n Messing about on the river: Older people are enjoying paddleboarding in Wareham and elsewhere around Dorset Page 13
07714 289408
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01963 400186
Influencer Sophie aims to inspire at ‘wild weekend’
SOCIAL media farming influencer Sophie Gregory is heading to the 2024 Planet Purbeck Festival.
The charismatic young Dorset farmer – voted Dairy Industry Woman of the Year in 2021 – will join an array of speakers at the festival’s showcase event, dubbed A Celebration Of Purbeck.
Sophie, who has more than 20,000 followers across Instagram and other social media platforms, will talk about her journey from accountancy to managing an organic dairy herd and her educational work with children.
She will join other luminaries including Martin Lines, head of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and the National Trust’s regional director, Rebecca Burton, for the evening event at Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre.
“I’m excited to be part of the Planet Purbeck Festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect our community with the origins of our food and the future of farming in Dorset,” Sophie said.
Festival organiser Luke M Luke
“I’m hoping to inspire a wider audience to embrace sustainability and champion our
Festival’s ‘Bake-Off’
BAKERS are being invited to enter Wimborne BID Food Festival’s cake competition later this month.
The event is set to be a highlight of the festival on Saturday, September 14.
Entrants will need to bake a Dorset Apple Cake and take it to the marquee in Willow Walk between 2.30pm-3pm for judging.
Excellent prizes are on offer for the best cakes.
Wimborne BID volunteer Jeff Hart said: “Everyone is invited and the winning baker will win a £150 Neff pan set, courtesy of Dacombes. Do have a go!”
For more information, email Jeffhart414@gmail.com.
Sophie Gregory will talk about her journey from accountancy to managing an organic dairy herd at the Planet Purbeck Festival
Let the music play!
FANTASTIC music and more is promised when the #Willdoes Music Festival – otherwise known as the Swanalulu Festival – returns to Swanage later this month.
The event at Prince Albert Gardens on Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14, features headliners iconic 90s dance group N-Trance, and Toploader, known for their feelgood, catchy songs.
N-Trance, who play on Friday, were one of the biggest selling UK dance acts of the 1990s with top 10 hits including Set You Free,Stayin’ Alive, Forever and Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.
Toploader, who play on Saturday, formed in 1997 and have sold more than two million albums and had several top 20 hits at home and abroad, including their global smash Dancing in the Moonlight in 2000.
Support on Friday comes from Chic to Chic, a tribute to the funky and soulful vibes of
Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Rock of the Pops, who will cover a wide range of 90s dance anthems.
Maybe Gaga, a tribute to Lady Gaga, provides the support on Saturday, along with Swanage-based indie rockers Galaxy Thief.
More than 30 acts will perform across the weekend including choirs and students from local schools.
The festival also features the Swanalulu Food Court, three bars and funfair rides.
The event is a fundraiser for the #WillDoes charity, established in memory of Will Paddy, from Swanage, who tragically passed away at the age of 14 in 2019.
Will’s mother, Lesley, founded #WillDoes to promote
physical and mental well-being among young people.
The charity focuses on introducing young people to sports and other activities to help them connect socially, manage anxiety and develop coping mechanisms.
#Willdoes also funds various projects, including a community bus, which provides a safe space for young people to meet and access support services.
The #Willdoes festival runs from 4pm-10pm on Friday,
September 13, and from noon-10pm on Saturday, September 14.
Tickets for the festival are available online through the WillDoes website, www. willdoes.co.uk. and www. swanalulu.com
Prices are: Friday adult, £20; Friday child (16-plus), £10; Saturday adult, £30; Saturday child, £15; Weekend adult, £35; Weekend child, £17.50; Under-11s, Free. VIP Tickets are also available.
New classes at the village hall
by Patricia Hook
THIS month will be a busy one at East Burton Village Hall, which has two new classes starting.
The Mad Melodies Pop and Rock Choir is holding regular practice sessions on Wednesday mornings, from 10am-noon, and Wednesday evenings, from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
The sessions are designed to be friendly and fun, and cost £27 a month, starting on September 4.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are the next Adele or simply enjoy belting it out in the shower!
No musical knowledge is
required – arrangements are taught by ear for maximum fun.
Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be on offer at every session.
A regular keep fit class, run by Sarah Garrett, will be staged every Thursday at 9.45am, starting on September 5.
It promises a comfortable and friendly atmosphere designed to aid confidence and general wellbeing, suitable for all ages and abilities. The cost is £6 per session.
The usual Monday evening yoga and Tuesday evening kick boxing classes will be taking place, along with a coffee and cake morning on Friday, September 13.
