Viewpoint February 2018

Established Over 35 Years Mid Feb 2018

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 42, Issue 4

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

Two found guilty of murder Two men have been found guilty of the murder of Guy Hedger, who was shot during a burglary at his home near Ringwood.

See page 22 for full story …

take one it’s

ISSN 2397-7183 (print) ISSN 2397-7191 (online)

Free

• MAN CHARGE D WITH ARSON IN WEST MOOR S • KEEP IT LOCA L WITH LOCAL SUPPLIERS • CHARITIES FE ATURE • REVIEW OF TH E ALICE LISLE Guy Hedger

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

VIEWPOINT Volume 42 • Issue 4 • February 2018

Hello everyone

MAGS4DORSET

As I sit here overlooking King George V Playing Field with the sun filtering through the blinds and scattering sunlight on to the few catkins I have in a jar, it feels like spring.

February will see crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils welcoming in the season, but not so much in our front garden. We have decided to move 50 or so daffodil bulbs into the back and dedicate our front lawn to a rather large vehicle that Louis has purchased. He is converting it into a camper van and unfortunately, he can’t keep it at his own flat in Bournemouth.

The daffodils had pushed through the ground a few weeks before my husband, Nick, dug them up and moved them, and I have no idea if they will survive the shock.

I am not too clued-up about plants, so I will let you know what happens.

There again, at KGV, a large number of beautiful rhododendron bushes have been dug up and relocated in anticipation of the improvement works here later in the year, so perhaps now is a good time to move plants.

You could always write and let me know. I am intending to build up a regular letters page in Viewpoint. So if you have any advice to give, a grievance to air, or a bouquet to present, please drop me a line by snail mail, or email me at editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk.

I am really looking forward to hearing from you.

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

Janine Pulford

Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 872813 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

Creativi-tea at QE © Tom Scrase

DESIGN 01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk

Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Editor

LOGISTICS

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

editorial Picture of the month

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

How to contact us Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441

Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news

1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

23 FEBRUARY 2018

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 £35 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.

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

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3

LAW SPOT

Can ewe name me?

Welcome relief for first time buyers Head of Conveyancing, Karen Liddiard, Harold G Walker Solicitors The recent budget announcement to waive stamp duty for first-time buyers was a very welcome step to aid those trying to get their foot on the first rung of the property ladder.

With ever-increasing property prices, in recent years it has become more and more difficult to save the deposit needed to purchase that much sought-after starter home. On top of the deposit, first-time buyers need to budget for legal fees, survey and mortgage fees, and until November this year, Stamp Duty Land Tax. On a first-time purchase of £275,000 stamp duty alone was a further £3,750. With the November budget announcement, this is now waived for first-time buyers purchasing a property up to a value of £300,000.

Other help already available to first-time buyers is the Help to Buy ISA, which provides a bonus

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

payment for those first-time buyers purchasing for less than £250,000 (or up to £450,000 in London) and can provide a further boost to savings of up to £3,000.

This is all great news for newcomers to the property market, meaning that the dream of owning a property can be a step closer.

For further information regarding buying your first home, contact Harold G Walker’s Conveyancing team who will be happy to help you.

Children aged 10 and under are being asked to name this adorable little lamb, which has been adopted as a mini mascot for 2018 by the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Born on 7 January, he was rejected by his mother and has been raised in the warm kitchen of his owner, AONB director, Linda Nunn.

“That he arrived so early was a slight miscalculation on my part. The aim is for all my 100 ewes to lamb in March or April,” said Linda. “However, this lamb took to the bottle really well and has been no trouble at all, although I always know when it’s feeding time as he lets me know.”

The lamb is currently nameless, so the AONB is asking younger readers to help them christen him. There is just one stipulation – any name must begin with the letter G like all of Linda’s lambs born in 2018.

The winner, who will be chosen by the AONB team, will receive a cuddly sheep who bears a close resemblance to the real mini mascot.

Entrants should be 10 years old or under.

Name suggestions should be emailed to office@ cranbornechase.org.uk. The closing date is 12 March 2018.

The winner will be notified via email.

And in case anyone is wondering, the hart remains the AONB’s main mascot for 2018 and beyond.

Sobering statistics Dorset Police recorded 95 arrests during the annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign – 42 of which were for driving under the influence of drugs, 46 for drink-driving and seven for failing to provide a sample for analysis. During the same period the previous year, 78 people were arrested.

A total of 413 breath tests were carried out during the campaign, which ran between 1 December 2017 and 1 January 2018, compared with 554 during the same period the

previous year.

78 drug wipe tests were also carried out at the roadside, with 42 people testing positive for having cocaine or cannabis in their system.

During the 2016 Christmas campaign, 56 drug wipe kits were used with 32 people charged.

To charge for drugdriving offences, a blood sample must be analysed.

These are currently being examined before charges are brought against suspects.

Of the 53 people

charged with drink driving related offences, 45 were men and eight were women. The average age of those charged was 36, with the youngest being 18 and the oldest 71.

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dial 999 with the vehicle information and direction of travel. To pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please go to www. dorset.police.uk and click ‘do it online’.

Junior Warriors wanted Wessex Warriors PFC (Powerchair Football Club) is looking for new members aged 5+ with physical disabilities to join its academy/ junior team. If you’re interested, please call 07880 495389 or email info@wessexwarriors.co.uk.

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

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Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

New Year, New Challenges

Daniel Parkin

We are a month into 2018 already and with new regulations coming into force now, and additional red tape later on in the year, I feel it will be a challenging year in our industry.

So for a change, I thought I would mention a new enquiry I have had in 2018, as I would expect this to become more commonplace as we approach the final staging dates for employers setting up new workplace pension schemes.

A woman called following our

communication to her explaining that she had joined her employer’s workplace pension scheme. She wanted to say thank you for the letter and went on to say that she had worked for companies before and not known whether she had joined their pension scheme, as she had never had confirmation, apart from deductions in her pay slip.

She had found some paperwork from an old scheme and wanted to know what to do with it. I explained

her options and then she stated that she had another scheme somewhere but was going to forget about it as she had no idea what it was.

I explained that this was not a good idea and referred her to the Pension Tracing Service that the government expanded back in 2016.

According to figures in May 2016, there was more than £400m in unclaimed pension funds and 169,000 tracing requests had been made. With an average person having 11 jobs during their lifetime, you can see why.

A report from DWP had shown an increase of 5.2million employees being enrolled into a pension scheme from when auto enrolment started in October 2012. That’s a massive increase and with job changes, moving home and potential lack of communication from some pension providers, the government needs to do more to ensure people do not lose track of their pensions, however long they have worked for an employer, or regardless of how many schemes they have.

It is all well and good enrolling employees into a pension scheme, but they need to know their pensions are safe, easily traceable and when they join a new pension, they should know exactly where it is.

My New Year’s resolution is to encourage people to trace any old pensions they may have had and update their records. But, at the same time, try and ensure I have less stress in my life, manage that work/life balance and continue to enjoy the job I do. So let’s see how that goes this year.

For more information about pensions, telephone Daniel Parkin on 07801 432182.

17 Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PB

Sheen charged Last December, Hampshire Police asked for the public’s help to find William George Sheen, 21, who was wanted in connection with burglary incidents. In January, Sheen of Marryat Road, New Milton was arrested and charged with assault, criminal damage and burglary. He was also arrested on warrant for failing to appear for the following offences: assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence. He was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 31 January.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

New year, new beginnings Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT) has welcomed Emmanuel CofE Middle School in Verwood as the newest member of the Trust.

A top priority for the Trust will be moving Emmanuel out of special measures and bringing it in-line with the other WAT schools, which are all rated Rob Christopher (centre left) is pictured with CEO of good or outstanding.

Wimborne Academy Trust, Liz West (centre), Ron Jenkinson (centre right) and Emmanuel Year 8 lead ambassadors, Ryan Current interim head of Kearn and Shannon Doherty school Rob Christopher will continue to lead the school advice and seeing improvements put in on a day-to-day basis and Ron Jenkinson place. Now we look forward to the benefits will join the school as WAT executive of being a full member …and sharing in the headteacher to provide strategic direction best practice of our fellow academies. and support.

“I am incredibly proud to lead this Mr Jenkinson has extensive experience school and its hardworking and dedicated of leading Church of England middle staff and students.” schools having led three in Dorset, WAT is a multi-academy trust (MAT) including his current role as headteacher with seven first and middle schools – of St Michael’s CofE Middle School in Allenbourn Middle School, St Michael’s Wimborne.

CofE Middle School, Colehill First School, Rob Christopher said, “Everyone at Merley First School, St John’s CofE First Emmanuel is incredibly excited about School, Hayeswood First School and joining Wimborne Academy Trust. We Witchampton CofE First School. have already benefitted from the Trust’s

Julia’s House shop needs volunteers Julia’s House children’s hospice is asking for volunteers to work in its Bransgore shop on Oaktree Parade for a few hours a week.

Retail experience is not essential as full training will be given. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work on the shop floor or behind the scenes sorting donations. Whether helping for two hours a week or for a whole day, Julia’s House volunteers are an essential and valued part of the retail team and will be given a warm welcome.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact June Jones on 01202 644220 for more information, or pop into the shop for an informal chat.

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

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Coote the brave and Coote the unworthy

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

Some readers may have noticed, as they drive into Rockbourne from Fordingbridge, a tall monument on the left hand side of the road and two elegant gate lodges that have now been converted into accommodation. These are what remain of West Park House, a mansion that was owned by the influential and wealthy Eyre Coote family.

General Sir Eyre Coote had a distinguished career in the army in India where, although he quarrelled with many of his fellow officers, including Clive of India, he was worshipped by his native Sepoy troops who called him Coote Bahadur which translates as Coote the brave.

His victory at the battle of Wandiwash in 1760 is credited with being decisive in our battle with the French and establishing British dominance in India.

His exertions in India took their toll on his health, though, and after returning to Britain in 1762 and becoming MP for Poole, he returned to India for the last time as commander of the East India Company forces.

He was, however, still dogged by ill health and he died of a stroke in Madras

in 1783.

His body was returned to Rockbourne where he was buried in the church.

West Park was enlarged from a previous house on the site, built by the Rev Dunford of Rockbourne, when Eyre Coote bought it in 1762 along with land comprising of the old medieval deer parks of Rockbourne and Damerham.

His nephew, also called Sir Eyre Coote, had a distinguished military career until he ended up as Governor General of Jamaica. As a result of the climate, he also suffered from ill health, that affected his personality so that he could no longer be trusted with command.

He returned to Britain in 1808 but was involved in a scandal because he offered

money to boys at Christ’s Hospital School for mutual flagellation. A case against him for indecent conduct was dropped after he made a donation of £1,000 to the school. Despite his friends claiming he was insane, he was discharged from the army in 1816 for conduct unworthy of an officer and a gentleman. He died in 1823.

