Viewpoint June 2021 by Dorset View

Mid June 2021 Volume 45, Issue 8

Celebrating Verwood

Kayak challenge for charity

What's on as lockdown eases Roy Beal setting off from John O’Groats © Louis Pulford

2 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

VIEWPOINT

Volume 45 • Issue 8 • June 2021

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

I must admit I went into a bit of a panic. Catering for family and friends has never been my strong point, and I was rather relieved that even before the pandemic, dinner parties, whereby you felt you had to produce a cordon bleu masterpiece, had fallen out of fashion in favour of going to a restaurant for a meal. However, following months of not being able to have anyone in the house, excitement was certainly mixed with a good deal of apprehension when I invited an old friend for lunch. Particularly as she used to be a cook! I had decided to err on the side of extreme caution, and as it was just lunch, I felt a salad with some Jersey new potatoes would be acceptable – in fact a cold collation. Although there were only going to be two of us, I bought enough items from the deli counter to feed six – which under the current restrictions I would have been permitted to entertain. I prepared a huge mixed salad and coleslaw and perused my numerous, mostly unread, recipe books to find a dressing, producing enough for a large family. But as one kind friend always used to say to me, it is the company, rather than the food that matters, and we had a nice sociable lunch. I was living on the leftovers for days. We at Viewpoint hope you are enjoying meeting up with friends and family safely, when no doubt many of you will be a little more adventurous than me with your catering. And talking of adventures, do support Ben and Louis Pulford who are taking on the Dorset Three Peaks in aid of Diverse Abilities. Go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louis-ben-pulford

Marilyn Barber

Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

01202 233441 Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

News editor

That was a good joke! © CatchBox

Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

How to contact us

ADVERTISING

01202 870270

01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager mark@mags4dorset.co.uk

DD 01202 941465 Simon Thornton account manager simon@mags4dorset.co.uk

DD 01202 941470 Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

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

Picture of the month

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Twitter: @dorset_view Facebook: dorsetview.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset/

Copy date 18 JUNE 2021

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

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

Bournemouth man jailed for life Mark Robert Williams, who stabbed two women and a teenage girl in Bournemouth has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years. His victims sustained serious injuries during the violent attacks. Williams, 37, of Cecil Road appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 29 March 2021 and admitted two counts of attempted murder, two counts of false

imprisonment, committing grievous bodily harm with intent and sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 21 May. Both incidents occurred during the evening of 18 February 2021. Officers were called to an address in Maxwell Road at around 8pm. They found a woman in her 40s with a cut to

her throat and abdomen and a puncture wound to her thigh. She was flown to hospital by air ambulance in a life-threatening condition. A teenage girl had sustained a cut on her cheek. She was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries. One of the victims told officers that Williams had attended the address and attacked them, tied them up, gagged them and threatened to kill them. During the incident, the teenage girl was sexually assaulted by Williams. At 11.59pm, officers were called to reports of a woman screaming in Vale Road. The victim – a woman in her 30s – was found with a laceration to her throat. She was flown by air ambulance to hospital with very serious injuries and underwent surgery. Extensive searches were carried out of the area and at around 1.30am on19 February officers noticed Williams acting strangely on Old Christchurch Road. He was covered in blood.

Officers approached Williams and he immediately told them he was the man that they were looking for. He was subsequently arrested in connection with the incidents and an investigation was launched by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). During police interview, Williams confirmed that he had attacked three female victims at two locations and confirmed that he had committed serious offences. Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of MCIT, said: “All three victims have shown incredible courage and bravery following these terrifying incidents that left them with very serious injuries. My thoughts continue to remain with them following the sentencing of Williams.”

Police crackdown on suspected county lines gangs Police forces across the country took part in a crackdown on county lines gangs last month. Locally, Dorset Police undertook a week of intense activity focusing on tackling and disrupting county lines operations across the county, while Hampshire Constabulary targeted areas including the New Forest. In Dorset, 14 arrests were made and £7,100 in cash seized from suspected dealers. As well as cash, officers seized approximately 146 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 90 grams of suspected heroin which, if proved genuine, could have a combined value of £23,600. In addition to cash and drugs, stolen bikes valued at £12,000 were also recovered. In Hampshire, heroin worth £4,140, cannabis worth

4 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

£50,000 and 25 MDMA tabs were seized. Police also recovered £7,380 in cash and 10 weapons, and made 33 arrests. Safeguarding people vulnerable to exploitation was also a key focus for the week, with safe and well checks conducted across the region. Dorset Police county lines lead, Detective Superintendent Andy Dilworth said: “The disruption of county lines is a priority for us due to the harm criminal gangs cause through the exploitation of vulnerable people. I am delighted with the success we have had during this week; our streets are safer as a direct result of the disruption activity we have carried out.” Further information on county lines can be found at: www.dorset.police.uk/ countylines

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

Legal use of e-scooters

The use of e-scooters has surged recently, and police want to raise awareness of riders’ responsibilities in the wake of safety concerns. The only place privately owned e-scooters can be ridden is on private land with the landowner’s permission. They must not be ridden on any public land including roads, pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways, or any publicly accessible land such as parks and car parks. An e-scooter is subject to the same legal requirements as motor vehicles, including having an MOT, tax, licensing, insurance, and specific construction regulations. Using one illegally could result in an e-scooter being seized, and a fine, penalty points or even disqualification from driving being issued. The e-scooter rental scheme being trialled across the BCP Council area allows for the legal use of e-scooters outside of private property.

Chief constable to retire

Dorset Police’s chief constable James Vaughan has announced plans to retire from policing in the autumn of 2021.

Dead hares dumped in Verwood

A number of dead hares were found dumped at a petrol station in Verwood on 19 May, which police believe could be linked to hare coursing. Suspected illegal hare coursing incidents took place in North Dorset around that time, resulting in significant damage to crops. A black Subaru estate with the registration plate DU0* OK* is believed to have been involved in the dumping of the hare carcasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police. uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn. police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210079374.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

Third year for Ferndown mayor By Marilyn Barber newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

Julie Robinson has been elected as mayor of Ferndown for the third year running. “I was voted back in again, as there were so few events for me to attend since the start of the pandemic in March 2020,” said Julie, who represents the Links Ward. This means that she will be at the helm of the council from 2019-2022. “It has been a very strange year, and so it was more about me being chairman of Ferndown Town Council which I really enjoy,” she said. Julie is no stranger to local authorities. She has been on Ferndown Town Council for 12 years, and was previously on East Dorset District Council, subsequently becoming a member of Dorset Council when it became a unitary authority in April 2019. What made Julie consider standing for the council in the first place? “I was fed up with faceless people deciding about the area where we live.

6 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

Also I was guilty of grumbling about things from my armchair,” she said. Julie, who is married to David and has a son James and three grandchildren, said she was passionate about her local community, particularly the young and vulnerable people. What did she consider had been her greatest achievements? “I was very involved with the refurbishment of the Heatherlands Centre, the £1.3 million transformation of the King George V Playing fields and the refurbishment of the Barrington Centre.” The community centre closed in March 2020 and subsequently underwent refurbishment under Covid guidelines later in the year. The work was completed this April. It is hoped that it will re-open at the beginning of September.

“We also need to upgrade the town council’s offices so that it is all up to spec,” she added. Julie, whose hobbies include gardening, has once again chosen Macmillan Caring Locally as her charity. She said she was so glad that with the easing of restrictions she will once again be able to get out into the community. “I was delighted to be able to deliver a card to a 100-year-old recently,” she said.

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

Ferndown ‘Fete’ accompli Everything’s organised, there’s no turning back Unless Boris changes the government’s roadmap This doesn’t seem likely, so soon we shall see Ferndown Fete on the Field become a ‘fete’ accompli After missing out in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ferndown Fete on the Field is ready to roll on 19 and 20 June at King George V Playing Field and entry is free.

