Viewpoint June 2023

Mid June 2023, Volume 47, Issue 8

Pat becomes Honorary Freewoman

Pat Hymers is now entitled to drive her sheep through the town of Wimborne Minster as she has become an Honorary Freewoman.

Pat’s involvement with the town has been huge. Former titles include town mayor, chairman of East Dorset District Council and chairman of Dorset County Council, not to mention her involvement with Wimborne Model Town and Dreamboats.

She is pictured with a sheep she borrowed as she doesn’t have any at the present time!

Inside this issue:

Former WWII airbase for sale

Coronation prize for Wimborne Environmental Champion British Pedal Car Grand Prix

Photo by Michael R Hawley Photography.

Dear readers

It was a simple enough topic for discussion, but it certainly evoked a myriad of memories.

I belong to the Wimborne branch of NWR (National Women’s Register) and every fortnight we meet to chat about a variety of issues, some involve doing a little research and others the chance to put forward views on a certain subject.

A recent one was entitled ‘what do you no longer do?’

Technology has changed our perspective and habits in many ways, but I was inspired after writing the article on page seven about hiring items instead of buying them.

So I said that I no longer keep things for best.

Now I am not suggesting that you put on the special dress and high heels you bought for a wedding or party to go to the supermarket as you might get some curious looks, as would a man in a dinner jacket – but you get my drift.

But with statistics proving that we wear 80 per cent of our wardrobes 20 per cent of the time, clearly a lot of us are ‘keeping things for best’.

My late mother was particularly guilty of that and many items such as china, glassware and linen as well as clothes never saw the light of day. She also accepted gifts and put them in a drawer ‘for a rainy day’.

My parents loved playing Scrabble so much that they wore away the lettering. So I bought them a new game and my mother said: ‘Thank you, I will keep it for an emergency’.

What particular emergency could occur that would require a new Scrabble set?

I’ll leave that to your imagination.

Marilyn Barber

News editor

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

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Copy date 23 JUNE 2023

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Picture of the month

Maddie models her rain suit in West Moors

Funding boost to combat drug use

Dorset has been selected to receive government funding worth £200K to help reduce demand for illicit substances.

The funding is part of a 10-year plan to cut crime and save lives by reducing the supply and demand for drugs and delivering a highquality treatment and recovery system. It comes from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under the Innovation Fund to Reduce Demand for Illicit Substances (RDIS).

Dorset is one of just five areas to receive the funding. It will be used jointly by Dorset and BCP Councils to explore and investigate drug use amongst young people and develop preventative programmes and support to reduce their vulnerability to illegal substances.

Council leader elected

Cllr Vikki Slade has been elected as leader of BCP Council in her second term. She leads a new administration, the Three Towns Alliance, which is made up of councillors from the Liberal Democrats, Christchurch Independents, Poole People Party and the Bournemouth Independent Group.

Former football manager unveils X-ray department

The radiology department of Wimborne’s Victoria Hospital has been re-opened following a major revamp of the unit.

Thanks to a legacy donation from a local family of £350,000 and £255,000 of charitable funding from the Friends of Victoria Hospital, Dorset HealthCare has refurbished two x-ray rooms at the site to deliver improved imaging and increased capacity.

The unit was officially re-opened by Harry Redknapp. He was joined by Cllr Diann March, mayor of Wimborne, staff, representatives from the trust, plus family members of the legacy donor and Friends of Victoria

Hospital group members to unveil the new state-of-the-art technology.

Brad Rootes, Dorset HealthCare’s East Dorset and Purbeck locality manager, said: “We would like to thank the local family for their generous legacy donation which, together with the support of the Friends of Victoria Hospital, has enabled this substantial refurbishment for the benefit of local people and staff. We are always incredibly grateful for the support from the local community and Friends of Victoria Hospital which allows us to continually update facilities to enhance services and the experience of our patients.”

Harry Redknapp and Dorset HealthCare staff cut the ribbon at Victoria Hospital

Former WWII airbase for sale

The former airbase at Tarrant Rushton is for sale, along with Preston Farm and Crook Farm.

The sale includes a farmhouse, a range of modern and traditional farm buildings plus two airfield hangers and seven residential properties within the village of Tarrant Rushton.

The estate has been farmed by the Harding family since 1938, including arable, beef and pig farming.

The lands forms a substantial part of Dorset’s twentieth century history, as RAF Tarrant Rushton was a former airbase from 1943 to 1947. It was used for glider operations during World War II and later revived for civilian operations by Flight Refuelling until 1980 when it was officially closed.

Gliders left for France from Tarrant Rushton on the eve of D-Day, to begin Operation Tonga with an action that would later become known as Pegasus Bridge. They landed in occupied France shortly after midnight and were the first Allied troops to touch French soil on D-Day.

A memorial to the men who served at the airfield is located by the roadside next to one of the surviving hangars.

The sale is expected to fetch in the region of £13.8million.

Parking machines to be upgraded

All Dorset Council car park and on-street pay and display machines are to be replaced with the work expected to be completed by mid July.

The machines will provide customers with a range of payment options, including cash, card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and an online app. Wi-Fi will also be improved in car parks with weak phone signals.

The payment facilities and display screens will at a height suitable for wheelchair users.

Charity of the Year Anxiety

Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety and anxiety can affect all ages. A survey conducted in November 2022 of 3,000 UK adults by the Mental Health Foundation found that one in 10 (10%) of UK adults felt hopeless about financial circumstances, and more than 34% felt anxious.

Symptoms of anxiety

A Dorset Mind employee shares some common symptoms of their anxiety:

“When my anxiety is high and thoughts escalate, I may start to panic and experience shortness of

breath and heart palpitations.

“I find in social situations where I feel pressure, I often get sweaty hands or at times have felt physically unwell. For example, in gyms, I’ve found the lighting, music and overcrowding can make me feel very dizzy and weak or experience headaches.

“My anxiety can be disruptive to sleep due to forecasting worse-case scenarios, often futurethinking, and going through different worries in my head such as finances, health, work, and relationships.”

Therapy for anxiety

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. Complementary and additional therapies which promote mindfulness such as nature and art-based activities are helping support people with anxiety by providing focus to relax the mind.

For example, Dorset Mind’s Eco in Mind project supports people through gardening and crafts activities. A participant shares how the project has supported them with their anxiety: “I am really struggling to leave the house at the moment but when I get to sessions they really help, and I feel it is a safe place to come.” - February 2023

Additional Support

There is strength in asking for help.

Find support services for anxiety online, dorsetmind.uk

Alternative services, including CBT therapy, are available through Steps2Wellbeing.co.uk and Anxietyuk.org.uk.

Find resources to support you to selfmanage your mental health on the NHS website, www.nhs.uk/ every-mind-matters.

Capital grants available for local projects

Dorset Council manages a fund which enables organisers of local projects to apply for a capital grant of between £1,000 and £25,000, to fund up to 20 per cent of the total project costs.

The Capital Leverage Fund can provide grants to help towards the cost of community building enhancements, renovations, maintenance, or new build projects, including car parks, play areas, MUGAS, pitches, and landscaping.

Voluntary and community sector organisations with an annual turnover of less than £1million can apply, as well as museums, arts organisations, community centres, village halls, town and parish councils and youth centres.

Applications for projects that help to address climate change themes, new public art, or heritage capital projects including accredited museums are also welcomed.

Applications close at noon on 5 January 2024 and can only be accepted via the online application form. Visit the Dorset Council website to find out more.

Community and voluntary sector applicants – including play can email: communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Cultural applicants (arts, accredited museums, heritage, sports and physical activity) should email: leisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

In May, Dorset Mind celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week. This year raised awareness for anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Hire rather than buy to protect the environment

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Not only do they fill our homes with clutter, it is hugely wasteful with excessive spending damaging our environment.