The monument at West Park to the two soldiers was put up by Eyre Coote’s sister in 1827.

West Park was besieged by machine-breaking rioters in 1830, but the Salisbury Volunteers came to the rescue and the two ringleaders were executed while six of the rioters were transported.

Afterwards the then occupant, Captain Eyre Coote, revived the Fordingbridge Volunteer Cavalry Unit that had been disbanded after peace with the French.

In WW2 the house was taken over by the American 7th Army Brigade who showed it such scant respect that it had to be demolished in 1948.

The monument has a marvellous view of the surrounding countryside from the top and was used as a look out during WW2.

David Bailey mix up The editor wishes to apologise to both David Baileys for the error in last month’s issue of Viewpoint.

The David Bailey who went to Fordingbridge and gave a talk was the renowned wildlife photographer, not the 60s fashion photographer.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

Man charged with arson A house on The Avenue in West Moors went up in flames on 9 January 2017.

One of the first people on the scene was local man Peter Lovesey who helped three others bring a man out from the burning building.

A 55-year-old man from Three Legged

Cross has been charged with arson with intent/reckless as to whether life was endangered, and harassment, and appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 11 January. He is being held in custody and was due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on 8 February.

Dog lovers wanted

Nursing mothers welcome

The Guide Dogs charity is appealing for dog-loving volunteers in the West Moors area to board a dog for a temporary period.

Dog boarders will have a dog-intraining in their own home during the evening and weekends for around 10 weeks.

During the day the dog will be with a trainer, so would have to be dropped off to a local point and picked up again, Monday to Friday.

All training, support, food and equipment is provided.

If you would like to find out more, call 0845 372 7248 or email hazel.kelly@guidedogs.org.uk

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood has become one of the latest locations in Dorset to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme promoted by the Families and Babies (FAB) breastfeeding support charity.

While many premises in the county support breastfeeding, those displaying the pink sticker declaring ‘We Welcome Breastfeeding Here’ have pledged to be especially welcoming to nursing mothers.

For more information on the Families and Babies Support Group and to find your local group visit www.familiesandbabies. org.uk.

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

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askNED

charity of the year Are you looking for the challenge of a lifetime?

In 2018, Forest Holme Hospice Charity can help you to experience the challenge of a lifetime by signing you up for a local, national or international fundraising trek or adventure.

Signing up for a charity challenge can help you to achieve your New Year’s resolutions – be that getting fit, pushing your boundaries or doing something incredible to enable you to change the lives of others through fundraising.

You can take part in a local running event, skydive at 13,000ft, wing walk at speeds of 130mph, or take on an overseas adventure challenge.

Hannah O’Hare, fundraising manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity said, “Our supporters have taken part in incredible adventures over the past 23 years including a Sahara desert trek, Icelandic lava walk, international marathons and intercontinental bike rides – amongst many others.”

By fundraising for Forest Holme Hospice Charity, you will be helping their specialist teams care for over 1,000 local adults each year living with a life-limiting illness.

Anne Currie, charity manager at Forest Holme, said “It’s so important for us to make sure that we provide consistent and unconditional care not just now, but also in the future.”

For more information on how you can support the vital work of the charity, please contact 01202 670644 or visit: www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

Do you have issues with parking? Noisy neighbours? Are you concerned with an animal’s welfare and not sure who to contact… then AskNED – the non-emergency directory.

Dorset Police has launched a new online service designed to help you find answers to common enquiries. AskNED offers help and advice around a whole host of topics; such as civil matters including landlord and tenant disputes, as well as criminal matters including burglary and assault. AskNED provides advice and information about what you should do and who can help.

The online service is quick and easy to use and might save you a call to the 101 non-emergency number. To access AskNED visit www.dorset.police.uk/askNED. If a crime is in progress or life in danger, always dial 999.

The Banking Protocol Thanks to specially trained bank staff, a 72-year-old is one of 100s of people saved from losing £1,000s to a scam after they cautioned him about proceeding with a transaction.

The man had seen his dream car advertised on an Internet auction site and had gone to his bank to withdraw £10,000. He was expecting to meet with the seller and hand over the money in exchange for the car. Concerned bank staff used a new system to alert the police and within 30 minutes officers were there. The police were able to carry out checks and alert the man to the fact he was about to be scammed.

Bank staff have been trained to spot signs that a customer may be conducting an unusual or out of character transaction. If they have concerns, they refer to a senior manager who can phone the police or trading standards giving a code word, which will summon help quickly.

In the last 12 months 101 arrests have been made after banking staff have made calls under the banking protocol system.

For advice on this, or to report something to trading standards, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Chinese cream tea at Wimborne’s QE A group of 16 Chinese students on a three-day visit to Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne had the unforgettable experience of making a cream tea the British way.

A

ged between 12 and 14, they had been on a tour to London, Cambridge and Brighton before arriving at their host school in Wimborne in January.

Katie Boyes, one of QE’s deputy heads said, “The visiting students have really embraced QE life. They have shadowed students in all lessons and have taken part in two bespoke lessons: PE and cooking.”

They made scones, under the direction of maths teacher Charlie Larrington-Vandy.

Susan (Li Yuncan) and Lisa (Li Mingfei), both aged 12, worked side-by-side and said they were used to cooking dumplings and noodles as well as chips and

Susan (Li Yuncan) and Lisa (Li Mingfei) © Tom Scrase

hamburgers at home, but not scones.

Whilst tidying up afterwards, Jack, (Han Jun) aged 13, said, “I don’t cook at home. I have really enjoyed the lesson.”

And Susan (Wang Xiying) proudly brought her well-risen scones out of the oven and couldn’t wait to taste them.

The head of faculty (design and technology), Richard Wood, said the students were doing something stereotypically English.

Jiang Shupeng (Kevin) from the IECA in China who was supervising the group said that they would be taking the British culture back to China, “and will have a worldwide view.” After visiting QE, the group

Making a soft dough for a traditional British scone © Tom Scrase

After the cookery lesson © Tom Scrase

was heading to Paris and Belgium before going home.

The cultural programme is organised by IECA in China in partnership with OneWorld Education UK and the Global Youth Ambassador Project. Mike Bennett of OneWorld said, “We work with the local education bureau in China and take students all over the world to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA and Canada.

“We have over 100 Chinese students placed in Dorset schools including Allenbourn, Bishop

Aldhelm’s and Oak Academy.

The schools have been chosen because they are wonderful, and the student ambassadors do a tremendous job,” he said.

In total 46 students were hosted

by QE, which is working towards increasing its international links to try and create a truly global school.

Last year, Charlie LarringtonVandy attended an international conference in China. QE has also received and hosted a group of 12 Chinese education ministers and headmasters.

-advertising feature-

Cutting through complications As my daughter is racing towards her GCSEs, and she has been told, or so she claims, she must not allow revision to take over her life – there really is no danger of this, methinks – I am finding myself hurtling back in time to my own school days. I am spending serious sleepless hours reliving maths equations, historical politics and science formulas – none of which I have thought about for the last three decades. However, on a recent Sunday, we moved on to English Literature and spent some time discussing Bleak House by Charles Dickens and the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce in particular. This was much closer to home.

However, I was somewhat dismayed when my daughter asked, “Were you involved in that case, Dad?” “I am not that old,” I cried, before explaining many cases such as these share similarities.

Having undertaken numerous probate cases, I have often found fact is far more complicated than fiction. When a loved one dies, sorting out the Estate is often emotional and stressful, often becoming more complex than originally envisaged.

Forest Edge and Meesons are here to help. We can cut through the complications and provide a cost effective efficient service, ensuring you claim all your tax savings. Our expert team will be able to present you with all the options on managing probate, help with all aspects of administering the Estate, offer advice on how best to settle affairs and deal with problems as, and when, they should arise in a timely and sensitive manner.

We are able to look after the administration from start to finish or undertake specific tasks for you. We can make it easier and less painful than helping teenage children with GCSEs. Contact Fiona Clarke or Ruth Lucas from our Private Client team who will be more than happy to assist you at this difficult time.

Edward Holmes Solicitor Forest Edge and Meesons W: fe-legal.co.uk T: 01425 484420 Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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verwood NEWS Students urged not to lose their bottle Year 7 youngsters from Emmanuel CofE Middle School participated in a series of workshops called ‘Time in a Bottle’ recently.

Run by performance artist Paul Stevens, and staff at Emmanuel, the sessions placed the children in the type of peer pressure scenarios they could face as they get older – such as the pressure to try alcohol or drugs.

Head of school, Rob Christopher, said, “As well as providing our children with the academic skills

they need to progress through education we pride ourselves in also giving them a good spiritual foundation and life skills.

“Our Year 7 children are on the cusp of their teenage years and the Time in a Bottle workshop is a fantastic, age appropriate way of engaging them on the pressures they might face as they get older.”

The school has a wellbeing curriculum focused on personal identity, peer pressure and risk taking.

As the children become more independent, the curriculum is tailored to equip them with the important life skills of making good choices when they are with their peers.

In the workshops, Paul’s thought-provoking performances were designed to help the pupils make informed choices in difficult situations.

The event finished with every pupil being given a detailed fact sheet that they could take home and share with their families.

Par plus for Woofability Seniors at Crane Valley Golf Club returned a fabulous score last year by pitching up with more than £3,000 for their captain’s charity – Woofabilty.

Andy Clarke (on left), from the locally based charity that trains assistance dogs for children and adults, was on hand at the golf club’s AGM in January to collect the cheque for £3,221.25 from senior’s captain Roger Bonfield, Andrew Southway and Angela Bonfield.

Verwood Afternoon TG The first meeting of 2018 was also the guild’s 37th birthday, and a slice of birthday cake made and iced by two talented members was much enjoyed during the tea break.

Rita Barrington gave an entertaining performance dressed as Marie Lloyd, telling the story of her life and singing some of her famous songs. Following this theme, the competition was for a vintage handbag.

Also planned are a Welsh-themed coffee morning and the Dorset Federation Social Afternoon later in January. For Guild information, please ring 01202 827339.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

verwood NEWS

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson Loneliness is an issue that has started to attract national interest, and rightly so. The Government’s recent announcement that a new Minister for Loneliness has been appointed is welcome news for a matter that has reached a critical level.

Here in Dorset, we perhaps know of this more than most. Our aboveaverage elderly population, and high number of people who have moved from other parts of the country in retirement, has led to a significant number of lonely or isolated people. This creates a big challenge for councils and the wider community, and is a challenge that we must take very seriously.

Loneliness takes many forms, and is also cause for concern amongst younger people.

