The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 167

Editor’s note...

Welcome to the December edition of YOUR Gazette!

Here we are, yet again at the end of another jam-packed year. I’m proud to state that much of Purbeck stands as it was at the turn of 2012 - we are still managing to keep our local retailers in businesses, and the boarded-up shops that are plaguing other towns have not, as yet, spread to Purbeck. This is down to everyone who shops locally, so please continue to support our local retailers and service providers. This issue sees the culmination of our Purbeck Christmas Challenge. Within this month’s Gazette you’ll find the second half of the challenge, where local businesses advertise to encourage you to complete all of your Christmas shopping in Purbeck this year. Give it a go - you’ll be surprised at the bargains available locally, the internet price-matching, and the wide range of goods available! Everytime you step into a local shop and purchase something, you’re bolstering our local economy, making Purbeck stronger. As always, please wrap-up against the cold, keep an eye on the heating bill and try and block out as many drafts at home as you can. If you’re elderly and alone, call the Purbeck Good Neighbours if you need a hand with a one-off task, don’t suffer in silence!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break, and a smashing New Year’s celebration - see you all next year!

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the Editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur. The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the Editor. No part, written or visual, of this publication may be

Please send all letters to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk with ‘letter to the editor’ in the email subject line. Please do not exceed 350 words. If handwritten, please ensure it is legible. PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE LETTERS TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS - WE DO NOT PRINT MULTI-PUBLICATION LETTERS.

JANUARY 2013 deadline - 12 noon 8th DEC

Fracking - Challenge It!

Dear Editor,

While there has been much correspondence with regard to Navitus Bay wind farm, which will be obscured by mist for much of the year, a far greater despoliation of the countryside will take place if fracking for shale gas goes ahead.

Fracking licenses have been granted for both exploration and extraction for Dorset and over great swathes of the rest of our country. The local authorities are powerless to do anything to hinder the process. Why should you be concerned? The process involves vast quantities of water and 1000’s of drill heads being installed. These are in groups of six to eight and each group is accompanied by a pond of water – not pure water in which fish will thrive, but water contaminated by hundreds of chemicals, many of which are extremely harmful.

At present no satisfactory method has been developed to separate the chemicals and arrange for their disposal. I cannot assess the possibility of leakage or displacement by flooding, leading to the contamination of the surrounding ground and water table. Also our countryside will be irreversibly changed by the construction of a new road infrastructure to cope with the vast number of tankers required to transport the shale gas. Even this energy source is not infinite and will indeed contribute to the pollution of the atmosphere. After the initial output of gas, which is never 100% of the estimated reserve, the production goes into sharp decline. All this is evidenced by fracking in the USA.

Our only recourse is to protest and challenge this threat to our countryside. If we do this we know from experience elsewhere that the police will be involved – unless of course they join the protest for it is their countryside too.

Why not do as Scotland has already done and exploit the tidal power which is abundant? Incidentally, Scotland hopes to be independent of foreign supplies for electricity generation by 2020.

Did the Conservative Party believe in localism or was it just an empty slogan?

Yours sincerely, Alan Marriott, by email.

Dear Readers,

My home is heated by gas, and solar power on my roof compliments electricity supplied by a renewable energy supplier. I am fortunate to have insulation and double glazing to keep me warm. Most of us live on-grid and are reliant on gas and electricity. We all use energy. The British Government has legally binding targets to lower carbon emissions, if those targets are not met huge fines will need to be paid.

We are fortunate in the south west to have a choice of energy supplier and to be able switch to one that has integrity as part of its electricity generating capacity.

It is incumbent on us all to conserve energy and to source our energy from greener sources than the big six. Councils are well aware of the UK’s carbon targets and are supporting renewable energy schemes across the UK, some local groups are setting up their own local, green energy systems. We all need to use less energy and to use it in a cleaner, greener way. We all need to make choices. Across Britain there is opposition to new and old energy systems, be they wind farms, solar farms, nuclear power stations or fracking wells. However, energy needs to come from somewhere – what do you think is the least damaging energy source? In order to maintain a vibrant economy in the south west we need to secure our tourism and agriculture industries, amongst others. So perhaps it’s time to look at what technologies will have the least detrimental impact on our local economies, the environment and human and animal health? Reducing carbon emissions is a must. The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change backs this up.

LULWORTH RANGEWALKS & TYNEHAMVILLAGE OPENINGTIMES

The Lulworth Range Walks andTyneham Village are open to the public every weekend with the exception of: (open throughout December)

Inadditiontotheweekends,theyareopeneverydayduring thefollowingtimes(allareinclusive): dates

Christmas-21stDecember2013-5thJanuary2014

Tyneham School & Church exhibitions open 10am -4pm whilst open Ffi, please call 01929 404819

In Somerset local councils support local energy groups and have made positive steps towards installing solar panels, setting up electric car schemes and walking their talk.

Dorset has a new application for gas exploration, which, at the initial exploratory stage, may not include fracking, although horizontal drilling will be required. Do Dorset residents want a future with gas flares, up to 14 feet tall on their landscape? Fugitive emissions into the atmosphere? What about the associated water, air and soil pollution with associated detrimental effects on human and animal health or do they prefer wind and solar farms? Which is the safest energy source for you, and for your children?

What are your local Councils’ policies in terms of energy? Here in Somerset councils have made public statements against unconventional gas exploration and fracking. In October Mendip District Council passed a unanimous motion stating that gas fracking is not welcome in the Mendip Area. Bath and North East Somerset, (BANES,) council issued a statement objecting to unconventional gas extraction in 2012. Glastonbury and Frome town councils have also passed motions banning UG and fracking. Frack Free Somerset receive lots of emails from Parish and District Councillors wanting to know how they can ban gas exploration in their local areas. What are Dorset councils going to do? At Parish, District and Town level?

As the minerals planning authority for Purbeck, are Dorset County Council going to procrastinate on this recent application for gas exploration in Swanage, thereby allowing central Government to make a Yes decision for them? Or are Dorset councils going to make a stand and say No? It’s up to you to let your local councillor know what they can do to secure your vote at the next election. And if you are against unconventional gas, solar and wind maybe it’s time to go and live off grid?

Regards, Louise Somerville Williams - Frack Free Somerset

Information on fracking in our area can be found on page 24, in the ‘Through the Keyhole’ article. Fracking has been carried out in Purbeck at Kimmeridge and Wytch Farm, over a period of twenty years or so (on and off).

Dear Editor, Majestic? Get Real!

Sorry I can’t reply to this person as you didn’t print their name. Something I find odd because if you are prepared to speak up then at least have the decency/courage to include your name. To sign as ‘a friend, supporter of Swanage and all that is England’ is odd to say the least!

To answer this person - I am entitled to my opinion and should be able to voice it, therefore I am not ‘poking my nose in.’ I am also sane, not barking mad and have my eyes tested quite regularly.

Swanage is just one of the many beautiful places in Dorset but I don’t see why the proposed wind farm should interfere with this or spoil it in any way. We must find alternative energy supplies for the future and wind farms are just one of many. I agree we should be looking at other options. We are surrounded by the sea with tides which should be harnessed as well.

I wonder if we had all this trouble when the millions of pylons were erected? I am very proud of where I live and I am happy to say that I have lived here all my life with no desire to live elsewhere.

One further thing to add is that when debate turns into name calling and mud slinging as opposed to factual argument and point of view, it means the truth has struck home.

Mrs G Curtis, Bere Regis, by email.

‘All That Is England’ - Really?

Dear Nico,

In November’s issue a reader who describes themselves as a friend of Swanage takes issue with a Mrs. Curtis of Bere Regis for suggesting that windmills look majestic (Majestic? Get Real!).

Square & Compass

Sun 1 Dec 7.30pm

Sat 7 Dec 8pm

Fri 13 Dec 8pm

Sat 14 Dec 8pm

Fri 27 Dec 8pm

Sun 29 Dec 8pm

NewYear ’s Eve

Quiz Night

Beard & Bottled BeerFestival! with‘4 Square’providing music

Philip Clouts

Pronghorn

Arnie Cotrell

EvaAbraham

Party with Helele! 10pm till midnight

www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Anyone who thinks that windmills have some aesthetic value, he or she claims, must be mentally unwell. It is of course crucial to question the vision impact of windmills. But then is it unfair to also question the aesthetic value of ‘beautiful Swanage’, that gaping black hole of career opportunities that any young person who identifies a particular talent seeks to quickly leave?

The complainant claims to have an affinity for “all that is England” and yet the only growth business in Swanage for the past quarter-century appears to have been language schools, which are, by nature, very foreign. People once complained about telegraph wires and electricity pylons. Everyone eventually got used to them. I suppose my point is not to say that they will make ‘beautiful Swanage’ more attractive, rather that those who see them as ultimately beneficial are not necessarily insane and that their visual qualities are a matter of dispute, just as are the visual qualities of Swanage.

Ask yourself: if it is such an idyll, why do all the young people leave and why has tourism continually diminished? Perhaps the writer needs to ‘get real’ and understand that if Swanage is not open to the idea of infrastructural investment of some sort that might provide reason for a few people to stay around, then the community will be made up almost entirely of retirees and those who are too economically or educationally deprived to relocate. Kind regards, Patrick, (originally of Stoborough), by email

Fracking/Wind Alternatives

Dear Nico,

Obviously Mr John Winterbottom is an intelligent man, with a scientific background (letters, November).

Would he then be able to explain how the toxins which are a result of fracking could be safely removed? I’m sure a lot of people would be interested to know.

Instead of fracking and a giant wind farm, why could we not have water turbines and anaerobic digesters to provide energy? Far less intrusive, less harmful and renewable.

Yours sincerely, Christine Bridson-Jones, Wool, Wareham.

‘Trust’ Using Water Power

Dear Editor,

Am I off my rocker in finding praise for the National Trust? They might increase membership and admission fees etc. but – they produce electricity using water power just like the old water-millers, in Wales at the Aberdulais Falls and other Trust properties across England.

Surely other companies could use rivers and streams as well? What is the use of protesting unless you can produce electricity by other ‘non fuel’ means? I understand that the sea bed is Crown property, and they will try to get in wind turbines.

Anything is better than nothing is the cry – no matter how useless or expensive!

Perhaps someone will try flowing rivers as many big cities stand by rivers – meaning short supply routes and working day and night.

Trials have been made to use the ebb and flow of the tide. Perhaps they could use generator ships which could be floated into position. The possibilities are endless and would be more positive, cheaper and more practical, create employment and leave the Jurassic Coast intact.

Yours truly. H Bittner, Wareham.

No To Scrapping Green Tax

Dear Nico,

In the wake of recent astronomical hikes in gas prices, and fat cat bosses lobbying the present government to scrap the green tax, with the Sun newspaper starting a petition to do so, could we be seeing an open door policy to fracking, where domestic energy bills were reduced at a human cost in the U.S.A.?

American energy policy is considerably different to that of the U.K.’s in the trans-global trading of our planet’s resources of insular and export. We seem to have forgotten completely that our CO2 runway expansions will change the future for our children and sustainable energy sources which are funded by the green tax.

When did any reader hear a government minister say the words ‘carbon emission target’ – not lately; the last one was arrested for sitting in the road.

Yours sincerely, M J K Hamilton. Swanage

Recycling Will Save Money

Dear Editor,

I refer to the letter from Mr Beavis in the November Edition headed “Rat Infestation Fears”.

As one of the Purbeck District Council representatives on the Dorset Waste Partnership Joint Committee, I can assure Mr Beavis that the issue of the security of the waste food bin from vermin attack has been taken into account, the bin will have a lockable lid. The leaflets sent to all householders around the beginning of September specified that a 23 litre lockable food bin will be supplied.

94,000 households in Christchurch, East Dorset and North Dorset are already receiving the new ‘recycle for Dorset’ services, which have successfully increased recycling rates from around 30% to over 60 % which has significantly reduced the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

Every time a refuse lorry dumps its load of rubbish at a landfill site, it costs us, the taxpayer, about £600 and last year Purbeck residents generated over 1,600 lorry loads. The more we recycle, which includes food waste, the more we save.

David Budd, Purbeck District Councillor, Wareham

Pain? No Relief At Hospital

Dear Sir,

An elderly friend of mine injured herself on a Saturday morning and suffered extreme pain until Monday morning, preferring to wait for treatment at our local hospital... rather than become a non-entity at a larger hospital elsewhere.

Monday morning came and she attended for an x ray to learn nothing was broken. Despite the tears of pain of a stoic lady, she was then dismissed. Pain? The hospital doesn’t do pain!

She was advised to go home and contact the Health Centre in order that a doctor could later phone her before issuing a prescription for strong pain killers...some three hours later.

She eventually endured some sixty hours of unnecessary extreme pain, firstly because of a belief in our local hospital and, secondly, their subsequent inability to kill the pain of a patient when a doctor isn’t about..... a doctor from a practice which does not support the continued existence of our hospital.

A hospital that cannot deal with severe pain.......if it wasn’t so sad it would be laughable!!

Yours faithfully, A.S. Name and address supplied, withheld on request

Commissioner’s Comments

Hi Nico,

After a month of waiting for a reply from Purbeck District Council re: a rebate on the Police portion of my Community Charge as we no longer have a Police Station in the town, I thought I would write to our newly elected Police Commissioner for his comments. I guess that will be another month of my life I will not get back!!

Dear Sir,

I wrote to Purbeck District Council last month to ask for a rebate on the Police portion of my Community Charge with not even a reply, so I am writing to you to ask how can you justify a 2% increase in the portion of the rates for the 2013-2014 financial year, and then close our Police Station in Swanage?

The Swanage contribution equates to somewhere near £500,000, so surely we should have a more robust Police presence?

I was in the PaTHway office in Swanage today (04/11/13) and someone came in to report a crime and was told to use the 101 phone on the wall. The reply came back “I tried that and hung up after ten minutes with no reply.” This may be why the crime figures are down!

I look forward to your reply without the excuses of Child protection, Terrorism, and increased costs of policing when people are being made redundant!

Yours, Peter Wakefield, by email.

Thanks To Town Band

Dear Editor,

The committee of the Purbeck Instrument Loan Scheme (PILS) would like to thank Dave Cook and the members of the Swanage Town Band for giving some of our young players the opportunity to experience playing in a large band.

Dave Cook arranged special parts for them to play, and he, together with band members (and teachers Chris Roberts, Mike Potts and Rebecca Bruton) rehearsed with the young players on a Saturday morning, to prepare for a performance to their parents and families at the Town Band rehearsal on Wednesday, October 9th.

The young musicians included flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and euphonium players and the event was so successful, we hope to continue this partnership with the Town Band in future. PILS, a section of the Isle of Purbeck Arts Club, currently has more pupils borrowing instruments than ever, with 124 instruments currently out on loan, ranging from flute to double bass.

We are most grateful to all the groups, organisations and individuals in the town who have supported us so generously, helping us to provide instruments and where applicable, help parents with grants towards the cost of tuition and exam fees.

Yours sincerely, Jay Buckle, Chairman, Purbeck Instrument Loan Scheme

Taste Of Wessex Raises £971

Dear Nico,

I would like to thank, through your excellent publication, all those who attended our Taste of Wessex Evening held recently at Harmans Cross Village Hall.

Also a big thank you must go to all our wonderful helpers and the many suppliers who donated food for the meal or raffle prizes. The event was put on to raise funds for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust that carries out such vital work with the very ill and their families throughout Dorset. The evening consisted of a ploughman’s and pudding, followed by a quiz as well as a super raffle. Well done to the Rotary team that won the closely-fought quiz! The event proved to be a great success once again and it raised £971 for Weldmar.

Thank you everyone for being so generous.

David Dean, on behalf of the Swanage Fundraising Committee.

Not Just Surfers Against Sewage

Dear Editor,

We had a wonderful swim today in warm October sunshine. I’m now feeling a little queasy because of the SAS (Surfers against Sewage) text I have just received (the third one this week) informing me that sewage is currently discharging at Swanage Central.

Up to 1.75m cases of gastro intestinal infections per year are caused by contaminated bathing water - we are not the only swimmers in Swanage

enjoying a last dip in the bay and I’m concerned for the health of my friends, hardy members of the Bobbing Corks, some of whom swim all the year round.

It is not good enough to keep saying that the ageing sewage systems cannot cope. The discharge of waste into rivers and beaches every time it rains heavily is not acceptable.

Some water companies (Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and Anglian Water) no longer provide real time information out of the ‘bathing season’. If you would like more information, go to www.sas.org.uk

Jane Atkinson, by email.

Is Badger Cull Necessary?

Dear Editor,

It has always struck me that those who support the badger cull usually bring forward evidence to support their argument, whilst those who oppose the badger cull use infantilisation and anthropomorphic representation of animals that might tug on the heart strings but never on the science strings.

In June, a debate called Is the Badger Cull Necessary? was held at the Cheltenham Science Festival. The scientific opinion certainly differs on the trials involving badgers, but 81% of the audience voted in favour of the cull. Unsurprisingly, some politicians have made this a party political issue, forgetting that the previous government had years to address this escalating problem.

The proposed trials do not rely solely on killing badgers. They include vaccination as well as improvements and bio-security, but for some any form of killing is an anathema. Consequently, uncomfortable facts, awkward situations and difficult questions can be dismissed. The public will not fully understand or engage with the problem, but will certainly join in an ‘animal protectors v animal abusers’ battle.

All the time, incidents of bovine TB in cattle are escalating, from 605 cases in 1983 to more than 37,500 cases last year. And as Professor James Wood, an infectious diseases researcher at Cambridge University, said at the Royal Society meeting, “The other thing that is often left out of the equation is that this is a nasty disease for badgers as well.”

It seems that provided no human is involved, the deaths of these lovely creatures at the hand of nature is acceptable, no matter how much they suffer. Presumably, even if infected animals could be identified, these people would still be against a cull, which brings me to ask, how do they see the reservoir of bovine TB in badgers ever being curbed or eradicated?

Whether or not the objections towards shooting is the right way forward will continue to be a matter for debate. But it does seem odd that the animal rightists who have joined this battle saw nothing wrong in arguing that shooting was perfectly acceptable alternative to hunting with hounds when the Hunting Act was being debated.

I remain Editor, yours faithfully, Mike Fry.

Dear Nico, Wool community cafe

I thought that I would drop you a few lines about the Wool community cafe. We have been open for nearly eighteen months as part of our church outreach to the local community and everyone else.

We are open Tuesday to Friday during autumn and winter, and also on Saturdays during spring and summer. Opening times are 9am - 4pm. The cafe is run completely on a voluntary basis by myself and a couple of fellowship members.

I run a monthly free over 60’s lunch catering for up to thirty-two on the last Monday of the month. We also have a mums and toddlers group on a Monday from 10.30am - 12 noon. We recently held a combined Help for

Heroes and Macmillan coffee day and so far have raised £1800. We are still waiting for Barclays to confirm their pound for pound offer. Our outreach message to one and all is ‘In the community, for the community.’

We can be found in the Purbeck Good Food Guide and our menu is both vast and inexpensive. Take-away is available and we also take bookings for parties and social events. The cafe is based on the ground floor of Wool Cornerstone Church on Burton road, and we have full disabled access and parking. We also have free wi-fi.

Any enquires can be made to myself on 07800863368. A warm welcome awaits all new and returning visitors. Thank you and God bless yourself and all readers.

Mike Fowler, by email.

Thanks Mike - lovely to hear from Wool! Do send us updates please!

End Of An Era...

It is believed that George is one of the UK’s oldest continuouslypublished columnists. Having worked with the local independent papers in Purbeck prior to moving over to the Swanage & Wareham Advertiser many years ago, George popped his head into Gazette Towers this week and asked if we’d mind publishing the below poem for him, which he has penned in recent days.

It’s an honour George, enjoy your retirement, and we look forward to possibly hearing some of your memories of Purbeck Past in the future!

Have you been told? Have you been faxed?

Poor old Tilly Whim’s been axed.

Like a tooth drawn from its root, Tilly Whim has got the boot.

All those years of friendly chatter, Dismissed as if they didn’t matter.

All those years we’ve been together, Blown away like windy weather.

That photograph of George’s face, It’s now vanished without trace.

No parting tear or soft sad sigh, No need to wipe your tear-filled eye. He’s gone to that haven in the sky, Where all good journalists end up.

So raise a final tear-filled cup, Because a businessman’s brief whim, Has spelt good-bye to Tilly Whim.

Local legend, and longtime columnist for the Swanage & Wareham Advertiser, George Willey (pictured leftauthor of ‘Tilly Whim’ column), has now retired.

Esme James

Contemporary Artist

www.esmejames.co.uk

Originals, Limited Edition Prints and Commissions

An Evening Of Laughs

Dear Nico,

The Swanage Drama Company’s production of the Vicar of Dibley gave me more laughs in one evening than I would expect in a year!

As a retired vicar, many incidents in my ministry were recalled, as I watched the proceedings of the Parish Council on stage. My enjoyment was enhanced by being one of a party of a dozen clergy and their partners. Thanks to all involved in this production, those behind the scene as well as the very prominent cast on stage.

Peter Burtwell, by email.

Songs Of Praise

Dear Editor,

Is the Vicar of Dibley to move to Swanage and Studland churches?

The above photo of the Revd, Geraldine Granger (‘Vicar of Dibley’, centre) with members of the Swanage clergy was taken after the clergy had appraised her performance with a somewhat awkward congregation (and uniquely scatty verger Alice Tinker) and before discussions relating to replacing the current curate, Revd Catherine Graham, who is moving to a post in Hong Kong. Discussions are still underway.

From Canon John Wood, Team Rector of Swanage & Studland, and Rural Dean of Purbeck.

Church vs Pub?

Hi Nico, Christmas is a time for visiting churches and pubs, so here are a few lighthearted thoughts comparing the attractions.

In villages across the land a church and pub together stand, there to welcome one and all with ‘spirits’ waiting wall to wall.

You enter both in search of cheer, one with bibles, one with beer! Both play parts in many a wedding, both have gardens, one with dead in! Both have music, bells and songs, deep debates rights and wrongs. I know which one I’d choose by far, I’ve seen the lights .. above the bar. So I’ll drink with the living and not dress in black till I end up in the church, like in the pub, on my back!

Martin H. Swanage.

Dear Nico,

At the present time camper vans are in hibernation, however they will reappear in The Isle of Purbeck like returning migrating birds when the weather improves.

Whether we like it or not camper vans are a fact of life. It’s time that the local authority provides ‘hook up facilities etc’ for our visitors in various car parks / locations around Swanage. Instead of banning these vehicles, surely with the right investment in the correct locations, the current situation can be greatly improved.

The local economy must benefit from these visitors, who come along to support local events, spending money in our shops. These facilities would be welcomed by camper van owners and the residents of Swanage. Once in position they would generate a steady income to the coffers of the Town Council.

I trust that the Council will investigate the feasibility of this suggestion; welcoming camper vans by offering facilities similar to those made available by our Continental neighbours. I know this is an emotive issue. No one is pleased to have a camper van on ‘wedges’ parked on the road in front of their home, but the current ongoing situation must be addressed.

Yours sincerely, Robin Tiller via email.

Dear Nico,

It was good to see in the October issue of The Purbeck Gazette that the Dorset Road Safe Partnership is offering free driver training to older drivers and we hope that anyone over seventy five will take advantage of this opportunity.

Following a “Brush up your Driving” talk, some members of Stoborough WI took the Dorset Driver practical course, a ninety minute one-to-one driving session using our own cars, accompanied by an experienced police driving instructor; the aim being to update and improve our driving skills. All those who took part would admit to having been nervous about this – after all, it’s a long time since we took our driving tests and we’ve had plenty of time to build up some bad habits.

How good are we with parallel parking? How aware are we of the hazards facing us on our roads today? It was very useful to learn new driving techniques which not only make driving safer but also save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear. We would encourage others to take the course and, for anyone who doesn’t qualify for the free training, we thought that £37.50 was money well spent to update our knowledge and help us continue driving for many years to come.

Anne-Marie Goodbody, Stoborough W.I.

Cycleway Does Not Exist

Dear Editor,

David Hollister writes that he doesn’t hate cyclists, but the venomous utterances in his November column seem out of step with this. The cyclists he has had to drive around are not “morons” who are “doggedly refusing to use the new Sandford cycleway”. They are law abiding citizens who know they are not entitled to ride on the pavement. You see, Mr Hollister, the Sandford cycleway doesn’t actually exist at the moment, and until it does, cyclists will be obliged to use the road.

The arrogance of motorists who believe cyclists are a nuisance and should not be on the road beggars belief. A man who admits to giving up cycling because he found the traffic scary and the roads unsafe should show a little more consideration to those who refuse to be bullied into giving up a pleasant pastime.

Yours faithfully, Mrs J Wellstead, Wareham.

Society and I attended a house meeting at the Purbeck School. In

the assembly hall packed with pupils, Jacquie presented Ryan Horlock with the Wareham-Hemsbach Society shield (pictured, above) for

most improved student of German language in year eleven. School exchange visits with the twin town of Hemsbach are no longer very popular but Angelique, the headmistress of the Hemsbach School, encourages pupils to keep in touch with pupils in the Purbeck School.

Yours sincerely, Robin Brasher.

Dear Editor,

The NHS has come under fire recently – we are regaled with dreadful stories of poor care, neglect and long times of waiting for interviews. I am happy to report that my experiences of having major surgery at the Orthopaedic Department at Dorchester Hospital tell a very different story! After much deliberation – I am eighty years old - I agreed to have a total hip replacement.

Throughout the experience I could not fault the care and personal consideration shown to me by Mr Peter Ward, the consultant, including during the pre-operation interviews the week prior to surgery. On all occasions I felt that I was regarded as important – my many questions were thoughtfully answered, and I was given all the reassurances that I needed. While in Ridgway Ward, nursing care was excellent, the physiotherapist treated me sympathetically and made arrangements to have home care laid on for me.

So thank you Dorchester and the NHS – you have another very satisfied patient!

Yours sincerely, David Kington. Swanage.

It should be obvious to most, but just in case....

Letters published on these pages are the

our readers and do not reflect the opinions or viewpoints of the Purbeck Gazette!

