Viewpoint March 2017

Established Over 35 Years Mid Mar 2017

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 41, Issue 5

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

Hole in the wall gang make ‘meaningful start’ A hole in a wall has marked the significant first step in the project to build the £7m Ringwood Arts Centre.

Building contractors were at Greyfriars Community Centre last month Alex Garvey and Mike Osborne of the Ringwood Arts Centre steering group to create the hole in a listed wall that, grab hard hats, hammers and chisels along with resurfacing improvements to make a symbolic start to the project and installation of services, constituted the ‘meaningful start’ of the project.

Story continued on page 16

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

VIEWPOINT Volume 41 • Issue 5 • March 2017 MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

News Desk 01202 872813 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

Design 01202 233441 Louis Pulford design director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

Advertising 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk

Hello everyone!

Our office is filling up with talented writers.

Russell in marketing is a good writer and a hidden poet.

Graphic designer Adam Trimby has demonstrated his flair with food reviews in 4Dorset as well as a book review.

His Masters degree in Literary Media has also earned him the place as one of our short story competition judges.

Contributing editor, Carol Waterkeyn, has published her first e-Book for children, Magic in the Attic. It’s a traditional story about a fairy, but Fiona isn’t quite as sylphlike as you might be imagining. You can download the story from Amazon and I recommend it. Carol has also recently been shortlisted in the Bournemouth Hospital Radio Bedside children’s story competition.

As for myself, I have published my fifth e-Book, Cane Elephant, which is available on Amazon. It’s a futuristic thriller set in the south of England. With a cover created by one of my talented sons, Louis, it will grip anyone who likes to unravel a dark mystery. But even more exciting is that I am half way through the sequel of The Whispering Waters.

Readers have begged me for a sequel for years, but Anchovy Tree, Back To Go and Cane Elephant got in the way. I can now confirm the sequel is on track for publication at the end of the year.

Enjoy this month’s Viewpoint, it’s been a pleasure to produce.

How to contact useditorial

Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

24 MARCH 2017 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

Janine Pulford Editor

4Dorset is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £35 per year. Views or opinions expressed in 4Dorset 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 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

Happy Birthday Jacob! ©Katherine Jayasekera

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

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Magsie gets connected in Boscombe

By Janine Pulford

L-R Kelly, Manuel, Mary, Terry, Rachel, Keith and Kevern

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

Cast your mind back to 10 July 2011 when a litter of pups came into the world.

One was chosen for a very special destiny.

Woofability selected her from the litter and she was adopted by mags4dorset following the company’s donation of £1,610, raised by myself and my friend Christine Stevens at a Mums Behaving Madly event. It was enough to purchase the puppy and pay towards her training costs. A competition was held in Viewpoint and 4Dorset to name the new born and ‘Magsie’ was the favoured choice.

Since her birth, I have followed Magsie’s progress. After socialising and training, her first job was at a care home in Christchurch where she brought pleasure to the residents and mags4dorset’s MD Ben Pulford went to visit her.

Last May she moved to live with Rachel Barlow, a day opportunity support worker at Boscombe Connect. Magsie now regularly attends the day centre with Rachel and brings untold happiness to those who come into contact with her.

I visited Boscombe Connect to find out how Magsie had settled in.

She was in a pottery class having a rest when I arrived, but soon got up to say ‘hello’. It was a happy reunion and I like to think she recognised me.

One of the day centre’s clients, Terry, was busy painting a cup and the moment Magsie got to her feet, he smiled as did everyone else in the room. It was a moment of instant happiness. “She is wonderful and brings a lot of joy,” said Terry.

Magsie is so adored, she has her own timetable and Rachel took me on a tour of the day centre to show me where Magsie

would be visiting next. In each section there was a notice to say what time she would be arriving.

It was evident from everyone’s faces that they adored Magsie.

Rachel said, “She also helps calm anxious people down.”

The day centre manager, Donna Courtis added, ”Magsie is an absolute asset. She is very calm and very gentle.”

In fact Magsie has been such a success, she now has a bit of competition.

Teddy, a small terrier, has joined the centre and is training to become a caring canine. He’s only a pup yet, so Magsie is still top dog, and what a fabulous dog she is. mags4dorset is very proud to have sponsored an assistance dog with such a beautiful temperament who is loved by so many.

Magsie is another of Woofability’s success stories.

Help raise money for miracle baby Isabel

P

remature baby Isabel Dunning weighed just 830 grams at birth and following more than five months in the neonatal intensive care, she was diagnosed as severely disabled.

Among other conditions, she has cerebral palsy,

short bowel syndrome, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Little Isabel from Verwood has already had three operations and is barely 10 months old. She faces another op this year.

Marriage proposal steals Gang Show finalé

Mum Shelley Colclough says, “We were told many times she wouldn’t have any quality of life and to turn machines off, but we always believed she was a fighter.”

Shelley has set up a gofundme page where people can donate to help buy specialist and sensory equipment for Isabel.

“Sadly the things Isabel will need throughout her life are easily going to rack in to the tens of thousands of pounds,” added Shelley. “We have another beautiful older daughter Chloe and we’ve tried to be a normal happy family, but it’s very hard on us all.”

Isabel’s father, Andrew Dunning, will be raising money for Isabel on 17 April at Old Sarum Airfield by jumping out of a plane.

If you want to see his skydive, or support Isabel, visit www.gofundme.com/aahye-hope-for-isabel or go to Shelley Colclough’s Facebook page

On the crest of the wave at the Regent Centre as Mark arrives to ‘pop the question’ live on stage

There have been many high dramas over the years on the Regent stage in Christchurch, but none comes close to the real life drama that unfolded at the grand finalé of year’s Gang Show as 33-year-old Mark Dolan popped the question to Beckie Shaylor live on stage.

As the cast of this year’s Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show, on Saturday 18 February, prepared to sing their traditional end of show signature song, ‘On the Crest of a Wave’, Mark Dolan walked on stage and stole the limelight when on bended knee he proposed to his 29-year-old partner Beckie. In tears of joy, she said, “Yes.”

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

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Woolly wonders

for lambing day this Easter Dorset County Council tenant farmers John and Karen Wood are to throw open their farm to the public this Easter to raise funds for the Dorset Youth Marching Band.

The couple, who have run the 210-acre Merley Hall Farm at Ashington near Wimborne for the past 15 years, will be hosting the lambing open day for the public on 2 April.

They run a commercial flock of nearly 2,000 Suffolk, Texel cross and mules on the farm and neighbouring land for meat. They also run a wool collection centre from one of their barns for an Irish company.

Karen, who works three days a week as an animal health officer in the

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

county council’s trading standards department, said she was looking forward to this spring’s lambing open day – their fifth in what has become an annual event.

“Last year we had between 400 and 500 people attending, and we raised more than £700 for the air ambulance through donations. This year we are raising money for one of the Wimborne Mayor’s official charities – the Dorset Youth Marching Band.

“We will have a number of veterinary students from the Royal Veterinary College, Edinburgh Vet School and Bristol University, who are spending two weeks extramural studies, and will be on hand to answer questions from the public.

“I think it is very important for the farming community to get people to connect with farming and food. While Dorset is an agricultural county, we get a number of people from Bournemouth and Poole who say they have never seen a sheep close up.”

The couple are also firm believers in educating youngsters about life on the farm. Each year they host year four pupils from Pamphill Primary School, Wimborne as part of their key stage three curriculum.

John also helped out

last year on rural affairs presenter Adam Henson’s farm for the televised Countryfile Live event.

Ben Lancaster, Dorset County Council senior estate surveyor, added, “Farm open days are a

great opportunity to provide a hands-on experience for the public and better educate them about farming and the countryside as well as raising the profile of our tenants and the Estate.”

Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

One in seven small companies breaks auto enrolment rules

By Daniel Parkin

Daniel Parkin

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

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

‘Auto enrolment is now becoming a reality for very small companies which have many priorities and not necessarily the resources to deal with them.’ This a quote from Aviva, who last year were added to The Pensions Regulator’s website to a new list of workplace pension providers open to any employers.

In the last quarter of 2016, Aviva confirmed that 14% of businesses setting up an auto enrolment pension scheme with Aviva had gone past their designated staging date.

A further 38% had left it to the last minute. The Pensions Regulator is expecting a further 1.5million additional businesses and is still encouraging firms to prepare and seek assistance where necessary.

So how successful has auto enrolment been to date?

Nest and The People’s Pension, two of the largest auto enrolment providers have between them 6.4 million members, however, 46% of The People’s Pension members were no longer paying into it and 40% of Nest members were not either.

The opt out rates have been reported to be less than 10% each, so the reason for this figure could be because members have either moved jobs, become self employed or stopped working altogether. If members did move job they would, or will shortly be, enrolled into another auto enrolment scheme and over time could be left with small pension pots all over the place. This is a challenge both for the government and pension providers to ensure members do not lose track of the various schemes that they have.

One such solution could be the creation of a pensions dashboard. This is to launch on a voluntary basis for pension companies to join and would then allow members to access all their different pension pots in one place. A brilliant idea, but ‘the proof is in the pudding’ and we will just have to see how good this pensions dashboard will be and how many companies will use it.

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

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Community café gives helping hand

LAW SPOT

Providing the answers to your legal questions

OPTIONS FOR LAND

By Simon Nethercott, Commercial Solicitor, Harold G Walker Q: I have a piece of garden that I don’t need. A developer, who might buy it, has given me an Option to sign. What is this and should I sign it?

A: The simple answer is don’t sign any such agreement without seeking specialist legal advice. An Option, as its name suggests, gives the developer an option to buy the land at a given price and within a given period.

Almost invariably, they will wish to obtain planning consent before being committed and you will need to establish exactly how long they will have to do so. Except in rare cases, the creation of an Option will prevent you selling the property or re-mortgaging.

In a falling market, there is

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

also the possibility that the developer will endeavour to re-negotiate the price at the last minute.

It may be preferable for you that the developer enters into a contract, conditional upon it getting the planning consent it requires. This is often better for a seller as it means the developer has to buy at the agreed price if the right planning permission is obtained. There is no room for re-negotiation on price.

Where part of the garden is being sold, it is also important at the outset to establish the terms of

Simon Nethercott

any ultimate transfer deed to cover rights for the passage of services and any required covenants.

There is a lot to consider and thus a specialist solicitor should be consulted immediately you are approached.

St Leonards Community Café has presented cheques for £2,000 each to Sailability and the special unit at The Bishop of Winchester Academy for its work with students with Aspergers and autism.

Meeting each Wednesday from 10am–12pm for a coffee and a chat, the community café also sells homemade food and cakes, books, CDs and bric-a-brac to raise funds for local charities. Since starting nearly three years ago, over £8,000 has been raised thanks to the local community who generously give items for the stalls.

A warm welcome is given to all. Donations for the fundraising stalls are always appreciated. For more details call Barbara Pilch on 01202 861821.

Valentine’s thief Police are appealing for witnesses after an unromantic thief stole a Stihl petrol hedge trimmer and blower from a front garden in Ferndown on Valentine’s Day. If you saw anything suspicious, like a person running down Kingsway with a hedge trimmer in their hands at around 5pm on 14 February, or you were given a Stihl hedge trimmer as a Valentine’s Day gift and you are unsure where it came from, call 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn. police.uk quoting 55170022932. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Annual public meeting West Moors Parish Council’s annual public meeting is set for 20 April at 7pm in St Anthony’s Church Hall, Pinehurst Road. Guest speaker will be Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, about the future of policing. This will be followed by committee reports and end with parishioners’ questions. Refreshments will be served.

Sock comfort for troops By

Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum

Lord Kitchener appealed for 300,000 pairs of socks for the troops in September 1914 and Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild spearheaded a campaign to provide these through the British Red Cross Society and the St John’s Ambulance Association.

The target was exceeded

by November 1914.

Socks destined for the trenches were soaked in linseed oil to make them water-resistant in an attempt to combat the fungal infection caused by constantly wet feet - trench foot. Each soldier was rationed to three pairs of socks every six months, but they wore out quickly.

Hand knitters were so productive that they could get knitting neuritis, (repetitive strain injury).

Because of this, circular knitting machines were often used and the open toes were stitched up later. These seams were uncomfortable and rubbed

the toes raw leading to infections. Lord Kitchener, a knitter himself, devised a ‘Kitchener Heelless Sock’ method of seamless grafting to avoid the problem.

Khaki socks were knitted for the army whilst the navy had navy ones.

Each sock was coded with a coloured stripe, white for small, blue for medium and red for large.

A knitting machine was invented in 1816 by French engineer and inventor, Marc Brunel, (the father of Isambard Kingdom Brunel).

Fordingbridge Museum has an early type of cast iron circular knitting machine made by a British company called The Harrison Patent Knitting Machine Co. The machine in Fordingbridge Museum belonged to the local Women’s Institute and was used to knit socks for the forces in WW1.

To commemorate the centenary of the end of the war, the museum would like to get it working.

Any reader with the skills to help achieve this can contact the museum on 01425 657850.

Lord Kitchener’s sock pattern is on the Fordingbridge Museum website so you might also be able to help by using knitting needles to produce some socks which could be used in one of the museum’s displays.

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

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charity of the year

RNLI Couple with ‘hearts of gold’ recognised by

RNLI

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

Brian and Marge Traves must surely have hearts of gold embossed with RNLI. The couple recently received special recognition at the Poole Lifeboat dinner for all they have done for the charity.

Brian has been an RNLI governor for over 50 years, and for the last decade or more he’s been the fundraising chairman of Poole Lifeboat Station. With Marge his ‘PA’ by his side, he made it his mission to reopen the neglected Old Lifeboat Museum and was instrumental in how it looks and feels today.

He also registered the Thomas Kirk Wright with the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships giving her the credence and protection that the revered ‘old gal’ deserved.

Working tirelessly as custodians of the museum, Brian and Marge helped organise the 70th and 75th commemorative ceremonies. With a succession of fundraising, the branch grew from strength-to-strength. Monthly fundraising meetings at the station saw everyone mucking in, sharing roles at the museum, at the station and fundraising in general.

The Traves were enthusiastic tour guides at the RNLI College, greeting visitors from all over the world. The couple have been such fantastic ambassadors for the RNLI, they even organised an ‘SOS’ fundraising event whilst on a personal cruise, which raised thousands of pounds.

A major fundraiser for the Poole branch was the jazz event at the Sandbanks Hotel. Featuring professional West End jazz musicians, including Chris Traves, (Brian and Marge’s son), the event has put thousands into the RNLI fundraising pot over the years.

Marge orchestrated the selling of Christmas cards and gifts in the retirement homes around Poole, which was very popular with the residents.

Despite ill health, Brian and Marge have been incredibly supportive of the RNLI and have gone above and beyond for the station.

On behalf of the crew and as gratitude of thanks to all the fundraisers, lifeboat volunteer, Adrian Rosser presented Brian with a framed picture and a bouquet of flowers to Marge. The couple received a standing ovation for all their love and support of Poole Lifeboat and their commitment to raising an amazing amount of funds.

Lifeboat crew recognised for going above and beyond At the recent Poole Lifeboat dinner, a group of lifeboat volunteers received a framed letter each from the Poole Lifeboat Operations Manager, (LOM), Rod Brown.

A letter from the LOM is highly valued for the genuine gratitude behind it, as it is a tribute, a personal thank you, and acknowledgement of the beneficiary’s courageous, selfless action.

The letter reflected the intensity of a latenight search for a missing person at sea, after a call out by Solent Coastguard.

