in the next year.

Christmas pudding is traditionally made with 13 ingredients, which represent Jesus and the 12 disciples.

Even though Christmas pudding is also known as plum pudding, it does not actually contain any plums. The word was historically used to refer to dried fruit such as sultanas, raisins or prunes.

Silver coins were traditionally added to the pudding mixture before cooking. The person who found the coin was said to have good luck.

Christmas pudding is usually served with flaming brandy and a sprig of holly on top. The brandy represents the passion of Christ and the holly his crown of thorns.

Berlin Wall exhibit at Careys Secret Garden

Seven full-size pieces of the Berlin Wall have been installed at Careys Secret Garden in Wareham. Launched on 9 November in honour of the date the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the exhibit can be viewed by visitors twice a day at 11am and 1.30pm for an extra cost of £2.50 on top of the normal admission price. The extra cost will be donated to the communities who are kept apart by war and walls.

The garden is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am and all visits must be pre-booked at www. careyssecretgarden.co.uk.

REVIEW:

Nightmare, Broadstone Players Theatre Company, Memorial Hall, Tuesday 22 November

By Marilyn Barber

This company not only chose a really enthralling play for its autumn production, they pulled it off in a professional and dramatic style.

For starters, praise must go to the set designers Bob Rankin, Glanville Noye and Angus Maule for setting the scene for this play, which is full of suspense, with an ending the audience would never have guessed.

Set in the 1980s in an isolated house on the edge of a moor, it centres on Marion Bishop, an elderly writer of romantic novels who is dying.

Val Smith, who has been a member of the players for more than 25 years, really got under the skin of her character, evoking compassion for her predicament.

I suspect Janine Williams loved playing the gossipy Doris

from the nearby shop and she should be commended for her expressive face, a skill she shared with Katherine (KellyAnne Singleton) who was looking after the ailing writer. Both actors interacted well and you could easily believe they were the best of friends.

It soon became clear that Dr Thorne (Chris Huggill) had ulterior motives, with his smarmy exterior and his faux concern for his patient. And the same could be said for the nurse Laura (Fiona Richards) whose moods seemed to betray a hidden agenda. Or did they?

Martyn Brown showed

subtle menace as Raymond Shapley, Marion’s nephew with a criminal past.

Chris Kemp also deserves recognition for taking on the difficult role of Michael, Katherine’s disturbed brother with severe learning difficulties.

This was Alyssa Thompson’s first role as director, but it shouldn’t be her last, as this was a very entertaining and gripping production.

And such was the confidence of the company that it ran for six performances and on the first night was clearly enjoyed by the audience.

Events

The details of the events below were accurate at the time of going to press. Always check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Until 24 December 4.30pm

Christmas trail at Kingston Lacy with new light installations. Last entry 8pm closes at 10pm. christmasatkingstonlacy. seetickets.com

Until 2 January

Light trail as part of Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival from Falkland Square to Poole Quay. Fun fair, Christmas themed market. Free entry.

Until 2 January

Christmas Tree Wonderland throughout Bournemouth.

14 December 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Details from www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

14 December 7.30pm

East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church, Wimborne for a talk on Redefining the Neolithic Map. www. dorset-archaeology.org.uk

15 December 7.30pm

Cantilena Voices concert in aid of Dorset MIND at St Nicholas’ Church Corfe Mullen. Tickets £10. email hellocantilenavoices@gmail. com or phone 01929 781777.

17 December 11am

Shoppers’ carol service in Wimborne Minster.

17-24 December

Christmas Woodland Adventure trail at Upton Country Park. No booking required. Details https:// uptoncountrypark.com/events/

18 December

19 December 7pm

Dorset Chamber Choir Christmas Concert at Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne BH21 3AA. Tickets on the door or from choir members £12, £5 students/children. Free parking.

21 December 6pm

Diverse Abilities carol concert in Wimborne Minster. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ events for more information and to book your tickets.

23 December 6pm

7 January 3pm

Wimborne Town FC at home to Westbury United.

9 January 7-10pm

The Wessex Friends meets at The Cobham Flight Refuelling Sports & Social Club at Merley with a talk/display entitled Pirates – The Origins and Truths by Richard Huntley. Details email derekabaker@hotmail.co.uk

9 January 2.30pm

from 10am

Christmas Carols on Southbourne Green.

18 December 7.30pm

Bournemouth Musical Theatre Productions presents It Feels Like Chistmas at Highcliffe Castle. Tickets www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ bmt-presents-it-feels-likechristmas-tickets-461778360507

19 December 7pm

A Time Traveller’s Christmas Concert at St Nicholas’ Church, 30 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen BH21 3LE. Tickets from www. broadstonemusicseries.info. A limited number available on the door.

