Letters

‘Fat Cats’ will be celebrating soon

Welcome to the New Year. Fat Cats’ Payday falls this year on Wednesday, January 5, (assuming Fat Cats enjoyed the full New Year holiday). So who are the fat cats and why is Wednesday, January 5, 2022, Fat Cats’ Payday? They are the chief executive officers of UK companies – most of which are household names. During the morning of January 5 many CEOs (assuming days off on January 1, 2, 3) will have accrued as much money as the average full-time wage of employees across the UK: £31,500. Does this matter? Are we really convinced that the CEO of a UK company, with leadership responsibility for a workforce that may be several thousand employees or more, is actually worth a salary two or three hundred times that of the average employee? How can that be justified? And in Dorset many wages fall below the UK average. Employment in seaside towns is seasonal and precarious, and rural employment is often scarce and sometimes stressful or lonely. Whilst inflation gathers pace, wages in the public sector have been held back. No wonder one media report after another mentions the damage which inequality is doing to UK lives and livelihoods: in health (both mental and physical), wellbeing, happiness, community cohesion, hope for the future. And it’s not just wage earners who are affected. The mental health of children and students has been severely impacted not only by Covid, but also by growing inequality and the climate emergency. In October Danny Dorling, an Oxford professor of geography and noted campaigner for greater equality, in an online webinar for the Dorset Equality Group, contrasted two families: one on annual household income of £600,000 (not many Dorset families are on that sort of money, but there are some) and another on under £10,000 (after housing costs). The ultra-rich family can spend 100 times as much a day on their children as the poorest. It doesn’t have to be like this. Dorset Equality Group campaigns for Fairer payscales: restraining pay at the top, boosting pay at the bottom; Recognition that the climate crisis provides the opportunity to create well-paid, long-term jobs which operate within the boundaries of what the planet can sustain; Observance of the maxim that ‘there is enough for everyone’s need but not for anyone’s greed’. For more details, email: dorset equalitygroup@gmail.com. Rob Pearce Dorset Equality Group Wimborne

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

We’re too soft towards ‘illegals’

So, Mr Horitz believes Mr Chope is offensive, athough most of his constituents would agree with him on the subject he wrote about. After reading Mr.Chope’s article, he referred to illegal people in to our country, not refugees. I am afraid, Mr Horitz, most of us feel that illegals should be turned back to France or the first safe country they arrive at. Our Governments have become soft towards illegals etc, costing the taxpayer over a billion pounds a year to keep them. This is against the wishes of the people of our country. We cannot afford those who seek ‘a better life’ but want to keep their customs, dress, religion the same as where they originate, and often disliking the western way of life and the people... us. Glad Brown Ashley Heath

Get online with our library digital champion

Here at Corfe Mullen Library, our digital champions can help people to get online and to get the most from their device. They can give advice on many digital queries, such as setting up and using devices, including phones, tablets and PCs. All the sessions are free. Please book a slot (a one-to-one, 25minute session) by calling the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 or contacting Corfe Mullen Library directly on 01202 659755 or via corfemullenlibrary@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk’. Jessica Burford Library Manager

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Day Hospice patients entered a competition to design a scarecrow and were delighted to scoop first prize! Run by Bourne View Care Home, residents of the home were asked to be the judges and chose Lewis-Manning’s ‘Lord Lewis’ as the competition winners. Hospice art co-ordinator Karen England said: “We have the most wonderful and creative patients in Day Hospice and their creation, using mostly recyclable materials, brought Lord Lewis to life. “It was a really fun activity to carry out together and his hat is made up of a collection of all the handprints of the patients. His eyes, nose and mouth are made from sunflower seeds, to be in keeping with LewisManning’s logo. The scarecrow had quite a distinguished aura about him, so we all decided to name him Lord Lewis! “We were presented with a trophy which is engraved and we get to keep it for a year.” If you or someone you know would benefit from LewisManning’s Day Hospice and Creative Arts and Wellbeing services, call 01202 708470 and ask to speak to the Day Hospice Team or visit lewismanning.org.uk/ for more information.

