June 2016 Issue no. 197
Magazine archive at:
Proper Brexit First Time Round. Pg 51
Nightjar Walks. Pg 52
Swanage Fish Festival. Pg 41
FEATURE: Here Comes The Sun! Pg 27-41
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Editor’s note...
W
elcome to the June edition of your Gazette! Yes, yes, yes - it is getting WARMER!! Our feature this month, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, brings you a fantastic wealth of places to visit, activities to get involved with and amazing local businesses, just waiting to pander to your every summer-time whim. Check out pages 27 - 41 for a host of summertime ideas! June is also the month when we remember those who fought - and died - to ensure the safety of those back home - us. The freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won, and we ALL owe a debt of sincere gratitude to those who lost so much, to ensure our freedom. Join us at Swanage Memorial (above the seafront) on D-Day, June 6th, at 6pm, for a short service. Our veterans will then gather at the RBL in Swanage High Street for a buffet and get-together. This edition was a complete nightmare to put together - we nearly threw the computer out of the window! Soooo much was sent in from our fantastic, thriving, lively and enthusiastic community we really struggled to fit everything in! Every page is literally crammed to bursting with your news, views, events and opinions. Not sure whether if you’re ‘In’ or ‘Out’? Let our letter writers help you make your mind up, or have a read of John Garner’s superb article on Brexit, on page 51.....! Have a great June everyone!!
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Swanage Town Council Meetings - June 2016
Transport Committee Planning & Consultation Committee Tourism Committee Council
Wed 1st Mon 6th Wed 22nd Mon 27th
2.15pm 6.30pm 10am 7pm
Please check the Town Council’s website www.swanage.gov.uk or call the Town Hall on 01929 423636 for the latest information.
Wareham Town Council Meetings - June 2016
Amenities Policy, Resources & Finance Museum Planning & Transport Wareham In Bloom Council
Wed 1st Mon 6th Tues 7th Mon 13th Wed 15th Tues 28th
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CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/IT COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES Blast From The Past FEATURE: Here Comes The Sun! From Sea Level To Mountain High Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack John Garner writes - Proper Brexit Nightjar Walks Purbeck Pirate Festival Spotted A Stag Beetle? Report it! Swanage Fish Festival Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes Wings of a Butterfly FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams Your Pictures
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The clue is in the heading above - these are our readers’ letters. They are NOT articles, they are letters. By you. Our readers. They are not our letters, they are yours - your letters. Simple! 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 short and legible. PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE LETTERS TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS WE DO NOT PRINT MULTI-PUBLICATION LETTERS.
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Obama’s Opinion Unwanted Dear Nico, Obama is a man who spent a dedicated year on the American campaign trail to win the hearts and minds and the vote from his fellow countryman so he could be their next President, and then repeat the long drawn out process four years later for his re-election. He recently visited our shores to lecture me that I must commit this country to stay in an organisation called the EU, where the President is unelected by the people ... people meaning me. Who is this EU President? I had to Google to find out; a man who was apparently shoehorned in by his fellow cronies. I’d never heard of him and have no idea as to his plans for the EU should we stay in and they certainly didn’t seek my opinion. Then Mr Obama glared at me from the TV, wagged his finger and told me that I would be at the back of the queue to trade with the US. That final statement had the smell of 10 Downing Street all over it. Sorry Mr President, I remind you that you only have eight more months left before the next President will have to be elected by the American people, so please don’t insult my intelligence, or my fellow countrymen as we will make up our own mind! As a footnote, I was recently watching a news program and full of admiration with the incredible dedication of the doctors of Medicins sans frontiers, risking their lives 24/7, amidst the shelling and killing in Syria, and the next news item showed our young doctors waving their banners out on strike within the safety of London ... Such luxury! Roger Thompson - Swanage.
UK’s Influence Halved Dear Editor, David Budd in his letter; EU - Dispelling myths, May’s edition, was based on the biggest myth of all, that we can effect EU laws. But David did beg the question of us using our influence within the EU to change things for the betterment. So, I’m going to explain why that is an impossible thing to do. The UK used to have 19.8 per cent of the MEPs to represent us. But over the years this number has dwindled to less than half of that, with just 9.8 per cent of our MEPs. Similarly the UK originally appointed two European Commissioners out of thirteen to represent us, we are now represented by only one Commissioner out of the twenty-eight, this means our influence has gone down to just 3.6 per cent. The UK’s voice was once 17%, enough to have an impact on decisions as they were made. Again, this has fallen over time and today that influence has been reduced dramatically with less than half of what we once had with just a mere 8.2 per cent say. I hope the public can see that our influence within the EU has diminished to the point whereby our elected government can no longer negotiate on the public’s behalf. A good example was David Cameron’s futile negotiations. Had David done his homework, he would have known that since 1996 the UK has tried to block proposals from the EU Commissioners seventy-two times and every time, we failed. If we stay in the EU it can only get worse; 88 million more people from Turkey and the Balkans are in line to join the EU. The three established party leaders cheer for more countries to join the EU without a thought for our increasingly long queues for the health service, for homes, for protecting our green belt and for parents gaining a good school of their choice for their children.
If we vote to stay within the EU we will have less influence over our lives, more restrictions, more controls and more rules from the EU with far less influence than we have today! I remain Editor, yours faithfully, Mike Fry, Upton, by email
German Control By Stealth Dear Readers, It has been reported in a national newspaper that an E.U. military force is being set up by “stealth”. That a merger has already been carried out between the German and Dutch armies, and that the Czech Republic are discussing joining the German army too. The German defence minister admits that it is creating an E.U. army. It begs the question about the intention of such an army, since no doubt Russia will see it as provocative, particularly since the E.U. are steadily increasing the borders towards Russia. I consider that this is tantamount to Germany obtaining control over Europe by stealth, control that Hitler failed to obtain with guns and bullets. England should have nothing to do with this, and the only way is to remove from this scenario is to vote ‘OUT’ on 23rd. June. Regards, Mike Hobson
Out - For Freedom & Peace Dear Editor, I despair of these people who actually want to remain IN the EU. We need to look further afield in order to see and understand the bigger picture emerging. Our politicians committed an act of treason by manipulating us into the EU. Since then, we have had hundreds of new laws enforced on us e.g. political correctness to stifle free speech, surveillance cameras wherever we go, all enacted to control us instead of our good old English common law. Has this country of ours been a safer and better place? Our freedoms have been gradually diminished under EU law. All wars are orchestrated, the refugee crisis was manipulated. These situations do not happen by chance, but by design by a shadow ruling elite (the backroom boys) who use governments as puppets for a desired outcome. A problem-reaction-solution scenario is created - an excuse to implement new draconian laws! Think of 9/11! The whole danger of being in the EU is that people/countries can easily be more controlled when they are under union rule rather than in a one sovereign country. Nazism has never gone away. Is history repeating itself? Bear in mind about our NHS, the Translantic Trade Deal means the NHS will be privatised and corporations will have the power to be able to sue governments - yet more control. The Criminal Justice System has become so corrupt, especially with their secret courts. What about immigration? From October 2016, 75 million people from Turkey will be granted visa free travel to the EU, which means Europe’s borders will end at Syria! This number dwarfs the entire UK population. It’s order out of chaos!! We need OUT! All this would appear to be working towards a one world government, one world army and one world religion - a totalitarian dictatorship, just what Hitler wanted!! The war that is left will be against the people, Google: ‘the Georgia guidestones’. If we remain IN, our future would be bleak. Vote OUT whilst there happens to be a chance to retain our FREEDOM, providing the referendum is not rigged, of course. Hope not! We all want freedom and peace for our future and that of our grandchildren. Vote OUT. Sincerely, Heather Whitelaw, by email
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Correcting False Assertions Dear Editor, In the May edition there were four letters for the Remain and only one for the Leave. Clearly the Government’s expenditure of nine million of our money has had an effect. Please allow me to correct a number of false assertions: 1 One of the great “benefits” claimed by the EU is the end of mobile phone roaming charges. But these were driven by the International Telephone Users’ Group, by the OECD, by the International Telecomms Union and the World Trade Organisation. Far from driving the programme, the EU dragged its heels and only gave way late in the day after pressure from these international institutions. 2 The number of UK citizens living in the EU is 1,217,500 and the number of EU citizens living in the UK is 3,325,000. After we leave the EU with almost three times as many citizens living in the UK, the EU will wish to negotiate a reciprocal arrangement which is bound to facilitate student travel. Many more UK citizens choose to live in the USA, Canada and Australia - the number is 2,710,000, more than twice as many as live in the EU. 3 Britain introduced the first safety at work regulations as long ago as 1802 (The Factory Act), paid leave for workers in 1939 and the rights of women workers, including equal pay, were enshrined in law in 1970, nearly three years before we joined the European Economic Community, now EU. 4 The UK has never managed to prevent a single proposal placed in front of the Council from becoming European law. The UK’s voting power in the Council is just 29 votes out of 352, or about 12 percent once the population weighting is included. In the European Parliament, UK MEPs have less than 10 percent of the vote. Among the staff of the European Commission just four percent of the staff are British, and EU regulations forbid them to act in the interests of Britain. 5 The world’s first low-cost airline was Pacific Southwest Airlines, which started intrastate flights connecting Southern and Northern California on 6 May 1949. PSA’s light-hearted atmosphere and efficient operations were a runaway success early on, and inspired a number of low-cost start-ups across the United States, beginning in the mid-1960s. Easyjet started 30 years later in 1995. The EU eventually followed the USA. A safe future? Just consider 1 Some trade unions are in favour of remaining in the EU, but several of the largest, including RMT and Aslef are actively campaigning to leave the EU “because it is anti-democratic, anti-socialist and failing economically” (source: RMT). It may be that they are aware that by staying in we can forget any plans to renationalise the railways and Royal Mail or place a cap on energy prices. The institutions of the EU have ensured the interest of multinational companies take precedent over national laws and workers’ rights. Being negotiated is “The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which will effectively give multinationals powers over national governments and parliaments. 2 The EU document of 31 Oct 2015 written by a German MEP explains another fear for the future - “The EU should embark on a comprehensive review of existing VAT legislation, addressing as well the issue of reduced rates.” So, our zero-rated food and childrens’ clothes may be much more expensive in the future. 3 One of the UK’s leading economists, Professor Patrick Minford, has just up-dated his estimate of the total cost of our EU membership.
Not just net budget contributions, but regulatory costs, the Common External Tariff, misallocation of resources and so on. And he puts the figure at 13% of GDP. That amounts to over £9000 per household – an eye-watering figure, and a massive drag on growth and prosperity. Regards, M Dodd, by email
The Umbrella Of NATO Dear Nico, I was interested that Mr. Fleming was horrified to read my letter in the April edition. Mr Fleming is right to say that it wasn’t just us on our own during the last war, and other wars, but all those other countries that rushed to join us. No country can stand alone against the likes of Hitler and his thugs. It was initially us, thankfully on this side of the English Channel, first standing on our own in Europe defying Hitler when he invaded Poland that gave the people of Poland the chance to come to our country and fight alongside us. The amazing flying skills and anger of the Polish fighters, along with all those others from different countries, made the Battle of Britain’s success just possible. This country instantly rushed to help France and Belgium in 1914. My grandfather volunteered and was killed in May 1915 eight weeks after he enlisted, so my mother, who was then only one year old, also never knew her father or where to mourn as his remains are in an unknown grave, or in some field somewhere in Ypres. His only recognition out there is his name engraved on the Mennen Gate, alongside the other 55,000 names. In the fifties, I was in the army attached to a tank recovery unit in Germany as our ongoing contribution to NATO, not some EU set up. We shared the camp with a group of Free Polish soldiers. I got to know a few and sensed their sadness, being in a country they probably hated and who couldn’t return to their homeland, then under yet another tyrant. My brother-in-law’s father was in the Free Polish Army and wounded
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01929 422453 07884 452284 at Monte Cassino, so I’m very much aware of the Polish contribution. I make no apologies for my recent letter, reminding us before we vote, particularly the younger generation, freedom does not come cheap and is only possible today, not by being a member of the dysfunctional EU, but under the umbrella of NATO, of which, after the USA, we are the biggest contributor. Should we vote to remain in, then I fear that this will be the final chapter of all we fought for over the centuries, and my grandchildren will finally be part of the Franco-German dream; whatever that is? I’m sure that a certain Mr Robinson would also agree with me. Roger Thompson, by email
Can Somebody Tell The Truth? In Out Doubt The Euro vote is coming and it’s driving me insane My British brain is broggled by both Brexit and Bremain Tweedle Dee keeps warning me of economic doom Tweedle Dum says folk will come to fill my living room Both have facts and figures and bend them for their proof Can’t we simply vote to hear somebody tell the truth! For more poetry come to – ‘3 Pees’ at the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers, Purbeck Poets Performing (mostly comedy) on Monday 6 June at 8.30pm - free admission. Many thanks, Martin Hobdell, Swanage, by email
24,000 Page Banana Manual Dear Editor, It was interesting to read the various letters pertaining to the In or Out vote with the coming referendum. I’m glad that Mr Budd understands the set-up of the European Commission. Well it appears that he has a better understanding than I do. He says there are only a few people, about the number that run Birmingham council, running an organisation of over 500 million inhabitants; soon to be an extra 70 million from Turkey. Perhaps I should go to Brussels and have a walk round to get a better feel of the set-up. But the only problem is I will first have to find out where it is, because it travels every month, by train and road, from Brussels to Strasbourg and back again at an annual cost of over 900 million Euros. It’s amazing that with all this jumping backwards and forwards, the few have time to produce, I am reliably told, such things as a 24,000 page manual on the growing and distribution of the banana ... GOSH ... beat that Birmingham council! The American Constitution has only five pages. This must be the EU working at its finest for us tax payers! When stated that the EU accounts eventually are signed off, despite unaccountable monies, what really happens is in the end the members accept that it is a complete waste of time nit-picking with this dysfunctional organisation, so give up and let the accounts slide through; in other words sweep them under the carpet and start a new fiscal year. Then another letter says, as if proving that the EU works, France was fined for not buying our beef. If I recall, France shrugged its shoulders and snubbed the fine with the attitude that rules are not for us and only other members; that caused a stink at the time and then went quiet; did they actually pay up because they certainly had no intention then? I guess that irritation was discretely swept under the carpet. If we hadn’t joined the Common Market, were still outside the EU and invited to join today, I wonder how this country would vote. On a final note, as a welcome gesture when this country joined the Market in 1973, France loaned us Georges de la Tour’s ‘Le Tricheur’: a painting of someone cheating at cards! J Morino
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EU Apparatchik Lies Dear Editor, I was going to write a long letter discussing the pros and cons of the EU debate but no one has really come up with the true facts, only suppositions. The truth is the EU apparatchiks lied to get Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal into their club, then broke their own laws to keep them in when these countries went broke. France will soon join them. The sooner the EU in its present form goes, the better. A reconstituted EU run by statesmen instead of parochial jobsworths I would vote for; an organisation that was accountable for its actions. Remember Ireland voted out, so they had to have another referendum. Proof that the EU is totally undemocratic. Still we have clean beaches, pathetic! William Mackenzie, Swanage.
The Brexiteers’ Dream World Dear Editor, The EU Single Market Brexiteers claim to be confident that new trade arrangements could be negotiated with the EU after Brexit. What they’re actually talking about is joining a new version of the Single European Market. However, they should first remember what the Single Market is! It involves four fundamental freedoms: the free movement of goods, capital, services and persons. Each is as important as the others. The UK has exploited these freedoms to the maximum (including the free movement of persons in both directions) and much of our present prosperity derives from that fact. Those who think the UK can keep the first three freedoms and be released from the fourth are living in a dream world. The free movement of persons is a fundamental EU freedom and is not open to negotiation. Post-Brexit negotiations would merely focus on peripheral details, not fundamentals. To ask the EU to change itself fundamentally by releasing the UK from the free movement of persons would be like asking Christians to stop celebrating Christmas and Easter – inconceivable. Other European countries have negotiated their way into the single market but at the cost of heavy financial contributions and the requirement that they sign up to the free movement of persons in order to secure access to the other freedoms. As stated on the Open Europe website, ‘Switzerland and Norway have far higher levels of EU immigration than the UK as a proportion of their populations’ – think about it! There are as many UK citizens living in the EU as there are EU citizens living here, so EU migration is neutral. Do we really want to be prevented from influencing EU policy on migration (and everything else) because we are stuck on the outside looking in? So, let us have no more misconceived talk about negotiating a good deal – it would be impossible to do so. Cordially, Ian Frame, Swanage, by email
Appalled By Waterpark Plan Dear Editor, I have just been reading David Hollister’s article “Telling it like it is” in the May issue, concerning the Arfleet fishing lakes at Corfe Castle. My wife and I have visited these lakes on several occasions in recent years, not to fish, but to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area and to photograph some of the abundant wildlife that made it their home, in particular dragonflies and damselflies. We were therefore appalled when we learned recently that the area was to become a waterpark. We have
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High St, Swanage 01929 424697 photographed the less common red-eyed damselfly here and heard many of the visiting summer migrant birds. The location was ideal for them all and such places are becoming less and less common. We would like to ask the following questions: 1. Where were the planning notices for change of use posted? We had driven past the Arfleet entrance on several occasions and not once did we see a notice on the gate, or anywhere else. Had we been aware of the application we would have vigorously opposed it. 2. Has an environmental survey been carried out by responsible officers to establish what wildlife species were present? I have already mentioned the red-eyed damselfly. 3. Have the owners of the waterpark set aside at least part of the area for wildlife to compensate for the inevitable loss of habitat? 4. Are the operators of the waterpark aware that such bodies of water often contain bacteria which could possibly infect humans with the potentially serious Weil’s disease? Fishermen and inland watersport enthusiasts are aware of this, indeed the British Canoe Union has advised its members to avoid capsize drill or rolling in stagnant or slow moving water for that very reason. 5. Has any consideration been given to road traffic entering or leaving the site? At peak times in the summer season, queues of vehicles returning from the beaches often wait a long time to join the main road in Corfe. In addition to motor vehicles, it is inevitable that people will also be walking the 400 metres up from Corfe on a narrow road with no footpath - an accident waiting to happen. We hope that those responsible for giving the go-ahead to this venture and the site operators, will provide some answers to these questions. Regards, Alan Bevis, Swanage resident, by email
275 Bus Replacement Plans Dear Readers, Loss of 275 bus service between Swanage, Kimmeridge and Wareham Many of you will be aware of the recent loss of the 275 bus which ran on Thursday mornings from Swanage to Wareham via Corfe, Church Knowle, Kimmeridge and Creech and returned early in the afternoon. A few may not even have known that it existed. The service was used especially by older residents of outlying villages, walkers, and those without cars. It must also have brought extra business to the Kimmeridge restaurant and Marine Centre and would have taken visitors to the new museum being built there. It is planned to run a replacement service which would require booking and cost £5 return. Exact details have not yet been decided as they are still fact finding. If you are interested ring 01258 287980 or email dorset@ectcharity.co.uk. They want to know how often people used it and will register applicants so they can ring and book the service when it is up and running. As usual these days…use it or lose it. Ian Shore, Swanage, by email
Local Apathy To Blame Dear Editor, Reading the letter titled ‘PCC or Ventriloquist Dummy’ (Letters, May edition), I would like to point out a few discrepancies. The first one is that Mr Underhill’s meeting at the Conservative Club was not a consultative meeting, it was a Public Meeting arranged by me, to which he was invited to discuss the closure of Swanage Police Station and policing in the town.
The Swanage Conservative Club was chosen because it was the only venue that I could book without any cost to myself, the function room is booked by many people of all political parties and to be honest, it never occurred to me that this would be seen as a political point. Another mistake is that Ins. Fiona Gaffney was not stationed here then, the Inspector at the time was Tracey Baker, a very competent lady who I’m sure, had she thought this was an inappropriate venue, would have mentioned it. The venue did not put off the ‘Top Brass’ from Poole who ‘gate-crashed’ the meeting and before anyone could question the station closure, launched into the reasons why and pre-empted any questioning from the ‘FEW’ people who bothered to turn up to discuss this important local topic. Apathy at its worst that a very important issue could not be supported by local people who are now shouting loudly at the lack of a Police Station and lack of police based in the town. With regard to other points in this letter, I have no comment to make. Thank you. Linda Welsh, Langton Matravers, by email.
Support In Dark Times Dear Nico, Swanage Depression Support Thank you for giving prominence to the brave letter to all of us from the mother of Matt Norman. And thank you Mrs Norman for your compassion for us all. There is a group in Swanage for those suffering from depression and anxiety. Several of us have thought of suicide at one time or another. We are not professionals. We are fellow sufferers who share our experiences and try to support one another through the dark times. Surprising though it might seem, we have a lot more laughs than tears. We have been in existence for four years and during that time, friendships have been formed and our group has become a sort of family. We have also learnt a great deal about the complicated diseases of the mind which attack so many of us. We welcome anyone who is suffering from mental illness. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7.30pm at the Lower Hall of the Salvation Army, King’s Road East. Just turn up or ring Mary on 426896 or Nick on 07766 352062 for more details. Yours sincerely, Nick Viney Swanage Depression Support
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Death Sentence For Planet
Fundraisers Thank Mike
Dear Gazette, So has anyone else been feeling the chilly wind in recent weeks? There isn’t anything unusual about that is there? We are used to cold northerly winds from time to time aren’t we? Well there is something very different and sinister about this wind. It isn’t northerly, it’s a south-westerly, which would normally be expected to be warm having come over the Atlantic Ocean. So why is it so cold you might ask? Well this is because we are losing the Gulf Stream, and it works like this. ‘The ice sheets covering Antarctica and Greenland contain about 99.5 per cent of the Earth’s glacier ice which would raise global sea level by some 63m if it were to melt completely’, Dr Bert Wouters, a visiting researcher at the University of Colorado, said. He continues “it has become apparent that ice sheets are losing substantial amounts of ice – about 300 billion tonnes each year – and that the rate at which these losses occurs is increasing.’ The Independent on 25th March 2015 reported that scientists believe that the huge volumes of freshwater flowing into the North Atlantic from the rapidly melting ice cap of Greenland have slowed down the ocean “engine” that drives the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean towards northwest Europe, that should be bringing the heat equivalent of the output of a million power stations. So what does that mean for you and I? The average local temperature rise the Gulf Stream delivers to Britain is about five degrees, meaning without it we can expect the inconvenience of prolonged and harder winters, summers where it shall remain uncomfortably cold and a sea that is no pleasure swimming in – for the rest of our lives. What is way more troubling, however, is the disastrous impact it shall have on the creatures that do not have thermal underwear. And their suffering shall worsen year on year. Baby birds are already dying in their nests, spring flowers are struggling to grow and bumble bees are unable to fly because of the cold. And for why? Because our government is too apathetic, or too controlled by big business, to change their outdated habits from burning fossils to renewable energy sources. But what about the Paris Cop21 UN climate change conference? Surely there must be some hope there? Well George Monbiot, Environment Journalist for the Guardian, reported on 12th December 2015 saying, ‘A combination of acidifying seas, coral death and Arctic melting means that entire marine food chains could collapse. ‘On land, rainforests may retreat, rivers fail and deserts spread. Mass extinction is likely to be the hallmark of our era. This is what success, as defined by the cheering delegates, will look like.’ He continued ‘until governments undertake to keep fossil fuels in the ground they will continue to undermine agreement they have just made.’ David Cameron continues to push fracking, and our Conservative-led councils do nothing to prevent drilling for gas and oil right under our noses – so thanks for the wisdom there guys! So glad to have you at the controls! And there we have it. Leaders who do not lead but dictate disastrous policy that is the will of their greedy big business over-lords, and hope that we don’t notice until it is too late. The only force strong enough to stop this lunacy is ‘all of the rest of us’ pushing and fighting together, to learn how, watch the ‘disobedience’ movie on Youtube.com. It won’t be easy, but surely it must be easier than explaining to your children why they won’t live out their full lives and you did nothing to prevent that? A little hard hitting of me to say that is it? Well here is the catchphrase of the moment, that didn’t come from me - ‘Anything above a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius is a death sentence for us and for the planet.’ Regards, Andy Kirkwood, by email.