Even in this age of hyper connectivity, it is easy to feel isolated. Community spirit is a fantastic remedy for loneliness. Verwood has a number of heartwarming examples, where members of the community come together to provide opportunities for people to meet and

Cllr Simon Gibson

live life together. As a councillor, I want to ensure that we are doing what we can to support these endeavours. I am using some of my ward budget to support local groups such as Age Concern and local friendship groups.

For my part, I will continue to organise the annual Community Christmas Lunch but I pay tribute to those who give up so much time all year round.

However, we can all play our part in helping to end loneliness and social isolation. If everyone regularly checked in with their neighbour, or called in for coffee with someone who is on their own, it would make a tremendous difference. The internet has the potential to make a big difference but for me, there will never be a better alternative to the support that human friendship and kindness can bring. Many of us live busy lives but if you can, I would urge you to reach out to a neighbour if they’re on their own. It can be hugely rewarding so give it a go.

Contest success for Verwood Youth and Training Bands!

Musicians from Verwood Concert Brass had a great day out at the Wessex Brass Band Association contest for Youth and Training Bands held on Saturday 27 January.

It was the first time that the Verwood Training Band (for players of all ages) had entered a contest but they did themselves proud by not only picking up the award for best training band but also for being the best band overall.

The Verwood Youth Band (for players under the age of 19) won the best youth band award and the Verwood Youth Ensemble (for a small group of under 19s) picked up the best youth ensemble prize.

A number of the young Verwood players picked up individual awards.

Gold awards went to Naomi Selby-Grace for

her cornet playing and Emma Close for her trombone solo. Meanwhile Jack Musselwhite was awarded a cup for best instrumentalist of the day for his drum playing. The award for best soloist of the day went to Amy Cooke for her tenor horn solo

performance of ‘Feelings’.

The doors of the Verwood Concert Brass band room are always open to new players of any age and of any standard.

For anyone interested, details can be found on the Verwood Concert Brass website.

Wanted – stallholders for Verwood Carnival The organisers of Verwood Carnival are looking for a wide range of stalls for visitors to the carnival field to enjoy.

They are hoping for a big turnout this year with some exciting events to draw people in.

Do you have something you’d like to offer? You must have your own public liability insurance. Trade stalls are £25, charity ones are £15.

Visit the carnival website to download a booking form at www.verwoodcarnival.com or message on their Facebook page for further information.

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

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RIDE!

Lighthouse Poole 27 January

Review by Chris Low

The play RIDE!, written by John Foster and directed by Charmaine K Parkin, is based on the murder of African-American James Byrd Jr by three Klu Klux Klan members in 1998.

Playing the character of ‘Ethan’, based on James Bird Jr, is actor Shaquille John, who stands in the centre of the stage as the audience enters. The only other performer is Ben Waller, who provides musical accompaniment and vocalises the roles of the murderers.

The bareness of the production design acutely emphasises the focus on Ethan and the stark isolation of his situation. Over the course of the play, it is John’s task to carry the bulk of the narrative, and he rises to the task completely, turning in a powerful and controlled performance that keeps the audience with his character at each step. Vocally and physically, John embodies the gamut of Ethan’s emotions, beginning with suspicion as he is first approached by the three white supremacists who will kill him. This later transforms into confusion that rapidly spirals into terror, once Ethan realises what his monstrous fate is to be.

John’s portrayal is electrifying, fearlessly using his voice and body to pull the audience into the horror that they are witnessing. The device of voiceover further illustrates Ethan’s explosive and increasingly fractured stream of consciousness, forcefully taking the audience into his interior world.

Music, and particularly drums, serve to heighten awareness of Ethan’s situation, with credit going to Waller’s performance, maintaining a constant and sinister presence in the corner of the stage. John Foster’s sharply visceral writing, particularly the figurative language, gives the narrative a further dimension.

Several precisely detailed images stand out, such as the description of body parts: ‘ivory fingers’, the eyes of KKK supporters as ‘steely magnetic’, and Ethan’s ‘writhing beneath fingers and nails’. There is room too for poignancy; a sunset is ‘like blush’ on the faces of the murderers, and Ethan describes his ‘little memories floating by the window’.

The play’s abrupt ending brings to a close an unrelenting portrayal of one man’s final physical and psychological journey. Ethan’s last words are brutal in their simplicity and a chilling indictment of the social context against which this narrative occurred; his murderers acted as they did because ‘They had permission’.

In today’s social and political climate, the issues of this play feel more relevant than ever.

New shop for skaters Well-known in the skating world, Stephen Castle has opened an independent skateboard and scooter shop in his hometown of Wimborne Minster.

Steve has been skateboarding and managing skateboard shops for 25 years and his new venture, 608 Skateshop, can be found in Quarterjack Mews off East Street.

An active member of the local skateboarding community, he received a citizen’s award from Wimborne Town Council in the late-90s for getting the first skateboard facility up and running at Redcotts Recreation Park for the young people of Wimborne. A skateboard park is now on the site of that first mini ramp.

“In the future, I aim to be involved with the planning of the newly proposed skateparks at Corfe Mullen and Wimborne,” said Steve. “I would like my new shop to become a local hub for riders which provides support and advice, an opportunity to network, a place where they can find information on competitions and events, as well as a retail outlet where they can purchase hardware and clothing.”

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

Courageous cross-country runners Congratulations to a group of Moyles Court students for completing a very wet and slippery cross-country course in Haldon Forest, Exeter.

Sam Milner-Smith (Year 6) won his race; Olivia Divall (Year 3) finished 6th, running against Year 4 girls; Victoria Turvey-Neave (Year 6) finished 7th and Lea Divall (Year 8) finished 6th. All four have now qualified to represent the region at a national event at Rugby School in March.

Richard Milner-Smith, headmaster, said, “Congratulations must go to our all courageous cross country runners, who braved strong winds, driving rain and plenty of mud in the South West Regional Independent Schools Association Cross Country Championships in Exeter. Our twelve runners were outstanding and represented our school superbly in what the organiser later described as ‘horrendous’ conditions – an outstanding achievement. The course was a difficult one with some challenging hills, and I am proud of you all for doing your best.”

Voodoo Room

This Hendrix and Cream tribute band drew quite a crowd.

Formed in 2011, the classic rock trio captured the true spirit of the legendary superstars. A defining moment for me was when lead guitarist Peter Orr flipped his guitar over his back, Hendrix style, and continued to deliver a note perfect

Lea Divall

Barrington Centre, 20 January Review and photo by Tom Scrase

performance. The drum solo by John Tonks was equally out of this world, bringing the audience to their feet with prolonged applause.

Great show, with great musicians, who satisfied an audience hungry for a top night out. The band has promised a return visit.

Don’t miss them.

Plea for help The Two Bridges Care Group consists of volunteers who drive people with no other means of transport to doctors, hospital, dentists etc. The group operates in the Alderholt, Fordingbridge, Godshill and Sandleheath areas. It’s a necessary and much-valued service, but urgently needs new volunteers to keep it going. By joining the group and helping people, you will join a friendly committee, meet lots of people, and provide a rewarding service.

For further details, call 01425 656052 or 654627.

Ferndown Upper School thanks Jon Egging Trust Parents, students and the staff of Ferndown Upper School wanted to say thank you to the John Egging Trust by raising £500 to support the trust’s work, which they say is “marvellous.”

Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life whilst completing a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011 and his trust has been set up to enable staff and volunteers to work with young people on accredited programmes, which will help to increase their self-confidence and enable them to reach their full potential.

Ferndown Upper School students have benefited from some of these programmes and students have made comments such as, ‘the teamwork day was amazing – I feel like I know what I can achieve now,’ and ‘I felt hopeless at times before but now I feel

much happier and have made new friends’.

The Jon Egging Trust is always looking for new volunteers and support. To find out more visit www.joneggingtrust.org.uk

Cheque presentation: from L to R – Grace Hill, Payge Howard, Ruth Wright (JE Trust) Philip Jones (Head), Kaye Jackson (JE Trust), Lottie Shields, Aimee O’Connell

health & FITNESS Bournemouth Cancer Centre birthday celebration and local MPs visit The Wessex Cancer Trust believes that there should be help and support available to everyone living with cancer, when and where they need it.

At the beginning of March, the Bournemouth Cancer Centre will be celebrating its second year in operation.

It’s a great success story and has proven to be a major benefit to the people in the SE Dorset conurbation of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding areas who have had the traumatic shock of a cancer diagnosis.

To celebrate the centre’s success and birthday event, the centre will be welcoming back Conor Burns MP. Two other local MPs, Tobias Ellwood and Michael Tomlinson have also been invited.

Based at Fairview House in Hinton Road, The Bournemouth Centre is tucked away on the 2nd floor and has a team of friendly professionals trained in an array of beneficial and supportive

© Alan Baker

therapies; Reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, relaxation therapy, yoga, mindfulness, Tai Chi and more.

The focus of the many support services is to improve wellbeing, pain management and increase self-confidence. There is also specialised children’s cancer support, with a dedicated children’s area and professionally trained children’s counsellor.

All services are free (donations of course are welcomed). For more information, call the centre manager Emma Ormrod on 01202 315824.

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

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

Work-Life Balance!

Are you struggling with your New Year’s resolution to get more active? Don’t worry, help is on the way at Ferndown Leisure Centre. With great facilities and loads of activities to try, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Plus, join as a Premium or Gym-only member between 22 and 28 February, with no joining fee, get the rest of the month free, then the first month half price when paying by direct debit. Or, no joining fee and 12 months for the price of 10, when paying in advance.

Premium membership includes: • • • • • • •

Places Locker – the centre’s app for quick online booking, track your moves, join challenges, download programmes and more 14 days advanced booking Your Journey – 3 free one-to-one sessions with a member of the fitness team Unlimited gym use and classes Unlimited pool use for Just Swim, Fitness and Fun sessions Free use of SWIMTAG – wearable technology to track your swim performance and stroke Receive news and promotional offers.

Gym only includes: • • • • •

Places Locker – the centre’s app for quick online booking, track your moves, join challenges, download programmes and more 14 days advanced booking Your Journey – 3 free one-to-one sessions with a member of the fitness team Unlimited gym use Receive news and promotional offers.

To find out more about the offer running during February, or for details about the centre and other activities available, call Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 email: deanadudman@pfpleisure.org, or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk.

health & FITNESS HATCH A SLEEP PLAN THIS EASTER

Use the Easter break (30 March to 2 April) to focus on improving your child or teen’s sleep habits – that’s the advice from The Sleep Council.

Sleep guru at The Sleep Council, Lisa Artis, said, “Parents need to know how much sleep their child needs but youngsters also need to be taught good sleep behaviour.