The event will be run in line with government guidelines and the organisers, Ferndown & Parley Rotary CIO, are going to make every effort to deliver a fantastic family event for all to enjoy. The mayor will open the event on 19 June at 11am. There will be stalls, a classic and custom car show, football, dog show, Krazy Kev, arena events, Wessex Majorettes, pirates fancy dress, Holly Copse Molly, birds of prey by

Liberty’s raptor centre and more. If you want to take part in the skatefest, entrance is £3. A funfair will also be on site. On 20 June it will be the turn of the runners to put their best foot forwards in the 5k and 10k charity runs starting and finishing at the KGV fields. Get down there for 11am if you want to cheer them on their

way. Entrants have to register. Visit www.ferdownfotf.org for details. The online Fete on the Field programme can be found at www.pulfordpublicity.co.uk in the events catalogue. Pulford Publicity is proud to work in partnership with Ferndown Fete on the Field to produce this programme.

Fete on the Field © CatchBox 2019

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

Pulford Publicity’s

Charity of the Year

Last month we told you all about our brand-new service, STARs, developed specifically to support SEN siblings. It provides a chance for them to get support and advice, meet others in the same situation, and most importantly, have the chance to simply be kids. The last year has definitely been tough on everyone, we all know that, and perhaps you’ve found yourself either without a job or in the market for a new one – so here’s my elevator pitch as to why you

should consider working for Diverse Abilities. There is something for everyone through a range of roles that are full time, part time, or zero hour, so you can work alongside anything else in your life like childcare, university, and college if you want to. You can genuinely have fun on the job. Whether it’s getting messy with arts and crafts, taking someone we support on a trip to the cinema or out on a boat, or preparing delicious meals, you’ll be playing a part in letting people achieve their full potential.

No experience is necessary, we’ll provide all the training you need on the job, as well as pay for any courses you need to attend. We can guarantee that no day will be the same, and you’ll meet some absolutely cracking personalities along the way. Working in care can

be a thankless task, but we’re always making sure our staff know how much we value everything they do. If that’s enough to convince you, head over to diverseabilities. org.uk/jobs to check out what roles we currently have available. Cat and the team at Diverse Abilities

Dorset Three Peaks challenge

Ben and Louis Pulford, directors of Pulford Publicity, publishers of Viewpoint, are not only supporting Diverse Abilities as their Charity of the Year, but want to take thousands more steps to raise money for the Dorset disability charity. The brothers will take part in Diverse Abilities’ Three Peaks Challenge on 19 June. They will scale Dorset’s highest three peaks – a combined height of 1,530m – whilst walking a marathon across the Wessex Ridgeway, which is expected to take between eight and 10 hours. They want to raise £1,000 for Diverse Abilities. If you would like to boost their marathon fundraising efforts, please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louis-ben-pulford.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

Skate park project set in concrete Work is due to commence this month on a new skate park in West Moors. In 2019, the facility finally became a remove or renovate

situation. The metal elements of the park, which was built over 15 years ago, were rusting through. Further repair was not viable, and a more appropriate facility was needed to be more user-friendly, in line with the times we live in and the diversity of the population. The project has reached a conclusion due to generous funding, helpful skate park users and the West Moors Town Council’s own reserved funds (£50,000). The new skate park will be a modern concrete, sustainable, accessible and engaging facility provided by CANVAS. The town council drew on the ambitions of the local user group for the park as they have been loyal to West Moors

Some founder members of West Moors Skate Park youth committee including Mic Patten, Chris Rowden, Megan Hunt, Nathan Fanner, Louis Pulford and Ross Forknall © CatchBox 2003

skate park for over 20 years and helped with the park’s inception in 2003. Some of them continue using the facility to the current day. Further inspiration came from surveys carried out at Westival 2019 and the Skate Party held in September 2019. VEOILA Environmental Trust was the first extremely generous organisation to offer a grant of £75,000 to the skate park project in early 2020. After more funding applications and time lost due to Covid-19, the Leisure Development Fund at Dorset Council granted £1,500 in

March this year and just recently, in April, The National Lottery Community Fund #NationalLottery completed the funding needs with a grant of £75,985. CANVAS will provide a park that offers all ages an outlet for their energy, a positive way of using their spare time with friends and a way of making new ones. It will fulfil many requirements in terms of social, recreational, health and well-being opportunities. The park will be suitable for beginners and experienced skaters and other wheeled sports.

Man jailed after indecent exposures

A 51-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for six months after admitting to a number of charges in relation to indecent exposures in Fordingbridge. Robert Wayne Oakley, of Lyon Street, Southampton, was found guilty of two counts of indecent exposure that occurred in January 2020 near to Frog Lane, Fordingbridge. Southampton Crown Court heard how Oakley had been seen to expose his genitals to women as they walked alone. He was found guilty of these offences on 12 April 2021 following a threeday trial and was handed a sentence of six months imprisonment on 11 May. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for seven years and handed a five-year restraining order.

NEWS IN BRIEF Infilling application New Forest District Council has received an application for the severing of a plot at 1, Kingfisher Way, Ringwood, in order to build a new home. Seven new homes proposed A proposal to demolish outbuildings and to convert the front building to a two-bed cottage and to erect six two-bedroom houses at 2, Nursery Road, Ringwood, has been submitted to New Forest District Council. Julia’s House top ranking Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice, has been ranked 12 in the Top 30 charities nationally in the 2021 Best Companies survey – the highest ranked hospice or palliative care charity in the UK.

10 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

verwood news

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Purple Haze

– the devil lies in the detail Between 2011 and 2013, Friends of Ringwood Forest (FoRF), based in Verwood, Dorset, led a lively, local community-driven campaign to stop the inclusion by Hampshire County Council (HCC) in their Minerals & Waste Plan of Purple Haze as a site for a quarry for soft sand and gravel and a subsequent landfill. Purple Haze is located on the border of Hampshire and Dorset, to the west of the B3081 between Verwood and Ringwood and in Ringwood Forest adjacent to Moors Valley Country Park. After a period of consultation by HCC on their Minerals & Waste Plan, an Enquiry in Public (EiP) was held. The Planning Inspector’s final report required significant unresolved concerns to be addressed at the planning application stage as they could not be resolved any sooner because the landowners, Somerley Estate, had yet to appoint a site developer. The major concerns included: the lack of an adequate analysis of the site’s environmental importance and sensitivity, the lack of a full hydrology/hydrogeology survey and no confirmation of the quality and location, above/below the water table, of the minerals to be extracted. Despite the unresolved EiP concerns and widespread public opposition from nearby residents and visitors to Moors Valley Country Park alike, HCC included Purple Haze in their Minerals & Waste Plan 2013 though with an unusually long list of development considerations. At the time, FoRF said that the No 2 Purple Haze (No2PH) campaign team would need to remain vigilant as the devil would lie in the detail of the planning application. Purple Haze came back into the spotlight again in 2020 when public engagement events were held by Grundon Sand & Gravel, the appointed developer, to explain their proposals for Purple Haze to operate as a quarry only with no landfill. These were followed by HCC announcing, just before Easter 2021, that a planning application had been received, a public consultation was therefore underway and responses had to be submitted by 21 May 2021. That deadline was a challenge. On asking the East Dorset Environment Partnership (EDEP) recently what is so important about Purple Haze and this

application from their perspective they said: “Purple Haze is not simply plantation forest but a mix of conifers at different stages of the harvesting cycle, wooded heath and heathland with bare sandy areas. It has landscape scale links to the internationally important Dorset Heaths which have suffered huge decline. They are known as Priority Habitat that by law has to be protected, extended and improved. The most vulnerable of these to the proposed quarry is Ebblake Bog SSSI but the developers have not shown, as they are required to do, that it would not be harmed. “The heathland with bare sandy areas is what makes Purple Haze so special for wildlife. There is a good range of specialist heathland plants. The ecological surveys show that it is Nationally important both for reptiles, (particularly smooth snake and sand lizard) and for the range of insects and spiders. The bird population is important at a Regional level. Two of the developer’s specialists have suggested this heathland should be considered for designation as a SSSI. “The developers have said they would (eventually) improve biodiversity on the site but their proposals would do the opposite.” Since the early days, the No2PH campaign team had maintained a small but effective network of relationships. They were therefore able to quickly establish the subject areas, which would be addressed in depth by sympathetic organisations, local government bodies and other experts skilled and influential in their related fields. It soon became evident from the above discussions that the planning application failed to resolve at least two of the significant concern areas referred to in the Planning Inspector’s final report – namely, hydrology/hydrogeology and ecology/ environmental. The applicant had failed to demonstrate how harm to Ebblake Bog SSSI, and its catchment, would be avoided. Strong objections would therefore be submitted. Given the research activity mentioned above, and as its own resources were limited, the No2PH campaign team