Dear Editor, On behalf of Swanage Lifeboat Fundraisers, I would like to thank Mike, the Manager of Brook Tea Rooms, Swanage, for his support and generosity over the May bank holiday weekend. Mike offered to support us in the RNLI nationwide MAYDAY! campaign, by displaying the life boat flags, selling “yellow welly “ badges, and by donating to the cause from takings during this period. Many of the fundraising team also enjoyed the delicious food on offer, so thank you again Mike! Jane Flood, Chair, SLBF
Fare Prices For Locals? Dear Readers, I am not sure if you agree but I think we need a campaign for fare prices for locals who use the ferry all the time, i.e. for work. Anyone can get a book of tickets so that’s no special deal for locals, you only get a pound or near to off anyway. Only two ways out of Swanage so they have us there! How can we campaign? Also with huge queues summer time, some people need to get to work or regularly deliver to the area. A resident queue? I welcome your thoughts. Many thanks, Charlotte Ford by email.
Protect Purbeck Pavements Dear Editor, Hidden in plain view is an expression more usually associated with spy stories. I think it applies also to one of the most interesting but neglected architectural gems of Swanage that sadly is taken for granted. I am referring to the stone pavements of the High Street from the Town Hall down. If asked, I am sure any of our local councillors would say proudly that Swanage has a special place on the Jurassic Coast, itself part of a World Heritage Site, so it amazes me that they allow our old stone pavements to be torn up and replaced with tarmac, concrete and sandstone paving imported from India, whilst allowing broken Purbeck paving to disintegrate. There appears to be no obligation or check on service providers to replace or renew Purbeck stone paving when taken up. Surely the pavement ought to be listed in much the same way as buildings along its boundary and fines imposed on those who disregard their responsibilities. It is also apparent that where the authorities have laid new Purbeck paving its thickness is less than half the original (100mm+ down to 38mm) and of course as a result, is not able to withstand the increasingly heavy traffic that regularly mounts the kerb. It seems a great shame that instead of being a natural asset to the town, one gets the feeling it is regarded as a liability and would in a town planner’s ideal world be replaced with uniform concrete slabs. A well maintained pavement exhibiting the many different beds of Purbeck stone unique to this small area of ours might inspire local school children to have pride in what their forefathers achieved and perhaps more importantly the value their own Town Hall places upon it. Yours sincerely, David Burt, Langton Matravers
The Purbeck Gazette
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The Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists High Street, Swanage 01929 423533
Revised Local Plan Questioned Dear Editor, Purbeck District Council (PDC) will soon be asking us, the general public, to comment on the Revised Local Plan which details the number and location of new houses that are to be built between now and 2033. The Plan submitted to the Government Inspector in 2012 proposed building 2520 new homes between 2012 and 2027 (120 per year), a figure many believe is necessary and acceptable. The revised Plan extends the period out to 2033 but, at the insistence of the Inspector, adds another 3080 to the total build requirement. Allowing for those built to date, 4400 houses remain to be constructed see the spring edition of ‘About Purbeck’ magazine – (238 per year). This figure represents a doubling of the original Plan. The case for this increase is outlined in the “Evidence Base” (EB) paper by GL Hearn Ltd. dated October 2015 where the two major areas of demographics and employment are examined. In my opinion the case is not convincing as it is largely based on speculative assumptions. PDC appear to have accepted the increase, but if left unchallenged the proposals in the Revised Plan will have an impact on everyone who lives in Purbeck e.g. i) A potential increase in the population of 21% (9250 people) compared to the UK average of 11% over the same period. ii) An estimated increase of 6200 vehicles, leading to significant congestion at pinch points in the area. iii) An irreversible change in the character of our towns and villages i.e. Lytchett Minster to quadruple in size, Wool to double in size etc. iv) Increased pressure on already stretched schools, nurseries, doctors’ surgeries etc. v) Significant loss of open natural spaces; in Wool, it is proposed to build 1000 houses on green fields despite there being a possible alternative brownfield site. There are questions here for PDC to answer: Q1 Why, given that so much is based on speculation and assumption, is PDC promoting a Plan that will have such a major impact on where we live? Q2 Why cannot PDC tell the Inspector that provision for all the houses he suggests could be made but that permission to build will only be given when real increases in employment prove it necessary? Q3 Why are PDC ignoring the public’s previously expressed views on where to build? Q4 Why is PDC ignoring the public’s wishes that there should be no large-scale developments? Q5 Why are PDC not challenging the Government Inspector to explain why Purbeck is to accept double the UK average population increase? Q6 How does this square with the Government’s stated aim that “… requires local planning authorities to draw up clear, up-to-date Local Plans …… that reflects local people’s views of how they wish their area to develop …”? Until these questions are satisfactorily answered, I cannot help but wonder whom PDC are supporting, the residents of Purbeck or landowners and developers. Regards, Trevor Hayles, by email.
New Plan - Flimsy & Flawed Dear Editor, Purbeck and its residents are soon to face perhaps the greatest challenge to their unique, rural landscape, heritage and way of life. Planning officers at Purbeck District Council are proposing that thousands
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of houses are built over huge swathes of Green Belt and Conservation land and in doing so destroying village life for many communities and the very features that make this district so attractive to visitors and pleasant for its inhabitants. An established, tiny village like Lytchett Minster, currently comprising of some 110 dwellings, faces the prospect of an additional 650 houses being built on precious Green Belt land! All of this land lies adjacent to a recognised flood plain and concreting over it will dramatically increase the risk of flooding to existing homes. Many other Purbeck communities also face similar challenges, mass developments which will destroy the green and rural features which are the economic bedrock of the district. The irony is that the officer’s proposals suggest that a greater number of houses be built than that strictly required by a Government Inspector. The rationale for this is as flawed as it is flimsy. Furthermore, the Council has totally ignored the preferred wish of Purbeck residents for several, small-scale housing sites to be added to existing communities. This view came from a very recent public consultation. This officer’s response does imply that such ‘consultations’ are no more than expensive ‘window dressing’, box ticking exercises. It is also a known fact that developers are currently sitting on massive land banks but prefer instead to increase their profit margins by building on virgin Green Belt. A blatant case of greed rather than need. One does also wonder whether designating land as Green Belt or as Conservation areas is effectively perpetrating a confidence trick on the public when they can, at a stroke, be disregarded in such a cavalier manner. We implore our Councillors, the guardians of our communities, to reject such a naked attempt to urbanise Purbeck. All reasonable people recognise that new houses are needed for our growing population, but these must be on a scale and of a nature which allows for their easy assimilation into existing communities and protects the rural heritage of beautiful Purbeck. Robin SeQueira, Convenor, Lytchett Minster Planning Watch Group.
Charity Mail Helpers Sought Dear Readers, Swanage Christmas (Charity) Mail Good News! Santa’s Elves (also known as Swanage & Purbeck Rotary) will to try to revive the Swanage Christmas mail for 2016, BUT as December is our busiest time of the year with Santa’s sleigh, the Christmas Market and Christmas Breakfast, we need your help. We are looking for two or three local groups or individuals who can work with us to organise this project, if the group is a charity or comes within the Swanage Community Development Trust, then they will receive a donation from the profit. Do you feel that you are unable to deliver mail but would like to be part of the friendly team who sort the mail, especially on a cold December day, in a warm hall with plenty of tea and cake? Could you spare a couple of hours to help deliver the mail, with the added bonus of finding out where some of the lesser known roads are, or having a better look at other people’s front gardens? Or if you just like walking, then please come and give us a hand. We plan to hold a general information meeting in July for those who would like to join the organising group. Please don’t sit back and think that someone else will volunteer….this is your Charity Christmas mail, so help us Elves make it happen. To find out more, or to volunteer for any of the above, please contact Deirdre on secretary.swanagerotary@gmail.com ,call 07724 150387 or leave a letter at Swanage Conservative Club, addressed to Swanage Rotary Secretary. Deirdre Selwyn, Secretary, Swanage + Purbeck Rotary
Dear Sirs, At the base of the monument on the sea front close to the Mowlem is an inscription which reads: “In commemoration of a Great Naval Battle fought with the Danes in Swanage Bay Alfred the Great A.D. 877” The Anglo Saxon Chronicle for the year 877 mentions that the Danish “force came to Exeter from Wareham and the ship-force sailed around, west; then they met a great storm at sea, and one hundred and twenty ships were lost at Swanage.” (I bought my copy of the Chronicle from the Oxfam shop in town last year). The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle does not always get it right but in this case it must be as Alfred did not have a navy at that time, let alone a force capable of defeating a large experienced Danish fleet. I am curious to know how the current monument inscription came to be made. It’s a neat idea and like all places wanting to improve on their history I can understand why, but it is clearly misleading. I think it is enough that Swanage is mentioned in the Chronicle. Can any of your readers shed some light on this? Regards. Name and address withheld.
The Purbeck Gazette County Council’s budget from central government - the County council has to save another £40 million, so they have reduced the support for Youth Services. This means that Swanage and Corfe Castle will not have any support for youth activities. The good news is that Swanage Town Council and Corfe Parish Council have stepped in with a plan to keep it going for the next three years. The early thoughts are to make the Youth Centre into a community centre to maximise the use of the building. A very good presentation from our community police officer and an update on the progress of the Dementia Friendly Community in the town was made. All very interesting and good news for everybody. We also found out why no progress has been made on the bandstand roof. The last hour however was something rather different and it is sixty odd minutes of my life I will not get back! You had to be there! Large sums of money and many hours of work by many people have been spent on the safety implications and risk assessments on the state of the road to the old dump site behind the caravan park in Swanage, so the drilling company can use the road safely when and if they ever plan to start! I am amazed that looking back to the twentieth century, the contents of our weekly refuse collection were transported up to the tip by large refuse lorries with no pedestrians injured or yellow lines needed. Is it a problem for the 21st century? Regards, Peter Wakefield, Swanage, by email
Missing Knicker Mystery
Keep Checking For Disease
Dear Editor, As a follow-up to Anne Peacock’s letter recently about litter in Swanage I thought you might find this quite amusing! There’s litter … and litter! We have walls along the front and one side of the flats where we live separating our garden from the pavement – recently we had a ‘tidy up’ along our sides of them We found bits of paper, crisp packets, sweet wrappers, sandwich containers, a bag of doggy poo and fourteen various bottles and cans – then we noticed what appeared to be a piece of material in one of the shrubs – it was a pair of Y-fronts … who owned them we wondered? Well sorry they won’t be returned as they have gone to the rubbish dump with all the other litter! It would make life so much more pleasant if ‘litters droppers’ took their rubbish away with them to the nearest bin. An Amused Wareham resident.
Dear Editor, Incidentally, the Siskin pictured in your article (Trichomoniasis in Rempstone Area, May edition) is a South American species, probably a Saffron Siskin. I attach a photograph (right) of a splendid Dorset Siskin I caught a couple of years ago. I am also very pleased to say that a male Siskin I ringed this March turned up thirty-five days later in Northumberland, where it was caught, checked out and sent on its way! Another, a female, was rediscovered in Finland fifteen months after I ringed her in Wool. Others stay in Dorset and breed locally. Incidents of wildlife disease; birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians can be reported via the Garden Wildlife Health link on the British Trust for Ornithology website. You don’t have to be a member to do this, and the information, analysed by specialist wildlife vets at the Zoological Society of London, is vital to our understanding of diseases, and their effects on wild populations. Barry Shephard, Wool, by email. Ed’s note: Thanks Barry – we’re getting reports of Trichomoniasis from the Swanage area too now, so we’d continue to ask ALL those who feed wild birds to keep an eye out and get rid of your feeders for a minimum of three weeks if infected birds are seen, to stop the parasite spreading and causing further death. Please do also report to the authorities, as Barry suggests above, which residents of Rempstone have now done. They have also provided a specimen to the Garden Wildlife scientists, which is being analysed.
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Monument Inscription Misleads
Squalor In Square Dear Editor, I have just returned from a stroll down to Swanage seafront and was appalled to see how much litter was overflowing from the litter bins by the Square and going into the sea. Once again these bins are not being emptied. It was the same the previous day. What a let-down for those volunteers who were litter picking recently. Obviously our town councillors must be aware of these issues as they must read the Gazette and Advertiser, who quite rightly publish people’s concerns about the terrible state of some of our streets and walkways. Perhaps they might like to comment on what is going wrong when the bins on the second bank holiday running are not being emptied?! We rely on tourism at this time of year but cannot even provide people with somewhere to dispose of their litter because the bins are never emptied when we seem to have lots of visitors who want to see our lovely town. Why is this, Swanage Council? R.Nunn, Priests road, Swanage, by email.
Problematic Parish Meeting Dear Editor, I am not sure whether anyone will be interested in the Swanage Town Council Parish meeting held on Monday 18th at Swanage Youth Centre, but here goes…. It was held at the Youth Centre because in light of more cuts in Dorset
Sponsors Sought For Challenge Dear Editor, National 3 Peaks Challenge Two young people from Swanage, Becky and Selwyn, have pledged to undertake this challenge to raise funds for Swanage Area Dementia Friendly Community. We are supporting them in this event by seeking sponsors for them - if you publish this it will raise the profile for these two wonderful people. It is wonderful to get support from younger members of our community - I know I couldn’t do it, but I can sign a sponsorship form! Please join in and sign up - I have more forms! Jean Gibbs, Chair SADFC
The Purbeck Gazette
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WASTE!
ast month I wrote “street refuse…. collected and taken away to ….. wherever they took it to”. Well, where does it go? Answer seems to be ‘landfill’ but this is our short-sighted generation’s answer to any problem that might end up costing money; bury it out of sight, out of mind, and hope it’ll go away. What sort of a legacy are we leaving for our children and their children’s children? Seems to me that we have forgotten that this planet – unless we blow it to bits – is going to be home to billions of people for millions of years and I can’t see them thanking us for the mess we’re making of it. Oceans of filth. Desert island shores covered in plastic bottles; rivers so polluted that they constitute a fire hazard. And as the bottom falls out of ‘the markets’, the resale value of cardboard, glass, plastic and metal is falling to the point where it isn’t worth the cost of the recycling. So what next? To save money they will end up burying it alongside everything else. In 2010, a report said “in the UK, 57 million tonnes of rubbish are being disposed in landfill sites each year. With 650 million cubic metres of capacity left in the ground – three times the volume of Lake Windermere – the UK will reach its limit by 2018.” Nearly there, folks! There is an answer. Waste-to-energy is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of rubbish. In recent years, toxic emissions from these incinerators have been reduced by 99%. Some years ago, it was proposed that a waste incineration plant was sited in Purbeck. What an outcry! Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! Not In My Back Yard! But unless we grasp the fact that the mountains of waste we’re producing will go on growing until the AONB is covered in plastics and old fridges, then nothing will be done. But I should care…… it’s not my problem! I’m sure that someone else somewhere else will take this up. That’s if it’s not too late. Like Swanage’s new bins and the policy of putting them where the litter is thickest…… now let’s see whether they get emptied regularly and whether they actually take steps to fine householders for putting domestic waste into street litter bins. And let’s see it taken back into local hands and put the Dorset Waste Partnership into the dustbin of history where it belongs. Waste? On May 4th, there were no local Council seats to be filled from Purbeck. Yet the District Council was obliged to open and staff forty-seven polling stations, just to fill the ‘office’ of Police and Crime Commissioner, an office which many of us have always felt to be an irrelevance, notwithstanding the excellent job which the current incumbent and his staff have done. How did it work before? An unpaid and elected Dorset Police Authority seemed to manage perfectly well for the previous hundred years or so. I know what Harman Cross Village Hall charged for this day because I’m the booking manager. On the assumption that most of the forty-seven venues charge about the same, let’s say that total premises budget was about £7000. If each polling station was fully staffed - let’s say four persondays at about £100 per day, plus admin costs, the delivery and collection of the polling booths - I wouldn’t mind betting that the whole charade cost in excess of £30,000 in Purbeck alone. That’s half a policeman for a year. Or a whole policeman for half a year.
Across Dorset, 129,461 votes were cast representing about 22% of eligible voters. That’s 78% of people who either couldn’t be bothered to vote, didn’t know it was even happening, or were so confused by the appalling lack of publicity provided by most of the candidates that they genuinely didn’t know who to vote for. Winner Martyn Underhill achieved 66,660 of the votes cast, which is either due to what he’s achieved in his first term, or to the fact that he did put out a few leaflets at the bitter end of the “campaign”. I have suggested to Martyn that he should organize public meetings in Swanage and in Wareham, at a time when ordinary working people and parents could get there, in a venue more suitable for purpose than a supermarket car park. I’d challenge him to speak for half an hour and detail the changes and improvements he’s made and then to tell us of his plans for the future. Then to take and answer questions from the floor. And I challenge you, dear reader, to come along, listen, and tell Mr Underhill what changes you would like to see in the way that Purbeck is policed. In reply to Cllr Laura Miller’s tongue-in-cheek accusation that whilst I encourage local councillors to use ‘social media’, I do not do so myself. I have to admit that I simply don’t have enough time to use both Twitter and Facebook; I use Facebook – especially the local Swanage and Wareham groups – regularly and find it useful to understand how people are feeling on a broad range of topics. In particular, Laura, I can’t help but notice that your letter, written in April 2016, actually referred to my November 2015 column. It is good to see that you, too, like to keep right up to date. Much opprobrium from certain quarters at my opposition to the commercialization of Arfleet Lakes into yet another ‘tourist attraction’ with ‘employment opportunities’. Well, I’m sorry, but like many of our elder residents I believe that there must be a limit to how much of our beautiful isle should be handed over to ‘tourism’ at the expense of countryside, whether green fields, heathlands or cliffs. And as regards jobs, I cannot help but notice that almost every pub, restaurant, and shop is advertising for staff throughout most of the season. Where are all these ‘job-seekers’? All most small employers want to do is to offer some of their money in exchange for some of your time; they don’t want to provide a pension scheme, a ‘contract of employment’, maternity or paternity benefits, six weeks paid holiday, or to be obliged to pay ‘Employers National Insurance’ on your earnings over £156 per week. They don’t want to be obliged to operate a PAYE RTI scheme for employees who earn peanuts. Or be threatened with ‘penalties’ for non-compliance. So it’s a tribute to all those small employers still offering local employment that they’re prepared to jump through all these hoops. And sad to hear from so many of them that when it’s made clear that employment is only being offered “through the books”, many applicants simply turn away. And finally, my thanks to everyone who continues to follow my campaign to get the roads resurfaced….. but as I have said before ….. THERE IS NO MONEY. Which begs the question “where is all the bloody money, then?” Or indeed, “how did the County Council salary review team feel that the proposal to increase senior officers’ salaries by around £6000 whilst leaving junior staff salaries unchanged, would go down with the ratepayers?” Or are they too big to care?
The Purbeck Gazette
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EUROPEAN UNION: REMAIN OR LEAVE?
EU REFERENDUM QUESTION TIME IN SWANAGE Organisers: Churches Together in Swanage & Swanage Area Senior Forum
PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY NOW!
THURSDAY 9th JUNE EMMANUEL CHURCH CENTRE, VICTORIA AVENUE, SWANAGE 6.30pm for a 7pm start The event will be chaired by Neil Duncan-Jordan from the National Pensioners’ Convention and the QT Panel will consist of two representatives from each side of this crucial debate: REMAIN: Lord Jim Knight (Labour). Sir Graham Watson (Liberal/Democrat) LEAVE: Cllr Steve Butler (Conservative - Dorset CC and East Dorset DC). Robin Grey (UKIP). If you have lodged a question then you may be asked to read it out to the Panel by the Chairman. The questions’ deadline was 31 May, but there may still be time for you to submit a question for our Panel by email to: swanageforum@gmail.com or in writing to: EU Question Time, 22 Steche Road, Swanage. BH19 1NF.
Bucknowle Roman Villa Sharing Heritage: Local Charity celebrates £5,600 Heritage Lottery Fund grant. he Wareham & District Development Trust has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Sharing Heritage grant. This exciting project, to enhance and improve the interpretation to the general public of the Roman threshold remains within the Wareham library garden, and led by the Trust, has been given £5,600 to tell the story of the remains and of the part played by the Romans in our social history during their occupation of Purbeck. Since its formation in 2002, the Trust has been turning the dreams and aspirations of the community into reality. The current dream is to totally redevelop the neglected space to the rear of Wareham library and create the Tree of Life and Laughter Community Garden, not just a garden but a green space, conservation area, as well as an open air venue for exhibitions and displays, and the improved interpretation of the threshold stones forms a small but important part of this bigger project. The stones, originally from the Bucknowle Roman villa excavation near Corfe Castle, were donated to the Library in the 1970s, and have sat almost forgotten within the garden ever since. The Sharing Heritage grant will allow for the installation of a 2m square trompe l’oeil behind the stones to represent the view from one room to the other within the Roman villa as it would have been. An interpretation board will be erected alongside telling the story of the villa and of the Roman occupation of the area, and an information leaflet will be printed and a web site created. Commenting on the award, John Scott, Development Manager, Wareham & District Development Trust, said ‘It’s great news that we have been awarded this grant and we can’t wait to get started. We all love where we live and know that there is so much history surrounding us, and much more to discover about our past. We are all really excited about telling other people the story of the stones, and the Romans in Purbeck, and sharing our heritage and history with them.’ John Scott, Development Manager, Wareham & District Development Trust 01929 554236 john@wddt.org.uk
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The Purbeck Gazette
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Coastguard Update
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ith an early Easter Holiday and the normal UK damp weather, incidents have thankfully been low. Both the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard teams have been called to assist the Police in a number of searches and medical incidents supporting the Ambulance service. On the back of one incident we received the following email which as volunteers means a great deal: “As the father of the missing girl, I can only thank you all so very much. Fantastic effort from an amazing, diverse set of emergency agencies that saved my daughter’s life. She is recovering well.” Our recent casualty handling training has really benefited the team and one example of this was supporting the Police near to Westfield farm at Studland. Police had been called after a report of a male collapsing in the field, Police requested Coastguard assistance with a stretcher and man power. The team arrived and a joint effort along with colleagues from South Western Ambulance saw the 80-year-old carried across the field to the waiting ambulance. With the arrival of the new Swanage Lifeboat, further training is being planned to understand the capabilities and safe working practices with the crew and new boat. After this year’s incidents, we have recently noticed various comments appearing on social media and these are timed as the emergency services go to incidents or deal with incidents. Some of the comments are way off the mark and are quite frankly wrong, so a small plea to contributors of these articles to act responsibly when reporting incidents. The priority for us in an emergency is to deal with the incident and whilst social media is important, we won’t report till after, unless it will have a direct impact like warning and informing, or looking for a missing person. Please bear in mind that often those involved are known in a small community like ours and to read about someone online could be distressing to family and friends. Finally with the summer fast approaching, it’s time to check your safety equipment if you are planning to take to the water or participate in a coastal activity. Always tell someone of your plans including an estimate of your return time along with your planned route. Ensure you have the correct clothing; checking the tides and weather is vital. If you’re boating, please ensure your Lifejacket is worn. A situation can develop so fast at sea that you have no time to get your Lifejacket on before you end in the water. Remember the bay is being patrolled now to enforce the 5 knots speed limit, so please spread the word to ensure all users of the bay stay safe. In a coastal emergency dial 999 ask for Coastguard.