“If a child doesn’t get enough sleep, then the parents probably aren’t either and that can cause stress for the whole family.”

The Sleep Council, a not-for-profit body that works to raise awareness of 1.

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the importance of a good night’s sleep to health and wellbeing, has produced a library of free, specialist publications including The Good-Night Guide for Children, which provides helpful advice and tips on how to improve sleep quality for tiny tots to teens.

If your child is struggling to get a good night’s sleep, try these sleeping tips:

Establishing and sticking to a bedtime routine right from the start until early teens can go a long way to minimising later problems. This is normally along the lines of teatime, followed by quiet play, bath, story and then bed. Bedtime should be around the same time each evening.

Don’t expect children to go to sleep immediately – after all, most adults don’t – and they should be allowed to read or play quietly until they drop off. It’s still promoting a relaxing environment.

If your child can’t sleep, don’t be tempted to get them back out of bed, instead encourage them to be quiet and lie down.

Try not to get cross with your child if they’re refusing to go to sleep. This only aggravates the situation and doesn’t aid a relaxing atmosphere.

Ensure the environment is right for sleep – it should be cool, quiet, dark and free from distraction. Ideally computers, gaming machines and TVs should be banned from the bedroom. However, if that’s unlikely, limit the use of these devices just before bedtime.

It’s also extremely important to make sure the bed is comfortable and supportive for a growing child.

Avoid chocolate and other sugary treats and drinks too near to bedtime otherwise that sugar rush could keep children up all night.

Know how much sleep your child needs.

As a general rule, toddlers need around 12 hours of sleep a night; children aged four to six, 10.5-11.5 hours; six-12 years olds, 10 hours; and teenagers, around eight to nine hours.

Never send children to bed if they’ve been naughty. It’s important the bedroom is known as a place of calm and relaxation, not anxiety or upset.

Adoptive families needed Families for Children Trust is a specialist adoption agency and charitable trust based in the South West.

They place vulnerable children from all over the UK with new adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. They have a growing number of older children, sibling groups and children with disabilities waiting to be adopted and they are looking for more adopters to come forward quite quickly.

There are upcoming information sessions where people can learn more about becoming an adopter and how you will be supported. The next meetings in Dorset are:

Friday 23 February and Friday 23 March, 10am12noon near Dorchester.

For further details, contact 01364 645480 or visit: www. familiesforchildren.org.uk

The Good-Night Guide For Children is available to download free from www.sleepcouncil.org.uk

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

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Travel Lounge officially opened by Martin Bell Prestige Holidays marked the opening of its new travel lounge on Saturday 6 January with a visit from ‘the man in the white suit’.

Martin Bell, OBE, former war reporter and the former independent MP for Tatton, gave a talk and signed copies of his acclaimed book, In Harm’s Way. Joined by the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Tim Ward, and representatives from Prestige; invited members of the public enjoyed insights into Martin’s life and career.

Prestige Holidays has been a cornerstone of Ringwood’s High Street for the best part of a decade and has cemented its presence in the town by opening the Travel Lounge.

The company, known for escorted tours, plan to follow up Martin’s talk with a series of other notable speakers in the coming months.

Martin Bell features on several of Prestige Holidays’ tours including trips to the Balkans as well as Northern Ireland.

Lee Hamilton, specialist sales manager at Prestige Holidays said, “It was an absolute delight to have Martin along to officially open our Travel Lounge – his talk was really engaging and guests spoke highly of him. We are proud to have Martin join us on a number of our escorted group tours.”

L-R: Nick Aubin (Prestige Holidays Finance Director); Cllr Tim Ward, Mayor of Ringwood; Martin Bell OBE; Mrs Jane Ward, Mayor’s wife; David Skillicorn (Prestige Holidays General Manager); David Nash (Prestige Holidays Director) and John Dixon (Prestige Holidays Chairman and Managing Director)

Following the launch, Martin Bell took part in a short Q&A, with questions posed by the editor of Viewpoint about his distinguished career as a foreign affairs correspondent.

“One of the lessons of history is that we don’t learn the lessons of history” Martin Bell Interview by Janine Pulford It goes without saying that Martin Bell chose a career fraught with danger, but there has to be one assignment that stands apart from the rest and I asked him what it was.

“The most dangerous assignment – more so even than Vietnam – was the war in Bosnia which lasted from April 1992 to November 1995,” he says. “For most of the time we were close to the front line and for much of it in the besieged city of Sarajevo.”

Bell was usually assigned work by editors in London, but when the first shots were fired in Sarajevo he “volunteered at once.”

And so 1992 became his annus memorabilis. He was hit in the stomach by shrapnel – something he would never forget, especially as it put him out of action for three months – and a fragment still remains inside him today. The other equally indelible experience that year, was being awarded an OBE. Though Bell admits it often occurred to him that his job was not a sensible way to earn a living, the shrapnel injury did not put him off reporting. Instead, he became “more prudent in his calculation of risks.”

He found it hard to leave his family, knowing he might not return, but he “chose not to think about it.”

A clear survivor, there were others who weren’t so fortunate.

When asked if there were dark moments when war made no sense, he replied, “I have known many of the fallen – soldiers, journalists and friends. I see children in war zones as if they were my own. I am not a pacifist but have a sense of the failure of most wars to deliver the results expected of them. These include the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the lessons of history is that we don’t learn the lessons of history.”

Interestingly, one of the most poignant stories he recalls was about the rescue of a caged bear outside a restaurant, which was caught up in the fighting in central Bosnia in 1993. “It was very difficult to write,” he admits.

There are many places filled with haunting memories for Bell, but it doesn’t stop him revisiting.

“I do return to former war zones, although they are (for me) somewhat haunted by the ghosts of the past. This year I am returning for Prestige Travel to Cyprus, where I served as a soldier between 1957 and 1959.”

So is there anywhere that delights him?

“My favourite destination is the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic. I have been there twice by sea, but now the airport is finally open I hope to visit again” – quite a recommendation from someone so well travelled. At a rough estimate he’s flown the equivalent of around

the world at least 30 times.

Is he heartened by how some of the war-torn countries have changed for the better?

“Some countries have returned to peace after long wars, but others have not. Peace is more than an extended ceasefire.”

Though he won’t take credit for any of his reports changing the world, he believes that without the TV coverage, the belated attempt by the western democracies to intervene in the Bosnian war would have been made even later, and even more lives would have been lost.

So how does the coverage we see today compare with when he was in the thick of it? “Everything changed after 9/11,” he says. “We could report the wars (usually) from the thick of things. Because of the danger of kidnap and execution, today’s reporters are obliged to operate on the fringes.”

Can he ever foresee a time without war? “I fear that wars will always be with us – they are part of the human condition.” His response is a sad reflection on what I feel I already know.

It’s almost time to bring the interview to a close, but there’s one question I have to ask and I know he must have answered it a thousand times already, but I need to be told how he became known as ‘the man in the white suit’.

“I wore the white suit having been put back into army uniform

If you would like to join Martin Bell on a tour to Northern Ireland or the Balkans, call Prestige Holidays on 01425 480600 or pop into the Travel Lounge in Ringwood.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

as a reporter embedded with the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars in the Gulf in 1991. I wear it still as a sort of lucky charm.” It has clearly served him well.

Prestige Tours are delighted that Martin Bell leads some of their tours. A hugely successful one was Balkans Revisited and Bell said the high point “was the Holiday Inn Sarajevo – best war hotel in the world,” which immediately made me want to go there.

So after the Balkans, Northern Ireland and Cyprus Revisited tours where is he headed to next?

“Where next?” he muses. “Hard to say, but I have developed a taste for cruising on the Danube.”

With his 80th birthday approaching, a cruise on the Danube has a perfect ring. It would give him the relaxation he deserves after all those years of keeping the British public informed by putting himself on the frontline.

ringwood NEWS

Tractor cheered in After fundraising for a number of years, a new tractor was welcomed to the Lantern Community to huge rounds of applause and cheers.

Supplied with the kind support of New Forest Farm Machinery, it replaces the estate and garden team’s ancient tractor, and its purchase became possible after the latest donation from Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society.

Andy Johnson, from New Forest Farm Machinery said, “We are incredibly pleased to be working with the Lantern Community and it is fantastic to be supporting a local charity in getting the best tractor they could. With the funds they have available,

we were able to offer them a year’s free servicing in addition as a gesture of support.”

The Lantern Community can be found just off the Ashley Heath roundabout, on the outskirts of Ringwood and is home to 43 adults with a learning difficulty. As well as being a home, it also offers meaningful day opportunities.

Paul Naidu, the workshop leader of the gardens and estate said, “Having this tractor will make a big difference to our daily work, and will really support us in making sure we can continue to keep the estate looking beautiful for both residents and visitors.”

Will you go bonkers over Royal Wedding?

A street party will be held in Ringwood Market Place on Saturday 19 May to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle.

The couple will marry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle – the same day as the FA Cup final and Peeks, of Christchurch, is anticipating a bumper boost to sales of bunting, flags, masks and cut-outs of the happy couple.

Prince Harry met the glamorous

American actress on a blind date and after a whirlwind romance the engagement was announced in November.

Nick Peek, MD of Peeks, which has been supplying party goods since the end of the war said, “Harry is a popular prince and indications are that there will be a lot of interest when he weds Meghan. As the bride is American we are also anticipating interest from across the pond and this puts an interesting new slant on things.”

Celebrating 10 years as a charity Members of the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Club for the Blind enjoyed their annual January meal at Tyrell’s Ford whilst being able to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the club’s charitable status.

For many years the club was a branch of the Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind, but on 1 January 2008, it took the plunge to become an independent charity.

Being blind or visually impaired can make getting out and about much more difficult, but so many people have benefited from attending the club’s fortnightly meetings, enjoying the opportunity to socialise with friends, as well as the regular

entertainment and afternoon tea.

The club’s continued success is owed mainly to the amazing team of volunteers.

They work tirelessly to organise activities, carry out administrative tasks, arrange transport and home visits if required, as well as preparing the delicious teas or organising outings and entertainment.

The club welcomes new members and any willing volunteers who would like to join the team.

Please feel free to contact Kate on 01425 476568 or Russell on 01425 476618 for further details or e-mail rwfbclubforblind@hotmail.co.uk or visit the website rfcb.co.uk

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

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ringwood NEWS

Guilty of murder Two men have been jailed for life after being found guilty of the murder of Guy Hedger who was shot during an aggravated burglary at his home near Ringwood.

Kevin Downton, 40, of Winterborne Stickland, and Jason Lee Baccus, 42, of Verney Close in Bournemouth, were convicted on 22 January, following an eightweek trial at Winchester Crown Court.

They were also found guilty of aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and burglary of industrial premises in Verwood, committed on the same night as the murder.