Chris

Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh

Sun 8th Dec at 7.30pm

Langton Village Hall

Box Office: 01929 423834

Dear Nico,

I am writing on behalf of Amnesty International, of which I am a member. Each year, just before Christmas, Amnesty supplies names and addresses of a few of those many people around the world whose human rights have been violated, often by false imprisonments.

The campaign involves sending a greetings card to a person of your choice. The case booklets can be obtained, free of charge by writing to:-

The Supporter Care Team, Amnesty International, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London ECZA 3EA. or by phoning 0207 0331777

Often we feel powerless to speak out against human injustice, but this is some small thing that we can do from our relatively free and fair society. A card will surely bring comfort to a suffering person and may also hasten their release.

Yours sincerely, Barbara J. Watson.

Collecting Sailors

Dear Editor,

I have collected lots of sailors!

Thanks to the powerful ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of this and many other local newspapers across the country printing my letters, I have collected lots of sailors. Not just ‘any old sailor’, but those who have served at H.M.S. Collingwood in Hampshire, or served in the Electrical Branch of the Royal Navy.

What have I done with them? Put them in contact with their old shipmates from when they trained or served together in the Electrical Department on various ships throughout the fleet via the newsletters and membership lists. We have also received photographs and books for the archives before they were consigned to the scrap heap because ‘nobody will want these.’ Reunions are very popular for the members and their wives or partners and are booking up fast. Once again there will be a lot of ‘lamp swinging’. The next one in April will be joining with other Associations for a 70th Anniversary of the launch of H.M.S. Cavalier at the dock where H.M.S. Cavalier has been preserved and restored!

Two Associations are welcoming new members; the Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association whose web site can be found at www.rneba.org.uk and the H.M.S. Collingwood Association whose web site can be found at www.hmscollingwoodassociation.com

Contact details can be found on either site, or contact me and I will forward them to the appropriate Membership Secretary.

Mike Crowe mike@rneba.org.uk or 7 Heath Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 8PG.

Dear Editor,

I wonder if any reader could help me in my attempt to track down a film that was made in Purbeck in August 1957, for childrens’ Saturday morning cinema performances?

The action scenes were shot in a quarry at Seacombe, and my family and friends were extras.

We never managed to see the finished product, or find out what the eventual title was, although an interim was something like ‘The Great Attraction’.

Does anyone remember the event, or know the name of the film, or how I could find it out.

Yours faithfully, Nicola Brooker, London.

Dear Gazette Editor,

I agree with David Hollister.

In 2003 there were twenty patrol constables based at Swanage Police Station, providing a twenty four hour presence in the town and surrounding area. There was also an inspector and three sergeants.

Now we have no sergeants, no Inspector and no police station. The twenty patrol constables have also disappeared and we are left with a community police officer supported by two civilian PCSO’s (Data from a Freedom of Information disclosure).

Swanage is lucky if it gets a single patrol car coming from Wareham, as long as that patrol car officer is not needed at Poole to deal with prisoners, or to deal with another incident at Upton, Lytchett or Wool (information obtained from police staff).

A police presence seems to be sadly lacking from a vibrant and busy town which now rarely sees a police uniform.

Yet Constable Jon McCarthy has the luxury of sitting in his office at Wareham police station updating his Facebook and Twitter accounts and being our ‘friend’ (September Gazette).

It is not a police ‘friend’ we need, it’s a substantive, authoritative and much increased visible police presence in Swanage. No wonder Dorset Police claim that crime numbers are down; there’s no one to report it to! Regards, Tom Oliver. Swanage.

Don’t Take The P.I.S.S.

Dear Nico,

Thanks to you and your team for another excellent Purbeck Gazette, a local magazine that keeps us up-to-date with local affairs. I would like to point out that the last thing I want to do is to upset anyone like Martin H. with such banal contributions like the ones from P.I.S.S.; but I would like to point out that this society started in January 2010 and so in January 2014 we will have been established for four years.

The society, meeting just once a month, started out with the idea of giving retired men of all walks of life, a social and friendly lunch club with a very humorous look at life! Let’s be honest, the way things have turned out today with the rising cost of living, plus the increase in heating bills; if you took life seriously, you would probably do away with yourselves.

You only have to read the views from some of the local people who write in your letter pages, that they are not all happy. We have to keep that balance. That is what makes the world go round.

In such a short time there are now similar societies in Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool and also a new one in Swanage (F.A.R.T.) bringing happiness to pensioners, so we must be doing something right. I live in Wareham and meet up with many people who read the Gazette and some of them congratulate me for adding a little humour to their lives. So by making people happy, I don’t feel that we can be condemned.

Life would be very dull without a smile, so on behalf of the members of P.I.S.S. I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2014. Keep smiling. The future looks so bleak that we will probably get locked up if we smile or they may TAX us for doing it!

Don’t let the b****rds grind you down.

All the best for now, Hugh Elmes, spokesman for P.I.S.S.

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Dads in Prison For Christmas

Dear Nico,

Through no fault of their own, prisoners’ families serve a ‘hidden sentence’ - especially at Christmas time - when their dads are inside. Friends of Guys Marsh or FOGM (charity no.1104063) is a Dorset charity that provides practical support for rehabilitation projects at HMP Guys Marsh, the Category C Training Prison in North Dorset.

Among other projects, FOGM funds the work of a trained play worker so that enhanced status prisoners, their wives or partners and their kids, get the most out of the short and precious time they spend together on special family visits.

A small group of prisoners there have come up with an artful idea to fundraise for Friends of Guys Marsh and for Help for Heroes. The Guys Art calendar, featuring their vibrant, cheerful and skilful artwork made when taking part in a therapeutic and educational art course, costs £8 (or £15 for two).

If Gazette readers would like to support the work of these two charities - one local, one national - by buying a calendar, please contact info@ friendsofguysmarsh.co.uk or call me direct on 01929 421753.

The calendar is also on sale at the Jailhouse Cafés at the Community Learning Centre at the Verne Citadel, Portland, and the Learning Centre, HMP Guys Marsh, Shaftesbury (check opening times first http://www. jailhousecafe.co.uk). Thanks so much!

All best wishes, Bridget Mayes, For Friends of Guys Marsh

Lizzy Dressmaker

Dress making

Ladies & mens alterations

Loose covers

Antique upholstery

Boat & caravan upholstery

Selling costume jewellery

Medal mounting & framing

A Little Wilderness Helps

Dear Editor,

I do wish our council would stop using weed-killer, our gardeners too. These poisons affect our ecosystem badly. Why not leave a little wild area or two?

Nettles are great for the caterpillars or red admiral, peacock and tortoiseshell butterflies. Ivy flowers in autumn, providing pollen for bees and its fruits in winter feed our wild birds. And by the way, it doesn’t strangle trees!

We all know that we must look after our bees, both honey and wild bees, so a little wilderness around us can really help.

We can all do our bit!

Yours Paul Raymer, Swanage.

Fit For Purpose?

David Hollister writes...

There’s a regular stream of stuff on Facebook on the subject of petty crime and the absence of street lights. All the crime statistics in the world don’t stop people being afraid after dark, and I’m continually reading of cars being damaged, sheds being broken into, all in ‘dark’ areas. Our Police Commissioner Martyn Underhill undertook to lobby Dorset County Council to put the lights back on if their absence resulted in increased crime. The ‘statistics’ show – crime down! So Underhill will use this as a reason not to step in. Let me remind you; if you’ve been the victim of a crime, tell Facebook, but tell the police first. Let’s get the recorded crime figures back up again by reporting it, even if that involves a flawed reporting procedure and an age on 101 waiting for an ‘adviser’. Martyn Underhill is appearing – in person – at The Mowlem on Thursday 28th November between 10am and 12 noon. What better opportunity to tell him what you’re worried about?

Let me also remind you that the switching off of the street-lights in Swanage will save DCC £150,000. Coincidentally, the same figure as the Chief Executive’s annual salary.

Of course, a petition would be one way of trying to get the lights back on. And I’m glad to say that one’s been started, and is gaining momentum. You can still sign it in the Red Lion, Arkwrights, or Fi-Fi’s in Institute Road. It’s been brought to my attention that Swanage isn’t the only town suffering from the imposition of parking meters. Lyme Regis, Bridport and Blandford have all objected vociferously. As a result, the County Council’s Environment Overview Committee has agreed to suspend their plans whilst they reconsider the true impact throughout Dorset. Cllr Mike Lovell (Langton, not Swanage!) has spoken on our behalf and says that the scheme is ‘disastrous’. Good on you, Mike!

Seems to me that if even a small section of the County Council is listening, then it’s the responsibility of the Town Councils in each town to make their views known. Loudly. Publicly. And if necessary, for each town to emulate Lyme Regis by creating a petition; theirs has over 1000 signatures already! How about Swanage Council taking the lead and organising one?

Once the meters are in, it’s going to be difficult to get them out, but at least we could try to prevent any more being installed. And Wareham – be warned, keep your eyes open; your turn next?

There’s a sticker on each meter stating “This machine has a hidden recording device so any act of vandalism will be recorded”. The Code of Conduct issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office states “Where the system will be operated by or on behalf of a public authority, the authority will also need to consider wider human rights issues and in particular the implications of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 8. This includes: Is the proposed system established on a proper legal basis and operated in accordance with the law? Is it necessary to address a pressing need, such as public safety, crime prevention or national security? Is it justified in the circumstances? Is it proportionate to the problem that it is designed to deal with? If this is not the case then it would not be appropriate to use CCTV”.

I submit to Dorset County Council that as there doesn’t seem to have been

a problem with vandalism so far, their notice is over the top and actually offensive. Go on, stick your tongue out at a parking meter! I dare you!

Lovely letter from Bill Wilson in last month’s Gazette; hit the nail on the head. For so many years, parking on Shore road was banned because it was dangerous. Now they can charge for it, all of a sudden it’s not dangerous any more. Bunch of hypocrites.

I should point out that I walked out of the Harmans Cross meeting in disgust as a resident, not as a journalist. I missed the man from DCC saying ‘If this doesn’t get done, you can kick my backside.” But he must have known that he was being promoted, that his new position would relieve him of this problem and dump it on someone else.

There’s still no hope of proper pavements in Harmans Cross. DCC is turning footpaths into unwanted cycleways; we haven’t even got footpaths! The only available pavement in Harmans Cross, just past the blind brow, floods at the least provocation and obliges pedestrians to walk around the puddle into the middle of the road – in the dark. Road safety?

I have so much admiration for Linda Welsh and her ‘Swanage Challenge’ group, including members of Swanage Rotary Club, the Carnival Committee, Bay View Holiday Park, and the Football club – to name but a few. In particular, Mimi Wiggins was a star and a tireless tower of enthusiasm and energy.

A fantastic event and an amazing day, raising just under £10,000 for BBC’s Children In Need. Max Burridge and Skip Graham, from the Swanage Sea Rowing Club, did a million metre row – on a rowing machine – and hope next year to row the Atlantic – in a boat! Watch this space! Four sponsored teams went to Pudsey in Yorkshire and made their way back incurring no expenditure; the quickest team was Darren Terrett and David Hernandez. dressed in ‘onesey’ Pudsey Bear outfits, who managed the 283 miles in around eight hours.

And finally. I read with much regret in the Swanage & Wareham Advertiser that my dear friend George Willey – “Tilly Whim” – is hanging up his fountain pen. From the time he came to Swanage and wrote for the old ‘Swanage Times’, through the time he wrote secretly for us at the Purbeck Independent as “Old Harry”, and even though he then wrote for “the opposition”, my immense admiration for his encyclopaedic local knowledge has been constant. George probably knew more than most of us will ever know about Swanage, its people and its secrets.

Most of what I know about journalism and public speaking I have learned from George; I only wish I could write as well as he did; but even more, that I had his marvellous speaking voice. George, your column will be sadly missed and all I can do is to wish you well in your retirement and to say a sincere ‘Thank You’ for all you have done for Purbeck – and for me – over the years.

You can please some of the people all of the time; you can please all of the people some of the time; but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Abraham Lincoln.

Have a great Christmas everyone, see you in the New Year!

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Not on your Nellie...

Nellie was most distressed to hear that an elderly lady struggling to carry some heavy sample books into Swanage Carpets and Curtains was ordered, by a female traffic obersturmfuhrer, to remove her car from the nearby loading bay immediately as it was ‘for commercial vehicles only’.

Funny that, because a few days later I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth that liveried vehicles are allowed ten minutes, and private vehicles five.

When are they going to get the message? NOT IN OUR TOWN, THANK YOU!

I believe the Film Festival went well this year and I was tempted by that old sixties classic ‘Blow-up’, with the memorable Veruschka von Lehndorff sequence, but it was a toss-up between driving to Poole and spending eight quid, or buying the DVD for £5.48 and curling up on the sofa around a glass of wine. Hmmmm… Now if they could get hold of Faraldo’s elusive ‘Themroc’ for next year, I might just be tempted.

Now you might remember, back when the Chug used to help with this column, we used to take on anybody and everybody regardless of size, power or influence. We even took on the Catholic Church, and what happened? The Pope resigned! So please, do not underestimate the power of your Purbeck Gazette because as Nellie will tell you, its bite is every bit as bad as its bark.

But some things are sacred, aren’t they? Like, say, the Ambulance Service? Well think again, I have a huge bone to pick with them because they are putting all our lives at risk in the name of political correctness. Let me explain.

Very late one night in the summer, I was nudged awake by my wife informing me that person or persons were entering our front door, so I struggled into a dressing gown and discovered a young lady in my hallway informing me the ambulance I’d ordered had arrived. Of course, I had done no such thing, but I live in a part of Swanage which is a little community where everybody knows one another, and house numbers follow no consecutive sequence.

Visitors are often confused, and mix-ups do occur, so I asked for the name of the person who had summoned them and was told they were not allowed to give me that information. So my neighbour could be in the last throes of a fatal heart attack, on that final countdown to the big sleep, and I’m not allowed to be given his name and perhaps help save his life?

Now at this point, you are probably all thinking that the poor girl was only doing her job, and I should ease up on her. But she is a professional, and most professionals I know are aware that on occasion, common sense needs to take precedence over stupidity, and they find neat ways to sidestep the rules.

I contacted UK Ambulance Services, who publish the clinical practice guidelines handbook and even, for goodness sake, invite feedback. I suggested, quite reasonably, that this should be a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule.

Did I get a reply? NOT ON YOUR NELLIE!

We would like to apologise for the offence taken by a reader last month in response to Nellie’s remarks regarding Ms Badawi and her famous stare. This was an ironic comment by an elderly and confused dog on the current political system with regards to the identification of ‘terror suspects’ and the reporting thereof, and was in no way meant to cause offence.

Russian Convoy War Service Recognised!

Mr. Trevor Gregory (pictured right), has finally had his Arctic convoy service during World War Two recognised.

He has recently received the Ushakov Medal, awarded by the Russian Federation, the Atlantic Star, The Arctic Emblem and the War Medal 1939-1945.

Read Trevor’s story below, in his own words......

HMS Lark - Bird class Sloop - October 1944 to April 1945

My first trip to Russia! The sea was so rough even the U-boats couldn’t operate. It took two weeks to get my sea-legs. On our first trip in November, there was a bad storm on the way to Russia which broke up the convoy and we sheltered at the Faroe Islands.

The next trip was different; we took a zig-zag course to avoid the U-boats but were attacked by torpedo aircraft from Norway. They couldn’t be picked up by radar as they flew in just above the waves and you could see the pilots as they flew through the convoy. The convoy sailed towards the North Pole to avoid further attacks. There was only one hour of daylight each day to work on the deck, chipping the ice off the superstructure to prevent the ship becoming top heavy and turning over. We arrived in Murmansk after three weeks and spent a few days in the Naval Barracks. The only shop was a small Post Office.

The convoy formed outside Murmansk, and on the 17th February, together with HMS Alnwick Castle, we sank U-boat 425. U-boat 968 fired a torpedo at a Russian warship but hit us instead. It was an acoustic torpedo and it picked out our engines.

The carpenters shored up a bulkhead aft of the bridge and we unloaded six-inch shells to lighten the ship, but the order came through to abandon ship. When the abandon ship order came through, all I could think of was that a lovely rice pudding we’d put in the galley would be wasted.

Three escorts in line came as near as possible alongside for one minute and the crew took their pick. The first ship was HMS Bluebell; I learned later she was sunk with all hands. Luckily I chose the third, a Castle Class Corvette. The ship came alongside and both ships were rolling badly, I had to time my jump to land on the deck and not in the sea.

During the night a U-boat was sunk and you could see the nose coming out of the sea and then it slowly disappeared under.

I remember 60 ft, (20 metre) waves on the way back on the Corvette; it

took five minutes to climb to the top of the wave and then we’d plunge down the other side, down to the trough. When we changed course and sailed along the trough, another ship could be 100 yards away and you couldn’t see it.

On our return to Depot, our train stopped at a station in the Midlands during the night and we were allowed to stretch our legs on the platform. We were a weird lot, all wearing borrowed oilskins, unwashed and unshaven.

A woman appeared on the platform, looked us over and suddenly shouted out “They’re our lads!” and out came more women with trolleys loaded with tea and buns.

The Ramblings of Trevor Gregory AB. R.N. DJX 734326

NEW!! Swanage Firestation Monthly Report

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be a monthly update on what’s happening at Swanage Fire Station and Dorset Fire & Rescue.

Firstly, let me give you a bit of a run down on the workings of Swanage Fire Station. The Station in its present location was opened in 1975; we have two major appliances, one of which is a special off road four-wheel drive appliance. The other a rescue appliance that carries all the up to date rescue equipment. We also have a 4X4 Landrover that is used for heath fires.

The station is crewed by one Station Commander, one Watch Manager, four Crew Managers and sixteen Firefighters. However, we are recruiting for more! At this moment we require a further four Firefighters to be at full complement.

Have you thought about joining us? If you are over eighteen years old live or work within four minutes of the station and would like to serve your community, please contact me on the address below or visit our website (www.dorsetfire.gov.uk).

So what have we been up to over the last few months? Well operationally, since the 1st September we have attended thirty separate incidents including; Heath fire on Ferry Road, Studland, a large fire at the new recycling centre in Swanage, flooding after the recent storms, chimney fires in Kingston and Corfe Castle, car accident with persons trapped, property fires in homes and businesses, fire alarm activations, and we have been called to help our colleges in the Ambulance service on different occasions.

Last but not least, Crew Manager Keith Bragg and Firefighter Amanda Tatchell carried out a daring rescue of two pigeons that were stuck in the netting on the roof of a property in Institute Road!

That’s enough from me for the time being but just before I go, all the crew at Swanage Fire Station would like to wish you all a merry and safe Christmas, and a happy New Year!

This Month’s Safety Tip

Please take extra care over the festive period, check that your Christmas lights are working correctly and carry the British Safety Standard sign. Never place candles or materials that can catch light easily near your Christmas tree.

Take care when cooking and always check that your smoke alarm is working by testing it weekly.

Phil Burridge, Station Commander (pictured) Follow me on Twitter (@DFRSSwanageFire) or on Facebook (Station-Manager Swanage)

Quality Signs

Wareham St Mary CE VC Primary School

Following a year-long programme of extensive refurbishment and redesign, Wareham St Mary CE VC Primary School finally celebrated the completion of the work with an Open Day.

Attended by the Mayor and Annette Brookes MP, pupils were very much the focus of the day, being the main guides around the school. They were rightly proud of their fantastic school and their enthusiasm clearly had impact on the visitors. Comments recorded in the visitor book included: ‘Very impressive – lovely pupils and staff, very warm and friendly, lovely atmosphere’, ‘I wish I was a child again! So many opportunities with this fantastic school’, ‘Fantastic transformation since our eldest attended here. Lovely school.’

Headteacher Lin Goldsmith said, “We have had a unique opportunity to redesign the learning spaces for all the pupils in the school. We now have a range of additional areas for use both inside and out, including a covered courtyard area and fantastic new library.”

The children were at the heart of the project, being given complete control over the design and colour choices for their toilets. The result is a really colourful set of toilets with themes ranging from seaside to robots! The classrooms were completely renewed internally, leaving only the doorframes as original features. New lighting, heating, windows, doors, ceilings and furnishings have resulted in a school which is like a new build inside.

Following the closure of Wareham Middle School in the summer, the school was given a very generous proportion of the playing field, complete with new fencing. A cycle track has been installed on part of the field to provide opportunities for children to use scooters and cycle during lunch breaks.

Pictures - above, The Mayor with ‘Bees’ class, below: New school library

Spare a thought.....

For our local services this month.

The RNLI, Coastguard, Police and Fire.

Last month, some of our emergency service teams attended a traumatic rescue at Tilly Whim which made national news. Those involved with our local rescue services face danger without question nor hesitation to aid those in need, whatever the circumstance, weather or time of day.

They show bravery most of us could only hope to emulate, and they cope with enormous emotional pressure. Thank you - from all of us. We truly appreciate it.

Swanage Children In Need Challenge

Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd November, was a momentous occasion in Swanage when BBC South televised what Swanage does best, a Community event, The Swanage Challenge. The whole community came together to present what was a brilliant family occasion hosted at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park and Joe’s Gym. Two marquees were erected in the grounds by Camelot to accommodate the overflow of events that took place.

The event had started earlier in the week when two young men, Max Burridge and Skip Graham, undertook a jaw dropping and incredible challenge, attempting to beat the world record of a one million metre row. They estimated this would take them over four days and started their challenge on late Tuesday, 29th October in Joe’s Gym. This would be a nonstop row, each one only having short breaks for a meal, quick shower and sleep.

This was going to be mentally and physically challenging for both and much support was needed by family and friends to encourage them throughout. They broke the record on Friday night at about 11.36pm in a time of 82 hours, 33 minutes and 43 seconds, shaving twenty hours off the existing record! I’m sure you will join us in congratulating them on a remarkable achievement.

The Great Pudsey Escape was another exciting challenge. Four teams left the town of Pudsey in Yorkshire at 8am on Saturday morning, having to

make their way back to Swanage without money to pay for transport. One team even had a lift in a police car; they must have been community minded officers to have supported our event.

The teams were all back in Swanage before 6pm, arriving in various modes, on the back of pickup truck sitting in an open top car, a helicopter, a Limo and the last team was escorted by ten Harley Davidsons. Well done to all of those that took part.

The organizing committee would like to say a HUGE thank you to all those teams that took part in the Challenges, the Swanage School, the Primary Schools, the Fireman who exceeded their 12000’ ladder climb, The Signals Regiment for their support, all the volunteers that helped on the day with all the stalls and family activities in the marquees, Mike Dimarco for the live music and last but not least, Swanage Bay View, Joe’s Gym, Camelot, and all the shops and businesses that sponsored the event or donated items for the raffle and auction.

It is hoped that over £10,000 will be raised for Children in Need through what was a fantastic family event.

Linda Welsh

Excellent Result! Funding Available For Community Projects

Town Crier comes second in national competition!

Swanage Town Crier, Andrew Fleming, achieved 2nd place at the National Town Crier championships at Hastings on Saturday, October 19th.

Twenty five criers attended the competition, including three Belgian and two Dutch criers. Last year’s winner was Calne TC (who finished in 3rd place), with the new winner being Royal Windsor and Eton.

Andrew had to shout about his home town ‘Swanage’ in the morning and ‘Prince George’ in the afternoon.

Wareham Town Crier, Jacquie Hall, had the distinction of being the only lady crier to take part, so Purbeck was well represented Photo shows Andrew and his wife, Anja.

There’s another opportunity for Dorset communities to apply for grants for projects which support Armed Forces families. Funding is available through the Community Covenant scheme, which is aimed at projects that strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces community and the wider communities in which they live. In Dorset, twelve community projects have received funding so far. They include indoor play equipment, an outdoor adventure playground, an exhibition, improvements to a community building and a volunteer recruitment project.

It’s a diverse range of projects but they share a common aim: to bring people from the Armed Forces and the wider community together, to break down barriers and build new relationships.

The following are some examples of what could be funded:

A local infrastructure project, such as a children’s playground, which might be used by children from both service accommodation and the wider community.

A project that increases the integration of service personnel, veterans and their families with the wider community.

A project that improves the health or welfare of service personnel, veterans and their families.

One-off activities, such as an activity camp involving the Armed Forces and local young people.

Grants from £250 to £250,000 are available and applications for funding must be submitted by 31 December 2013.

To find out more, contact Becky Forrester at Dorset County Council on r.forrester@dorsetcc.gov.uk or 01305 224821.

Alternatively, further information and an application form are available at www.dorsetforyou.com/covenantfunding

Photos by Ben Sturch.

Not Just Sundaes Not Just About Sales!

Not Just Sundaes is Wareham’s very own community cafe. We are housed in the specially renovated building that was the Tourist Information Centre (opposite the library). We have been open since May this year as a not for profit registered charity.

If you haven’t visited us yet, why not take a break from the pressure of the Christmas preparations and come along?

From the 7th to the 21st of December Not Just Sundaes will be offering an alternative to the stress and bustle of the commercial high street in the run up to Christmas.

Pop in to view a range of locally hand-crafted gift ideas, all at reasonable prices. Items will include jewellery, ceramics and glass; and 50% of all sales will be donated to Not Just Sundaes.

Additionally on Saturday 7th and 14th December children’s craft workshops will be taking place from 10.30am. Come along and relax while your children create their own Christmas goodies. Activities will include origami gift boxes, Christmas cards and edible tree decorations; all for no charge ~ though donations welcome.

Whilst there why not enjoy a freshly ground coffee and delicious homemade cake, or a light lunch of seasonal soup or toasted panini all in a beautiful, airy relaxing space?

To find out more information, contact us via our facebook page (Not just sundaes Community Café), by phone (01929 553223) or pop in - we look forward to seeing you!

Second Brutal Attack In Two Months We Call For ACTION

On 17th October, early in the morning (7.30am - 8am), Swanage mum, Nese, was walking her family’s beloved pet Chihuahua, Toffee (pictured right), outside their house near Wordsworth Care Home in south Swanage. Toffee was a energetic, friendly little fellow, a member of the family. The children loved playing with him and he was very much a part of their daily lives.