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The Purbeck Gazette
Swanage Quakers Are On The Move!
any people have heard of the Quakers but few know about them and their work. Who are we? Our formal name is the Religious Society of Friends. Although based in Christianity everyone is welcome to our Meetings whatever faith or belief system they may hold… or none! Many of the greatest figures in the last 300 years of English history have been Quakers. The overriding motivations for their actions were compassion, with the abolition of the slave trade, woman prisoners, penal reform and responsible housing for workers, just some of their missions. Dame Judi Dench, Gerald Priestland, Victoria Wood, Sheila Hancock are some more recent well known Quakers, with companies such as; Frys, Rowntrees, Cadburys, Wedgwood, Clarks Shoes and Huntley & Palmers biscuits, to name but a few. We recognise that there is that of God in everyone. We worship in silence and await the inspiration of the voice of God that speaks through anyone of us. This is the essence of Quakerism. We have no creeds, doctrines or hierarchy. It is not for Quakers to say what one’s perception of spirituality should be. Our Testimonies are: Peace, Equality, Simplicity, Truth and Integrity, and Sustainability and Environment. Those on a spiritual journey of enquiry often find our meetings helpful. We are not evangelistic and so do not try and teach or explain religion or spirituality, but we do explore it and in so doing develop within each one of us, and sometimes as a group, a sense of the divine and spiritual that imparts a significant meaning to our everyday lives.
Our new home is the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill, Swanage BH19 1HU (next to St Mary’s Church). We meet on the 2nd and last Sunday in the Month at 10.30am, the Meetings for Worship last about an hour with tea and coffee afterwards. All are welcome.
Swanage Defibrillator Partnership
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e would like to start with saying a huge thank you to the businesses, organisations and the community of Swanage. The partnership is made up of representatives from HM Coastguard Swanage, The Swanage Neighbourhood Policing Team, Swanage RNLI and also Swanage Rotary. Since our inception back in September 2015 we have received donations in excess of £15,000 for the purchase and eventual installation of public access defibrillators. It is thanks to your generosity and support that we have far exceeded our original aim of purchasing 3 further devices to supplement those already available 24/7 at the Masonic Lodge, Ulwell Caravan Park and Swanage Coastguard Station. The partnership has placed an order for eight community access defibrillators to be placed across Swanage. We will be installing these in the next month or so with a ‘launch date’ preliminarily scheduled for the end of June. As part of the partnership we will be holding familiarisation sessions to which anyone can come for a practical hands-on session and awareness in their use. As always, the defibrillator will not work by itself and it is essential that this is complemented by good effective CPR. We will update via the Purbeck Gazette when these sessions are to be held, and, we are looking to hold the first one before the start of the school summer holidays. Aside from the eight devices and cabinets on order, we are in discussion with the town council to relocate their device from inside the Tourist Information Centre to outside, making it available 24\7. We have also been supported by Dorset Police who have provided a device and cabinet that is to be installed outside the Town Hall next to their emergency telephone. We as a partnership are also purchasing a device that can be loaned out to public events in the Swanage area as part of their health and safety risk assessment. The work continues and we look forward to ‘going live’ as soon as we can. Thank you again for all your support and generosity. (In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Ambulance, who will inform
you of your nearest device and access code if appropriate. Dorset Police also have access to defibrillator locations across the county.) The Swanage Defibrillator team
The Purbeck Gazette
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Another Wareham In Bloom Project!
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s kiosk usage declined, British Telecom decided that there was no longer a need for its two telephone kiosks in the centre of Wareham and one was offered to the Town Council for the princely sum of £1. After much discussion and deliberation about the use of the phone box, the Chairman of Wareham in Bloom, Councillor Eric Osmond, suggested that it could be restored back to its original condition. This was subsequently approved by the Town Council and delegated to the Wareham in Bloom committee. After much searching, a complete 1936 refurbished telephone apparatus was located and sponsorship found to purchase the heritage equipment. The installation of the historic phone was carried out by a Wareham in Bloom volunteer John Smith and the box made secure, the intention being that the kiosk will be opened for the public to inspect on special occasions. The Phone Box is proving to be of significant interest particularly amongst the older generation who have been reminiscing on their activities when they were young, stirring memories of blocking the dispenser that gave change after pressing button B. The kiosk now forms part of Wareham’s heritage and was officially opened on Saturday 23rd April by the Mayor of Wareham, Councillor Miss Dina Atkins with the Town Crier and the Chairman of Wareham in Bloom. Photo: Courtesy of John Smith
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Heroes Breakfast 2016 13 – 26 June Are you up for a ‘Heroes Breakfast’? elp for Heroes (H4H) are asking the nation to start the day in the best possible way; with a good deed! Their latest fundraising initiative is a great way to fundraise with friends and family or with work colleagues. Everyone says that breakfast is the most important part of the day, and in this case, it is! Whether you go for a healthy option, a good fry up or try something new, a ‘Heroes Breakfast’ is one of the easiest way to raise funds for our heroes. A free fundraising pack is available to everyone who registers and includes
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collection boxes, a sweepstake game, balloons and Heroes Breakfast banner. The ‘Heroes Breakfast’ campaign is from 13 – 26 June 2016, however if this isn’t convenient please feel free to choose a date that is. To register or for more information visit www.heroesbreakfast.org.uk or call 01980 846459. Emma Parry, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes: “H4H is all about ‘doing your bit’ and this event is a wonderful example of people rallying support and having a great deal of fun while they raise money. The money you raise is needed, it is being used and it is hugely appreciated.” H4H offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered lifechanging injuries and illnesses in the line of duty. This is provided through grants to individuals, other charities and organisations, capital build projects and four Recovery Centres across the UK which offer support for life. The money raised by the hugely generous public has been used to support the wounded, but there is still so much more to do. Soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives. They are still battling and H4H will not let them battle alone.
The Medway Queen - The Survivor
wanage and its Pier have a proud tradition of seaside holiday excursions. Once a high proportion of the vessels in use would have been paddle steamers. Fascinating little ships that provided great entertainment by just being there. They seemed to make such a fuss over the simple matter of moving around and yet they had character. Travellers could be entertained watching the powerful steam engine at work, the sun always shone (at least in memory) and there was a bar! In the days of restricted licensing hours the presence of an all-day bar was a real draw for many. In the Second World War these little ships played their part. Painted grey with a couple of ancient guns mounted on deck they put out to sea to sweep mines and in 1940 many of them took part in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation from Dunkirk. Those that survived returned to their old haunts after the war and business resumed. But it was never the same and gradually alternative entertainments began to attract holiday makers elsewhere. Suddenly in the ‘60s they were gone. Along with steam trains, and at about the same time, the paddlers disappeared. One such was Medway Queen, but unlike many of her sisters she survived. Her “retirement job” was as a nightclub and restaurant on the Isle of Wight. On Saturday 14th May 1966 the “Medway Queen Club” opened for business in what is now the Island Harbour Marina. The ship quickly built a reputation as a restaurant and night spot where members could socialize, drink and listen to jazz music late into the night. The BBC made a film capturing life on board in 1967 which thankfully has survived. In due course this life too came to an end and the little vessel became derelict in the river Medina. In the nick of time she was saved and moved back to Kent but the trauma was not over and it was many years before funding became available to restore the ship’s structure to its former glory. With Heritage Lottery Fund support the hull was completely rebuilt in Bristol, retaining as much original fabric as possible and the ship is now on display in Gillingham, Kent, while funds are raised to complete her restoration to working order.
2016 sees the 50th anniversary of the Medway Queen Club and “her” marina and this is a milestone that just has to be celebrated. If she had not been purchased and put to this use we would have lost her as we lost almost all of the others. Swanage Pier has an interesting museum and exhibition area which for this summer season is host to displays of pictures depicting the history of Medway Queen and giving an insight into the atmosphere of the club. On the anniversary day there will be events at Island Harbour Marina on the Isle of Wight and a new book has just been published telling the club’s story through the souvenirs and memories of those who were there. Staff, musicians and visitors have all contributed to publication of this very different aspect of the ship’s history. The book started as a planned 48 page booklet with the author wondering how to fill so much space and ended at 64 pages with content overflowing – even after reducing the type size. Come to the Pier to buy a signed copy of the new book direct from the author. The book is also available through the society’s website www. medwayqueen.co.uk Richard Halton, April 2016
The Purbeck Gazette
Armed Forces To Parade Through Purbeck
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esidents and visitors will be able to watch the Armed Forces from Bovington and Lulworth march through Wareham on Friday 24 June 2016. In 2010, Purbeck District Council was honoured to present the Freedom of the District of Purbeck to the Armour Centre and the Old Boys’ Association of the Junior Leaders’ Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. This means that the Garrison has the right to march through the District. The Armour Centre is the British Army’s centre of excellence for all armoured vehicle training for individual service personnel and crews. The Commander of the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison, Colonel Gordon Judd said: “Bovington Garrison is proud and honoured to be allowed to exercise its Freedom of Purbeck by marching through Wareham on the 24 June 2016. “This is a particularly important year for the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison marking both the centenary of the Armour Centre, established in 1916 and the 100th anniversary of the first use of the tank in war by the British Army, the first army to employ tanks, at the Battle of FlersCourcelette, part of the larger Battle of the Somme. “We greatly value our links with the people of Purbeck who have given us such valued support over the years.” The parade will assemble at South Bridge, Wareham, at 11.30am prior to marching along South Street and North Street. The parade will be led by The Band of the Household Cavalry, with soldiers from the Armour Centre marching with bayonets fixed. They will be accompanied by a selection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. South Street and North Street will be closed to vehicles from 11.00am until 1.00pm and access to the side streets will also be restricted. For safety reasons, residents and businesses will be asked to remove their vehicles from the South Street and North Street on-street parking areas on Friday 24 June from 12.01am until 1.00pm. Letters will be distributed to all those affected.
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Swanage Fire & Rescue Station Update
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i and welcome to my monthly report from Swanage Fire station: Operationally we have been kept busy, answering twenty eight emergency fire calls. The calls attended included the following: • Twelve medical calls with our colleagues from South West
Ambulance • Two Chimney fires • Four heath fires. These included a large fire at St Stephens Lane Verwood where our 4X4 off road appliance attended along with six other appliances. Another was to Bovington training ranges where our 4X4 appliance and Land Rover attended. This fire required six appliances, four Land Rovers and the special Unimog off-road appliance to extinguish the fire • Three false alarms • One special service call to flooding in a property • Two stand-by moves to cover other stations • One barn fire • One thatched cottage fire with ten other fire appliances • Four small outdoor fires As we are now getting some nice warmer weather my safety message this month is all about enjoying the outdoors but also being safe. Charcoal Barbecues • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches). • Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
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Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire. Gas Barbecues • Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder. • Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area. • If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not overtighten. • After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipework is used up. Fire Safety in the Countryside Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat. Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented: • Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished. • Don’t leave camp fires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after use. • Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to prevent them magnifying the sun’s rays and starting a fire. • Explain to children the dangers of playing with lighted fires. • If fire breaks out, call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately. When specifying your location, mention any landmarks – perhaps a church or pub – and if phoning from a phone box, stay nearby so you can direct the fire appliances to the scene. • Don’t attempt to fight the fire yourself unless it is very small – grass and crop fires can travel very quickly. That’s all for this month stay safe and remember test your smoke alarm weekly. Phil Burridge, Station Commander
The Purbeck Gazette
Watery Graves e are so lucky around here to be able to watch the activities on the shoreline and on the seas beyond, but how many of us look beneath the surface either literally or figuratively, of the waters of Swanage Bay and beyond? We have probably all seen the local dive boats heading out from the pier, with groups of black suited divers with their masks and fins accompanied by a multitude of air bottles, but do we know where they may be going? One of the most popular dives is that of the wreck of the steam-schooner “Kyarra”. Lying a couple of miles south of our Lookout in about thirty meters (one hundred feet) of water, this Clyde-built vessel was sunk by UB-57 on 26th May 1918. At the time she was on passage to Devonport to pick up 1000 or so wounded Aussies for repatriation to Australia. Six of her crew perished in the attack. Often all of the Swanage dive boats can be seen over her, at high or low water slack. Close by the Kyarra is the Carentan, a French submarine chaser which sank shortly before Christmas in 1943. On escort duties under control of the Admiralty, she rolled over in heavy seas losing three-quarters of her crew. A couple of miles north of Old Harry, are the Valentine Tanks. These were prototype army tanks with a pneumatically operated canvas skirt, thereby theoretically giving them the ability to float; the tank’s engine driving the propeller. Designed for use at the D-Day landings, seven of them sank in Poole Bay during trials for the landings; two of them are regular dive sites. About five miles east of Swanage lies the Tyne built Betsy Anne. She foundered on Prawle Point (Cornwall) in 1926 and was under tow towards Cowes for major repairs when the tow parted in heavy weather and she sank. Five miles south of the Kyarra lie the wrecks of the Avanti and the Aparina. They were the target of UB-55 and UB-40 respectively. Sunk three months apart in 1917-18, more than seventy seamen perished on these two vessels. These are just a few of the 100 or so wrecks littering the sea bed between Swanage and St Catherine’s Point, all with their own story to tell, most with tragic consequences. If you want to find out more on these wrecks, a very interesting web site to visit is kyarra.com. Operated by Swanage Boat Charters, click on the interactive map link and then by clicking on the wreck symbols, immerse yourself in local history. Please use the email below for any more questions that we may be able to answer for you and stay safe on whichever side of the tide line your life or leisure takes you. The Swanage NCI can be contacted at the Lookout, on 01929 422596, at nci.org.uk or on VHF 65. Bob Clark, swanagenci@btinternet.com, NCI Swanage.
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Blast From The Past! This month, A Decade Ago...
The Purbeck Gazette
n the June 2006 edition, reader Capt. Alex Gibbons of Marsh Way, Swanage, wrote in to complain that he feared the April Fool’s ‘Fish ‘Flu Pandemic’ article would harm the local seafood industry. Then-Editor, Jon Sibthorpe, responded: ‘….Unfortunately we are unable to contact the author of the article, Dr Hanson Dorsulsonn, as he is at present travelling in the frozen north investigating the life cycle of rollmop herrings. However, in his original letter to us, he did point out that one of the early symptoms of fish ‘flu is a severely reduced sense of humour…..’
Reader Sue Moore wrote in to thank the community for their support following her article in April 2006 on the Lar Orphanage in India. She thanked the Evans family in particular for their generosity, which enabled much-needed toilet and shower facilities to be provided. The orphanage children also passed their thanks on to the community (pictured, above). Reg Noquet, 92, (pictured left) wrote about his recent return to Normandy under the ‘Heroes Return’ scheme. Reg had been a sub-lieutenant in WWII, assigned to the Gold Beach HQ ship, HMS Bulolo, stationed six miles off shore on D-Day. Reg visited Gold Beach, Pegasus Bridge, Café Gondree, Arromanches, Lognes and Bayeux, accompanied by his son, Peter. Gazette Towers welcomed in a fresh-faced fifteen-year-old for a work experience placement in 2006, Marienna Pope-Weidemann (Mya). One of Mya’s first articles was entitled ‘Change or more of the same? Atlantis Rises…’ and was an honest look at the prospects of a small seaside town when seen through the eyes of the younger generation. Mya wrote: “…Summer seaside attractions like ice-cream stalls, gift shops and rental boats are unable to maintain adequate income throughout the year. It seems a common misconception that once September arrives, Swanage sinks like Atlantis and ceases to exist until May rolls round again. Other activities, such as an indoor play area for children, a larger number of bars instead of family pubs and an expansion of the Mowlem cinema programme would help maintain interest, rain or shine. It’s lattes and modern bars, not cream teas and run-down farmhouses that make a holiday in the new millennium….” Goldy’s Farm Shop in East Holme reported on a recent visit to Purbeck by Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. Whilst in Purbeck, Edward enjoyed produce supplied by some of those in the Purbeck Products co-operative, including spring lamb, Goldy’s Farmshop bread and cheese supplied by Marion Field of Windswept Cow Cheese in Worth Matravers. Alison Rumble, Chris Robinson, Lindsey Bish, Karen Crooks and Tina Taylor undertook the London Playtex Moonwalk in late May – 26.2 miles around London over-night. The local ladies planned to dress in custommade bras covered in beige fur with burgundy and cream tassels in a burlesque-type design, and had been in training for many months. They
joined over 15,000 other participants Moonwalking that year. Wareham and District Development Trust held the official opening of the new Bandstand and Priory Meadow on Saturday 6th May 2006. The ribbon was cut by Mrs Ruth Mitchell with Kevin Randall, former WDDT Chair (pictured above). Finally, Swanage Sea Rowing Club reached the Cornish Pilot Gig Championships and were celebrating the Ladies A crew, who powered themselves into a magnificent 14th place in the world during the event. The Championships were held on the Isles of Scilly, and Swanage took along all six Swanage crews, and also celebrated the Men’s Vets coming 10th out of 38.
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The Purbeck Gazette
Have YOUR Say On Plans For Purbeck’s Future
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n important public consultation on future housing development is taking place in Purbeck this summer. The consultation is part of a partial review of the Purbeck District Local Plan Part 1, which was adopted by the Council in 2012. The review is a requirement of an independent planning inspector. Legislation requires councils to prepare a local development plan (Local Plan) to shape future development and the use of land in their area by guiding development and determining planning applications. The Council commenced the review of the Local Plan Part 1 with a public consultation in early 2015. The public consultation highlighted the key issues and options for the Council when planning for future development. This summer’s consultation sets out the Council’s options for allowing future development whilst continuing to protect Purbeck’s natural environment. One of the major issues the Partial Review needs to address is the potential for additional housing growth over and above that identified in the Purbeck Local Plan Part 1. The Eastern Dorset Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) was published in December 2015 and identified a need for 238 homes per year in Purbeck over the period 2013 to 2033. Based on these findings, the Council would need to provide for approximately 3,080 additional homes (over and above the 2,520 already identified in the Purbeck Local Plan Part 1). The consultation starts on Thursday 9 June and will run until 4pm on Friday
12 August. Households in Purbeck will receive a leaflet detailing events taking place around the district. The full consultation material (including details of how to respond) will be available online from 9 June at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-partial-review Paper copies of the consultation document can be obtained by telephoning the Council on 01929 556561. Printing and postage costs of approximately £10 will apply for the consultation document. Paper copies will also be available to view at libraries around the district. Consultation events, where members of the public can talk to Council officers about the partial review of the Purbeck Local Plan will be taking place around Purbeck: • Monday 13 June, 2-8pm, Moreton Village Hall* • Tuesday 14 June, 2-8pm, Wareham Corn Exchange* • Wednesday 15 June, 2-8pm, Lytchett Matravers Village Hall • Thursday 16 June, 2-8pm, Langton Matravers Village Hall • Monday 20 June, 2-8pm, Lytchett Minster Rugby Club* • Tuesday 21 June, 2-8pm, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage* • Wednesday 22 June, 2-8pm, Wool, D’Uberville Hall* • Monday 27 June, 3.30-6.30pm, St Dunstan’s Church Lounge, Upton *Transport planners will also be available from 3.00pm to 6.00pm at the events marked *
Wareham Town Council Update Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings.....
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delegation of Ropers Lane residents vehemently advocated residents’ allocated parking and had the backing of 188 signatures on their petition. They cited instances of climbing over a garden wall to reach their front door, utility vehicles left on residential streets evenings and weekends and spoke of the danger to the elderly and to children. The Town Council selected a working party to look into the matter urgently. If you have noticed more litter along Dorset’s roads, it could be because operatives are waiting to undergo the compulsory training. We are lucky in Wareham to have Charles keeping streets tidy. Dorset County Council (DCC) is considering phasing out the mobile library and reducing rural bus services while Purbeck District Council (PDC) is concerned where the 3,000 new houses planned for Purbeck will go. Viridor is currently providing grants to three local projects including the Rex cinema but funding will be more limited. After completion of building work on the premises used by Citizens Advice and the Town Band at 2 Mill Lane, handover was due on 4 April.
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The Amenities Committee recommended that the Town Council adopt the benches on the Quays and outside the library from PDC and accept two replacement benches from DCC. The Planning and Transport Committee was alerted by a resident to problems with double parking and parking on the pavement in Monmouth Road and, at the next meeting, the committee decided to ask Dorset County Highways to install double yellow lines on one side of the road and weight restriction notices at either end. Councillor Russell proposed changes to make the junction of Howards Lane and North Street safer. At the junction of Sandford Road and Ryans Close new road marking should deter dangerous parkers. The Town Council has instigated the painting of the railings at St Martins Church. The Queen’s 90th birthday was commemorated by a red, white and blue planting scheme in Worgret Road. 1930’s equipment has been installed in the redundant ‘phone box at a total cost to the Council of £1. Blupoint was successfully tested, uploading local information without the need to access the Internet on to many different kinds of ‘phone. There would be a Blupoint box on the Quay and one in the Museum each with 150 metres’ coverage. The public is welcome to attend the next Council meetings on Tuesday 28th June and Monday 8th August at 7pm in the Town Hall, Wareham. Call 01929 553006 for further information or visit the website at www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.
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Out Of The Blue
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nother month has been and gone and we have had a fairly busy time across Purbeck. In the north of the patch we have had a few burglaries taking place to homes and outbuildings, including one at the home of a recently widowed gentleman in Upton. While he was out registering his wife’s death, burglars had entered his home on Sea View Road between 15:30 and 16:30. If you have any information that may assist, please do get in touch. If you would like a home security visit, then contact your neighbourhood policing team via the Dorset Police website. In the Wareham town area we have had a number of vehicles broken into and the vehicles targeted are those left unsecure overnight. Any item of value found within was taken. This ranged from a set of golf clubs to loose change. We keep repeating this message but it appears to be just as relevant as ever, “Remove It, Lock It”. We often see a rise in this crime during the summer season, particularly in remote beauty spot car parks, so take your belongings with you. Down in Swanage we have seen a steady stream of telephone scams and would urge anyone to hang up on any trade or business that ever asks for your card or bank details over the phone. If you need your computer serviced, or your driveway resurfaced, then contact a reputable trader
yourself. Unfortunately a number of residents have fallen foul to these scams and money has been handed over. This past month we have said goodbye to two very well thought after colleagues. PCSO John Morton has left us to become a gaoler in Weymouth custody suite, having served three years on the Wareham and West Neighbourhood team. John’s community spirited nature doesn’t end when he leaves work, as he also performs the vital role of community responder for South Western Ambulance Service for the villages of Wool and Bovington. PCSO Tara Ferrari has also said farewell to Purbeck this past month. Having worked for Dorset Police for nine years, she has served on the Swanage Neighbourhood Policing team twice in that time, having also had a brief spell in Winton. We wish you both the best of luck in your new jobs.
Personal Best For Philip Mills!
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HUGE well done to Philip Mills, of Philip Mills Hair Design in Wareham. He completed the London Marathon in a time of 3 hours, 52 minutes, and raised £1012. Well done Philip - an amazing time, and what an achievement! We know you’re not stopping there, so good luck for the next challenge!!