Both Baccus and Downton had previously pleaded guilty to a second count of commercial burglary committed at the same time.

Downton and Baccus were jailed for life and told they would have to serve a minimum of 34 years in prison before they would be eligible for parole.

Scott Keeping, 44, of Verney Close, was found not guilty of murder, aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm and two counts of

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

burglary. His wife Helen Keeping, also known as Helen Cooper, 40 and also of Verney Close, was L-R: Kevin Downton, 40 and Jason Lee Baccus, 42 found not guilty of assisting an offender in relation to Scott say.” Both men were forced to Keeping. lie down on their bed and look at The court heard that just before the wall.

3am on Sunday 30 April 2017 two Mr Hedger attempted to masked men armed with a sawn-off cooperate with his attackers but shotgun broke in through a garage couldn’t recall the code for the window at Mr Hedger and his safes. Mr Hedger-Cooper got up husband Simon Hedger-Cooper’s and made the brave decision to Castlewood home. press the panic alarm button in the The couple were in bed bedroom, believing they could be when their dog ran downstairs shot anyway. This made the alarm and started barking. Mr Hedger sound and the lights switch on went to investigate and returned and off. followed by the two men – said to Mr Hedger, who was standing be Downton and Baccus – who two to three metres away from the demanded the codes to two safes gunman, was shot. Officers believe in the nearby dressing room.

Downton was the gunman and he Baccus told them, “This is a fled, closely followed by Baccus. burglary. This is a burglary. We’ll Baccus returned moments later shoot you if you don’t do what we to collect a bag of valuable items

he had left in the bedroom. Around £124,000-worth of jewellery, bags and watches were stolen.

Despite the best efforts of the police, paramedics and hospital doctors, Mr Hedger died at 5am that morning.

Items stolen were later discovered hidden in a vent in a flat in Verney Close, concealed in undergrowth in the West Howe area, and in a recovered Ford Focus that had been seen on CCTV to arrive before the murder and drive away at speed immediately after the murder. A sawn-off shotgun and cartridges were recovered from the River Stour.

During sentencing, The Hon Mr Justice Robert Jay told Downton,

ringwood NEWS “You did not hesitate to use that gun when it became necessary.

“You have a cold, ruthless streak and have shown no remorse.”

He told Baccus, “Although you did not discharge the gun, I am satisfied for the reasons I have already given that you and Kevin Downton were equal partners in crime.”

In his victim impact statement, which was read to the court, Simon Hedger-Cooper said, “Guy was an intelligent, creative, caring and gentle man.

“He worked hard his whole adult life, he deserved what he had worked for, he deserved to enjoy the fruits of his labour and he deserved to still be with me today.

“Guy’s life was lived to the full, he worked hard and he played hard. He enjoyed sport, he was a talented artist who drew his inspiration from the sea and the places he had lived and worked.

Although working for large corporations, Guy could never be called corporate.

“This is all in stark contrast to the final moments of Guy’s life which were full of terror, fear and pain. No one deserves to have their life ended in such an abrupt way.

I pray that he is now at peace…”

More on this report and Simon Hedger-Cooper’s full statement can be read at www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Upcoming events Looking ahead, Ringwood events team will be organising a firework display on 4 November at Carvers Recreation ground and a Christmas market and lights switch-on on the first Saturday in December, in the Market Place.

The council will also be inviting interested parties to make proposals for speciality monthly markets in the Gateway Square and/or the Market Place, in addition to the existing antiques and craft market on the second Saturday of each month.

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What a difference a day makes TRANSFORM YOUR CONSERVATORY IN LESS THAN A DAY WITH INSULATED ROOF PANELS Do you have a conservatory that is unusable during the winter months because it’s too cold or too noisy during bad weather and then as soon as the sun comes out, it morphs into a sauna?

Green Space Ltd is a family run company. They specialise in transforming conservatories. The roof panels are lightweight and offer up to eight times better insulation than a polycarbonate roof.

In 2010 the planning laws were relaxed and, in the majority of cases, you can now fit a solid roof to your conservatory without planning permission. This means better insulation, keeping the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and a room that you can use all year round.

With U-values of 0.29, they will keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round. What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off site, so installation generally takes less than a day, and Green Space always aim to ensure that your roof conversion is as non-disruptive as possible.

The company is currently the sole supplier of this system in the South, and it is compatible with most conservatories, old and new – plus it comes with a 10year guarantee.

Your conservatory that was too cold to eat your breakfast in during the morning, could be lovely and cosy by dinnertime.

To find out how to transform your conservatory in less than a day, visit www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk

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

| 23

local CHARITIES -advertising feature-

There’s a wide range of local charities you may not be aware of that are here to help. They could be of interest or assistance to you, family members, or our fourlegged friends

Hope For Food The charity was set up in 2012 by Claire Matthews with the aim of providing life’s basic essentials to people in need of help – either homeless or struggling due to difficult family circumstances – in the Bournemouth area.

Run by volunteers, this charity also operates a soup kitchen four days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

Recently, Ferndown Upper School had a huge response to their plea for donations for the charity.

Teacher Fran Moyano was moved to help the charity and approached the student council. In no time at all, the word had gone out to students and their parents, and items such as bedding, warm coats, toiletries and more started flooding in.

Sam, Hope for Food liaison officer, commented, “Sincere thanks to all of the pupils at Ferndown Upper School for their tremendous effort collecting and donating items and for raising awareness of our charity and the difficulties of the people we aim to help.”

A house for dance in Bournemouth Pavilion Dance South West is a registered charity and is located in the heart of Bournemouth, right by the pier with the entrance overlooking the Lower Gardens.

They are Bournemouth’s only dedicated dance venue and offer something for everyone, from live performance, dance films and screenings, to over 40 weekly dance and fitness classes for all ages and abilities.

Their live performance programme this spring features stories about friendship and (be) longing, vulnerability and strength with styles from contemporary to Kathak to flamenco. There is also a live performance programme for families, and cinema screenings showing films about dance and dancers as well as the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet.

For more information and to book, visit www. pdsw.org.uk or call Echoes - Akaash Odedra. Photo by Tim Theo Deceuninck 01202 203630.

Woofability

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Woofability is a locally based charity in Verwood, training assistance dogs. “Demand for the dogs is overwhelming from children with autism or Down’s syndrome and people with physical disabilities,” says Andy Clarke who co-founded the charity eight years ago. “Dogs supporting children with autism have a dramatic effect within 24 hours, with some of the children returning to school after a long absence.”

Woofability has recently placed a dog in Weymouth College’s Special Needs Unit. Her name is Charity and she is working with more than 20 students to help them cope with college life and exams.

For further information on volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, call 01202 814643 or email woofability@gmail.com.

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Grants from Talbot Village Trust Talbot Village Trust is a local grant-giving charity and leading benefactor, currently donating around £1million to local causes each year.

The Trust is the legacy of two sisters who founded Talbot Village in the mid19th century as a reaction to rural poverty.

The village provided housing, a school and a church as well as agricultural land to provide employment and promote self-sufficiency. Thanks to the sisters’ philanthropic approach and a careful investment programme, the Trustees have been able to maintain and increase the value of the fund.

The Trustees award grants when they meet twice a year. Details on how to apply can be found at www.talbotvillagetrust. org and applications will be considered for capital projects promoted by a charity, church, school, college or university.

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local CHARITIES -advertising feature-

Are you an unpaid carer? If so, who’s caring for you? Lean on Leonardo…

The Leonardo Trust is an independent charity set up in 2001 to help people in Dorset who are voluntary carers for sick or disabled relatives or friends.

Being a full-time carer is hard work and getting time off can be difficult – everyone needs some time to themselves for short periods of rest and relaxation.

If finding the money for a few hours extra respite care or to pay for whatever you would like to do to relax is a challenge, the Trust may be able to help you.

The founder of the Leonardo Trust was herself a full-time voluntary carer, and has experienced the challenges and issues that brings. This means the Trust really understands that having help with certain aspects of life can really make a difference to you and the person you care for.

Since the Leonardo Trust was created, it has helped thousands of carers in various ways. It gives small grant awards for many aspects of a carer’s life. These include: funding for short holidays, driving lessons, home improvements, home help, and assisted living technologies. For more information and a better understanding on what the Leonardo Trust funds, please visit www.leonardotrust.org.

To apply to the Leonardo Trust, all you need to do is complete the application form on the ‘application form’ page on the website. You will have to explain what your needs are and a little bit about yourself, then ask your social worker or healthcare professional to complete a short reference about your caring situation and submit your application.

The Trust treats every application with compassion and understanding. Some applications may mean that a member of the Leonardo team will ask to visit you at a convenient time to discuss your situation, as there may be some other services and support that can be offered.

Being a carer doesn’t mean that no one cares for you, you can Lean on Leonardo. The Trust looks forward to hearing from you. Please call 01202 698325.

Supported holiday opportunities in Dorset Every summer the Green Island Holiday Trust organises six one-week supported holidays for people with disabilities.

The holidays enable guests to make friends, explore new places and have fun through activities and outings.

During each holiday, personalised care and support is provided by a friendly and dedicated team of volunteers.

Guests have a great holiday experience whilst their carers benefit from a week’s respite.

Holton Lee, a well-being centre set in 350 acres of tranquil countryside on the edge of Poole Harbour provides the base. The groups stay in two cottages and are able to explore the area by a network of accessible paths. Onsite activities include carriage riding, birdwatching and woodcraft and off site there are trips out on the Trust’s boat and to local attractions.

Requests are currently being accepted for the 2018 holiday dates and sponsorship may be available through the partnership with Wimborne Rotary Club. Places are limited, so early application is advised. Contact Wendy Aubrey on 01202 375006 or email organiser@ greenislandholidaytrust.com

-advertising feature-

Worldwide Veterinary Service

Based in Cranborne, Worldwide Veterinary Service is a veterinary charity making a huge difference to animals worldwide.

WVS was founded by local vet Luke Gamble at the end of 2002 and was registered as a charity in 2003. From disaster emergency response and veterinary training and education, to supplying free veterinary supplies to struggling charities, WVS treats animals of all sizes in places where no one else will.

WVS is looking for fundraisers to participate on a three-day camping trek along the Jurassic Coast on 25-27 May. To take part in this wonderful challenge to help animals in need, contact the head of fundraising, Carly Redwood at Carly@wvs.org.uk.

To find out more about the work of the charity at the frontline of animal welfare go to www.wvs.org.uk.

-advertising feature-

Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre is an independent charity and the only rape crisis centre in Dorset. It provides a range of services for women, men, LGBT as well as specialist support for children and young people who have been affected by sexual violence. The charity also delivers training and advice to professionals and employers. The main centre is in Poole with counselling hubs in Weymouth and Dorchester, and plans for another hub to open in East Dorset in 2018.