CORRESPONDENCE 12 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

focussed on whether HCC’s Mineral & Waste Plan Policies and Development Considerations for Purple Haze as they related to Community Impact had been adequately addressed. After examining in depth Grundon’s Traffic, Noise & Dust Management Plans it was soon established they had not. The FoRF submitted objection therefore shows that Grundon’s application fails to demonstrate the avoidance of harm not only to local communities but also to the amenity offered by permitted access to Purple Haze as it is currently enjoyed by local residents and visitors to Moors Valley Country Park alike. They have evidenced that the plans fail to avoid harm during site operations and would reduce permitted access to some areas for up to 30+ years after any yet to be agreed restoration plans, to which strong objections have been submitted, get underway. Simon Hoare MP has written to HCC in fairly strong terms while expressing his concerns about the necessity of developing Purple Haze. Objections have been submitted by the three Dorset Council ward councillors for Verwood and by Verwood Town Council. Dorset Council was to meet at the end of May to finalise their objection to the application. All responses/objections to the planning application are online at hants.gov. uk including submissions to HCC which include those from East Dorset Environment Partnership (EDEP), the Environment Agency, the Erica Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC). These make recommended reading. Natural England will also be responding. The ball is now in HCC’s court. They will sift through the consultation responses and decide how much more information the applicant has to provide so that the consultation process can progress to the grant/refuse planning permission stage – this activity is known as Regulation 25. It is far too early, however, to say when we are likely to learn more about it. Britt Poyntz Secretary – Friends of Ringwood Forest

To express your opinions or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk Find more letters on page 38 Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

verwood news

Celebrating Verwood By Janine Pulford • editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk There is much to celebrate about Verwood – the village that was once dubbed ‘the fastest growing town in Europe’. In the early-80s, the population was approaching 6,000. After the developers moved in during the late-80s the population soared to over 9,000. By 2014 it was estimated to be in the region of 15,000. With the sudden growth came a change in status from a village to a town. A new town council building was unveiled in 1992 along with vital improvements elsewhere. A far cry from the Verwood that used to be Dorset’s main pottery-making area with kilns dating back to medieval times, the town is now the largest in Dorset without an upper school. It has supermarkets, shops, services, cafes, eateries and garages as well as many businesses situated on two industrial estates. One of Verwood’s strengths is its strong community spirit, which is continually voiced on social media. Residents are justly proud of a large number of clubs and societies. Meeting places include the memorial hall and the Hub. The town

boasts its own theatre, library, community centre, cinema, recreation ground, bowling green, skate park, leisure centre, park and pavilion catering for a wide range of sporting activities for all ages. It can also lay claim to starting this magazine. Viewpoint was founded in the late-70s by a group of volunteers. The magazine still has strong links with the town, keeping abreast of Verwood news, and is an avid supporter of the two large events that take place annually: Verwood Carnival in May and the Rotary Rustic Fayre in August. Sadly, the carnival had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but it is hoped the Rustic Fayre can go ahead on August Bank Holiday Monday. A final decision will be made by Verwood Rotary Club after 21 June. Councillor Matthew Parker was re-elected in 2021 to lead the town council as its mayor and his deputy is Cllr Simon Gibson. Sources: Verwood Potteries Trust Verwood Guide & Year Book

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 13

verwood news

Celebrating Verwood

Janine Pulford meets ceramics artist Pam Smith editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Born in Surrey, Pam Smith has lived in Verwood for the last 30 years. An area once famed for its potteries, Verwood saw the demise of its last pottery in 1952, and the local heritage centre now celebrates those bygone days. In her own way, Pam

14 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

is celebrating Verwood by helping to keep the story of ceramics alive in the town, albeit from her home studio. Pam and her husband, Martin, have three children and five grandchildren. Always a busy person, Pam wasn’t able to invest time in her pottery until later in life. She said; “My family is very important to me. I’ve never really had a lot of time to enjoy art until I retired and bought a sheepfold in Southern France. Now I have two favourite places to explore: the rolling hills, shady woods

Pam paints pots in her garden

and rugged cliffs of Dorset and the beautiful mountains, rivers and etangs of Southern France.” All give her inspiration for her ceramics. She also enjoys photography, nature and painting, having studied art in Reigate. Pam’s love of pottery came directly from her mother. “She would dig up her own clay and make glazes from the ash of tree stumps that had been

felled and the branches burnt,” explained Pam. Her mother’s unusual and intriguing ideas never resulted in anything useable, but Pam has certainly put that right, and it’s largely due a gift she received. While Pam was overseas raising money for charity, something wonderful happened that sealed her future as a pottery artist. “I had a rather large and amazing present waiting for me

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

verwood news on my return. Martin had made me a workbench and ordered a beautiful new kiln. “It’s one of my favourite possessions; vacuum cleaners and washing machines may be more usual but are rarely loved.” Pam is pretty much selftaught in the art of making and firing ceramics and she has learnt by experimentation, chatting on forums and watching videos. She admits that it is the painting of her ceramics that she enjoys the most and favourite locations that crop up on her pots are Hengistbury Head, the Purbecks and Knowlton Church along with her favourite flowers: poppies and cornflowers. Because the artwork is her favourite part – with some pieces taking many days to finish – Pam doesn’t generally make her own pots. “The painting process is the most time consuming but for me it is the most pleasurable. I paint using underglazes and glazes in layers to achieve a depth of colour. Then the whole piece is covered with a clear

Police officer moves to pastures new PC Andrew Robertson is leaving the Neighbourhood Team and taking on a new role in the Police Federation. The mayor of Verwood, Cllr Matthew Parker presented PC Robertson with a certificate thanking him for all of his services to the community of Verwood and Three Legged Cross, and his dedication to ensuring the safety of their residents. glaze and fired.” Pots are fired twice, each time for 20-24 hours. “The bisque firing dries the clay out until it’s hard,” she said. “This firing is a long and slow and reaches a very high temperature. “Clay is a natural element and all clays behave differently. There are many different types, some even appear to sing when they are removed from the kiln as the elements settle into their new form. “After painting and glazing or just glazing, the pot is fired

once more. I always say this is when the magic happens and love those mornings of kiln openings.” Pam’s time and effort certainly pays off. She sells her pottery direct from her Verwood studio and online, as well as in small galleries in Southern France and the New Forest. To find out when Pam’s next ceramics open studio is, check out www.facebook. com/pamsmithceramics pamcsmith@hotmail.co.uk

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 15

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

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

PEDALL power increased with lottery boost Thanks to lottery funding, more people than ever will be able to enjoy cycling in the New Forest National Park. New Forest cycling charity PEDALL, which uses a range of specialist cycles including three and four-wheel bikes as well as tandems, has been awarded £297,000 of lottery funding. Since 2017, when it received previous lottery funding, PEDALL has provided over 7,500 rides to help people who wouldn’t have ordinarily been able to get out and cycle. The PEDALL team is expanding its service to welcome older people with dementia, as well as young people with mental, physical, and behavioural challenges. It is also offering ‘confidence rides’ to help support people in the post Covid-19 recovery. The PEDALL charity relies on community and business support to match the National Lottery funding and is looking for additional supporters to help deliver this popular community resource. There is a range of ways people can help, including sponsoring a bike, supporting an additional needs apprentice, and volunteering. Donna Neseyif, project manager at PEDALL, said the funding was a lifeline for

16 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

the project because without it, they wouldn’t be able to deliver the number of rides or help the wide range of people they do with such varying needs. “We are all about helping people improve their health and wellbeing and connect with nature. Cycling is the perfect way to do this,” said Donna. PEDALL operates from a base in Burley, but can also offer rides from other New Forest locations. If you would like to get out cycling and need a little support, or if you can help fund the project, find out more information at www.pedall.org.uk. You can also get in touch with the PEDALL team on info@pedall.org.uk or call 01590 646640. PEDALL volunteer out with a group

Mental health support for pupils

Schools across the country are to be offered support from NHS mental health support teams over the next couple of years. Experts hope that by intervening early they can prevent problems escalating into serious mental health issues, with health chiefs warning that the isolation and upheaval of the pandemic can be compounded by factors like pressure experienced on social media platforms. Referrals to the teams can be made by teachers or GPs as well as by the young person themselves via the texting service they have established. Mental health problems among five to 16-year-olds in England have risen from one in 10 in 2017 to around one in six last summer. More than one in four children has had trouble sleeping while one in 10 often or always felt lonely during the pandemic, according to one recent study. If your child is facing a mental health crisis, contact your local 24/7 NHS helpline.