Toffee was on the lead, enjoying his early wander. From nowhere, a lone black Staffordshire Bull Terrier came into sight. At first, he seemed to be no threat, and wandered over to Toffee as if to say hello. Once he got close however, he attacked. Nese fought him off, but after coming back several more times, the Staffie managed to drag Toffee out of his collar, and off the lead. Toffee ran away, with the Staffie following. Another witness, who was also walking her dog in the vicinity, then witnessed the Staffie run past with Toffee in his mouth.

Needless to say, Nese was absolutely terrified and totally devastated, as were the entire family - including the two children, who loved Toffee enormously. The family immediately began searching for Toffee, and tried to find out who owned the black Staffie, who had been out unsupervised. After the incident was recorded on a local Facebook site, members of the community also tried to find Toffee, with no success. The following morning, another witness reported seeing a black Staffordshire Bull Terrier off the lead, alone, in the same area. Yet another witness reported seeing a black Staffie ‘shaking a fox or fox cub’ after the incident.

The dog warden was contacted, but although she spoke to a local owner of a black Staffie, she was unable to help much. The police, although contacted, have taken no action, have not spoken to the family about the incident or taken any statements, nor have they offered any support. The police are mandated to take responsibility for all dangerous dogs. Any canine running loose, which attacks a small dog whilst being walked on the lead, before taking that small dog in a violent act is surely classified as dangerous, and is therefore to our mind, a police matter.

On the fateful morning when Toffee was savagely attacked, the youngest child of the family, a toddler who usually helps walk Toffee, was bathing and so wasn’t there. If he had been, one has to wonder if he too would have been attacked? Without question, he certainly would have been endangered.

The debate surrounding dogs who behave, or who are allowed to behave, in a dangerous manner, continues on a national level. It is estimated that one in four of us have canine companions, and reports of so-called dangerous dogs are also rising. Any animal can have a bad day - just like us, regardless of the specific breed. The breed can, of course, impact the resulting damage caused by an attack, but dogs are dogs, no matter what shape or size. The owner is responsible for putting the time into training and mental stimulation in order to have a happy hound. Any possibility of attack should result in the dog being muzzled in public to avoid the possibility of bad behaviour, thus keeping both the public and the dog, safe. For now, a local family is utterly devastated, distraught and in shock. Toffee remains lost, and is unlikely to be found now. Nese no longer wants to leave the house - if her beloved pet could so easily and savagely be taken

from her side, are her children safe? One has to wonder.

This attack follows only a month after a savage attack on a local cat, Bertie, who was killed in a private garden by a dog being walked off the lead by an irresponsible owner who obviously had no control. After the mortal attack, the dog owner simply put the offending dog in his van and left the scene. Once again, the police offered no involvement.

Toffee’s family would like to thank all those who helped look for Toffee, and who reported sightings to them. If you see a black Staffordshire alone in the Durlston area, or near Wordsworth House in Swanage, please call the police on 101 and Dog Warden on 01929 556561 immediately.

The Purbeck Gazette is leading the demand for Purbeck District Council to bring back Dog Licenses for Purbeck - possibly as a by-law. Why this simple scheme was ever scrapped is beyond us.

If we still had Dog Licenses, we would have had a list available at the Town Hall of all local dogs fitting that description, which would have made things a bit easier. Anyone living locally, stopped with a dog without a license, would have the dog removed and placed in kennels until a license had been purchased. Desperately-needed revenue raising and information gathering in one hit, and very, very little work involved.

One shared excel spreadsheet, listing the names and addresses of owners under a breed heading would suffice. In these days of modern technology, a photo could easily be added to each listing, making identification even easier.

No additional cost, very little additional time required day-to-day, and every reason to do it. Someone needs to address this issue NOW, and there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be Purbeck leading the way nationally. Our thoughts are very much with Toffee’s family.

Retribution For Bertie The Cat

Iwas shocked to read about Bertie, the poor cat killed by the dangerous dog. I was appalled to read about the incorrect and unprofessional response from Dorset Police.

As a retired Hampshire senior police officer now living in Purbeck, I know that the civilian police staff advisor was very wrong to advise that this incident had nothing to do with the police.

Lost dogs are dealt with by the local authority. Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the police under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991(3). A police officer should have immediately been sent to the

owners of the cat and should have made enquiries to identify and to prosecute the owner of the dangerous dog.

The problem is that all enquiries from the public to a police control room and police stations are answered and dealt with by a civilian member of the police staff - not a police officer. These people are not trained to give legal nor to make legal decisions; but they do.

Hence the incorrect decision and advice given out on this occasion. In addition, the local police supervision should check the recorded messages for their area each day, and they should have identified that the wrong advice had been given by the civilian.

They should have ensured that the mistake was rectified and Bertie’s owners should have been contacted.

Bertie’s owners should now complain to the Police Professional Standards Unit about the thoroughly unprofessional way they have been treated by Dorset Police; and Dorset Police should take measures to stop untrained civilian staff giving incorrect legal advice to members of the public. Yours faithfully, R.C., Swanage (full name and address supplied and witheld on request).

My War-time Memories.

By Brian Guy

Deception!!

Bizarre, that is the only way to describe this little escapade. Even now, I look back and wonder, how did we get away with it? A small group of us (about four or five) had been briefed to make our way out on to the wet lands, penetrate through the German lines, and then travel some miles inside enemy-held territory, quiet as mice. The whole object of this operation was not to be caught.

At this point, I hesitate to go further with this description of what happened. For many years I would not talk about this escapade, it was just so ridiculous. And could only draw incredulous comment. So I kept quiet about it. Then a few years ago I learned that that operation was repeated in a few other locations in Holland.

Now it is in the public domain, and is verifiable. Our orders were to make our way right up to the banks of the river Maas, deep in enemy territory. Later at dusk, we set off, creeping along as quiet as we could, we never saw a soul, made our way right up to the bank of the river and lay there in the rushes in freezing, clammy, horrible, stinking wet Dutch mud. Our purpose to deceive the enemy. Now, would you believe, we were playing little pliable plastic type disc records on a small portable gramophone (I did not know the army had gramophones!). The content of the discs being the sounds of men preparing to bridge the river, with all the sounds of clanking metal and men talking!

All night long we laid on our stomachs amongst the rushes until our limbs froze. The stench was horrible. About midnight, two Germans came down to where we were, then loaded up a multiple mortar (Nebelwerfer. Moaning Minnie) a few feet away from our hiding place. Talking amongst themselves with no idea that we were within a few feet of them. When they had loaded the weapon, they fired it at our base a distance away, in the process, damn near deafening us. There was nothing we could do about it. They then set off back, talking and laughing together.

Early in the morning, at first light, we set off back ourselves, frozen and numb with cold, stiff as boards, we made it back without being caught. How we got away with it, I shall never know. I just wish that I could trace another who was there that night. Certainly it would not surprise me if this action was disbelieved. But it was just deception.

When at last we got back to our own lines, our mates did not want to know us. Covered in Dutch mud that stank to high heaven, with no chance of washing it off or changing our clothes. Now, dear reader! I did not mind lying in cold freezing Dutch mud on my tummy for hours on end, stiff as a board, putting up with the danger of being captured, or shot, or worse, cold, wet, smelly, and thoroughly miserable, for my country. Almost unbelievable I know, and I would not be surprised if it was queried.

But then, on reflection, I am not surprised, those were momentous times, I hope that our youngsters will not have the same experiences. These days it would be considered a job for the SAS, or some other specialized group. Back in 1944 great things were afoot, and the necessity to take on these tasks was seen as part of the Royal Engineers Field Companies’ duties.

Swanage Disabled Club

Swanage Disabled Club would like to thank everyone who supported our sea-front stalls during August, helping us raise more than £1,200.

This will help towards the upkeep of our two buses, vital to take members to both our clubs and on outings, which we have been able to provide monthly over the last year since receiving our new addition. Of course we now have double insurance, maintenance and fuel costs, although we are able to offer a better choice for other local organisations wishing to use one of our buses.

Duel under the hot Norman Sun. We had moved up again and a small group of us were supporting an attack on a village in front of Caen. I cannot remember its name. All that I remember that it was on the high ground that rose up slightly in front of Caen. We were to pass through after the first wave of infantry and take up the attack and drive on, mustering the platoon amongst some trees on the edge of a ripe cornfield. German wounded and prisoners were already filtering back. I stood there and happened to have, as usual, a Bren machine gun over my shoulder. I watched as three young Germans approached, two of them with their arms round a comrade, supporting him. He was a handsome young blond German, stripped to the waist, with a neat round bullet hole right through the centre of his stomach. As I stood there, an officer gave the order to move out and said to me “Get out through the cornfield to that high ground on the left, ready to give us covering fire as we move in.” A beautiful sunny day, I slowly and very cautiously made my way out into the open and immediately captured a German in the corn. A poor specimen, he had no interest at all in the war (who can blame him), all that I could get out of him was “minen, minen” and he pointed in the direction of where I was going, he was terrified! Who wasn’t?

I got hold of his hands and placed them on top of his head, then pointed out the way back, and sent him back on his own, with his hands on his head. None of us liked taking prisoners back, we had to walk some way, find someone to take them, and then make our way back to the front. Much better to send him back on his own with his hands on his head. Sometimes, if he, or they, looked in a bad state, I would light up and give him a cigarette. Something they all showed a lot of gratitude for. But not the SS, they had to be escorted and watched rigorously, for they would kill you as soon as look at you.

The corn was ripe and just about chest high. Setting off again, I tried to run and keep my head down. As I got deeper into the corn I was singled out by a very persistent sniper. Each time I raised my head above the corn this sniper had a go at me. It was there that I discovered that a rifle bullet, as it goes by, near your head, makes a loud cracking noise. A few hundred yards to go he was very determined to get me. Time and time again he tried. Now, I had the feeling that it had started to develop into something personal. He was so set on getting me that he ignored others! To my left, standing in the corn, was a Guards Armoured Sherman tank, giving covering fire in support of the attack. I watched with amazement as a Guards officer came striding up through the corn, very smart. The tank commander got out of the tank and saluted the officer and they stood talking for a while. “Yea Gods” it reminded me of a Giles cartoon. For heavens sake! Here we are full-scale battle going on with vicious shell and mortar fire; this blasted sniper trying get me, and, in the middle of it, two Guardsmen saluting each other.

When I reached the brow of the hill in the cornfield I must have been out of his line of fire. He did not bother me any more. Snipers were always a problem and I am sometimes amazed that they were allowed to kill, and then surrender. I did not fire at anybody, and did not have a clue where the enemy was supposed to be anyway. Snipers were a continuing problem. They were very good at their job and we were always on the watch for unusual shapes in trees and hedgerows. Rarely, we would fire a burst into an unusual shape in a tree that did not look right and more rarely, a body would drop out.

The battle for the village was hard fought and at a time when the war had become very bitter, this was the period when it was reputed that not many prisoners where taken. The origin of this was the shooting in cold blood, by the 12th SS Panzer Division (the Hitler Youth), of both Canadian and British prisoners. Then there were reputed instances of Germans offering surrender under a white flag. When approached to accept their surrender, another of them would pop up and cut down our men with machine gun fire. After taking the village there were many casualties from both sides, all of them propped up against an earthen bank where we had set up a field dressing station. It was the practice to treat all wounded the same, indeed, it was not uncommon to see a Jerry on one end of a stretcher and a Tommy on the other. TBC

Thanks to the Carnival and Regatta Committee, we received a generous donation at their recent presentation evening. If anyone would like to donate or sponsor our club, please go to the web site of Local Giving - and ‘Grow your Tenner.’ You will find us listed and other ways of donating. We are always looking for new drivers and escorts - the more we have the less pressure on the ones already volunteering.

Call Robert Payne, our Transport Manager, on 01929 423729. New members are always welcome - just give us a call for further information. Thank you. Contact details: Sec. Daphne Saville 01929 425241

81 Years As Choirboy!

The Arts Club Choir of Swanage are delighted that Eric Gosney, mainstay of their tenor section who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, will be adding to the seasonal celebrations with readings from Barnes and Hardy at their Christmas Concert on Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm.

The concert will be in St Mary’s Church, where Eric has been a member of the choir continuously for 81 years, and promises a feast of Christmas musical delights to help raise funds for Swanage Pier Trust.

For more information and tickets please ring Liz Roberts 01929 481419.

6 in 100 Homes Affordable

New research by Shelter reveals the extent of the South West’s housing shortage, where just 6% of the suitable homes for sale are affordable for a typical family hoping to get on the first rung of the property ladder.

The charity looked at asking prices for all of the properties for sale in the South West on a single day, and compared them with the mortgage that families, couples and single people on average wages could afford as first time buyers.

The results reveal a shocking picture. In over a third of all local authority areas in the South West fewer than 3% of the homes on the market were affordable for families - even assuming that they were able to save a large 20% deposit. The picture is even bleaker for those looking to take part in the government’s mortgage guarantee scheme, Help to Buy, where a 95% mortgage would mean higher monthly mortgage costs, and put even more homes out of reach.

Several affordability black-spots were also uncovered, where the chances of finding a suitable property were near zero. They include Exeter where there were just six affordable properties, East Dorset (sixteen affordable) and Christchurch (eleven affordable homes for sale).

Previous research commissioned by Shelter showed that on average young families in the region face over a decade of saving before they can afford the deposit for a home of their own. This new study shows that, even when they have saved a large deposit, there simply aren’t enough properties on the market that first time buyers can afford.

This means that the reality for many will be years spent in expensive and unstable private lets, often forced to move from one short tenancy to the next and unable to put down roots.

The situation is even worse for single people looking for a home of their own in the South West, with just three affordable homes in every 100 on the market. For couples without children, one in five two or more bedroomed properties were affordable overall, but in a fifth of areas the figure was one in ten or less.

It is little surprise therefore that recent Census data showed a 7% drop in the proportion of home owners in the South West, a figure likely to increase as more people are priced out of the property market and forced into unstable private renting.

Shelter is warning that unless the government tackles the root cause of our housing crisis – the desperate shortage of affordable homes - things are only going to get worse. This will not only affect future generations hoping for a stable home, but also the thousands of families already facing an everyday struggle to pay their rent or mortgage.

Case Study: Lauren and her husband Ivan both work full time. They are currently living in a flat share whilst attempting to save for a deposit, but when they look at the properties available in their area they are disheartened that there are so few options.

Lauren said: “It’s saddening to look in estate agents’ windows and see so few properties that we could afford, even with the 20% deposit we’re saving so desperately for. Help to Buy isn’t an option for us as it’s just too expensive, and it upsets me to think that our situation is only going to get worse if house prices keep going up.”

Through The Keyhole Swanage Town Council

Swanage Town Council Meetings October/ November.

Arequest for a grant of £3,500 put to a cashstrapped council with large and imminent capital projects like the seafront stabilisation plan to finance would not, readers might think, be especially welcome. In this case though, Councillors were unanimous in saying a very big ‘yes.’

Local marathon star and campaigner Lorna Haines has raised, since the Skate Park project was first proposed during the mayoralty of long time supporter, Cllr Gloria Marsh, an astonishing £130,000. In agreeing to add this final amount to complete the second phase of the project, Mayor and Councillors paid fulsome tribute to Lorna’s singularly tenacious efforts to benefit Swanage’s youngsters. (Coincidentally the Mayor invites nominations at the Town Hall for the annual Volunteer of the Year award – by 2nd December please).

Cllr Pratt, attending a recent meeting of Dorset Parish and Town Councils, supported a motion asking that a travel allowance be granted to 16-18 year olds needing to travel out of their area for studies. This important motion for Swanage youngsters and their parents was passed and will be forwarded to the National Association of Local Councils.

A request for continued funding of the school crossing patrol which protects Swanage Primary School (Mount Scar) children on their way to and from school is a more fraught matter for the Council. Why? Because it is a small but classic example of how central government has cynically loaded more and more responsibilities on local Councils while at the same time applying year on year cuts to their budgets. (All the negative financial consequences of the notorious ‘bedroom tax,’ for example, fall on Councils, not on the Treasury).

Central Government cuts budget at County Hall; County Hall washes its hands of certain services (in this case the school crossing patrol), knowing that parents will expect that their local council, in spite of its constantly reducing budget, to step in. And if it doesn’t, who will the parents blame if a child is killed or injured? So this Council, with gritted teeth, will pay

O- for a further year. Dorchester off the hook, Westminster off the hook. Meanwhile in tax havens everywhere, Britons count the money they won’t be paying in tax this year.

As domestic energy bills soar (energy largely sourced from abroad), the Coalition Government has thrown its weight behind the exploration of UK-produced gas energy extractable through the relatively new, but controversial, method of shale rock fracturing (‘fracking’).

Put simply this is the shattering of underground shale rock layers by the injection (with chemical additives) of millions of gallons of high pressure water thereby harvesting the gas within. Estimates vary but large parts of the UK stand on such geology. And Dorset, it is becoming clear, has its share. A recent application for the construction of a well site at California Quarry has inevitably led to queries from the public about this application – might it be the precursor of a further application – to begin fracking. At the very least, critics say, the Council should urgently inform itself of the technology involved and then to ask a number of questions amongst which would be ‘Where will you find that amount of fresh water?’ And once you’ve fracked ‘where does the highly contaminated water go??’ What will be the effect on ground water, the Environment, wild life? Etc, etc, etc. Whitehall has demanded that each Council provides it with a plan of its proposed future development. Swanage Council (with the help of local people meeting in informal committees), is hard at work in developing one. The draft will then go out to public consultation. As part of its own proposals this Council would prioritise affordable housing, but with private developers sitting on swathes of developable local land (and unlikely to share the Council’s vision), options are limited.

In a split vote (6-3) it was decided to include in the draft plan the possibility of building on part or all of the allotment site at Prospect with the proviso that at least 50% (but hopefully more) would be affordable. For that to happen the Council knows it must provide (a duty on all councils since 1925) a similarly suitable and central site for as many allotments as would be lost. And that is going to be very difficult to find. On all aspects of the proposed plan, you, the public, will be consulted in the New Year. Please participate.

News From Wareham Town Council

pening of new MUGA at Recreation Ground – The long awaited official opening of the Council’s new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) was due on 13th November, following two successful bids in the last year to the Viridor Landfill Community Fund for (a) resurfacing of the tarmac surface and professional sports pitch markings for basketball and football and (b) the installation of high quality rebound fencing to facilitate five-a-side football. Use of the facility is free to all comers, however sports teams will be able to book the facility with the admin office – 01929 553006.

Town Council meeting of 29th October:

Public Toilets in Wareham: new Owners – Councillors noted that Wareham Town Council formally completed a transfer of ownership from Purbeck District Council on 1st October 2013. The Council is now the legal owner of the public toilets at The Quay and at Howards Lane and an application for grant funding for the complete refurbishment of both facilities has been submitted. It is hoped that work will soon commence on this project, which will be a major benefit to Wareham’s residents and visitors alike. Watch this space!

Pedestrian Footbridge, Wareham Railway Station – Council received an update on current discussions between Network Rail, South West Trains and Dorset County Council regarding the possibility of a long lease to guarantee public access over the footbridge and to confirm future maintenance arrangements. It was agreed that an amended letter emphasising the Town Council’s recommendations for the footbridge negotiations be sent to the Chief Executive of Dorset County Council.

Formation of Town Guide Working Party – A new Wareham Town Guide Working Party was formed. Councillors Mrs A Selby and Mrs S Cranshaw volunteered to serve on this body, together with the Town Clerk, a member of the public and an officer from the Heritage and Information Centre. The aim is to collect all copy and photos for the Town Guide by the end of March 2014 to guarantee the receipt of 10,000 free copies of this popular publication by 1st May 2014.

Council Calendar of Meetings for 2014/2015 Civic Year – An amendment to the proposed draft was accepted. It was decided that councillors will submit any further requested amendments to the Town Hall office by 28th November 2014 for inclusion in a further draft to be

approved at the next full Council meeting on 9th December.

First World War Centenary - Council considered the staging of a local remembrance event to mark the centenary of the start of the War in August 2014. Councillor Mrs Cleaton, as Chairman of the Museum Committee, agreed to approach Committee members on this subject. Other local organisations had started to plan events and so it was noted and further resolved that Councillors Mrs Turner, Mrs Cranshaw and Mrs Spooner would consult townspeople to gain a fuller awareness of these events and then, to aid decision making, would report back to the next Council meeting on 9th December.

Mayor’s Communications - Letters from the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers and the Chair of the Wareham & District Development Trust, Mr Philip Daubeny, with regard to the event on 2nd October 2013 (Opening of new WDDT information boards at Wareham Saxon Walls) were read to Council. Both offered their thanks for the Mayor’s involvement. The Mayor highlighted two recent events: a Mayor’s Charity Coffee Morning on 2nd November and the Remembrance Parade and Service on 10th November. He also confirmed that a simple Act of Remembrance was held on Monday 11th November at 11am outside the British Legion building in St John’s Hill.

Reports by District and County Councillors were presented – For Dorset County Council, County Councillor Mrs B Ezzard presented her report (Annex A to the minutes). Regarding cycleways, Town Councillors were concerned that there was large financial expenditure on the improved cycleways which low usage did not seem to warrant. It was suggested that a campaign to raise awareness should be considered. Councillor Mrs Ezzard noted this comment and also confirmed that she had asked that the cycleways be marked out with designated ‘lanes’ to assist both pedestrians and cyclists. Councillor Budd presented his Purbeck District Council report (Annex B to the minutes)

Wareham in Bloom Update - The area of land known as ‘the Teardrop’ near the Saxon Roundabout had been cleared. Compost had been delivered and plants were being provided under a sponsorship agreement, volunteers were being sought to assist with compost spreading and planting activities and any offers would be gratefully accepted.

Rod Curtis, Town Clerk, Wareham Town Council

Pride In Purbeck Good Neighbours

Purbeck Good Neighbours is a local group who, having just celebrated their first birthday, are already inspiring communities across the country.

Originally set-up in response to a letter published in the Gazette from an elderly lady living in the dark for the want of someone to change a lightbulb for her, Purbeck Good Neighbours are a group of nearly 100 individuals spread throughout Purbeck who are available and willing to help local people with small, one-off jobs.

They do not take on personal care or maintenance, but are there for small tasks which can often be neglected - for example, changing a lightbulb, filing paperwork for the visably-impared, rearranging furniture for those who have become less mobile and so on. These small tasks are indeed often very simple, but can make a huge difference to those in need, who often have no one else to turn to.

To date, nearly 100 tasks have been completed by the volunteers for a wide range of people - from writing postcards for a blind lady, to sewing buttons onto clothes for an elderly gentleman, this wonderful group of community-spirited people now cover Purbeck, offering an amazing community service which until now, didn’t exist.

Gathering in the Mowlem Community Room in Swanage in late October, members of the group celebrated their birthday with a wonderful cake, which I had the honour of cutting (pictured, right).

The group has already achieved recognition from MP Richard Drax (who took several members out for lunch recently), as well as from Prime Minister, David Cameron, for the positive impact they are having on our local community. Thirty members of the group have been invited to visit the Houses of Commons and Parliament this month for a guided tour.

A massive, massive thank you to the group co-ordinators (pictured above right), Mo, Sue and Jean. It is down to your hard work and selfless dedication that only a year on, the PGN are achieving the highest accolades and the word is spreading throughout other counties in the UK.

To all the volunteers - who now number almost 100, thank you. Together you are helping to create the kind of community we can all be proud of, one where no individual suffers loneliness or isolation, one where there is always someone on-hand to help when required. You’re all inspirational.

Swanage Regatta & Carnival AGM

The Annual General Meeting was held on 7 November and Chris Tomes was re-elected as Chairman. Rebecca Mack: ViceChairman, Laurence Sprigg: ViceChairman, Linda Welsh: Secretary and Mandy McDonald as Treasurer. Representatives from The Swanage School and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were unable to attend the Presentation Evening, so before the meeting, a cheque for £1,000 was presented to the Swanage School – a donation which was held over from last year - and a cheque for £1,000 was presented to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The Chairman’s chosen charity this year was Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club and they received a cheque for £2,000 at the Presentation Evening.

If you’d like to become a Good Neighbour, please see their advert on page 28, which is kindly sponsored by Westover Motors. The group are currently looking to add to their numbers with people living in the more rural areas, such as the villages and hamlets. Swanage and Wareham are currently quite well covered (although there can never be enough volunteers!), but if you live elsewhere in Purbeck, please do consider joining and making a difference to someone’s life near you.

Purbeck Good Neighbours ONLY offer one-off assistance with every-day tasks, and are not there to offer care or a regular service. They offer help with simple jobs which can make a huge difference to the client - changing a lightbulb for someone less mobile may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a huge difference to an elderly person who is currently sitting in the dark, alone, night after night.

Well done to all of you - you make us very proud! Here’s to your second year! Nico Johnson

Pictured below - recipients of donations from the Carnival Committee at the recent presentation evening, with Chairman, Chris Tomes, Picture, Angela Sturch.

R.N.L.I. Crew Profile

Gavin Steeden

Full time job: carpenter

Gavin has been a volunteer lifeboat crew member for eleven years, following in the footsteps of his father Martin (Coxswain of Swanage Lifeboat) and grandfather, the late Victor Marsh, former Coxswain of Swanage Lifeboat. If is fair to say Gavin comes from a lifeboating family and this traditional extends to his brother Matt and cousin James, who also volunteer for Swanage Lifeboat Crew.

He says “Volunteering as a crew member is part of who I am, it puts me in the special position of being able to try and help people in sometimes challenging conditions where we might be their last chance.

“Thank you for supporting our appeal for a new lifeboat station in Swanage. The new station is needed to house the Shannon class lifeboat which will replace our current Mersey class in 2015. Whilst the Robert Charles Brown has served us well over the last twenty-one years, we are extremely excited about receiving the new Shannon. It is the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to operate with water jets, not propellers,

Out Of The Blue

It seems a bit odd sat here on 7th November writing an article that you will read just as Christmas is around the corner, telling you about statistics and achievements for October.