The unassuming crew who received the letter will always share the events of that night, and they expressed their gratitude for the sincere recognition from the LOM.

- advertising feature -

Easter’s on its way so hop on down to the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park to find out what’s new Featured on BBC TV, this award-winning park has been busy creating more attractions for visitors to enjoy

“

What our advertisers say

I have been advertising with the Viewpoint since 2013 and it is now the only magazine I advertise in. Since advertising with Viewpoint I would say that 95% of my customers have contacted me after seeing my advert in the Viewpoint. I look forward to a continued business relationship.

Jon at Maintenance Mission

”

D

iscover the new static canal display, learn about the horses that worked on the towpaths and find out which horses delivered which goods.

Marvel at the ‘Heavy Horse to Heavy Haulage’ display and see some of the rare historic trucks that took over from the working horses. There is a 1920s’ Scammel chain-driven vehicle – one of only two left in the country – plus a collection of newly restored 1920s’ Showman’s wagons.

Other attractions include horse-drawn carriage rides, engaging talks, tours and displays, tractor and trailer rides. You can even ‘drive’ a farm tractor in the off-road arena.

Keep your children entertained with an undercover go-cart arena, miniature pony and cart rides, Victorian swing-boats, giant adventure play with zip wire, pony riding and more.

If it’s a little nostalgia you want, you’ll find plenty of exhibits from yesteryear. Or just sit back and admire the Dorset countryside from Smokey Joe’s ranch café and sample some home-cooked, hearty food.

The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park has been awarded Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence five years running. www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

Scouting for help First Ferndown Scout Group at Cherry Grove has put out an urgent plea for help because their hut, which has bars at the windows to stop vandals, is often mistaken for a derelict building, and parents and helpers want to improve the premises and give the Scouts something to be proud of.

Supermum and 1st Ferndown Scout Group volunteer Louise Richardson is drumming up enthusiasm in the community to give the Scout hut some TLC. “Every week, groups of youngsters get together within this horrible, cold, smelly, damp, unsafe building. They come along to make new friends, learn new skills and learn what it is to be part of a community and learn to help others less fortunate then themselves,” said Louise.

1st Ferndown Scout Group is looking for donations, no matter how small, to help buy equipment. They also need a new carpet, replacement windows, kitchen refurbishment, upgraded bathroom facilities, roof insulation, outside lights, gutter clearance and exterior paintwork. If any skilled workmen/women are reading this and can spare a little time to help, get in touch with Louise.

Howdens and Tesco Ferndown have already made donations.

If you can help, call Louise Richardson on 07850 849069 or email her at richardsonlou@hotmail.co.uk The vacancy for a Scout leader has recently been filled, but a Cub leader is still required.

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

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in health & fitness Hannah as a baby

First baby born at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital turns 25 On 16 February, 25 years ago, Hannah Currie was the first baby to be born at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) Maternity Unit Since her birth at RBH 25 years ago, Hannah has graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Business Management and now works for an accountancy firm in London.

Hannah said, “The brief (although it didn’t seem quite so brief for my mum!) journey from Planet Mother to the outside world went smoothly and without complication.

“Later that day the mayor and his wife and photographers came to see me. I was front page news

on 17 February 1992.”

Carmen Cross, head of midwifery at the hospital said, “Hearing from Hannah and her family was so special and completely unexpected.

To think it’s 25 years since the very first birth at our hospital is incredible and having Hannah get in touch was a lovely way to commemorate the occasion.

“Maternity and midwifery services have developed a lot over the last 25 years, but ultimately we are still doing the same

thing – working hard to bring babies into the world healthily and safely.

“It’s been fantastic to find out what Hannah has been up to and to see what an accomplished young woman she has become. We would like to wish Hannah a very happy birthday and we wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”

Speaking about her plans for the future, Hannah said, “It would be good to have more of the same – a happy, healthy, active and fulfilling life.”

- advertising feature -

Making it count Ferndown Leisure has a fantastic offer this month to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. The centre is offering three months all-inclusive membership for £99, which gives full membership benefits, including unlimited use of the gym, swimming pool and exercise classes, SWIMTAG, and the PlacesLocker app. To help each member make the most of their visits, they are invited to take ‘Your Journey’ – a series of one-to-one appointments with a qualified fitness instructor, who will explain how to use the pieces of equipment correctly and safely; discuss fitness goals; and devise a personalised programme to follow. This offer is also available on their swim membership for £60, which includes Just Swim sessions, and instructor-led Fitness Swim sessions, plus use of SWIMTAG, and the PlacesLocker app.

See your results

SWIMTAG is a wristband that enables you to monitor your lengths, total distance, swim stroke, and speed and see how many calories you burn. As well as making swimming more fun, this helps you stay motivated.

New PlacesLocker app

Make every move count with our app that let’s you: • Book your classes: book and check the availability of your favourite classes and courts – all on the move.

• Measure your moves: moves are a measure of your daily physical activity. The more often and faster you move, the more you accumulate.

• Pair outdoor apps and wearables: bring together your centre activities with your outdoor activities to build moves. PlacesLocker will synchronise with Apple Health, Swimtag, Strava, MapmyRun and Garmin as well as working with popular wearables such as Fitbit.

• Compete in challenges: with regular challenges available, you can compete with other PlacesLocker users.

• View the extensive exercise library: with over 2000 different exercises, PlacesLocker knows the equipment available at Ferndown Leisure Centre, and will tailor your workout to suit.

To find out more contact the customer advisors on 01202 877468, email deanadudman@pfpleisure.org or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

Hannah at her graduation

Wearing high heels is not good for your health Parliament will debate the petition entitled “Make it illegal for a company to require women to wear high heels at work” on Monday 6 March. The petition received over 150k signatures before it closed in November 2016.

News reports about Nicola Thorp being sent home for wearing the wrong height of shoes sparked the petition.

This news also prompted Susannah Davda of The Shoe Consultant Ltd to carry out a UK-wide survey on the heel heights that women wear at work.

The survey found that women are less likely to wear glamorous towering footwear in the workplace than we might think. According to Davda of The Shoe Consultant Ltd, “Women are reluctant to wear shoes with high heels to work because they’re used to such footwear causing them pain.

“Being in discomfort can affect your mood and even your productivity.”

The results of The Shoe Consultant Ltd’s survey revealed that women only wear heels of three inches or higher to work on average once a week.

Your ankles, calves, heels and knees can all suffer if you wear high heels a lot. And because they throw off alignment and push your centre of gravity forwards, they can affect your lower back too.

RINGWOOD NEWS

Ladies will join Yeomen of the Guard

February ended on a royal note for the Ringwood & Fordingbridge Club for the Blind.

Yeoman of the Guard, Shaun McCormack, gave an illustrated talk and brought along his full ceremonial regalia for members to see, feel and touch.

Sworn into the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard in 2000 after serving in the infantry for 24 years, he talked about the history of the guards, their duties and the uniform.

At present it is an all-male group but next year, two retiring women soldiers will join the historic unit.

For more details of the Ringwood & Fordingbridge Club for the Blind call Mary on 01425 470008 or Kate on 01425 476568.

New members welcome.

Yummy hot cross bun event Hot cross buns with their sweet, spicy, fruity flavours have long been an Easter tradition. They mark the end of Lent and the pastry cross on the top is often associated with the crucifixion of Jesus.

If you can’t get enough of this Easter treat, pop into Ringwood’s Meeting House on 13 April between 10am and noon and join in with their hot cross bun event.

Farewell

Fields It will be a sad day in Ringwood on 25 March because after 30 years in the jewellery trade, David Griffin will be closing the doors at Fields Jewellers for the last time.

He’s been in the same premises where he and a business partner started up three decades ago when the shop was a new build, but the lease has run its course.