Book advertising at: www.purbeckgazette.com or call 01929 424293
The Purbeck Gazette
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NIGHTINGALES HOME CARE SERVICE
We have been providing personal care to the people of Purbeck for more than 14 years. We offer assistance in your own homes, tailored to your individual needs and wishes. If you feel we can help in any way, please ring Nanette on: 01929 425285 (office) or 07415 242933 Registered office: 2 The Sidings, Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage, Dorset. BH19 1AU
The Purbeck Gazette
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Wareham & District Dementia Friendly Community
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ver fifty Wareham & District people attended Wareham Town Hall to hear a presentation from Paula Best, Alzheimers Society. The event was organised by the Wareham Lions to start the process for Wareham & District to become a Dementia Friendly Community, joining 26 other Dementia Friendly Communities in Dorset. It was agreed that priority would be given to providing support for Carers; raising awareness of Dementia, the services/support available in the area and how they could be actioned. A Steering Group of twelve was formed with many people putting their names forward as Friends/Helpers of Wareham & District Dementia Friendly Community. The Group will set up a Facebook page to promote its work.
Helpline No – 01929 424363 June Newsround Midsummer is almost upon us and we are all commenting on how fast the year is going. We seemed to have a very long gloomy winter with a very short spring so perhaps that is the reason. We are pleased to announce that we are now training two new co-ordinators and three new volunteers who have joined us in helping those in the local community who are over fifty or disabled. We notice that there has been an increase in help needed for those who have been discharged from hospital and needing additional help. Sometimes this help is much too large a task for our volunteers and we have to remind those referring that we do only do small one-off tasks. However, all is not lost as we do have contact with our local POPP Wayfinders in the Purbeck area who are able to do home visits and give advice, support and maybe practical help. We would like to thank ‘The MayDay Singers’ for donating the retiring collection to Purbeck Good Neighbours after their talented Spring Concert at St George’s Church in Langton Matravers. A really enjoyable evening with community-minded residents. This donation will go towards telephone charges, public liability insurance, and printing expenses. As usual, a BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers – we have now completed over four hundred tasks, which equates to helping older people at approximately two per week.
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The Purbeck Gazette
On Top Of The World! YOUR Pictures.....
Send us your pictures to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk Original files ONLY please, as they come straight off the camera with NO alterations. Some mobile phones may not produce useable pictures due to low resolution. Remember to include your name in the email!
Hello Deer! By Donna Derrick
Fox close-up, by Colin Wilkes Robin, by Colin Wilkes
Swanage Mersey-class Lifeboat on final excercise before departing, by Mike Streeter
The Purbeck Gazette
HERE COMES THE
SUN!
Here at the Gazette we are the eternal optimists – and we are sure that by the time our June edition hits the streets the sun will be shining, the skies blue, and a wonderful long hot summer will be underway. Once again this year, a great selection of local businesses have joined with us to showcase the wide and wonderful number of ways to get the best out of the long hot days and balmy evenings on the Isle of Purbeck. With everything from swimwear to summer hair care, a variety of foodie suggestions from a simple barbeque through to the full al fresco dining experience, plus lots of great ideas for days out for all ages and interests. We hope that you find our special ‘sun’ feature helpful – and if you do decide to make the most of the sunshine don’t forget to take your sunglasses and sun cream with you – and finally – don’t leave your dog in the car!
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Siege Engine Building Workshops
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 May Tuesday 31 May – Friday 3 Jun earn design, construction and lashing techniques on how to build a Ballista. A children’s workshop group activity where the group decides on the final siege engine, design build. There will be the opportunity to launch tennis balls from the Ballista’s designed. Workshops are recommended for ages - minimum 6 years old and maximum 12 years old. Two Ballista will be built per workshop session. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential, call 0844 249 1895 for full details or visit: nationaltrust. org.uk/corfe-castle. Normal castle admission will apply in addition to £3.00 workshop charge. Day Time Theatre ‘The Spice Box’ by Michele O’Brien Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 May, Tuesday 31 May – Friday 3 Jun Back by popular demand for 2016, one woman theatre show presents ‘The Spice Box’. A mysterious Spice Box has been washed up and captured on the shores of Purbeck. Discover the story? Full of Eastern promise, its many drawers hold cinnamon, nutmeg and peppercorns as well as tales of pillaging, pirate ships and kidnappings. New for 2016, audience participation and sing-along a must.
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Summer Fun!
at Kingston Maurward Show ingston Maurward Show on Sunday 12th June will be fun for all the family! It’s the perfect opportunity to find out about full-time and parttime courses, apprenticeships and degree level courses in Agriculture, Countryside, Animal Conservation & Welfare, Equine, Horticulture, Business and Outdoor Adventure. Attractions and activities take place in and around the 18th Century Mansion House, terrace, lake and gardens. Visitors can enjoy music, dog shows, dog and duck show, BMX show, climbing wall, trade stands, locally produced food & drink, and student demonstrations. Chat to tutors and students about life and courses and take a tractor trailer ride around the amazing campus to see all the other activities including farmyard tours, high ropes and zip wire, kayaking, animal handling experiences, dog show, equestrian competitions and pony rides. Stroll through the beautiful gardens to the Pimms tent on the croquet lawn and through to the Animal Park see bouncy castle, hawk demonstrations, kids’ crafts, pony rides and meet the animals! Doors are open from 10am til 5pm for the perfect fun-packed summer family day out! Adults £7, concessions £6.50 and 16’s and under go free! PLUS – Sign up for a course on the day and receive your entrance fee back! For more information and to buy tickets go to kmc.ac.uk/show or call 01305 215000.
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The Purbeck Gazette
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Kingston Country Fair
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ingston Country Fair returns, following the success of last year’s event when over £5,000 was raised for The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The location of the event remains the same, in the field adjacent to Kingston Country Courtyard, a perfect location enjoying panoramic views over the Purbeck countryside and Corfe Castle, with plenty of on-site parking for the family to enjoy the many attractions on offer. Attractions include stalls, steam engines, farm vehicles, classic cars, BBQ and bar, children’s rides, refreshments served in the Country Courtyard, plus Swanage Town Band to entertain you in the garden. In fact there is something for everyone, with live music in the marquee, model aeroplane flying displays, and everyone’s favourite, a dog show! There are arena events and much more, you’ll be able to quench your
Forever Summer
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orever Summer is a familyrun business, situated on Swanage High Street opposite the library. Pete and Helen have been at the shop for the last seventeen years, and before that they traded at Ocean Bay in Swanage. They sell everything you need for the sun, beach, sea and even cruising. Pete says “Whether you are looking for sunglasses, hats, swimwear or wetsuits, we cater for all ages and sizes. Do come in and view our extensive range of stock - you will be sure of a warm welcome.” “Why not support one of the town’s longstanding local businesses?”
thirst at the Pimm’s Bar, and the Square & Compass mobile bar will be on hand, so local cider will be available. A new event on Saturday evening prior to the Country Fair on Sunday will involve live music, food and a bar, in the marquee. Tickets for this new event will be available locally. Please support our fundraising for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. “WE HELP SAVE LIVES, ONE DAY IT COULD BE YOURS”
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Celebrate With The 1970s Express Train!
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he public is being invited to travel back in time and board an evocative ‘1970s Express’ live music steam train celebrating the 40th anniversary of the award-winning Swanage Railway’s re-birth back in 1976. Featured will be music from the decade that saw the Swanage Railway controversially closed, its tracks lifted for scrap before a hard-fought campaign resulted in the line being slowly but steadily reborn – with the first passenger train running over a few hundred yards of hand-laid track in 1979. Seven-piece band ‘Blind Panic’ will be playing music sets from the period at Swanage, Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle stations as the special train takes a leisurely trip through the Isle of Purbeck on the summer evening of Saturday, 18 June, 2016. The public is being invited to come along in their own clothing from 40 years ago. A £100 Swanage Railway Gift Card will be the prize awarded to the best couple attending the event in 1970s period dress, as judged by ‘Blind Panic’.
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team services are operating every day until Sunday 30th October. 70s Express Music Train The highlight of June is the 70s Express Music Train on Saturday 18th June departing at 7.30pm. We welcome back “Blind Panic” with two special guests to play the Sounds of the Seventies including favourites “Mamma Mia”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Greased Lightning” and “Summer Nights”. Passengers are invited to don flares, floppy hats, block heels and culottes as we recreate the music and style of the 70s. We will be awarding a prize for the best dress. There will be an on train pay bar service offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets Adults £14.50 Children (5-15) £7.50. MV Balmoral Built in 1949 the MV Balmoral provides a rare and very special experience operating sightseeing cruises around the spectacular British coastline. MV Balmoral is operating sightseeing cruises from Swanage on 8th and 12th June, 1st and 3rd July. Check our website for details of combined train and cruise offers. Full details of all our events, dining trains, timetables and fares can be found at www.swanagerailway.co.uk Volunteers The Swanage Railway is a volunteer led organisation with over 500 volunteers regularly working on the railway in a variety of roles. From driving and firing our heritage locomotives, to selling and inspecting tickets, to keeping our rolling stock, track and signalling system in tip top condition whatever your skill or interest there is a role for you. If you fancy putting your skills to good use or want to learn some new skills and make some new friends then call Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212 or email: volunteer@swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk
It was in February, 1976, that a small band of railway enthusiasts gained access to a boarded-up Swanage station to start re-building the Swanage Railway from scratch – a job that would take some 40 years (pictured, above). February 1976, was the month that ‘Forever and Ever’ by Slik and ‘December ‘63 (‘Oh What a Night’) by the Four Seasons were number one hits in the United Kingdom pop charts. When the Swanage Railway’s first steam locomotive arrived at the reborn Swanage station in September, 1976, Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ was top of the pops – and would be for a remarkable six weeks. With a thirst-quenching bar service on board, the special 1970s-themed music train departs Swanage station at 7.30pm and returns to the seaside town, where the Swanage Railway was born 40 years ago, around 10.30pm. See advert (below) for further details. Photos by Andrew P.M.Wright
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Purbeck Pirate Festival....They’re Coming!!
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wanage Town will be ‘flying the black’ and offering the ‘Freedom of the Town’ to UK Pirate Crews from 29-31st July 2016. The first ever ‘Purbeck Pirate Festival’ has a fantastic programme lined up, including re-enactment battles, sword-fighting and canon fire; Shanty singers Kelp! and the Wareham Whalers; live music, a Pirate Rum Tent, and the UK’s leading Jack Sparrow impersonator. The event will include a host of family activities and games, including the ‘Ladder of Swords’ magic show, and a kid’s Pirate Disco with fancy dress competition where the winner will receive a family ticket to the new Dorset Waterpark. During the summer of 2015 the Frigate Shtandart visited Swanage Pier as part of the filming of ITV’s ‘Peter and Wendy’. The Shtandart is an exact replica of the Russian Navy ship commissioned and sailed by Tzar Peter the Great. The ship’s visit sparked huge interest in the local community and inspired the idea of a Pirate Festival. The Shtandart will be returning for the Festival period and this time will be open for guided tours from the Captain and his Pirate crew. The Captain is also offering an authentic Pirate experience on the ship to a local business – if they dare! They would be given exclusive use of the ship, setting sail around Swanage Bay, firing the canons, enjoying a pirate feast and resting in the bunks. Captain Vladimir is also welcoming crew to make the sailing across the channel to the event. The Purbeck Pirate Festival is being organised as a charity event to support the ‘Save Swanage Pier’ Appeal. Swanage Pier Trust has until November 2016 to raise £900,000 to secure the future of Swanage Pier. The Trust is making good progress towards the target, but has a significant way to go and this will be an important fundraising event. Louise Stewart, who is working on the Trust’s fundraising and the Pirate Festival said “We have been overwhelmed by the support for the event. A fantastic range of performers and re-enactors are coming from across the South West and
giving their time voluntarily. Town Centre shops are adopting a Pirate theme and staff will be in costume, so we are aiming to turn Swanage into ‘Pirate Town’ for the weekend. We are very grateful for all the support for the event.” Nico Johnson, editor of the Purbeck Gazette has played a vital role in getting the Festival off the ground. Louise Stewart said “We are indebted to the Purbeck Gazette and Swanage Town Council for their support and funding towards the Black Powder events, which will be a key part of the programme.” The re-enactments are skirmishes are being organised by The River Rogues, professional pirate re-enactors from Oxford. They will be supported by the Star Gun Company, specialists in Blackpowder weaponry and Historical Arms & Armour, who have worked on a variety of television, and film productions. The Moonfleet will also be sailing to Old Harry Rocks offering a real opportunity for both novice and experienced sailors to try their hand at classic tall-ship sailing. When they reach Old Harry, the crew will ‘Walk the Plank’ and visit Davy Jones’ Locker to experience a Wild Swim with Cumulus Outdoors around the rocks where they’ll need to locate the hidden Treasure trove. Thanks to the generous support of Artsreach, the programme will also feature a production of the ‘Tap Dancing Mermaid’ and ‘Beach School’ hosted by Dorset Forest School. Places are limited for these two events and tickets can be purchased from Swanage Pier shop or contact 01929 425806. A charity auction will also be held on Saturday 30th July as part of the Festival. Pledges so far include a family cruise on the last sea-going paddle steamer the PS Waverley and a return cruise and dine from Swanage Pier to Poole, as well as some genuine Pirate treasure. Throughout the weekend there will be shanty singers, performers, live music and storytelling throughout the Town. The Pirate ‘Rum Bar’ and BBQ will be the ideal place for weary pirates to rest! The full event programme will be included as a four-page pull-out in the July edition of the Purbeck Gazette or to download from www. swanagepiertrust.com
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The Working Farmer And Their Stock
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can almost hear you saying “What’s this got to do with Roger’s Binocular Shop editorial?” The answer lies in him/her using binocs to check his animal stock; where they are in the fields, any missing newborns, and all done from his Land Rover/tractor. Plus checking the fences, gates, hedges and the machinery he cares for over his many acres. For all this the tool is a BINOCULAR. It must be rugged enough to take a knock or two. It must have a bright image so it can be used from early morning to dusk. The old spec has been a 7 X 50, but this was bigger and more clumsy and heavy. Today the weight is dramatically reduced using poly carbonate and alloy in the body design. User friendly, soft touch neoprene cover giving a sure grip. Multi coating on the bak 4 optics, and nitrogen filled now gives us a binoc which will answer all our farmers’ needs. And of course fulfil the requirements of any bird watcher or walker. At the Binocular Shop we have the staff to advise you and to match a Binocular to your own personal needs. You can try before you buy and all this comes at a fair price, with your satisfaction our prime focus.
Unexpected Ways To Keep Hydrated In Summer
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o help you kick off the summer in a healthy way, nutritional advisor Amy Liddell at Scope Ophthalmics has put together some top tips to help you keep hydrated. Expert Tips to Stay Hydrated This Summer 1 Upgrade your H2O: Try adding some slices of cucumber and fresh mint, or blackberries and sage. Layer the ingredients in the bottom of the bottle, fill with ice and water and leave to infuse for thirty minutes. 2 Try hydrating eye drops: UV rays and warmer weather can trigger dry eye symptoms which can leave eyes feeling irritated and ‘gritty’.
3 Swap Table Salt for Sea Salt: Did you know that adding a pinch of unrefined sea salt to drinking water or meals can help to satisfy your thirst for longer? 4 Eat it Up - Who says you can’t have your water and eat it too? Fruits and vegetables are brimming with water and contain minerals that help our bodies hydrate effectively. Watermelon: This summer staple is made up of 92% water and is a great snack to have during hot days to prevent dehydration. Cucumbers: Made up of mostly water, cucumbers have no saturated fat and are high in vitamin B6 making them the perfect addition to any summer salad. Strawberries: Each strawberry contains 92% water.
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Here comes the sun with Innovation Hair & Beauty Salon! So it’s time to take care of your hair. You wouldn’t go out in the sun all day without sun cream on your skin, so don’t forget your hair needs the same protection too! Coloured hair especially needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays, but even natural hair does to prevent it being damaged. The best way is to wear a hat! But not many of us, especially ladies so it seems, like to ‘cover up’. So to limit the damaged caused by the sun’s harmful rays, USE PROTECTION! We have products available at INNOVATION. WELLA and TIGI make shampoos and conditioners that will do just that and for each one you by, you will get a travel size product absolutely FREE! TIGI also have “BEACH BOUND”, a handy handbag size protection spray that you can slip in your bag, so it’s always at hand. So now you CAN enjoy the sunshine without damaging your hair.
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Idyllic, Award Winning Eatery
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lavells Café and Restaurant is nestled in the charming and idyllic village of Kimmeridge one mile inland from the world Heritage cost. We are part of a family farm in Purbeck and are passionate about offering delicious, locally-sourced food with delightful service at an attractive price. Our ethos of “from field to fork” is reflected in the menu; all lamb, pork, beef and venison dishes are made from meat that has been reared on our family farm. Fish and shell fish are caught from Kimmeridge Bay and the nearby Dorset coast. Our seasonal menu can be enjoyed in our cosy café, or alfresco on fine afternoons and during the summer time. The day time menu is imaginative, relaxed and informal, offering an array of delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches and traditional afternoon teas as well as excellent wines and local beers. Our evening menu oozes with culinary splendour, exemplified by our renowned “Kimmeridge Bay” lobster thermidor. In 2015 Clavells was thrilled to be awarded the winner of the Best Café or Tea Room in the Taste of Dorset Awards. Come and see for yourself what we have to offer!
The Purbeck Gazette
Vanilla Bean V Clotted Cream
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urbeck Ice Cream Vanilla Bean verses Purbeck Ice Cream Clotted Cream– oh what a dilemma, both multi award winning, both sublime but which one to choose? The answer is of course - both! Of all the wonderful ice cream flavours to choose from, traditionally, vanilla has always been the most popular. Originally, vanilla extract was added to cakes, bakes, biscuits and ice cream to enhance or improve a somewhat lacking flavour, but with an ice cream made naturally using pure milk and cream as the basis, the question is ‘why add vanilla at all?’ When we diversified from dairy farming and began making ice cream using the surplus milk and cream from our Friesian cows, we were adamant that we would use nothing artificial, that everything would be natural and to not use unnecessary added colours - natural or artificial. Using guaranteed Purbeck fresh milk, Dorset cream, British sugar and only the very best natural ingredients, with NO artificial additives, added colours or nuts, everything we make is gluten free and vegetarian and can therefore be enjoyed by just about everybody. We found many vanilla ice creams professing to being natural, creamy, Cornish, buttery etc. only to find that they actually contain an artificially produced vanilla flavouring together with a rainbow of sunshine yellow colours! Back in 1988, samples of different vanilla from Manchester to Madagascar arrived at our Dorset farm for us to batch up and try with some surprising results. Some were plainly not ‘natural’ or ‘free from added natural colour’ being vibrant yellow or tasting of nail varnish. Nothing suited our natural credentials and we were adamant to only make the very best - without compromise.
Whilst we fought this vanilla dilemma searching for and finding the finest, completely natural and uncoloured Madagascan Bourbon vanilla made with 60% milk and 19% double cream, we decided to batch up our natural ‘plain’ ice cream without any added flavour at all, just 62% fresh Purbeck milk and 19% clotted cream. This ‘plain’ ice cream remains one of our most delicious, creamy flavour and is simply called ‘Clotted Cream ice cream’. Both are available in instant enjoyment impulse and retail sizes of ‘spoon in lid’ 125ml, 500ml take home tubs and the larger 2 litre family pack as well as catering and super scooping sizes, Clotted Cream is also available in the new 80ml x 4 pack too! Now here’s the quandary, whether to choose Vanilla Bean or Clotted Cream? Both are superb served on their own as well as an accompaniment for just about any dessert imaginable. I feel that a scoop of each is just right to establish which one you prefer and, after lengthy discussion and much sampling - enjoy both!
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Pop in for the very best of Purbeck produce Award-winning jams & chutneys, homemade goodies, delicious baguettes, great olives, quality cold meats & salami, and a very fine selection of West Country cheeses We cater for parties, picnics and more sombre occasions The Purbeck Deli, 26 Institute Road, Swanage 01929 422344 email: thepurbeckdeli@yahoo.co.uk www.thepurbeckdeli.co.uk The boat is back in the water, so summer is about to start. Come along to Swanage Bay fish for the Freshest Lobster and Crab. We catch, cook, and prepare in house and we pride ourselves on knowing where and when the shellfish we sell has been caught and cooked. We open every crab on site to avoid our customers taking home a watery crab every one is handpicked and only the best are sold. Why not book a crab picking evening with your very own fisherman and fishmonger Terry and Julia who can expertly show you how to cook and prepare your very own crab and find out about the areas they are fished in and how they are caught. Crab parties are all the rage. Times and venues to suit. Look us up on our website www.swanagebayfish.com or follow us on Swanage Bay Fish facebook page.
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Swanage Fish Festival T
op chefs will be dishing out advice on how to get the most out of fish over the Swanage Fish Festival taking place 10-12 June in Swanage. On Saturday 11 June, we welcome back James Golding, Chef Director at The Pig. After a fantastic demo last year we can’t wait for him to show what he has in store for you. James said, ‘It’s been fantastic, being a local community member and being involved in something like this and seeing how it’s thriving. It’s fantastic to have this awareness raised about fish and seafood.’ We’re delighted to announce our new neighbour, Head Chef Pete Murt, from Rick Stein Sandbanks, will be cooking up a storm to get your mouth watering. Matt Budden, Executive Chef at Hilton Bournemouth will also be sharing his expertise and rustling up some delicious Dorset shellfish. On Sunday, Guiseppe Sinaguglia, Tutor at The Olive Tree cooking school and forager for The Pig on the Beach will be giving away his best tips on how to forage for your own sumptuous ingredients. Guiseppe will also be guiding foraging groups on Sunday 12 June at 10:30am and 1:30pm. For more information, please email info@swanagefishfest.org, tours cost just £10 per person. To finish on a sweet note, Claire Burnet from Chococo will reveal how she makes Chococo’s award winning, fresh, handmade chocolates. The line-up also includes many more local chefs, on hand with practical advice and inspiring menus. Enjoy delicious fresh fish, cold crisp bubbles and browse wares from over thirty stalls overlooking stunning Swanage Bay at Prince Albert Gardens. This event will be raising money for The Fishermen’s Mission, RNLI and The National Coast Watch Institution, Swanage. Entry is free. Keep an eye out for updates over the coming weeks. Follow us on Facebook: Swanage Fish Festival or twitter: @ swanagefishfest. www.swanagefishfest.org Pictures: Top, credit: Emma Barker, right: Julian Sawyer.
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WMA Indices
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he Wealth Management Association represents 183 member firms in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. It was created in 1990 as a trade association out of the London Stock Exchange and was initially called APCIMS (Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers before updating its name to the WMA (Wealth Management Association) in October 2013. Full members (such as Charles Stanley – our Chairman, Sir David Howard is a board member) are FCA authorised wealth management or stockbroking firms which deal directly for private investors. The aim of the WMA is to work for private client investment professionals and their clients. The objectives of the WMA include liaising with governments and regulators aiming to influence policy and decision makers to the benefit of its members and their clients, educating about the industry and providing research and information. I use the Indices provided by the WMA in order to measure the performance of the portfolios that I manage for clients. This means that I can produce a comparison between the way a portfolio has performed compared to the relevant index. There are 3 indices that I use – Conservative, Income and Balanced– and I use them respectively for portfolios with a Lower, Medium Low or Medium High risk. There is also a Growth Index which could be used for Higher risk portfolios and a Global Growth Index. These have all been calculated by the FTSE and the WMA in order to indicate the returns that investors might expect from their portfolios. However, although these are a useful tool, they do not necessarily take into account the different objectives of clients as well as the risk level. As well as providing an index figure (which is calculated daily), the various indices also offer a suggested asset allocation (which is reviewed periodically and changed when it is deemed necessary). This is another useful tool in the management of client portfolios. However, as with most things, it is a combination of these tools, my experience and each client’s unique needs and preferences that I use all together in order to determine what I consider to be the best investments for my clients. That is why I feel that a bespoke, rather than a model portfolio approach is more suitable for Private Client and Wealth Management investors. Kate Spurling lives in Swanage and is an investment manager with Charles Stanley, Dorchester office – (01305) 217404 – kate.spurling@charlesstanley.co.uk Charles Stanley & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.