However, Purbeck received 818 calls in October. Our five year crime trends for October show 151 against an average of 138, a bit over the 109 from October 2012.

providing much greater manoeuvrability and is capable of 25 knots which means we can get to casualties much more quickly.

“Our safety will also be improved thanks to its shock-absorbing seats and on-board computer system, which allow us to operate and monitor the lifeboat from the safety of our seats. This is much to the relief of our loved ones, who often see us launch into difficult and dangerous conditions to save lives at sea.”

Boathouse Appeal Christmas Competition!

In July, the Swanage RNLI crew launched an appeal to raise £200,000 towards the building of their new lifeboat station, which will house their new, state of the art Shannon class lifeboat.

Since then, the volunteer crew have battled the weather during their annual Lifeboat Week in August with events throughout the week including: a duck race, a ‘build a boat’ competition, live bands and a BBQ, all raising a staggering £30,000. There was also the Great Swanage Bake Off, the Barn Dance (which raised £1,200), the performance of the Comedy of Errors and the Purbeck Runners, who held their annual 10k in support of the appeal. The crew would like to thank everyone who has supported the events in 2013, helping to raise money which will all go towards the target of £200,000 (donations are ring-fenced for the Swanage Boathouse).

For Christmas, the crew are asking their younger supporters to design a collection box which encompasses their appeal to raise the cost of building a new lifeboat station. Entrants (up to age 18) can use materials collected over the Christmas holidays such as old wrapping paper or empty chocolate boxes to design and make a collection box. The competition will be judged by Nico Johnson, the Purbeck Gazette Editor and the Swanage RNLI crew, and will include two winners; one who designs the collection box which best features the RNLI in Swanage and one for the most amount of money collected in their box from family and friends in appreciation of their work of art.

Entries should be delivered to the King George Car Park between 11am and 3pm on 1 February where the Swanage crew will be doing their annual car wash to raise funds. The prize is an RNLI goodie bag worth £30.

This will be largely down to a series of shed and garage breaks across Sandford, Upton and Lytchett Matravers. Fortunately many of these were attempted thefts, but there was one theft from a work’s van where nearly £5000 of tools had been taken. This can have a devastating effect on the owner and their business. We did make one arrest and the male responsible is currently on police bail.

We also had a really good stop check by officers in the middle of the night in Wareham. Two males were arrested but unfortunately, despite our strong feelings they were up to no good, there was not enough evidence to charge them with any offences.

At the time of writing, 160 sheep were recently stolen from a field near Wool. Despite the many puns around the association with Wool, this is a serious crime that has cost the victim over £20,000. This type of crime impacts highly and it is one that is very organised by offenders, requiring specialist equipment. There is a possibility the animals go to an abattoir acting illegally or unfortunately out of the country, in a very short time period. The National Farmers Union (NFU) and local officers are able to signpost smallholdings and farmers to equipment that would help secure their properties at a discount. This is by far the best prevention for this type of crime. Please approach your local officers or NFU office for further details. Ask them about ‘Stop that Thief’. If you have any information concerning this sort of crime call us.

October was a very sad month for your officers. We dealt with two young people who lost their lives to our coastal waters. We deal with many such incidents in Purbeck and our officers often have to pull on

their emotional reserves to support friends and family in these tragic times. Our partners, HM Coastguard and RNLI, also do a very brave job in often treacherous conditions and our gratitude goes to these heroic people for the job they do.

It cannot be stressed enough that our coastline, despite being wonderful and magical, is a dangerous place and extreme care, even in pleasant conditions, should always be exercised. Our thoughts are with the many that have lost loved ones along our coastal regions, especially as we approach Christmas.

Our social media, Twitter - @PurbeckPolice and Facebook – facebook. com/Purbeck-Police, are doing really well and we really value your support. A lot of what I talk about above is put out on our social media and I encourage you to follow this in order to get timely updates and in some cases, help us with our work.

Finally as the run into Christmas starts, please take care when out and about. I have just read we are in for a really cold winter, the worst we’ve had in a long time. If the weather does get bad ensure your transport is fit for these conditions. Look after the vulnerable members of your community. Keep your house secure with all those lovely presents inside and above all, if you are out having fun do just that, don’t come to any harm. To contact Dorset Police please call our police enquiry centre by dialling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency when there is a risk of harm or a crime is in progress. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 (mobile phone tariffs may apply). Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant, Jon McCarthy

PURBECK GOOD NEIGHBOURS NEWSROUND

Could you be a Purbeck Good Neighbour?

Are you able to do occasional simple tasks for someone locally?

Local MP, Richard Drax, has offered us a visit to the Houses of Parliament as a thank you.

We have arranged for a coach to take some of our volunteers to London on Friday 20th December with the chance to have lunch in the Commons Cafeteria and do some Christmas shopping as well.

If you are one of our volunteers and would like to join us, contact the number or email below.

We would like to wish all of our volunteers and helpers a very merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. The same wishes go to all our sponsors, who have funded and supported us during 2013.

They are: Westover Motors, Cooperative Foods, AgeUK, Dorset Energy & Advice, Purbeck Gazette, Dorset Volunteering, Swanage & Purbeck Rotary, Swanage Senior Forum and Dorset POPP.

If you live anywhere in the Purbeck area and can spare some time to help a neighbour who lives nearby with a small task – we’d love to hear from you!

We do not do heavy work or continuing care. We only do small one-off tasks.

For more information, contact our central number: 01929 424363 or email: purbeckgoodneighbours@yahoo.co.uk

Swanage Area Senior Forum

Following the public outcry during the 2012 NHS ‘consultation’ that threatened the future of the Swanage Community Hospital, a grassroots ‘Swanage Health Forum’ was set up in September 2012. This forum (comprised of representatives from over twenty Swanage area organisations plus Town and Parish councillors) held its third meeting on 7th November and the main speaker was Rosie Pitts-Watson from the Folio Partnership.

Folio is the consultancy firm employed by The Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group to plan the new model of care for Dorset Health and Care services. Rosie Pitts-Watson is the Project Leader and explained that an “Engagement Plan” with the Dorset public would soon be published and a new “Futures Group” was being set up involving clinicians, health and social care professionals and a few, selected local representatives from the community.

Progress so far has been mainly the investigation into ideal models of care for the future, but with little or no extra cash available for capital projects, best use of our current facilities must be made, as well as improved cooperation between the NHS and Dorset County Council Social Services. More care in the home or more use of local health facilities including Swanage Hospital appears to be the outline plan, while reducing the number of admissions to acute hospitals. This new model of care will require careful retraining of many of the staff already providing local services and extra support for home carers. Can this be achieved and is it the ideal outcome we may ask? We shall see.

To assist the local communities in monitoring our health, ‘Healthwatch Dorset” has been set up and the Swanage Health Forum has volunteered

and been accepted to be local watchdog for all health and Social Care services. The Swanage Area Senior Forum is proud to be a crucial part of the Swanage Health Forum.

Christmas Shoeboxes

Members and friends of the Swanage United Reformed Church spent a busy morning packing shoeboxes with Christmas gifts recently. This was the culmination of an intensive period of collecting a wide range of toiletries, small toys, warm clothing, stationery and other items.

The Toddler Group and other church organisations also contributed. Seventy one boxes have been sent to the Blythswood Trust. The United Reformed Church in Woking donated six large boxes of knitted goods; all this is to be added to donations from around the country.

Since the scheme started twenty years ago, around 1.6 million presents have been sent to such places as Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

We will be packing boxes again in 2014, so please contact us if you would like to help in anyway.

THE PURBECK GAZETTE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE 2013

He’s made his list, he’s checked it twice, he’s looking for good children who are shopping locally this year... Is that you?!

Don’t disappoint Santa - Support your local shops!

We’re halfway through! The Purbeck Gazette Christmas Challenge is now in full swing, and we’re still asking you all to show your support for our local economy, and shop locally for everything you need this year.

You now only have a few weeks left to support your local stores in the run-up to the festive season, so get out there, take part in the late night shopping offered by some towns, visit local Christmas Markets and pick-up some goodies!

Good luck with the challenge - support local shops and keep the local economy strong for all of us! One for all, and all for Purbeck!

PURBECK ARTISTS & STALLHOLDERS

Christmas Market

Sat 30 November - Sun 8 December 11am - 4.30pm

Crafts, Arts, Jellies, Jams & Chutneys, Unusual Gifts

Worth Matravers Village Hall

Tea, Coffee, Cakes and Mince Pies

Swanage Boxing Day Swim 2013

Yes, yes, yes!! It’s back by popular demand! The Swanage Boxing Day Swim will be taking place as usual on Boxing Day, on Swanage Seafront. The primary meeting place is next to the Mowlem Theatre. This annual fit of madness is all for good causes - dress up and dash into the sea with fellow locals to raise money for charity. Get yourself sponsored, or simply pay the entry fee on the day.

This year, part of the money raised will go to Swanage Town & Herston Football Club Youth section. Money is needed for the new under 8 team due to join, who will need kit, training gear and footballs. The club has eight youth teams for boys, and three for girls, and is a thriving club, doing wonders for the town’s youth. However, expenses are hard to meet, so this year they are one of the organiser’s chosen charities.

The other charity for the 2013 swim will be DCODE (Diabetic Children of Dorset East). They support over 215 children under sixteen who have diabetes, as well as providing invaluable support to the wider family. Want to join in? Get yourself in your chosen glad rags to the Mowlem on Boxing Day at 11am for a bacon butty and a cuppa (available from the gazebo). The Grand Raffle will then take place, before the swim at 11.30am sharp. Don’t forget to bring a towel and warm clothes for afterwards!

Ranger School of Dance Swanage

Christmas Fair

Sat 14 December 11am - 1pm at the Millpond Studios

Swanage Museum Christmas Fayre

5th and 6th Dec, 11am to 3pm

Christmas gifts and cards, stocking fillers galore, local books and raffle. Light refreshments.

Held at Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre in The Square.

Entry free, all very welcome.

Father Christmas Is Coming To Wareham!

Boys and girls, could you please inform your parents that Father Christmas will be making his customary visit to Wareham and that, this year, he will arrive a little earlier than was probably expected, on Sunday, 8th December!

He will arrive in his ‘top secret’ transport accompanied by the usual parade of floats and tableaux. The parade begins at 4.45pm from the northern end of North Street and finishes at the Red Lion Hotel after a circuit of the town centre, where Father Christmas will magically appear on the roof and perform his usual antics assisted by Rudolf. He will then suddenly appear in his grotto behind the Red Lion where he will welcome you all to meet him and receive a gift bag.

The fun at the Town Cross begins at 4pm with entertainment on the stage. A variety of Christmas acts should keep you warm and involved. This year we welcome the return of the powerful Gugge 2000 band, who should make themselves clearly heard from about 3.30pm!

You can bring along your parents and grandparents plus other friends as long as you promise that they won’t become too excited!

Wareham Father Christmas Committee would like to thank Sainsbury’s for the free provision of refreshments, including teas, coffees and mince pies, at the Town Hall and for the vital support of Lee and Lisa Sainsbury, the proprietors of the Red Lion Hotel.

We are a small (too small!) committee of volunteers and would welcome more help so please come and get involved in this amazing Wareham tradition! I can be contacted on c.mappleton@talktalk.net or 01929552110.

Father Christmas looks forward to seeing you all on Sunday 8th!

Colin Appleton Chairman

Tree of Light

Each year the Rotary Club of Wareham erects a commemorative Christmas Tree, illuminated with hundreds of tiny ’Lights of Remembrance’ in the grounds of Wareham Hospital during December.

The Tree of Light allows you to remember loved ones at Christmas-time whilst at the same time raising funds for Wareham Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support. With a simple donation you will be able to record the names of those you wish to remember in a Book of Remembrance and their names will also be recorded on our website.

You can donate by post by sending us your full name, address and postcode, along with details of who you wish to sponsor a light for/in memory of. Please include your donation to Wareham Hospital and Macmillan Support - a minimum donation of £5 is suggested. Please make cheques payable to Rotary Club of Wareham and send to Mrs Debbie Dunford, 148 Northmoor Way, Wareham. BH20 4EU. You can also donate online at www.warehamrotary.co.uk

Fair

If you’d like a stall, please call David on 01929 422436 or call Doug on 01929 421944

SWANAGE LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS OPENING

SWANAGE RETAILERS ARE HERE FOR YOU!

PLEASE

SUPPORT THE ‘PURBECK CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE’

Use us or lose us!

The following Swanage retailers have signed-up to offer you Weds late night shopping in December. This is after feedback received last year from locals who work, and who found it hard to support local shops at Christmas due to standard closing times.

Many are offering discounts on Wednesday nights, and all shopkeepers will be filled with Christmas cheer to see you browsing! PLEASE support them as they are there for you!

Ever After

Hallmark/Swan Post Office

Little Rascals

John’s Toyland

Curiosity

Country Corner Candleworld

Cloud 9

Pursenalities

Purbeck Circle

ORAILWAY PURBECK’S

n Friday 18th November Peter Triggs will present a slideshow entitled ‘Steaming into Wessex’. Peter comes with a recommendation of providing entertaining shows coupled with a few surprises on route. The scope of the show should provide something of interest for everyone.

The Circle meets in Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane Harmans Cross at 7:00pm for 7:30pm

Everyone is Welcome

For further information regarding the show and/or the PRC please contact the General Secretary on 01929 554765

Swanage Railway - Carol Train

There will be a mix of steam and singing when the Swanage railway runs its first ever Carol Train on 5th December.

The Carol Train, with its festively decorated carriages will be steaming out of Swanage station bound for Harmans Cross and Corfe Castle stations. Led by members of the Harmony Rocks Choir from Harmans Cross, and with musical accompaniment provided by members of The Swanage Town Band, participants on the train will be able to join in the singing of carols and other Christmas songs, on the platforms at these two stations.

Departing from Swanage Station at 18:30 for its evening time journey through the Purbeck countryside, it is scheduled to arrive back in Swanage at around 20:30.

Tickets for the Carol Train are priced at £12.00 for adults and £4.00 for children. A family ticket is available at £30.00. Tickets can be booked on line at www.swanagerailway.co.uk or from Swanage Station Booking Office tel. 01929 425800

- 16th December

Swanage - Tawny’s Wine Bar (9.30am - 3.30pm, not Sunday)

Langton Matravers - Poppy’s Café at Putlake Harmans Cross - Moonfleet Garage Corfe Castle - Dragon’s Bakery Studland - Village Hall (Thurs 28th Nov, Dec 5th &12th)

DELIVERY TO:

Swanage, Langton & Worth Matravers, Kingston, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle, Church Knowle

Following the success of last year’s open evening, we are pleased to announce a similar evening this year on Wednesday 11th December.

We have an extensive stock of ‘Tatty Teddy’ winter and xmas plush, seasonal and personal gifts, together with a large range of stationery, and the ever popular dress-up Tatty Teddy and Tatty Puppy range.

We are also pleased to participate in the ‘Purbeck Christmas Challenge’ and will be open until 8pm every Wednesday evening from 27th November until 18th December inclusive.

On these Wednesdays please bring the advert (right) for a discount. Searching for Christmas gift ideas? We offer a comprehensive range of gifts – handbags, wallets and scarves for the practical; Lilyflame scented candles, Bomb Cosmetics bath products and Burt’s Bees skin care range for a little luxury; an extensive range of Marvel / DC Comics bags, wallets, mugs; and of course, a huge selection of Hello Kitty, Peppa Pig and TY character plush for the younger ones, together with a number of gift items that we are able to personalise in store, and our ever popular gift vouchers.

IEver After Gifts The Ideal Gift...

n December, Natasha and Gary of Pursenalities are celebrating their first anniversary of successful trading in Tilly Mead, Swanage.

If you haven’t visited Pursenalities yet and seen their fine selection of handbags, purses, scarves, handmade jewellery and accessories, now would be a great time to do so because from 2nd to 7th of December they are offering a special discount of 10% on presentation of this month’s Purbeck Gazette.

In the lead up to Christmas they will be open until

Mowlem Theatre

Mowlem Theatre Improvements

The Mowlem Theatre will open a new season of films on Saturday 30th November, giving the public the opportunity to appreciate the installation of new digital projection and sound equipment with the new modern screen.

The Charity has received a grant of £10,000 towards the projector from The Foyle Foundation and a further £10,000 from the De Moulham Land Trust for the purchase and installation of the screen and other associated items. Earlier in the year, the Swanage Drama Company funded the purchase of a set of radio microphones, which, with the new p.a. system in the theatre, brings a very high quality of sound for all live theatre. In addition, the theatre curtain windows on the west side facing Station Road and the north facing Shore Road are being replaced with modern double glazing.

The Charity also has money raised by The Friends of the Mowlem, which will be used for double glazing the Community Room, followed by redecoration and refurbishment.

The cinema industry was taken by surprise by the bankruptcy proceedings of the major supplier of raw film and during 2013, accelerated the switch over to digital projection. This caused major problems for all cinemas still using 35mm. The Mowlem was fortunate to have the resources to purchase, brand new, one of the latest models.

There is a strong programme of live theatre already in place for 2014; from Shakespeare to Aykbourne, Jane Austen to Charles Dickens, Vienna Festival

10% OFF ALL PURCHASES WITH THIS ADVERT!

8pm every Wednesday in December, and every Sunday from 9th to 24th December.

In the meantime, Natasha & Gary would like to wish all their customers, both old and new, a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year, and they look forward to seeing you soon!

THE MOWLEM

LIVETHEATRE

The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)

Arena Theatre. Sat 7th December at 7.30pm

Tickets: Full £11, Concessions £9

Babes In The Wood

Fri 3rd, 4th, 10th & 11th January at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2pm on 3rd & 10th

Tickets: Full £8, Concessions £7, Children £5

CINEMA

Philomena (12A)

Sat 30th November toThurs 5th December at 7.30pm plus special matinee at 2.30pm on Mon 2nd. £6 incl. refreshments

Gravity (12A)

Fri 6th, Sun 8th to Wed 12th December at 7.30pm, Sat 7th at 10.30am

Saving Mr Banks (PG)

Fri 13th toThur 19th December (Not Sunday 15th) at 7.30pm. Matinee at 2.30pm on Monday 16th

Turbo (U)

Fri 20th to Mon 23rd Dec at 7pm. Matinee at 2.30pm on Mon 23rd & 10.30am

Christmas Eve. StandardTicket prices: £6Adult, £5 Concessions, £4 Children

Ballet to Big Band sounds and so on. There will also be a comprehensive programme of new releases in the cinema.

Cards & Gifts For All Occasions

Established over twenty years ago in Swanage, Sues Cards and Gifts has always been the first place to go for the best range of cards at the best prices.

Two years ago we moved from under the Mowlem to a bigger shop at 11 Institute Road, just 100 yards away. To the many loyal customers who have stayed with us following the move, we offer our thanks, and to those new customers who have yet to find us, our friendly and helpful staff extend a very warm welcome.

We now have four rooms with the largest range of cards in the area, also a huge selection of banners, balloons and party paraphernalia.

As an independent retailer we are not tied to one supplier, so the cards we offer are extremely varied to suit all tastes, and if you can’t find what you want, we have the contacts to be able to locate it for you.

At this time of year you will probably be spending a lot more on cards … come and see how much you can save at Sues Cards!

Norden Farm Shop

Norden Farm Shop has been selling Christmas Trees since the 1960s. It has always been a family-run business, with our own-grown Norway Spruce trees from Highwood near East Stoke.

We still grow our own stock of these - though in recent years the non-drop Nordman Spruce has become a lot more popular and we have to source these from further afield. Norways give you that wonderful Christmassy smell, but unfortunately they do tend to drop needles.

Why not try the traditional Norway pot grown? You can then have the lovely smell with no needle drop and if looked after well, you can still have the same tree for the following year.

If you have any special orders or requests, please contact us and we can hopefully, deal with your order.

Why not come and visit us? We have lots more than just trees on offer. Come and browse around our garden centre and farm shop, offering various locally-sourced goods. We sell all the winter essentials – logs –coal – kindling – gas. Or why not just pop into Norden House Restaurant for a winter warmer?

We are currently refurbishing our old farm shop, but we are still here and carrying all our usual lines, so please bear with us.

We hope to be fully operational by March 2014.

Perfect Purbeck Memories

This Christmas, why not visit our new shop in Daisy May’s Shopping Arcade, next to J.J.Moores the butchers, where you will find an exclusive range of gifts and stocking fillers, Christmas cards, gift tags and Christmas wrapping paper, which shows winter scenes of Swanage. Our 2014 calendars have views of Swanage and Purbeck past and present, and our Christmas Baubles show Swanage at its beautiful winter best.

We also carry an extensive range of framed pictures, as well as clocks, cushions, bookmarks and thimbles, and have a good selection of pocket

Even More Records!

Vinyl is back! Vinyl never went away! Whatever viewpoint you may have, the fact is music sales on vinyl in the past five years has exploded. Sales in ’95 were under one million, ten years later around the same. In 2012, sales were over 4.5 million.

Replayed Records know that this is true as well, they have been selling vinyl in Swanage for eighteen months now. More and more, month by month.” so said Nick of Replayed Records in the Purbeck Gazette a few months ago.

In fact Replayed Records has proved so popular with both locals and visitors alike, that Nick and Dawn have now taken on further space in Daisy May’s Arcade to house their ever growing selection of vinyl and CD’s. The enlarged premises has allowed them to increase their stock of classical, jazz and easy listening vinyl and CDs, as well as their range of film DVDs.

Excel’lent Service!

Excel Group was officially started in February 2007 by Darren Gale. Originally one of the Eurobytes engineers, Darren took courage to buy out the former Eurobytes Company.

Darren has been working with computers for over ten years, and has had an interest in computers since Corfe Castle First School.

Excel Group thrives on its reputation of giving great customer satisfaction and customer service, better than most chain stores would offer.

All brand new desktop PC’s are hand built to order and warranted by the store itself, unlike chain stores that would have to send the PC back to the manufacturer.

Due to us manufacturing our own machines, we are able to supply new machines built to the customer’s specification, enabling the customer to purchase the machine they want. All machines supplied by us are installed with Windows 7 Home Premium, unless otherwise specified by the customer.

Excel Group provide new and used machines, repairs and upgrades, virus and malware removal, networking, servicing, home repairs and setup,

money priced items, which would be perfect for stocking fillers Please do call in and see our complete range for Christmas and New Yearyou’re sure to find the perfect ‘Purbeck Gift’ at Martin’s Purbeck Memories

REPLAYED RECORDS

Selling pre-owned vinyl & CD’s in shop and online Chart and latest release CD’s also available. CD/DVD disc repair and cleaning service using Total Disc Repair equipment, Machine vinyl cleaning using Okki Nokki equipment. We can transfer your vinyl to disc

Daisy May’s Arcade, Kings Road East, Swanage, BH19 1ES

Tel: 01929 421717 Fax: 01494 400137

www.replayedrecords.com music@replayedrecords.com

No matter what you are looking for - be it rock, pop, soul, funk, reggae, jazz, folk, classical and beyond on LP and 45s – there’s a good chance you’ll find it at Replayed Records, and if you can’t, it’s great to know that hunting down those rarities is a challenge that Nick and Dawn always accept. The CD is still a hugely popular music media and there are more than 4000 new and used, across all genres in the shop. Many releases can be ordered if not in stock, and like those vinyl rarities, can be searched for. For the future, the expansion of the premises will give Replayed Records the space to add vintage record players and stereo equipment to their range.

As Nick says “In a country of more than 60 million people, there are less than 300 independent record stores open and you lucky people have one in Swanage.” How right he is!

hardware and peripheral sales, software sales, mobile phone unlocking and repairs.

So if you’ve got a problem with your computer or phone, why not pop in or call us today?

The festive season is almost upon us, and here at Macrow and Son, we understand that some of our customers like to spread the cost of Christmas. For this reason we are pleased to offer a ‘put by’ service, enabling you to buy that perfect gift and pay weekly up to the big day. Our extensive range of stock is sure to please everyone, from the bead addict to the diamond connoisseur. Coloured stones are our speciality, with prices to suit all budgets. We also hold a selection of second hand Rolex, Cartier and Omega watches. We have a whole cabinet dedicated to pearls, and a great range of wedding rings. We are pleased to announce that we will be extending our gents range for Christmas and the New Year. So whether it’s a £10 pair of silver earrings or a fabulous Padparadscha sapphire, there is sure to be an item that you simply can’t live without.

Beautiful Collectables And Wondrous Vision

Whilst autumn gives way to winter, we at Dolphin Collectables and the Binocular Shop have been busy sourcing new products at fair prices, giving you good value in these still strict monetary times.

For Winter Survival

Winters are either wet or cold (or more often than not both). We at Jurassic Outdoor can’t change the weather, but we can provide you with all you need to survive it more comfortably. From waterproofs - coats, boots, trousers, hats, gloves, even socks! To warm - snuggly jumpers, cozy down jackets, winter lined trousers and thermal undies.

We’ve a huge range of hats - waxed, felt, fleece, fair trade alpaca from Bolivia, even hand spun/knitted from Corfe sheep!

For those of you who have to be out on these dark nights, we’ve a good range of torches and headlamps. New in this winter are ultra-reliable maglite LED torches.

We have a wonderful range of gift ideas in stock; hand warmers, Stanley flasks, binoculars, Leatherman multitools, knives and gadgets for the

We can offer hand-crafted, solid silver jewellery, set with nature’s gemstones of Labradorite, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, to name but a few, that will grace the lady in your life without breaking the bank.

Remembering our armed forces, we have a range of gentlemen’s accessories including a Lancaster silver plated key ring, a Vulcan mug, and Typhoon cufflinks. All beautifully crafted and accurate.

For the Christmas period we are offering 40% off the latest designs from Beswick (Thelwell and animal figures) Caithness glass from Scotland and Dartington glass from Devon. All pieces are new and boxed.

For those who have their sights set on the vistas of this world or the heavenly bodies, we can offer optical quality binoculars from £8.00 to £400.00 , and Astro Scopes starting at a very reasonable £49.00. You are most welcome to try before you buy. Finally, we would like to wish all our customers a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year.

outdoor enthusiast. Stocking fillers from just £2. And if you really can’t decide what to get someone, gift vouchers are also available. Our opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10am5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. With extended hours on Wednesdays in December when we will be open until 8pm.