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

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

Marathon for Myeloma raises more than £7,000 Four 12- and 13-year-old girls raised more than £7,000 when they completed their Marathon for Myeloma. Emily Baggott, with friends Lola House, Bonnie Sanderman-Lomax and Nancy Taylor, walked 26 miles along the South West Coast Path from Knoll Beach to Lulworth Cove in 12-and-a-half hours, stepping onto the pebble beach at Lulworth Cove at 8.30pm. Wearing bright orange Myeloma UK

t-shirts, they were also raising awareness of this rare blood cancer, which counts for just two per cent of all cancers and currently has no cure. Emily, whose father, Jeremy, died of the disease just before Christmas at just 50 years old, said: “We wanted to raise awareness at the same time as raise money for vital research into new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

Emily Baggott

18 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

- Advertiser’s announcement -

Take back control – starting with your hearing Time is precious – these last 12 months have taught us that more than ever before. We have all missed out on too much already, don’t miss out on the joy of hearing loved ones, friends and the beautiful sounds of summer. Now is the time that you can take control of your hearing by booking a FREE hearing test with Clarity Hearing. Clarity Hearing has been providing expert hearing care on your high streets since 2009. Today, they are proud to remain independent, as part of the award-winning Imperial Hearing Group. The safety of staff and patients, as always, remains Clarity Hearing’s number one priority. Each and every one of its clinics has been adapted for your safety, following

government guidelines to ensure each is Covid-secure and, as an extra measure, all staff have received their Covid vaccinations for added protection. As the world begins to open back up, so too do Clarity Hearing’s clinics. They have appointments available in their Christchurch and Verwood centres. Their doors are open and they await your arrival. Take back control, starting with your hearing. Book your FREE hearing test appointment today. Verwood Clinic – 01202 820638 / verwood@claritysolutions.com Christchurch Clinic – 01202 478881 / enquiries@claritysolutions.com Or visit www.imperialhearing.com

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

health and care

NHS rolls out headache-busting gadget A small, portable device that can zap away excruciating cluster headaches is now available on the NHS. The gadget is held against the neck and delivers a lowlevel electric current to block pain signals. NHS England is expanding the use of gammaCore after successful

trials held over the last two years. Around 11,000 people are set to benefit from the device when they have the debilitating headaches. Cluster headaches begin quickly with attacks lasting between 15 minutes and three hours and occurring up to eight times a day.

D&WFRS partners with Age UK Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has entered a partnership with Age UK in North, South and West Dorset (NSWD) to provide additional support to elderly and vulnerable residents. The service will train staff at Age UK NSWD on its Safe & Well programme, so they can help identify vulnerable people at greater risk of fire and make referrals for a home visit. During these visits, Safe & Well advisors will look at fire safety and signpost people to relevant agencies that can provide them with additional support.

- Advertisement feature -

Care professionals go the extra mile Bluebird Care’s team really do go the extra mile to ensure the best quality care for their clients. The team visits a lovely couple who have been happily married for over 70 years. They live in a little village with beautiful countryside views and enjoy the visits. When staff received a call from paramedics saying that the gentleman was being taken to hospital after an injury, family were unable to visit due to Covid and he really didn’t want to leave his wife alone, they knew they had to help out.

At short notice, Bluebird Care arranged for staff member Ellie to stay with his wife overnight. Luckily, he wasn’t admitted and returned home for a sandwich and cuppa with Ellie in the early hours. The family were very grateful that Bluebird Care was able to help, and didn’t realise it was a service they offered. The team are proud of Ellie, as the compassion and dedication shown when supporting individuals during stressful times is what makes Bluebird Care’s carers extraordinary.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 19

News in brief Development turned down – New Forest District Council (NFDC) has turned down an outline application for the development of 20 retirement homes and 78 other properties on land at St John’s Farm, Stuckton Road, Fordingbridge. From shop to homes – a proposal for change of use of the ground floor of 23 High Street, Fordingbridge from retail to two self-contained flats has been submitted to NFDC. Shop and homes scheme refused – a scheme to extend and alter the shop and five-bedroom flat at 45-47 High Street, Fordingbridge to form a shop at ground floor level and four flats has been turned down by NFDC. Roof repairs underway – work to replace the roof of Avonway has begun. Repairs have been funded by grants from Fordingbridge Town Council, NFDC, councillors Edward Heron, Anne Sevier and Ann Bellows and donations from the public. Blood bike talk – Fordingbridge Rotary was given a talk by Serv Wessex blood bike volunteer Robert Smith. The organisation is responsible for transporting blood, blood products, human milk, some controlled drugs, and medical equipment, mainly for the NHS, and sometimes in conjunction with Air Ambulance, covering the areas of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Find out how to donate or volunteer at www.servwessex.org.uk

Thatched cottage destroyed by fire Despite the efforts of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Holly Farm at Cowgrove in Wimborne, which is owned by the National Trust, was totally destroyed by fire on Sunday 23 May. Anthony Oliver, who took these dramatic photos, said he saw around 10 pumps in action including those from Wimborne fire station.

20 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

education

Gardening donations inspire pupils Green-fingered pupils at West Moors Middle School are now able to hone their gardening skills thanks to a donation from The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). The Ferndown-based charity has bought a polytunnel for the school’s gardening project and the recent opening ceremony gave the students the opportunity to thank the JTYAF and the Ferndown and Parley Rotary Club who also helped to make this project possible by funding the raised beds. The children presented a poem, ‘The Little Plant’ by Kate L Brown, and Year 7 students expressed their feelings about the project in their own words. One pupil Sarah said: “The polytunnel and raised beds help us to focus on the gardening tasks whether it’s potting, weeding, pruning, watering, harvesting or chopping, rather than worry about the pandemic or spend too long on technology. This project will help us to ‘live in the moment’, respect nature and our environment, and not take so many things for granted. You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Another pupil, Maddie, said: “We want to thank the kindness and generosity

The opening of the gardening project

of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and the Ferndown and Parley Rotary Club who helped to make this project possible to support us. We also want to thank our governors, Mr Brooks and Mr Cox, our caretaker, Mr Mein and all the staff and their families who spent their time constructing this wonderful Eco area. We can’t wait to use the fruit and vegetables that we grow in cookery

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

lessons, developing life skills that will stand us in good stead in the future.” Pete Thornton, chairman of JTYAF said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the emotional health and wellbeing of our young people and we are proud to support this project. The mental health benefits of regular gardening are proven and will provide a fabulous positive focus for the children.”