Personal Savings Allowance Q. Are my savings covered by the personal savings allowance? I have several savings accounts. Most of the accounts have always had tax deducted from the interest paid before I receive it. However, I understand that one of my accounts is ‘tax-free’. Interest has always been paid gross and I have never included it on my tax return. I am a basic rate taxpayer. Is the ‘tax-free’ account interest included in the personal savings allowance limit? A: From 6 April 2016, banks and building societies will pay interest on all savings accounts gross. In parallel with this change, the new personal savings allowance (PSA), also introduced from 6 April 2016, means every basic-rate taxpayer can earn £1,000 interest without paying tax on it (higher rate taxpayers have a PSA of £500), currently equivalent to the interest on almost £75,000 in some easy-access savings account. Interest that is already tax-free isn’t included - so this includes ISA interest and Premium Bond ‘winnings’. Interest from these will still be paid tax-free, but it just won’t count toward your PSA limit. So, if you get £500 in ISA interest, and you’re a basic-rate taxpayer, you’ll still have £1,000 of PSA to cover other interest. To align with our company name we are now using the MKLA domain name for emails. All email addresses are the same as before except they are now @mkla.co.uk rather than @mklp.co.uk
JULY EDITION DEADLINE - NOON, 10th JUNE ADVERTISING SALES LINE: 01929 424239. BOOK ONLINE: WWW.PURBECKGAZETTE.COM
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Great Start To New Dorset Economic Survey
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ncreased competition and recruitment dilemmas are among the most pressing issues facing businesses, according to the first Dorset Economic Survey. Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has launched the quarterly questionnaire with backing from the county’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, has fed the results into the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) quarterly economic survey and will also use them to pinpoint local concerns. The questionnaire for the first three months of 2016 showed that 60% of respondents in Dorset were more concerned about competition than three months ago, followed by taxation, business rates and exchange rates. Some 60% of those answering had attempted to recruit staff in the past three months and 61% of those answering said that they had experienced difficulties finding suitable staff. Nine per cent of respondents described the general current economic climate as poor, while 45% said that it was okay, 40% said that it was good and five per cent said that it was strong. Gaining more customers was top of the list of priorities, followed by raising the profile of a business, then growing the business and recruiting good staff. DCCI is non-partisan and has a firmly neutral stance on the EU referendum but also polled on the issue to gauge the feeling of members. Of those surveyed, some 57% said that considering the interests of their business they intended to vote to remain in the EU. Some 33% said that would vote to leave while 10% said that they didn’t know. Some 71% said that they did not need any more information to make their decision and 86% said that they were completely or quite committed to their view. DCCI is the only chamber in the county accredited to the BCC. It has more than 800 members representing more than 37,000 employees. Its affiliated chambers include Weymouth and Portland, Broadstone, Dorchester, Poole, Bridport, Ferndown and Shaftesbury with Swanage due to join soon. The BCC’s national Quarterly Economic Survey – the country’s most authoritative private sector business survey – suggested that growth in the UK economy had continued to soften in the first quarter with a static picture overall. Read the full results of the Quarterly Economic Survey online at www. dcci.co.uk.
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Trading Standards Know your consumer rights!
Report to Trading Standards f you think a business has acted unfairly or broken the law then we would ask you to please report them to Trading Standards. For example you may believe that a business: misled you into buying their products or services sold you unsafe or dangerous items didn’t carry out the work properly, for example, their work left your home in a dangerous state sold you fake or counterfeit items pressured you to buy something you didn’t want to buy sold you a car that wasn’t ‘roadworthy’ You can report this and more to us by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. The consumer helpline will listen to your problem, offer you clear and practical advice including whether it’s possible to get your money back, and will then pass details onto Trading Standards. Trading Standards decide whether we are able to investigate your problem. Action we can take includes advising businesses about the law or taking legal action against them if that is the right thing to do, we consider whether it is in the public interest. At Dorset Trading Standards we get notified of every consumer complaint and even if no criminal offence has been committed, your information helps us to build a picture of trading areas where we need to focus advice and enforcement. You can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 on Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Their adviser will answer your call as soon as possible, usually within a few minutes. Once you’re speaking to an adviser your call should take an average of 8 to 10 minutes. Be prepared to tell the adviser details of the
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problem and the business name and address. Citizens Advice have a great website too that is full of useful and practical information for consumers. You can find it at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer Many people contact a “Buy With Confidence Trading Standards approved” trader when they are looking to buy goods or services. This helps to take the uncertainty out of choosing a legal, honest and fair business. The Citizens Advice consumer helpline can also help you to find a trading standards approved trader in your local area, or you can find one at www. buywithconfidence.gov.uk
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A Car For All Reasons by David Hollister
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illy, isn’t it? I’ve lived in Purbeck for most of my life, and every time I visit Swanage I look across the bay to the Isle of Wight……..but I’ve never been there! Time, perhaps, to rectify that omission and give it a try. The car kindly provided by Westover Toyota for our voyage of exploration was the superb new RAV4 Hybrid; a car for all reasons and – as it proved – a car for all seasons too as within one 24 hour period we experienced sunshine, rain, hail, and snow! I say ‘a car for all reasons’ because it clearly became apparent to me that there weren’t many things for which the RAV4 Hybrid wouldn’t be the ideal family car. When I last drove a RAV4 in 2013 I wrote “If I were ten years younger, I’d have a RAV4 like a shot – and justify it to myself – and my wife – later. I think I’m in love!” Well, nothing’s changed. Except this car is three years newer and has benefited from the amazing technical developments at Toyota during that time. The model we were given was the 4-cylinder 2.5 litre VVTi RAV4 “business edition plus”. Its Hybrid Petrol engine generates 197 DIN hp, but only 115g/km CO2. In other words, low pollution, cheap road tax, and a whole lot of useful space for your £26,195. There’s room for the whole family and their luggage to travel in comfort, peace and quiet. Engine noise is minimal and really only noticeable on hard acceleration, whilst road noise seems to have been totally eliminated. When you press the RAV4’s starter button, all the dashboard and instrument lights come on but – there’s no engine noise! A light just says ‘Ready’ and you drive away on battery power alone. You can maintain this for about a mile, or until you hit 35 mph, at which point the petrol engine cuts in to help you on your way. Unless, of course, you decide to boot it right from the start when the combined engines will give you 0-62 in 8.4 seconds – and that’s pretty impressive for a car weighing in at 1785kg – just under two tons! Of the previous RAV4 I wrote “This vehicle is the Toyota equivalent of a Range Rover yet it handles like a Cooper S. 0-62 in 9.6 seconds.” Well, now it’s a whole second quicker! The RAV4 Hybrid is pitched in the middle of the mid-sized SUV ‘crossovers’ such as the Nissan Qashqai or the BMW X3. And at £10,000 less than the X3, this is a bargain well worth serious consideration. Ideal for the family holiday or the school run, shopping or just fun. I have never taken children to school through heavy and slow-moving traffic, and for that I am truly thankful, but the CVT transmission makes driving in heavy traffic or ‘meandering round the lanes’ a piece of cake. Just one pedal for ‘go’ and another for ‘stop’. But if you want to use ‘manual’ mode just flick the gearstick into ‘Sport Mode’ and then the choice of gears in your own. The Business Edition Plus came with smart-entry and push-button start, a push-button power back tailgate (now that’s a good idea!), cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth, and a Sat-Nav which I had been dreading but which actually behaved perfectly. The nice lady didn’t actually say ‘please’ but all her commands were crisply delivered and in good time;
only went round one roundabout twice….. The ‘style pack’ gave us a front guard offering additional protection against stone chips, side steps making it even easier to climb in and out, whilst the ‘parking pack’ with front and rear sensors made it wonderfully easy for little me – with somewhat inflexible joints - to park. Vision through the rear window isn’t the best in class, but the large electric door-mirrors make up for it that. The driving seat adjusts to an ideal height so even little me could see through the windows! If I tell you that we actually drove 200 miles around the island in three days, you’ll realise that we really saw a lot of it! Seems like quite a small island with nothing being more than about five miles from anything else, no motorways or dual carriageways, and lots to see. Our main aim was to see Osborne House – which was (to me) really disappointing as English Heritage had received ‘instructions from the palace’ to keep most of the window blinds down, to ‘protect the paintings and furniture from the sun, for the future’ (it was raining that day anyway). Motto should be “Before you let the sunshine in, mind it wipes its feet”. The house was built by Queen Victoria for laughter and fun with her large family and with airy light rooms to enjoy. She’s turning in her grave. But the gardens are superb and we’ll definitely go back when it’s warmer. We went to the Needles. Don’t know what I expected but it certainly wasn’t that! More like ‘pins’ when compared to Old Harry……. But to make up for that – Carisbrook Castle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, and the Haven Birds of Prey Centre, the IOW Pearl centre, and the excellent ‘Wight Mouse’ pub in the middle of nowhere with great food, a warm welcome, and superb views. Ryde in the rain is a bit like Swanage in the rain – so it was back into the warm RAV4 and explore some more. Our hotel was a £3 taxi-ride to the restaurants and bars, and we were really impressed by the speed at which they turned up when called, preceded by a text message to tell us they were on their way, and an immediate ‘that’s Mr Hollister isn’t it?” each time I phoned. Now that’s real service! Down side of the car? A few ‘button controls’ which ideally could have been higher up the dashboard in eye-line. Rear window visibility. And now I’m struggling. My list of ‘positives’ covers an A4 page; my list of ‘negatives’ less than a postcard. Toyota are so convinced of their build quality that they offer a 5-year warranty on the RAV4 Hybrid. This isn’t a small car. Yet somehow it didn’t seem out of place on the narrow roads of this small island. It seemed to fit. And we seemed to fit it, too. We did 250 miles and used 26.7 litres of petrol. 42.5 mpg against claimed 57.6 mpg, that’s 74% which really isn’t bad. Maybe it’s because I’m growing up, or maybe it’s the improved technology, but my antipathy towards automatic gearboxes, nurtured through years of driving ‘performance’ cars, is rapidly disappearing. To the point where my next car may well have CVT transmission and indeed would be this RAV4 Hybrid if I could afford it. Why this, rather than the Lexus that I admired so much last month? Because with five doors, all that space, its ease, silence and comfort, it’s truly a car for all reasons. Steve Johnson at Westover Toyota (01202 532020) will arrange a test drive, and until the end of June there are 0% deals featuring £199 per month on offer – so get in quick!
Wanted Cash Buyer Seeks Motor Vehicles. £100 - £10,000 prompt collection & settlement. Mature polite buyer. No pressure or obligation. Often better than part exchange offer. DVLA paperwork completed. Classic & left hand drive motors especially wanted. Best prices paid.
07967 245172 www.blue-moon-cars.co.uk
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SOLD SOLD SOLD
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15(15)FORD New Focus 1.0 “Titanium” 5dr Our Own Vehicle. 4500 Miles Only Low Road Tax Sat Nav SYNC Park Assist …........................................................….£16995 16(65)FORD Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost “Zetec” 5dr Our own Vehicle Zero Road Tax Fantastic Economy Ford Warranty until Jul 18…...............................................…£12495 12(62)FORD Fiesta 1.0 “Zetec” 5dr Locally Owned & Maintained from New by Us. Zero Road Tax. AirCon. Rear Park Assist. . . . ................................................... .£8295 12(62)FORD Fiesta 1.2 “Zetec” 5dr Sold & Maintained from New by Us. Very Low Mileage only 13000. Full History New MOT. . . .................................................... £7595 12(62)FORD Fiesta 1.2 “Edge” 5dr Only 24000 Miles Sold New & Maintained from New by Us. Air Conbitioning. Blue Tooth. . . ..................................................... . .£6595 12(12)FORD Kuga 2.0TDCi “Titanuim” AWD Locally Owned Maintained by Us. 36000 Miles. Climate Control. Very High Spec. . .........................................................£14995 08(58)FORD Focus 1.8TDCi “Style” 5dr Locally Owned.78000 Miles Service History Terrific Economy. Long MOT. . ............................................................................ £3995 08(08)FORD Focus 1.6 “Zetec” 5dr Locally Owned. Maintained by Us 61000 Guaranteed Miles. Air Conditioning Twin Airbags............................................. £4995 14(14)FORD Mondeo 1.6 “Graphite Turbo”. Supplied and maintained from new by us, 32,000 miles, Full service history........................................................................£10,995 14(14)FORD Fiesta 1.0 “Zetec” 3dr. One local owner, excellent condition, 35,000 guaranteed miles, air conditioning, alloy wheels...............................................£7,995 13(13) FORD Focus 1.6 “Zetec” Estate automatic. Two owners with Full Service History, only 15,000 guaranteed miles.................................................................£8,995 09(09) FORD C-Max 1.6 TDCi “Zetec” MPV, excellent condition, 45,000 miles, long MOT, air conditioning, very practical..................................................................£4,995
The Purbeck Gazette
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Food
From The Kitchen Garden...
Fresh Herbs & Aromatics
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riting these articles gives me great pleasure, joy at letting rip with my opinions, anxiety about the deadline and relief when the piece is written… Sometimes I wonder what the hell I’m going to write about for the next month and as this is my first year, quite often I feel ill prepared, not having the photos for the right dish to hand. However, once I stop ‘doing things’ and actually look around me it becomes very obvious almost instantly. Then many more ideas start to crowd in and I’m having quite a job trying to settle on one! By the time I’ve decided on a dish/idea/theme, I’ve changed my mind at least twice….. So this month it’s going to be ‘fresh herbs’. Now I’m aware not everyone is lucky enough to have the space to grow them in the ground, as some require quite a bit of space. However, many are doing well in pots or hanging baskets on a window sill, balcony, step or patio. Some are easy to germinate from seed; others are purchased as seedlings for you to grow on. I wouldn’t bother with supermarket fresh herbs as they are mostly grown in ideal conditions, which makes them very flimsy and without much flavour. After the rather cold, windy and slow spring, perennial herb plants are greening up nicely and some like Rosemary, Sage and Thyme have already been, or are in, flower. These early flowers must be a very welcome sight indeed for a foraging honey bee! Add young Chive flowers to your summer salad for a fresh ‘oniony’ flavour and chopped up Chives put into your scrambled eggs at the last minute tastes delicious! All the different Mints are doing very well this time of year and are a joy chopped up and made into a thick sauce with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice, sloshed over any lamb dish. Fresh mint is also very refreshing used as a herb tea, added to fruit salad and of course in your Pimms. The verdant, feathery foliage of Fennel is still sappy and tender this time of year and chopped up with Parsley, goes ever so well with fish or a fennel risotto. Lovage is another perennial and strongly-flavoured relative of flat-leaved Parsley and Celery. Lovage is best used sparingly when making stock and gives Ale and Beef stew real depth. Oh boy and I haven’t even started on all the gorgeous Basils yet………..! Did you know, the essential oil molecule giving Genovese Basil, Cloves and Blackberries their flavour is the same, just in different concentrations?
By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden
This ‘green sauce’ recipe depends very much on what types of herbs are available and of course your personal taste! It works rather well with grilled meat or fish and it tastes fabulous poured over a baked potato or stirred into some couscous or rice. SALSA VERDE RECIPE: 1 handful parsley 1 handful Genovese Basil ½ handful Mint 1 sprig of sage Glug of olive oil 1 tblsp Lemon juice or cider vinegar Salt, pepper and sprinkling of sugar Blitz all herbs in a food processor for a couple of seconds or chop them up finely and mix with all the other ingredients. It will keep in a jam jar in the fridge for a couple of days.
The Purbeck Gazette
Foodie Trends For June
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une – the month many of us associate with strawberries, whether or not we are tennis fans. But let’s also celebrate the whole host of other seasonal culinary delights that are on offer in flaming June. A veritable A –Z of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, from apricots to zucchini. There are a number of good reasons to eat more local, seasonal food, most importantly because seasonal food tends to be fresher, tastier and more nutritious. Buying locally-sourced food also helps to support our local economy and is a good way we can help to reduce the energy (and associated CO2 emissions) needed to grow and transport the food we eat. We’re sure that some of the following will tempt your taste buds this month: Fresh broad beans and peas just waiting to be podded. Radish, Rocket and tomatoes for those wonderful summer salads. Jersey Royal’s crying out for lashings of butter. And for lovers of fish – how about freshly caught crab, mackerel and sardines? Not forgetting of course succulent spring lamb with or without the mint sauce. We could go on – but there’s too much good eating to attend to!
Kath Best’s lamb, available through the Purbeck Producers
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Purbeck Products PURBECK PRODUCE
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FARMERS’ MARKET
MARKETS IN COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWANAGE, ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. ALSO FIND US AT PUTLAKE FARM, LANGTON MATRAVERS. LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS www.purbeckproducts.co.uk Above: Lovage
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uckily plants do not just respond to warmer soil and air, but also to longer daylight………. This has been a rather cold spring and now we’re in June, growth is finally on its way! In the Kitchen Garden outdoor germination of annual crops has been slow and I had to re-sow a number of vegetable categories and annual flowers. I know the daily visits of Mr Pheasant and his posse and hungry wood pigeons don’t exactly help either. Perennials like Rhubarb, Gooseberries and Blackcurrants are doing really well and the Globe Artichokes are looking stunning - apart from being delicious and good for you. The autumn planted shallots, garlic and elephant garlic are putting on a lot of growth right now. It always astonishes me, how tough these alliums are, holding out all winter, building their root systems nice and slow and come longer daylight hours, they really put on some growth! Inside the polytunnel it’s a whole different matter. Those plastic sides really keep out the cold wind and warm up the inside incredibly quickly. With the sprinklers I can create the near perfect germinating and growing conditions for more tender plants. Lush and green winter squash and pumpkin seedlings had to move out to be gently hardened off and to make space for tomatoes, cucumbers, chilli peppers and aubergines to grow on. The same also happened to the indoor sown runner beans, French bush beans, Lettuces and Chard. Kale and other brassicas are planted out, watered in, netted, weeded and staked. All this before these goodies are harvested, sorted, packed and transported to our monthly local producers market for you to enjoy! Come and see us every second Saturday of the month in Commercial Road, you’ll be made very welcome!
Above: Mint, below, Lovage
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Proper Brexit The First Time Round by John Garner
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et’s be clear. This is not a political column. I have no idea whether or not if it is a good idea or not to be out of Europe based on the spin and hype of the men from the ministries. I try and try, but such is the nature of our media savvy and intensively coached elected representatives, I find myself immediately confused as I try to concentrate on whatever they are trying to bamboozle me with at the time. Usually, by about half way through the second sentence, I am lost and more bewildered than when I started. Presumably this is the point. God only knows what would happen if the general public started to actually understand how the country was run. My instincts tell me it is a very good thing to be in Europe, but when did instincts match up to the combined resources and media attention of a political party? So this month I’m going to concentrate on the first time we came out of Europe. Not that we had much choice then either. When the last ice age came to an end (and believe me I’m convinced we’re on the verge of a new ice age) and the melting ice caused sea levels to rise and cut Britain off from the European continent, Britain and more specifically Dorset was a very different place. For one there was a distinct lack of people. Although there have been people in the area for tens of thousands of years they were not as we now know them. Remains have been found for the ages from about 5,000BC. We don’t know what they wore as nothing remains of their clothing. Probably leather of some sort as they hunted for their lunch and would presumably have used the hides for protection. People were busy surviving. Therefore, there was no need for people with too much time on their hands to come knocking on your door asking you if you would be voting to come out of Europe. People needed to get on with their dramatically shorter lives. In truth there were few, if any, doors to knock on, but if a canvasser did call on someone I imagine a conversation something like this: Pollster: ‘Good morning Sir. Will you be voting to come out of Europe in the forthcoming elections?’ Mesolithic bloke: ‘Eh. Have you by chance seen the masses of recently thawed icy water rising by the minute and cutting us off from what future generations may well call Europe? Why, only yesterday a couple of hundred miles of chalk disappeared, leaving a bit of white rock and a small white island just over there. We’ve been trying to think of a name for it, but nothing comes to mind. I think your job’s been done old chap. Out of Europe we most definitely are.’ Pollster: ‘Oh. Well I’ll need a new job then. Anything you want killing?’ Mesolithic bloke: ‘Wouldn’t mind a bit of Auroch with me tea if you could get me one of those. I can lend you this sharp bit of flint on the end of this stick to kill it with if you like.’
Pollster/hunter: ‘It’s okay. I’ve got this from a foreign looking chap. It’s harder and more metallic than yours. Doesn’t break so easily either.’ MB: ‘I think you’re about 6000 years too early with that mate, but suit yourself. We’re not big on change round here to be honest. Ageing population see. Everyone wants to live by the coast now it’s here.’ Pollster/ hunter: ‘Fair enough. Leave it with me. Oh. I’ll put you down as a yes then for the exit of Europe thing.’ Mesolithic bloke: ‘Put me down for whatever you feel necessary. The blokes in charge will do what they want regardless of what I think. It’s the way it’s always been and will continue to be.’ How right MB was. All those thousands of years ago. Not much has changed. Ironically, after about 4000 BC, having been cut off from Britain by the sea, the population was boosted by people coming over from Europe, presumably on boats. They bought new ideas like farming and cultivating crops to help supplement their hunting. Europe brought good things and judging by the tailbacks of cars waiting to travel across the channel every time there’s a public holiday in this country, it would seem that people still value the cultural attractions of Europe. If cheap wine is seen as a cultural attraction. It certainly is for me. I still find it amazing that people managed to extract copper from stones to make arrowheads and spear tips and axes. That they recognised these to be too soft is easy enough to grasp, but that they mined tin and combined the two to make bronze is an extraordinary thing. That this then gave way to the Iron Age and all that this entailed, more remarkable still. I pondered this and more as I was on top of the Woolsbarrow Hill Fort in Wareham Forest the other day. It would be hard to notice if you didn’t know it was there. You can see why the views would be useful. It’s just one ancient site in a county that contains a vast array of fascinating pre-historic sites too numerous to mention here. Visit them and let your mind wander back to a time before all the trappings of modern life started to confuse us and when most communication was presumably direct and useful as opposed to bewildering and pointless. While you’re wondering whether to stay in Europe or not, or even if you couldn’t give a damn about being in or out, spend some time thinking about the rich history often just under your feet. It’s a much better use of your time and probably much more relevant and interesting to you than a suit bombarding you with a pile of made-up statistics. Whew. That feels better. Photo: Rob Knowles.
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NIGHTJAR WALKS
Meet Dorset’s Legendary ‘Goat suckers’ he RSPB in Dorset invite the public on their summer’s evening Nightjar Walks. Guided walks will take place every Wednesday until 20 July (inclusive), 8pm – till late. Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West said: “I can vividly remember the moment I heard and then saw my very first nightjar at Arne, in the dimpsy summer light of last year. Their strange ‘churring’ call and wing clapping was utterly surreal, let alone the almost pre-historic look of this unusual species. It was a magical evening and one that I would urge everyone to experience. “Luckily, this summer is your perfect opportunity, as the RSPB Arne team launch their popular season of nightjar walks. Join our RSPB experts as they reveal the mystery behind a bird that ancient folklore has deemed Goat Sucker, Corpse Fowl and Scissor Grinder. These walks are a unique opportunity to see nightjars in one of their UK strongholds.” Luke Phillips, event organiser said: “Arne is one of THE best places in the UK to see and experience Nightjars. It really is an incredible all-round experience. They look amazing, sound bizarre and choose beautiful areas
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Green Fingers, Not Light!