The charity is currently recruiting volunteers for a number of roles including in fundraising, for schools, helplinelisteners and counsellors.

For more details about the charity, please contact Helen Stevens on 01202 309940 or email: info@ dorsetrapecrisis.org. To make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/ dorsetrcsc.

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

| 25

foodie NEWS The Alice Lisle for food-lovers

O

Review by Carol Waterkeyn

n one of the rare sunny days in January, husband Paul and I ventured out into the New Forest near Ringwood to try out the Alice Lisle for a lunch.

The last time we’d been here was some years ago and I don’t know why we haven’t been back sooner.

It is in a lovely location overlooking a lake with heathland nearby and usually you see the forest ponies gathering near there.

Hence, it’s a popular haunt for ramblers, cyclists and families – there’s an enclosed play area and decking outside for warmer days. Inside there’s the cosy Foresters bar with leather armchairs for a drink and a snack, or the restaurant, which is where we were headed.

We sat in the lovely warm conservatory, which is decorated in a modern shabby chic style.

We had trouble deciding between the menus. From Monday to

Thursday you can choose from the Prix Fixe or fixed price menu, which is outstanding value at £12 for two courses or £15 for three. Then there’s a Ramblers Lunch menu with lighter dishes, or the À la Carte. There are also chef’s specials. On the day we visited, the specials menu included the appealing roasted pepper soup; coconut, chilli and lemongrass mussels; chargrilled vegetable and pine nut salad; and venison bolognese. Our chef for the day was Tiffany Cunningham, while head chef is Andrzej Nowak.

Mr W and I decided to mix and match from the various menus. So I selected Cauliflower pakora with almond and coronation mayo as my starter and Pork and chorizo burger served with handcut chips, which was a special that day.

The pakora was really light and delicious, a good choice. The pork and chorizo burger, was perfectly cooked and had a nice smoky taste, not too spicy, which I was able to have in a gluten free bun. I am sensitive to gluten but not a coeliac.

The menu indicates that, as the food is prepared in the same kitchen, there is the slight possibility of cross contamination, which wouldn’t have affected me,

but those with a serious food allergy may have to tread more cautiously. If in doubt, check with the pub beforehand. Meanwhile, if you are a vegetarian,

Pork and chorizo burger

Grilled lamb koftas

Cauliflower pakoras

26 |

VIEWPOINT February 2018

there’s a range of dishes to suit you. Alternatively, if you prefer fish, there are meals including Dover sole, haddock and chips, shellfish and more to tempt

foodie NEWS you. There’s a children’s menu for the little people.

Anyway, going back to our own lovely meal, Paul had chosen Grilled lamb koftas with cucumber, pomegranate and mint raita to start and a Cajun chicken, roasted red pepper and sour cream wrap with fries as his main course.

The lamb koftas were served with watercress and pomegranate seeds, which he loved and soon polished off, and the wrap was declared “very good”.

To accompany my food I chose a new, outstanding gin I hadn’t tried before called Mare served with sprigs of rosemary and Feverfew tonic, while Paul, as this is a Fuller’s house, decided on a pint of London Pride.

The service up to and beyond this point was extremely good and the dessert menus appeared.

After deliberation, I selected Raspberry and lime posset served with homemade shortbread (my husband ate the shortbread) and Paul finally decided on Paul’s chocolate brownie sundae with salted caramel ice cream. Well he had to really – it had his name on it!

My dessert looked stunning and had an intensely fruity coulis on top of the posset. It was a winner on all counts.

Paul’s dessert was really decadent and much enjoyed.

With such good quality food being served throughout the day, don’t just expect a pie and a pint, a Ploughman’s or sausage

and mash. Yes, there are some more traditional dishes, but there are also some inspiring ones.

New manager Anthony Lee seems to run a tight ship at the Alice Lisle, and we were impressed throughout our visit. If you fancy a walk in the forest followed by a nice lunch or dinner, it’s a good choice, and the pub is not far from Ringwood, at Rockford Green.

Photos by Paul Waterkeyn

Paul’s chocolate brownie sundae

Raspberry and lime posset

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

| 27

keep it LOCAL - advertising feature -

A

Shout Out For your

Local Champions

By Carol Waterkeyn

There’s a lot to be said for keeping it local when you are buying goods and services. You are supporting smaller local businesses, some of which are family firms, and in many cases it helps the environment, too, with less miles for food and other goods to travel.

Dorset and Hampshire have some excellent local producers and makers supplying everything from apple pies and beer, to vegetables and watercress.

Many of these delights can be seen at local farmers’ markets or other markets and events, such as the Christchurch Food Festival, which runs each May. Some of the local markets run at Alderholt Village Hall on Saturdays, Ringwood Market Place on Wednesdays and at the Friday Market at the Verwood Memorial Hall. There’s also one at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne on Fridays, and a large undercover market in Wimborne over the weekends.

Webb's Butchers Webb’s Butchers and West Moors Fine Foods are owned by Alex and Lou Webb.

In Autumn 2017, they won two Great Taste Awards, for their strawberry jam and also for their dry-cured smoked bacon.

Since opening in 2010, Webb’s Butchers has won a variety of awards including numerous golds.

They specialise in quality local meat, such as beef from the local Paradise Red Devon herd, lamb, pork and turkey from Dorset, and free-range chicken from Devon. In addition they sell pies, homemade sausages, and their own preserves.

There are often special offers running, see their advert on page 7 for this month’s offer.

There’s more information at www. webbsbutchers.co.uk.

Brewed just a hop away The Ringwood Brewery store is packed to the rafters with lots of local produce.

All Ringwood ales are available in bottles and on draught to take home and you are always welcome to sample the goods while you’re visiting!

The store also proudly displays a range of locally made chutneys, oils and preserves, some even made with the brewery’s own ales.

If you’re more interested in how Ringwood Brewery makes its ales, why not book on to a brewery tour? Book online or telephone 01425 470303.

The brewery store is in Christchurch Road, Ringwood and is open 9.30am–5pm Monday–Saturday with tours every week.

28 |

VIEWPOINT February 2018

keep it LOCAL

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

Berry Hill Farm This traditional farm at Muscliffe in Bournemouth has been in business since WW2, providing vegetables, salad and cut flowers to the local area.

Every weekend they attend a variety of farmers markets and sell their quality produce to the public. Recently they began a home delivery service for local families who appreciate fresh vegetables in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding areas.

The farm is also open to the public at certain times from April to mid-June, for bedding plant sales. Visit www.berryhill-farm.co.uk for more details.

Crow Farm Shop Crow Farm Shop, in Crow Lane, near Ringwood is a family business providing fruit, vegetables, fresh bread, eggs, cheeses and dairy produce, chutneys, and preserves. There is also a butcher’s selling

high-quality meat and game. Whilst there, why not call in to the cosy café on site for coffee or lunch? It serves teas and coffees, pies, sandwiches, cake and other delights.

It’s well worth a visit.

Wimborne Appliances You need to keep that local food in tiptop condition with a fridge or freezer, or a decent cooker. The ethos of keeping it local isn’t just for the food and drink.

Situated at Riverside Park in Wimborne, this local appliance specialist not only

supplies new domestic white goods, they also sell reconditioned appliances and have their own repair team. It’s good to buy locally for this kind of big item, as if something goes wrong, you know you’ll get the friendly, helpful service you need.

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

| 29

Parking charges take a hike After 10 years without an increase, council car parking charges in Wimborne Minster and Ferndown are set to rise on 1 April. Pay and display tariffs at Allenview South, Co-op, Hanham Road, High Street, King Street and Rowlands Hill in Wimborne and Penny’s Lodge in Ferndown will rise from 30p to 40p for 30 minutes, and one hour will cost 70p. At Allenview North, Allenview West, Leigh Road, Old Road, Poole Road and Pye Corner in Wimborne, one hour will rise from 50p to 60p, two hours will cost 70p. Some parking permits will also be affected, with the three-month permit being discontinued due to there being no current sales. Tax Exempt Disability permits will cost £15 for residents of East Dorset and £25 for visitors. Previously there was no charge. The charge will not apply to applicants receiving council tax benefit. Residents’ parking permits will also rise and new limits are being imposed.

Coffee cup recycling near you Dorset residents can now recycle empty coffee cups alongside food and drink cartons at 20 specialist recycling banks located in car parks across the county. For your nearest one visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/recyclingcentres/carparks. Alternatively, take your own re-usable cup with you when purchasing a hot drink.

Prama take on Barrington lease The start of 2018 sees a bright future for the Barrington Centre in Ferndown.

Following a difficult start to 2017, which saw the centre closed at very short notice, PramaLIFE, the local community outreach charity, stepped in to take over the management and have been doing this with success ever since.

Prama Foundation have now taken over the lease with East Dorset District Council, which will see PramaLIFE manage the centre until March 2028.

Steve Robinson, chief executive officer of PramaLIFE, said, “Our newly signed transfer of the lease will safeguard this much-loved centre to ensure it continues to provide valued facilities to the community.

“Many local clubs and societies continue to regularly meet at the Barrington, but we are also keen to see the centre thrive and welcome new users of all ages.”

A programme of maintenance of the Barrington Centre has also begun.

Award supports sporting personality Local sportsperson Charlotte Ayton, 17, is the recipient of the 2017/18 Jean Ware Award.

Introduced in 2012, the award recognises exemplary young people living in West Moors and supports individuals in sport, design, drama, music or the arts.

Charlotte has been successful at school, county and regional events and represented Midlands and South West in the School Games finals where she came third.

She trains four times a week, and has been selected to attend monthly training sessions at the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence Programme at Bath University.

On presenting the award, chairman of West Moors Parish Council, Penny Yeo, said the council “is pleased and proud to be able to help another young person fulfill their potential with the Jean Ware Award.”

The award, formerly the legacy award, was renamed in memory of the late councillor Jean Ware. It includes an engraved glass trophy and a grant of up to £1,000.

Girlguiding future secured in West Moors Talbot Village Trust has donated just under £4,000 to Girlguiding West Moors.

The grant has been used to update the exterior of the Guide hall in the village.

Jane Songhurst, district commissioner of Girlguiding West Moors, said, “This generous grant has allowed us to be hopeful for the future as we can now be assured

that the hall is in a suitable condition to carry on being used on a regular basis, and be enjoyed by all of the girls.

“The hall is a focal point of our community and without it we wouldn’t be able to run the groups that we do here, and for that we are so grateful for this funding.”

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers all use the premises on a weekly basis enjoying an extensive range of activities.

Poole Bridge re-opens After prolonged closure for refurbishment, Poole Bridge reopened for public use on 23 January.