David, who used to write the regular birthstone column in Viewpoint, said, “I’m looking at it in a really positive way.”

He says it’s an opportunity for him to catch up with some hobbies, one of which is kayaking, and he already has a holiday booked in Slovenia.

He’ll also be going back to college to study English and photography.

“I’ll miss the jewellery side,” he said, “and of course I’ll miss my customers.”

During his career he’s enjoyed handling a variety of jewellery but his favourite items were the older pieces.

Everyone at Viewpoint wishes David happiness in his early retirement.

Jazz it up with Panama Hats The Panama Hats Jazz Band will be at the Meeting House on 13 April at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm and a raffle will be held for Julia’s House.

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

RINGWOOD NEWS

‘Farm Fun Animal ’ Day Easter FREE

FAMILY EVENT

Saturday 15 April To celebrate the Easter weekend, The Furlong shopping centre is delighted to welcome back Farmer Ian and his animals from the Longdown Mobile Farm for a free family event.

You’ll meet miniature donkeys, goats, piglets and more. You’ll even have a chance to hold chicks only a few days old.

This event is free to attend and is funded by all the stores from The Furlong shopping centre.

Waldorf School will also be attending with their Easter Arts and

Crafts stall in order to raise money for their school.

Activities will take place in the Furlong courtyard from 11am–4pm.

Please note this event is not linked to any Easter events taking place at Longdown Activity Farm.

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

Continued from page 1

- advertising feature -

What a difference a day makes Transform your conservatory in less than a day with Green Space insulated roof panels Conservatories are usually constructed to add extra living space to a home, however many people find their conservatory is either too cold or too hot to sit in comfortably. So what’s the answer?

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

There are a few different options to fitting a solid roof on your conservatory, most of which

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

require major upheaval and disruption. Green Space have an option that will transform your room from an unusable space to a beautiful room in less than one day!

Green Space Ltd is a family run company that specialise in transforming conservatories. Using lightweight roof panels, they offer up to eight times better insulation than a polycarbonate roof.

With U-values of 0.29, they will keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round. What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off site, so installation generally takes less than a day. Green Space are the sole supplier of this system in the South. Their system is compatible with most conservatories, old and new – plus it comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Transform your conservatory in one day – contact them today on 01793 208 002 or visit them online at www.greenspaceconservatories. co.uk and see what a difference a day makes!

Hole in the wall gang makes ‘meaningful start’ Thumbs up for a ‘meaningful start’

Also getting ‘stuck in’ was the leader of Hampshire County Council Cllr Roy Perry; Ringwood Town and New Forest District Councillor, Steve Rippon-Swaine; members of the steering group behind the project, and enthusiastic supporters from Ringwood & District Community Association.

Hampshire County Council, along with the NFDC, has been helping facilitate the project with car park and land swap deals, support and advice in planning matters.

The work constitutes the ‘meaningful start’ to the £7 million Ringwood Arts Centre project and means planning permission for the centre – approved by New Forest planners back in February 2104 – will be fixed for the foreseeable future.

A meaningful start appeal has so far raised close to £20,000 to fund the building work and ensure that planning permission (which normally expires within three years if a start is not made) did not lapse.

“We’re delighted to finally see a physical start to the project – a start that means we now have some breathing space to raise the money for this landmark project for

the town,” said Arts Centre steering group chairman, Mike Osborne.

“It has taken eight years of hard work by our steering group volunteers and around £123,000 to gain permission and meet the many planning, environmental and highways conditions necessary to commence a large project like this, but at last we can say everything is in place,” he said.

“All we need to find now is the money for the rest of the project.”

Director of Fundraising Carly Redwood has the not inconsiderable task of finding the £7 million required.

“There’s a lot of money to find, but irons are in the fire to secure funding from appropriate trusts and foundations, and we’re now gearing up with local fundraising and awareness events in the town,” she said.

The proposed Ringwood Arts Centre has been designed

by Ringwood architects Williams Lester and will include a 290-seat cinema and theatre, retractable seating to provide a flat floor for functions, exhibitions and conferences, as well as sports and art studio facilities.

You can find out more about the Ringwood Arts Centre, its fundraising activities and how you can help by visiting ringwoodartscentre.com and signing up for the regular newsletter or donating via ringwoodartscentre.com/donate.

RINGWOOD NEWS -advertising feature -

PODIATRY

in the 21st century Ringwood u18s

make club history A jubilant Ringwood Town Football Club will be ending the season on a high by playing in the Hampshire Cup final for the first time.

The team won through after beating Christchurch at Hurn Bridge. At half time, Ringwood were two goals down, but secured the win through penalties.

Chris Till, assistant manager, said, “Having watched the Christchurch team in their quarter final away at Winchester, I knew they had a team of talented players. They also showed great desire and mental strength to come back from 1-0 down to get to the semi-final themselves – so I knew it was going to be a great challenge.”

Ringwood started their day working through tactics and phases of play from 11am before spending half an hour practising penalties at their Long Lane ground, which proved handy.

The manager Carl added, “We made changes to affect the game – but the toss of the coin with our captain Marcus sussing that playing downwind, downhill in the second half was more of an edge to win the game when needed – or take it to penalties when

Christchurch may be tiring and under pressure of the result, was a very mature call.

“The first goal, scored by Harrison, was a ‘worldy’ and then the desire shown by the lads to get the ball poked over the line in the dying seconds was incredible. We knew that if it went to penalties then we would win, given our pre-match practise and confidence in our keeper Dan – who made a great strong save.”

Ringwood will now play Winchester City at the Winchester City ground in the final on 7 May and are looking for help to be able to get transport organised to make this a really special day out for the club. They hope to secure the win and bring back the cup to Long Lane.

Phil King, chairman, said, “We are proud of these lads and the strength of character they showed – we are looking at the u21 leagues for next season to ensure these lads remain part of the club.” He said some had been playing with Ringwood Town since starting in the u8s.

Visit www.ringwoodtownfc. co.uk for more details.

The foot is a strong mechanical piece of engineering. It has 26 bones 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. A lot can go wrong, which is why a podiatrist is the best person to treat your foot problem.

Research in conditions and treatment is moving forward with a fast pace. Continuous education, investment in technology and confidence in our knowledge and what we do allow us to provide the premium footcare service the whole family deserves.

Following two successful years in Verwood, due to the rapid growth and expansion of treatments we offer, we are very excited about moving into the larger and fully equipped premises in the heart of Ringwood.

With separate rooms for video biomechanical gait analysis, a fully fitted surgical suite for complex treatments, a therapy room for manual therapy and shockwave treatments, a ‘quiet’ room for relaxing foot baths and laser treatment and our own lab to make custom orthoses, we can give you the full service under one

roof. That’s not to mention the products and footwear available to peruse in the waiting area with your complimentary tea/coffee and foot bath!

Whatever the issue, Footfocus can help fix your problem. Our high standards of care, clinical excellence and attention to detail make Footfocus Podiatry the only option when it comes to your family’s foot health. You don’t have to put up with your foot problem, make an appointment to start on your new road to perfect foot health today.

We have many packages of care for your specific problem.

Our most well-known treatment is the ‘Routine’, which involves regular management of skin and nail issues. With all our packages, it not only reduces the overall cost but, increases the value further with discounts and offers. Footfocus is more than just a ‘standard’ chiropody practice. This is what podiatry looks like in the 21st century.

Aengus Shanahan, BSc (Hons) MChs, Footfocus

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

| 17

RINGWOOD NEWS - advertising feature -

Further

Why the Regal

EXPANSION MUST BE SAVED at

Forest Edge and Meesons Forest Edge and Meesons want to ensure that they continue to provide a good quality service, covering a wide range of areas, to all new and existing clients. With this in mind, they are expanding to meet their clients’ needs, and in keeping with their plans are pleased to announce the arrival of two new solicitors.