The ‘Library of Things’ movement has a solution. Their motto is ‘Why buy when you can borrow?’, and the idea is to have a lending library of useful objects, from tools to tabletop football, that members can borrow when they need to. Each Library of Things is a local project, responding to the needs of its own community - but there is also support available from more experienced libraries.

A recent talk by the Friends of Wimborne Library, by Sarah Wise of Wimborne War on Waste, sparked discussion about setting up a local Library of Things. Sarah also surprised those attending with the number of local sharing opportunities

that already exist.

Wimborne War on Waste has a mini library of re-usable things, with fabric bunting, cutlery and crockery, plastic pint and wine glasses, and litter picking kits available to borrow free of charge from the Fair Ground shop in the Cornmarket.

Email: wimbornewaronwaste@ gmail.com.

World Book Day – which took place this year on 2 March – can be a nightmare for parents, but the Fair Ground shop had a selection of fancy dress outfits that parents could borrow for free. This will be repeated and in turn, if you have outfits your children have grown out of, take them to the shop for others to borrow.

Locally there are Facebook sites which enable people to donate items to others free of charge. They include Colehill Kindness and

Recycling Group and Freecycle Recycle Wimborne Minster.

Colehill and Wimborne Eco Party Kits can provide 36 plates, bowls cups etc, bunting, table cloths and Tupperware. This is at a cost of £5 or £7.50 hire fee plus refundable deposit. colehillwimborne ecopartykit@gmail.com

Children’s football boots can be borrowed from a football boot library at just £4 for eight weeks. More details from: borrowyourboots@gmail.com

Little Green Prom Dress can provide dresses for hire –which can be used for other occasions – at a cost of £5 and a £20 deposit. The organisation welcomes donations of good condition dresses. Contact Julia at: littlegreenpromdress@ gmail.com.

Clothes and toys can also be swapped at Wimborne Minster church at certain times in the year. The idea is that people place clothes, toys, shoes etc that they no longer want on the tables in the Minster and people take what they need. Contact Claire@ wimborneminster.org.uk

A new facility for hiring tools and other similar items opened at High Mead Farm in Ham Lane in May. More details for The Community Library for DIY are available from http://divlibrary.org.uk or by emailing: hello@div-library.org.uk

As Sir David Attenborough famously said: “Avoiding waste is the one thing we can all do to help save the planet.”

If you would like to know more contact: wimbornewaronwaste@ gmail.com

We all have items stuffed into cupboards, sheds and garages that we bought for a one-off occasion never to resurface again.

Verwood Rotary round up

By Louisa Hiscock

The current Rotary year comes to close at the end of June and is an opportunity to reflect on what the club has done over the last 12 months.

President Clive Grove recently reminded us of some of the highlights. This ranged from running and supporting local events and organisations

in Verwood to supporting international requests for aid. He said: “I am very proud we have been involved in so many diverse activities and hope we have made a difference to people’s lives.”

Clive’s chosen charity was MacMillan Caring Locally and the club is on target to raise £3,000 by the end of June.

At our last club evening for Rotarians and partners we enjoyed a talk after dinner from Brenda Slade, a bespoke tailor and volunteer at Westminster

Abbey for 38 years, who shared some fascinating and amusing stories of the many items she has worked on, including some worn in the recent Coronation. We will soon welcome a new president and get ready for the next year. This will no doubt include new activities, as well as old favourites like our Rustic Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday. If you are interested in joining the club, contact us at enquiries@ verwoodrotary.org.uk.

The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Simon Gibson and Michael Eaton from St Michael’s Church attended the special assembly at Hillside First School in Verwood to mark the Coronation. The children shared facts they had researched about the Coronation and King Charles III. The winners of the King Charles III portrait competition were announced and everyone that took part received a certificate. The day finished with a picnic on the school field.

Brenda Slade, a bespoke tailor and volunteer at Westminster Abbey for 38 years

Advice bus service

Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck has launched an Advice Bus service.

The bus, which was officially opened by the mayor of Swanage, will deliver a service to residents in East Dorset and Purbeck who cannot easily access its offices, or may be digitally excluded.

The bus stops at locations around East Dorset and Purbeck, providing residents with access to free advice and support about a range of issues including: benefits, debt and money, consumer issues, energy, employment, family, housing and legal. Digital Champions will be available at some locations. No appointment is needed.

The Advice Bus will be visiting the following locations each week, excluding public holidays:

• Colehill Village Hall, Monday, 10am-12pm

• Verwood Hub, Tuesday, 10am-12pm

• Park Way Car Park, West Moors, Tuesday, 1-3pm

• St Nicholas Church, Corfe Mullen, Wednesday (except first of the month), 10am-12pm

More information can be found at www.edpcitizensadvice. org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus

Investing in care workers

Care providers are being asked by Dorset Council to pay care workers an additional £1 per hour to take their hourly salary up to £11.50 per hour when commissioned through the local authority.

It comes after the council announced its uplift in care fees in the community for 2023 for care businesses that work with the local authority through the Dorset Care Framework.

The request is a key element of the local authority Markets Sustainability Plan and aims to support the workforce by delivering good quality social care.

In 2022, Dorset Council agreed a minimum rate for care workers of £10.50 and has already seen positive recruitment and reduced agency costs among its care providers.

Commenting on Dorset Council’s Fair Cost of Care policy, care provider Dimensions’ operations director Vikki-Lee Dampier said: “One factor is particularly worth highlighting – Dorset increased the rate they pay providers to a level that facilitated competitive levels of pay in the local jobs market.”

Councillor Jane Somper, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, said Dorset Council has made it a priority to commission fair cost of care covering supported living and home care for older people.

She said: “It is vital that we invest in the market and ensure that we maintain and enhance quality services to the elderly and most vulnerable in our society.

“This will provide better quality support at the right time and in the right place as well as reducing our costs.”

There are an estimated 7,200 people directly providing care in the Dorset local authority area.

Greenhouse therapy grows

People in Dorset recovering from brain injuries are benefitting from a new greenhouse, plus gym equipment, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a former patient.

Wayne Clarke, from Weymouth, completed a gruelling cycle challenge across Normandy last summer, raising more than £4,500.

Wayne received treatment for more than 10 months from Dorset HealthCare’s Acquired Brain Injury Service following a serious assault in 2021. He lives with right-side paralysis, aphasia and personality change.

Using a specially adapted bicycle, Wayne was able to pedal 270 miles in less than 35 hours using just the power of his left leg.

Some of the money he raised has funded a new greenhouse in Lower Parkstone, Poole, which brain injury patients can use as part of their journey to recovery.

Occupational therapist Jennifer Peak said: “We run a weekly allotment gardening group for patients in the east of the county, overseen by an assistant rehabilitation practitioner and volunteer.

“And the greenhouse now means that patients are no longer restricted in what and when they can start growing. With shelves inside, it will also enable the involvement of those patients with physical limitations and dizziness.

“There are many therapeutic benefits to gardening, and our group focuses on addressing patients’ work stamina, mobility, balance, fatigue levels, concentration and general wellbeing.”

Wayne also donated gym equipment which is making a big difference to the recovery of patients with brain injuries across Dorset.

Wayne Clarke

Cycling

to ‘Buckingham Palace’ raises over £400

Staff and residents at Moors Manor in St Leonards took part in a static cycling challenge, pedalling the equivalent distance from the home in St Leonards, Ringwood to Buckingham Palace. Some residents even joined in by using seated pedals. The challenge marked the Coronation, and raised funds for Dementia Action Group to help those living with dementia. It was supported by home partner Lester Aldridge. The final total raised was more than £420.