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

| 21

Museum of East Dorset welcomes new chairman The Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne has elected Professor John Humphreys as the new chairman of the Board of Trustees. A marine biologist and former pro vice-chancellor of the University of Greenwich, John will bring his extensive public sector and commercial experience to bear as he helps lead the Museum of East Dorset into the future. John said: “I am delighted to be the new chair of trustees at the Museum of East Dorset. Speaking to colleagues around the country, I know that all museums are facing a challenging environment nowadays but through our new strategic plan, we are determined to thrive, to grow our services for the people of East Dorset and to contribute to our visitor economy.” He has taken up the reins at a positive time for the museum, following completion of a £1.8m National Lottery

Heritage Fund supported Revival Project, which has secured the museum’s role as custodian of the heritage of East Dorset. “It is our job as trustees to ensure that the precious cultural heritage of East Dorset is preserved and that Wimborne Minster will always have a thriving, town centre museum for locals and visitors alike,” said John. Museum director James Webb, said: “We are delighted to welcome on board John, who brings great ideas, energy and expertise to the role of chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The past 12 months have been challenging, as they have been for museums up and down the country. Now, with our strong team and a talented group of trustees, the Museum of East Dorset is ready to spring back and put into action our plans to make this impressive museum and cultural hub

More stores urged to ban sale of disposable BBQs The move to ban barbecues is gaining momentum with the disposable variety and fires now banned across swathes of the open countryside across Dorset and the New Forest. The campaign started in May 2020 in Brockenhurst with stores refusing to sell disposable barbecues. Since then, the New Forest National Park Authority has called on other retailers across the forest to remove them from sale and national retailers including Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Sainsburys have done so. Sadly, many other stores are still stocking them with front of store displays. This year, Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have also put in measures to control the use of disposable barbecues and have been asking local retailers to withdraw them from sale. Forestry England and National Trust have banned barbecues and fires on their land. Steve Avery, executive director of strategy and planning at New Forest National Park Authority said: “We still need your help to make the whole of the National Park barbecue-

22 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

free. Please ask your local store to stop selling disposable barbecues and to display a campaign poster available to download online.” Retailers can be added to the list of those supporting the campaign by emailing communications@ newforestnpa.gov.uk.

even better.” Formerly known as the Priest’s House Museum, the popular Wimborne attraction holds significant collections, some of national importance, including rare archaeological artefacts, a unique collection of Victorian Valentine cards, ceramics, and objects and photographic images related to local history.

BCP Council beach app upgraded

It might not have been much like beach weather recently, but hopefully we will all soon be able to enjoy a day at the seaside and to make this safer for all, BCP Council has upgraded its BCPBeachCheck app. Launched in July last year to help beachgoers comply with social distancing, the app now provides live information on car-parking spaces and locations for toilet facilities, barbecues and dog-friendly areas. The live traffic light system for its 15-mile coastline along Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is helping visitors and residents avoid busy hotspots in time for the summer season. As before, the user can check a particular beach from Sandbanks to Highcliffe and see a map indicating the busier areas (red), less busy beaches (amber) and those with plenty of available space (green). Now anyone who downloads the app can also see if any locations are temporarily closed and find out how many spaces are available at a number of BCP Council-operated car parks helping them to plan their journey. They will also be able to discover where toilet facilities are located and where they can walk their dog. Chris Saunders, director of destination and culture, said: “As we have been voted the UK’s best beach we know we are the place to visit this year and this app will enhance that experience by helping you to plan your visit.” He said around 40,000 downloads were recorded last year. The app is free to download at www. bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/beaches and there are plans to roll it out nationally.

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

ringwood news

Putting a spring in the step Schools, businesses and members of the public have dug deep to fill shoeboxes with gifts and support a local charity in its work to bring a smile to isolated older people living independently across the New Forest District. MHA Communities New Forest ran a month-long campaign to encourage local people, schools and businesses to make donations and as a result each member received an Easter egg, a sunflower seed potted by Tops Nursery Bournemouth, a gift bag of treats, a food parcel and 88 members also received a filled spring box. Local supermarkets including Asda in Bournemouth and Waitrose and Lidl in Ringwood also made donations and Ringwood Primary School launched the spring box initiative as an in-house challenge. Dr Joyce Abernethy, head of Anning House at the school said students and staff have been busy collecting and bringing in items for the boxes

as part of the inter-house competition, adding: “We are excited to make links with people in our own community who might be more isolated or alone during the restrictions, and our students are keen to bring a smile to as many people as they can and to show them that they are thinking of them during this time.” MHA supports 160 isolated older people living independently in the New Forest District, empowering them to live later life well. In these times of the pandemic, their work has involved telephone befriending, shopping, prescription collections and socially distanced walks wherever possible. These services are critical for many of its members, providing support and practical solutions at a very challenging time. On receiving her MHS spring box, member Noreen Williams, said: “You’ve made my day – thank you for your kindness.”

Creative writing project for over 65s Forest Forge Theatre Company has launched a free creative writing project for over 65s. The Postal Project is aimed particularly at people in Ringwood and Fordingbridge. The project is going ahead thanks to funding from Hampshire County Council’s Local Solutions Fund. The project began in May and will run for six months. Each month, the theatre company will send a free pack

each to those signed up with all the materials they need to start writing. After the first month, the packs will include a piece of work from another writer in the project so participants can enjoy each other’s work. If you’re over 65, it may not be too late to register, so either call 01425 470188 and leave a message with your name and postal address, or email these details to lucy@ forestforgetheatre.co.uk.

Mayor re-elected Cllr Tony Ring was re-elected as the mayor of Ringwood at the town council’s annual meeting. Also reelected at the meeting was deputy mayor Cllr Philip Day.

The Furlong scoops silver as a shopping destination The Furlong Shopping Centre has been awarded silver in the highly competitive Shopping Destination category in the latest BH Stars Awards. The pandemic has hit bricks and mortar retail destinations hard, so the Furlong Shopping Centre is delighted to be celebrating this accolade from its customers and peers. A celebration of tourism, business and retail at its finest, the BH Star Awards, with headline sponsor MORE, drew entrants from throughout the BH postcode area across 25 categories. Due to the on going pandemic the awards were presented virtually. The award categories also included dining experience, hotel and self-catering accommodation, new business, innovation,

activities, retailer experience, and green initiatives. Jackie Phillipson, cofounder of ROUTEpr and Events, organiser and curator of the BH Star Awards, said: “The value of winning, kudos and related publicity mean that winners have something to shout about.” The Furlong centre management team would like say a huge “thank you” to all their stores, staff and loyal customers for helping making this award possible.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 23

Roy passing Duncansby Stacks

Top Down

Challenge begins An interview with Roy Beal By Louis Pulford The Top Down Kayak Challenge is an undertaking of monumental adventure. In what is believed to be the first attempt to kayak from ‘top to bottom’ of the country, I’d like to introduce you to Roy Beal, the man behind the paddle. He’s the founder of Clean Jurassic Coast a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that removes plastic and other litter from the beautiful Jurassic coastline. During the Top Down 900-mile challenge, Roy aims to raise awareness of plastic pollution along the coastline and promote outdoor pursuit safety as well as raise money for charity. At the time of this interview, I was sitting with Roy in the far north of Scotland after the first leg of his trip from John O’Groats to Wick Harbour. LP: So, Roy, let’s get some backstory. How did you get into kayaking? RB: I used to kayak when I was a young teen but once I started working, I neglected it for about 30 years until I moved to a seaside town. I reignited the passion and swiftly discovered the joys

of sea kayaking in 2013 and haven’t stopped since. LP: What is your longest kayak expedition? RB: In 2016 I kayaked from Tower Bridge in London to Seaton in East Devon, roughly 360 miles over three weeks. LP: What made you decide to go from the top down? RB: I like to be different. Other similar kayak trips have been with the prevailing south-westerly winds from Lands End, all my previous expeditions have been against those winds. I like a challenge. LP: Who have you got supporting you? RB: My girlfriend Sarah is following with the campervan for the first week or so. Some friends will be around too, along with my aunt and uncle, Ange and Chris, who will likely be following for three weeks, then I’ll be on my own, although others will be meeting me along the way. LP: When do you predict to finish? RB: Hopefully in early July but we’ll have to see how it goes with the weather. Roy setting off from John O’Groats

Duncansby Stacks

LP: What has been the best part of the journey so far albeit being the first leg of the journey? RB: I’ve been planning this for well over a year so it is great to finally be on the water. There were many highlights from the first day but my favourite has to be finally seeing puffins in action. LP: Where do you look forward to visiting? RB: That is a good question. There are so many places - Loch Ness, the Inner Hebrides, Isle of Arran… it’s a long list. LP: Anything else you would like to add? RB: I would like to thank Keep Britain Tidy and Plan B Charity for their support, Ocean Signal Limited for their Personal Locator Beacon and Electronic Flare and PB Adventures for supplying my expedition food. I would also like to thank everybody for the fantastic support I’ve had so far.