Ruth Lucas joins the firm’s Private Client Department, having previously worked at a large Bournemouth firm. Ruth will be undertaking the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of both Trusts and Estates. She has extensive experience and knowledge of these legal aspects.

Nichola Turpin has joined the Litigation Department from a nationwide firm. Work has

18 |

VIEWPOINT March 2017

increased in this area and to enable the firm to meet that extra demand, Nichola will be providing advice on all aspects of Commercial and Civil Litigation. As with Ruth, Nichola has extensive experience and knowledge.

Edward Holmes and Matthew Parker, directors of the firm, both agree that, “Nichola and Ruth greatly complement their respective departments and are valuable assets to the firm. They will help with our aim of providing a full legal service to our clients in an efficient and timely manner.”

If you need any legal advice, or want further information about the work that Forest Edge and Meesons do, please do not hesitate to telephone or email to arrange an appointment for a free half hour consultation.

When Mike Tuck heard that developers were planning to knock the Regal cinema building down, he felt compelled to try and save it. Now chairman of the Save the Regal committee, Mike says: “The building is in a sorry state having been abandoned and neglected for many years, the roof is leaking and almost every trace of its former glory has long since been removed, but the shell is still firmly standing.

“The Save the Regal plan is to bring professional live entertainment and cinema back to the centre of the town, where it belongs.”

Mike says the Regal is ideally located geographically being at the centre of major road networks in all directions. He adds, “There are going to be many more homes built in the surrounding area in accordance with the town planning proposals to meet government quotas.

“All these new home owners will be looking for entertainment and why should they have to travel to Bournemouth, Poole or Southampton when they shall have the Regal locally.”

With 600 plush seats planned, the Regal will be larger than the theatres in Wimborne and Christchurch: both have approximately 500 seats.

Because of this, Mike not only sees the new facility attracting top-class professional acts to perform live on stage, but that the Regal will be able to host business conferences too, and show the latest films using the latest digital equipment available, accompanied by modern surround-sound. The regeneration plans also include extending the foyer to incorporate a public gathering space with a bar and café.

Mike says the Save the Regal committee and supporters have a strong team of experts behind the project and have a registered charity application in progress, which should be approved shortly.

“Ideally,” he says, “the Ringwood Regal project needs a businessman or a business consortium to invest in the Regal project; like-minded people who are able to see beyond the current state of the building and able to share the longer-term vision for the Ringwood Regal.

“This is the best chance we have ever had to sort it out, please join us and show that this is what you want.”

He is inviting everyone to attend a Gala Charity Evening at the David Lloyd club on 18 March with an auction. Visit www.ringwood-regal.co.uk or ring Mike Tuck on 01425 475129 for more details.

RINGWOOD NEWS - advertising feature -

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Fundraising Sixth Formers

As part of Ringwood Sixth Form Health & Wellbeing week, two students raised £100 for the Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity that helps save the lives of people with blood cancer. Emily Howard and Georgia Arnold organised a cake sale, with cakes donated by the Boston Tea Party. The activity also encouraged 38 students to sign up to the Anthony Nolan register to potentially donate stem cells.

Interim Ringwood Town Clerk appointed The vacancy of Ringwood town clerk has yet to be filled and will be advertised again shortly. In the meantime the council has appointed a previous town clerk, Terry Simpson, on a part-time basis until a permanent appointment is made.

Train to be a volunteer walk leader Community First New Forest is offering a free day’s training on 21 March focussing on the practicalities of leading a health walk. For more details contact Jan Barratt at healthywalks@cfnf.org.uk or call 07788 558864.

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

| 19

view from VERWOOD

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson

At the recent meeting of the full council of East Dorset District Council, councillors set the budget for the forthcoming year.

This process comes after months of hard work by officers and sets out areas of spending and council tax.

Regular readers will be aware of the pressures facing local councils due to a reduction in money received from central Government. In 2013/14 East Dorset received £1.8m; this year that figure is zero. However, due to innovative partnership working with our partners in Christchurch and small increases in the council tax, East Dorset District Council was able to set a balanced budget along with a good capital

investment programme for the year ahead. This approach received cross party support.

The capital programme is especially welcome and has allocated money for projects across the district. It is important that we keep investing in our communities to maintain and improve much-valued facilities. One of the major items within the capital programme is £1m earmarked to assist with delivery of affordable housing. This has long been a passion and I am excited by the priority given to this area by colleagues.

In the months ahead I look forward to working hard to make best use of this funding as we try to deal with the on-going housing crisis.

Cllr Simon Gibson

At the time of writing, we await the verdict from the Secretary of State about Local Government reorganisation for Dorset.

In the meantime, councillors are busy assessing other options to meet the financial challenges that lie ahead.

Whatever the outcome, I hope that our ability to invest in our communities continues and that projects that make a difference can be provided.

The search is on for a new Verwood royal family The carnival spirit is definitely in the air as Verwood searches for its 2017 carnival queen and princesses.

Candidates are invited to go along to the Verwood Guide HQ, off Manor Road, Verwood on Sunday 19 March.

The selection of the carnival queen will take place at 2pm and princesses will be The 2015 royal family at chosen from 2.30.

Verwood Carnival with the It will be an informal and relaxed affair Help for Heroes bear and entrants will not have to parade in front of an audience. To be eligible, candidates must live in Verwood & Three Legged Cross. Potential princesses should be 9–13 and the queen must be 14 or older.

As always the winners will have dresses specially made for the carnival, which they will be allowed to keep.

The girls must make sure they are available on carnival day, which this year is Monday, 29 May. Martin with his award

Martin’s

magic win

22 |

VIEWPOINT March 2017

Former Verwood resident Martin Gardiner has been awarded the title of UK Family Entertainer of the Year 2017, one of the most coveted awards in the magic industry.

The competition final took place at a magic convention attended by Europe’s finest performers in magic. Martin Gardiner, known as Magic Martin, won the South West heat of the competition late last year, and then the final on Saturday 19 February at the Blackpool Magic Convention.

Martin, originally from Verwood, attended Verwood First, Emmanuel and Ferndown Upper schools.

view from VERWOOD

Verwood Day Centre gift

Clients of Verwood Day Centre with Jackie Smith, Verwood Rotary’s Ian Hudson (President) and Vernon Harris, and Day Centre Manager Sue Thorne and staff

Verwood Rotary Club has donated some state-of-theart musical equipment to Verwood Day Centre, which was demonstrated during a special celebration on Wednesday 15 February.

The centre was able to purchase the equipment after Verwood resident and fitness instructor Jackie Smith, and her family, started off the fundraising

by doing a run. Jackie then put the Day Centre Manager, Sue Thorne, in touch with Verwood Rotary Club. The Sound Beam equipment cost around £4,000 in all and the Rotary Club came up trumps to find the balance of the money needed. It was raised during last summer’s Rustic Fayre.

The equipment will be

widely used by clients of the centre, many of whom are adults with special needs, who clearly enjoyed what the new technology had to offer when demonstrating it to guests.

Tea and cakes were served to visitors afterwards.

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

| 23

in for a bite #restaurantreviewtheinnatcranborne

Olde worlde meets

new world

at THE INN AT Cranborne

by Carol Waterkeyn

Dorset Blue Vinny cheese and pear salad

T

here’s nothing like a good lunch to cheer you up when the weather outside is cold and dull. My husband Paul and I ventured into the Inn at Cranborne one Friday lunchtime in February and our spirits were lifted by the roaring log fire, vases of tulips and the delicious smells wafting from the Inn’s kitchen.

After a glass of Dorset’s Conker gin and tonic for me, and a glass of Pinot for my husband, things were definitely looking up as we perused the daytime menu. This is essentially the same as the evening, although at lunchtime there’s a choice of tempting sandwiches and in the evening, a slightly enlarged menu.

Most of the main ingredients of the dishes on the menu are sourced from within 30 miles, something the Inn prides itself on.