YES M’LUD: Hospice art co-ordinator Karen England with His Lordship

Plans now submitted for new market site

by Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Plans have been submitted to relocate Wimborne Market and create an activity route, amenities, parking and new vehicle access at Lake Gates just outside the town. The Design and Access statement, prepared for landowners Ensors Ltd by Planning Base Ltd, states that the site on both sides of the A31 and east of the B3078, 250 metres south of Julians Bridge, has been divided into three. Land south of the A31 will see no development other than a footpath, and to the north, one part will have footpaths and amenity facilities – including a fitness trail, area for dog walkers, children’s play areas, picnic benches, wild meadows and formal parking – and the other the open barn structures to serve the relocated market. They say the site is wellconnected to the town, being about 800 metres to the west, and the change of use will allow the town of Wimborne to continue to be able to hold a market, given that the previous site will become a McCarthy & Stone retirement development. It will also cater for those using the new public amenities and provide a pedestrian and cyclist connection from Corfe Mullen, Merley and all areas south of the A31 to Wimborne. Their statement identifies constraints including that it is a Green Belt site, is partly within the flood plain, the belief there are Roman remains, and the high levels of accident data close to the roundabout and the A31. In response it states that the only buildings – providing space for a continuation of the Station Road market –will be lightweight, and outside the Roman Camp area. They add: “It will remove pedestrians and cyclists from having to cross the A31 at the Lake Gates roundabout and ensure that they can cross over the bridge on land owned by the applicant.” They say the site, which has hosted car boot sales and fairs for more than 40 years, is the ideal location to continue a trading market, enabling a legacy established by Thomas Ensor in 1855 to continue. It suggests the potential for future educational use and investigation of the Roman site, and for discussions about making the B3078 approach to Wimborne safer. The showground lies in Pamphill, but is in Corfe Mullen ward, represented by Mike Barron and Paul Harrison. Councillor Robin Cook, member for Pamphill in the Stour and Allen Vale ward, has asked that the application be considered by the eastern planning committee, of which Cllr Barron is a member, in view of the amount of archaeological and wider public interest. Colehill parish councillor KD Johnson has objected, saying the proposals are unsuitable for a year-round, weekly market – close to a scheduled ancient monument, in a floodplain which will become muddy when wet, and an exposed location where open-sided barns may be unusable in winter. “It is accessed from the town only by crossing Julian’s Bridge, and in the rural parish of Pamphill, so unable to be a Wimborne market.” Comments on the proposal are open until January 31. The application can be found on the Dorset Council website, application number 3/21/1030/FUL.

Portfield School in Christchurch has unveiled its first ‘Model Classroom’ – an architect-designed environment for learning, created specifically around the needs of autistic children. Portfield School in Parley is owned and operated by the charity Autism Unlimited and provides specialist teaching and care for students aged four to 19 who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “In order to grow, develop and support our students in the best possible way, we are continually evolving and looking at new studies, research and projects. “Autistic people can become distracted and overwhelmed by too much visual, tactile and audible information. Autistic people may also have visual-perceptual challenges when it comes to where they are supposed to sit, where their area is in a room or classroom, or how to

get from point A to point B. Siún continued: “Our first Model Classroom is the result of two years’ of planning and has been overseen by the international architect Simon Humphreys, who specialises in designing spaces for autistic people. We have transformed one of our classrooms into a distraction-free and structured

environment with the right use of colours and lighting, and overboarded walls to create a quiet, soundproof environment.” Every inch of the classroom has been assessed during the remodelling process and designed with the students’ needs and happiness in mind. Fitted cupboards are used to store all resources out of sight and even heaters have been hidden in the ceiling to remove any unnecessary distractions for the students while they learn. The room has diffused and dimmable lighting in the form of coloured LEDs, which colourwash the walls giving students the option to choose whichever colours they wish on any given day, resulting in a soothing and sensory space. Clearly marked areas for study, storytelling and winding down have also been created. Horseshoe and hexagonalshaped tables enable students to both ‘join up’ and interact with each other, working as a group, or break away into a quiet space if they prefer working alone. Siún added: “Hopefully it will inspire others to implement inclusive strategies like this.” n autism-unlimited.org.uk