Get your spring booster

More than two million people received a Covid-19 vaccination in the first three weeks of the spring booster programme, which launched in April. Those eligible for the booster include over 75s, people aged five and over with weakened immune systems and care home residents. Vaccinations should take place at least three months since the last dose. Anyone can check online or self-declare via the National Booking Service if they believe they are eligible but have not been invited for a vaccine. The last spring vaccination appointments will be offered on 30 June.

Get moving with LiveWell Dorset

We know that getting our body moving and blood pumping can do wonders for our health, yet many of us don’t complete the recommended 30 minutes per day, five days per week target. Do you? Ideally, adults should do some type of physical activity every day: do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. But how can you tell if you are working hard enough? Moderate activity will raise your heart rate, and make you breathe faster and feel warmer. One way to tell if you’re working at a moderate intensity level is if you can still talk, but not sing, such as brisk walking, mowing the lawn or riding a bike.

Vigorous intensity activity makes you breathe hard and fast. If you’re working at this level, you will not be able to say more than a few words without pausing for breath. Examples are: swimming, running, playing a sport like football, skipping or walking upstairs.

Spread exercise evenly over four to five days a week, or every day. Make sure you reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity.

GPs refer to physical activity as the wonder drug: there really is nothing like it to improve your health. Exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild depression, not to mention the added weight management benefits. Want help to improve your fitness?

LiveWell Dorset provides free advice and coaching for Dorset adults. Find out more: www. livewelldorset.co.uk/get-active/

Urgent appeal to help mums in crisis

An appeal has been launched for urgent help to support young, homeless mothers who are dealing with mental health issues, depression, and the impact of domestic violence.

The local families’ charity, Home-Start Wessex identified a need for a new support group for homeless young mums in Dorset following a consultation. A weekly support group was piloted at a temporary hostel which houses 25 single mothers aged 18-25 and their children at any one time.

Caroline Pope, Community & Corporate Engagement manager at Home-Start Wessex, said: “Whilst there is a communal space, it is sad, joyless, and unwelcoming, so most of the mums stay in their small bedsit rooms. The mental health issues and a lack of confidence and self-esteem mean they are isolated and not engaging with each other or community family/children’s groups and services, missing out on vital socialisation.”

She said the positive response to a weekly Home-Start group had been overwhelming and added: “But we cannot continue the group long-term without securing more funding. We know that this group is already transforming the lives of these children and their parents. Run by our highly skilled Family Groups leader with volunteer support, this new group provides a safe and welcoming setting where young mums and their children can receive emotional support, make friends, and increase their confidence and self-esteem. We are appealing to the local community to help us raise the £10,000 we need to continue supporting families throughout 2023.”

If you think you can help, please contact caroline@homestartwessex.org.uk or visit homestartwessex.org.uk/urgent-appeal/.

at home’ for Dorset children

Local families have access to healthcare services outside the hospital following the official launch of University Hospitals Dorset’s (UHD) new virtual ward: Child Health @Home.

The ward, part of a national NHS-funded project, is led by clinical children’s community services lead Josie Roberts; paediatric consultant Dr Kate

Goyder, and their team of nurses and physiotherapists. The team aims to provide assessment, treatment, and support to children at home to enable early discharges from hospital and to reduce unnecessary visits and/or admission to hospital.

Patients have usually been in hospital with bronchiolitis, viral induced wheeze, gastroenteritis, or fever, and the team carry out home visits, offer telephone support and provide education for parents regarding their child’s condition and signs and symptoms to be aware of at home.

Claire Morgan, whose son was on the pilot pathway, said: “The virtual ward was amazing for my son. It meant he could be discharged home where he was much more comfortable without the need to keep going back to the hospital for his antibiotics. We are very grateful for this brilliant project.”

‘Hospital

The Green Man

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

The palace website describes this as ‘an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth to celebrate the new reign. The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.’

Some of the media have said that the Green Man on the invitation is a pagan image at the margins of Christianity and represents a fertility cult. In fact,

the image has ancient origins and is to be found in the art of Iraq and The Lebanon in the second century, France in the fourth century, and Jerusalem in the eleventh century. Some Green Man carvings are heads surrounded by foliage but most have branches and vines sprouting from the nostrils, mouth or eyes.

The design was probably spread by travelling stone masons and originally was described as a ‘disgorging foliate head motif.’ In 1939, Lady Raglan wrote an article in an edition of Folklore entitled ‘The Green Man in Church Architecture’. It has been said that this was the origin of the term Green Man but in fact the Green Man had been a central figure in May Day celebrations for some time before. A man would be put inside a wicker frame covered with leaves and flowers with just his face showing through a gap in the vegetation. He would be sometimes called Jack in the Green, Robin Hood or the King of the May. A number of

nineteenth century inns were called the Green Man and had a foliate head as their pub sign.

There is little evidence to directly link the Green Man carvings and rituals to pagan origins. Some maintain that the origins of the Green Man imagery relate to the legend that Seth, the son of Adam planted seeds under the tongue of his dead father and the tree that grew from the seeds became the tree of the true cross of the crucifixion.

Whatever its origins, if you glance upwards as you enter many of our churches and cathedrals you will see an image of the Green Man, many dating back to medieval times. They are frequently found on

roof bosses at the junction of beams, the tops of stone columns, wooden screens or on the tilting seats called misericords found in church and cathedral choirstalls. A local example can be found on a fifteenth century roof boss in St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge. Other local examples can be seen in Salisbury Cathedral, Wimborne Minster and Winchester Cathedral. A Green Man in a domestic dwelling can be seen on the roof beams of what is now the Cotswold Outdoor shop in Queen Street, Salisbury. A particularly good example, carved in stone, can be seen in All Saints Church, Sutton Benger in Wiltshire.

My invitation to the Coronation was, I suspect, lost in the post but if you did have one you would have noticed that at the bottom of it was an image of the Green Man.

Images show the misericords in the choir stalls at Salisbury Cathedral

Blandford Hidden Gardens

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Blandford Hidden Gardens on Sunday 25 June provides an opportunity not only to visit over 20 private gardens, but also to explore parts of the unique Georgian town not often seen by visitors.

Proceeds from ticket sales go to local charities chosen by the organisers, the Blandford Environmental Trust, and those opening their gardens can also raise funds for a charity or organisation of their choice by offering refreshments or plants for sale.

The event, sponsored by Colten Care, runs

from 11am to 5pm. Tickets allow entry to all of the gardens, and their locations are listed on the tickets themselves. They will be on sale from Blandford Information Centre and Blandford Town Museum from 12 June onwards. Since the event was first held in 2008, Blandford’s Hidden Gardens has raised over £25,000 for charitable causes.

To find out more, go to Facebook @Blandford Environmental Trust.

Blandford celebrated the Coronation on Sunday 7 May with a Big Lunch at the Corn Exchange when members of Blandford Evening WI turned out to help the town council serve refreshments as part of the weekend of celebrations. The following weekend, the WI held their own party with a Coronation cream tea at their monthly meeting.

Contemporary art at Salisbury Cathedral

To Be Free, the latest contemporary art exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral showcases the work of six leading artists in a show that explores freedom.

Cornelia Parker’s Magna Carta (An Embroidery), a 13-metre-long installation depicting the Magna Carta Wikipedia pages, is an act of democracy in its making. Over two hundred people, including civil rights campaigners, MPs, lawyers, barons, artists and prison inmates hand-stitched sections of the work.