Our own chosen first course dishes soon arrived. Paul had opted for the terrine of confit duck, artichokes and Madeira jelly and I had been tempted by Dorset Blue Vinny cheese and spiced pear, filo crisp, red onion marmalade and peashoot and endive salad. The presentation of these dishes was outstanding, and the flavour intensely satisfying. This augured well for the rest of the meal.

24 |

VIEWPOINT March 2017

Out came our main courses. Paul had selected the hand-crafted smoked haddock and salmon fishcake served with skinny fries (there was an alternative of thrice-cooked chunky chips). The generous fishcake, which was full of large chunks of fish came with a poached egg on top and homemade tartar sauce with chive butter.

It was declared ‘really really good’. As a contrast, I had selected roast pork belly, bubble and squeak and apple sauce. The bubble and squeak was deconstructed and came with kale. The little fried potato pieces were delicious, as was the tender pork, which had superb crackling, probably through the plentiful addition of salt. The apple sauce was subtly flavoured with vanilla. The portion was generous and I couldn’t quite manage it all, as I wanted to try a dessert.

We ended up being complete piggies and went for a chocolate and orange croissant bread and butter pudding for his lordship, and a lemon posset with raspberry sorbet served in a delicate cup and saucer for me. These were both exquisite and a beautiful end to our meal.

Roast pork belly, bubble and squeak

in for a bite

A

fterwards, we went for a look around the accommodation upstairs. We hadn’t realised there are nine smart bedrooms at the Inn, all tastefully decorated and would be delightful to stay in after a special dinner. If you get in quick there is a special offer until the end of March for £50 per room including bed and breakfast. (Normal price £100 plus.)

On a Sunday, there’s a delicious roast lunch available but you will need to book.

You could tie it in with a walk around Cranborne or a visit to the nearby garden centre. You will also need to book for special days like Mother’s Day and Easter Weekend coming up later this month and in April.

On the day we visited, our meal was created by Daniel Stride, the second chef, and we were ably looked after by Charlotte. The freehouse itself is owned

by Jane Gould who has handed over dayto-day management to Zoe Askin, and her partner and head chef Michael Smith (who was formerly with Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Marcus Waring). This offers a clue to the sophisticated standard of cooking.

Jane Gould took on the historic pub five years ago, after it had been empty for two years. No expense has been spared to create the lovely interior, which is a blend of modern taste and olde worlde charm.

Some of the pub dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. I imagine the patrons of those old days didn’t have a meal as good as ours was.

Photos: Paul Waterkeyn Lemon posset with raspberry sorbet

18 Christchurch th

Food Festival Saturday and Sunday 6 and 7 May

The Christchurch Food Festival draws thousands of visitors to the town and this year should be no exception. The festival market and festival village will be back over the weekend of 6 and 7 May.

Not just about the weekend

Christchurch Food Festival provides the perfect opportunity for foodie celebrations in the area. From Monday 1 May to Sunday 21 May, local eateries the length and breadth of Christchurch will be putting on events, offers and entertainment to give you a chance to try somewhere and something new. The events will all be listed on this website nearer the time, www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk

Food for every palate and stalls galore

During the weekend, the whole length of the High Street will be lined with stalls selling all manner of food to go and food to take home with you, along with ingredients, cooking utensils, wines and liquers.

BBQ demos

For the first time there will be BBQ demonstrations for you to watch and have a go at in Saxon Square.

Down on the Quay watch demonstrations for free

The festival village on Christchurch Quay, will be home to the demonstration marquee where you can watch celebrity chefs including Dean Edwards, Master Chef winner and resident chef on ITV’s Lorraine; Lesley Waters who is the festival’s patron and long-standing popular TV chef as well as newcomer chocolatier, Alana Spencer, who was the 2016 winner of ‘The Apprentice’.

So much more

Also at the village will be a local beer festival; kids’ kitchen; Soho pizza lounge; Conker Gin and stalls selling everything foodie.

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

| 25

gardening

Fordingbridge and District Horticultural Society Brian Pettit gave an informative talk on ‘Wildlife of Hampshire and Dorset’.

Being a wildlife photographer, he used high-definition images and sound to highlight the diverse ecology of this area. He gave a tour of bird and insect life, and native plants that can be seen in the New Forest and surrounding areas and finished by quoting the wildlife photographer’s motto: ‘Take nothing but photographs; leave nothing but footprints’.

beautiful Creating

flower borders

By Colin Knapman, CK Garden Design ‘The Right Plant – The Right Place’ is a well known gardening expression, meaning that if a plant is not planted in the right place it will not thrive.

However ‘The Right Plant with The Right Partner’ is also important.

For a well-balanced border with all year round interest, consider the border as a whole, throughout the seasons.

Start with a small ornamental tree with spring blossom and autumn berries as a focal point. Support it with evergreen shrubs to add structure and interest all year. They also disguise fences and act as a backdrop to flowering plants. Evergreen shrubs often have insignificant flowers but their shape and foliage can outweigh this and allow the bulbs and perennials to supply the colour and variety we all love.

This can start in spring with bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, followed up with the enormous selection of flowering perennials, which can take you right through to autumn.

Infill any empty spaces at the front of borders with annuals, containers and ‘in-flower’ plants that are always readily available from all garden centres.

26 |

VIEWPOINT March 2017

WIMBORNE VICTORIOUS Under 16 Dorset & Wilts Cup, Pool Match 4 Wimborne v Weymouth & Portland RFC, won 53-10 The halfway point of the season gone, Wimborne visited Weymouth for the start of the run in to the climax of the pool competition in February.

The rain held off but the strong north-easterly wind made it difficult for the kickers. But it couldn’t arrest Wimborne’s determination to run the ball, and within two minutes of the kick-off, the boys had opened the scoring with a try.

Their pressure and desire to

contest every ball forced mistakes from the hosts, and the possession led to a further four tries by half time for a lead of 29-0.

The break contributed to letting Weymouth in for two tries. With Weymouth’s eager defence, the Wimborne boys created space and supported the ball really well to end the game having scored nine tries. It was a good run out for the first league game of 2017, but further challenges await.

Squad: Noah Clark, Harry Hughes, Lorne Bray, Ed Allam, Harrison Kendall, James Waterworth, Connor Sharp, Alex Robinson, Jake Allder, Ben Tinsdale, Justin Lewars, Ethan Bell, Charlie Ford, Elliot Pearce, Jude Blackham-Byrne, Dec Miller, Robert Souter, Arthur Perkins, Sean Cahill, Tom Fletcher, Dan Clark, Tadhg Harries

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

| 27

in and around the area

what’s on

this month 17-18 March

Wimborne Cider Festival at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, with live music, BBQ and more. Tickets from the Allendale Centre or www.fuelledbycider.com

18 March 12–4pm

Verwood Horticultural Society spring show, Verwood Memorial Hall. With the Falklands, Islands of Kings, Tyrants and Giants - Mike Read 01202 814376

18 March 7 for 7.30pm

Gala Charity Evening, David Lloyd club, Ringwood in aid of the Regal Ringwood fundraising group. Includes 3-course meal and wine, charity auction, and entertainment by singer and comedian Phil Lowen. More details and tickets priced £40 from Mike Tuck, chairman on 01425 475129 or go to website: www. ringwood-regal.co.uk/latest-news/

21 March 10-12 noon

New Forest Disability at Fordingbridge Library. Free, impartial, disability-related information and advice

21 March 7.30pm

Colin Stone’s talk on ‘Industrial Tramways & Railways of South Dorset’ with the Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. For more details go to www.bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

21 March 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents a concert of popular music by Penny Weedon at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 payable at door. Details: 01202 895254

23 March 7pm

Legendary reggae band The Wailers perform their Legend album of hits and others at 02 Academy, Christchurch Rd, Boscombe BH1 4BH. Tickets £24 via the website at: www.ticketweb.co.uk

24 March 6pm onwards

The Amy Winehouse Experience aka Lioness appearing at the Old Fire Station, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8AD. Tickets £13.50 from academymusicgroup.com. Age restriction 8+

28 |

VIEWPOINT March 2017

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

24 March 7.30pm

‘Tea with Oscar Wilde’ – billed as ‘1890’s wittiest chit-chat show’ by Best Cellar.