However, limited and temporary overnight planned closures will be in place to allow the contractor to complete some minor defects.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross. Overnight closures will be from: 7pm to 7am on the following dates: 29 January until Friday 2 February; Monday 5 February until Friday 9 February; and Monday 12 February until Tuesday 13 February.

30 |

VIEWPOINT February 2018

Correspondence should be sent to the editor at the address on page 3, or email editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

LETTERS to the

EDITOR

Dorset community groups invited to apply for first free annual garden biodiversity lecture Dorset community organisations with an interest in gardens, conservation and wildlife are being invited to apply to host the first free annual lecture sponsored by the Knoll Gardens Foundation (KGF).

The lecture will be presented by Neil Lucas, RHS Council member and senior judge, and the UK’s leading ornamental grass specialist.

This new Community Lecture is the latest in a series of events run by the Knoll Gardens Foundation, the Wimborne-based horticultural charity. KGF offers practical advice and guidance on how to garden responsibly without sacrificing beauty. It is the first time the charity has offered a free lecture to local groups and the charity hopes it will become a regular annual event.

Interested groups can select from one of three lecture topics and the charity’s trustees will choose which organisation will host the first lecture based on information provided in a simple application form. Normally costing over £500 plus expenses, the presentation will be delivered, completely free of charge, to the community organisation able to provide a venue, audience and projector screen.

This new Community Lecture is an exciting development for the Knoll Gardens Foundation.

While we are a horticultural charity, applications to host the lecture are not restricted to gardening organisations. Any Dorset community group is welcome to apply whose members would appreciate hearing from an internationally acknowledged horticultural expert, completely free of charge.

More information and application forms, can be downloaded from the Foundation website at www.knollgardensfoundation. org or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk.

Applications are open until 29 June 2018.

Peter Gear Foundation Chairman

The A31 waste bin – a Dorset disgrace Has anyone else noticed how the A31 verges have become dumping grounds for rubbish?

I remember travelling to Greece for a holiday in the 70s and feeling very disappointed that their verges were treated like litter bins. I haven’t been to Greece in a long while, but it wouldn’t surprise me if their verges are now cleaner than some of the disgraceful ones in Dorset.

Name and address supplied

Unfinished poem By Peter Oram Wednesday I hit the ground at twenty miles an hour which may not seem so very much at all ‘til you consider that this solid wall of ice and stone was hurled with all its power against a single point. Namely the hip.

The femur struck the pelvis like a fist, smashing it in pieces, and I just lay there in the snow, a helpless heap, ‘til someone passing called emergency.

Appalled at my own gross stupidity, I lie here in the slowly moving row for scans and x-rays; see in the faces of the two of you only concern and love, and not a sign of ‘see, I told you so’.

Thursday

Please sponsor us to knit a mile Volunteers at Cherry Tree Nursery have recently launched a ‘Knit a Mile’ sponsorship campaign.

They are inviting people to sponsor them to create a mile of knitting with all proceeds going towards the volunteer travel costs fund. Travel costs are rising year on year so the volunteers themselves have initiated this campaign for 2018 to raise funds so they can continue to attend the nursery as much as possible. Each volunteer will be knitting lengths.

A mile of knitting would stretch from the nursery at Northbourne roundabout to beyond Kinson Library.

When completed we would like to display the Volunteers’ Mile, in an innovative way, at the nursery and then we would look to raise more funds upon completion.

Progress on how the volunteers are doing will be displayed in our retail shop and announced on our Facebook page www. facebook.com/CherryTreeNursery

turns out to be the palest shadow of the real thing, the needle’s eye through which we all will have to pass – the poor, the rich and all the rest between. This is enough for now, a practice run for what we can’t avoid. Will it end up erasing us utterly, or may perhaps we not come through - like Job, the poor deluded sod who, fortune gone, wife, family destroyed, stood high upon the shit heap, praising God. Friday Clad in their clean white coats they come and go bearing sundry bits of apparatus according to their rank or role or status, some singly, some in pairs, some in a slow

Tish Borrowman Nursery Manager Cherry Tree Nursery

More improvements needed Verwood desperately needs more traffic calming measure and more safe crossing points. We also need a memorial ground gate that pushes open, opens wide and stays open to allow access for the disabled wishing to enter the recreation ground.

I would respectfully remind all politicians of Cllr Gibson’s excellent suggestion some years back that they should all spend a day experiencing differing disabilities ie blindfold; on a mobility scooter; in a large wheelchair, or pushing a large double buggy complete with a baby and toddler, that they too may experience the difficulties encountered.

Marilyn Warburton Verwood

FREEADS

So this is pain. I knew I’d have to face it eventually. But might it not be worse than this? And might I see it not as a curse but as a kind of blessing, just in case it

and mystical procession, murmuring strange mantras through moist, barely moving lips.

The light is dark, as at the sun’s eclipse, and were there birds in here, they would not sing.

And we who, patient, wait for their attention, to them are just machines that, broken down, need mending. They’d prefer we didn’t mention the soul or tie them up with idle chatter.

They are the angels of this sea of matter and if we didn’t have them we would drown.

Peter Oram’s poem is still under construction as he was writing it from his hospital bed.

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown,

Proceed with caution when buying privately.

MAGS4DORSET cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person. Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

Name:..................................................................................................................................................

Mamas and Papas travel cot in zip bag £20. Ringwood. 01425 471682 Pottery - Kernow Victoriana tea, coffee, sugar, butter etc. 15 items, as new £50.

Alderholt. 01425 655347 Double 15ft aluminium ladder £50. St Leonards. 07765 881237 Rollator with seat, £10. Moses basket with stand, neutral colours. £10.

Winterbourne Stickland, nr Blandford.

01258 880506 Golf clubs, set of 9 good quality clubs, plus old putter, bag. Would suit beginner, £40. Broadstone. 01202 693666 Careco glider rollator, vgc, slight scratches on leg £20. West Moors.

01202 875949 York crosstrainer, good condition £70.

Charlton Marshall, nr Blandford. 01258 480403

Haynes manual for Ford KA petrol (0308), vgc £9.50 (+P&P £3.40 if delivery required). Fordingbridge. 07867 813213 Horseriding body protector to fit small adult. £20. Ferndown. 01202 895726 Singer industrial sewing machine (head only) ideal for shop window display £35. West Moors. 01202 895398 Trailer 6’ x 4’ with wooden DIY top £150.Ashley Heath. 01425 477749 40-litre caravan aquaroll, £40.

Alderholt. 01425 650220 Triple phone with answerphone as new £40. Fordingbridge area. 01725 512383 Ikea Poang chair with footstool Scandinavian style in cream linen with washable covers. Very comfortable vgc £40. Bamboo roll-up blind in original packaging 160cm x 90cm, easy to trim to size, £5. Ferndown. 01202 873411

Address:.............................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................

Item for Sale (short description max 25 words):............................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................

Price:....................................................................................................................................................

Telephone Number:............................................................................................................................

DECLARATION: PLEASE CROSS OUT THE STATEMENT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU AND SIGN THE FORM BEFORE POSTING. I confirm I am not a tradesperson | I am a tradesperson and have prepaid for this advertisement Signature …...................................................

Date ….............................

TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

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

| 31

around & ABOUT

what’s on

this month 12 February 2pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society meeting and talk by Martin Young on the Ascension Island and its colourful flora, fauna, geography and history in the Main Hall, Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

12 February 2pm

West Moors Horticultural Society AGM and Illustrated Talk ‘The Wild Life of Hengistbury Head’ by Richard Hesketh at West Moors Memorial Hall.

13 February 11am

Pancake races at Wimborne Minster. Details from John Bunting on 01202 886256.

Aslo charity pancake races in Christchurch on the bowling green. £25 per team of four.

13 and 14 February

Mystery crafts drop-in for children at Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth for half term. £3 per child per session.

Details 01202 451858 or email russellcotes@bournemouth. gov.uk

15 and 16 February

Chinese New Year crafts dropin for children at Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth for half term. £3 per child per session.

Details 01202 451858 or email russellcotes@bournemouth. gov.uk

14 February 7pm

RSC live broadcast Twelfth Night starring Kara Tointon and Adrian Edmondson at Regent Centre, Christchurch. Tickets £13, concs £12. 01202 499199

Mid-February

See the snowdrops at Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne with over 30 different species daily from 10am-4pm.

32 |

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

15 February 2pm

U3A Ringwood, talk by Brian Pettit. Wildlife photographer Brian will show the wildlife of The Falklands, at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. For more information visit www. ringwoodu3a.org.uk. Visitors welcome.

15-17 February 7.30pm Wimborne Drama Productions present The Winslow Boy, a moving family drama by Terence Rattigan, at the Tivoli, Wimborne. Tickets from £11.50 via the box office on 01202 885566.

16 February 10.30am– 12pm and 2pm-3.30pm Air-drying kids clay activities at Walford Mill, Wimborne.

Morning activity for age 5+, dinosaurs. Afternoon, for ages 10+, Jurassic sea creatures.

Pre-book through www. walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

Until 17 February

Indoor ice skating at Cool Coast Ice Rink, Bournemouth International Centre, Purbeck Hall. Tickets £8.50. For times and to book see www. bhlivetickets.co.uk

17 February 10am-5pm Wimborne and Ferndown Lions craft fayre at the Royal British Legion, Ferndown. Entry £1, children go free.

17 February 7.30pm

Bourne2Sing charity choir concert at The Rooper Hall, Bournemouth Blind Society, 5 Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth BH9 2RB. Tickets £5 available from Bournemouth Blind Society on 01202 546644 or email jo.wood@ bournemouthblindsociety.uk

VIEWPOINT February 2018

20 February 9-11.30am Dynamic Women in Business networking breakfast at Urban Reef, The Overstrand, Bournemouth. Cost £20.

Details on www.dwib.co.uk.

Book at www.tickettailor.com

21 February 1pm

The Senior Friendship Dining Club is meeting at The Bridge House Hotel, Longham for lunch. This will be a carvery meal. All members past and present and new members welcome. Please ring 01202 824383 to book your place.

21 February 7-9pm

An Evening of Clairvoyance with Jenny Docherty at Fordingbridge Library.

Spiritualist Medium Jenny has worked with well-known paranormal teams. Booking essential. Tickets £5 available from the library on 01425 657524 or via www.hants.gov. uk/shop

21 February 7.30pm

The Ringwood Group of the Hampshire Genealogical Society meeting at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood.

Presenter Alan Brown will speak on ‘A Sailor in the Victorian Navy’. Both HGS members and visitors welcome.