19 December 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement Club. Visitors welcome £5. Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Meetings every third Monday. Contact 01202 610902.

Carols in the Cornmarket in Wimborne. Singing will be accompanied by members of the Broadstone Community Concert Band and choristers from Wimborne Minster.

23

December

Verwood’s Christmas community lunch at Crane Valley Golf Club. To book email: communitychristmasverwood@ gmail.com

24 December 3pm

Crib service in Wimborne Minster.

27 December-1 January

Christmas Woodland Adventure trail at Upton Country Park. No booking required. Details https:// uptoncountrypark.com/events/ 1 January 10am-12.30pm

Poole New Year’s Day Bath Race and Classic Cars on the Quay.

West Moors Horticultural Society meet at the Memorial Hall for an illustrated talk ‘You, your Garden and Climate change’ by Pauline Weeks. Details Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

11 January 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Details from www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

14 January 11-noon

Labour Women’s group at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. For further info contact womensofficer@nfwlabour.org.uk

16 January 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement Club. Visitors welcome £5. Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Meetings every third Monday. Contact 01202 610902.

It’s over!

As mentioned on page 13, the A31 improvement works at Ringwood are over in time for Christmas and the town is certainly bouncing back after a trying time.

The road and affected slip roads were reopened on Saturday 19 November relieving the traffic disruption that has been on going for 11 months since January.

It was caused by work that included the widening of the westbound A31 and replacement of the bridges over the River Avon and Bickerley Millstream. This entailed closing the westbound carriageway of the A31 and moving all the traffic onto the eastbound carriageway using a contraflow. While the road had been closed National Highways had demolished and rebuilt the two bridges and widened a section of the A31 creating a third lane between the Ringwood and Verwood junctions.

With the traffic management removed motorists are now able to use three lanes westbound, and eastbound has been returned to four lanes.

National Highways has issued a statement saying: You may still notice our team working in the area while we carry out our final inspections and minor work in preparation to hand the road over to our maintenance team.

We would like to thank the people of Ringwood for their patience and support while this work took place. You can find out more on the project webpace at www.nationalhighways.co.uk/ our-roads/south-east/a31-ringwood-road-widening

Councils can apply for 20mph speed limits

Following a new policy by Dorset Council, town and parish councils can now apply online for 20mph speed limits and zones.

Schemes will need to meet certain requirements, and there should be community support. Dorset Council’s Road Safety Team will work with town and parish councils to complete an assessment once an application is submitted.

Each application will be assessed against a set of requirements and Dorset Council will fund those schemes deemed to be a high priority. Town and parish councils will have the opportunity to self-fund lower priority schemes.

Residents interested in the implementation of new 20mph speed limits in their local area should contact their town or parish council or local Dorset councillor (ward member).

Help with safer driving for Dorset youngsters

During Road Safety Weekin November, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service launched an initiative to help young people understand the consequences of their behaviour when driving.

‘SDSA 360 VR’ provides a follow-up to the established Safe Drive Stay Alive education programme. The service is leading on the scheme on behalf of the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership and Dorset Road Safe, and it is sponsored by sustainable mobility specialist, Arval UK.

The new programme is available for teachers to deliver to students they feel may benefit from a more immersive, practical session, and ties in with the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

Be prepared for flooding

The UK may have been in drought earlier this year, but as we head into winter, the weather has been much more unsettled and the Environment Agency is urging people to prepare for flooding.

The agency ran its Flood Action Week in November and the campaign acts as a seasonal reminder for people who live in areas at risk of flooding to prepare now and take proper actions to protect their home, possessions and family.

Rachel Burden of the Environment Agency said: “After record-breaking temperatures, Wessex, like most of England, went into drought. That threat on our water resources and environment has not gone away. But neither has the risk of being flooded.”

The Met Office says wetter weather is more likely during early 2023, unexpected flooding could occur at any time through the winter and communities are being warned not to be complacent following this summer’s dry weather.

The Environment Agency has urged people to take three simple steps:

• check your flood risk online

• sign up for flood warnings

• know what to do if flooding hits

At least one in six people in England are at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea, with many more at risk from surface water flooding. However, nearly two in three households at risk of flooding do not believe it will happen to them, according to analysis

produced by the Environment Agency earlier this year.

And despite the research showing that almost two thirds of people (60 per cent) have taken at least one action to prepare for flooding, as many as 1.5 million households, who are at risk, are yet to prepare.