Tickets £15, includes a tea and cake reception. Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, BH23 4LE or tel 01425 278807. www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

25 March 9.30-12 noon

Superheroes children’s crafts, Fordingbridge Library. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

25 March 8am-3pm

Plant sale at Cherry Tree Nursery, off Northbourne Roundabout, Bournemouth BH10 7DA. Tel: 01202 593537

25 March 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society Spring Show at the Memorial Hall, Station Road.

26 March 7 for 7.30pm

John Maddocks’ Jazz Men, St Leonards Hotel, Ringwood Road, St Leonards, BH24 2NP. Tickets are £10 at the door.

You can eat and drink in the restaurant at any time or ask for it to be served in the St Leonards Suite.

27 March 8pm

Alan Pickering’s Spirit of New Orleans at the Bournemouth Traditional Jazz Club. The club meets at the Bluebirds Social Club in Longham, BH22 9DP (opposite Haskins garden centre) and features a large dance floor, plenty of free car parking and affordable drinks. £6 admission, £7 for visitors.

28 March 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group: ‘Tolpuddle Martyrs & Their Times’ with Dr Phillip Coward. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. For more details go to www.bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

29 March

Well-known author Ben Kane will be at West Moors library as part of his promotional tour to talk about his new novel Eagles in the Storm based on Roman history, which will be available to buy on the night. More details from the library on 01202 873272

29 March 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Brett Wales on Wersi Louvre keyboard in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website.

30 March 2-3pm

Gerald Pointing talk ‘Edwardian’ at Fordingbridge Library. Tickets from the library or from ticket line on 01425 657524

30 March 7.30pm

Jazz at the Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Ringwood with the Memphis Jazzmen, run in conjunction with Julia’s House to help support their work. Admission £7. Free car parking after 6pm in the Furlong car park opposite.

31 March 7.15 for 7.30pm

Bournemouth Orchid Society with speaker Dino Zelenika talking on Orchid propagating in Laos.

Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Christchurch Road, BH1 3NS. Entry free, but email Melville at: programme@ bournemouthorchidsociety.org.uk

31 March 7pm for 7.30pm

Mayor of Wimborne’s Gala Charity Night starring Gary J Foley, Elvis tribute act.

Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Tickets £25, includes buffet. Tickets from 01202 887247 or 01202 881655

31 March 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers at green clubhouse next to the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Filming with the Green Screen. Make a short script. Prize for the best. Contact Garry Court on 01202 378515

1 April

Dorset Theatre-goers Club trip to see ‘Nell Gwynn’ at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. Full details from Lynda Maidment on 01305 269892 or visit the website www. dorsettheatregoersclub.co.uk

1 April 7.30pm

Spring 17 Quiz in aid of the Lions charities at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Entry is for teams of up to 6 players, cost £6 per player, including refreshment. Bar open. Contact Ron Neave telephone 01202 873551 or email ronneave@yahoo.co.uk

2 April

Merley Hall Farm, Ashington, near Wimborne is hosting a lambing open day for the public to raise funds for the Dorset Youth Marching Band

2 April

Bournemouth Orchid Society coach outing to RHS Gardens, Wisley. For details contact Roger Frampton at: rogersmail@ntlworld.com

5 April 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Britain’s Greatest Marine Disasters’, Dudsbury Golf Club. New members welcome. Contact the Secretary on 01202 875757

6 April 7.30pm

Verwood Horticultural Society meeting at the Memorial Hall. A Year in the Country with Colin Varndell 01202 814376

7 April 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers Peter Hale entertains. With intros, fades and titling.

Meet at club house next to the Allendale Centre. Contact Garry Court on 02202 378515

8 April 12-4pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society Spring Show at the Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne BH21 1AS. More details from 01202 887006

8-13 April

Children’s crafts at Fordingbridge Library.

Drop in and get creative: Chick & Egg! Children to be accompanied by an adult

10-16 April

Bring your best explorers and join Highcliffe Castle for an egg-cellent six days of fun! Highcliffe Castle will be setting up an Easter Trail for everyone to join in and find as many Easter eggs as possible! Fun for all the family, only £2 per person

in and around the area

ITION

COM P ET

(L-R) Tony Waller, leader of Bournemouth Jazz Orchestra with young musicians Reuben Gibbs, Sam Watkins, President of Wimborne Rotary, Sue Young, Harriet Rhind, Rotarian Darryl Reach who organised the event, Austin Carroll and Felix Turnbull

Big band jazz WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE Johnny Warman’s Total Who Show incorporating

‘The Best of The Who’ In conjunction with the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown, Viewpoint is running a competition to win two tickets to this adrenaline-filled show.

Experience the passion, power and majesty of The Who – one of the world’s greatest rock bands – in an unforgettable two-hour tribute show on 14 April.

Johnny Warman and his band capture The Who’s pure energy, adding their individual flair to the songs.

Expect a range of favourite numbers such as: Won’t Get Fooled Again, My Generation, The Seeker, Can’t Explain and more.

For your chance to win two tickets, answer the following question:

What was the name of the 1975 film that features one of their greatest hits, Pinball Wizard?

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Johnny Warman Competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 31 March 2017. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner.

Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and the Barrington Theatre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

A show of magic proportions Fans of magic are apparently in for a treat.

The Hub in Verwood will be the venue for a gala show of top magicians on 2 April 2017.

Presented by the Wessex Magical Association (WMA), The ‘Stars of Magic’ sees magicians from across the country and Las Vegas coming together for an evening of magical entertainment.

Chris Randall will be bringing his award-winning act all the way from the US. Daring duo ‘Amethyst’ will perform their large-scale illusions – with chains, fire and danger. Elegant magic from acclaimed Marc Oberon promises to captivate the audience and ‘The Great Desmondo and Cherry’ comedy act of the ‘UK’s best worst magicians’ should have you in stitches. Marc Paul will be upping the air of mystery with his mind-reading talents and Dave Loosley – magic’s very own cheeky chappie will be entertaining with his quirky style.

The show will be presented by compere, Noel Britten and is suitable for all ages. Tickets are available from the Hub on 01202 828740 (£12 adult, £9 child).

A BIG SUCCESS

A packed Minster Hall at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne, saw an audience of nearly 300 people enjoy an evening of jazz recently.

The concert was presented by the Bournemouth Jazz Orchestra under their leader Tony Waller. Organised

by Wimborne Rotary in conjunction with their business partners and in support of the Centre for Wessex Young Musicians and Rotary charities, the evening raised £1,400 from a collection taken at the end of the concert.

For five members of the Wessex Youth Orchestra, the evening saw them joining with the Bournemouth Jazz Orchestra to perform some numbers for the appreciative audience. The five were: Reuben Gibbs (trumpet), Felix Turnbull (trombone), Austin Carroll (trumpet), Harriet Rhind (percussion) and Sam Watkins (saxophone).

New festival to be staged in Poole Park This May a brand new festival will be coming to the area in association with the European Maritime Festival, which takes place in Poole and in the UK for the first time ever.

Thousands of visitors are expected for the two-day European Maritime Conference and the annual Poole Boat Show.

‘Taste of the South’ is a 3-day festival running from 19–21 May in Poole Park and will be a celebration of all things local from the South of England, which include food, drink, produce, art, culture, and entertainment.

There will be exhibitors, tastings, samples, and demonstrations to give a taste of what the South can offer. Exhibitors are currently being sought for the event.