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ardeners are being offered some tips to keep their prized plots safe this summer. Karen Graham, Community Safety Officer, Purbeck District Council, said: “With summer just around the corner, many of us are thinking about getting into our gardens. Unfortunately, thieves may have the same idea – but for different reason. Although break-ins to sheds and outbuildings are rare, there are lots of ways to help make your garden more secure. We’ve put together a list of ways to keep those opportunist thieves at bay”: • Keep gates, fences and walls in good repair • Grow prickly plants close to vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, walls and drainpipes • If possible, avoid leaving expensive equipment in the shed
to make their home making an evening out watching them very special.” Nightjar Walk Details Walks will take place at Arne from 8pm until late. Wednesday 1 June Wednesday 8 June Wednesday 15 June Wednesday 22 June Wednesday 29 June Wednesday 6 July Wednesday 13 July Wednesday 20 July Cost: RSPB members £6, non-members £8, child £2 Booking is essential on: 01929 553360 For more information visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/ discoverandenjoynature/seenature/events/details. aspx?id=tcm:9-398085 •
Fit a shed alarm, use reinforced hinges and locks and fit metal grills to windows • Mark your shed’s contents with a security marker • Record serial numbers and photograph valuable equipment. Register them on the National Property Register at www.imobilise.com • Secure valuable items to a strong anchor point using security cables, chains and robust padlocks • Don’t leave ladders and tools out in the garden. These could be used to break into your home • Fit movement-sensitive lighting • Check your household insurance includes your shed contents The Council and its partners are asking people to be extra vigilant at this time of year. For more advice visit www.dorset.police.uk and search for ‘shed’.
The Purbeck Gazette
Locally Spotted Dolphin Part Of South West Population
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bottlenose dolphin named ‘Stumpy’ spotted recently in Dorset is believed to be part of a South West population, which is the third population of dolphins identified in the UK. Other populations include the Moray Firth dolphins in Scotland and the Cardigan Bay dolphins in Wales. Photo identification, scars and nicks in the dorsal fins help marine conservationists and researchers identify individual members of the group. ‘Stumpy,’ a bottlenose dolphin, named for the missing tip of its dorsal fin, has been seen in Falmouth, Penzance, Newquay and Padstow in Cornwall, and is now thought to be a member of the resident dolphin population in South West England. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher said, “The South West population, which ranges from Dorset to Cornwall, often splits into smaller groups of 3 or 4, or slightly larger groups of around 20 animals. Although it is not known exactly how many animals are resident in the South West group as a whole, a number of young dolphins have been recorded in recent years, which is encouraging.” DWT recommends that to help protect these marine giants in their natural habitat, boats must follow the marine code of conduct when near dolphins in the sea. Dolphins are protected by law from disturbance and injury. Julie continues, “Rules include not driving directly towards them, maintaining a steady course and speed so they can predict your movements and avoid boats if necessary, and not splitting up the group.” “Boat users should also be aware of other vessels around the dolphins and not box them in – move away if there are more than 2 vessels within 1km. Often, dolphins will decide to come over to you, but it must be their choice.” DWT would like to hear about your dolphin sightings. Please share videos and pictures taken in Dorset via kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk, Twitter (@dorsetwildlife) and facebook/DorsetWildlife. Find out more information about the Marine Code of Conduct at: http://www. seawatchfoundation.org.uk/marine-code-of-conduct/ Bottlenose dolphin spotted off Durlston, Dorset © Hamish Murray
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Spotted A Stag Beetle? Help Us Save Them! Help save the UK’s largest land beetle by recording your sightings ike many British species, it is becoming rare to catch a glimpse of the formidable looking, but friendly stag beetle (Lucanus cervus). Sadly, their numbers are dwindling across Europe due to loss of habitat and predators including cats, magpies and humans. In parts of Britain stag beetles are already extinct, so help is needed to prevent further decline. This spring, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is asking the public to record any sightings of these iconic insects by taking part in their annual Great Stag Hunt. Stag beetles emerge from mid-May onwards, and live in gardens, parks, woodland edges and traditional orchards. Stag beetles are prevalent throughout southern England and coastal areas of the south west, while they are less common in the north of England and the South Downs. PTES also want to hear from people living in areas that border the stag beetles’ known range, such as Devon, Norfolk, Worcestershire and Yorkshire. Stag beetles can reach up to 75mm in size, which makes them second largest of all UK beetles after the water beetle, but also easy to spot! For the majority of their life cycle, stag beetles remain underground as larvae, feeding on rotten wood. They can remain as larvae for as long as seven years, and once fully grown they build a large cocoon in the soil where they pupate before finally metamorphosing into their adult, more recognisable, form. Last year’s Great Stag Hunt saw 5,796 recorded stag beetle sightings, including 901 sightings in Hampshire alone (appendix 1). There are no set rules for the Great Stag Hunt, just simply record any sightings of stag beetles online at www.ptes.org/stagbeetles, which will help PTES’ wider conservation strategy. Laura Bower, Conservation Officer at PTES says: “The Great Stag Hunt has involved thousands of people over the last twenty years. Now is the right time of year for people to start recording sightings of stag beetles, as they emerge from mid-May onwards. Gardens in particular are very important habitats, as stag beetles rely on decaying wood in contact with soil to feed on as larvae. Volunteers can help by retaining dead tree stumps or building a log pile in their gardens to ensure there is a good supply of dead wood for female stag beetles to lay their eggs in. We hope to see more volunteers joining this year’s Great Stag Hunt to help reverse their population decline.”
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To further raise the profile of beetles, PTES is working with MG Leonard, author of the best-selling children’s novel Beetle Boy. This heart-warming story follows the adventure of a young boy and his friend Baxter, who is in fact a beetle. Beetle Boy is the first part of The Beetle Trilogy, and was published in March 2016 by Chicken House. Laura concludes: “PTES and MG Leonard are keen to show children and adults alike that beetles aren’t something to be afraid of, and in fact are something to be admired. PTES’ Great Stag Hunt is a fantastic way for the public to gain wider knowledge of stag beetles and for PTES to find out what their populations look like, which will in turn aid our wider conservation efforts.” For more advice on how to identify a stag beetle, to find out what to do if you find a stag beetle or dig up stag beetle larva, visit: www.ptes.org/ stagbeetles. Pictures: Top: Stag Beetle, credit Bill Plumb Below: Stag-in-hand, credit Aimi MacInnes
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Purbeck To Be Part Of New National Park?
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he idea of a National Park, which would include most of Purbeck District (including the whole of the Isle of Purbeck) and the Jurassic Coast from near Exmouth to Poole Harbour, is still being mooted, having been given a positive first assessment by Natural England, who are currently looking at around twenty areas which are trying to attain National Park status. The proposed park would include the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Thomas Hardy’s “Egdon Heath” between Dorchester and Wareham. An application for National Park status would need a recommendation from Natural England, who currently have twenty applications to assess. Achieving National Park status would cost us approximately £1 million. The application would be easier to achieve if it had the backing of the entire community. Supporters say a National Park would benefit the economy and local communities, as well as the environment. National Parks have a good record of balancing the key priorities of a strong economy, thriving communities and a healthy environment. However, in 2013, voices were raised against the proposal from East Devon District Council, with the Leader of the Council, Paul Diviani, saying that the proposals would result in loss of planning powers and could restrict growth. There were also real concerns that the proposed national park would put ‘enormous pressure’ on housing. A recent report for Dorset County Council emphasised that Dorset’s environment is its greatest economic asset, worth around £1.5bn a year. A National Park, and the National Park brand, could possibly add even greater value. The countryside and heritage of Purbeck are world-class. A study last year ranked Purbeck in the top 4% nationally for natural and cultural heritage. An estimated 110 million people visit the National Parks of England and Wales each year, bringing funds and supporting jobs in tourism and hospitality, however, these visitors also bring well-documented problems, such as additional traffic congestion, parking issues and erosion. Supporters of the park say there is concern among people who see Purbeck’s countryside as under threat from government-imposed housebuilding targets. National Parks are exempt from these targets. National Parks have a duty to promote the economic and social wellbeing of local communities and this includes promoting affordable housing to support
local people, employment and key services. National Park authorities become the strategic and local planning authorities for their areas, thus local councils no longer maintain planning control over areas covered by National Park status. National Park planning policies are stricter than elsewhere, to offer the highest status of protection for the landscape and scenic beauty in the first instance. A National Park, and the National Park brand, would benefit tourism and the visitor economy, say supporters, as well as other parts of Dorset’s diverse economy including farming and land management, service and creative industries, manufacturing, and new technologies. The government sees National Parks at the heart of thinking and action for the economies and communities of England’s finest areas. Those against the proposal are concerned about the loss of local planning control, serious traffic congestion and lack of available parking (particularly around already-busy periods, such as bank holidays), further significant increases in house prices (already classified as unaffordable at around twelve times average local wage), additional problems with litter, damage to farmland, erosion of local public rights of way and bridle paths, potential conflicts between landowners and tourism/recreation users, and local community displacement. Supporters say that the National Park would bring additional and more certain public funding to Dorset. Based on the similar area of the South Downs National Park, this might amount to around £10m per year as grant from central government, plus funds from other sources. In a review of local government this year, Dorset could ask the government to re-organise its councils into two unitary authorities, one mainly for the conurbation and one for the rest of Dorset. Supporters say a National Park would increase rural Dorset’s influence and resources, and work in partnership with the unitary authority to benefit communities and businesses as well as the environment. National Park Team member Sandra Brown, a Purbeck local, says: “A National Park would bring great opportunities and advantages to Purbeck and Dorset. The sooner Dorset councils ask the Government to look at the option of a National Park, the sooner Purbeck and Dorset can benefit from the advantages and opportunities this would bring.” The National Park Team website is: https://dorsetandeastdevonnationalpark. wordpress.com
The Wings Of A Butterfly...
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ell-known Purbeckian, Mary Dwen (pictured, right), has been clearing Swanage beach of nurdles (small, plastic pieces which cause death to marine and bird life when injested, (below right)) on a regular basis for six years and two weeks. Mary has now collected a total of 400,000 nurdles (pictured, left) - saving an unknown and almost unimaginable number of marine animals and wild birds. The actions of this single, driven individual have had an amazingly positive effect on numerous animals. Imagine what could be achieved if each of us undertook a similar task - the world would be a vastly different place. Well done Mary - if only all those marine animals and wild birds could speak to pass on their thanks too! You’re a super-star Mary. Thank you, from all of us.
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June Wildlife Wildflowers galore across Durlston, the meadows are a picture of Oxeye Daisies, Pale Flax and Bulbous Buttercups, with Common Spotted, Pyramidal and Bee Orchids blooming during June. The breeding season is in full swing with the adult birds very active searching for food. Look out for Whitethroat, Stonechat, Skylarks and the brilliant coloured Bullfinches. This is also a fabulous month for butterflies with jewel-like Adonis Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Wall and Small Skipper on the downs as well as a local rarity, the Lulworth Skipper. Seabird Boat Trips Every Friday throughout June. Our summer season of seabird-watching trips continue into their second month, every Friday evening at 7pm. Join the Rangers for a relaxing evening cruise along the Jurassic Coast, looking for Guillemots, Razorbills, Peregrine Falcons and more. Tickets are just £15.75 for adults or £7.88 in advance or £17.50 or £8.75 from the Pier. The boat departs from Swanage Pier. Booking recommended with citycruisespoole.com Wonders of World Heritage Saturday 18th – Tuesday 28th June from 10am – 5pm. The Jurassic Coast, which runs from Exmouth to Studland Bay, is of huge importance. The layers of sedimentary rock along the Jurassic Coast can be read like a book. They reveal the history of Earth across 185 million years and form a near complete record of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Join us for this free daily exhibition, held at the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Castle, where we will be exploring what it means to be part of a World Heritage Site. Plant Pots for Pollinators Wednesday 1st June - 10.30am – 2.30pm. An event hosted by Butterfly Conservation. Join the charity to find out more about these elegant insects that inhabit our parks, countryside, woods and gardens. You will also be able to plant your own flowerpot with flowers that will attract various species. This is a family event and costs £5.
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Brilliant Bees! Thursday 2nd June – 2pm. There are lots of different types of bee in the UK – around 250 species! There are 24 species of bumblebees, around 225 species of solitary bee and just a single honeybee species! Join us at the park for this family event, where you will learn more about our fuzzy friends. Meet at the Learning Centre. £3 per child. Mindfulness Walk If you fancy trying a relaxing way to enjoy the wonderful spring atmosphere at Durlston, then why not join a mindfulness walk on Sunday 11th June at 10.30am. Led by ‘Mindful Nurse’ Nikki Harman, the walk will give you the chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the spring meadows, while learning some simple relaxation techniques. The walk costs £5 and booking is required. Please meet at the Learning Centre. Experimental Drawing Sunday 12th June – 2pm. Durlston Country Park and the surrounding beauty of the Purbeck has inspired many an artist, writer and poet. Today artist Alison Summers-Bell will be joining us and offering an introduction to drawing, inspired by the Country Park. The event will be hosted at the Learning Centre and costs £20.Booking essential Rolf Gets Rattled Sunday 19th June – 2.30pm. Resident artist here at the park, Rolf Williams, will be hosting a talk about snakes. Rolf’s art and drive for life has taken him all over the globe and today he will be chatting about how those travels have brought him within close contact with various snakes worldwide! Meet at the Learning Centre. £3 per person Young Rangers Saturday 25th June – 10.30am. This is a monthly club based at the Learning Centre for kids to come and find out more about the great outdoors. Held the last Saturday of the month, each session will be on a different topic with an emphasis on wildlife, crafts and games. Booking Essential. £3 per child, £5 for two kids and £7 for 3 kids.
Margaret Green’s Country Fair
argaret Green Animal Rescue invites you to a brand new event on Saturday 2nd July 2016! Please come along between 11am and 4pm to enjoy our first ever Country Fayre at Church Knowle. From stalls and attractions, to activities and games, there really will be something for everyone. Don’t miss the incredible sheep shearing display, dog dancing demonstration and of course lots of appearances from our own rescued animals. With plenty of stalls as well, shop to your hearts content, have a pint of cider and enjoy something scrummy from our BBQ or a delicious panini. We’d like to thank all the businesses and individuals who support our events. If you interested in sponsoring an event, donating a raffle prize or volunteering your time, please get in touch today. Email kate.cross@mgar.org.uk or call 01929 477074. We look forward to seeing you at the Country Fair!
Above: The Horse Farrier at work
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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack
Holme will have a wide selection of excellent Salvias grown in Purbeck by our friends Bob and Gill. Many will also be planted in the Holme borders for you to enjoy in a garden setting. See you at Holme soon! Good sized plants in a 2L pot £7.99 each or choose any 3 for just £20 Salvia jamensis ‘Pluen’ - pictured top, opposite. Salvia ‘Royal Bumble’ - pictured far left, left. Salvia ‘Bleu Amor’ - pictured far left, right
Sumptuous Salvias!
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e are lucky enough to live in one of the mildest and sunniest locations in the country and so we are able to grow many beautiful and interesting plants that would not survive even just a few miles north of here. One such group of plants are Salvias more commonly known by their herb name Sage. They are a large group of plants many with scented foliage which is not surprising as they are closely related to mint. However it is the beautiful flowers which display for up to six months of the year that make them so attractive to gardeners.
Sages are best planted in full sun but will tolerate some shade. The varieties featured below are reliably hardy in Purbeck as long as you apply a generous mulch of compost around the base of the plant before the winter chill sets in. Prune back to the lowest pairs of active buds on each stem in April followed by a light trim in May to produce strong well branched plants with lots of growing points. Flowering starts in mid-May and can continue to Christmas if there are no hard frosts. Wow, what value!
Salvia ‘Violette de Loire’ - pictured above left Salvia jamensis ‘Flammen’ - pictured above right
Salvia jamensis ‘Melen’ - pictured above left Salvia uliginosa - pictured above right Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ - pictured right Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’ - below
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Come And Join Us!
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re you on holiday or a local resident looking for a friendly progressive social club? One with free WiFi, club price drinks, comfy seats, big screen TVs, a restaurant with spectacular views, function room and a wide range of activities and entertainment? Swanage Legion is a progressive local club offering a wide range of social activities to the local community and visitors to the area. You can enjoy fun days, theme nights and quizzes, play on the snooker tables, pool tables or dartboards and take in quality live entertainment too. There’s a stage, lights, dance floor and a state of the art sound system that you can hear clearly at the back without being too loud at the front. Apart from traditional club food, there are Steak Nights and Traditional Sunday Roasts that are so popular you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Feel free to come and have a look for yourself or phone for more information about any of the above or how to join one of our darts, pool, shove, football or snooker teams, the golf society or poker league. You might like to consider temporary membership for up to two weeks at only £3 a person or £5 per couple. Full membership is only £23 per year, and you can visit any British Legion club across England. Members’ children and grandchildren get free entry to our club if accompanied by the member. Swanage Legion, 150 High Street, Swanage BH19 2PA, phone 01929 422722.
Keep Arts Alive
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undreds of thousands of Dorset residents and visitors will be looking forward to arts events coming up this summer – but have you thought about getting involved as a volunteer? What would be the benefits to you? To start with, you could have a great day out, meet new friends and be an integral part of something exciting. Volunteering looks good on a CV and research suggests that people who volunteer live longer. Activate is an organisation producing and developing contemporary theatre, community dance, outdoor festivals and celebrations across Dorset. Volunteers are needed for front of house, production, marketing, administration and evaluation particularly for the Inside Out Festival in September. Everyone loves a good story and from 5th-15th August, the ‘Sting In The Tale’ festival (an East Dorset volunteer-run arts organisation) will be bringing highly evocative storytelling to local venues, sustaining local folklore and traditions. ArtsReach runs a full programme of music, theatre, dance, circus and children’s events in partnership with village halls across Dorset and can put you in touch with volunteering opportunities at these events, some of which may be really local to you. To find out who needs what help, when and contact details for the groups mentioned in this article and more, simply email the Arts Information Officer from the Arts Development Company j.march@dorsetcc.gov.uk asking for the ‘Volunteer In The Arts 2016’ list. The company is a social enterprise, leading arts development for Dorset and beyond, working with partners to develop strategy and policy to deliver collaborative
programmes and projects to improve lives in the community. You may also like to visit their website http://www.theartsdevelopmentcompany. org.uk/67/volunteering+in+the+arts Barack Obama once said: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope; you will fill yourself with hope.” Photo credit: Ear Trumpet by Gobbledegook Theatre. Picture by Alastair Nisbet.
The Purbeck Gazette
27th Swanage Jazz Festival, 8 - 10 July
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ifty-plus bands plus our beautiful town and scenery attract a national audience and make Swanage Jazz Festival one of the leading events in the jazz calendar. The Festival gives music lovers in Purbeck and south Dorset the chance to hear the quality of jazz that they could hear in the best clubs throughout the country. There are four ticketed venues close together in the centre of town: two marquees on Sandpit Field overlooking the bay, the Methodist Church and the Conservative Club’s function room. We present a selection of the best of jazz played today: from New Orleans revivalism to swing and contemporary jazz-rock, it’s all there! We mix established stars and many of the most exciting young bands on the jazz scene. There are lots of free events in pubs - the Red Lion, the White Swan, the Crows Nest and the Black Swan - and open-air concerts by youth bands and busking bands throughout the weekend. Saturday morning sees a brass band parade on the sea front, featuring Dave Brennan’s Jubilee Jazz Band, and there’s a jazz service of gospel music on Sunday morning at the Methodist Church. The Festival begins on Friday afternoon at Swanage station, with a steam train trip to Harman’s Cross, followed by a jazz dance with a leading traditional jazz band, at the Village Hall. Full information and tickets for the Festival and the steam train/jazz dance, are available from the ticket office (01929 422215) and the web site: www.swanage.org
Purbeck Valley Folk!
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he Purbeck Valley Folk Festival prides itself on bringing only the most exciting and interesting folk acts to the stage. Announced this week is award-winning band Villagers who make their debut at the family friendly festival that runs from 25-28th August. The five-piece Villagers is the creation of Irish songwriter Conor O’Brien who was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award last month for recent third album, Darling Arithmetic. Conor plays every instrument, as well as recording and mixing it himself at home, revealing a single-minded artist at the peak of his already considerable song writing powers. Lyrically, Conor treads a revealing path of love and relationships through beautiful and melodic songs. With a clutch of awards and nominations, the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival will witness a performance from a band in the ascendancy. Now three albums in, Villagers remains the front for anything its talented creator wants it to be. It’s been a successful time for acts appearing at this summer’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, with Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman winning Best Duo at the Radio 2 BBC Folk Awards 2016. Other major headliners revealed so far include The Proclaimers, Eliza Carthy, Recreations and Nizlopi. There are also even more new folk talents added to the festival line-up in recent weeks such as John Bramwell of I Am Kloot. On the folkier side of things the line-up is looking great with a host of brilliant musicians (including BBC Folk award winners and nominees and Spiral Earth award winners); Lucy Ward, Maz O’Connor, Cardboard Fox, Boo Hewerdine, Sheelanagig, Front Country, Rory McLeod and Gilmore & Roberts. Featuring a host of favourite attractions including kid’s entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising, open mics and the very best folk, roots and world music. All this surrounded by stunning views of Corfe Castle, accessible camping and some truly delicious food. For further information, visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk
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Swanage Carnival Court
The Purbeck Gazette
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he build up to Swanage Carnival 2016 has begun with the selection of the Carnival Court. This year we welcome Carnival Queen Maria-Chelsea Smith, Senior Princess, Bethany MacDonald and Junior Princess Maddie Matthews. The Swanage Carnival Court will represent Swanage Carnival over the coming year and will be attending many of the events during Carnival week. 2016 promises to be an exciting year with some brand new events, some traditional favourites and a few changes! Carnival week starts with a bumper weekend of events including the incredible Mad Sports team on Sandpit field who will be in attendance throughout both Saturday and Sunday. The towering Mad Drop will be set-up on Sandpit Field giving members of the public the chance to test their nerve on a selection of three jump platforms. We will also have the Mad Sports bicycle display team performing amazing stunts for the crowds. On Carnival Sunday our spectacular Carnival Procession takes place around the town bringing the streets alive with dance, music and entertainment. This year’s theme is ‘Sitcoms and Soaps’ so get your thinking caps on for your Carnival Procession outfits! Please don’t forget to start collecting your coins to fill up the carnival buckets in support of our events so that we can raise lots of money for
our chosen charities and good causes. The first weekend of carnival week also coincides with part of Swanage’s first Pirate Festival organised by Swanage Pier taking place on and around the Pier and Prince Albert Gardens. This brand new event for the town is set to heighten the carnival spirit and ensure carnival week starts with a bang!