Visitors are now being encouraged to take along a book to swap at the coffee and cake morning, and a small selection of books is available to take away.
The Dorset Community Policing Unit is visiting on Friday, September 20, to talk about what constitutes a scam, how to spot one and what to do if you think you have been scammed.
It is part of the “Hot Potato” evening but will start at 7pm, rather than the usual 7.30pm.
The cost is £5 and includes baked potatoes and choice of toppings. Visitors should take their own drinks – alcoholic or
otherwise.
The Gardening Club meets on Thursday, September 26, at 7.30pm.
The hall can be hired for private/personal events or, if you wish to start a class –maybe art, drama or book club and so on – phone 01929 288020 or visit the hall’s website, ebvh.org.uk.
The whole hall can be hired, or it can be divided in half –with a kitchen for each half –and there is a smaller meeting room.
For any information about these events, hire rates, availability, booking etc, do not hesitate to get in contact.
Toploader – above and left – and N-Trance will be headlining the two days of the #Willdoes Music Festival in Swanage
Ex-Marine on the march for good causes
ONE time Royal Marine James Pritlove, from Lytchett Matravers, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity from a marathon march.
James, 54, completed the annual 32-mile Summer March: It’s Going to Get Hairy, from Weymouth to Swanage, in just over 10 hours.
His efforts coined in £1,300 for #Willdoes and event organisers Rock2Recovery.
#Willdoes promotes physical and mental health, social inclusion and education among young people.
Rock2Recovery supports veterans, serving military
personnel and emergency responders affected by stress.
More than 120 people took part in the event, which began at 8am in torrential rain, with some competitors finishing in the dark at about 11am.
James was first to cross the line with seasoned ultra runner and veteran Darren Hardy from Fleet.
He said: “Good effort to everyone who completed – the weather was challenging and some of the steep climbs emotional!
“Huge thanks to the organisers, who ran around for hours supporting us and helped
us raise so much money for good causes.” Participants were elated as they crossed the finish line at
Gee Whites restaurant in Swanage with one even dropping on one knee to propose to his girlfriend!
Former Royal Marine James Pritlove with Lesley Paddy, of #Willdoes
Chocolat finds new home at Monkey World
CHOCOLAT, a female chimpanzee left with a paralysed hand and foot on her right side after being shot with a shotgun, has been moved to her new long-term home at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, near Wool.
Chocolat was an infant when her family were hunted and killed as part of the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo.
After spending the past 20 years in Kenya being looked after by her original rescuer, Chocolat has now found a long-term home at Monkey World, which provides specialist care for chimpanzees smuggled from the wild and/or suffered abuse or neglect.
To accommodate her needs, her new enclosure has been treated to upgrades such as lower platforms, new nesting areas and cargo nets, all designed to make Chocolat’s new home as accessible as possible.
Monkey World was established in 1987 to provide a home for chimpanzees being abused in the Spanish beach photography trade. Since then, it has continued to rescue monkeys, apes and prosimians which have been used or abused by humans.
It has assisted 29 governments to confiscate and rehome the victims of the legal and illegal trade in primates. The 65-acre sanctuary in Dorset is now home to more than 230 primates of 25 different species. Chocolat joins 51 other chimpanzees, over four groups, living in as natural conditions as possible.
Throughout the journey, DHL Express provided Chocolat with VIP service, transporting
her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel and pilots.
Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato.
Her journey, carefully planned to reduce the amount of time she spent in transit, began at Nairobi Airport on August 15, included a brief stop in Bahrain, and ended with a seven-hour flight to East Midlands Airport, where she arrived on the morning of August 16. From there, she was transported by road to her new home at Monkey World.
Chocolat is being gradually introduced to six other chimpanzees which will become her adopted family. Monkey World is home to chimpanzees rescued from 16 different countries.
Chocolat’s new family were rescued from Mexico, Argentina, Cyprus and Thailand, and also have disabilities as a result of their backgrounds. Chocolat has already made friendly contact with Bryan, the dominant male in her group, reaching out to him, and for the first time in over 20 years, touching a fellow chimp.
She is getting used to a diet with a larger variety of vegetables than she has been accustomed to. As she learns how to be a chimp again, Chocolat is expected to live out the rest of her days in peace at Monkey World. Chimps like Chocolat have an average life expectancy of 50 years.
Other organisations which have supported and assisted Chocolat’s transfer are African Apes and the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, founded by actress Stefanie Powers in
honour of her lifelong love William Holden.
Stefanie said: “In my avocation as a wildlife conservationist, I am concerned about the illegal trafficking of primates, which continues unabated.
“It is only through the extraordinary efforts of individuals such as Alison Cronin and her Monkey World team that our fellow primates may be rescued and rehabilitated.