Yinka Shonibare’s Justice For All, stood at the cathedral’s West End, is a reimagining of the statue on top of the Old Bailey. First exhibited in the UK in 2020 in response to George Floyd’s death, the work demands justice for everyone, regardless of race, religion or geography.

In some cases, the artists themselves have seen freedom challenged at first hand. Ai Weiwei’s Free Speech Puzzle 2015, placed opposite the Prisoners of Conscience window, resembles a map of China. Each ceramic piece carries hand-painted Chinese characters reading ‘free speech.’

Other work includes Mona Hatoum’s Map (mobile) 2019, a challenge to ideas of ownership and freedom; paintings by Lucy Jones exploring gender, age and disability; and Jeffrey Gibson’s large textile work They Want to be Free 2021, a reflection on his ChoctawCherokee heritage.

Free with cathedral admission, the exhibition runs until 17 September.

History of Exbury Gardens

Fordingbridge and District

Horticultural Society recently learnt about the history of Exbury Gardens from head gardener Tom Clarke. The gardens were created in 1919 by Lionel de Rothschild, who bought a large plot of land and began planting an informal woodland garden that worked with nature, beginning with leaving in place the ancient oak trees already on the site.

From 1920 to 1940, he remodelled the house and garden with the help of 150 workmen and 70 gardeners. Lionel particularly enjoyed creating new varieties of plant and travelled long distances to collect pollen from friends’ gardens. Today, there are just 10 gardeners looking after 24,000 plants which are all recorded on their database. As well as 13,000 rhododendrons, there are all kinds of trees and shrubs, some very rare, as well as bulbs and wildflower meadows.

The society will next meet on 26 June when Maria Tidy will give a talk on the History of Cherry Tree Nursery.

Magna Carta (An Embroidery) by Cornelia Parker © Finnbarr Webster

Coronation prize for Wimborne environmental champion

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

If anyone deserved a seat at the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, it had to be Linda Bunting, whose name was put forward by a number of people in Wimborne as a champion for the huge amount of work she does for the local environment.

On 19 April, she received an email from the Royal Voluntary Service to say that she was one of 500 people who would receive two tickets for the spectacular event.

The email stated that entry was incredibly high and 5,000 nominations were received.

Linda is involved with a breathtaking amount of environmental organisations.

She is a member of the Wimborne Minster church environmental group, which has won the silver Eco award and is aiming for gold.

Linda is also involved with the local Donate IT.

“We have received 215 kilos of IT equipment. And I am particularly pleased that five laptops we received last October have gone to Dorset HealthCare for children with type 1 diabetes, so that they can access an app to monitor their condition,” said Linda.

She is a volunteer with Dorset Wildlife Trust and helps out at Brownsea.

In a citation, Tony Bates, president of DWT said: “Whilst her prime role includes giving

excellent and informative talks on behalf of Dorset Wildlife Trusts, she provides valuable help to the team in planning and helping to deliver major events such as Wild about Hengistbury and Wild about Poole. Linda totally encapsulates everything about being a dedicated and highly valuable volunteer for the trust.”

Linda also monitors Riverfly on the River Allen – this is to protect the water quality of this important chalk stream.

She is an ambassador for Wimborne Win on Waste which collects a huge variety of items such as bras, biscuit wrappers and broken pens once a month at Wimborne Methodist Church, with the next event being from 10.30am to 12 noon on 8 July. The organisation has been in operation for 10 years.

Linda is also a director of Wimborne War on Waste and founder of Wimborne Repair Café with Charley Smith. Bring along your items to the Methodist Church Hall on the third Saturday of the month.

“So far, 60 items have been

repaired and it’s a lovely atmosphere, so I would encourage people to come along,” said Linda.

And there’s more – as Linda is the chairman of Wilding Wimborne and is hugely proud that Wimborne was awarded Bee Friendly town status by the Bee Friendly Trust.

“Since October, 650 saplings have been planted on the SANGs at Dogdean and Stourview adjacent to Dreamboats,” Linda said.

She is also chairman of Planet Wimborne, which is a one stop shop for environmental groups and on the calendar is the Green Festival which will be held in Wimborne from 14-21 October.

How were Linda’s green credentials honed?

“I was brought up at a 10acre nursery in Surrey and have always loved nature,” she said.

She went on to become a senior manager in financial services, where she organised the green team.

“We encouraged wildlife on the site with bat boxes, bird

boxes and flower meadows. It was a high-pressure job and it gave us much needed relief,” she said.

Married to John with a daughter and a grandson, she retired in June 2014 and signed up to Dorset Wildlife Trust three months later. She received a key volunteer award in 2017.

Of the experience at the Windsor concert she said: “It took us one and a half hours to get through security and then we found we had seats in the front row. It was brilliant. We were given neon bracelets with different colours that were controlled by the organisers.

“The flying of the drones and the whole atmosphere was just amazing.”

Linda is modest about the achievements that led her to being recognised for her green credentials.

“I can’t take all the credit as hundreds of people are involved with green organisations in Wimborne,” she said.

Linda and her husband John at the concert

The Coronation pin

School hosts afternoon tea

Guests of honour from the local community were invited to a Coronation afternoon tea event at Moyles Court School in Ringwood.

Guests from Branksome Heights Care Home, Moors Manor Care Home, Oakdene Care Home, St Ives Country House Care Home and the Oasis Bereavement Support Group were treated to musical performances by the students while enjoying tea and scones with jam and clotted cream.

Mr Richard Milner-Smith, headmaster of Moyles Court School, said: “It has been a fantastic afternoon and we are not only extremely proud of our children for the way in which they have performed and help serve the afternoon tea, but to also be able to serve the local community that we so enjoy being part of.

“It has been a delight and my sincere thanks to our PTA, The Friends of Moyles Court, for helping to put on such a brilliant event.”

Financial help for adults in crisis

Diverse Abilities has received a grant of £48,000 to fund support for adults with disabilities to access financial help.

The grant has been issued from Nationwide Building Society as part of its Community Grants programme.

The funding will enable Diverse Abilities’ Advice service to employ an advisor to provide support for adults with disabilities to obtain, renew or appeal Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and other vital benefits people rely on. The already high need for this service has further increased due to the current cost of living crisis.

Elaine Ewing, advice service manager, Diverse Abilities said: “Not

having assistance with the notoriously complex benefit processes means that people can miss out on benefits that they’re entitled to. These benefits are essential towards their living costs and result in them facing the risk of homelessness.

“Thanks to the amazing support from Nationwide Building Society we will be able to reach people earlier before they are at crisis point. We hope that being able to access our service will make people feel supported and less isolated.”

The project will support any adult with any disability, or family with a disabled child who are facing financial difficulty and/or eviction.

Funding for anti-ASB projects

Grants are being made available to organisations for projects and initiatives that reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and/or increase public feeling of safety in areas disproportionately affected by ASB.

Applications from £100 up to £5,000 are welcomed, and projects must address ASB issues in Dorset and have a local focus. Previously funded projects ranged from skateboarding sessions and gym membership to CCTV and undertaking community outreach work.

To apply, visit www.dorset.pcc.police.uk

Faces behind West Moors businesses

inception in 1987.

Originally inspired by the pedal car races held in Ringwood’s twin town of PontAudemer in Normandy, the hair-raising, two-hour endurance event will take place on Sunday 16 July, when Ringwood will see more than 40 pedal-powered racing cars zooming around the town centre on a street-circuit that will test each team’s pedalling prowess and engineering skills.

Most teams build their own car – the more competitive participants will be aiming for maximum speed while, for others, entertaining the crowd is far more important.

The event is designed for fun, as much for spectators as participants. Local competitors will be joined by teams from around the country, and even mainland Europe.