Visitors on Wednesday evenings will receive 10% off clothing and free mince pies will be available. Telephone 01929 424366

Festive Blooms

At Bloom we have created a collection of Christmas inspired floral arrangements including Christmas door wreaths, table decorations, Christmas bouquets and gift boxes filled with seasonal flowers mixed with herbs and foliage including traditional holly and berries.

Look out for our ‘Wonderful Woodland’, ‘Snowflake’ and ‘Red Antique’ collections, all created by our professional florists.

You can order your Christmas flowers today all ready for the festivities – and we can deliver up to midday on Christmas Eve to ensure your loved ones receive a special and fresh floral gift.

We also stock a lovely range of stylish interior decorations and keep sakes for all occasions throughout the year.

To view a selection of our floral arrangements visit our website www. bloomfloristry.com or our facebook page.

Celebrate Christmas with Bloom

We will help you add the finishing touches to your home this Christmas at Bloom

Lovely and inspirational gifts & home decorations at a price point for everyone

Come along to our festive workshops and learn to create pretty centre pieces or door wreaths.

Call for details.

Tilly Mead, 1 Commercial Rd, Swanage.

01929 426197

HPretty Things In Swanage

ere at Pretty Things we carry an extensive selection of everyday bras and briefs, sports bras, maternity and nursing bras.

But when you need something for a special occasion, or maybe a gift for that special someone in your life, you’ll love our beautiful range from Affinitas, Parfait (curvy range D-K) and Alterego (boxed and beautiful). We also stock stockings, suspenders, garters, tights, hold ups, corsets and mens’ boxers and briefs.

And because we all deserve old fashioned service, all your purchases will be beautifully and carefully wrapped.

www.bloomfloristry.com

Fun & Quirky Designs

Janine

Drayson’s Studio and Shop is ready for Christmas!

The shelves are stocked with Christmas cards and Janine’s new 2014 Calendars are already flying out the door.

2013 has been an extremely busy year for Janine. She has been working on lots of new paintings which then get printed onto calendars, cards, tea towels, mugs, trays, gift wrap and invitations.

10% DISCOUNT IN DECEMBER ON PRODUCTION OF THIS ADVERT!

She has also been selling her artwork at various exhibitions and fayres, launched a new website and online shop, increased the number of outlets that stock her cards, carried out many commissions, created lots of personalised wedding stationery, illustrated for companies such as The National Trust and recently, she has just finished writing her first children’s book!

Janine’s fun and quirky designs are inspired by the local landscape and the animals in her life.

She sells her collection of products, including her original artworks, from her shop in Swanage, her new online shop www.janinedrayson.co.uk, various outlets such as The National Trust shops and at local fayres and events.

Delightful Art For All

We would like to wish all our customers a Very Merry Christmas!

Spice of Life, our new exhibition for the festive season, celebrates the variety of our artists’ work. Based in Dorset, our artists are immersed in the stunning landscape that surrounds us, but wherever they travel their easels and sketchbooks go with them. Landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes at home and abroad, still life and the human form are represented in paint, bronze, stone, glass and ceramics.

We will have wonderful new work by painters Richard Price ROI, Felicity House PS, David Atkins, Lucy Best, Mike Jeffries, Judy Tate, Vicky Finding and Edward Vine, and sculptors Moira Purver ASWA and Sue Lansbury, with visiting sculptor Carol Orwin SWA.

We have beautiful crafts, which would make very special gifts, including hand-made porcelain lanterns by Sheila Hickey and unique glassware from award-winning Steve Robinson. From Dorset we have ceramic necklaces and Christmas tree ornaments from Worth Matravers artist Do Michells, Sea Glass Jewellery from Mary Baker of Swanage, hand-painted ceramic ware from Janet Parker-Laird and atmospheric photographs from Donna White and Andy Farrer.

There is truly something for everyone and where better to browse than in our warm, welcoming environment, with a glass of mulled wine and a

Saturday Special Events

Here at The Mulberry Tree present shopping is a favourite past-time! This year we’ve really gone to town and are stocking a huge range of fab artwork and gifts for you - so come and see us for the best present under the Christmas tree!

To make your shopping experience even lovelier, we’ve got some great events happening each Saturday leading up to Christmas:

Saturday 30th November: Artist Rebecca Lardner will be in the gallery from 2-4pm signing copies of her new book “Fish & Ships”

Saturday 7th December: Spend £20 in the shop and we’ll give you a beautiful tea-light holder

Saturday 14th December: Enter our free Prize Draw and win vouchers from local traders, including, The Olive Tree Cookery School, Cedar Organic, Studland Stables, Metal Clay, and Love Cakes, worth over £150

mince pie, at our open day on Saturday 7th December. We are open from Thursdays to Sundays up to Christmas 11-4pm We are always happy to help you find the special piece you are looking for.

Saturday 21st December: For the kid in all of us! Guess the number of sweets in the jar and you’ll win the sweets – just in time for Christmas! Don’t forget we’re handing out mulled wine every Saturday in December, so come in and warm up. It’s worth remembering, if you buy your pressies from us, you’re supporting local independent traders. Christian

Lunches Wareham 04/12/2013 from 12:30 to 13.30

Come and have lunch at a church during Advent and help raise funds for Christian Aid. Wednesdays 12.30- 1.30pm, suggested minimum donation £3. Traidcraft Fairtrade Stall will also be available on Wed December 4th at the Parish Hall, The Quay.

Purbeck Collective

The Purbeck Collective was formed in 2011 to enable a small group of artists living in this beautiful corner of Dorset to share resources and promote themselves to a wider audience.

Our first group exhibition, in the newly refurbished Durlston Castle Fine Foundation Gallery during autumn 2011, was a great success. We were warmly received by the public and many of our members sold well.

Our artists produce work in various styles and media, from oil painting to printmaking, photography to textiles, sculpture, jewellery and more, and are mostly inspired by living in the wonderful environment of Purbeck.

Come and see our new exhibition starting 23 November at the Fine

The exhibition runs every day 11am to 4pm until 15 December. We hope to see you there!

For more information, and to view and buy our art online, please visit purbeckcollective.co.uk

Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle, Swanage. There will be a fantastic range of art to view, with some unique and special gift opportunities to suit (nearly) everyone...

Sheepskin

Sheepskin

Lambskin

Ladies & Gents Pure Wool Lined Moccasin Slippers

LARGE SELECTION OFLUXURIOUS BRITISH SHEEPSKIN RUGS

Japanese Acupressure Therapy

by Nichola Morgan

PURBECK CHRISTMAS TREE

FESTIVAL at St James’ Church, Kingston

Musical Performances on Thur 28 Nov 12 noon - 4pm, Fri 29 Nov 10am - 4pm, Sat 30 Nov 10am - 4pm, Sun 1 Dec 10am - 4pm.

Christmas Music - Seasonal Refreshments

Free Admission

Skinmates Of Swanage

The word ‘emporium’ is often used, but rarely is it totally relevant to that which it describes. In the case of Skinmates in Swanage High Street, you’d be hard pressed to describe the amazing selection of quality goods for sale in this long-standing Swanage shop.

Owner, Ray, has been serving the town of Swanage for decades, stocking a mind-boggling array of superior sheepskin products and leatherware. From genuine sheepskin rugs to moccasins, slippers, mitts, gloves, suede bush hats, belts, bags, wallets, and much much more, there’s no ‘collection’ of sheepskin or leatherware goods within a driveable distance that can compete with Ray’s selection.

Now that the winter winds have started blowing, why not pop into Skinmates and check out the array of sheepskin items which will help you keep warm?

And if you are looking for a perfect Christmas Gift – who wouldn’t be delighted with a lovely pair of quality sheepskin slippers or mitts?

Dress Code of Wareham

Why not let Dresscode solve your gift and ‘what to wear’ dilemmas this festive season?

We’ve sparkling party dresses, textured velvet two-pieces and beaded tops all from Pomodoro, or glittery and metallic look knit-wear from Franza, along with boleros in a host of colours to compliment any outfit.

Of course, if you’re looking for something a little more casual, then we can help there too. Jeans and cords from Intown and Brantex, and to keep you warm this winter, we stock a wide selection of jumpers and cardigans in various styles and colours – as well as fleeces and gilets. We also have a wide selection of jewellery, scarves and bags, and if you can’t make a decision, how about a gift voucher?

We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you all a Merry Christmas!

For The Gift Of Beauty

If you are looking for a beautiful gift for someone you know who appreciates the gift of beauty - then look no further than Visage in Tilly Mead.

Heather has a super selection available this year, including:

• Gift packs from Osmo, Evo, and KMS.

Rotary Christmas Spirit

For many years, Swanage Rotary has been at the heart of our community’s Christmas celebrations - and this year is no different.

The Rotary Christmas Breakfast is held each year at the United Reform Church Hall on Christmas morning and is an opportunity for those who might otherwise be alone to begin the day together. As well as providing a “full English” breakfast, the club can arrange transport if needed, sing carols and hopefully persuade Santa to call after his busy night.

Rotary is keen to stress the teamwork involved. “Lots of different people come together to make this happen” said Rotarian, Mo, “in particular the retailers in town contribute the food we serve and other organisations help Santa with presents for all who attend”. Anyone who would otherwise be alone is welcome – it doesn’t matter if they are young or old, all are welcome. However, booking is essential so we can cater accordingly. Please go to our website for details at: www. swanagerotary.org or contact Mo on 07971 338486.

Rotary is also organising the Christmas Market in Swanage on Saturday 7th December. As in previous years, Station Road and Commercial Lane will be closed to traffic and transformed into a fantastic Purbeck Christmas market. Organisers David and Kay said they hoped there would be something for everyone during the day.

“We really want to keep the positive community feeling going after the Swanage Challenge and encourage everyone to support the town during the Christmas period”. If you are interested in having a stall or want more information please go to the Rotary website or email:swanagerotary@hotmail.co.uk

Santa will also be helping Rotary with our Christmas collection this year. Please look out for him in the first two weeks in December as he travels around town in his Rotary sleigh.

The money we collect all goes to support our various local and international projects and we continue to be very grateful for the support shown in our great community.

Mike Chapman, Swanage Rotary, 01929 421374

• Haito Hairdryers. & Mini

• Corioliss Starighteners

• Babyliss Pro Perfect Curl.

• And - exclusively to Visage, Moroccanoil Gift Packs starting at only £20.00.

Heather and her team are always happy to offer professional advice if you need help deciding – or alternatively you can purchase Visage Gift Vouchers to the value of your choosing, allowing the lucky recipient to select their own product or service from the great range available.

Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival Thanks

Dear Readers,

Our heartfelt thanks to all across the Purbeck area who took part in any way, whether making decorations, serving teas, donating mince pies or providing the music. Thanks also to all who visited and donated towards Julia’s House and St James’ Church Chair Fund. As I write we do

not know the final figure but the P.C.C. would like to express their thanks to all for giving both time and money in this community project. We wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Judy Forgan, Kingston PCC

Tilly WhimsEverything You Need!

Did you know?.......at Tilly Whims we sell …… men’s

slippers

moccasins

socks

gloves

scarves

wellington boots

walking boots

walking shoes

deck shoes

sweaters

winter coats

body warmers

hats and caps (including Breton caps, Tilley hats, waterproof hats)

leather belts

novelty cufflinks

wallets

coin holders

tie racks

trouser hangers

reading glasses

sunglasses

fleece jackets and tops

winter jumpers

raincoats as well as ladies’

tops

trousers

skirts

dresses

sweaters

cardigans

fleece tops and jackets

scarves

hats

ear warmers

muffs

gloves

winter coats

raincoats

wellington boots

walking shoes

deck shoes

fashion shoes

fashion boots

slippers

boots

handbags

purses

wallets

shopping bags

backpacks

keyrings

necklaces

bracelets

watches ponchos gilets

headbands

reading glasses

sunglasses

Target Dry raincoats

Daisy Dumpling scarves

Umbrellas

Spirit bags

Totes slipper socks

Totes ‘Toasties’

……. we even sell table mats!

Christmas At Holme

Awarm and festive welcome awaits you at Holme for Gardens. With plenty of free parking, why not make us your Christmas shopping stop?

There’s nothing like a real, British-grown Christmas tree; the Garden Centre has high quality Christmas trees ready for you to take home and decorate, along with mistletoe, poinsettias and holly. Our colourful range of houseplants can be gift wrapped to make a stunning present. National Garden Centre gift tokens make a great present and can be used at participating garden centres in the UK.

The giftware room has been revamped and is brimming with gorgeous gifts and tempting stocking fillers. Holme Farm Shop is stocked with Christmas goodies and delicious local produce.

We have a range of local meats, cheeses, dairy products, baking essentials, fruit, vegetables and ‘Holme-made’ cakes from our Orchard kitchen. Support your local producers and farmers by shopping at Holme and avoid that supermarket crush at the same time!

Relax and enjoy refreshments, lunch or afternoon tea in The Orchard. A warming glass of mulled fruit cup and a mince pie will help keep you going through the festive shopping period. Bookings are being taken now for festive lunches.

We look forward to welcoming you at Holme. We’re open daily from 09:00 – 17:00. The Orchard is open from 09:30 – 16:30.

A Nostalgic Haven

Peter and Sarah, have recently relocated from Nottingham, along with Sarah’s seventeen year old son, Jonny, and their two gorgeous Scottie dogs, to set up their family run Tea Lounge, Floribunda, with a Victorian/ Palm Court 1920’s style theme.

Peter returns to Swanage having spent many a happy childhood holiday on the beaches here.

“We want to offer Swanage a haven of past time nostalgia, of service, care and attention, so often missing in today’s coffee house dominated world - quality at an affordable price!”

Floribunda will be offering traditional English fare including

Speciality loose-leaf teas will be served in vintage china as well as speciality coffees, wines, Bloody Marys and local ale.

Sip tea and while away the day with the sounds of the1920’s and light jazz music coming from their gramophone and piano.

Serving Christmas Vintage Teas from 30th November.

Bookings now being taken.

Well behaved dogs welcome!

Bacon Rolls, Dorset English Rarebit, Eggs Benedict, and Potted Shrimps as well as Champagne Vintage Teas, Homemade Cakes and Scones. GlutenFree options and a childrens’ menu are also available.

You’ll Love Cake Etc.

Love Cake Catering, Purbeck’s devilishly tasty catering company and owner of Doris the vintage ice cream van brings you ‘Love Cake etc.’

Swanage’s first Cafe, Deli and Cake emporium!

Local girl Emily Strange, founder of Love Cake Catering, and famous for her amazing cakes and brownies, by no means a stranger to the cafe trade, has teamed up with Toby Wood, experienced caterer and free-lance chef, locally known from his cheffing days at the Salt Pig.

Together this brilliantly matched pair and their enthusiastic team offer catering for any occasions, whether it be a vintage wedding, corporate lunch or birthday barbeque.

Toby says “The cafe provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our wide range of locally sourced, freshly cooked meals, and provides Swanage with a charming venue in which to enjoy them!”

Love Cake etc is open seven days a week, and offers a wonderful array of breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas and originally themed supper clubs. The cafe is complimented by a great little deli, packed with fabulous fine foods, artisan breads, home baked treats, local produce, spirits and wine.

Love Cake etc’s sizeable basement restaurant and bar provides the perfect

Christmas Treats From Your Deli

venue to celebrate special occasions, children’s parties and meetings. For further enquiries, bespoke hampers, bookings and special offers contact Toby or Emily at the cafe, their facebook page or www. lovecakecatering.co.uk

For all your Festive catering, party nibbles and delicious deli spreads

Lots of foodie gift ideas: Hampers, Cheese Boards and Vouchers etc...

Pop in and discuss your requirements for this Christmas and we will do our best to help.

26 Institute Road, Swanage 01929 422344

email: thepurbeckdeli@yahoo.co.uk www.thepurbeckdeli.co.uk

Why not treat yourself to some homemade deli delights this Christmas? Alena from Worth Tea Room has made us some fabulous Christmas puddings, Karla has made gluten free/dairy free ‘chocolate’ truffles. We also have wonderful homemade fudge from Julia, jams and chutneys from Rebekka’s Kitchen and The Jammy Bodger, plus a whole lot more!

Keep it local and buy foodie gifts which are sure to delight those you love.... make up a little gift bag of Dorset deliciousness.... teas, biscuits,

marmalade, ales, ciders etc. We are happy to discuss with you contents for hampers so that you can tailor-make a box just perfect for a cheese lover or someone who likes sweet treats. We can arrange for pick up closer to the big day and order in items which require absolute freshness. Catering at Christmas time and for New Year couldn’t be easier! We will supply you with delightful West Country cheese boards, cold meat platters or full deli banquets with an abundant array of lovely treats... Isle of Wight tomatoes, delicious olives, meats, cheeses, antipasta, sweet deli delights such as chocolate ginger brownie, Jack’s New York cheesecake or Karla’s amazing chocolate Afghan’s.

Come in and spoil yourself and your nearest and dearest with some delicious deli treats – everyone loves a foodie gift!

We also offer vouchers, which are fabulous for those you know who love good food.

Home-Cured

Home-made Sausages

Home-made Sausagemeat

Home-Cured

“All our meat is reared on the farm, fully hung on the bone & professionally butchered on our premises’

Cream Teas, OR Cream Tease?!

Do you fancy a cream tea with a difference this winter?

How about an apple, raisin, and cinnamon scone, with lashings of clotted cream and a good dollop of orange whisky marmalade! But best of all, to accompany this tasty treat, we can offer you a glass (or maybe even two) of mulled wine or spicy winter cider.

Here at the White Swan we have a really great selection, including a new premium winter cider from the ever popular Rekorderlig range, which can be served either hot or cold.

And from Eliot’s, another renowned brewer, a new spicy cider perfect for those cold days.

Purbeck Products

By Community Reporter, Hester Viney

Christmas Delights!

Again we arrive at the month before December far before I am ready to discuss Christmas. But I have my scribing orders from a motley crew of wizened and seasoned producers, none of whom are to be defied without consequences. So. Big deep breath. Roll up, roll up for all your Christmas eats and treats!

On this year’s billing we have the following producers providing the following seasonal goods:

Kath Best: lamb and local turkey

Phil Samways: pork, chipolatas and stuffing

Ben Young: goat meat and sausages

Ashley Barnes: venison joints, chipolatas, stuffing meat, a traditional three bird roast and antler dog chews!

Regula Wright: Natural Christmas wreaths and decorations, plus vegetables subject to availability

Tina and Gary (Jurassic Country Foods): jams, chutneys, hampers, pickles, mulled wine, hot turkey and traditional stuffing filled rolls.

Sharan Haine (Buffmonger): handmade & natural soaps, creams, oils, personal pomanders, luxury bath butter melts and other gift ideas

Maggie Sutton: ready meals, quiches, Christmas puddings, cakes and hampers

Janine Drayson: cards, prints, gifts and calendars

Jay Wilkinson: hand crafted jewellery and hand decorated walking sticks

31 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LT Tel: 01929 423804

2 Minutes FromThe Beach

Traditional Pub Food

Sunday Roasts

Large Beer Garden

EnsuiteAccommodation with Parking

Wi-FiAccess

TV and PoolTable

Children & Dogs Welcome Best Beer Guide Pub CAMRASelected

Book your Christmas Party NOW! Fabulous menu available, great prices, friendly pub, excellent service GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW

Sunday 22nd December at 8pm OSCAR’S FUN CHRISTMAS QUIZ & ROCK‘N’ROLL BINGO THURS 19th Dec at 9pm

FRANKIE RUDD ON BOXING DAY Playing from 9pm

So next time you are passing the White Swan, why not pop in for our delicious new ‘Winter Warmer’?

Nigel Dragon: bread, cakes, mince pies and Christmas puddings

Sarah Hayes: Seasonal cupcakes, cake pops and Christmas selection boxes

Jules Dorrington: Homemade fudge and confectionary

More than at any other time of year, Christmas is a time to search out quality and value for money. To create a bumper market for all their loyal customers, the producers listed will work hard to bring plenty of fantastic local produce to their stalls.

Every one of the team represent a product Purbeck can be proud of, and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to get behind them and shop local.

The regular Commercial Lane market is a pleasure to visit, so do make a point on stopping by at the November market (the 9th), or at any of the three Christmas markets in December - the 7th, 14th and 21st. Get your orders in early to avoid last minute panic!

The Perfect Platter

Are you looking for something different for your festive feasts and parties this year?

How about a Swanage Bay Fish Platter – the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas or New Year Buffet!

Why not pop in and talk to us about creating you a delicious fresh seafood platter made to your own individual tastes and ideas.

We are traditional fishmongers providing seasonal fresh fish and shellfish throughout the year, caught by our own boats and other local fishermen. We are a family-run business, and our families have been in the fishing

The Perfect Dinner

As Christmas approaches and your thoughts turn to your festive catering, you will want to be sure that the centre piece of your celebration meal is the very best available. No one wants their perfect turkey dinner turning out to be a ‘complete turkey’!

At J J Moore all our turkeys are free range and we stock both traditional white and bronze turkeys. For your accompaniments, we can also supply the sausage-meat for your stuffing and the bacon and sausages for your pigs in blankets, so all you need is to gather together your vegetables, plus of course your friends and family, and get cooking.

If you are not a turkey lover then fear not – as we also have some tasty alternatives, including Dorset lamb, Wiltshire pork, and Scotch Beef, as well as fresh ducks and geese and much, much more.

So don’t wait – start planning those tasty Christmas menus – and put your orders in with the boys at J J Moore today!

industry for generations, fishing from small boats, potting and netting. We aim to provide the freshest and highest quality products fifty two weeks of the year.

We fish using sustainable fishing methods, using and selling all our catch, we do not endorse discards, believing that there is a use for even the poorest of fish as long as it is fresh and healthy.

Wareham Scout & Guide Christmas Stamps

16/11/2013 to: 14/12/2013

The Christmas stamps for our local post are now on sale from each unit meeting and various locations around Wareham. They are 25p each.

Please encourage your family friends and neighbours to use this and post your cards in the boxes at the HQ and also Horseys, Farwells,Tourist Information, Carey Post office. Stamps are also available at all these locations and on Sat am on The Quay.

LAST DATE FOR POSTING SAT DEC 14th

Enjoy A Candle-lit Christmas

EWe have a full range of real ales including our Christmas special, Thermal Cheer, a dark sweet hearty brew perfect for bringing the Christmas spirit alive.

Our festive Christmas menu offers a selection of Christmas favourites that is sure to suit you and your friends’ appetites, and is available from 1st December 2013 to 6th January 2014.

To book please call us on 01929 450225. Why not join us in the Bankes for a Merry Festive Christmas?

Winter Warmth At The Globe

Why not enjoy some winter warmth at The Globe? A traditional and friendly local, well worth a trip out from town. The Globe is a proper pub with well kept ales, and a log fire, and where dogs and children are welcome. Watch the darts, pool and shove halfpenny teams playing through the week or catch sight of the domino players at the weekend.

We also happen to serve very tasty pub food with a variety of specials and Chef Ash will be happy to do the honours for any Christmas does you have planned. Call and talk to him about your requirements. If you are stuck for a Christmas gift idea, why not buy one of our Globe

The

Globe Inn

Tasty Pub Food & Specials

Why not let Chef Ash do the honours for your Christmas Party this year? Please call for details and to book

Log Fire, Real Ales, Car Park, Garden, Dogs welcome

3 Bell Street, Swanage. BH19 2RY

01929 423515

vouchers so that your friends or relatives can enjoy a meal or a drink? Please check our boards or ring for details of kitchen opening times. Children are welcome until 9pm, but dogs can stay and sleep in front of the fire until closing time. Follow us on Facebook and Trip Adviser.

njoy a candlelit Christmas meal by the roaring log fire with friendly atmosphere in the Bankes Arms Hotel.

Three Generations Of Quality

The Curtis family have been butchers for three generations. In the past sixty one years we have provided quality meat to the people of Wareham & beyond.

When Basil Reginald Curtis started the business back in 1951, he insisted on selling only the finest quality produce he could buy. This still holds true today, where our policy is to only sell the best. This is why we source Mathers Black Gold Beef direct from Aberdeenshire, Purbeck Lamb and Purbeck Pork from a local farm.

Likewise, our poultry is the best money can buy. Farm Turkeys, Geese, Ducks and Chickens.

The rest is free from any antibiotic growth promoters.

We also produce many homemade products. Sausages (only using the finest natural skins), dry home-cured bacon (all cured on the premises), pies, pates, faggots, black pudding and our famous Christmas puddings.

Our high quality meats and attention to detail have formed the key to our success everywhere, from local trade to nationwide accolades.

Get your Christmas orders in soon!

Let the team help you arrange the best Christmas feast ever, with a selection of high-quality Curtis goodies!

Merry Christmas to all from the team.

The Scott Arms

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and Simon, Cynthia and Ian would like to welcome you all at the Scott Arms to celebrate the festive season with warming log fires, chestnuts to roast and mulled wine and cider to fight off the cold.

Caribbean Christmas Party Night!

Banish those winter blues with some of Cynthia’s delicious Jamaican food and warm up with some dancefloor action later on. Friday December 20th, booking essential.

We will also be holding a fantastic New Year’s Eve Party in the Scott Arms Speakeasy.

Cocktail Reception, three delicious courses, casino and dancing to see us into 2014.

Booking essential as this will be a limited ticket only event and will sell out, tickets are £35.

B.CURTIS LTD

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

SPECIALLY SELECTED ABERDEENSHIRE & PURBECK BEEF

FINEST

LOCAL

HOMEMADE

CHIPOLATAS

PORK

OX

WIDE

Wishing

Festive Chocolate

If you want to buy locally-made edible gifts this Christmas, look no further than Chococo, the chocolate shop, café and kitchen in the Commercial Road lanes in Swanage. Their fine chocolates, handmade daily with many local fresh ingredients, have been featured widely in the national press and have won forty national fine awards since 2003.