“We are only a fraction of DNA removed from all our primate brothers and sisters and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping to preserve and protect them.
“Thanks to the outstanding generosity and support from DHL, one very special chimpanzee called Chocolat will have a chance at a fulfilling life. As a friend of Chocolat, I am
grateful to DHL and Monkey World.”
Dr Alison Cronin MBE, director at Monkey World, said: “We’re so happy to welcome Chocolat. The reason we exist is to offer a nurturing environment for chimpanzees and other primates and to give them back a fraction of what has been taken from them by humans, providing them with a family again.
“Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees’ wellbeing, as they are social, intelligent animals. Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat.
“Her integration will be gradual, but her journey has been very smooth, thanks to the support of DHL, and so far, she is settling in well.”
Female chimp Chocolat was cared for by her owner and carer Monicah in Kenya for over 20 years. Chocolat is partially paralysed down her right side after being hit with shotgun spray as an infant when her mother was killed for bushmeat
PHOTO: G Cotman and Monkey World
Pints profit museum at TANKFEST
PINTS added up to pounds for The Tank Museum at Bovington after its flagship TANKFEST.
Dorset brewery Hall & Woodhouse gave more than £17,000 in profit from two bars at the event to the charity.
The money will help conserve the world’s finest collection of military vehicles.
Anthony Woodhouse, chair of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Over the course of the weekend, we sold more than 6,000 pints from our bars at TANKFEST.
“We are very proud to donate
the profit made from these sales to The Tank Museum.
“The charity plays such an important role in educating people, remembering the role of the tank, and those who served within them.
“TANKFEST is a great opportunity to get involved with our local communities and share a few pints of Badger and Outland as part of the celebrations.
“I’m grateful for our team who helped to make it a success, and I’m delighted that their hard work has helped such
a good cause. We’re already looking forward to TANKFEST 2025.”
TANKFEST, presented by World of Tanks, was the biggest yet and had 24,000 visitors over the three days.
The Tank Museum chief operating officer, Simon Prager, said: “We are thankful to the
Hall & Woodhouse team for their kind support and wonderful donation.
“The Tank Museum is a registered charity, and the donated funds will benefit the vehicles in the collection and help us tell the story of tanks and the crew who served in them.”
Hall & Woodhouse gave more than £17,000 from its bars at event
THREE-TIME Wimborne mayor and community stalwart Diann March has been honoured with the Freedom of the town.
Diann, who moved to Dorset in 1976, was elected as a Wimborne Minster councillor in 1991 and has served the area for over three decades.
She has also been involved in countless groups and initiatives, including Wimborne Musical
Theatre and the Wimborne/ Ochsenfurt and Wimborne/ Valognes twinning associations.
She has also volunteered at Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled, Wimborne Repair Cafe and the Allendale Community Centre.
A council spokesman said the authority was “delighted” to hand Diann the title of Honorary Freeman of
Wimborne Minster.
“This accolade is one of the highest honours the town can bestow upon an individual,
Battle to be the Bard
BUDDING Bards of Dorchester need to hurry to register their interest in a competition being held later this month.
Poets, storytellers and singers will present one of their own poems, songs or stories that celebrate Dorchester or Dorset or both, their own interpretation or performance of a poem by Thomas Hardy, and their “Bardic Manifesto”.
The judges will be representatives from the Thomas Hardy Society, Dorset Museum, a former Bard of Bath, a former Bard of Exeter and one other, to be confirmed.
The host for the event is Peter Roe, the Second Bard of Dorchester and founder and director of The Jawbone Collective based in Bridport, which runs a regular open mic
at The Poet Laureate in Dorchester.
He said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for a local creative to get involved with the promotion of the arts in West Dorset.
“We have had a strong interest from young people, and it would be fantastic to give them a platform for their voice.”
The Bard of Dorchester aims to encourage poetry, storytelling and music in town and the surrounding areas of West Dorset.
Dorchester has a strong literary tradition in the form of Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, Robert Young and the Powys
recognising Diann’s outstanding contributions to the town council and its wider community,” he said.
brothers.
The contest to find the new Bard of Dorchester is in the Undercroft at Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, on Sunday, September 15, at 3pm.
The Bard will be appointed to serve for a year and a day –to register an interest in taking part in the competition, email bardofdorchester@gmail.com.
Peter Roe, the Second Bard of Dorchester at the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranborne
Diann March (second left) is presented with the honorary scroll by Wimborne mayor Councillor Jeff Hart
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival: A weekend to remember
by Donna Garner PURBECK Valley Folk
Festival 2024 wasn’t only about brilliant music – it delivered an experience for the mind, body and soul that left me utterly inspired.