Spectators can make their way around the course to watch the race from different angles. As each team is made up of four pedallers who are able to change over as many times as they like, the pit lane provides a particularly exciting and entertaining place from which to watch the race. Teams can also include a team mechanic and a pusher.

The event raises money for local charities through sponsorship and is organised by a team of volunteers including members of Ringwood & District Round Table. Usually, two or three charities are chosen, with the aim to benefit a cross-section of the Ringwood community.

To enter, go to: https://britishpedalcargrandprix.org/shop/

Any business interested in becoming a sponsor should visit www.britishpedalcargrandprix.org/sponsors

Photos © CatchBox 2022

you need to know What Schedule

10am – all roads along the route closed, and the cars assemble at The Furlong

1pm – course opens for practise laps

2.30pm – the pedal cars assemble at Star Lane for the start of the race

2.30pm – the entrants will take a parade lap around the course

3pm – the race begins

5pm – the race concludes

5.15pm – trophy and medal presentations

The route

The race starts and ends in Market Place and follows a route along the High Street, Southampton Road, Meeting House Lane and The Furlong. The pit lanes are situated on Market Place and Meeting House Lane.

The rules

Teams comprise up to four members, plus a pusher. They are also allowed to have a mechanic present in the pit lane, but this team member is not allowed to pedal or push.

There are no restrictions on the number of laps a team member may do at any one time.

Drivers may only change over in the team’s designated pit lane, and must not do so until the car has stopped. Overtaking is not allowed in the pit lane, and cars exiting the pit lane must give way to cars already on the track. The team pusher must make sure the

coast is clear before pushing off.

Drivers are able to hold a racing line, but should keep to one side of the track on straights, leaving room for overtaking. Cars being lapped should keep out of the way if possible, although it is the driver of the faster car’s responsibility to overtake safely. Dangerous overtaking manoeuvres may incur a verbal warning, lap penalties or even disqualification. A pedal car that breaks down may be pushed back to the pit lane by its driver for repair. Other team members are not allowed to help recover the car, although marshals may assist, should safety be an issue. If a marshal considers a car to be too dangerous to continue, they will remove it from the race. Helmets are compulsory for all participants. Other safety equipment, such as knee or elbow pads and gloves are recommended.

If you are planning to come to the Pedal Car Grand Prix in Ringwood as a spectator, this is what you need to know.

Sights set on a podium finish

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

In 2022, Viewpoint magazine chatted with Darryl Tate, a firsttime full participant in the race, having previously been a reserve. I caught up with him again to see if he got the bug and find out his hopes for this year’s race. Which team are you part of this year?

I’ll be team captain of HPS Dredfull Racing, using the same car as last year. Our previous captain, Phil Walsh is heading up Dredfull Racing 2 in a new car. So, bit of Redbull/ AlphaTauri vibes going on. Who are your team mates this year?

I am joined by Kevin Lott and new comer Adam Pugh who is an HPS customer and locally known bathroom installer. Where did the team place last year, and what are your ambitions for this year?

Last year, we came second, but with four members in the team. This year, there are only three of us at the moment, although

Phil and I have discussed a bit of team tactics with swapping drivers between teams. The plan this year is to finish with both cars on the podium.

Have you made any adaptations to the car this year?

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The car has a proven track record so no upgrades or changes have been made. What preparations have you made for the race?

I personally have been a bit slack on preparation this year, although Kevin and I completed a local sprint triathlon recently. Adam is busy munching miles out on his road bike when he can. What would be the high and low points of previous events?

The heat was lovely for the crowds last year but a real killer for the drivers, so we’re hoping for sunshine with a little less heat this year. Coming in second was a great achievement though, considering the temperatures.

Are you personally involved in the race in any other ways?

As a local plumbing and heating merchant, I am sponsoring the race itself and will have banners around the track as per last year. If people mention the advert when they come in they will get a special Pedal Car discount on their new bathroom.

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

Avo flaming good time

If your idea of making a barbeque that little bit healthier is a potato salad on the side, why not try something different and include avocado on the menu?

The World Avocado Organization (WAO) suggests barbecuing avocados for a unique and delicious twist on the traditional barbecue menu. As well as being delicious, avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats and essential vitamins and minerals.

Barbecuing avocados is a simple process. Simply cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and brush with a little bit of oil. Place the avocado halves flesh-side down on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear. Then, flip the avocado over and fill the cavity with your favourite toppings such as grilled shrimp, salsa, or cheese.

Or try this recipe for something a bit different.

Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Veggie skewers

Ingredients

• 24 medium or large shrimp, uncooked, peeled, deveined

• 3 firm avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and cut in 24 pieces

• 1 small red onion, cut into 16 pieces

• 1 medium yellow or red bell pepper, halved, seeded and cut into 16 pieces

• 24 cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 cup salsa fresca, homemade or store-bought, divided

• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

• Preheat the BBQ. Arrange three shrimp, three pieces avocado, two pieces onion, two pieces pepper and three tomatoes onto metal skewers. Repeat to create eight skewers.

• Combine 1/4 cup salsa, lime juice and olive oil. Brush over skewers to coat.

• Barbeque 8 to 10 minutes until shrimp is cooked through and vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.

• Transfer to serving platter and serve with remaining salsa.

Recipe and image courtesy of Fresh Avocados Love One Today®

www.thewatercresscompany.com

Protected food names

You probably know that some food names – think champagne, parma ham, Cornish pasties or bakewell tarts – are protected, but did you know that Dorset has some protected foods of its own?

Watercress is one such traditional food in Dorset and the South West. The region is home to the watercress industry, with several of the largest growers based here. Between them they supply the majority of all watercress sold in UK supermarkets.

Watercress using ‘Nasturtium Officinale seeds’ has been grown in flowing water to a traditional production method used for over 200 years. Recently, this industry came under threat from cheaper imports of landcress being passed off as watercress.

Other cresses may look similar but are not produced in the same way, and do not have the same characteristic ‘peppery’ taste or contain the same levels of nutrients. To counter this, the industry came together and successfully applied for the name ‘watercress’ to be protected and it was awarded the status of ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’.

Other foods produced in Dorset that are protected include Dorset Blue Cheese, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese, West Country Beef and Lamb, and the newly registered New Forest Pannage Ham made from pigs that are fattened up on acorns whilst roaming the New Forest.

There are three different types of protection. These are Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG). You can recognise protected food as it must carry an appropriate logo.

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Artificial rockpools help marine species survive

A series of artificial, concrete rockpools, bolted onto harbour walls in Poole and the Isle of Wight have provided a safe habitat for an abundance of marine life.

As part of a larger project to improve coastal ecosystems, a team from Bournemouth University installed 114 of the artificial rockpools – shaped like a typical bathroom sink – across three sites in 2020 and monitored them for two years.

The findings show that this could be an effective way to improve coastal ecosystems by helping nature to thrive in urban ports and harbours.

Jess Bone, PhD researcher at Bournemouth University, said: “As our coastlines become more developed, marine species are seeing their natural habitats replaced by sea defences which are harder to colonise. Sea level rise is also compounding the problem and is squeezing their habitats into smaller and smaller spaces. We wanted to see if giving them more rockpools could offer them a lifeline in the face of these challenges.”

Rockpools retain water during low tide which creates a vital refuge for marine life, providing shelter, food and a nursery habitat. Mobile species like fish and prawns can remain safely immersed in water in the rockpools when the tide goes out.

Jess and the team have spotted 65 different species making use of the 45 artificial rockpools installed on a seawall at Sandbanks, including the protected native oyster Ostrea edulis. Other species found include crabs, barnacles, molluscs, small fish, sea squirts and 25 types of seaweed.