If you would like to track Roy or to donate to any of the charities he is supporting please visit www.kayakingforcharity.co.uk 24 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

Bloodsuckers By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

On my last visit to Yorkshire, I went to the historic market town of Bedale where a small brick building next to Bedale Beck caught my attention. It turned out to be the only remaining leech house in Britain. Leeches were used to remove the blood of people with a wide range of illnesses in the belief that it would cure them. Bloodletting, as a supposed cure for numerous ailments, goes back to the time of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, making it one of medicine’s oldest practices. Physicians such as Erasistratus believed that illness was caused by an overabundance of blood. Hippocrates developed a theory that good health depended on the balance of four humours. These were blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. Physicians came to believe that an ill person could be cured by draining some blood to restore the balance of the humours. This became a common technique in the Roman Empire and the Indian and Arab worlds. In medieval England, bleeding was the standard treatment for a wide range of illnesses including plague, smallpox, epilepsy and gout. A sharp knife-like instrument called a fleam was used to sever a vein in the arm or the neck and the blood was collected in a bowl. In 1163, the church prohibited monks and priests from performing bloodletting and the gap was filled by barbers. As well as hair dressing, barber surgeons would draw teeth, set bones, lance boils, perform minor amputations and let blood. The striped barber poles still seen today represent the white bandage and the red blood.

The belief was that if enough blood was let to induce fainting then it would be beneficial. In 1799, the American president, George Washington had blood drawn at his own request to treat a bad sore throat. He had 80 ounces of blood drawn, which is about 40 per cent of the total volume. Unfortunately he died, either from the infection or the bloodletting or perhaps both. The use of leeches to draw blood became very popular in the early 19th century. In the 1830s, France imported forty million leeches a year and in the 1840s, England imported six million. These were used to treat illnesses such as cancer, cholera and stroke at one end of the spectrum and indigestion and acne at the other. Leeches are worm-like creatures with suckers at both ends. The front sucker surrounds a jaw and teeth that pierce the skin to inject an anaesthetic and anticoagulant when it attaches to an animal or person. This means that the host does not feel the leech and that the blood does not clot. The sucker at the other end of the leech is used to hang onto the host whilst feeding. They can ingest up to fifteen cubic centimetres of blood, which is 10 times their body weight. The castellated Bedale Leech House dates from about 1800 and was used to keep leeches alive with fresh water from the beck. It is built of brick and is about 10 feet (about three metres) square and was first used by an apothecary called Bellamy

who was assisted by a leech gatherer called George Thornton. The leeches were stored in damp moss and kept from freezing in the winter by a fire. They can survive for up to a year without feeding and, when required for use, they would be transferred to an ornate leech jar with a secure lid with air holes in it. The leech house was last used for storing leeches in the early 1900s. Medical leeches are occasionally still used today in plastic and transplant surgery to revive veins and improve blood flow.

Bedale Beck

Only remaining leech house in Britain

Twinning Zoom AGM Fordingbridge Twinning Association held its AGM on 13 May on Zoom. The association hopes to hold an informal boules evening later this summer and to run its popular murder mystery evening on 12 March 2022. Next year will also see the 40th anniversary of Fordingbridge being twinned with Vimoutiers, and celebrations are planned to take place in France between 30 June and 3 July 2022. The association has donated to the project ‘Bin Twinning’ (www. bintwinning.org) and sponsored a bin

in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The charity uses money donated to fund brand-new social enterprises that collect rubbish, dispose of it safely, and recycle as much as possible. Many of these projects upcycle waste into items for sale and proceeds are ploughed back into community development. In France, vaccination rollout is happening quite quickly and in Vimoutiers, the third phase is going ahead, with people in their 40s being vaccinated. France is catching up the UK fast, whatever the news says.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 25

Italian bees go potty in Verwood garden When Verwood residents Carol and Paul Waterkeyn were invaded by a swarm of honeybees during the late May bank holiday weekend, local bee expert and enthusiast Totty Cruttenden stepped in to help. Carol told Viewpoint, “I looked out of our conservatory windows on the Saturday afternoon to see a cloud of bees buzzing around on our patio. They gathered around two pots and a rose bush, which were absolutely covered. “We normally encourage bees into our garden by planting nectar-rich flowers like lavender, buddleia and cotoneaster, which the bumble bees and solitary bees love. But I was a bit disconcerted to see several thousand bees in one go!” The couple shut all the windows and Paul put a message out on social media.

26 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

Totty Cruttenden offered to help and turned up like the cavalry armed with beekeeper’s suit and a special hive box to gather and transport the bees. Then the fun started as the queen bee was hiding inside the rim of one of the plant pots and wouldn’t come out. Without their queen, the other bees were not keen on moving. After almost two hours and a lot of patience, Totty Cruttenden managed to locate and remove the queen from her hiding place, and then the other bees were more co-operative. They slowly transferred to the portable hive over the next two hours, when

the beekeeper was able to shut them in and take the bees away to a permanent hive. “Apparently, they were mostly Italian and Carniolan bees, and very healthy,” said Carol. “There were 4-5,000 bees. They were not aggressive and we stood nearby fascinated, while they were gathered up. Totty was so gentle and patient with them.

She didn’t charge us for her service so we made a donation towards the beekeeping equipment she uses.” It seems with the warmer weather it is prime time for bees to swarm. If you find yourself in a similar situation, and you are in the Verwood area, you can call Totty Cruttenden on 01202 813361. Photos ©Paul Waterkeyn

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

Lemongrass and lime chicken watercress salad With the weather finally showing signs of turning warmer, and entertaining at home (within the current restrictions) back on the cards, why not serve this delicious salad from www.thewatercresscompany.com as a light lunch or supper?

Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on 1 tsp coconut oil ½ tsp salt 1 lime, juice & zest 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 thumb ginger, minced 2 green finger chillies, finely sliced 4 lemongrass stalks, bashed 3 lime leaves, cut into long, thin strips

Dressing:

1 tin full fat coconut milk Salt to season 2 carrots, julienne 1 red onion, finely sliced 3 spring onions, finely sliced ½ cucumber, julienne 2 sour eating apples, julienne, stored in the lime juice 100g frozen peas, defrosted 200g watercress Oil for deep frying Coconut flakes to serve

1 tbsp sambal oelek (or chilli paste) 1 lime, juiced 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oil

foodie news

Method:

1. For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Set aside. 2. For the crispy onions, heat the oil for deep frying in a pan, no more than two thirds full, to 180C. Fry the onions for 2-3 minutes or until crisp and golden. Strain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt to stay crisp. Store in an airtight container. 3. Sprinkle the flesh of the chicken with half a teaspoon salt and the lime zest. Set aside for 30 minutes to tenderise. 4. Heat the oil for the chicken in a large pan. Add the chicken skin-side down and brown for 4-5 minutes to render out any fat. Flip the chicken over, add the garlic, ginger, chillies, lemongrass and lime leaves and cook 30 seconds more. 5. Pour over the coconut milk and reduce to a simmer. Simmer 15-20 minutes or until the flesh is cooked through. Remove from the heat and allow to cool in the liquid. 6. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat. Strain the sauce through a sieve, discard the solids and retain the juice. 7. To assemble, mix the spring onion, cucumber, apple, peas, carrot and watercress in a bowl. Mix with 4 tablespoons of the dressing. Top with the shredded chicken, a few spoonfuls of coconut sauce, crispy onions and coconut flakes.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 27

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

EVENTS We are delighted to be able to bring back our event listings for the area. The details are accurate at the time of going to press but will be subject to any government regulations in place at the time of the event. Check before travelling.

19 June 11am-5pm

Fete on the Field at King George V Playing Field, Ferndown. Stalls, entertainment, funfair, food and drink. Entertainment includes Krazy Kev, dog show, Lucky Wessex Majorettes and Birds of Prey. Free entry, prize draw with any profits going to charity.

20 June 11am

Ferndown 5k and 10k run from King George V Playing Fields in conjunction with Fete on the Field. To participate register at www. ferndownfotf.org/10k or email: runadmin@ferndownfotf.org

20 June 2-5pm

25, Richmond Park Avenue BH8 9DL. Open under the National Gardens Scheme. Pre-booking available.