The love of music was clear from the moment I arrived, from kids busking for fun, to couples sharing heartwarming and often hilarious odes on the open mic, to bands lifting the spirits of the audience on the main stages.
This festival isn’t just about listening to music – it’s about being part of a vibrant community that lives and breathes it.
Throughout the weekend, the festival grounds buzzed with energy and creativity.
There were people jamming together, choirs singing in harmony, ceilidh dancing and bands playing their hearts out.
It was impossible not to get swept up in the infectious enthusiasm.
And this wasn’t just an adult affair – families were at the heart of it all.
Children learned circus tricks, listened to captivating folklore, crafted unique creations and laughed at the many entertaining competitions.
They spent their days climbing, welly-wanging and
playing from morning till dusk, without a screen in sight.
One of the things that stood out most to me was how deeply Purbeck Valley Folk Festival engages the local Dorset community.
It was more than just a festival – it was a showcase of the region’s talent and creativity.
Local crafts, mouth-watering food and delicious cider were everywhere, and the local talent shone brightly – especially at the brilliant poetry slam and comedy tent.
offering yoga, healing sessions, meditation and the chance to simply soak in the beautiful scenery against the stunning backdrop of Corfe Castle.
Laughter echoed across the fields and the lack of pretension was refreshing – it was all about having fun and connecting with others.
As someone who’s fairly new to the broad genre of folk, I was blown away.
I’ve been to many other festivals, and sometimes the big names fail to deliver live, despite the hype.
stage through hard work and honing their craft.
The quality of the music and songwriting was exceptional, and combined with the stunning location, it made for a weekend I’ll remember for a very long time.
If you’re looking for an authentic, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable festival experience, look no further than Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.
It’s a true gem. It’s also incredible value, a festival that keeps everything as affordable as possible.
This festival was also a haven for the mind and spirit,
But at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, the musicians had clearly earned their place on
Early bird tickets are now on sale for 2025.
n Folk festival fun for competition winner – page 18.
Brilliant music and lots more was on offer at the festival
RSPCA reports more cases of dog cruelty
“HEARTBREAKING” new figures from the RSPCA reveal that reports of cruelty to dogs in Dorset have risen over the past year.
Last year, the RSPCA received 560 reports about cruelty to dogs in the county, compared to 475 in 2022.
these dogs.”
THE RSPCA’s appeal, No Animal Deserves Cruelty, has been launched to tackle the growing problem.
“Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, yet more and more dogs are being subjected to cruelty every year.
Dogs are the most popular pet in the UK, yet also the ones who potentially suffer the most.
“It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help – we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’,” said Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA.
“We would love to see, next year, cruelty going down. We know we can’t do this alone – so our purpose is for everyone to work together to create a kinder world for animals.
“That’s why we’ve launched our summer appeal, because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals like
Nationally, in 2023, the RSPCA received 52,662 reports about cruelty to dogs – about 144 a day – compared to 48,567 in 2022 – an increase of 8% in just one year.
The charity received 42,613 reports on cruelty to dogs in 2020, marking a 23% increase in just four years.
In 2021, the number of reports was 44,479 – meaning the figures have been rising year-on-year.
Your Health Matters Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up
Reach out to someone who
may need
help –it could save their life
AHEAD of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Dorset HealthCare is urging people to reach out to anyone who might be struggling.
The theme of the day is “changing the narrative on suicide”, and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.
And the NHS Trust, which provides a range of mental health services, has set out some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you’re worried about.
Dorset HealthCare’s clinical lead for its Steps2Wellbeing mental health service, Ailsa Greenlees, said: “Anyone can have suicidal thoughts, and they can be distressing or frightening for the person who is experiencing them. By being
there for someone to listen and show you care can help.
“We can all make a difference by reaching out to someone in their darkest moments, supporting friends and colleagues who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or others bereaved by suicide. No one needs to suffer alone.”
We can all take action by starting a conversation with someone by:
n Choosing a good time, and a place where there are no distractions
n Using open questions that need more than a yes/no answer. For example – “How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?”
n Being a good listener
n Avoiding giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do. Instead, find out what help is available and signpost to it.
Ailsa added: “It’s also
important to remember that free, non-judgemental help and support is available, and we encourage anyone feeling down, stressed, worried, in a crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts to reach out for support as soon as possible.”