This compares to 40 species that were found in whatever cracks and crevices they could find on the harbour wall.

Jess said: “This project has shown how rockpools can help us to ensure nature can continue to survive in urban coastal spaces. They also give residents a chance to connect with nature, learning more about the wealth of wildlife just off the harbour’s edge and the role it plays in preserving our natural environment.”

PhD student Jess Bone (left) working on the sustainability project

Memorial event for hospice

Forest Holme Hospice will be holding its annual memorial event – Tie A Yellow Ribbon – at Poole Park this year.

The free event will take place in the park on Saturday 17 June between midday and 3pm and is open to everyone, not just those who have lost a loved one at Forest Holme.

It will be an opportunity for the community across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck to come together to remember their loved ones and write a dedication and tie a yellow ribbon, with the ribbons then being returned to the hospice garden for the remainder of the summer. There will also be stalls and a performance by the Citrus Singers choir. For details, see www. forestholmehospice.enthuse. com/cf/tie-a-yellow-ribbon

Gardens to be opened in aid of Wimborne in Bloom

There is no better way to spend a Sunday in June than visiting other people’s gardens. And visitors to the Wimborne area will have the chance to visit 23 of them at the Wimborne in Bloom Open Gardens Day on 25 June. Open from 11am to 5pm, you pay £7.50 at the first garden visited. Start at any garden and in any order and they will be well signposted throughout the town. Teas are available at some of the gardens. The gardens open are: 17 and 24 West Borough; Wimborne Community Garden, School Lane; 45 and 47 Blind Lane; ‘Mayfield’ 4 Walford Close; 10 Elizabeth Road, 7 Byron Road; 11c Oakley Hill; 1 Coppercourt Leaze, Poole Road; ‘Wits End Corner’; 34 Park Lane; 6 Rowlands Hill; ‘Trumpeters’ 25 West Street; 6 and 41 Julian’s Road; 4 Redcotts Road; 7 Bourne Court; ‘Hollybank House’ North Leigh Lane, Colehill; 54 Beaucroft Lane; 11 Colborne Avenue, Colehill; 1 Leigh Lane, Colehill; ‘Pencoed’, Furzehill and 6 Smugglers Lane, Furzehill.

Cycle for people living with cancer

Cyclists are being encouraged to support people living with cancer by joining Macmillan’s 100mile bike ride through Dorset on Sunday 2 July. If 100 miles is too far for you, there are shorter distances of 63, 48, and 38 miles available. All routes start in Corfe Mullen and head towards Blandford beside the River Stour, and cyclists can even choose which route they would like to ride on the day depending on how fit they are feeling. Each route has its own refreshment stops at regular intervals, and on hand is support from bike mechanics and the post ride physio.

Poole Wheelers cyclist, Pete Robinson, who is fighting cancer himself, rode the 100 miles in 2022 and raised £1,895 which made him the top fundraiser of the year. Pete plans to take on the 100 miles again, and said: “I find cycling is helping me in my own battle with cancer and I’m keen to use my passion for cycling to help others affected by the disease.”

Macmillan helps people with cancer from the time of diagnosis through treatments and beyond. It also provides cancer information, support and grants for those in financial difficulty.

To enter, visit the website: www.macmillanbikeride.co.uk

Pete Robinson completing the 2022 ride

Events

17 June 11am-5pm

Ferndown Fete on the Field, King George V Playing Field. Free entry.

17 June noon-6pm

Harry Paye Day on Poole Quay. Free event.

19 June 7.30pm

Colehill Floral Arrangement

Club meets at Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road, Visitors welcome. Admission £5. Contact 01202 610902.

20 June 10.30am-12noon

Bring your own knitting, crochet or embroidering to an informal craft session. Third Tuesday of the month at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle DT11 7DW. Tel 01258 452075.

24 June 10-3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, 41-44, Kings Street, Wimborne, BH21 1EA. Free admission.

24-25 June

Shake & Stir Vintage Musical Festival at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QT. Free event. Open 25 June 117pm and 26 June 11-5pm.

24 June 7.30pm

Wimborne Choral Society

Concert ‘Elijah’ in Wimborne Minster. Tickets from 01202 603569 or Square Records.

24 June 7.30pm

Bryn Haworth, rock, country and gospel blues guitarist in concert at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown BH22 9EU. Tickets £6 from St Mary’s Church office or call 01202 897087.

24 June 2.30pm

Bee-friendly gardening tour and talk in the walled garden in the Museum of East Dorset. Tickets £9. https:// museumofeastdorset.co.uk/ project/bee-friendly-gardening-2/

25 June 1pm

Garden Party at Brackenwood, God’s Blessing Green, Holt, BH21 7DD. In aid of MS Centre West Parley. Wheelchair access, dogs welcome on lead. Contact Fay on 01202 885685.

25 June 11am-5pm

23 gardens open in aid of Wimborne in Bloom. Details on www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk

25 June

The Purbeck Plod with choice of a 25 mile, 16 mile or 12 mile event starting from Swanage Pier. To download an application form see “Purbeck Plod” at www. eastdorsetramblers.org.uk

27 June 11am-12noon

Reminiscence at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle, DT11 7DW (fourth Tuesday of the month). Info 01258 452075

28 June 7pm

Organ Recital at Wimborne Methodist Church 4a King Street Wimborne by David Warwick. Tickets £10 from Wimborne Methodist Coffee Lounge or at the door on the night.

2 July 12noon- 4.30pm

Family fun day in Broadstone at Broadstone Recreation Ground off Lower Blandford Road.

3 July 10am-12noon

Every Monday drop in for a warm welcome and a free cuppa at Blandford Library, The Tabernacle DT11 7DW. 01258 452075

3 July 10am

Wimborne Minster WI meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall. Contact Jill Haywood on 01202 888194

6 July 7.15-9.15pm

Ferndown & District Historical Society meet in the Longham Room at The Barrington Centre. Visitors welcome at £4.

6 July 1.30-3.30pm

The Ferndown COPD Support Group meets every first Thursday of each month at the Ferndown Day Centre BH22 9JP.

8 July 12-4pm

Westival in West Moors at Fryer Field. Includes over 50 stalls, alpacas and ferret racing. Details Annie Fawcett 01202 861044.

12 July 6.30-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Details www.bournemouthjazzclub.org

15 July doors open 5.45pm for 6.30pm start Sisata open air performance of The Tempest in the garden of the Museum of East Dorset. Bookings on www. museumofeastdorset.co.uk

REVIEW: Pressure – Wimborne Drama Productions – Tivoli Theatre

By Marilyn Barber

The weather is vital for the success of so many events, but none more so than the largest ever amphibious land invasion –Operation Overlord.

Scheduled for 5 June 1944 on the expert advice of Group Captain James Stagg it was postponed until 6 June because of impending bad weather – and the rest, as they say, is history. This play by David Haig required a lot from the actors who had to remember complex weather reports.

Richard Cawte as Stagg was the hero of the piece in more ways than one. He embodied the serious Scot who not only had to persuade the Americans that he was right about unexpected weather fronts, but he also had to contend with worries about the health of his pregnant wife. A superb performance from Richard.

Equally, Chris Durham was totally believable in the demanding part of General Eisenhower with Sali Pike providing just the right measure of emotion as the strong character Kay Summersby.

Not only did these three leading actors put in polished performances, but also the other members of the cast were supremely convincing in their roles. They were Rob Cording-Cook as Andrew, Tony Feltham as Colonel Krick, Gary Paine as both Admiral Ramsay and an amusing electrician, Simon Jackson as Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Richard Scotson as both General Spaatz and Commander Franklin, with smaller roles by James Bourner as Hamilton, Andy Gill as Captain Johns/ Lieutenant Battersby and Kelly Webb as the secretary.