Info: Paul Pinhorne on 07982 257510 or email ringwood@ hgs-online.org.uk

21 February 7.30pm

Andreas Ottensamer, BSO artist-in-residence performs a special recital of clarinet with Jose Gallardo on piano at Lighthouse, Poole. Ticket prices £16 upwards available from the box office on 01202 280000 or BSOlive.com

23 February 7.30pm

Comedian Jethro at the Hub, Verwood. Tickets £20 from 01202 828740.

24 February 12-4.30pm

Bournemouth Orchid Fair and Show at Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. Entrance £3, children free with paying adult. Orchids on display, free advice and orchid clinic, potting demonstrations, trade attractions. Details Chris Broomfield on 07712 479056 or email show@ bournemouthorchidsociety. co.uk

26 February 10am12.30pm

Beginners Dorset Button workshop at Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester DT2 8QJ. Cost £15 plus £1 for materials. Booking essential on 01305 251228 or hardysbirthplace@dorsetcc. gov.uk

27 February 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents a concert of popular music by Nicholas Martin at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome, £5 payable at door.

For info call 01202 895254.

27 February 7.30pm

Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group talk on the Flying Boats of Poole Harbour 1939-48 by Jeremy Waters, in the main hall of St Andrews Church, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. More details at www.bournemouthandbeyond. co.uk

28 February 7.30pm ‘Verwood in Tune’ (formerly Verwood Keyboard Society) keyboard concert at The Hub with Chris Powell on Roland Atelier. Tickets £8 on the door or book by phone on 01202 828740.

2 March 4-6pm Simon Hoare MP is holding an advice surgery in Verwood.

To make an appointment, please e-mail: simon.hoare. mp@parliament.uk, telephone 01258 452585 or write to Simon at: The Stables, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford Forum, DT11 7BU.

3 March 10.30am1pm West Moors litter pick.

Meet outside Co-op at 10.30am. Gloves, litter picking sticks and tabards provided. Refreshments available afterwards. Details: 01202 861044 or email westmoorsparish@btconnect. com

6 March 6pm Annual Town Meeting for Ferndown at the Barrington Centre. An opportunity for the residents to hear of the work of the town council over the past year and to ask questions.

Refreshments available. More info from the Town Council on 01202 892249 or email enquiries@ferndown.gov.uk

7 March 10am-1pm Wildlife art class, ‘Bumble Bee on a Flower’ at Ringwood Library. £15 including refreshments. Booking essential. Tickets from the library on 01425 474255 or via the website at www.hants.gov. uk/shop

around & ABOUT Colehill WI

Feeling Footloose?

Then ‘Kick off your Sunday shoes’ and get ready to ‘Lose those Blues’ as the hit Broadway musical Footloose arrives this month at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth.

You can relive that 80s magic with a plethora of Top 40 hits including ‘Holding out for a Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boy’, ‘Almost Paradise’, ‘Somebody’s Eyes’, ‘I’m Free’ and of course the unforgettable toe-tapping title track, ‘Footloose!’

Fast and furious from the opening and faithful to the original film, Footloose the Musical is based on the true story of the poor Bible-

Belt town, Bomont that has banned the sinful pleasure of dancing. Fresh-faced and full of teenage energy, Ren McCormack arrives from Chicago city ready to rebel and shake things up!

Swish of the Curtain present this musical version

of the 1980s film, which took the world by storm, immortalising the perfect combination of youth, romance and freedom.

The show runs from 15-17 February, with performances at 2pm and 7.30pm.

The first meeting of Colehill WI for the new year took place on 10 January.

Members said it was nice to see both old friends and new members for an interesting evening.

Nicholas Hawkin from the Russell-Cotes Museum was the speaker and explained the history of the family and the building of the museum itself. It had been a while since some of the audience had visited the Russell-Cotes and Nicholas encouraged everyone to renew their acquaintance with this local treasure.

Colehill WI’s next meeting will take place on Wednesday 14 February, when they say they should probably all be off romancing somewhere, but instead will be listening to Brian Eyres talking about the Ocean Youth Trust.

Visitors are always welcome at meetings and, if you would like to make contact beforehand, then please email colehillwi@aol.com.

COMPETITION WINNER The winner of the British Wildlife book competition in January’s Viewpoint was Mr Peter Grant of Ferndown. The answer was Moors Valley

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

| 33

around & ABOUT

Feeling the Heatwave Exhibition: Ineke Heatwave and their special guests, Odyssey, will be live in concert at the Regent Centre on Wednesday 28 March 7.30pm.

You can return to the glory days of disco, funk and soul with real dance music legends and enjoy a sensational evening of non-stop, dance floor anthems including Boogie Nights, Going Back to

My Roots and Use It Up Wear It Out. Live in concert, Heatwave deliver spine-tingling falsettos on Mind Blowing Decisions, Always and Forever, Gangsters of the Groove, The Groove Line and Too Hot to Handle.

Meanwhile direct from the Big Apple, special guests Odyssey will take the audience back in time with Native New Yorker, Inside Out and If You’re Looking for a Way Out. Prepare to use up and wear out the dance floor one last time in the definitive boogie night!

Tickets are £28.50 and available from the box office on 01202 499199.

Van Der Wal, QUARTET

Visual artist Ineke Van Der Wal presents Quartet – a new exhibition of her work at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts from 3 February to 31 March.

Originally from the Netherlands, Ineke has been living and working in England since the early 80s and her new paintings were created in her Southbourne studio. Over the years she has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally with works in public and private collections.

Inspired by TS Eliot’s Four Quartets, the paintings in her new exhibition evolved through a process of visual thinking. Launching alongside the exhibition is Ineke’s new publication – an introduction to her work. Included are four short essays accompanying works produced through the years. Copies of the book are available to purchase at the venue.

The exhibition is in the ground floor gallery at Lighthouse for the duration of February and March. Entry is free.

Throughout the exhibition, Ineke will run a series of artist talks and guided walks.

Full details of these can be found on the website www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Baby shower Ferndown Library is to hold a Baby Shower Information Day. The event takes place on Tuesday 27 February, from 10am-4pm. It is free and open to all parents to be, and those with a baby under 6 months who live in East Dorset or the surrounding areas.

The event will be opened by the Mayor of Ferndown and will have a mix of advice stands, local, independent businesses, and details of what the library can offer.

Amongst those confirmed as attending are Dorset Real Nappies, Paradox Photography, Water Babies, and Confetti and Cakes. Citizen’s advice will be giving advice on benefits and the Children’s Centre will be giving out Bookstart freebies. Participants will also be able to enter a free raffle to win a box of baby goodies. There will be free refreshments with homemade cakes and a special Rhymetime session with the Mayor of Ferndown.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

How many robots does it take to paint a SEAT? “Creating a colour is an inside job”, says Jordi Font from SEAT’s Color&Trim department.

The journey begins with a market study and ends three years later when the paint is applied on the vehicle.

“In addition to following trends, a lot of intuition also goes into defining a new shade. You have to feel the pulse on the street and run with it”, assures Font.

A total of 1,000 litres of paint are required to create a new shade and a specialised team proposes the range of colours for SEAT’s new models.

In the case of the colour palette for the SEAT Arona, nearly 100 variations of the same colour were created to find the most

suitable shade.

“Colours get more sophisticated every day and the demand for customisation is a growing trend”, says Font. An example of this is the new SEAT Arona, which gives customers more than 68 different colour combinations to choose from.

Once the colour is defined, it has to be tested. “We check the depth and subtlety of the shade on metal plates that are exposed to sunlight and in the shade to make sure that the applied colour matches the one we designed,” adds Jesús Guzmán from the

Color&Trim department.

In the booths, cars are painted at a temperature of between 21 and 25 degrees.

Two and a half kilos of paint is applied on each car in an automated process performed by 84 robots that takes six hours per vehicle.

The paint booths feature a ventilation system to prevent impurities settling on the freshly painted cars. Seven coats in all, each as thin as a hair width but as hard as a rock, which are baked in an oven at 140 degrees.

Once painted, all it takes is 43 seconds to verify there are no deficiencies in the paint application. The vehicles pass through a scanner that checks for smooth surfaces and ensures there are no impurities.

So 84 robots and six hours later, you should have the perfectly coloured SEAT. Next time you see one, you can marvel at the process.

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

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Moths with expensive tastes

Learning the ropes at QE The chairman of East Dorset District Council was game for learning the ropes at QE Leisure Centre recently.

Accompanied by Mrs Burt, Cllr Derek Burt officially opened the improved new facilities at the centre.

“I didn’t expect to get the opportunity to try the new equipment for myself, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would,” he said.

“Improving the health and wellbeing of residents is one of East Dorset District Council’s priorities, so I’m especially pleased to see that the council was able to invest funds to improve our leisure offer to local people. I’m sure these improvements at QE Leisure Centre will be welcomed by both current gym users and also those looking to start going to the gym locally,” he added.

East Dorset District Council has invested over £120,000 at the facility, which has seen the sauna and steam room areas refurbished. The gym also now boasts a new RIG and CV equipment.

Dan Stone, business development team leader, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils said, “Earlier this year we carried out a survey asking our current leisure centre users what improvements they would like to see. We used some of these suggestions as the basis for our latest improvements...

Feedback from gym and health suite users has been really positive so far and I am pleased that the chairman of East Dorset approved of the changes we have made, too.”

If you would like to get fit in 2018, contact QE Leisure Centre on 01202 888208 or visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/qe-leisure-centre

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VIEWPOINT February 2018

A national trade body is urging people to be vigilant to a pest that can create a costly riches-to-rags wardrobe malfunction.

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), when adult clothes moths seek out places for their larvae to feed, costly cashmeres, wools and other materials of natural animal origin, are firmly on the radar.

Infestations can leave clothes, as well rugs, carpets, upholstery and blankets, riddled with holes and sometimes beyond economical repair.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager, said, “Signs of a potential infestation can include sightings of adult moths, small holes appearing in materials and the appearance of frass, which is a smooth, lined tunnel weaved by the larvae, which consists of silk and excreta mixed together.”

There are several species of clothes moths, all characterised by folding their wings tent-wise along their backs. The most numerous species in the UK is the common clothes moth, which is 6mm to 7mm long with pale, plain golden-buff wings fringed with hair.

BPCA says good hygiene and the use of a vacuum cleaner to remove larvae and their cases can significantly reduce problem outbreaks.

Ms Ward-Thompson added, “To prevent damage taking hold, the presence of flying or resting adult moths should be investigated and items of natural animal origin checked regularly so that any issues can be found and treated promptly.”

Professional input can be sought to ensure treatment plans are both safe and effective. BPCA members will usually advise a thorough vacuum of the affected area and the property throughout. “If necessary, they will use a highly targeted, specialist insecticide to control the infestation, followed up by monitoring with pheromone traps to detect how successful the treatment was,” said Ms WardThompson.

Visit www.bpca. org.uk for more advice.

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