Dorset HealthCare offers a range of services to support people. Its Access Mental Health services are on hand to help when needed, and you don’t have to be referred by a GP or health professional. You can seek support for yourself or ask for advice about a friend or family member. Services include:
n Connection – a 24/7 helpline open to all ages. Anyone in Dorset can call 0800 652 0190, or NHS 111, for free n The Retreat – a drop-in service in Bournemouth and Dorchester, run in partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum, which allows adults to talk through problems with a mental health worker or peer specialist face to face n Community Front Rooms – a face-to-face drop-in support service for adults in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and
Weymouth. They are run by local charities – The Burrough Harmony Centre (Bridport), Hope (Shaftesbury) and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (Wareham and Weymouth) – and are all staffed by mental health and peer support workers.
In addition, Steps2Wellbeing is the free NHS Talking Therapies service for anxiety and depression and provides mental health support for Dorset residents who are feeling down, stressed or worried. Support is given through talking therapies, online courses and guided self-help, and can also help people who are having problems at work or living with a long-term health condition to improve their mental wellbeing.
Visit our Take a Step website page for further information on Access Mental Health and Steps2Wellbeing, plus other phone, face-to-face and online support available. The International Association of Suicide Prevention can also provide further advice on reaching out to help others.
‘Greener’ homes open their doors
LOTS of people would like to make their homes “greener” but are nervous about taking the plunge.
It can be reassuring to look at what other people have done and what their experience has been.
Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) is running a greener open homes event on the weekends September 14-15 and September 21-22.
More than 35 homes are opening across Dorset – visit https://www.dorsetcan.org/ greener_homes/all.
Some owners have used relatively high-tech approaches to cut their energy use, others low-cost solutions.
Some funded it themselves and others had access to grants. In many cases, the cost of installation was paid back
within a few years.
Six homes are opening in Purbeck:
n The Knap, Southcliffe Road, Swanage BH19 2JE –https://www.dorsetcan.org/ all_homes/the-knap-swanage. Bee-keeping, a bee friendly garden, living roofs on the sheds. Solar panels with a battery to store the electricity generated. Saturday, September 14, 11am-4pm.
n Farndreg, Southcliffe Road, Swanage BH19 2JE – https:// www.dorsetcan.org/all_homes/ farndreg-swanage. Solar panels with a battery for storage and an air source heat pump. Saturday, September 14, “tours” at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3pm. Phone 01929 423965 to book.
n California Meadow Campsite, Swanage BH19 2RS – https:// www.dorsetcan.org/all_homes/
california-meadows-campsiteswanage. Ground-mounted solar array and wildflower meadow. Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, by appointment.
n 33 Bestwall Road, Wareham, BH20 4HY – https://www. dorsetcan.org/all_homes/33bestwall-road-wareham. A self-build house with solar panels, a Tesla power wall battery and bi-directional car charger. The house is “near passive”, designed to have very low energy use. Sunday,
September 15, at 10.30am, 11.15am, noon, 12.45pm. Sunday, September 21, 10.30am. Book through Eventbrite at https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorsetgreener-homes-open-house-1522-september-24tickets-947114112807
n 23 Walls View, Wareham, BH20 4BL – https://www. dorsetcan.org/all_homes/23walls-view-wareham. An all-electric house with solar panels, batteries, air-to-air heat pump, ventilation system and electric vehicle. Sunday, September 15, and Sunday, 22 September 22. Phone 01929550138 to book a time.
n 33 Trent Drive, Wareham BH20 4DF – https://www. dorsetcan.org/all_homes/33trent-drive-wareham. A conventional terraced house retrofitted to zero carbon. It has loft and cavity wall insulation, solar panels, a solar diverter for hot water and an air source heat pump. Sunday, September 22, drop in between noon-5pm.
Angela and Phil Harper with tea and honey cake in front of their living roof and solar panels
Elderly buyers lied to over solar panels
TWO men from Poole have been convicted over lies told to elderly victims during sales pitches for solar panels.
Rogue panel traders Nico White and Dylan Ryan were sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court last month in relation to claims made regarding the sale of panels to victims across the country by UK Home Energy Group Ltd.
The pair were successfully prosecuted by Wiltshire Council Trading Standards officers, following an investigation prompted by 10 of the victims reporting the incidents to Citizens Advice.
White, 30, was the sole
director of the company and employed 22-year-old Ryan as a salesperson.
The victims were all visited by Ryan following an unsolicited telephone call from the firm, when he told them should they have solar panels installed by the company they would be able to sell any excess electricity generated back to their energy companies.
from registering their systems with the national grid.
Building regulations completion certificates and electrical safety certificates were also not supplied after the installations.
Ryan also pleaded guilty to telling customers the costs of installation would be recouped within two to three years and should this not be the case an insurance policy would cover any shortfall.
He had also offered the customers a discount which he claimed was due to government grants being available.
All these statements were untrue.