10 Steps To Improving Your Photography... with the Swanage Photographic Society his time we’ll look at Aperture and how it is used to control the light reaching the sensor and, how it can be used to make creative images using Depth of Field. Step 1 Cont‘d. Master Your Camera Settings “It’s all about the light and how much
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or how little there is”. What Aperture (f-stop) should I set? The f-stop is a term used to identify the aperture (the size of the opening formed by the diaphragm blades inside the lens) and we typically use a scale f-2.8, f-4, f-5.6, f-8, f-11, f-16, and f-22. But there are lenses that offer increments between, above and below this range. A ‘stop’ is the ratio of the aperture diameter to the focal length of the lens. For each f-stop from f-2.8 up to f-22, the amount of light passing through the lens to the sensor is halved and, from f-22 down to f-2.8 the amount of light is doubled. In simple terms it means no matter what lens you use, the amount of light passing through a particular f-stop will be the same. Note: the higher the f-stop number (f-8, f-11, f-16, and f-22) the smaller the aperture and so less light passes through, but the smaller the f-stop number (f-5.6, f-4, f-2.8, and f-1.4) the larger the aperture so more light passes through. It appears counterintuitive but that’s the way it works and it is worth remembering. Setting your lens to its widest aperture, say f-3.5, the diaphragm will be fully open allowing the maximum amount of light to reach the sensor. At f-22
the aperture is significantly smaller reducing the amount of light reaching the sensor. The f-stop therefore allows you to control the amount of light reaching the sensor. To summarise: The f-stop marked on the side of a lens relates to the physical size of the aperture and its ratio to the lens focal length. A low f-stop (f-1.4) allows the maximum amount of light to pass through the lens whereas a high f-stop (f-22) reduces the amount of light passing through the lens. We need to control the amount of light reaching the sensor because too much light will lead to an over exposure but too little light will lead to an underexposure. Changing the aperture also allows us to manipulate the Depth of Field (DOF). When you focus on a subject, there is a zone in front and behind that will also be in focus. This zone is called the Depth of Field and it varies according to the size of the aperture. The higher the f-stop (f-22), the greater the DOF which means more of a subject’s surroundings will be in focus. The smaller the f-stop (f-2.8), the shallower the DOF, and less of your subject‘s surroundings will be in focus. For example when photographing a beach scene, f-22 will give a good DOF, and subsequently more of the beach, people, shops, hills and sea will be in focus. Using f-2.8 or lower will give you a shallow DOF and less of your subject’s surroundings will be in focus. Homework Set your DSLR to f-3.5 and take an image of a scene with multiple objects focusing on one particular subject preferably central to the image. Now set the aperture to f-22 and take an identical image. View the images to compare how the brightness varies between f-3.5 & f-22 and, which objects in front & behind your subject go in and out of sharp focus.
The Purbeck Gazette
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It’s Carnival Time For Wool! WOOL CARNIVAL W ool Carnival was started many years ago as ‘Wool Awakes’ to raise funds to build the D’Urberville Hall. The Carnival Committee started up with a garden party, which led to a fete and then the first carnival, which was called ‘Wake up Wool’. All the money raised in the early years was used for refurbishments to the hall. A few years ago the committee decided to change the name to Wool Carnival. It has grown over the years, with a parade around the village with floats, cars, walkers and majorettes. We have lots of stalls on the field including BBQ, donuts, bar, cream teas and ice cream van. We also have arena displays from 12 noon, including radio controlled cars, school maypole, majorettes,
18 June 2016
Parade: 11am Arena Events: 12 noon Raffle, Bar, Cream Teas, BBQ, Stalls, Skittles, Fun Fair, Fun for all the family! FREE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT Donna Samways (singer), Bar, Hog Roast www.woolcarnival.com tug-O-war and wellie throwing. Once again this year we have well-known singer, Donna Samways, performing in the evening, not forgetting the bar and hog roast. The theme for this year’s carnival is ‘A Day at the Races’. Volunteers and donations would be gratefully received. This year we are raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, The Purbeck Workshop and the D’Urberville Hall. We hope to see you there!
Job Hardy’s Swanage
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his year is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Job Hardy in Swanage on the 4th of September 1866. He was the third son of Reuben and Lydia Hardy. Reuben was a builder and his sons followed him into the profession, which was thriving in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Job and his older brother, Harry, went into business together as H & J. Hardy, Builders. The most notable of the contracts that they won came in 1905 (worth £5,000) for the north aisle of the Parish Church. Job started painting when he was twelve and, apart from some evening classes he attended when he was 17, he was self-taught. It is likely he went to the classes run by Julia Colson for the young lads of the town. Here, she taught them things connected with the trades carried on in the town, in particular the drawing skills that many would need. In this, she was following the lead of Albert, the Prince Consort, and the Government, in the establishing of art schools throughout the country in the wake of the Great Exhibition of 1851. In his paintings he used ordinary oil-based household paints and mostly painted on wood, although a few of his finer paintings are on canvas. He also worked with artists’ oil paint from time to time. His subject was the town in which he lived and the area surrounding it, often as he remembered it in his youth and childhood. Throughout his life he painted the same subject in many versions in widely different sizes. Job Hardy’s abounding enthusiasm with his art provides a fascinating record of some of the changes that have taken place in the area over the past hundred years or so. Truly a valuable legacy. Robert Field
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Paul Atterbury Comes To Crossways
he Friends of Crossways Library (FCL) are delighted to welcome Paul Atterbury to the Spitfire Club on Tuesday 14th June at 7.30pm. Paul Atterbury, author, broadcaster and regular presenter on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow will be talking about his life as a writer. All are welcome to meet and hear this popular local celebrity, recently appointed as a Deputy President of The Society Of Dorset Men. Tickets cost £3.50
(£2.50 for FCL members) which will include refreshments, and are available from Crossways library, from any FCL committee member or by calling 01305 854129. The Spitfire Club is in Mount Skippet Way, Crossways, just around the corner from the library. For more information please email friendsofcrosswayslibrary@gmail. com or call 01305 854129.
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Award-Winning Local Artist
The Purbeck Gazette
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he work of an award winning Dorset sculptor can be seen for a limited period near Swanage and later London. Moira Purver from Langton Matravers will open her studio at Steppes Hill House until June 12 as part of The Purbeck Art Weeks Festival and Dorset Art Weeks. “Purbeck Art Weeks has come a long way in 16 years,” says Moira, who is a trustee of the event. “The full festival spans both the visual and performing arts with a range of interesting events in the evenings in addition to the Open Studios and Exhibitions during the day - so well worth an excursion to the Isle of Purbeck.” Later in the summer, from July 28 to August 7 visitors to The Mall Galleries in London will be able to see three of Moira’s sculptures which have been accepted into the Society of Women Artists (SWA) Exhibition. “It is an excellent gallery and a great exhibition and society,” says Moira, whose Male Torso sculpture received an award in a previous SWA exhibition.
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Get Artistic With Dorset’s Wildlife
ildlife and art enthusiasts are invited to get creative this summer with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Great Heath Team, who will be running a series of art events, encouraging people to learn how to draw and paint, using Dorset’s wildlife and landscapes for inspiration. The workshops will take place on Upton Heath and Brownsea Island, where visitors can explore the landscape with an artist, learning how to translate what they see onto the page. Artists Julie Herring and Merisa Mann will be sharing their skills and knowledge with the groups. Julie has studied Fine Art Painting and Natural History Illustration and has a great interest in the design and patterns found in nature. Julie said, “One of my greatest pleasures is to spend time outdoors in the natural environment and drawing is a way of getting closer to it. The art activity can improve your well-being by feeling connected. When you look at wild flowers, trees or wildlife in detail, your enjoyment is enhanced.” Marisa is an ecological artist, who works with conservation groups to increase the public’s awareness of our surroundings, the importance of helping the survival of endangered species, and to enjoy the wonders of nature. Marisa said, “I have spent time in both Asia and Africa, and I like to use vivid colours in my work. Participants will be using acrylic ink on watercolour paper and I will share a variety of techniques, including photos of my completed work.” The Great Heath Learning and Interpretation Officer, Nicky Hoar, said “We’re so pleased to be running an even wider range of art workshops this year, including one for children to enjoy. The Great Heath project is all about helping people get to know their ‘next door nature’, and our workshops are a relaxed and inspiring way to encounter nature and bring out your inner artist.” Workshops dates: Thursday 2nd June 10am – 1pm at Upton Heath drawing workshop for kids, with Julie Herring. Thursday 7th July 10am – 4pm Painting workshop at Upton Heath with Marisa Mann. Thursday 14th July 11am – 2pm Brownsea Island Walk and Draw with Julie Herring. Booking is essential, please phone 01202 692033 or email
nhoar@dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk to book your place and
find out more. Photos: Top right: Marisa Mann on Upton Heath © Nicky Hoar. Below right: Marisa Mann art work © Marisa Mann. Below left: Old Harry Rocks © Julie Herring (www.earth-art.org.uk)
The Purbeck Gazette
Sports & Remedial Massage
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ports and Remedial massage is a soft tissue treatment for individuals with musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction caused by any of life’s stressors and from all walks of life. Most people involved with repetitive activities, either from an occupational or sporting point of view, will at some point develop muscular tension or soft tissue damage. Sports and remedial massage can help relieve occupational, postural and emotional stress as well as improve function of the musculoskeletal system through manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissue. A series of massage techniques including deep tissue massage, soft tissue release and neuromuscular techniques are used in a treatment to improve the body’s movement and deal with muscular tension, injuries and postural problems. The body-mind connection Life can be extremely stressful and many of us feel under constant pressure; with stress, anxiety and depression on the increase. Long-term stress can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances resulting in tension headaches, shoulder tension, backache and other aches and pains. Regular massage has been found to be helpful in managing the symptoms of stress and can result in a feeling of general well-being and relaxation. Mindfulness has become the latest buzzword in stress management, and not a week seems to go by without something being written about this practice. Mindfulness means being aware of, and being in the present moment; rather than what we habitually tend to do, which is to leap into the future, worrying about it, or dwelling in the past, ruminating about what could have been. Our minds and the way we think, has a huge impact on both physical and mental health. Mindfulness has gained in popularity in recent times as a result of very positive research results into the practice. Regular Mindfulness courses are being run at Swanage Therapy Centre, where you can learn some very simple and effective tools and techniques for managing the pressures of life. Jane is a psychologist and massage therapist with an on-going interest in the relationship between body and mind. Jane has over 13 years’ experience as a therapist, is fully insured and adheres to professional guidelines of membership organizations. Jane works in Swanage and Wareham. For more information please see my website, www.purbeckmindfulness.co.uk call me on 07778 515599, or contact the Swanage Therapy Centre on 01929 426506.
Edith Mason-Hubacher I.T.E.C. M.I.P.T.I B.A.U.K.
Qualified Bowen Practitioner Indian Head & Neck Massage Gift vouchers available Telephone: 01929 424956 or 07967 978 695 for details
Book advertising at: www.purbeckgazette.com or call 01929 424293
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Swanage Therapy Centre Jane Zoega Sports & Remedial Massage Mindfulness and Yoga Classes Psychotherapy and Counselling We look forward to seeing you! T: 01929 426506 www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk
Kate Smith, ITEC
www.swanagebeautyandmassage.com
HOLISTIC MASSAGE & BEAUTY TREATMENTS EYELASH PERMING & TINTING, FACIALS, MANICURE, PEDICURE, SHELLAC, WAXING, EYEBROW TREATMENTS, HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPY
Swanage Beauty & Massage at RubyTuesdays Kate is available at: Ruby Tuesdays, Tilly Mews, Swanage
Call Kate for details on 07505 313179 SPRAY TANNING COMING SOON!
The Purbeck Gazette
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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column
The Lounge
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re you one of the hundreds of people who have been busy in your home and garden, taking advantage of the lighter nights and sunnier days to do a few repairs, decorate a room; generally spruce things up? Well, there’s been a lot of that happening at Wareham Hospital over the last couple of months. Dorset HealthCare has repainted all of our patient bedrooms and helped us move things around so that we now have seventeen refurbished patient rooms, a small bedroom for relatives or carers who need to stay
overnight and an adjacent breakfast room where they can take a break and have a little privacy. Perhaps most exciting for our patients and staff, we have converted a large room on the ward into a new patients’ lounge with great views over the recreation ground. Patients can spend time together or with their visitors here, join in activities, play cards, complete a jigsaw and enjoy lunch. It’s a really cheery and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. To complete the scheme, we have used generous donations from our local community to buy wonderful new chairs and footstools for our patients’ comfort, as well as pictures, whiteboards and storage units. The Friends of Wareham Hospital have kindly purchased a new chair which can be converted into a bed and paid for soft furnishings in the relative/carer’s bedroom and breakfast room as well as new games and jigsaws for the patients’ lounge. To celebrate this transformation we are holding an Afternoon Tea on Saturday 4 June between 2.00pm and 4.00pm which will coincide with a street collection the Friends are planning to mark their 50th anniversary. Come along and support us, have a tour round our ward – and enjoy some tea and cake. We’d love to see you and show you round. Swanage Hospital will be holding their Afternoon Tea and fundraising event exactly one week later – more cake! Until next time, take care! Donna Kiss, Matron
Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit - Open 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm If you have an injury, we’re here to treat it! Call us on 01929 421329. We’re here for YOU, so use our services!
CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar
Home Visits & Clinic Appointments Comprehensive foot care - Diabetic Patient’s Care Biomechanics & Orthotics Registered with Society of Podiatrist & Chiropodists, HPC Registered
Contact 07979 840542 NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT
21.5% Of Five-Year-Olds In South West Have Tooth Decay
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n the South West, 21.5% of five-year-olds have tooth decay, according to the latest Oral Health Survey published in May by Public Health England, down from 25% in 2012 and 30.6% in 2008. Nationally, the number of fiveyear-olds suffering from tooth decay has dropped to its lowest level in almost a decade; less than 25% of the cohort suffers from tooth decay, a 20 per cent drop since 2008. This continues the downward trend seen since 2008, the first oral health survey of five-year-olds asking parents to opt-in. In 2008, 31% of five-year-olds suffered tooth decay; in 2012 it was 27%. The pattern of dental health improvement among the age group shows the impact parents and carers can have in establishing
good dental care habits from an early age. Dr Sandra White, director of dental public health at Public Health England, said: “This is great news. However, one child with tooth decay is one too many and there is still much inequality in dental health around the country. Tooth decay is painful and too often results in teeth extraction, some under general anaesthetic. “This is further evidence that we can stop tooth decay in its tracks. Limiting sugary food and drink, supporting children to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and regular trips to the dentist, will help prevent a great many more children suffering at the hands of tooth decay.” The survey also shows that across the country, the average number of teeth affected by decay per child was 0.8, down from 1.1 in 2008. For the first time, data has also been collected across the survey on ethnicity and dental health. Nationally, there has been an increase of 9% in the proportion of children with no obvious decay since 2008. Further analysis is needed to understand the factors that have contributed to this welcome trend. This will help local authorities identify the steps they can take to extend the improvement in decay levels to all sectors of their populations.
The Purbeck Gazette
‘Key To Hearing’ Listen, So You Can Too
Hearing care that comes to you ow entering their fifth year, Key to Hearing is a small, family-run business offering independent hearing care services to people living across Purbeck. Their business is led by award-winning Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, Keeley Salmon, who has over ten years’ experience of providing professional hearing care services. Why choose Key to Hearing? Home visits for comfort and convenience Personal, friendly and compassionate service Professional hearing aid fitting and programming Comprehensive aftercare package Money-back satisfaction guarantees Already have a hearing aid? They can still service your hearing aid even if you haven’t bought it from them.
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Please get in touch with them to discuss your requirements. Their unique approach Key to Hearing have a unique approach to hearing care. They’ll visit you in the comfort and privacy of your own home – saving you time and trouble, and helping you feel more at ease. As your local professional hearing care specialists, Key to Hearing offer a personal, one to one service that you simply won’t find at high street providers.
Complimentary hearing check exclusive to Purbeck Gazette readers. Key to Hearing are inviting Purbeck Gazette readers to have a complimentary hearing check on: Wednesday 15th June at Shaylers Vision Centre, Wareham or Thursday 16th June at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage. If you have ever been curious about how well you are hearing, or would just like some hearing care advice this is your perfect opportunity. Call Keeley or Will to book your appointment today on 01202 511386.
Hello From Swanage Medical Practice
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he media is flooded with news of GP surgeries unable to afford to stay open or struggling to fill GP vacancies. Practices in Dorset are not immune to these issues. It is a fact that across the country the number of patients wanting to see a GP is continuing to increase, yet investment in general practice had reached an historical low. NHS England recently announced increased investment in primary care, but this will take time to trickle down to us. We are very fortunate to have a full complement of Doctors and a highly motivated team supporting them providing a high level of service. However, we are very aware that the Surgery can be a source of frustration to patients; the sometimes long waits at the S&W surgery; having to pay for paperwork for third parties to be completed and non-disclosure of medical information relating to your partner, parent, 16+ child. Some clarification is sorely needed, so please read on……. The Sit & Wait Surgery Operating twice daily with our Duty team, between 9am to 10.30am and 3pm to 4pm. The S&W is for patients with immediate problems that can’t wait. The GPs consult as quickly as patient safety allows and are also responsible for urgent home-visits, so at times there will only be one GP. The ‘wait’ largely depends on demand. Patients can help reduce demand,
by really considering carefully the necessity of seeing a GP for a minor self-limiting illness that will run its course with self-care and patience. Advice for minor ailments can be sought at other local services; please pick up a leaflet from the Surgery. Our Receptionists often face angry patients demanding, “How much longer!” – it is impossible for them to know this, or to promise that a patient can see their own GP. So please don’t harangue our hard working staff. We offer a good service at this Practice, a patient can be seen by a GP on the day with a pressing problem; it might not be your own GP and you might have to wait, but you will be seen. Non-clinical paperwork The reason that patients have to pay for documents for third parties to be completed is that the NHS doesn’t cover the cost of this work. The fee charged is not for the Doctor’s pockets but for the gross turnover of the practice. Any time and resources that the practice uses to complete non NHS work must be recouped from somewhere, i.e., from the patient that has generated the work. These requests create significant extra work for the practice and take the GPs away from NHS work. Confidentiality Central to the development of trust between Doctors and patients is confidentiality. Patients must be able to expect that information about their health is kept private, even from spouses, partners and parents. It is both a professional and legal requirement. There are extenuating circumstances if you are a carer; in these cases special arrangements are established. Please contact the Practice for further information. We hope our explanation discharges any frustrations you may have. Remember your opinions are important and can lead to change. Use our ‘Friends and Family’ touch screen in reception to tell us what you think. For more information view www.swanagemedical.org.uk
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The Purbeck Gazette
Sport
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From Sea Level To Mountain High
n the 11th June, six Swanage cyclists are set for an epic charity challenge. They will ride their bikes nearly 1000km across France in seven days, passing through Tours, Le Mans, Lyon and Grenoble, to name but a few. Local cyclists Shaun Moyler and his son Alfie, Dave Furmage and his son Corey, along with Mark Mahy and Simon Starmer are taking part in the Ride1k charity cycle event. They will be joined by eight other cyclists from around the UK following a route that takes them from Caen on the north coast of France and culminates with a climb of the infamous twenty-one hairpins of L’ Alpe D’ Huez, a steep mountain finish often seen on the Tour de France. Over seven gruelling back-to-back stages, riders will cover around one hundred miles a day and climb in excess of 12,500m – that’s higher than Mount Everest. Ride 1K aims to collectively raise £50k, with each rider fundraising for their own nominated charity. Shaun is riding for War Child, Alfie is taking part on behalf of MIND, Dave will be cycling for Poole Hospital, and Corey is raising money for Julia’s House. Mark will be riding for Save The Children and finally Simon rides for Assert.
Alfie and Corey, both aged 15, will also be making a donation to The Swanage School, where they both attend. If you would like more information or if you wish make a donation, details of the team, route riders and sponsors can be found on our website at www.ride1k.com Good luck guys - we’re all behind you!
The Purbeck Gazette
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New Swim Timetable Launched
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urbeck Sports Centre in Wareham launched a new swimming timetable in early May. Due to popular demand, a new range of swim sessions has been tailored to the needs of the Sports Centre’s customers. Michelle Goodman, Sports Centre Manager, said: ‘We want to make sure everyone can make the most of our pool so we have designed an exciting new range of sessions to suit everyone, whenever we are open, whatever their ability.’ Michelle continued: ‘Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do and our new timetable offers a variety of activities which will help you get the most out of your time in the pool.’ The new sessions include: • Swim For All - Whether it’s to play, swim or relax, these sessions are designed for everyone, whatever their ability. • Swimming Champions - Lane swimming for those serious swimmers who want endurance and distance. • Slow and Steady - Lane swimming for those who prefer a gentler swim. • Pool Playtime - Pool toys, giant play mats and lots of other fun equipment. • Family Fun Sundays – Fun for parents and children, with a selection of floats and toys. Don’t miss the special offer with two children swimming free of charge with one full paying adult. Some firm favourites remain in the line-up: • Aquafit – An effective and fun cardiovascular pool-based body workout. • Swim School Lessons for all children aged 3 years and over - Taking non-swimmers from their first splash to confidence and competence in the water. • Parent and Baby Lessons – Building children’s confidence and coordination with swimming from an early age. The new timetable complements the recent enhancements to the Sports Centre’s pool, including fresh new lighting and tiling improvements. The new swimming timetable is available at www.dorsetforyou.com/ purbecksportscentre and at the Sports Centre, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PH
Swanage Croquet Club
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he Swanage Croquet Club’s season has commenced with a win eleven games to nine in an exciting away match against East Dorset Croquet Club, who were last year’s league champions. Fortunately the game was played in glorious sunshine. Our club plays in a handicap league and a level play league. We have a thriving club with over one hundred members, enjoying croquet, social events, club competitions, and coaching sessions. With the World Championship this year taking place in England, this can only be a good for the game of croquet. Any enquiries contact Sally Fazekas on 01929 427567.
Dorset Basketball Success
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orset under 15s boys’ and girls’ Basketball teams win second and third place in South West England Regional Inter-County tournament Dorset boys’ and girls’ basketball teams excelled in the South West under 15s basketball tournaments held on Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April. Covering all the South West, the boys came second and the girls came third. The boys’ team won matches against Somerset and Gloucestershire and lost to Bristol in a close, fast and great to watch game. They again faced Bristol in the final. This was another close match. Losing 14-0 in the first quarter they fought back, drawing level in the final quarter, losing out in the last two minutes to Bristol who won 38-35. The first ever Dorset County girls’ team beat the South West under 13s and Gloucester to win a place in the semi-final. Leading at the end of the second quarter, they narrowly lost to Bristol. Taking into account their wins and points scored during the day, Dorset finished third in the tournament. The team of nine players had only trained together two times, making their wins and place in the tournament an excellent result. Catello Landolfi, coach for both teams said, “We are really delighted with both teams - their results and achievement showed how committed they were in both the training and the tournaments. They played hard representing their county against all the others in the South West. Their motivation, passion and determination working as teams and supporting each-other was a joy for me to see.” Steve Sherlock, assistant coach for both teams, commented, “We are all really proud - the best ever result for boys in this tournament and the first team ever for the girls who did so well. Just the best of times for Dorset county basketball. We really appreciate all the support we had from parents.” Dorset has three basketball clubs - Dorchester Tigers, Dorset Storm and Weymouth Basketball Club. All three offer training and matches for children and young people in Dorset.