Director Richard Neal can congratulate himself on a triumph.

Broadstone family fun day

On Sunday 2 July, there will be a family fun day in Broadstone. The event will start at midday and will feature stalls, games, bouncy castles and displays including a donkey derby, classic cars and the Waggy Tails Dog Show. This will be the only dog show the charity is running this year. Refreshments will also be available.

The fun day will take place at Broadstone Recreation Ground off Lower Blandford Road from 12noon until 4.30pm.

New nature reserve in Dorset

A new nature reserve was opened on 7 May to provide an ecological space for walking, cycling, birdwatching and fishing as well as a range of different ecological habitats for wildlife.

Knighton Reserve, which borders Warmwell and Crossways, forms part of the Silverlake estate, a private ecological luxury holiday home estate built around lakes, woodlands and heathlands.

Wildlife

The 15.5-hectare Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) has been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of wildlife species, including dormice, smooth snake, great crested newts and the silver-studded blue butterfly. It is made up of acid grassland, broadleaved woodland, wet woodlands, scrubs, waterbodies, lakeside beeches and reed beds.

Dog walking

Four designated dog-friendly circular walking routes, ranging from one to four kilometres provide pathways through the reserve. There is also Pooch’s Place, a one-kilometre walk set aside as the only area where dogs are allowed off-lead. This area includes a dog splash pond and dog

swimming area in an enclosed area of one of the three lakes.

Birdwatching

Throughout the reserve are allocated birdwatching viewing posts. The Silverlake Estate becomes home to dozens of local and migrating species throughout the year, including some red and amber listed species, such as Woodlarks, Nightjars and Scaup. Large flocks of geese, waders, ducks and gulls can be spotted. And in the skies above the SANG birds of prey can be seen hovering and soaring in the breeze. Sand Martins can be found in the purpose-built boxes on Sand Martin Bank in the summer. Walking around the reserve, keen twitchers will also be able to spot House Martins, Swifts, Woodlarks, Skylarks, various warblers, Whitethroats and Black Caps.

Horse riders

Running around the edge of the SANG is a bridleway that joins with local riding routes, which also cuts through Silverlake’s scattering of residential villages.

Anglers

In the centre of the SANG are two fishing lakes exclusively for the use of members of the onsite Angler’s Club. Within the lakes, anglers will find mirror and common carp, perch, bream, roach, hybrids and rudd.

Public access

Visitors to Knighton Reserve are asked to respect the fact that they are visitors in the home of natural wildlife and take all litter with them, or use the bins provided, as well as keeping dogs on leads in all areas, other than Pooch’s Place.

Will Vicary, director of

Land and Planning for Habitat First Group which owns and manages the Silverlake Estate and Knighton Reserve says: “The primary purpose of our SANG at Silverlake is to provide a space for wildlife to thrive in its natural habitat. We are delighted to be able to open this space up to the local community. Open space is incredibly important for mental health and we hope that people will come and enjoy the space, but ask everyone to understand that we all have a responsibility to protect the animals, insects and plant life that have made the SANG their home.”

Sika deer © Mike Elliot Photography

Drive safely in the sun

UK drivers are being urged to check their sunglasses before getting behind the wheel to avoid hefty fines and penalty points.

As glaring sunlight can make driving a challenge, many people choose to wear sunglasses. However, the tint can vary in strength and some may not be suitable for driving if they leave drivers unable to detect dangers on the road.

Sunglasses are labelled with a ranking from zero to four in order to determine their strength. The average pair of sunglasses is categorised as a number two, with a marginal tint and transmitting 18-43 per cent light. These are recommended for daytime driving.

Category four sunglasses have a very dark tint and can’t be worn in the evenings by motorists, even after a day of sunshine.

Meanwhile, small fashion glasses can cause issues for drivers as they are often designed as an accessory and do not provide any real protection from the sun’s rays.

Avoid fines and penalties

Seemingly innocent driving acts could see drivers landed with fines or penalties, and could even see them disqualified in extreme cases.

From flashing other vehicles to warn of speed cameras up ahead or getting angry behind the wheel, there are laws which could land motorists in hot water. And many driving acts commonly seen on British roads could actually be breaches of the Highway Code.

Beware of the following:

Throwing out apple cores

Throwing an old apple core out of the window could result in an on-the-spot fine of up to £150. It is classed as littering, even if the item is biodegradable or an animal comes along and eats it.

Smoking

Smoking whilst driving itself is not illegal, however, motorists distracted behind the wheel whilst smoking could be fined £100 for careless driving with three points on their licence. It is against the law to smoke in the car whilst carrying passengers under the age of 18.

Swearing

Getting excessively angry whilst driving may be classified as disorderly conduct, potentially resulting in hefty fines of up to £1,000 for offensive hand gestures or verbal swearing.

Driving with pets

The Highway Code states all animals must be suitably restrained to not distract the driver – failure to do so could result in a £5,000 fine.

Flashing headlights

Don’t be tempted to warn others about speed cameras or police up ahead, as this could carry a penalty of £1,000. Headlights should only be flashed to warn other cars of your presence.

Holding your mobile

Using or touching your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel comes with a fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban. The ban also extends to holding any device which can connect to the internet, even if not actually using it.

Source: www.leasecar.uk

Volunteer gardener David Dawson and his book ‘Forest Holme Flowers’. The book tells how David and his fellow volunteer gardeners have dedicated time to transform Forest Holme Hospice’s garden for patients and their families. Proceeds from the book will be donated to the hospice. To buy a copy, call 01202 670644 or email fundraising@ forestholmehospice.org.uk

Top tips for tall sunflowers

The sight of sunflowers towering in the garden is a popular one, especially as family and friends compete to grow the tallest one.

If you fancy trying your hand at growing sunflowers this year, these tips from Vine House Farm will give you a head start. Get the soil just right Sunflowers are particularly hungry plants; they need a lot of nutrients to grow their bright petals and seeds, particularly if you’re growing larger varieties. Your soil should be nutrientrich. If you’ve planted straight into the ground, it’s advisable to dig in organic matter or aged manure. If this isn’t possible, work a slow-release fertiliser into the ground.

Watering Sunflowers need different amounts of water depending on which stage of the growing process they are in. For example, germinating sunflower seeds need more

water than established plants.

Sunflowers planted outside need to be kept moist, with rainfall and irrigation. The three weeks after they have bloomed are the most important for keeping them watered, as this will develop the thickness of their stems. Be wary of the soil dampness after rainfall and add more water if it is too dry during periods of low precipitation.

Stake big breeds

Not all sunflowers need to be staked. However, some tall varieties that are likely to be exposed to frequent winds can benefit from being supported, to prevent them from falling down.

To stake a sunflower, you can tie it to a cane, solid stick or fence. Use a thin piece of twine to attach the stake to the stem of the sunflower, tying the two with a figure of eight motion. If needed, attach it in a few different areas along the height of the stem.

Keep bugs away

A number of garden pests are attracted to sunflowers (and their seeds).

As their stems and large leaves develop, thistle caterpillars and weevils can become an issue. To stop these, place coffee grounds around the base of flowers. Many of these pests do not like to smell or texture and will be deterred.

Try planting strong-smelling companion plants to deter a host of insects – particularly slugs, snails and caterpillars. Lavender, mint, rosemary, fennel, onions, garlic or geraniums are all great options.

Boosting your home’s value

If you are considering selling your home, you’ll want to enhance its value as much as possible. These expert recommendations focus on practical and effective strategies:

Enhance energy efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient not only reduces utility bills but also boosts its value. Consider investing in energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances. You can also explore options like solar panels, a smart thermostat, or a tankless water heater to increase energy efficiency, leading to long-term savings and improved resale value.