For Christmas this year, the Chococo team will be bringing back the much talked about Dorset Blue, with Blue Vinny cheese, the popular Brilliant Black Cow, made with Dorset’s Black Cow vodka, and other festive flavours including rum-sozzled Christmas Puddings and their 2012 Great Taste Award winning Mulled Wine.

As well as their wide selection of chocolate gifts, they have created a new range of stylish Christmas trees, delightful new angels, penguins and reindeers in organza bags to hang on your Christmas tree, chocolate biscuit cake Yule logs, new lollies with edible festive patterns designed by local artist Janine Drayson, and offer many items in both milk and (non-dairy) dark chocolate.

Their café will be offering freshly baked festive themed cakes and more alongside their extensive range of hot chocolates, coffee and their exciting new DIY hot chocolates – choose milk, dark or even white chocolate to

melt and whisk in the milk!

If you cannot make it to Chococo’s shop in Swanage, you can also buy their chocolates at ChocoCake on East St in Wimborne and coming very soon, their new shop in Winchester. Their chocolates are also available to order online or by phone for nationwide delivery.

Idyllic Durlston

Now that Halloween is out the way and November almost past, what better time to arrange those Christmas gettogethers?

Bookings have been coming in thick and fast this year, so if you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy that pre Christmas meal, look no further.

With our tantalizing ‘Christmas at Candlelight’ option, our lighter lunchtime menu and many gluten free options, Seventhwave offers somethi ng for everyone. Remember bookings of over six enjoy a complimentary cocktail!

Alternatively, if you’re having trouble at choosing a gift for someone this Christmas, don’t forget our gift vouchers.

Available in values of £15, £25 or £50. They last for six months and can be used for anything from our tasty cream teas to a candlelit evening for two!

Seventhwave is also pleased to announce that they are open Boxing Day this year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving a selection of refreshing hot and cold drinks, a variety of cakes and a selection of sandwiches.

Why not consider a leisurely walk around Durlston Country Park with the family and pop in to see us and put your feet up by the fire and watch the winter waves out in the bay.

To discuss any of your needs, please call and speak to either Leanne, Ian or Emily.

Christmas Time At Worth Tea & Supper Room

Atwinkly, sparkly welcome awaits you at Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Room this Christmas and New Year.

What could be lovelier than being treated to stunning, delicious home cooked food in a beautiful vintage style dining room with a log burning stove this Christmas time?

Diana and David can cater for Christmas parties throughout December, for up to thirty people, with a party menu which is sure to delight everyone (£20 for two courses, £25 for three).

They are taking bookings also for their fabulous Christmas day lunch (£60 per person), and for their New Year’s Gala Supper, where you will be treated to a spectacular five course meal, taking you up to the final course

of cheese and bubbly to be served at midnight. During the evening there will be an entertaining foodie quiz and other light entertainment. As you can imagine, the tea room is the perfect spot to begin or finish a lovely winter walk in the area. Sunday lunches are popular, and well worth booking in advance. This is a tearoom offering a little bit more than just tea!!!!

Diana and David will be open throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday, and will then be closed from January 2nd for five weeks, reopening during the 2nd week of February.

Tel: 01929 439368

Fully licenced

Open: Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 4.30pm Reserve tables for Friday/Saturday evenings and Sunday Lunches

Booking now for Christmas Parties, Christmas Day and Our New Year’s Eve Gala Supper

Tel: 01929 439368 By the duck pond at Worth

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 10am - 12 noon. at The Mowlem Community Centre in Swanage. The RAINBOWS COFFEE MORNING AND CHRISTMASSY BAZAAR!

Lots of stalls including beautiful crafts, books, toys, photography, cakes, jewellery, tombola and great coffee! Cakes and biscuits too! Come and join us... bring your friends for a chat and enjoy great sea views, great company and lots more! Tables £5. Call Marjorie on 07717 682323 for more info

EThe Ideal Christmas Read - Local Books

Freewheelers to the Rescue!

By Eric Johns

ric John’s newest adventure is ‘Freewheelers to the Rescue’, set in the seaside town of Coombe Bay. The story follows the adventures of Gina, Claire and Mandy, who make-up bicycle gang, the free wheelers. Only problem is, the girls don’t, as yet, have bikes.... The story follows a daring series of generally misunderstood rescues carried out by the gang, whilst they attempt to find ways to raise funds to buy bikes. Following the bold rescue of Lesley, a little girl whose kidnapping is brought to the attention of the gang by a newspaper clipping, the girls avoid their parent’s attempts to keep them under control and go on to complete several more daring feats of bravery, including a dangerous sea rescue. Eventually, despite their actions being often misinterpreted by the adults around them at the time, the girls discover that doing the right thing does lead to eventual recognition and reward. The characters are fun, and Eric manages to capture a child’s view of the adults around them delightfully. I thoroughly enjoyed the input offered by Peterkin, Mandy’s toddler brother, in his attempts to ‘name that object’ throughout the story! As always, Eric’s books are easy to read, and offer a simple, yet effective

Kit’s Reward

By Brenda Woodford

Snuggled up on the sofa on a cold afternoon, a few pages into ‘Kit’s Reward’ and I was pulled into the golden era of canals, as seen through the eyes of the young daughter of a barge family moving coal and goods throughout Britain’s waterways.

Kit works long days alongside her Ma and Pa, toddler brother Tom, Gramps and Gran, tending to Queenie the horse and assisting with other small jobs from dawn to dusk.

One afternoon, when dispatched to fetch a doctor to tend to her father after an accident, Kit is faced with a decision when she stumbles across a young boy being beaten in the woods. Kit’s impulsive actions that day change her life, and her future.

Brenda Woodford’s gentle writing style envelops you, and before you know it, hours have passed and you’re miles away, following Kit throughout her daily life, privy to her inner thoughts and feelings. So much so that I finished the book in one go, not noticing the chill creeping in until I’d turned the last page.

The characters were believable, provoking empathy, and the backdrop of an Edwardian England surging towards industrialism makes this little story well worth a read. Ideal for readers aged eleven and upwards.

Kit’s Reward is priced at £7.99 and is available at New and Secondhand Books in Station Road, Swanage. ISBN: 978-1-78088-353-3. Nico Johnson

storyline for our younger readers. All the sub-plots are gathered together at the end, and as well as excitement and intrepid escapades, Eric’s stories carry a delicate, non-invasive undercurrent of friendship, respect, co-operation and the notion that doing the right thing does bring rewards, even if not immediately after the action.

‘Freewheelers to the Rescue’ is an ideal gift for children aged between seven and twelve, and is a lovely story to read aloud, with a host of different characters to voice. Available from New and Secondhand Books in Swanage, ISBN: 978-1-291-47453-4. Nico

Scary Bones Book 6!

By Ron Dawson

Justbefore we went to print, a copy of Ron Dawson’s latest ‘Scary Bones’ book dropped through the letterbox. Now, we haven’t had time to read it, but as usual, Ron has already taken the story to the harshest critics in the land (school kids!), so we’ll pass on their comments instead ...

The newest book in the Scary Bones collection is ‘The Knights and Dragon of Durlston Head’, which is the sixth book in the set. Scary Bones, Sasha and Ben meet Princess Tilly Whim and two knights (Sir Moanalot and Sir Groanalot).

Will they be able to save Lord Loveydovey, who has been imprisoned by the mad, bad magician, Badtrix, and his fire-breathing dragon, Volcano?

All set against the magical back-drop of Purbeck, the Scary Bones stories are making our local landmarks famous among the younger generation, right across the country.

Comments from those who have read the book are: “It is a dramatic and magical story to read with crazy characters and funny pictures.” Bella “A fun story with scary parts which kept us on the edge of our seats. The story has everything anyone could want from a reading book. The Dragon was terrible, but we loved him! The characters were brilliantly described and they will help us in writing our own character descriptions’. Teacher, Lady St Mary School, Wareham.

Johnson

Keeping Your Financial Affairs In Order

None of us knows when our time is up or if we will be in the position in the future that we will not be able to look after our own financial affairs. There are, therefore, a few things I would suggest to keep your financial affairs in order:

Store financial records in a logical and simple fashion and review them at least six-monthly. How long you will need to keep your records varies according to your circumstances and can be checked with HM Revenue & Customs.

Make a Will with a professional – DIY packs may be cheap, but unless you know what you are doing, you may not actually end up doing what you intended – we don’t quibble about paying several thousand pounds in fees to estate agents when we move house, yet many people seem reluctant to pay a couple of hundred pounds or so to create a Will (costs will obviously vary depending on the complexity of the Will) – not much for peace of mind!

Make sure you understand how your finances work – if you and your partner have separate financial roles, make sure that you understand what is going on so that if you are left alone, you don’t have the worry of not knowing what monies you have or how and when the electricity bills are paid etc.,

Get rid of invalid paperwork which is not of use e.g., prospectuses from rights issues etc., once they have happened and invalid share certificates. Keep any share certificates separately, so that they don’t get muddled up in lots of other paperwork.

If you have a portfolio of investments, think about having a professional to help you manage your investments and consider holding your investments in nominees. It is particularly important to consider holding overseas stocks in nominees as they can be both complicated and costly to release when someone has passed away.

This may all sound pretty depressing but the idea is that by spending a minimal amount of time keeping on top of your finances and understanding what is going on, you make things easier for others when you die or are unable to look after your own financial affairs. It is also nice to know what you have and to ensure that your paperwork is easily accessible.

Kate Spurling is a stockbroker in the Dorchester office of Charles Stanley (01305) 251155 kate.spurling@charles-stanley.co.uk Charles Stanley & Co Limited is authorised by the FCA and is a member of the London Stock Exchange

Tax Return Error?

TheTaxman has written to me saying that I missed a small pension worth about £800 a year from my last return. He hasn’t noticed that I also missed it off the last four tax returns. What should I do?

Q: A:

Best advice is to come clean immediately and tell the Taxman about all the missing amounts of pension income for all tax years.There may not be more tax to pay if the pension provider has already deducted tax at your marginal tax rate. However, if there is a higher rate tax to pay, there will also be interest due at 3% and possibly a penalty. By confessing all without delay, you can qualify for a reduced penalty, down to say 15% of the tax due.

We would like to wish all customers a very happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year!

BH19

Anew free legal advice clinic will be starting in Swanage in the New Year for people living in the Purbeck area. The clinic will be given by Liz Gilmour, experienced local solicitor, of Genesis Solicitors. The clinic will be held twice per month and it will be possible to book a half hour appointment in advance. The first sessions will take place on Monday 21st January and Monday 3rd February 2014 between 9am and 10am.

The clinic will take place downstairs at the brand new ‘Love Cake etc’ café and food shop located at 42 High Street, Swanage BH19 2NX.

If you would like to book an appointment please telephone Genesis Solicitors on 01929 530020 or email: liz@ genesissolicitors.co.uk.

For more information, please go to www.genesissolicitors.co.uk

Citizen’s Advice Bureau

What can I do?

Q:I am finding it harder and harder to cope, I am on a low income and affected by the bedroom tax and I resorted to taking out payday loans. Now I can’t get any more loans but I can’t afford to pay off what I owe. I am getting into arrears with my rent and council tax, now its getting colder and my fuel company is increasing its prices I am not able to heat my home.

A: Firstly don’t panic, contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau for help, they can help you negotiate with your creditors and prepare a financial statement. They can help you to maximise your income and identify areas where you can economise. The CAB will help you to deal with both your priority debts (rent, council tax etc) and your non priority debts (payday loans etc).

Purbeck Citizens Advice Bureau has a debt caseworker based in Upton and Wareham every Thursday, but all of our advisers will be able to help you.

See below for our contact details:

*Wareham, Mon, Tue & Thurs, 10am – 2pm

*Swanage, Wed (appt’s only), 10.15am – 2pm

Fri (drop in’s) 10.15am – 2pm

NB Closed 1st Wed of each month for staff meeting / training)

*Bovington Tue 9.30am – 1pm

*Upton, Mon, 9am – 12.30pm

Thurs (Debt appts only), 9am – 12.30pm

*Lytchett Matravers 2nd & 4th Tue, 10am – 12.30pm

*Swanage Children’s Centre Wed, 9.30am – 12.30pm

Age UK Adviser (appointments only)

Swanage, alternate Mondays, 10am – 2pm

Wareham, alternate Fridays, 10am – 2pm

Home visits by arrangement.

Homelessness, Mon & Wed (appointments only)

Prevention Adviser

Email asm@purbeck.cabnet.org.uk

Advice Line: 0844 245 1291

DCC Trading Standards

It’s that time of year and Christmas is on its way. A time for giving and receiving gifts but how do we make sure that the gifts we give and receive are safe?

Shopping has changed dramatically over the past few years with many of us trading the traditional melee of the high street for the tense wait for items ordered over the internet to arrive in time.

Today’s market place now offers us an almost limit-less amount of choice. With this comes a variation in safety standards. In the UK we are protected from unsafe goods by a large array of European based legislation and vigilant enforcement bodies. But there is still the chance that poor quality or unsafe goods can find their way onto the shelves.

Best advice is always check the labelling on a product. Always looks for a CE mark, a reference to a safety standard and any warnings- especially those restricting their use by young children. As a rule of thumb most products should also come with the name or trademark of the manufacturer and an address of the manufacturer or supplier within the EU.

Whether dealing with an internet trader, a market stall holder or buying from the high street, be sure who you are buying from. Always remember to keep your receipt or invoice as proof of purchase and remember that if you have any concerns about the safety of a product make sure you contact the Citizens Advice Service on 08454 040506.

Look out for the Buy With Confidence logo - trading standards check traders so you don’t have to.

Visit the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call The Citizens Advice Consumer Service 08454 04 05 06.

Lots To Look

by David Hollister

Well! Last month’s piece on cyclists certainly provoked a storm of comment, both positive and negative, on local Facebook pages! Weeding out the abusive personal posts – which achieved nothing – left me understanding that ‘real’ cyclists prefer not to use the cycleways provided, feeling that they’re not fit for purpose.

If the County Council is intent on spending our money on cycle paths, surely they should carry out a proper consultation first. Not with the ‘planners’ or the ‘highways department’ but logically with the local cyclists themselves, to find out what they want – if anything – and to target their funds in the right directions.

I apologise for using the word ‘morons’ and for appearing to be ‘anticyclist’. No personal offence was intended; I simply gained the impression – apparently wrongly – that cycleways were being built to make cyclists’ journeys safer and easier, and felt that not using a cycleway when one was available was perhaps as daft as not wearing a proper cycle helmet. I repeat – I used to ride my bike and stopped doing so because I was scared stiff of the fast traffic and the big lorries. Being only an elderly, part-time and inexpert cyclist, I would have welcomed cycle paths to get me away from this traffic.

I’d be genuinely interested to read any constructive letters on this point, especially from those members of our cycling community on the subject of why they prefer not to use the cycleways, and why they believe them to be not fit for purpose. Please write to me c/o the Purbeck Gazette. Anyway, enough of bikes! Looking forward to 2014, I see that a new Toyota Aygo is on the cards. It’s believed that the CO2 emissions will be significantly lower and that fuel economy will improve, thanks to Toyota’s ongoing crusade to reduce weight. It’s probable that we can expect an Aygo hybrid with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and an improvement in interior build quality and equipment levels. But notwithstanding these improvements, the price should stay at around the £8000 mark. I enjoyed my last drive in an Aygo, and hope to test one for you in 2014.

Our next edition will feature a 500-mile road test of the new Toyota Auris Hybrid. I’ve seen the pictures, from which it seems to be much better looking than its predecessor; with the tried and tested Toyota hybrid synergy drive at its heart. I’m really looking forward to this one!

There’s a new Nissan Quashqai coming, bringing this popular SUV right up to date with the innovative and exciting technology featured in last month’s car, the Nissan Note.

The new Mazda 3 with SkyActiv technology is due for release in January 2014 and Magna at Canford Cliffs have promised me a test drive for you in the Spring. The last Mazda 3 I tried was the fabulous MPS – which I loved – and the new one will have a hard act to follow! Mazda have also announced that a new MX5 model is on its way; originally thought to be for early 2014 but it’s actually going to be in mid -2015. Gives me a little longer to save up ……..

Ford are bringing out a new range of hybrid Mondeo models, rumoured to

produce 185 bhp giving stunning acceleration coupled with great economy for a car of its size. There’s also a new Focus planned, to bring the styling into line with the Fiesta range.

Alongside their regular hatchback, convertible 500c and new 500L miniMPV models, Fiat has announced a 500X crossover, which will replace the outgoing crossover model, and use a raised-up ride height and plastic body cladding to give it a really sturdy look. Fiat are also bringing out a ‘Panda XXL’ in 2015. It’ll give the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra a good run for their money! However, it won’t look like a conventional hatchback; it will have a higher roofline and estate-car like proportions, keeping the boxy Panda looks intact. All in all, a lot for me to look forward to in 2014! But in the meantime it’s winter 2013, the nights have drawn in, the hot summer’s just a memory and we all now need to prepare ourselves – and our cars – for the rigours of winter driving.

Some of this may be obvious but people get caught out every year! The cold, dark and wet weather takes a heavy toll of the battery, so go and get yours checked out now at your local garage and replace it if there’s any doubt. A new battery’s cheaper than a mechanic’s call-out! And while you’re there, get them to check your anti-freeze level as well. If you’re not confident that your tyres will get you through to the spring, then change them now; don’t try to squeeze the last couple of thousand miles out of them as it’s in winter that they need tip-top grip.

Get someone to help you check out the lights, indicators ands brake lights. Takes only a minute, but how many cars have you seen this week with a bulb – or two – out? Fill up your washer bottle with proper fluid; simple water will freeze and damage the washer pump and nozzles. If your wiper blades are on their way out, now’s the time to replace them. Use a needle or a pin to clear blocked washer nozzles. If you really want to protect your car, then a good thick wax polish will work wonders!

Keep your fuel tank at least half full all the time; this will reduce condensation, making the car easier to start. If you can, clean the visible surfaces of the sparking plugs and plug leads, maybe spray with some WD40. Pack your winter kit; a tow-rope, some jump leads, a small shovel, some wellies, a sturdy torch, your warning triangle, a bottle of water and some blankets or old coats. Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them! And ideally a reflective jacket for added safety, in case you break down.

Make sure you’ve got a car charger for your mobile, and – if you’re going a long way – make sure someone else knows where you’re going, just in case you get stranded. We’ll cover ‘ice and snow’ in another edition! But in the meantime, stay safe and don’t forget, even if you’re a brilliant driver, there are a lot of people on the road that aren’t!

The Gourmet Peddler Pork, Pork, Pork, Pork!!

Sometimes your best intentions to get things done count for nothing.

So here I am, sat in my shop late at night, wrapping up work, no article in the pipeline, packing my bags for a race in Belgium. Actually that will be a nice diversion and will fill the page whilst I figure out what recipe to do this month.

Belgium, the great Belgique, a polite and fiery race who love their cyclocross racing (road bikes, knobbly tyres and drop bars - in the mud - predates mountain-biking by 100 years), and they love their strong beer.

So tomorrow I am off in a very old campervan, through the tunnel and away for a few days of parties in Belgium; rudely interrupted by a cross race in memory of my old friend who went by the name of GoGo. Bloody massive bloke, played American football, and made brick outhouses look like Corfe model village. A brain tumour took him in his early 40s. When cycling to Belgium a few years ago I arrived beyond France and beyond exhausted. After fourteen hours in the saddle, riding into a stiff headwind, I had already collapsed twice, but I soldiered on and made it to the race bar. I asked for a Hoegarden, a light beer with coriander, about 4%. The nice bar man opened one and passed it to me.

GoGo flew into view, picked the poor bar man up and threw him in high the air, and then caught him under his arms and said very sternly “You must not give Charlie children’s beer ever again”, and then gave me a nice light refreshing 9% blonde... it was a long and funny night with far too much beer. Food?

Pork, Pork, Pork, Pork. Can you guess what it’s made of? I like going over the top - too much is not enough, excessive excess... and I like pork. I was so won over by a great meal prepared at a local restaurant by local chef Joe Hobbs (no relation to me, sincerely) that I went home and made my cheats version of it for my family the next day.

So what do you need?

• Pork loins from a real butcher

• Parma ham

• Pork scratchings

• Streaky bacon.

• Apple sauce

• Good full flavour (that’s code for 8%+) cider

• Shallots

• Garlic

• Butter

• New potatoes.

The delights of the humble piggy. Simple, quick and utterly delicious....

What do you do?

• Wrap Parma ham around the loins

• Roll the bacon into rolls

• Pop in a hot oven for 15 minutes in a shallow dish with a slosh of cider to keep it company.

• Meanwhile, skin the garlic and boil it with the potatoes.

• Very finely chopped shallots get softened in a pan with butter, add a dash of cider, some thyme, and then last of all apple sauce. This is your “hot shallot and apple jam”, sounds fancy, eh?

• By now it’s all probably ready. Serve the potatoes and garlic with butter after draining and banging around for a moment in the pan to break them up. Salt would be good here.

• Pork goes on the plate with a dollop of the ‘jam’, aaah... it all goes on to the plate with a few pork scratchings on top as a cheat’s garnish. Serve with strong local cider.

Next month: Sorry I promised you unicorn stew, but I could not find any unicorns, however, I reckon rhinoceros are just fat unicorns.

I’ve got a mate who works at a zoo... let’s see what becomes of it.

We get 100’s of emails everyday, so if you get a brief and to the point reply, its not because we don’t appreciate your interest, it’s because we have a lot of cool customers to look after, and want to get out and ride after work.

Charlie The Bikemonger

DECEMBER OPENING HOURS

Tue - Fri, 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 10am - 4.30pm

Christmas Hours: CLOSED 23/24/25 Dec. Open 26th - 5th Jan, 10.30am - 4pm

Thursday Night FISH & CHIPS

Eat in or take-away, 5.30pm - 8pm

Friday & Saturday evenings Xmas Menu 6.45pm till late. 2 courses £18.95, 3 courses £23.95

Sunday Roasts available from every Sunday, with our own farm meat £10.95

Clavell’s Gift Vouchers available The perfect gift for lovers of good food!

Budgens Supports Community

Dear Readers,

We recently donated a trolley of pumpkins to First Langton Girl Guides for their Halloween event. You can see Bryan presenting the pumpkins to Claire Morgan in the picture, above.

Budgens also donated 200 Gingerbread people (for decorating by the children) to The Swanage Challenge, which raised money for Children in Need. Budgens have also agreed to sponsor twenty tracksuit tops and portable goals for Swanage Football Club.

We are currently improving the store with investment in a new Bakery department, warm air conditioning, energy efficient fridges with doors and energy efficient lighting, and dedicated space for our local Purbeck and Dorset range of foods, as well as new chilled cabinets for wine and beer. Budgens was closed for one week from Saturday 16th November and reopened on Saturday 23rd November. We’d like to thank customers for their patience whilst we carried out the renovations to make Swanage Budgens into a warmer, brighter and revamped store. Regards, Bryan Tizard, Store Manager, Budgens of Swanage.

‘Growth’ – An Exhibition of New Work by the Purbeck Collective

If you are looking for a unique and beautiful Christmas gift, then our current exhibition could be the ideal place to start!

The exhibition, by the Purbeck Collective, is open every day between 11am and 4pm until the 15th December and features everything from paintings, to ceramics, textiles, digital work and more, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy. All work is for sale, and the artists will be on hand throughout.

Children’s Nature Nursery at Durlston: Opening Spring 2014

Following the success of the ‘Outstanding’ (OFSTED 2013)

Children’s Nature Nursery at Avon Heath Country Park, Kids Love Nature is very excited to be opening a new nursery in the former visitor centre at Durlston Country Park.

The nursery for two to eight year olds will ‘connect children to nature’.

Over the next three months, part of the old visitors’ centre is being transformed into a custom built classroom and garden. The garden will have a large sandpit, vegetable patch, den area, climbing apparatus and fire pit.

The children will venture out into the Country Park with

the teachers, on daily explorer sessions discovering the wonders of nature. Within the beautiful classroom children will experience creative arts, story sessions, cooking and baking, science experiments, language and maths activities. Their energy levels will be kept up with organic snacks and lunch. Kids love Nature looks forward to being part of Durlston Country Park and the Swanage community.

For more information or to register your interest please visit www.kidslovenature.co.uk

Coming to Durlston in 2014….

An exhibition by President of the Society of Wildlife Artists, Bruce Pearson…

The start of an exciting new project to increase numbers of rare Chalkhill Blue butterflies at Durlston…

Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary

Help a rescue pet this Christmas by filling a shoe box with treats.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue are appealing to the public to bring joy to a rescue dog this Christmas by filling a shoe box with goodies.

“This time of year is always difficult for us” says Louise Keeling, who works for the charity. “We see an increase in animals coming into our care during the festive season and less people looking to give a rescued pet a forever home. Our heating bills are also more expensive than ever as we strive to make the kennels and cat pens more comfortable during the winter months.”

“We are asking for kind members of the public to help a rescue dog this Christmas by filling a small empty box, or shoe box, with tasty treats and toys for the dogs that are with us over the festive period. Each one that is with us on Christmas day will receive their own present and have fun opening them.”

“If you would prefer to make a shoe box for a cat or chicken, or a larger animal such as a horse, pony or sheep, we have all of these animals in rescue at the moment and many more. Having a box of treats and toys to enjoy can make such a difference to a rescue animal that is with us over Christmas. We would like as many as possible so that each pet receiving our care can have one.”

The completion of an artist’s studio at the Learning Centre…

The provision of a new flat for volunteers at the bungalow…

The opening of the Durlston Nature Nursery at Easter…

An exciting new programme of live music, theatre, lectures and walks…

A major exhibition on Purbeck’s wartime history…

The public are invited to drop off their shoeboxes at their nearest Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre during opening hours up until Christmas. Church Knowle Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre is just behind Corfe Castle and Lincoln Farm Rescue and Re-homing Centre is just outside of Bere Regis.

“When are you are shopping for goodies for your own pet this season, please put that little something extra in your basket and bring some joy to another pet that isn’t so lucky this Christmas”.

Suggestions for Shoebox items:

• Good quality cat or dog food – (particularly cat/kitten food in jelly, in sachets).