Those at risk are encouraged to follow the advice to ‘Prepare. Act.

Survive,’ specifically:

• If there is an initial flood alert – prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service

• If there is a subsequent confirmed flood warning – act by moving family, pets and belongings to safety. Turn off gas, water and electricity

• If there is a severe flood warning – avoid immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed

With just 30cm of flowing water being enough to float a car, drivers are also being warned not to attempt to drive through flood water and take extra precautions in wet weather.

Eco friendly lighting for tennis court

The tennis court at West Moors is to be made available to users for longer hours in the future thanks to a Tesco Community grant of £500.

West Moors Town Council will install LED lighting at the tennis court, which will not only benefit the users of this free facility but also the users of the recently renovated skate park, directly adjacent, which welcomes hundreds of people a week.

The work will make the courts accessible for a lot longer in the evenings, for family and friends to socialise, encouraging community cohesion and helping to reduce the council’s carbon footprint.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Inspiration from Tresco Abbey Gardens – Ben Turner gave the Fordingbridge and District Horticultural Society a talk on Tresco Abbey Gardens on the Isles Scilly at a recent meeting. Results of the table show –Three vegetables: 1, Dorothy Lane; 2, Keith Bennett and 3, Ray Witt. Any stem of autumn flower: 1, Sarah Price; 2, Tracy Netherway and 3, Dorothy Lane

New dog bins – The final phase for the replacement of dog bins is to take place at Ringwood’s Pocket Park next year.

Ringwood planting – The beds in Jubilee Gardens in Ringwood are to be changed to raise the planting areas and use more bee friendly plants and shrubs. It is hoped something similar will work on the main roundabout. The town’s grounds team are working with a group of volunteers to improve the look of the gardens in Gateway square.

New homes for Fordingbridge – New Forest District Council has granted permission for the erection of 64 homes, the change of use of land for Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace, new accesses onto Whitsbury Road, and all necessary on-site infrastructure on land at Tinkers Cross, Fordingbridge, subject to a legal agreement.

Fordingbridge housing estate – A hybrid application for 46 new homes on Lights Farm in Middle Gate in Salisbury Road, Fordingbridge has been submitted to New Forest District Council. The outline application would consist of the erection of 41 properties with the full application for the conversion of Middle Gate House to form five flats above community use on the ground level.

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Book Reviews

Getting It Off My Chest

By Janice Day

A breast cancer survivor, the author draws the reader into a life story so absorbing that cancer seamlessly slips in and out as dramas from her past weave between diagnoses, doctor’s letters, surgeries, family, and the break up of her marriage.

A cocktail of fear, anger and pain intertwine with hate, happiness, desire and love, to become a reckoning of Day’s past and the building blocks of her future.

She creates humour from dire situations and manages to bring many unexpected smiles making the reading experience something special.

This is as much a selfhelp book for those without cancer, as for those with it.

Arandora Star

By Natalie Dye

A mixture of fiction and fact, this novel brings to life the largely untold story of what happened to Italians living in the UK during World War II. The characters are fictitious, but this love story is based on true events leading up to the sinking of the Arandora Star in the Irish Sea. It is a well-researched and beautifully written book and is a story that needed to be told. It also exposes, with some degree of accuracy, the awful tragedy of the Arandora Star. A compelling read for anyone interested in history, and equally readable for those who like to immerse themselves in a love story.

Cookie Helps The Bumblebees

By Lynda Stewart

Have you ever found a dozy bumblebee and worried about its wellbeing? This beautifully illustrated children’s book will explain many facts about bees in an easy to understand manner following Cookie the guinea pig meeting with Her Majesty the Queen Bee. With a buzz, buzz, buzz and a hum, hum, hum, join Cookie on her quest to help the bumblebees as well as doing her early morning stretches, munching and nibbling and sneezing when the pollen gets up her nose. This charming story explains why bumblebees are so important in our gardens and why they need to snooze. Available from www. dorsetdaisybookpublishing. co.uk £4.50.

Whale Song (Oct 2010)

By Cheryl Kaye Tardif Kindle/Paperback/Audible

From the powerful opening, right through to the very last word, there is everything to love about this story. Compelling and unusual, it covers the importance of family and friends when growing up. The Nootka Indian spiritual references are a strong thread that weave the book tightly together and make the lesser character Nana, into an incredibly strong one. Very skilfully done. ‘I may have lost my eyesight, but I have not lost my vision’ is just one of the stand out phrases. An absorbing read.