23 June and 21 July 11am-5pm

Deans Court, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1EE, open under the National Gardens Scheme.

25 June 10-5pm

Knoll Gardens, BH21 7ND open under the National Gardens Scheme. Pre-booking available.

Until 4 July

‘Once Upon a Time in Animation’ at Poole Museum, showcasing a selection of original concept art, storyboards, stills, games and finished films from students, graduates and researchers from Bournemouth University. Alongside, there are original models by Academy Award winning Aardman, including Morph and Wallace & Gromit. Entry free, although donations are welcome.

9 July 6pm-11pm

Upton Country Park Festival. A trip back to the 90s with Robbie Williams, The Spice Girls, Take That and Kylie Minogue tribute acts. For tickets www.visitdorset.com/whats-on/totally90s-p2946823

10 July 1pm

Grounds open 1pm for picnics followed by summer storytelling at Cranborne Earthhouse. 2pm, the Luck Child; 4pm 3 Drops of Blood; 8pm, the Cabinet of Zoological Curiousities. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ earthousestorytelling/the-luckchild-family-fairytales-at-theearthouse/e-oyvybr

10 July

Fundraising event for Minster Makes Music Appeal on Wimborne Minster Green. Contact Anthony Oliver on 01202 888703 if you would like a stall.

26 and 27 June noon-4.30pm

10 July 7.30pm-9.30pm

White House, Witchampton open under the National Gardens Scheme.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Holme for Garden, Holme Nurseries, West Holme, Wareham. Tickets from £12.

Until 27 June

10 July 10-4pm

Activity trail at Durlston Country Park, Swanage. More info www. durlston.co.uk/

Cranborne Manor Garden, BH21 5PP open under the National Gardens Scheme.

30 June - 7pm

11 July noon - 6pm

Live open air entertainment at Rockbourne Roman Villa. Presented by Slapstick Picnic Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. More info at www.hampshireculture.org.uk

3 July 10.30-noon

West Moors Parish Council litter pick. Meet outside Spar at 10.15am. Gloves, litter picking sticks and tabards provided. Sign up first on 01202 861044 or email: office@westmoors-tc. gov.uk

2 and 4 July

16, Chapel Rise, Ringwood, BH24 2BL open under the National Gardens Scheme. Prebooking available.

28 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

Poole goes Vintage on Poole Quay. Celebrate the 1940s to 1960s.

16-18 July

Tolpuddle Martyrs Fesitval. Details https://www. tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival

Until 17 July

The Red House Museum Open Art Exhibition in Christchurch

17 July 1-5pm

Manor Farm, Hampreston, BH21 7LX open under the National Gardens Scheme. Pre-booking available.

21-25 July

Dorset Opera Festival at Coade Theatre, Blandford. Details from https://www.dorsetopera.com/

rmers

Calling all perfo

Could you be a contender or a performer? Contender Fest, a three-day festival that combines fitness challenges and taster classes, with food, entertainment, music and family fun is coming to Bournemouth on 10-12 September. It will feature ‘The Contender Games’ alongside fun fitness challenges with cash prizes, exercise classes and training sessions. Central to the event will be a custom-built obstacle course suitable for age 16 upwards. It will include a 20k sledge pull, wooden incline walls, Berlin walls, tunnels, monkey bars, nets, tyre obstacles, a seesaw and log-flip. Children will love the mini-obstacle course, rides, fairground, face painting, entertainers and Wessex Vintage Fire trucks.

There will be a craft village showcasing artisan crafts, along with live demonstrations and workshops. A central stage will host performances from musicians, local groups and theatre schools throughout the day, while DJs will get the after party going on Friday and Saturday evenings. Local groups and individuals are invited to apply for performance slots. Email a description of your skill to: help@contenderfest.co.uk. Applications close on 4 July. Tickets for Contender Fest are on sale now starting from £8 or £3.50 for children, with under-5s going free. Book before 4 July to take advantage of Early Bird offers www.contenderfest.co.uk/

Stories that shaped Poole High Street Community-led cultural activities are set to take place on Poole High Street over the next three years thanks to a grant of £80,000 from Historic England as part of the Poole High Streets Heritage Action Zone. The programme will focus on sharing the stories of Poole and the trade links with Newfoundland, Canada – an important part of Poole’s maritime heritage that helped shape the high street. The programme will explore the heritage and history of Poole High Street with local communities having opportunities to share stories and celebrate what makes Poole the vibrant town it is today.

Exciting events and installations are being planned including the creation of a community suite of music, a public art project, production of a community play and an audio trail. These will be made possible by the energetic collaboration of the cultural consortium partners, Lighthouse, Poole Museum and Soundstorm Music Education Agency working together with CoCreate, Arts2Educate, and Angel Exit Theatre. Also, Artist Freya Gabie will be working with local people on All Fired Up! – a ceramics based project running from 6-17 September, with workshops exploring the town’s deep connection to the ceramics industry.

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

around & about

Sculpture exhibition at Beaulieu A new exhibition of more than 250 sculptures will be on display at Beaulieu this summer. The exhibition will be staged throughout the grounds and gardens and inside the Montagu family home and

will feature work from over 50 international and national sculptors. Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2019, the work on show will encompass a diverse range of materials and methods, ranging from little to large, stone to steel, and glass to mixed media. Visitors can see Adam Binder’s 3.6m-tall sculpture of a polar bear, Rachael Long’s life-sized rhinoceros made from salvaged industrial metalwork, stainless steel

works from local sculptor Michael Turner and eyecatching kinetic and contemporary sculptures inspired by nature by Gary Boulton among the line up of more than 40 sculptors. ‘Sculpture at Beaulieu’

runs from 19 June to 30 August and is included in the Beaulieu admission ticket price. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information.

Attractions reopen As lockdown restrictions have eased, the following indoor attractions are now open: Poole Museum, the Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery, Highcliffe Castle and the Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park. Outside, Bournemouth Land Train services have recommenced with a reduced service is in place, as have Hengistbury Head Land Train services, which run daily with card payments only. Bournemouth Pier Amusements, Stanpit Marsh, Hengistbury Head, Kingfisher Barn and Steamer Point Visitor Centres are open (opening at Stanpit Marsh and Steamer Point may be subject to volunteer availability).

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 29

in the home

Sprinkler systems protect property

Installing a sprinkler system can help keep people and buildings safe from fire, particularly in commercial properties. Research by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the National Fire Sprinkler Network found that sprinkler systems operate on 94 per cent of occasions so are very reliable and, when they do operate, they extinguish or contain the fire on 99 per cent of occasions. As a result, sprinklers reduce injuries by at least 80 per cent, reduce property damage by 90 per cent, and substantially reduce damage to the environment from fire. Sprinklers activate when a certain level of heat is detected

at ceiling level. They douse the fire with water, restricting its spread. Only the sprinkler heads close to the fire are activated, so water is only released in the places directly affected. Tim Gray, head of Fire Safety at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There is a compelling case to be made for sprinklers in any commercial premises on the basis of loss of production or interruption to business. It is recognised that 85 per cent of small and medium size businesses that suffer a serious fire either never recover or cease trading within 18 months. The installation of sprinklers in these types of

premises could prevent this loss, and fewer businesses would be forced to relocate or close.” Visit www.dwfire.org. uk/sprinklers to see how sprinklers work.

Use derelict land for housing Derelict land creates an eyesore that the majority of people believe should be used as sites for new housing and cultural landmarks. According to a recent survey by Romal Capital, 59 percent of the British public support the regeneration of brownfield sites, which could provide much needed housing, reducing the impact on greenbelt land earmarked for development. More than three quarters of those surveyed believed that, once brownfield sites are regenerated, they bring a sense of freshness, art and

culture to an area improving the lives of everyone around it. In a 2020 report, the countryside charity CPRE found there were more than 25,000 hectares of brownfield land across 21,000 sites in the UK. More than a million homes could be accommodated within this space. As well as using brownfield sites for new housing, 30 per cent of the survey respondents thought they could be used to build new cultural landmarks, while 26 per cent would like to see them used for recreational facilities.