Visit the website at www.tastesouth. events for more information.

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in and around the area

Libraries have changed Do you remember the days when you had to speak in hushed voices in a library? Not any more.

In West Moors Library, not a day goes by when there is not some activity taking place. Libraries are now inclusive and diverse places offering late nights and Saturday openings with free membership and free access to computers.

Dorset Library Service recently joined with several other authorities to become Libraries West, meaning they can offer a far wider range of books. Borrowers can now source from libraries in surrounding counties as well as Dorset. You can order books and DVDs, download ebooks, use zinio and access Ancestry, as well as discover

activities on offer online using the Libraries West website.

Sessions at West Moors Library include knit and knatter, adult colouring and coffee, and board games. Reading is as important as it ever was, so there are four adult reading groups; stories at rhyme time are for children of all ages, as well as Chatterbooks group for 7-11 year olds. Meanwhile, the Digital Champions provide help and information about computer problems and also run a Code Club on a Saturday morning for children ages 9–11.

The library is actively working with Dementia Friends to help progress the desire for West Moors to become Dementia Friendly.

The RVS supports the library by providing volunteers who deliver books to those unable to get to a library.

Author Ben Kane comes to West Moors Well-known author Ben Kane will be at West Moors library on 29 March as part of his promotional tour to talk about his new novel Eagles in the Storm based on Roman history. For more details pop into the library or call 01202 873272.

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Photo by: Alastair Nisbet, ScreenPLAY

World War One home front through the eyes of five women A film and performance about life in Dorset in 1916 is coming to Wimborne’s Royal British Legion in March. Tommy’s Sisters tells the moving story of life on the home front through the eyes of four local women and a girl.

What was it like to be one of thousands of munitions workers at Dorset’s huge cordite factory, a nurse looking after grievously injured soldiers at Colehill’s Red Cross Hospital, or a young girl wondering if she will ever see her friend again? Tommy’s Sisters is a drama based on their own words from diaries and archives.

The evening begins and ends with a live performance from the film’s five actors: Michele O’Brien, Chloe Hatherley, Jemima Vivian, Barbara Hart and Tracie BillingtonBeardsley, who stay in role after the screening to answer questions from the audience about the characters and their lives during the conflict.

Tommy’s Sisters was written

and directed by Gill Horitz and Tony Horitz from State of Play Arts in collaboration with Director of Photography Alastair Nisbet from arts organisation ScreenPLAY. The film was produced as part of the Priest’s House Museum’s First World War project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sources used in developing the screenplay include an autograph album from one of the women, Gertrude Coggin, with entries by the soldiers she talks about, and the diaries of another, Olive Harcourt. Additional material came from public events held at the Priest’s House Museum to which people brought family objects and stories associated with the First World War. Tommy’s Sisters is on Friday 17 March at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £5 are available from Wimborne Tourist Information Centre or Royal British Legion or by calling 01202 886116.

in and around the area

WONDERING WHAT TO DO IN THE EASTER HOLIDAYS? HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOU OUT AND ABOUT. 40th Boatjumble for Beaulieu Beaulieu celebrates its 40th Boatjumble on 23 April as the biggest one-stop shop for boating enthusiasts.

With hundreds of stands with boating bargains, Beaulieu Boatjumble has become a favourite with boating enthusiasts. With a new layout, the event gives the chance to browse yacht and motorboat spares and accessories, ropes, flags, charts, lifejackets, engines, tools, canoes and dinghies.

Beaulieu Boatjumble is also the place to gather nautical knowledge and includes Ask the Experts, where industry specialists share their knowledge and answer questions.

Trunk Traders will be in its own separate zone. It is the ideal opportunity for amateur jumblers to clear their lockers, sheds and garages and sell unwanted nautical paraphernalia. New and used boats

will be for sale as well as the latest maritime products.

Tickets, which can be bought on the door, are £9.70 an adult and £6 for 13 to 17-year-olds. Under-12s go free. Advance tickets before 14 April offer discounts.

To book, call the events team on 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk.

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Fancy a Spring outing?

Cranborne Garden Centre is the perfect place for a day out this spring, with everything you need to get your garden looking good for summer.

They are celebrating Mothers’ Day in style with Sunday lunch in The Garden Room (roast £12.50, child’s portion £8.50, plus a selection of lunch dishes and puddings) and special afternoon teas, booking is essential for both. Also Cranborne Manor Garden will be open.

The garden centre is open every day over Easter, with Easter egg hunts with free entry and Easter Sunday lunch in The Garden Room (booking essential). They are fully licensed so you can enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple whilst relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.

Cranborne Manor Garden is open every Wednesday (9am–5pm). Well-behaved dogs are welcome in both the garden centre and Manor Garden.

Events are hosted throughout the year, including talks, workshops and Vintage Fairs – for full details of all events visit www.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk or call 01725 517248. The Garden Room is available for private functions and weddings – please enquire.

-advertising feature -

Stroll in a woodland setting and pick up some plants

MacPennys is an independent family-run nursery offering a vast range of good-value, home-grown plants and expert advice if needed. It is in a peaceful setting with eight acres of sales areas and four acres of woodland gardens.

The Woodland Gardens share the same opening times as the nursery and will be open throughout the Easter holiday in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, including Easter Sunday. (See advert for opening times). MacPennys is not an all-frills garden centre, but offers the visitor something a little different. To round off the visit why not visit the tearoom for delicious refreshments.

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specialist services AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

specialist services FITTED FURNITURE

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specialist services SHUTTERS

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

WEB DESIGN

June 2015

Pulford Publicity Limited (“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 Viewpoint Magazine accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

AVIAN INFLUENZA and your responsibilities

Even if you have only a handful of birds, are you taking all necessary precautions to protect them? This is not only a wild bird problem, all efforts should be made to protect your own poultry. Bird flu can be passed from wild birds to poultry, it can be transmitted directly from bird to bird or via wild bird droppings.

Since 28 February, most keepers in Dorset and Hampshire were no longer required by law to house their birds and could let them outside, provided specific precautions were taken against avian flu. This allows as much freerange production as possible to continue.

At all times still keep accommodation, feed utensils and water as clean as possible. Also be aware of your own cleanliness, footwear, hands and clothing when

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

dealing with your birds.

We must all still be vigilant.

Signs of avian flu include loss of appetite, swollen heads and respiratory problems. If you suspect bird flu in your own birds or you see more than a couple of dead or sick-looking wild birds, contact APHA on 03000 200 301.

At present, gatherings of poultry for sale or shows are still not allowed. Don’t forget it is a legal requirement to register flocks of more than 50 poultry with APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).

For other areas of the UK the interactive maps on the Government APHA website will show the high-risk areas where more restrictions are still in place.

Some are local so visit: www. gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk/ intmaps/avian/map.jsp

Christine Scott

Animal Health Officer

If you wish to have any more information on this subject please contact 01305 224475, or visit Dorsetforyou.com and follow the links to Trading Standards’ Animal Health pages.

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motoring

NEW LEGISLATION REINFORCES MESSAGE THAT MOBILE PHONES ARE DEADLY WEAPONS AT THE WHEEL The number of points and the fine issued to motorists for using a mobile phone at the wheel has doubled.

Motorists caught using a mobile phone have until recently, been given three penalty points and a minimum fine of £100. Under the new rules, now in effect, drivers will receive six points on their licence and a £200 fine.

Dorset drivers will also no longer be eligible for a driver awareness course.

Any drivers with less than two years’ experience caught using their phone at the wheel will have their licence revoked by the DVLA and will have to retake their test, facing inevitable increased insurance premiums.

More experienced drivers also risk going to court if they offend twice, with a possible fine of up to £1,000 and at least a six-month driving ban.

The message is clear: when driving, leave your mobile phone alone.

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VIEWPOINT March 2017

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