Motorists face three months of misery

Motorists face fresh travel misery after Hampshire County Council announced a three-month closure for the arterial A35 at Holmsley. The closure will affect an eight-mile stretch of road between Vinney Ridge Inclosure junction, south of Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, and St Michael and All Angels Church at Hinton. It is being put in place to allow bridge replacement work at Holmsley Crossing and is expected to last from January 4 to April 8. The cross-forest route is used by thousands of drivers each day and will heap pressure on surrounding roads –especially with the ongoing major roadworks at Ringwood on the A31. The new bridge is expected to be constructed alongside the existing one, which straddles the C10 Station Road. Traffic using it will be transferred to the new route before the existing bridge is removed.

Have a view to recycling

A new glasses collection and recycling facility is available at Ringwood’s Gateway Building. Run by Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club, the facility accepts unwanted spectacles and then redistributes them to be reused elsewhere in the world. For more information, visit ringwoodandfordingbridge lions.co.uk. Objections have been received to two plans involving demolition of existing properties and building of replacements in Highcliffe, Christchurch. A proposal to knock down numbers 19 and 21 in Wortley Road, to build eight two-bedroom flats at 2.5 storeys high with parking, bike and refuse storage has been branded ‘oversized’ by one objector. Meanwhile, a plan to demolish an existing bungalow and garage and build two chalet-style properties with parking spaces at 4 Braemar Drive has been described as ‘not in keeping’. An objection to the plan claimed the proposed change would ‘detract from the current open spacious feel of the area and will also set a precedent for further demolition and development of other nearby properties.

US benefactor boosts charity

by Faith Eckersall A Dorset charity has used money from a former Wimborne man to help create a tranquil room for breast screening patients prior to referral for treatment at Poole Hospital. Steven Blonstein, who attended Hardy’s Grammar School and now lives in California, donated more than £240,000 to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) in 2015. The money was left by his aunt, Betty Hyams, who died in 2013, aged 86. The foundation has already used some of Betty’s money to help fund cancer projects at the Wessex Cancer Trust, the LewisManning Hospice in Poole and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The latest place to benefit is University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. DCCF co-founder Leslie-May Harrison said: “We used £30,000 to create a tranquil room at the breast screening unit, where people going through breast cancer treatment can rest and reflect. “It’s a beautiful room and we look forward to sending Steve some pictures of it – and the special plaque outside, which honours his aunt.” Betty Hyams’ will stated that should either beneficiary of her estate die from cancer prior to herself, their share should be awarded to a cancer-based charity. Sadly, Steven’s sister Anne had already passed away from cancer and because he had fond memories of his Dorset childhood, he decided her inheritance should help people in the county. Steven, who is retired from the tech industry and operates a large flying club in the San Francisco Bay area, moved to the US aged 22. From the ages of 11 to 18, he and his family lived in Wimborne. He attended Hardy’s Grammar School. In 2015, he visited Dorset to view projects DCCF had recommended, including the Royal Bournemouth Hospital garden, part of which was landscaped thanks to a Betty Hyams donation. Speaking from California, Steven said: “I’m thrilled to see the continuing benefits of my donation. A quiet room will provide comfort to many people coping with a new diagnosis. It is also wonderful to see the DCCF continuing to thrive in my home county of Dorset.” Breast imaging manager for the Dorset Breast Screening Service at University Hospitals Dorset, Mel Huish said: “Having a dedicated room has made such a difference to our staff and patients. It is also a space that does not feel clinical and gives patients and families time and space to come to terms with their referrals. “We feel so lucky that organisations like the DCCF provide support.” To support the charity’s work in 2022 contact admin@ dccf.co.uk.