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 31

motoring / keeping you on the road.

Keith Motors:

excelling in the motor trade for 70 years Keith Motors is celebrating 70 successful years in Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding areas and can lay claim to being the oldest family-owned and family-run garage in Dorset. It would never have occurred to Charles Keith in 1951, when he founded the company in Christchurch, that his company would have to endure a global pandemic.

32 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

But, like the rest of the world, that is exactly what Keith Motors had to tackle in 2020. Using great foresight, the company has been offering Covid-safe click and collect or free local delivery on all car purchases during the pandemic. It also enrolled a collection and delivery service for MOTs and vehicle servicing, enabling customers to maintain their car’s

performance without the worry of having to visit the garage. Life was very different in the 1950s and, since that first high street garage, Keith Motors has kept pace with changes and innovations whilst expanding across Dorset and into Hampshire. The forefront and face of the Keith Motors we know today is situated in Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch. By the 1980s, the Ford franchise was acquired, and Keith Motors Ford has been expanding the brand ever since. A Ringwood branch was opened in 2009, which has since become a used commercial centre offering used van, truck and pick-up sales as well as aftersales and servicing for light commercials and older retail vehicles. In 2014, the MG franchise was acquired and the Keith Motors Select showroom was created. A third dealership in Verwood was purchased in 2016. Throughout all the acquisitions and expansion,

Keith Motors has retained an enthusiastic and like-minded team dedicated to their customers. And, as always, you will find great value new cars as well as a wide selection of handpicked quality used cars and commercial vehicles. There are currently around 200 vehicles in stock. With a company that has such an established reputation to maintain, you can be sure of an aftersales service that will not only help to keep your vehicle performing well, but will help with maintaining your vehicle’s value and keeping your warranty up to date. From rental, servicing, MOT, repairs, parts and tyres, Keith Motors is a first port of call, as it was back in the day when Charles Keith built the firm’s reputation. Thriving on excellent customer service and continually aiming towards exceeding expectations, Keith Motors believes the customer is their most important asset. Help them celebrate their 70th anniversary by paying them a visit.

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

motoring

Driven Steve Bulley Head of Business Engagement at Dorset Chamber and car fanatic

We all remember the Skoda jokes like, ‘Why do Skodas have heated rear windscreens? To keep your hands warm while you’re pushing it!’ If you haven’t looked at the brand recently you are missing out on understated and upmarket cars that are incredible value. The latest Skoda Octavia hatchback and estate are actually the same length, which makes driving and parking the estate version a breeze. Outside the colour of this car, quartz grey, doesn’t do it justice. The creases and curves are all spot on and give the car a very modern look. I personally love the pride that Skoda now has in putting the brand name across the back of their entire range. This is an incredibly practical car for the family or business as the boot space is 640 litres, easily best in class. The Octavia remains tardis-like and is bigger than rivals from Mercedes, Audi and BMW. On the road, the car is smooth and belies its size. The 1.5TSI engine is quiet and features technology that runs on just two cylinders when able, meaning the fuel economy I managed never fell below 44mpg and, on a longer trip, I managed around 48mpg. You feel safe with front assist, lane assist and adaptive cruise control (with “follow-to-stop”) and speed limiter. Inside, the virtual cockpit display on this model is what you find in VW, SEAT and Audi models and gives a variety of choices, including the satnav, which I found useful. The materials feel good quality and, with heated seats, I felt very snug. If you like buttons you will be in for a surprise. The Octavia has followed the trend of using a large display to alter a majority of functions and this took some getting used

SKODA OCTAVIA 1.5 TSI SE L First Edition 5dr

to. Also, to charge your phone or other accessories you need a USB-C cable as the Octavia does not have standard USB ports. Overall, it’s hard to find fault with the Octavia. It’s a practical, comfortable, stylish car that still remains quirky with an umbrella in passenger door (just like you do in a Rolls Royce), ice scraper in fuel cap and the ticket holder on the driver’s side A-pillar. This car as tested was fitted with optional LED Matrix headlights, 18” Persius Alloys and comes with a BIK of 28%. See the full Skoda range here: www.skoda.co.uk

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 33

34 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 35

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

CARPET CLEANING

ASBESTOS

CHARTERED SURVEYOR

COMPUTER SERVICES

FENCING

ELECTRICIAN

DECORATING

FENCING

GARAGE DOORS

36 |

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

VIEWPOINT June 2021

FURNITURE RESTORATION

GARDENING

GARAGE DOORS

LANDSCAPING

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

specialist services LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

MAINTENANCE

PICTURE FRAMING

PLUMBING

LANDSCAPING

PLASTERING

OLD TOYS

PLUMBING

TREE SURGERY

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

WASTE CLEARANCE

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

| 37

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

CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinions or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk Unsafe driving speeds on unadopted road

Litter – fighting a losing battle

I was interested to read your article in the April Viewpoint regarding the litter along the A31. I wrote to the EDC a few weeks ago saying the same comments your readers have written. I regularly visit the tip in Brook Road to get rid of my rubbish. However, I thought I’d no need to go that far – apparently you can drop your rubbish on the A31 and save yourself a journey. Would I

do that? Absolutely not. I was brought up to take my litter home. I would like to comment that the running of the tip in Brook Road is extremely well organised and the people working there are most polite and helpful. The only time you’re held up is if you turn up when they are changing over the containers. In your article, you mention reporting those who drop their rubbish. The trouble is with that, unless you have a dashcam, you’re unable to take a photo in enough time for proof. Maybe when every car has these, then more people can be reported and fined.

Some people are quick to blame holidaymakers. However, that’s not the case in this instance as we have been in lockdown. It’s local people, or people within a few miles of their home. I do feel for the councils having to deal with this ongoing problem and I can’t see how it can be handled in any other way. I’ve noticed as soon as the litter has been removed, it’s not long before more has been thrown out. It’s fighting a losing battle. I understand it’s costly to keep the roads tidy, but it needs to be done more regularly. Mrs Dee Williams West Moors

Crossword Across 1. Dorset town on the River Stour (9) 6. Can be eaten boiled (3) 8. While away time (6) 9. To buy and sell (5) 10. The dish before the main course (6) 11. Lowest ebb (7) 13. Asian greeting (7) 16. Gain wealth (6) 18. To keep one’s ____, to remain calm (5) 19. Expression of gratitude (6) 21. Old English word for a stream or river (3) 22. Man who fights with a sword (9)

Why should pedestrians, mothers with prams, persons with disabilities needing wheelchairs, people on bikes and so on have to be constantly watchful when using a private street that is unadopted and all that goes with that? Drivers show utter and total disregard for safe driving speeds on Sandy Lane, Verwood. The street eventually becomes a private road with a hard surface where safe driving standards are still ignored. Visual research shows that many international and local companies fail to control their drivers even when a main office is in receipt of many, many emails. They just ask for photographic evidence, which I can assure you is very difficult to obtain in a matter of seconds. Private vehicles along with a broad spectrum of trade vehicles are also abusing safe driving speeds. John Green Verwood

Down 1. Peek-a-___ (3) 2. A person with a part in a film (5) 3. Opposite to lightest (7) 4. Pushed out of office (6) 5. Ten years (6) 7. Felicitations (9) 8. Baby on the way (9) 12. Introduced air into something (7) 14. Imelda ______ Former president of the Philippines (6) 15. Sound from two directions (6) 17. Item put on a bracelet (5) 20. Relative (3)

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

11.

12.

15.

14.

16.

15.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation. Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date. Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication

to the Administration Department. Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them. Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears. Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Down 1. Boo 2. Actor 3. Darkest 4. Ousted 5. Decade 7. Greetings 8. Pregnancy 12. Aerated 14. Marcos 15. Stereo 17. Charm 20. Kin Answers: Across 1. Blandford 6. Egg 8. Potter 9. Trade 10. Entrée 11. Saddest 13. Namaste 16. Richen 18. Nerve 19. Thanks 21. Yeo 22. Swordsman

38 |

VIEWPOINT June 2021

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

please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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

| 39