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Swanage Football Club
e are at the end of a long season and the 1st team finished their campaign with a very long list of injuries which was evident in the last few results. The very last game we were away to Sherborne Res. if we were to win the game we would have finished 6th, but as I said earlier we fielded a weakened team due to injuries. We went on to lose the game 4:0 and ended up finishing our campaign in eighth place. Still a very good season. The reserves managed by Jossie have had a season of transition. Jossie has been integrating many 16/18 year olds into the senior set up and this hasn’t been easy at times, but they have done remarkably well to hold their own in Dorset League 1. The Club would also like to thank Lee (Jossie) James, who has handed in his resignation as he goes onto pastures new, managing a brand new team for David Elm’s Royal British Legion, starting off on the bottom rung in Dorset League 5. We wish both Jossie and Elmo all the best in their new venture.Both the First team and the Reserves are having a joint presentation day. They are starting off with a trip to the water park at Corfe and returning back to the Club for a barbecue and one or two drinks. The awards will then be given out during the evening. There are number of favourites for the awards to be given out. Graeme Rose, joint world record holder, is a possible candidate. Regular readers will remember Graeme equalling the hat trick record, scoring four consecutive hat tricks only to just miss out on his fifth. He was unlucky as Swans were due to play bottom of the table Cranbourne at the time he was going for his fifth hat trick but unfortunately that game was affected by the weather. The game Graeme had to try and achieve this world record was probably the hardest game possible, away to Shaftesbury who eventually won the Dorset Premier League. He came close, scoring one and having one disallowed. Other contenders are Landon Arthur, who previous manager Alan Lay brought in and who many onlookers thought would follow Alan to Verwood. But Landon has stayed
The Purbeck Gazette
loyal to the Swans and in so doing has had a terrific season in the heart of our defence. The Reserves also have a number of candidates and favourite to collect an award has to be Captain Bobby Mccuish who has had a fantastic season being a great inspiration for the youngsters. The Reserves with Joss leaving need a new Manager and the Club has acted quickly in appointing Dawson Russell as Manager. Dawson has managed in our youth set up for a number of years and is the ideal candidate to help the youngsters’ transition from U16/18 to senior football. He will be aided on the coaching side with 2 FA level 2 qualified coaches Paulo Carvalho and Frank (Ali). So next season it’s looking very encouraging with rumours rife that 1st team manager Tim Brown will be strengthening his squad with a few new signings. Competition for places will be tough when everyone is fit. The youth section is to hold its presentation day on the 12th of June and I will be writing more on this in next month’s issue. The club continues to be at the heart of the community as we were asked to stage one of the fuel stops on a recent cycle event. Over 1100 cyclists from across the County participated in a 100/80/60 mile ride. Organised by national company Wiggle this was a really well organised event and we were only too pleased to be able to offer our facilities for the cyclists. On that same day we had a ‘Club Tidy Day’ where a number of committee members and supporters came together in order to give the Day’s Park site a much needed spruce up. Painting, litter picking, weeding etc etc. This is an ongoing process as you can imagine how your own property and garden can run out of control at this time of year and then you times that by at least tenfold and you can see what we are up against. Remember we are always looking for volunteers to join our committee who would be willing to give up a few hours a month for such a rewarding worthwhile cause. Please call me if you are interested in becoming a volunteer (or want your windows cleaned!!) 07919 277568. COME ON YOU SWANS. John Peacock
The Purbeck Gazette - Proudly Supporting The Swans
Swanage Cricket Club
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wanage Cricket Club are enjoying a fine start to the season, with the Saturday 1stXI playing in the Premier Division for the fourth consecutive season, as well as the Saturday 2ndXI playing in County Division 4. The club also have a Sunday team which plays friendly matches. However, the part of the Club which is flourishing the most is the Youth Section. There are now an incredible six teams covering all age ranges from 8-15 - who all have both a designated Manager and Coach. Forthcoming fixtures at Days Park in June:Sat 4 Poole Town (Under 9s) Sat 4 Sturminster & Hinton (2ndXI from 13:30) Sun 5 Wessex Pilgrims (14:00) Mon 6 Christchurch (Under 13s) Tue 7 Bransgore (Under 15s) Fri 10 Bournemouth (Under 10s) Sat 11 Christchurch (Under 11s) Sat 11 Sherborne (1stXI from 13:00) Sun 12 Cerne Valley Tue 14 Bournemouth (Under 15s) Fri 17 Poole Town (Under 12s) Sat 18 Abbotsbury (2ndXI) Sun 19 Martinstown Sat 25 Dorchester (1stXI) Mon 27 Bournemouth (Under 13s) The club would also like to thank the following sponsors for their much appreciated, continued support:- Gee Whites Restaurant, Globe Pub,
Harrow House International, Land & Wave, Link Rider, Masala Indian Restaurant, Neaves Rowing, PJC Accountancy Services, PTN Systems, Purbeck Kitchens, Suttles Quarries and Woodlands Landscaping & Building Services. The club are also looking forward to going to the Rose Bowl for the third successive season to watch Hampshire Hawks in the T20 and have a number of functions planned at the newly refurbished, modern Pavilion. Anyone interested in playing for or sponsoring the club, or simply for all the latest news/results, please visit our website:- www. swanagecricketclub.co.uk
Swanage Bowls Club
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wanage Bowls Club got off to a cracking start to the season by winning six of their first seven competitive fixtures. The opening match was the annual men’s friendly against Pelhams, for which the teams play for a shield, retained again this year by Swanage. Then came the first match in the Men’s Dorset League at Poole Park, with Swanage coming away winners 57-49. The match against Broadstone was another excellent win for Swanage, 64-47. The only loss in the early season games was a whitewash at Southbourne in the Bournemouth and District League 66-100, but Swanage retaliated in style the following week by winning comfortably against Richmond Park 92-61. This year Swanage has entered a mixed triples team in the B & D Combination League and they got off to a brilliant start with a very convincing win over Kings Park 47-21. Norwest Bowls Club from Bath were on tour in Dorset and played a most enjoyable match at Swanage. The home team won by twelve shots. So it has been the best start to the season for Swanage for many years. It has been a delight to play bowls in the May sunshine and feel the warmth on our backs, with the pleasure enhanced by some excellent results. Long may this continue. If you missed our have-a-go sessions, it’s not too late - just come along to one of the ‘Club Nights’ held on Friday evenings at 5.30pm or give Clive a ring on 422337 or Jean on 426795 to arrange a time for you to give bowls a try.
The Purbeck Gazette
Spotlight Event Diary
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Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for July is noon, FRI 10th June 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.
JUNE
Wed 1st * Purbeck Art Weeks Festival * Seige Engine Building Workshops At Corfe Castle. Booking Essential, 6-12 yrs, accompanied by an adult. Ffi www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Corfe Castle NT car park for a circular walk via Corfe Common, Little Woolgarston, Rollington Hill and Challow Hill. Ffi 01929 289135. 10:30 Plant Pots for Pollinators At Durlston Country Park. Join Butterfly Conservation to plant your very own pot of flowers to help butterflies and find out more about how you can help them. £5 14:30 Plant Pots for Pollinators At Durlston Country Park. Join Butterfly Conservation to plant your very own pot of flowers to help butterflies and find out more about how you can help them. £5 15:30 Rockin’ The Joint At The Legion, Swanage. www.rockinthejoint.co.uk 20:00 Nightjar Walk At RSPB, Arne. RSPB members £6, non-members £8, children £2. Booking is essential: 01929 553360. Thu 2nd * Dorset Wildlife Trust Guided Walks An afternoon walk to Challow Hill. Meet in Challow walkers’ car park off Sandy Hill Lane. Part of Dorset Flower Week. 10:00 Drawing Workshop for Kids At Upton Heath, with Julie Herring. Booking is essential - 01202 692033. 10:30 Meet a Moth! At Durlston Country Park. Discover these creatures of the night, as we empty last night’s trap. Donations welcome at the Castle. 14:00 Brilliant Bees! At Durlston Country Park. Come and learn about our fuzzy friends. Oh bee-hive! £3 Booking Essential. At the LC. 15:30 Rockin’ The Joint At The Legion, Swanage. www.rockinthejoint.co.uk Fri 3rd 11:00 Clifftop Tour At Durlston Country Park. A free half hour guided stroll along the cliffs. Donations welcome at the Castle. 15:30 Rockin’ The Joint At The Legion, Swanage. www.rockinthejoint.co.uk 20:00 BeBopdajig Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 4th * Art In The Orchard At Holme Nurseries, West Holme, Wareham BH20 6AQ. We are fortunate enough to have some very good local artists displaying their work in the Orchard, all pictures are available to purchase and the artists will be on hand for tips and any questions you may have. Ffi: 01929 554716. 09:30 Freebay Table Top Sale at The URC Swanage. Free table & free entry. Ffi: 01929 422406 10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Knoll Beach car park for a circular walk via Agglestone Rock, Godlington Heath, Ballard Down, Old Harry Rocks and Studland Village. Ffi 01929 421039. 11:00 Swanage Youth & Community Centre Open Day (Off the High St behind Swanage Methodist Church). Join us for an exciting fundraising launch day. 15:30 Rockin’ The Joint At The Legion, Swanage. www.rockinthejoint.co.uk 19:30 Tess Of The D’Urbervilles At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Box Office 01929 422239. Sun 5th 14:00 Cory Seznec Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 14:30 Marvellous Meadows! At Durlston Country Park. Join naturalist Hamish Murray from Dorset Wildlife Trust to see the Durlston meadows in their midsummer glory. £3 at the Castle. 15:30 Rockin’ The Joint At The Legion, Swanage. www.rockinthejoint.co.uk th Mon 6 18:00 D-Day Service At The Memorial above Swanage Seafront. Everyone Welcome. Wed 8th * Studland WI BBQ venue to be announced. No Competition. 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet by the café and toilets at Upton Country Park for a circular walk around Upton Heath taking in woodland and heath. Ffi 01929 422795. 18:45 Swanage Town Band In the bandstand from 6.45 pm, weather permitting. Free concert - all welcome. Liz Roberts 01929/481419. 20:00 Nightjar Walk At RSPB, Arne. RSPB members £6, non-members £8, children £2. Booking is essential: 01929 553360. Thu 9th 16:30 Swanage Trefoil Guild Jurassic Golf followed by the beach hut (no. 15) at 5.30pm and Fish & Chips til 8.30. Visitors Welcome. Ffi: 01929 556374 or 01929 424321. 18:30 Pimms By The Pond At Holme Nurseries, West Holme, Wareham BH20 6AQ. Enjoy an evening tour of the Holme planted gardens and borders with Simon on hand to answer any questions and queries, followed by Pimms, nibbles and live music. Tickets £10. Bookings taken on 01929 554716. 18:30 EU Referendum Question Time At The Emmanuel Church Centre, Swanage. Fri 10th * Swanage Fish Festival Ffi: www.swanagefishfest.org 19:30 Queen’s Birthday Concert At St Mary’s Church, Swanage at 7.30pm. Simon Lole conducts local choirs in a celebration concert including music from the coronation. Liz Roberts 01929 481419 th Sat 11
* * 09:45 10:00 14:00
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Swanage Fish Festival Ffi: www.swanagefishfest.org Studland WI At the Brighton Centre, Brighton. WI Annual General Meeting. Swanage Walking Group Meet at Castle Inn, Corfe Castle, having caught the 09:05 bus from Swanage for linear walk to Swanage via the Purbeck Way. Ffi 01929 426926. Craft & Vintage Fair At The Catholic Church Hall, Swanage. Free entry. Studland Queen’s 90th Birthday Village Fete On the Village Green next to the Village Hall. WI teas, BBQ, sideshows, plant sales, dog show, grand raffle, competitions, games of chance. Dancing to the Red River Hogs in the evening at the Social Club till late. Email: Aparsons888@gmail.com Threepenny Bit Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Swanage Hospital Afternoon Tea In the hospital grounds. Teas, raffle, books, games, cakes, produce, crafts, tombola.
Sun 12th * Swanage Fish Festival Ffi: www.swanagefishfest.org * Dorset Countryside Volunteers We will be helping care for Tyneham in Purbeck. We welcome new people interested in helping care for this historic abandoned village. For details see www.dcv.org.uk, email DCVpublicity@gmail. com, or text or message 07923-498760 for us to contact you. 10:00 Kingston Maurwood Show A fun-packed family day out! Adults £7, concessions £6.50. 14:00 Brooke Sharkey Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 14:30 Folklore Ramble At Durlston Country Park. Join the Rangers for a stroll and hear colourful folk tales surrounding the park’s wildlife. £3 Mon 13th 20:00 A Family History Talk At St John’s Church Centre Ashley Road (opposite Waitrose) Parkstone BH14 0AA. Dorset Family History Society welcomes Roger Guttridge who is giving a talk on My Family and Other Smugglers. Members £2 Visitors £3 to include refreshments. Everyone welcome. More details on 01202 785623 or www.dorsetfhs.org.uk Email: publicity@dorsetfhs.org.uk Tue 14th 11:00 Clifftop Tour At Durlston Counrty Park. A free half hour guided stroll along the cliffs. Donations welcome at the Castle. 14:00 Parkinson’s Self Help Group At The All Saints Church Hall, Swanage. 19:30 Talk by Paul Atterbury At The Spitfire Club, Crossways. Wed 15th 19:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Worth Matravers car park for an evening circular walk via East Man and Winspit Bottom. Ffi 01929 425165. 19:00 Studland History Group Meets in the Village Hall for a talk by Trev Haysom, “Purbeck Stone In The New World”. All welcome. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245 19:30 Swanage Garden Society At Herston Hall, Swanage Plant Swap and Social Evening. 20:00 Nightjar Walk At RSPB, Arne. RSPB members £6, non-members £8, children £2. Booking is essential: 01929 553360. Thu 16th 19:30 Rude Mechanical Theatre Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Fri 17th * Chilled Cider Festival At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 10:00 National Care Home Open Day At Gainsborough Care home. Tea, raffle, bbq, cake stall, bric-a-brac. Sat 18th * Chilled Cider Festival At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 * 70s Express On Swanage Railway. Enjoy a summer evening ride with 70’s music along the way. Tickets £14.50 adults, £7.50 children. * Strawberry Day At Holme for Gardens, Holme Nurseries, West Holme, Wareham BH20 6AQ. Fun for all the family, with donkey rides, bouncy castle, local craft & produce stalls and music. Enjoy lunch in the Orchard café or cream teas around our Ponds & Landscaped Gardens. Free entry & plenty of free parking. Ffi: 01929 554716. 10:00 Meet Swanage Quakers At The Lions Beach hut, no.15. Refreshments provided. 10:00 Wareham & District Dementia Friendly Community At Wareham Library, South street, Wareham. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Church Lane, Osmington, for circular walk to picturesque Sutton Poyntz via White Horse Hill retuning via Pixon Barn. Ffi 01929 450164. 10:00 Books, Coffee Cake and Home Made Produce At Moreton Village Hall DT2 8RE. FREE Entry. All books 25p. Maeve 01929 463221 www.moretonvillagehall. btck.co.uk 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:30 Meet a Moth! At Durlston Counrty Park. Discover these creatures of the night, as we empty last night’s trap. Donations welcome. 11:00 Wool Carnival Parade, 11am, Arena events from 12pm. Raffle, bar, cream teas,
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BBQ, stalls, fun fair, skittles and free evening entertainment. Rough Guide to Durlston At Durlston Counrty Park. Take a stroll to discover more about Durlston’s wildlife, history and geology with Shannon Dugdale £3.
Sun 19 * Art In The Orchard At Holme Nurseries, West Holme, Wareham BH20 6AQ. We are fortunate enough to have some very good local artists displaying their work in the Orchard, all pictures are available to purchase and the artists will be on hand for tips and any questions you may have. Ffi: 01929 554716. * Chilled Cider Festival At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 14:30 Rolf Gets Rattled - Talk At Durlston Country Park. Join resident artist Rolf Williams for an illustarted on his travels around the world in search of venomous snakes. Booking Essential.£3 at the LC. Mon 20th 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. st Tue 21 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:30 Castle Tour At Durlston Country Park. Free half hour tour of Durlston Castle. Donations welcome. 14:00 The New Christian Spiritualist Church Swanage Meet at the Queensmead, Community Room, Queens Road. Our guest Medium will be Dan Clark, there will also be a Healing session after the service, along with refreshments. We look forward to seeing you all. 19:15 Rotary Club of Wareham. We are looking for new members and are holding an interactive presentation by the Probation Service at Springfield Country Hotel. For more information please contact Tony on 553936 or see our website www. warehamrotary.co.uk 19:30 “Lawrence of Arabia’s War” At The Town Hall, East Street. Wareham Museum presents a free lecture by Dr Neil Faulkner. Wed 22nd 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Scotland Farm for a circular walk through flower meadows and along the Hartland Trail. 01929 556871. 18:45 Swanage Town Band In the bandstand from 6.45 pm, weather permitting. Free concert - all welcome. Liz Roberts 01929/481419. 20:00 Nightjar Walk At RSPB, Arne. RSPB members £6, non-members £8, children £2. Booking is essential: 01929 553360. Thu 23rd 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. Fri 24th 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 14:00 Ma Palone’s Great Decline Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 25th 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:00 Studland History Group We are holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds towards the new Remembrance Garden at St Nicholas Church. All welcome. There will be a display of Studland Memorabilia. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245. 10:30 Young Rangers At Learning Centre, Durlston Country Park. Get up and have fun outdoors! A monthly club for children aged 6-9 about wildlife, with craft activities and games! Booking Essential.£3 for one child, £5 for two children, £7 for three. 10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet outside the main entrance to Weymouth College in Cranford Avenue for mainly level walk taking in the various parks and gardens of Weymouth. Ffi 01929 421039. 14:00 Nordic Walking Taster Session At Durlston Country Park. Join Vicki and John from Purbeck Nordic Walking for a free 1-hour taster. Booking essential. At www. purbecknordicwalking.co.uk Free 19:30 Dorset County Orchestra At St Mary’s Church, Swanage. Tickets £10 (unde 18’s free) on the door, or from Tilly Whims. Retiring collection for the RNLI. 20:00 Eva Abraham Live Acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 26th 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:00 Purbeck Antiques & Collectors’ Fairs At Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. £1 entry. www.purbeckantiquesfairs.co.uk 14:30 Midsummer Meadows At Durlston Country Park. Enjoy colourful wildflowers with th
The Purbeck Gazette
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botanist Ted Pratt. £3 at the Castle Annual Swanage Civic Service At St Mary’s Parish Church, Swanage. Everyone welcome. Ruby & The Roughcuts At The Legion, Swanage. www.rubyandtheroughcuts. co.uk
Mon 27th 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 19:30 Sandford Heritage Community Group Sandford Community Hall, Keysworth Drive. Presents “The Cyril Diver Project” a talk by Michelle Brown, Project Officer, National Trust. Refreshments available. Suggested donation of £2. th Tue 28 10:00 Wonders of World Heritage Exhibition Free in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Counrty Park. Displays and interactive activities exploring what it means to be a World Heritage Site. In 2016 this exhibition coincides with Love The Jurassic Coast Week. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at NT car park on South Down Hill, above Ringstead for a circular walk via Ringstead, the coast path and White Nothe. Ffi 01929 480224. 14:30 Clifftop Tour At Durlston Country Park. A free half hour guided stroll along the cliffs. Donations welcome. Wed 29th 20:00 Nightjar Walk At RSPB, Arne. RSPB members £6, non-members £8, children £2. Booking is essential: 01929 553360. 10:00 Probus 2 of Purbeck Meet at the Pines Hotel Swanage. Talk by Mr T.Arnold “Musical Appreciation”. Visitors welcome.
WEEKLY EVENTS
EVERY MONDAY 09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH. 09.30 Under 2.5 years old group. Till 11am. at Parish Hall, Wm. 09.45 Toddler Club URC, Sw. Till 11.15 10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 10.30 Flowers with Liz at the Purbecvk Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@ gmail.com 13.00 Play and Learn at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 2.45pm 13.00 Under 1s and Tums at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 3pm 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 19.30 Swanage Badminton Club at the Swanage School, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 07966 136641. 19.30 Swanage Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, Court Road, Sw. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Sw. 20.00 Herston Hall Management C’ttee Bingo EVERY TUESDAY 09.00 First Steps Toddler’s Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 10.15am. Ffi: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours, or sylviag@swanagemethodist.org.uk 09.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Painting and sketching. At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Till 1pm. Outdoors in summer. Ffi: Gina on 421689. 09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 11.30am. 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 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Bridgit on 01929 552816 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.00 Sw Tennis Club Club Session. Till 11. 426312 10.00 Sandford Toddlers at Sandford Community Hall, till 11.30am. 10.00 Short Tennis at Sw FC All ages & abilities £1.50 Till noon. 425175 10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the swing of things
The Purbeck Gazette
gently! Ffi: 481000 10.30 First Steps Toddler’s Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.45am. Ffi: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours, or sylviag@swanagemethodist.org.uk 11.00 Guided Tour of Bere Regis famous Mediaeval Church. Tour lasts around 3/4 hour, no fixed charge, donations very welcome towards vital work on the Church’s fabric. Families and larger groups welcome at other times, by arrangement. Contact Richard on 01929 471889 or email bereheath@ btinternet.com or John England on 01929 471469 or email st_george@ stanbarrow.f9.co.uk. Light refreshments can be made available for booked tours. 12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm 14.00 Swanage Walking for Health Group. Walks of 60-90mins, various locations. Walks are very social, for a range of abilities. Walks start from car parks at Studland, Corfe, Arne, Durlston, Langton, Acton, Worth and Kingston. Ffi: 481000. 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 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 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: 421913 19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at their NEW venue, St Mark’s CE VA Primary School, High St, Sw. Parking on-site. All singers welcome! 423729 20.00 Sw Regatta & Carnival Assoc Bingo Herston Leisure, Herston Yards Farm, Sw. 20.00 Carey Hall, Wm Bingo 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 10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon. 11.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Swanage Library till 1pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities 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 15.00 Extend Exercise Class, now at Morton Village Hall. To improve strength, balance and flexibility. All welcome. Donations welcome. Ffi: 471490. 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 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552257 19.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club Roll-up evening Furzebrook VH. 401799 19.15 Purbeck Runners meet at the Crows Nest, Sw. 4/5 mile run. 19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. Ffi: 426161 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10 20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130 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: Jane on 01929 427078 09.30 Play and Learn at Chapel Lane, Swanage, till 11am. 09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Streche Road, Wareham, until 12 noon. 09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am 10.00 Wm Parent & Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45. 556806 10.00 First Dorset Credit Union is in Wareham at ‘Not Just Sundaes’ community cafe, South Street, Wm. Until 12 noon. 10.00 Wool Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available. 10.00 Sw Tennis 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. 10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Bridgit on 01929 552816 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.30 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Chinese Art Group 10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests
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to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976 10.30 Woodworking with Bernard and Terry at the Purbecvk Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@gmail.com 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon. 13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm. 13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Antinatal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864. 13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Life drawing classes at Harmans Cross Village Hall from 2pm till 4pm. For further information, ring 427621. 14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Sw. All Welcome. 15.00 Guided Tour of Bere Regis famous Mediaeval Church. Tour lasts around 3/4 hour, no fixed charge, donations very welcome towards vital work on the Church’s fabric. Families and larger groups welcome at other times, by arrangement. Contact Richard on 01929 471889 or email bereheath@ btinternet.com or John England on 01929 471469 or email st_george@ stanbarrow.f9.co.uk. Light refreshments can be made available for booked tours. 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 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehersals, with conductor Jay Buckle, at Swanage First School from September - May. All welcome. For more information please phone Liz Roberts 01929 481419 19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm 20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw EVERY FRIDAY 09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Ffi: Alex on 07904 412067. 10.00 Swanage Library Rhyme Time, until 11.30am. 10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 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. Royal British Legion, Sw. 426096. 18.00 Sw Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9) Till 8 18.00 Sw Tennis Club Senior Club Session. 426312 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 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 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 08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 4/5 mile run. 09.00 Sw CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30 09.30 Sw CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30 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 09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 8+ mile run. 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.
The Purbeck Gazette
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The Purbeck Gazette
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The Purbeck Gazette
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The Purbeck Gazette
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