REFLECTING: From left, DCCF trustee Meryl Ponsford, Mel Huish and Leslie-May Harrison at the Quiet Room. Inset below, Steven Blonstein

by Faith Eckersall After weeks of seeing diggers and workmen in action outside their windows, children from Tops Day Nurseries, on Wimborne’s Leigh Road, got the chance to view the sustainable travel improvement works going on outside their school building. The display was arranged by Hanson Contracting, which is currently building the Transforming Cities Fund programme’s new cycle lanes, footpaths and crossings on Leigh Road on behalf of Dorset Council. Senior nursery manager of Tops in Wimborne, Sharon White, said: “Many of them had been asking about what was going on outside and were very curious. They loved seeing the diggers and dumper trucks doing their job and were very excited to be given this special demonstration.” She said a number of the older children enjoyed cycling and also knew a little bit about climate change and were excited to see these new

Learning the Learning the works works

lanes being built. Dorset Partnership liaison manager for Hanson Contracting, David Walker, said: “It was lovely to see all the children dressed up in their hi-vis jackets and minihard hats. “They seemed very interested in what we were doing and asked us lots of great questions. I hope that they all enjoyed the display and I think that there may be a few future road engineers amongst the group.” The work being carried out on Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road is part of the Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is creating 78km of new cycle lanes across the south east Dorset conurbation. This stretch, between Wimborne and Colehill, is part of a longer 23km sustainable travel route from Poole to Ferndown with a branch to Wimborne.

WI members celebrate centenary

The West Moors Women’s Institute’s Christmas lunch was a dual celebration to mark 100 years since its formation in December 1921. Around 50 members and guests from local WI groups gathered in West Moors Memorial Hall for the occasion and the meeting began with the traditional singing of Jerusalem – first set to music in 1916 and used by the Suffragettes before being adopted as the WI’s anthem Longest-standing member, Joyce Williams, then unveiled a certificate and plaque before attendees tucked into a delicious ‘bring-and-share’ lunch. Members praised the friendship and chatting that went on between members and guests. Children from St Mary’s

CENTENARY: West Moors WI ladies celebrate

school visited and sang a lovely selection of carols and festive songs, there was a cake cutting ceremony, a quiz and a raffle to round-off the day. Sheila Davies, West Moors WI president, said: “We were really pleased we could celebrate our centenary with a party like this. “It hasn’t been the centenary year we were expecting but we hope to hold more open events in 2022. “New members are always welcome and we’ve had several women join in the months since we reopened.” For information about meetings, contact Sheila Davies 07813 436665 or Penny Gaines, 01202 875714.

Recycling Christmas

People living in the New Forest District Council area can drop off real Christmas trees for recycling from January 1 to 16. Trees must be left in designated fenced bays and placed at the back to avoid blocking entrances. Remove decorations.

Brockenhurst: Brookley Road car park, SO42 7RA Burley: Burley coach park, BH24 4AA Fordingbridge: A338 slip road car park, SP6 1AW Lymington: Bath Road car park, SO41 3SE Milford-on-Sea: Hurst Road East overflow car park (by Sturt Pond), SO41 0PY New Milton: Crossmead Avenue car park, BH25 6NF Ringwood: The Furlong long stay car park, BH24 1AT.

West Parley Parish council is urging residents to quickly make their views known about a number of developments taking place in the area. The council has taken the unusual step of writing its own article expressing its ‘great concern’ over the increased volumes of traffic that it says will be generated by the additional housing and commercial provision on land east of New Road. The article states: “The land east of New Road on the crossroads is currently seeing the near completion of an 86bed care home and more recently has been subject to a reserved matters application by Lidl in respect of the foodstore on the development. “The access to the site and the link / relief road (which goes through the estate) was agreed under the planning application 3/17/3609 and granted by Dorset in February 2021. This comes under the control of Wyatt Homes to deliver, with financial support from Dorset Council. “The Parish Council has great concern over the increased volumes of traffic that will be generated by the additional housing and commercial provision; along with what effect the increased vehicle movements will have on the congestion in the village and the subsequent noise and pollution impact on residents. “All elements of the development other than the link / relief road and access were stated as ‘reserved matters. These ‘reserved matters’ form the more recent application for the foodstore and the imminent application for the housing, and then the local centre. These applications are split between Lidl, Bellway and Wyatt respectively. The council said a large proportion of the land is now owned by Bellway Homes, who held a webinar on December 7 to lay out plans. “Over 100 people signed up to view the webinar live, and it is available on their website newroadwestparley. co.uk ,” said the council. The council also claimed that: “Feedback received by residents is that they are shocked that the proposal now spreads over a greater area.” It’s asking residents to make their views known soon and to follow the parish council on Facebook and to keep checking back with its website: westparley-pc.gov.uk. It added that a further planning application from Cala Homes for land on the western side of New Road behind Ridgeway ‘is expected to be submitted to Dorset Council in the spring.