• Pate (dogs)

• Dog toys – e.g. Tennis ball, squeaky toy or Kong

• Cat toys e.g. Catnip mouse, ping-pong ball

• Packet of cat biscuit treats

• Pet combs

• Packet of small pet treats

• Blankets

• Jar of Marmite

• Tin of hot dogs

• Small bag of corn

• Small pot of dried mealworms

• Towels

• Supameat – beef flavour (Hedgehogs)

Gazette Gardening - with Simon Goldsack

Hedges are not natural but nature loves them

Ahedge was an ancient form of enclosing an area and marking boundaries whilst creating a stock-proof barrier before the days of wire. Often a ditch was dug to help drain the land and the hedge was planted on top of the spoil bank which had been removed to create the ditch.

Although the origin of the hedge can be traced back thousands of years it wasn’t until the Enclosure acts of 1605 (which saw the rich estates of the day grab vast tracts of land that had formerly been common land) that the pattern of field and hedgerow we recognize today was created.

Hedges in most of the UK were formed by planting shrubs and trees at high density to form an impenetrable barrier to livestock. A good hedge also provides stock and crops with shelter from the wind and shade from the sun. Unintended benefits are reduction of soil erosion and massive assets to wildlife.

Native Hedges are a haven for wildlife

A hedge is biodiversity heaven and provides wildlife with protection from predators and the elements, diverse vegetation, nesting sites, food in the form of insects, seeds and berries. A hedge is a clear example of how man’s interference with the natural environment can benefit nature.

Hedge Laying

Like most man-made things a hedge would start to fail in its function without maintenance. A native hedge needs annual trimming to maintain density and every ten to fifteen years the hedge should be ‘layed’. This involves cleaning out most of the side growth and cutting 90% of the way through the remaining stems and ‘laying’ them down horizontally. These stems are then bound together with staves and natural binders. The style varies across the country. More of Britain’s hedgerows are lost due to lack of maintenance than by wanton destruction.

The Devon/Dorset style is pictured above.

Source www.dorset-hedgelayer.co.uk

Planting Time for a native hedge is now. Autumn is a great time as soils are still warm after the summer and autumn rains naturally provide all the moisture needed.

A mix of field maple, dogrose, wayfaring tree, hazel, spindle and hawthorn is a good way to provide that natural barrier and encourage wildlife.

Normal planting density is between three and five plants per metre. Holme has experts who can recommend the best hedging mix for you and advise on how to plant, maintain and optimise the habitat for wildlife.

Cornish hedge

In some places like Cornwall a hedge is formed by mounding up earth and retaining it with stone (pictured, above right). Often this was then planted atop with trees and shrubs. There is a famous construction near Looe which led to the

Over the festive period, decorate your home with a beautiful Poinsettia! Outdoors, ensure that any plants needing protection from the frost are given it or moved in to the greenhouse or a more sheltered spot. Have a great holiday, and see you all in January!

rhyme ‘Jack the Giant having nothing to do built a hedge from Lerryn to Looe.’

Plant of the month – Poinsettia - pictured, below. Simon would like to wish all his green-fingered readers a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!

You And The Law

(avoid plague this Christmas, and don’t get caught being suspicious with salmon......)

By John Garner

(Or what makes Purbeck a safer place to live than the wild west. And by wild west I don’t mean Truro, although I’m sure it has its moments. Think OK Corral, Tombstone etc.)

Apractical, ten point guide to help you stay out of jail this festive season.

Here are the ten laws you must not break this Christmas. Real laws. Oh, you might want to heed the drink driving thing and possibly reign yourself in with the over loving of thy neighbour stuff as well while you’re at it.

1. Be careful one doesn’t overdo the enjoying oneself part of the holidays, especially if it snows which, it being Christmas, most of us hope it will. The reason being it is still illegal in this fair borough to slip on snow or ice on a thoroughfare if it annoys passers-by or people who live there. This could result in either fourteen days imprisonment or a £1000 fine.

Ditto flying a Kite in similar circumstances, so be careful what you buy the kids for Christmas. By all means slip and slide to your heart’s content in areas of minimal population density, but proceed with caution when entering the dual metropoli of either Wareham or Swanage. Litigious is the word that readily springs to mind when you think of the citizens of those two sprawling mega conurbations, so proceed with caution.

2. If your post-Christmas lunch stroll takes you down to the beach you may under no circumstances remove a dead whale from below the low tide shoreline. Not if you don’t want to end up in the slammer that is. All dead whales found in such circumstances belong to the Queen. Take one look round the back of any of her numerous summer residences and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Piles of whales everywhere. By all means have a good look, but if you’re considering smuggling one into your garden my advice would be to resist the urge and leave well alone. And while we’re on it, you better not be found within 100 yards of the Queen without your socks on as that’s against the law as well. Although in this weather if you’re found out and about anywhere without your socks on you’re probably the wrong side of barmy anyway, so you probably care not a jot.

3. With food constantly to the fore during this period, it is worth remembering it is illegal to eat mince pies anywhere on Christmas day. I kid you not. It’s in the statute books linking back to more puritanical days. As they’ve been on sale everywhere since early September, you’re probably sick to the back teeth with them by then, but it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for the pie police if you wish to wantonly flaunt this particular law after you’ve wedged a couple of kilos of turkey down your gullet.

4. You could spend twenty four hours in the village stocks if you break your hangover-recovery boiled egg at the sharp end. Enough said. Egg related crime doesn’t always show up on the crime statistics, but you have been warned. Toy with the pointy end of your boiled egg at your peril.

5. Suspicious salmon handling is also a crime and I think we can all agree there’ll be no need to question that one. My advice is simple. Be as transparent and open as you can be when dealing with salmon. It’s a rule I’ve always rigorously adhered to and I have never been detained at her majesty’s pleasure, so I think the facts speak for themselves here.

6. Don’t be overdoing the DIY either, something that is very common during the Christmas break. Walking on the pavement with a plank is illegal unless you’re Eric Sykes and filming a comedy classic of course (the last bit’s not true). My thoughts on DIY have been made clear in previous columns, but here’s one more reason not to be tempted to tackle any ‘projects’ at home over Christmas.

7. Much to many people’s annoyance, it is illegal to die at the Houses of Parliament, although listening to the majority of the guff spouted there at any given time might lead you to think that they die on their feet on a daily basis. Death on the premises makes a chap eligible for a state funeral apparently. Whilst not strictly a festive law, it’s one to bear in mind if you’re feeling a bit queasy after all your over-indulgences and fancy going out with a bit of a bang at the tax payer’s expense.

8. Take it easy on the sauce, especially at the Christmas party. It’s illegal to be drunk on licensed premises. Unless you’re a sheep drover wherein it appears you can pretty much do whatever you want, including driving sheep through the town day or night and being as pissed as you like whenever you want. In the past, applications to drove often increased tenfold in December.

9. If you’re short of money at the pub, don’t ask to borrow some from a stranger. This is also against the law and dates back to the influx of impoverished folk after the Napoleonic wars. Or something like that. Besides, nothing annoys people more than someone who never seems to have enough money when it comes to buying a round, something else that’s illegal or at least it seems to be amongst my circle of friends. Pleading poverty and blaming Napoleon rarely butters any parsnips at last orders.

10. After your excessive night out, whatever you do don’t hail a taxi cab if the ‘For hire’ light is showing. It’s also illegal. In addition, the cabbie is under no obligation to give you a lift if he thinks you might have the plague, and you may well look like you have the plague after too much festive cheer, so don’t be offended if the cabbie invokes that particular law. No one wants plague. Especially at Christmas. Practical advice I think you’ll agree, as being fed your mushed up slop through a grill in a cage is not always the most pleasant way to hail in the new year.

A socially conscious set of instructions for you all.

Print them off and keep them with you as you venture out this Christmas. I’m sure they will prove themselves to be very useful and help you to have a safe and happy Christmas.

Can Men In Tights Save The Babes?!

Swanage Drama Company will be presenting their annual pantomime, directed by Victoria Jones, in the New Year. “Babes In The Wood” will be performed on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th January at 7.30pm at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage. There will be matinee performances on both Saturdays at 2pm.

King Richard (John Attwood) has gone to the Crusades and Nottingham is ruled by evil Prince John (Stewart Jones), assisted by the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham (James Chelton) with his hapless henchmen Asbo (Pat Jones) and Asbeen (Ro Smith).

Prince John’s new wards, the wealthy Babes, the Right Honourable Kate (Amelia Seaman and Jade Matthews) and William (Oliver Chambers-Bellis and Max Pike), are in terrible danger as Prince John plots to get his hands on their fortune. Chaos ensues as the Babes and their Nurse, Annie Biotic (Brian Travers), flee through the dark and spooky Sherwood Forest.

Will Maid Marion (Imogen Knott) be able to get word to Robin Hood (Ryan Stafford) and his Merry Men in time, or will those men in tights be too busy singing and dancing to save the Babes?

Come along and find out!

Celebrate The Joy Of Christmas With Swanage Town Band

Swanage Town Band will be performing and accompanying the audience, in an evening of Christmas music, carols and songs for all the family, on Wednesday 18th December at 7.30pm at Swanage High Street Methodist Church.

Admission to this event is free.

Mince pies and drinks will be available and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the church hall roof repair fund and the Town Band’s nominated charity.

SWANAGE TOWN BAND

at Swanage, High St Methodist Church

Wed 18th Dec 7.30pm

FREE Admission

Refreshments available

Info tel: 01929 422421

The evening of celebration will also feature the popular ‘Four Dees’ barbershop harmony quartet (Dave, Dave, Steve D and Derek) and instrumental performances from individual band members, but much of the evening will be with audience participation.

So bring your family and friends and make the evening part of your Christmas celebrations!

Free entry so no advanced booking or tickets necessary.

Belvedere Singers At Christmas

Distinguished Actors Star in BELVEDERE SINGERS AT CHRISTMAS

On December 14th at St Mary’s Church in Swanage at 7.30pm, Thelma Barlow and Peter Baldwin will be the special guests in Belvedere Singers at Christmas Concert.

Both have starred in the theatre and of course on TV, including married couple Mavis and Derek in Coronation Street. Thelma appears regularly on our screens in Dinner Ladies and has recently taken part in Celebrity Antiques Road Show for Children in Need.

Our other guests include soprano Rebecca Price, organist Neil Sissons and children’s choir the Serrell Singers.

The programme will be our usual festive mix, including Hallelujah Chorus and carols for choir and audience.

This concert is in aid of the Friends of Swanage Hospital. Tickets available from Corbens, members of the choir or at the door; £10 (including interval refreshment), children under 12 free.

Wareham Music Festival 2014 We Need YOU!

Wareham Music Festival is raring to go in 2014 and orders for tickets are already flowing in after our feature in last month’s Purbeck Gazette, including for the legendary Steve Knightley from ‘Show Of Hands’.

Tickets are limited, so we advise buying early. To make our Festival a roaring success, however, we’re looking for help!

Things are changing for 2014. The main Festival is being brought forward from our usual August Bank Holiday weekend slot and will be staged over the weekend of August 8th/9th/10th with some new and exciting plans!

Every month we will be staging a fundraising concert at Wareham Town Hall with a series of interesting, high profile artistes (and a great bar!). However, we can’t do this without you and we need help with everything, from promotion to bar work. You don’t need to be there every time –pick days/times that suit you - but we do need to be sure you will come when you say you will. It’s fun, it’s involving, it’s local and there’s some great music to be heard!

Want to join us or just thinking about it and not sure? Just before Christmas, we are presenting a Saturday morning event where you can come and talk to us and, hopefully, get involved. The coffee and tea is free and, guess what - there will be some live music too!

Where? Wareham Town Hall (Corn Exchange). When? Saturday 21st December from 10am to 2pm. Come and have a chat….. If you’re interested but can’t make that day, find us on Facebook or our website: www.wareham-music.org.uk - where details of all our 2014 fundraising concerts may be viewed (and we now have a Paypal facility). Rod Curtis, Chairman, Wareham Music Festival Committee

At this time of year you will be very busy with all your Christmas preparations, so we thought that we would give you a few tips to help you cope!

Avoiding Back Pain at Christmas

Here are some common sense do’s and don’ts to help your back through the festive season:

Dos

Sit with a cushion to support your low back. If you have to stand for a long time, change your position regularly and hold your tummy muscles in: it supports your back and helps the waistline! Use a step ladder and don’t stand on a chair to put up the Christmas decorations. Take advantage of home delivery and internet shopping if possible.

Be careful putting the turkey in the oven, go down on one knee and use your stomach muscles to help support you. Try and keep up some regular stretches. Lying flat for 30 minutes with a pillow under the knees gives your back the best rest.

Don’ts

Don’t sit too long, especially in a ‘comfy chair’. Don’t stay in one position for too long. Changing position helps muscles and joints to rest and helps the circulation. Don’t over reach, or stretch when putting up decorations. Don’t carry too much shopping and do distribute the weight evenly. Don’t stay bent for long periods when wrapping presents. Don’t write cards or wrap presents, sitting on the floor. Don’t forget to keep up some exercise. Try to walk every day for at least 20 minutes – it also helps to relive stress.

What to do in an emergency over Christmas.

• For a sudden onset of severe spinal pain or obvious sprain or strain:

• Rest- find pain free positions with lots of support.

• Ice Pack- (wrapped in a tea towel) for up to ten minutes.

• For a sprained swollen lower limb:

• Support - the leg on a pillow with the foot at hip height.

• For extra pain relief you can use paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen or codeine.

But - Do not take Ibuprofen and aspirin together. If you take either of these tablets, eat first and stop if you get stomach pain, indigestion or diarrhoea. If you are already on medication and are not sure what is safe, ring NHS Direct 0845 4647.

Unfortunately Physiotherapy or Chiropractic rarely provides a ‘quick fix’. Follow the emergency procedure above for the first 48 hours and then get an appointment as soon as possible.

Matron’s Round

Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

Hello again from Swanage and Wareham Hospitals!

What’s on your Christmas list this year? I’ve been asked by a couple of people recently if there is a list of services provided at the Community Hospitals and the answer is – yes, here’s the list!

At Swanage Hospital;

Inpatients for adults including:- rehabilitation, medical and surgical care, end of life care including direct admissions, Day Surgery and Investigative Procedures including:- Epidurals, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy/ Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, General Surgery, GP led minor surgery, Gynaecology, Minor surgery undertaken by an Associate Specialist, Oral Surgery, Orthopaedics, Podiatry and Urology, Minor Injury Unit, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Xray and Ultrasound and Outpatient Clinics including:- Audiology, Cardiology, Chiropody, Diabetic Eye Screening, Elderly Medicine, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Footcare, General Surgery, Glaucoma Review, Gynaecology, Haematology, Heart Failure, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Medicine, Orthopaedics, Orthoptics, Orthotics, Paediatrics, Parkinson’s Nurse-led Clinic, Physiotherapy, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology and Urology.

At Wareham Hospital;

Inpatients for adults including:- rehabilitation, medical care, end of life care including direct admissions, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Outpatient Clinics including:- Adults Learning Disability, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Child Adolescence Services, Child Guidance, Children’s Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), Chronic Fatigue Service, Clinical Psychology, Community Mental Health Team (CHMT), Coagulation, Continence Nurse, Dietician Clinic, Elderly Psychology, Family Planning, IAPT (clinical psychology), Immunisation Clinic, Nurse Monthly Visit, Nurse Prescribing Clinic, Paediatric Clinic, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy Adults, Vascular Clinic.

The lists are always made available at our hospital events, but if you have not managed to collect one yet and would like a copy, then please ask at either hospital reception.

A full list of our services can also be found on the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust website if you look under ‘Our Services’, click on the community hospital tab and then choose either Swanage or Wareham, some of the services offered are the same, but others are very different and between us both we cover a wide range of specialities right on your doorstep, just like some of the Christmas adverts say!

And … just like my daughter’s Christmas list, we will be adding to it; at least three new services next year – watch this space!

And so, on behalf of all the staff at Swanage and Wareham Hospitals, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Matron Jane

Enjoy The Gift Of Good Hearing This Christmas

Christmas is a special time to spend with family and friends – sharing good food and drink, music and conversation. But if you’re not hearing as well as you used to, it’s hard to enjoy these precious moments to the full. Don’t let hearing problems get in the way of your Christmas. Talk to Key to Hearing today.

Key to Hearing is your local hearing care provider. Led by award-winning Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, Keeley Salmon, we’re a friendly, family-run company offering professional hearing care with a personal touch. We specialise in home visits to people living in Purbeck and the surrounding areas. We’re a bit different from the high street hearing care shops you may be familiar with. Your first consultation and hearing test are always completely FREE and take place in the comfort of your own home. So there’s no need to venture out into the cold winter weather and no worries about traffic or parking issues, either.

Key to Hearing is completely independent, so we can offer you a wide range of hearing aids from all the major brands. Our prices are competitive and always include a comprehensive, two year aftercare package.

It’s all about one to one service at Key to Hearing. We’re here to understand your individual hearing needs and help you find the best solution. Call today on 01202 511 386 to book your FREE, no obligation hearing check or visit www.keytohearing.co.uk to find out more.

Sport Record Success At Swanage Sea Rowing Club!

The record attempt for the Million Metre Tandem Row took place this month with club members

Skip Graham and Max Burridge hoping to set a new world record rowing non-stop at Joe’s Gym. Both rowers showed superb discipline and endurance, swapping every hour without the flywheel stopping, pulling steadily through the dark hours of the nights and supported by club members and family during the day. It was originally planned to finish on the Saturday with lots of other events taking place for Children in Need, but the TV cameras had to come for a live BBC broadcast on Friday 1st November for South Today as Max and Skip were likely to finish well ahead of their target. At around 11:30pm they finished to cheers and champagne, having smashed the record by almost twenty hours, finishing in 82:33 of continuous rowing – a truly herculean effort and earning the respect of all who followed the attempt.

After the late night of celebrations, Swanage Sea Rowing Club members took part in the Swanage Challenge Children in Need events at the Bay View Park on Saturday, participating in the half Iron Man event swimming 1.2 miles, rowing 56 miles and running a half-marathon. Joe’s Gym again hosted this event with eight teams entered – in a noisy and hot session everyone tried as hard as they could and great fun was had by all those who took part: in fact everyone thinks it should be an annual event! At the same time the Gym and swimming pool was full of activity; George Wallace and his team from Swanage Sea Rowing Club were downstairs in the entertainment area supporting the Swanage School staff and pupils in a ‘row’ from Swanage to Broadcasting House; with parents and staff urging them on. The pupils put in a terrific effort and joined by Pudsey Bear they certainly earned the money they raised for Children in Need. Several pupils enjoyed the experience enough to have expressed an interest in joining the Club as juniors.

The new Club Boathouse is at last almost complete and looking splendid. The hard work of the membership can really be appreciated, with the outside largely complete and the interior ready for decorating and fitting out. The extra facilities and capacity will require the commitment of all the members to manage the additional responsibilities and costs that the building will require in the future, but the club will be able to offer a great deal more to the community in the years ahead. There will be an official handover ceremony at the Boathouse at 11am on Saturday 7th December, when members of the public are welcome to see the building and have some refreshments.

If you would like to join Swanage Sea Rowing Club or be a Supporter and contribute to the running of the Club and the new Boathouse, please contact Barnaby Quaddy on 07447 552 471 or visit www.ssrc.org.uk.

Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club

Swanage and Wareham didn’t start October all that well, but by early November they had started to put a few winning results on the board, with a particularly brilliant display in the Dorset/Wilts Cup against Wimborne.

On the 12th October Swans entertained Trowbridge, from Wiltshire, and the home side were soon in trouble as the visitors’ heavier pack scored a push over try in the first few minutes. Winger Charlie Rowberry reduced the arrears with a well- taken try, but half way through the first half Trowbridge repeated another push over try (5pts – 14pts).

Just before the interval, the ball went to Swans replacement winger, Kirk Jones, who raced in from inside his own half to score in the corner. Charlie Parish added a couple of penalty goals in the second half, but the visitors scored a couple of tries so Swans lost the game by 16pts – 27pts. It was a different story the following week when, before a crowd of nearly 200, Swans welcomed the holders of the cup, Wimborne, in the quarter final of the Dorset/Wilts Cup. In a closely fought contest, Wimborne were first on the board with a penalty goal, but immediately Swans replied with a spectacular try scored by Charlie Rowberry. Rowberry added a second try as he cut across the field to score in the right hand corner. A couple of penalty goals to each side made the interval score 13pts – 6pts.

Early in the second half Swans scored with typical catch/drive move scored by second row Dan Collins, taking their score to 18pts, but Wimborne’s replacement winger Will Wright went in for a try with 10 minutes to

go. (18pts – 13 pts). In the closing stages, Charlie Parish landed a penalty goal to put Swans eight points ahead, giving them the tie by 21pts – 13pts, inflicting on Wimborne their first defeat of the season.

This means that Swans face Trowbridge, at Bestwall on the 16th November in the semi–final (at the time of writing). Swans travelled to Frome on the 26th October, and secured another notable victory. A fine try by winger Karl Barton put Swans ahead, and then a carefully planned move had no.8, Joe Desmond, crossing the line. Swans kept up the pressure as Charlie Rowberry and Robert Elford added two further tries to give Swans a 26pts – nil half time lead. Frome came back in the second half scoring two tries, but a penalty goal and a second try by Rowberry gave Swans a 34pts – 12pts victory.

On the 2nd November, Swans welcomed Ivel Barbarians, a team from Yeovil, to Bestwall. Following a penalty goal from Charlie Parish, once again Karl Barton scored a try in the corner. Second row Dan Collins was on hand to score Swans’ second try, giving the hosts a 15pts - nil half time lead. Ivel scored with a penalty goal, before Swans centre Mike Cottrell scored his first try this season for Swans. Swans were dominating the scrums, forcing the visitors backwards, which resulted in two push over tries, scored by flank forward Daffyd Wright, and prop forward Nick Audley to give Swans a 34pts – 3pts win.

Prior to the home game against Wells on 7th December, Swans are holding their second Vice-President’s lunch of the season. Places are limited, so to make sure of your place contact Rob Parry on 01929 553357 or mobile 07973400297 as soon as possible.

Principle games in December

7th Swans 1st XV v. Wells league SC(S), Home, 2.15 p.m.

Swans 2nd XV v Blandford league D/W1(S), Away, 2.15 p.m.

14th Swans 1st XV v. Wimborne league SC(S), Away, 2.15 p.m.

Swans 2nd XV v. Sherborne league D/W1(S), Home, 2.15 p.m.

21st Dorset/Wilts Cup Final (if Swans beat Trowbridge on 16th November in semi-final) Venue TBA.

Ron Butler (Publicity Secretary)

Record breakers - Skip Graham and Max Burridge

Angela John, the outgoing Lady Captain of the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, was delighted to hand over a cheque for £3,778 to the Wareham and Purbeck Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (pictured, above). The MS Society had been the nominated charity for both the Ladies’ and Men’s section of the golf club for 2012/13.

The amount raised was gratefully received and will be put to very good

SIOP Golf Club Fair Play Award Swanage Cricket Club

wanage Cricket Club is delighted to confirm that Ian Booth and the Saturday 1st XI won the Fair Play award at the Dorset Cricket Board’s presentation night held recently.

This top award is based on marks given to teams by match umpires during the season and so caps a wonderful end to the 1st XI’s first season in the Premiership. Skipper Ian Booth collected the award and said “It is always a pleasure to skipper this team as although they always play hard and fair in looking to win, they never forget that cricket is just a game at the end of the day. It’s an honour to add this award to the last two successive championship awards as I am almost more proud of this achievement than any other.”

In a wonderful double for the Club, David Haines also attended the presentation evening to collect a plaque for the Saturday 2nd XI finishing runners up in Division Five (South & East). Mike Nash (Press Secretary)

Swanage Rowers Escort Lord Mayor

Swanage Bowlers

Our transition to Indoor Bowling took place early in October after some of us had enjoyed a short bowling break at Hayling Island. The indoor leagues and inter-club fixtures are now running and at the end of October we made way for a Charity Day participating in Swanage’s Children in Need appeal. Several passers-by ‘found’ us at our Indoor Bowling venue, part of the Swanage Bay View complex and said they didn’t know we were there. So if you didn’t either, but are interested

use to help many people in the local area.

Lady members joined in the fun at the ‘drive in’, and played a stableford competition before joining the new Lady Captain back in the clubhouse for tea. Sue will be supported during the year by her Vice Captain, Wendy Notley.

Swanage Rowers Escort New Lord Mayor of London on Board the Royal Rowbarge Gloriana to her Inauguration in Mansion House

Three members of Swanage Sea Rowing Club, George Wallace, Andrew Thomson and Janice Thomson were part of the crew of the ceremonial barge Royal Thamesis which escorted the new Lord Mayor of London, Fiona Woolf, on board the Royal Rowbarge Gloriana, to her inauguration on 9 November.

They launched the Royal Thamesis, which is the barge of the Drapers’ Livery Company, of which Andrew is Bargemaster, at dawn at Putney. They were seen off by the Master of the Drapers’ Company, Admiral Lord Boyce, former Chief of the Defence Staff and Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

They met up with the new Lord Mayor at Westminster Boating Base and escorted the Gloriana through the centre of London to HMS President, near Tower Bridge, which was raised in honour of the Lord Mayor’s flotilla. They were rewarded with a bacon sandwich and a tot of rum, before watching the Lord Mayor join her procession of 400 floats through the streets of the City of London past thousands of cheering spectators.

in our game, we have three indoor rinks next to Joe’s Gym. Our first Saturday social event has taken place – a pub night with pub games, buffet and the bar in full swing! I can safely say a good time was had by all. Our next is a Caribbean Experience at the Pavilion, where, regardless of the weather outside, it will be sunny and warm inside on the good ship ‘Imagine’. We are looking out our beachwear and brightest shirts. A few outside cabins still available!

If you like the sound of us and the idea of some recreational activity in a friendly environment during the winter months, call for a chat. Jean Thomas 01929 426795.

Sue Pride (pictured above) takes over from Angela John as the Lady Captain at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.