The victims later found this was untrue, as the company had failed to supply the required Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate or equivalent, preventing them
When customers later wrote to the company address on their paperwork, it was returned, as they were not based at the location stated.
for environment at Wiltshire Council, said: “As part of our Business Plan commitment to protect our residents from harm, rogue traders need to be aware that we will take action and won’t tolerate this type of behaviour in Wiltshire.
“Our advice to residents is to thoroughly research any company or business before hiring them to carry out any work.
“Anyone that receives an unsolicited phone call or an unexpected knock on the door has the right to hang up on the caller or say no.
“Don’t agree to any work on the spot, ask for the person’s ID and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Our Trading Standards team do all they can to support people to be aware of the signs of unscrupulous traders, and I want to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and sharing their experiences to help us secure these prosecutions.”
Solar & Tidal Predictions September
At the court, Ryan was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to each of the 10 victims, totalling £20,000, while Mr White was disqualified from acting as a company director for five years and must also pay £1,980 in costs.
Both must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge.
After the sentencings, Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a rogue trader should contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133. People looking to find a builder with trading standards approval can visit www. buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
Stamp fair date
UPTON Community Centre is the venue for Poole & Bournemouth Stamp and Postcard Club Fair this weekend.
Visitors will be able to take along their old and unwanted collections and meet dealers who may be interested in what they have.
Fair organiser David Morris said: “Ancient correspondence is always a good starting point – but please leave the envelopes complete, leaving the stamps and postmarks.
“Philately is not just collecting stamps, but also envelopes and airletters, and postcards that have been
through the post. Every cover has a story to tell!”
The fair is on Saturday, September 7, and the community centre has plenty of free car parking. Refreshments will be available.
For more information, contact davidlytch@gmail. com.
ON BOARD
The over50s and 60s are getting exercise and meeting new people on a paddleboarding course
Older folk take to paddleboarding like ducks to water
PADDLEBOARDING
on the River Frome in Wareham and other venues is proving a hit with leisure seekers in their 50s and 60s.
They have been getting exercise and making new friends on Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre’s (WOEC) paddleboarding courses, which have also taken them to the River Brit at West Bay and the River Stour at Eye Bridge, Wimborne.
Mark Chaffey decided to join a six-week paddleboarding course after doing a kayaking course with WOEC.
His partner passed away last year, and he has enjoyed getting out and meeting people, and seeing wildlife up close from the board.
He has also been impressed with the enthusiastic course leaders.
“They are so encouraging, and they make everyone at ease,” he said. “There is a great sense of camaraderie and friendship with the others.”
Debbie Ruddock, who had
also completed the kayak course, joined the group after spotting an advert on social media for a summer solstice taster session.
She is a keen rower with Weymouth Rowing Club and wanted to try a new sport after being lent a board by Spanish friends.
She said: “It really has been a fantastic course. The instructors are brilliant and provide you with everything – and it’s been lovely to meet new people.”
Tanya Budd, WOEC centre manager, said the evening three-hour, six-week paddleboarding course, was proving popular among people in their 50s and 60s looking to keep fit and meet new people.
Dorset Councillor Steve Robinson, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said it was important for older people to be open to learning new skills as they aged.
He said: “Having courses like this where people can try out new sports, learn new skills and meet new people is fantastic.”
Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.
A Living Trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs along with potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:
1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.
2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance
3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.
4. Reversable Nature:
One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is reversable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or remove your home from the trust during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.
5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee alongside one to three other trustees. Thus, maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Surviving trustees take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills. co.uk
Folk festival promises song and dance
THE 32nd annual Swanage Folk Festival is set to pull in a crowd this weekend.
The event, which attracts about 3,000 visitors, is ranked as one of the top 20 folk festivals in the UK out of a field of 360.
The festival features three headline bands from across Europe – Cara, Track Dogs and Flossie Malavielle – plus top talent from the UK, including Merry Hell, Gerry Colvin, Keith Donnelly and Hot Rats.
On top of that, there’s local bands Kelp, Savage Underdogs, Wareham Whalers, Bere
Essentials, Wight Hot Pipes and Swanage’s AllSort’d.
The event will take place at locations across Swanage, including Sandpit Field, Prince Albert Gardens and Stone Quay12.
Bands will also be performing free of charge in the FONC lounge, the White Swan, the Red Lion and the Bandstand.
Some 70 UK dance groups will be coming to Swanage from across the country, including many from Hampshire and Dorset.
More than 1,400 people
watched them in procession along Shore Road last year – this year’s procession is on Saturday at 3.30pm.