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Night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society

Sirius, the blue-white Dog Star in the constellation of the Great Dog (Canis Major), is the brightest star of the whole winter sky, and indeed of all the night sky’s gems in both hemispheres. It now puts in an appearance from below the southern horizon and will dominate that region until the spring. This glittering jewel gets its name from the Greek seirios, meaning scorching, as its position low in our skies causes it to blaze in several false colours as its light passes through denser layers of the atmosphere. Preceding it as the stars gradually move westwards is another white star, Procyon (Greek for ‘before the Dog’), this time in Canis Minor, the Little Dog. The two stars form a striking triangle with Orion’s western foot Rigel, a blue-white supergiant. It’s easy to assume that stars of such patterns in the sky are all at the same distance. The illusion evaporates when we learn that the respective distances of Sirius, Procyon and Rigel are 8, 11 and 860 light years away. Clear skies!

Cornmarket carols raise £600

After an absence last year, Carols in the Cornmarket, Wimborne returned on Friday evening with a good number present to enjoy what is always a magical evening. This year glowsticks were replaced by a number of lanterns which were conveniently placed in the Wimborne in Bloom Flower Towers to keep in line with a plastic-free town. Since 2006 this event has been organised by Hilda Butler, former chairman of Churches Together in Wimborne and Anthony Oliver, former town mayor with a collection being taken for the mayor’s charities. A total of nearly £600 was raised for this year’s Charities High Mead Farm and Diverse Abilities. The event was sponsored by the Wimborne Bid, Optique 2000 and Wimborne Minster Town Council. The carol singing was accompanied by the Broadstone Community Concert Band under the direction of Damon Corio with two of the carols being accompanied by Helen and Mark Banfield on the guitar and Irish drum. Nine Minster choristers were present and sang under the direction of Colin Davey. Some other singers were also present. Salvation Army officer Major Carole Gadsden opened the evening with a prayer and the Readings were read by the Mayor Kelly Webb and Hilda Butler. The first verse of the penultimate carol, Away In A Manger was sung solo by Minster Curate Revd Nick Wells who later pronounced the Blessing. Radio Wimborne provided the public address system. Refreshments were available after the event at both the White Hart and Number 9 on the Green. All being well next year’s event will take place on Friday, December 23, 2022.

SINGING OUT: Wimborne Minster curate Revd Nick Wells, band leader Damon Corio, Mayor Kelly Webb, Anthony Oliver and town crier Chris Brown at Carols in the Cornmarket

Picture: TOM SCRASE

New activities for a New Year

After a successful return to normal activities during the autumn term, Wimborne u3a is planning to introduce three new groups in the New Year. Ever-popular yoga will be returning to the programme, re-emerging as Sitting Yoga with emphasis on breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness while being comfortably seated. Secondly, there are plans for a Rummykub group which has become a popular strategic table game over the last few years. And Music, Words And Pictures will be a fun, quiz-based, educational programme with live music on electric keyboard, giving members the opportunity to reflect on the historical context of the music and their own memories. Email: grpsec20wimbu3a@ yahoo.com or call 07391 647791 or 01202 880703. n wimborneu3a.org.uk.

Town tradition is called off

Ringwood’s traditional Christmas Eve event in the Marketplace was cancelled following announcement of the Government’s Plan B restrictions. The Rotary Club of Ringwood, which manages the popular event, said it would have been unable to check people’s vaccination status and limit numbers. Christmas presents for children, which are normally collected at the event, were dropped off at collection bins in Greyfriars Community Centre, Gateway Council Offices and The London Tavern before Christmas Eve.