Swanage Football Club

October has been a great month for the first team with three wins and one defeat, scoring 16 goals and 8 conceded. On 19th October, we travelled to Grove Park, the home of Portland United, current DPL Champions. This has always been a formidable fixture for the Swans and was met with much trepidation. Few could have predicted the outcome of this match and the odds were against Swanage coming away with any points from this game (especially when you consider the Swans had conceded 21 goals in their last four visits here), so it was very satisfying to come away from here winning 5-2. Another source of pride for the first team has been their performance in the ‘Respect’ League and since a disappointing September, they have now moved up to second place in this League with no dissent all month. Alan Lay is hoping his players will keep up the good work and continue to play hard, but with respect and sportsmanship, as to finish top of the Respect League would be a great achievement for the Club.

Also in October, Days Park hosted the Dorset U16 representative side (managed by Alan Lay and Brian Churchill) versus AFC Bournemouth U15. Unfortunately, AFC Bournemouth won the match 4-1 in what was an entertaining game watched by a good crowd. Swanage U16s goalkeeper, James Langdon, was the keeper for the Dorset side and

played in the first half of the game. Well done to James and we look forward to seeing him in more Dorset U16 fixtures.

Another new addition this season to the coaching staff is Ben Sullivan, who is Swanage’s goalkeeping coach. If you are interested in volunteering as a coach for the club, please contact Mari Watson on 07794 116375. For the past couple of years, the football club has been without a minibus and we have decided to begin fundraising to raise enough funds to buy our own. We are looking for ten companies to sponsor us for £500, which would enable us to purchase a bus and we would put your company logo on it. This bus would be used by the first team and the reserves on alternate Saturdays and would be available for the youth teams on a Sunday. This would be such a valuable asset for the Club and if you feel you would like to be part of this worthwhile venture please contact John Peacock on 07919 277568.

The football club were very lucky and received 25 free tickets to the Sky Sports Victory Shield game between England U16 and Northern Ireland U16 held at AFC Bournemouth’s ground Dean Court. It was a fun evening and the final score was 1-0 to Northern Ireland. This took place on 8th November and was enjoyed by many of the youth players and their families. This would have been a good occasion to use a minibus for the benefit of the youth section.

On Tuesday 3rd December from 1 – 4pm at Days Park, there will be a festival of girls football. This festival is a partnership between Swanage FC and the DCFA to promote the new U9 girls league due to start in January 2014. All local schools are invited to attend to receive coaching and play games in a festival environment.

We have been very lucky to be one of the charities chosen by Julian from Country Foods to benefit from his sponsored Boxing Day swim in Swanage Bay. Members from the football club will be either swimming or volunteering to help on the day with refreshments. A big thank you to Julian for helping the club with much needed funds.

A while ago the football club website was attacked by a virus and has been out of order for some time. We are currently setting up a new website and by the time you read this you should be able to visit our new website at www.swanagefc.com for current news, fixtures and all things related to the Club. John Peacock, Youth Chairman

The Purbeck Gazette - Proudly Supporting The Swans

Swanage Tennis Club

The Swanage Ladies were due to face Ferndown on a very drizzly morning at the beginning of the month. After much deliberation the captains agreed to go ahead with the match, which proved to be a very close contest. Diana Dyer and Sam Christmas took on Ferndown’s first pairing and found it difficult to respond to Ferndown’s placement of the ball: they soon found themselves down 0-6.The pair did respond better in the second set but still fell short of Ferndown’s standard, losing the second set, 3-6.

Meanwhile Swanage’s other pairing of Bridget Burtwell and Wendy Clark were embarking upon a marathon match which lasted over two hours. Swanage showed incredible stamina and eventually won the match, 7-5, 6-3. Diana and Sam found form for their second match against the Ferndown’s second pairing, quickly dismissing them, 6-0, 6-1. After their draining first match, Bridget and Wendy rallied well and gave the Ferndown’s strong first pairing a good match but lost 2-6, 2-6.

The results were so close at two rubbers a piece that the teams walked off court without knowing the overall victors. The games stood at 32, 33: Swanage missing out by just one game! Not the ideal outcome – but a promising start for the team who are playing in a higher league this year after securing promotion following a successful 2012-13 winter season.

The mixed 1st team also braved the elements for another closely fought match against Corfe Mullen on the 26th October. Conditions were less than ideal with strong winds and rain disrupting play throughout the matches. Meg Mutter and Ian Marchant just lost out to Corfe Mullen’s first pairing, 5 -7, 4-6 but went on to a comprehensive win against the second pair, winning 6-2, 6-2. Diana Dyer and Mike Angell started well by winning their first match in a tie-break, 6 – 1, 2 – 6, 1 -0 The pair went on to give Corfe Mullen’s first pairing a good match but unfortunately just fell short of the opposition’s performance, losing 3-6, 5-7.

As with the ladies’ match, the teams were level in terms of rubbers and again Swanage lost out to Corfe Mullen by just one game: 37 – 38. Both teams are hoping that both the weather and the score sheets look a little brighter in December and beyond!

TSailing Success!!

wo brothers and junior members of Swanage Sailing Club recently achieved success at the Laser Inland National Championships. Sam Whaley (16) came 5th out of 120 in the Laser Radial class, competing against sailors ranging in age from 15 to 60. His younger brother, Ben (14), came 1st in the Laser 4.7 class and was crowned Inland National Champion. Both boys are in RYA National Squads in their respective classes and will be competing at National and International events over the next year. Over the winter Sam will be working on his fitness at Joe’s Gym in Swanage and the two boys will continue training in the bay when they are not away at events or with their squads. You can follow the boys’ progress on Facebook at Sam Whaley Sailing.

Spotlight Event Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for JAN is noon, 8th DEC

KEY: * = Start time not known or n/a; Ffi = for further information; Sw = Swanage; Wm = Wareham; VH = Village Hall, Telephone code 01929 unless otherwise stated.

DECEMBER 2013

Sun 1st

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

* Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival Christmas Music, seasonal refreshments, free admission.

10:30 Woad to Wedgewood Walk at Corfe Castle Clay has been an important export since Roman times when legionnaires cooked in pots made on the southern shores of Poole Harbour. A journey through time, we pass the newly opened Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum as we walk back to the village. £10 (to include lunch at the National Trust tea rooms), £3 (walk only). Booking Essential on 01929 477062.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

15:00 Wool Churches Together Christmas Cafe Christmas Cafe at Colliers Lane, Wool. Seasonal entertainment including carols followed by refreshments. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to join us for a fun afternoon.

Mon 2nd

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

19:30 Wareham-Hemsbach Society Christmas Social at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham. Ffi: Contact Robin Brasher 427015.

Tue 3rd

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

13:00 Blood Donor Sessions Blood Donor Session at All Saint’s Church, Ulwell Rd, Sw.

14:00 ‘Babes in the Wood’ Matinee performance at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions, £7, children £5.

16:30 Blood Donor Sessions Blood Donor Session at All Saint’s Church, Ulwell Rd, Sw.

19:30 ‘Babes in the Wood’ At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions £7, children, £5.

19:30 Wareham Camera Club At Parish Hall, Wareham “Behind the Scenes” with David Clapp Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822

Wed 4th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

12:30 Christian Aid Advent Lunches Wareham Parish Hall The Quay, Wareham. Come and have lunch at a church during Advent and help raise funds for Christian Aid. Wednesdays 12.30- 1.30pm suggested minimum donation £3. Traidcraft Fairtrade Stall will also be available Wed December 4th Email: atsalterandfamily@btinternet.com

19:30 ‘Babes in the Wood’ At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions £7, children, £5.

19:30 Wareham & District Archaeology & Local History Soc Meets at Wareham Town Hall. Talk by Rob Curtis. Inner Sanctums - a history of the ‘smallest room’. Visitors welcome £2.

Thu 5th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

11.00 Swanage Museum Christmas Fayre Held at Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre in The Square. 5th and 6th Dec, 11 a.m. to 3.p.m. each day. Christmas gifts and cards, stocking fillers galore, local books and raffle. Light refreshments. Entry free all welcome.

18:30 The Carol Train Departs Swanage Station - 1830hrs. Carol singing at Harmans Cross & Corfe stations, and Swanage on return. Tickets £12 adults / £4 children (age 3-15 inclusive). Family (2 adults + 3 children) £30. Advance tickets only. Ffi: www.swanagerailway.co.uk tel: 01929 425800.

Fri 6th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

11.00 Swanage Museum Christmas Fayre Held at Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre in The Square. 5th and 6th Dec, 11 a.m. to 3.p.m. each day. Christmas gifts and cards, stocking fillers galore, local books and raffle. Light refreshments. Entry free all welcome.

18:30 Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Group Furzebrook Village Hall, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, BH20 5AR Entrance £2, children 50p. For further information contact Terry Jenkins - 07960 691479

19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill at 7.30pm. Harris Cup (prints) ‘Open’, Bichard Trophy ‘Open’, Judge: Mike Weeks LBIPP. Visitors welcome. ffi Colin Brixton – 423841

Sat 7th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

* Christmas Fayre At Holme for Gardens. Come and enjoy local produce, stalls, music & Dancing, tasters, fun for all the family. Holme Nurseries, West Holme Farm, Wareham BH20 6AQ. Tel 01929 554716

09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers’ Market At Commercial Road, Swanage. Local produce, from local producers.

10:00 Christmas Fair At Commercial rd, Swanage. Swanage Rotary Club, Commercial rd traders and Purbeck Produce Market. Offering gifts, arts and crafts, jewellery, candles, food, soaps, cards, toys, and more! For a stall, call David: 01929 422436 or Doug on 01929 421944.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

11:00 SSRC New Boathouse Opening Near the pier entrance, Swanage. After months of painstaking fundraising, planning, and hard work, Swanage Sea Rowing Club finally open their brand new boat house. Come along and support the members, refreshments available. All welcome.

19:30 “Celebration of Christmas” Concert The Arts Club Choir and Orchestra will be raising funds for Swanage Pier Trust with their concert at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church. Please ring Liz Roberts 01929 481419 for tickets (£9 in advance/£10 on door) and information.

19:30 ‘The Bible: The Complete Word of God Live Theatre at the Mowlem, Swanage. Tickets £11, concessions £9.

20.00 The Kast Off Kinks At The Legion, Swanage. Tickets £15.

20:00 Beard & Bottled Beer Festival At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. ‘4 Square’ providing live music.

Sun 8th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

11:00 Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Purbeck Artists & Stallholders present, crafts, arts, jellies, jams & chutneys, unusual gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies.

15:00 Christmas on the Walls with Canzonetta At St. Martin’s on the Walls, Wareham. BH20 4AG. Enjoy an hour of festive singing in the company of local group Canzonetta in the atmospheric setting of this tiny Saxon church. Finishing in time for you to walk down the road and watch the arrival of Father Christmas in Wareham.

19:30 Chris Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh At Langton Matravers Village Hall. Box Office: 01929 423834

Mon 9th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

Tue 10th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

10:00 Cottees Antiques and Collectables & General Sale Antiques, Collectables and General Auction. Viewing on Saturday prior to sale 10am - 12 midday and Monday prior to sale 9.30am - 5pm or Morning of Sale from 9am. Catalogue online www.cottees.co.uk For further information contact 01929 552 826

14:00 ‘Babes in the Wood’ Matinee performance at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions, £7, children £5.

19:30 Wareham Camera Club At Parish Hall, Wareham Bert’s Bole & Woodhouse Trophy Natural History Competitions”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822

19:30 ‘Babes in the Wood’ At the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions, £7, children £5.

Wed 11th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

10:30 Isle of Purbeck Semicolons Bowel Cancer Support Group Meets at The Queens Mead Hall, Queens road, Swanage on the second Wednesday of every month. Ffi: Contact Angela on 07910 628224

14:00 Stoborough W.I. Meeting at Stoborough Village Hall. Christmas Celebrations!

19:30 Swanage Evening WI Meets at the Mowlem Community Room on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, at 7.30pm. Chris McColl, ‘Ronnie Barker - A Life in Comedy’. Guests welcome.

19:30 ‘Babes in the Wood’ At the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £8, concessions, £7, children £5.

19:30 Studland WI Meeting in Studland Village Hall. Singing Group “Canzonetta Christmas Programme” Competition: Christmas Table Decoration.

Thu 12th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

Fri 13th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

14:00 The Purbeck Society ‘Christmas Crackers’, The Rev. Stewart Timbrell, Retired Chaplain. Held at the Community Room, The Mowlem, Swanage.

19:00 A Night At The Movies At The Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage. Live performance from Kings Chamber Orchestra with movie themes, and a Charlie Chaplin silent film. Tickets £15 from the E.B.C website www. emmanuelbc.org.uk

Sat 14th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers’ Market At Commercial Road, Swanage. Local produce, from local producers.

09:30 Freebay at the URC Church Table top sale. Free table, free admission. Refreshments. To book a table & ffi: Elizabeth 01929 422406.

11:00 Ranger School of Dance Xmas Bazaar At The Millpond Studio, Swanage.

14:00 Putlake Christmas Market Over 25 stalls, Swanage town band, school choir, Karl Latimer, Father Christmas. In aid of Julia’s House.

19:30 Belvedere Singers Christmas Concert At St. Mary’s Church in aid of Friends of Swanage Hospital. Tickets: £10. (children under 12 free) to include interval refreshment; available from choir members, Corbens or at the door. More info: 423729.

19:30 Wareham Choral Society Christmas Concert The Renaissance Re-visited. At Lady St. Mary Church, Wareham. Director by Dr Jane Oakland. Ceremony of Carols by Britten, Holst, and traditional favourites for audience participation accompanied by the Courtly Music Group on period instruments. Tickets £10 from Joys Outfitters, choir members, on the door, and on order from 552272

Sun 15th

* ‘Growth’ Exhibition by the Purbeck Collective At Durlston Country Park. Paintings, ceramics, textiles and digital work, all for sale.

Tue 17th

* James Day Residents Christmas Party At James Day Care Centre, Swanage. Relatives and friends welcome.

19:30 Wareham Camera Club At Parish Hall, Wareham. “Members’ Presentation Evening”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822

Wed 18th

* FREE Parking in Wareham Town Centre! No charge in any parking meters in Wareham town centre during these dates.

19:30 Swanage Town Band At the Methodist Church, High street, Swanage. Free admission, refreshments available.

Thu 19th

* FREE Parking in Wareham Town Centre! No charge in any parking meters in Wareham town centre during these dates.

19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill at 7.30pm. Anders 2 ‘Open’, Browne 2 ‘Middle Age’, Judge: Dave Warhurst Visitors welcome. ffi Colin Brixton – 423841

Sat 21st

* FREE Parking in Wareham Town Centre! No charge in any parking meters in Wareham town centre during these dates.

* Christmas at Corfe Castle The village of Corfe Castle is a magical place at Christmas. Take in the festive atmosphere, enjoy the log fire in our tea rooms, and browse for gifts in our shop. Ffi: Jon Bish, Communications Officer, 01929 452309 / 07748 650131 jon.bish@nationaltrust.org.uk

07:15 Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle Experience the rare opportunity to watch the sun rise on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins followed by a hot breakfast in our tea rooms. £10 per person. Booking essential, call 0844 249 1895 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers’ Market At Commercial Road, Swanage. Local produce, from local producers.

10:00 Books, Coffee, Cake & Produce At Moreton Village Hall (DT2 8RE) 10am to 12noon. Free entry. Huge selection of books all at 25p. Make a morning

of it in Moreton - visit Lawrence of Arabia’s grave, see the unique Whistler etched windows in the church and cross (probably!) the longest ford in England.

Enquiries: 01929 463221

19:00 Ali Cook The Magic of Xmas At The Legion, Swanage. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets £12.

Wed 25th

* Happy Christmas to all of our readers! Have a great day!

Thu 26th

11:00 Swanage Boxing Day Swim! From the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Support this years’ charity - ‘DCODE’, tea, bacon butties and raffle. Swim at 11.30am sharp (pictured, below).

Fri 27th

Tue 31st

* New Year’s Eve! Have a great one!

22:00 Party with Helele! At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Till midnight.

Swanage Boxing Day swim - pictured below. See you there!!

WEEKLY EVENTS

EVERY MONDAY

09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH.

09.30 Notelets Music Group for under 5s at Parish Hall, Wm.

09.45 Toddler Club URC, Sw. Till 11.15

10.00 Mowlem Indoor Market at the Mowlem. Home grown/made produce – cakes, pies, veg plants etc. Quality clothing, jewellery, per products and lots more. Open until 16.00

10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 425175

10.30 Extend Exercise Class to improve strength, balance & flexibility. At Furzebrook VH. Donations welcome. Ffi: 471490

13.30 First Steps Group for early walkers up to 2 years old at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 3pm Ffi: 552864

14.00 Pins and Needles at Harmans Cross VH.

14.00 Swanage Disabled Club meet until 4pm. Meeting place alternates between Catholic Hall & Queensmead Hall, Sw. Transport available. Call Mrs Daphne Saville on 01929 425241 ffi.

16.45 Soccer Skills Sw FC First Sch chldn £1 Till 5.45. 425175

18.00 Sw Tennis Club Snr Club Session. 426312

19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet URC Meeting House, Chch St, Wm. Till 9. New singers always welcome. 554229/553460

19.00 Swanage Youth Club. School year 10 and upwards. Till 9.30pm

19.00 Whist. Come & join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Ffi, call 07984 968733

19.00 Purbeck Chess Club. Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle. Ffi, call Brian Beard 425988

19.30 Purbeck Quire rehearse at Wm Methodist Church. New/visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. Ffi: 423505 or 480737.

19.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718.

19:30 Badminton & Table Tennis Club, Adults, Swanage Methodist Church Hall. Small friendly club. All levels welcome. Til 10pm. 07917 473390

19.30 Wm Folk Dance Club Stoboro’ VH. All welcome. 553519/422730

20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Sw.

20.00 Sw Conservative Club WHIST & DARTS. Sw. All welcome

20.00 Herston Hall Management C’ttee Bingo

EVERY TUESDAY

09.00 First Steps Toddler’s Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 10.15am. Ffi: Tom Bullock on 421767, office hours, or tom@swanagemethodist.org.uk

09.30 Kiddies Corner Mother & Toddler Group (term time only) No fee - donations welcome. Purbeck Gateway Church. 551415

09.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718.

10.00 Sw Tennis Club Associate Club Session. Till 11. 426312

10.00 Short Tennis at Sw FC All ages & abilities £1.50 Till noon. 425175

10.30 Twins Group - for Mums with Twins run by mums with twins at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 12 noon. Ante-natal mums expecting twins welcome. Ffi: 552864

11.00 Guided Church Tour at Bere Regis Parish Church. Volunteer-lead tour of this wonderful medieval church. No charge, but donations gratefully received.

13.00 Baby and Toddler Group at Harmans Cross VH.

14.00 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Art Group Till 5

14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Furzebrook VH. Roll-up session, all standards welcome. Ffi 401799

17.00 Sw Tennis Club Junior Session till 6pm. 426312

18.00 Sw Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10

18.00 Yoga - gentle at Swanage Arts Centre, Commercial Rd, Sw. £6 for 70 mins or £20 per month. Private lessons also available. Ffi call Johanna (certified Yoga teacher): 07892 680360

18.15 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Comm’ty Room. 423497

18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm

18.15 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 423497

19.00 The Mayday Singers rehearse at The Old Malthouse, Langton. New members very welcome, contact Paul Baird 07802431012

19.30 Swanage Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Swanage Day Centre, High Street, Swanage. If you want help to stop drinking, you are welcome. Or call 01202 296000 for more details.

19.30 Sw & Langton Folk Dance Club Langton VH. Ffi: 424252

19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at All Saints Ch, Ulwell, Sw. All singers welcome! 423350

20.00 Sw Regatta & Carnival Assoc Bingo Herston Leisure, Herston Yards Farm, Sw.

20.00 Sw Conservative Club Bingo, Pool & Snooker

20.00 Carey Hall, Wm Bingo

20.00 LEAGUE POOL at the RBL Club, Sw.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

09.00 St Mark’s Toddlers Group, St Mark’s Church, Swanage. Herston, Sw Till 11am

09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; non-members £2.50. Till12.00. 427067

10.00 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till noon.

10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Offering peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till 12 noon. Ffi: 552864

11.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Swanage Library till 1pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities

12.30 Young Parent’s Group at Wareham Children’s Centre, Streche Road, Wm. Ffi: 552864. Till 2pm. Transport Available.

13.15 EBC TOTS meet Emmanuel Baptist Ch, Victoria Ave, Sw. Til 2.45. £1 per child.

14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Sw. All welcome

14.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 3pm. With Penny at the Mowlem Community Room, Sw. Ffi 07969925502

16.15 Swanage Football Club U-7s Training til 5.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346

17.15 Swanage Football Club U-9s Training til 6.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346

18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7&8. Till 8.30pm

18.45 Sw Hockey Club Training Wm Sports Centre. Till 8. 424442

19.00 Sw Town Band rehearsals. Town Hall Council Chamber. Till 8.30. 426926

19.00 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552257

19.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club Roll-up evening Furzebrook VH. 401799

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. Ffi: 426161

19.45 Badminton Group meet at the Purbeck Sports Centre until 9.15pm for games of mixed doubles. Ffi, please call Kate on 01929 421806 or email katespurling@ btinternet.com

20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10

20.00 Sw Royal British Legion BINGO. High St, Sw

20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130

20.30 The Ship Inn Quiz Night at The Ship Inn, Langton Matravers.

20.30 Wm Swimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10

22.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59

EVERY THURSDAY

08.30 Wm Home Producers Veg, cakes, plants, flowers, handicrafts. URC. New producers/helpers welcome. Till 11. 553798

09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. Ffi: Jan on 01929 480471

09.30 Pottery Classes held in Wareham. Till 11.30am. For details contact Rachel 01929 480455 to book 15pw.

10.00 PEEP for 2 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. A six week course in early childhood learning. Please call to book a place on 552864. Till 11.30am

10.00 Wm Parent & Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45. 556806

10.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club Drop In Coffee Morning. Arts Centre, Commercial Rd, Sw. Til 12 noon. Come see find out what the Arts Club does.

10.00 Wool Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available.

10.00 Sw Tennis Club Associate Club Session. Til 11am. 426312

10.00 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Sw. Til 11am. Adm 50p

10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities.

10.30 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Chinese Art Group

10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976

13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Anti-natal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864.

13.30 Sw Badminton & Table Tennis Club Afternoon Club at Swanage Methodist’s Church. Till 3. 423429.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times)

14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the URC Hall, High Street, Sw. All Welcome.

15.00 Guided Church Tour at Bere Regis Parish Church. Volunteer-lead tour of this wonderful medieval church. No charge, but donations gratefully received.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm

18.00 Five High Singers, United Reformed Church Hall, Swanage. 11 - 18 years. Till 7pm

18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm

18.30 Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School. Ffi: 07776 201455

19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502

19.00 Purbeck Gateway Club meets at Wareham Youth Centre until 9pm. Purbeck Gateway is a club for adults with learning difficulties. We meet during term time and have fun! All welcome. Ffi: Lew on 552173. Email: Lewisbell1@aol.com

19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. 551478/01202 242147

19.30 Short Mat Bowls in the Durbeville Hall, Wool. All standards welcome, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 552682

19.30 Sw Conservative Club Line Dancing

19.30 IoP Arts Club Choir meets till 9.30pm at Swanage First School (NOT Dec 14, 21, 28, Jan 4, Feb 22, Apr 5,12) till May 10

19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm

20.00 Swanage Conservative Club Shove Ha’penny.

20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw

EVERY FRIDAY

09.00 Stay & Play at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 10.30am. Ffi 552864.

09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502

10.00 Sw Country Market at Community Room, The Mowlem, Sw. Till 11.30 Free. New producers / growers always welcome.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 425175

11.00 Toddler Time For Under 5s And Carers. Wareham Library. Stories, songs and crafts. Every Friday, including school holidays. Ffi: 01929 556146

14.00 Pottery Classes held in Corfe Castle. 2 - 5pm. Call Rachel 01929 480455 to book. £10pw

14.30 Short Mat Bowls at Durbeville Hall, Wool. Till 4.30pm. All standards welcome. Ffi: 552682.

18.00 Purbeck War-Game & Model Club. Lower Salvation Army Hall, Kings Rd East, Sw. 426096 (shop hours)

18.00 Sw Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9) Till 8

18.00 Sw Tennis Club Senior Club Session. 426312

18.15 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 423497

19.00 Sw Youth Centre Seniors Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 9.30pm.

19.00 Swanage Scouts meet during term time at the URC Church Hall, Sw. Open to boys & girls aged 10-14 years. Ffi: swanagescouts4th@hotmal.co.uk

19.30 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till 9.30pm. £3.

20.00 BINGO & TEXAS Hold’em Poker at R.B.L. Club, Swanage.

20.00 Sw Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm.

22.00 Sw Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free)

EVERY SATURDAY

09.00 Sw CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30

09.30 Sw CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30

10.00 Men Behaving Dadly - Group for Dads/Grandads/Male Carers & their children at both Wareham and Swanage Children’s Centres till noon. Bacon sandwiches available! Call 552864 to find out what’s happening where this week and to book a space.

10.00 Tea, coffee and home-made cakes in the Parish Hall on Wareham Quay during the Community Market. Til 2pm. Bric-a-Brac stall weekly. Christian bookstall .most weeks. All welcome for a warm-up and a friendly chat.

20.00 Herston OAP Committee Bingo at Herston Hall, Sw

EVERY SUNDAY

* Gay Women’s Walking Group meet most Sundays for a walk around Swanage and beyond. We’re a friendly, supportive group for gay or bisexual women. Ffi: 07964 659100 or email outandabout.purbeck@gmail.com

09.45 Skyscrapers Children’s Group at Swanage Methodist Church Hall. Including a cooked breakfast, games and fun bible stories, ages 0-11. Ffi: Tom Bullock on 421767, office hours, or tom@swanagemethodist.org.uk

10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321.

10.30 Stoborough Emmanuel Baptist Church meet at Stoborough First School, Stoborough. All very welcome.

13.00 Sw Royal British Legion BINGO. High St, Sw.

13.15 Sw Conservative Club Members Draw