The dance groups will also be performing in more than 20 dance spots across the town,
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Jurassic Coast walk
raises £50,000-plus
GRASSROOTS charities in Dorset that combat social isolation for those aged over 65 will receive a financial boost after £52,251 was raised from a Jurassic Coast fundraiser walk. 89 employees from Bournemouth-based business McCarthy Stone took on the Jurassic Coast walk to raise money for the McCarthy Stone Foundation, which supports grassroots charitable causes in
more deprived areas to bring value, connection and engagement to people over 65.
The team set a record for the most raised by a McCarthy Stone Foundation challenge to date.
The team smashed their original target of £12,000 and raised nearly twice that with £23,905 donated via a JustGiving page. On top of this, the retirement housebuilder had
before the Sea Dance, in which many of the dancers dance in the sea to cool down.
The event also includes Bollywood dancing and traditional UK and French dance workshops.
Visitors can also try playing the ukulele or learning about the Alexander Technique.
The festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, September 6-8, is a not-for-profit organisation, run by unpaid volunteers.
Any surplus goes to local good causes and this year it is hoped to raise money for Swanage Scouts, Weymouth Volunteers hub, AllSort’d and Swanage Rotary.
More than £3,000 has been donated in the last couple of years.
£3,000 has been put to one side to help local young musicians develop their musical skills.
pledged to match all donations made, and with Gift Aid added too, the McCarthy Stone Foundation will receive a massive £52,251 in total.
From befriending charities, dementia groups, small community luncheons to men’s sheds and care homes, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has supported more than 400 grassroots charitable causes since launching in December 2020, and will award about £400,000 in 2024, reaching thousands of older people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
This includes funding for Somerford ARC Community Centre’s ADaPT Café, near Christchurch, which supports those living locally with dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and their carers. The foundation also hosts monthly social events for people in later life at the Hub on the Heath in Poole.
A McCarthy Stone spokesperson said: “The walk was no mean feat. Half of those taking part, which included both
McCarthy Stone employees and suppliers, walked 48km along the coastline from Weymouth to Swanage, taking in iconic views and local heritage sites like Durdle Door, Kimmeridge Bay and Swyre Head.
“Meanwhile, the other half joined them at Lulworth Cove for the remaining 29km. Those setting off from Weymouth ascended over 1,517m as part of the challenge – surpassing the height of Ben Nevis.”
Along the course of the route, 15 checkpoints were staffed by friends, family and colleagues of the walkers, who volunteered their time to cheer on the group and support, with water and treats. Local outdoor instructors Land & Wave were also on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly.
At the end of the day, a celebration was held at The Centre in Swanage, where food and drink was served. All proceeds from the celebration were donated to the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust to support charities within the local community.
Some of McCarthy Stone team walking the Jurassic coastline to raise money for charity PHOTO: McCarthy Stone
The Swanage Folk Festival procession starts on Ocean View PHOTO: Dorset Morri’arty
M argaret Green Animal Rescue Unforgettable
AT Margaret Green Animal Rescue, we are excited to be bringing this very special event to our Church Knowle centre near Wareham in Dorset – BH20 5NQ – for the first time.
On Sunday, September 29, we will be hosting a Walk In Memory to raise funds for the rescue animals in our care, while paying tribute to
someone special or a cherished animal.
The walk will start from the centre at 11am and journey through the beautiful Dorset countryside, giving you the chance to celebrate and honour your loved one’s memory.
Whether you decide to walk for a friend, family member or beloved animal companion, we welcome you to join us and
reflect on their life and the love you shared together.
There will be two routes for you to choose from on the day, and a selection of light refreshments will be available at the centre after the walk.
To find out more about this magical event, and to start
your fundraising, please visit our website at www.mgar.org. uk/walk-in-memory-2024 for further information.
With your help, we can fund brighter futures for our rescue animals, and remember those who have made a difference to our lives.
Caring for animals since 1965 Rescue Care Rehome Support Donate margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/Donate Registered Charity Number: 1167990
‘Dorset’s Largest Larder’ back at the County Show
MORE than 100 food and drink producers are set to showcase their wares at the Dorset County Show at the Showground, Dorchester.
Visitors will be able to sample their favourite local pint thanks to pop-up micro-pubs dotted around the show from the Piddle Brewery, Hall and Woodhouse and the Dorset Brewing Company.
Local ciders, gins and vodkas will also be on offer.
The food hall, nicknamed “Dorset’s Largest Larder” will be home to more than 60 food producers with the best cheese, gin, cider, fudge, cakes, bread, jam, scotch eggs, gelato, olives, wines and more.
A picnic area, visible from the far side of the showground, with huge colourful festival
The Dorset County Show, taking place this weekend at the Showground, Dorchester, features lots of new attractions
flags, will offer live music all day across the two days.