Improve kerb appeal

The first impression matters, and the exterior of your home sets the tone for potential buyers. Enhancing your home’s kerb appeal can increase its value by up to 10 per cent.

Simple steps like applying a fresh coat of paint to windows and doors, adding vibrant flowers or refreshing the grass, and maintaining the exterior will make your home more visually appealing. Installing outdoor lighting, updating the front door and replacing worsefor-wear numbers or names can also enhance its overall attractiveness.

Consider adding an extension

If you have the space and budget, adding an extension can significantly increase your home’s value. Each square metre of property space in the UK is worth approximately £2,907 on average. Thus, even a small extension can add considerable value. While costs may vary depending on factors such as size, materials, and permits, a well-planned extension can offer both functional benefits and a higher property value.

Convert existing rooms

Converting an existing room into a bedroom is a costeffective way to boost your home’s value. Whether it’s a spare room, home office, or storage space, transforming it into a bedroom can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Adding an extra bedroom to a twobedroom semi-detached house, for instance, can increase the property’s value by 20 per cent. This option often requires less investment and effort compared to adding an extension.

Prioritise maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for preserving your home’s value. Ensure your property is well-maintained, addressing structural issues promptly and keeping it free from pests. Perform routine maintenance on appliances, clean gutters regularly, and check for leaks. Staying proactive in maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also keeps your home in optimal condition.

If you plan to embark on

significant renovations or investments, it is important to consult with qualified professionals before you start. Their expertise can help align your plans with your budget, timeline, and goals.

Tips from www.landc.co.uk

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Bishop’s Pond open day

Visitors enjoyed an open Day at Fordingbridge’s Bishop’s Pond in April. The event, held by Fordingbridge Conservation Group, enabled visitors to see the signs of spring and take part in activities including pond dipping.

Green pledges at eco fair

In a bid to tackle climate change and encourage biodiversity, The Furlong shopping centre hosted the Ringwood Eco Fair on 20 May. Businesses, community groups and regional charities (Hampshire Wildlife Trust, National Parks Authority and CPRE) came together during the event to educate customers about making sustainable shopping choices and encourage long-term lifestyle behaviour changes.

Organisers from RACE (Ringwood Actions for Climate Change) gave away 50 dwarf fruit trees in return for hundreds of pledges from the community to make small but significant changes in their daily habits.

Children got involved with activities such as building bug hotels, trying vegan food and leaf art.

Godshill WI

Godshill WI elected a new committee at its recent AGM, with president Anne Dobson to remain at the helm for another year.

Each year, the WI launches a campaign selected by members from a list of current topics. Godshill WI decided to advocate for clean rivers for people and wildlife. Following lively debate amongst members, there was unanimous agreement to support the resolution.

After the business of the AGM, tea and cakes were served and members celebrating their birthdays in May received flowers.

Godshill WI meets on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month at Godshill Village Hall. New members are welcome, with the first meeting free of charge. For details, contact Anne Dobson on 01425 657664 or by email ajhap.dobson@btinternet. com; Anne Thomas by email thomasstreet12@ outlook.com or Marlene Williams by email marlene. williams3@btinternet.com.

Biodiversity is being encouraged in the pond and woodland areas, and bluebells, cowslips, primroses, wood anemones, wild garlic and lady’s smock/cuckoo flowers were all in bloom. While not yet warm enough for butterflies, bees and beetles were busily going about their business.

Meanwhile, pond dippers found a wide variety of species of aquatic life including mayfly and water-beetle larvae, pond snail, freshwater worm and the freshwater shrimp daphnia and cyclops.

The highlight was finding several palmate newts which had most likely survived the cold weather by hiding in the nearby hibernaculum (an underground shelter, constructed last summer).

Visitors are welcome to explore the conservation site on any of the working party sessions, and volunteers are always welcome. The next working parties are scheduled for:

June: Saturday 17, Sunday 25

July: Monday 3, Saturday

15, Sunday 23

August: Monday 7, Saturday

19, Sunday 27

Evening sessions are 7-9pm, while weekend sessions are 2-4pm, and will take place weather permitting.

REVIEW: Odd Man In –Broadstone Players Theatre Company

By Marilyn Barber

Three actors who are new to the players made an impressive debut in this rather good comedy.

Adapted by Robin Maugham from a French play by Claude Magnier it tells the story of a married couple whose life is invaded by a stranger who bursts into their remote cottage.

Kerry Stevenson impressed as Jane Maxwell in the first moments of the play as she was so expressiveand yet natural - and she maintained this throughout the ensuing chaos as the fickle wife.

Her involvement with several productions over the years has certainly stood her in good stead.

And it was difficult to believe that her real-life partner Ben Marshall - who played her husband George –had never acted before as he put in a good well-rounded performance.

The third member of the cast Zach Braid provided a good deal of amusement as Mervn Browne, the interloper, and I hope he won’t be offended if I suggest that he would be perfect for upper class roles in period dramas. His body language and facial expressions added a great deal of humour to this fun play.

As always, this group provided an excellent stage set, and congratulations to Alyssa ThompsonMitchell for this was just her second go at directing.

Churchill raises more than £2m in eight years

Churchill Retirement Living’s charity Churchill Foundation has raised more than £2 million since it was set up in 2015.

In total, the foundation has supported over 300 different charities since its creation. Larger charity partners to have benefited over the years include Macmillan Cancer Support (£660K), Walking With The Wounded (£184K), The Silver Line (£49K), Hope For Food (£55K), End Youth Homelessness (£75K), WellChild (£57K), James Place (£52K), Dallaglio Rugby Works (£77K) and Child Line (£20K).

Merriment at maths day

A whole day of maths may not appeal to everyone, but a recent maths activity day at Hanford School was planned in such a way that it was hugely enjoyed by all.

Head of Mathematics, Mark McSweeney, and his team set challenges and the pupils rose to the challenge.

Year 8 set up virtual investment companies, buying and selling jewels and following the market. Year 7 pupils became entrepreneurs, setting up small businesses running ice cream vans – and, of course, sampling the products. Year 6 learned to use semaphore coding while Year 5 explored the art of Piet Mondrian which involved careful use of straight lines and right angles. The youngest pupils worked as greengrocers, weighing and categorising vegetables in preparation for creating nutritious packages for potential customers.

Clara, in Year 8, said: “It was a really fun experience and it was educational.” Blanca added: “It was so much fun and showed us how to work in teams.”

Learn more about Brownsea

Construction work has started on The Lookout, which will help visitors to Brownsea Island find out more about its natural heritage.

The building will house a wildlife observatory which will give stunning views across the Brownsea lagoon. It is on the same site as the old bird hide which was removed a few years ago as it was no longer fit for purpose.

Designed to introduce visitors to the island’s diverse wildlife and habitats, an elevated viewing platform will provide spectacular views of the wetland habitats of the lagoon and the many birds which nest and feed there.

The development of The Lookout is part of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wild Brownsea project which was developed in partnership with the National Trust to improve access and encourage more visitors to learn about, enjoy and help to conserve the island’s natural heritage. The project is part-funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund with contributions from the National Trust, the Fine Foundation, and Dorset Wildlife Trust members and supporters.

A plan for Lower Winterbourne

Residents of Lower Winterbourne have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Lower Winterbourne Parish Council has submitted a request to Dorset Council for the approval of a Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan. A Neighbourhood Plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.

The application and supporting information can be viewed at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/neighbourhoodarea. Residents who would like to submit comments should direct them to the Spatial Planning team at Dorset Council by Friday 23 June 2023.