Visitors who fancy a sweet afternoon cider – and watch the IMPs Motorbikes in the Main Ring, may like to take
advantage of ‘Taster Tickets’ available from 3pm both days and priced £13 in advance and £15 on the day.
Show organiser, James Cox, said: “Our county is bursting
with wonderful food and drink producers – we’ve been inundated with producers wanting to book their space.
“Currently, more than 100 producers from across the south west and beyond will join us with their delicious delights.”
James added: “From last year’s success, we’ve carried on with the festival vibe and added more sails, flags and live entertainment.
“It was really popular last year, had a great vibe – it was great to see so many people relaxing in the sun with a picnic and a pint.”
This year’s Dorset County Show, on Saturday and Sunday, 7-8, features many new attractions, from the internationally recognised Atkinsons Action Horses to Axemen.
Car parking is free at the Showground at DT2 7SD –alternatively walk from Dorchester or catch the free shuttle bus.
Grange Gallery celebrates first anniversary in restored Georgian premises
Local designers and furniture makers, Jason and Esme Cameron took on what was a dream challenge for them in July 2022. The restoration of a Georgian property in the heart of Wareham, Dorset for them to both live and operate their businesses, Cameron Furniture and Grange Gallery.
They opened the doors to Grange Gallery and Cameron Furniture last summer where they both showcase their own art, homeware and furniture range that they design and make at the gallery’s workshop, alongside selected works by local artists and makers.
“A heartfelt thank you to all of our customers and to the local community for their continued support over the past year” Esme and Jason Cameron.
Since the launch they have been awarded ‘Best in Purbeck’ New Business award 2024 and restored the 18th Century red brick barn behind the gallery. This space is where they have launched a programme of exhibitions by local artists & makers, a showcase for their range of bespoke furniture as well hosting creative workshops, visit www.grangegallery.co.uk to find out more.
Grange anniversary
Georgian
Local makers, Cameron dream July Georgian of Wareham, to both businesses, and They Grange both they works
“A community Jason Since Business barn programme their visit
WHAT a fantastic time we had here at Durlston Country Park, with a superb number of visitors over the summer break, two fantastic children’s activity trails and a new species of bee found and recorded!
September is now here, and it is a lovely time to visit the park, with the hustle and bustle of the school holidays behind us but the great weather sticking around – hopefully! So why not pop up for some fantastic day-time walks, gallery visits or an evening picnic.
In the Fine Foundation Gallery this September we have a brilliant exhibition, Waymarked, from the artists of the Boilerhouse Gallery. Their exhibition started on Monday, August 26, and will run until Tuesday, September 10, meaning there is still time to come and have a look. Waymarked will explore the
tracks and pathways of Purbeck through a variety of artforms.
Following this, from Tuesday, September 17, artist Ilona Skladzien will be returning to Durlston with her new exhibition, which will explore childhood and parenthood through ordinary objects and domestic materials. Both exhibitions will be open 10.30am-5pm and are free to enter.
As well as this, we have a photography display from local photographer Ben Delahay in Durlston Castle’s Belvedere from Wednesday, September 18, to Thursday, September 26,
showcasing his landscape images of his travels. His display will be open from 10am-5pm and is free to enter, and photos will be for sale.
Although the holidays are over, we still have a whole host of events to keep you entertained. We have a selection of fantastic workshops this month from a Linocut Workshop with artist and printmaker Robin Mackenzie, Drawing Workshop with artist Madelaine Devenay and a Glass Engraving Workshop with Rob Page. Make sure to look at the Durlston website for more information, prices and how to book.
If you would like to know more about the wildlife and history of the park, why not join us for one of our guided walks? With a Pleasure Grounds Guided Walk, Park to Pier, Meet a Moth and a geology walk, there is plenty
Folk festival fun for competition winner
COMPETITION winner Anthony Collyer and his wife Yvonne had a great weekend at the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.
They won two tickets, with camping, worth £390, in the competition run by the Purbeck Gazette and its sister magazines the New Blackmore Vale, the New Stour & Avon, the Salisbury & Avon Gazette, and The Somerset Leveller. Anthony, 81, and Yvonne, 76, from Middle Chinnock in Somerset, enjoyed taking in the atmosphere of the festival,
to discover.
Wildlife is booming here at the park and during 2023 and 2024 Durlston has been conducting a host of wildlife surveys and with that has found a Violet-winged Mining Bee – Andrena agilissima – spotted on the Wild Carrot. It turns out to be a first for mainland Britain, with the only other sightings coming from the Channel Islands.
Durlston in September is a lovely time to visit, with spectacular views, wildlife walks and a variety of exhibitions. Whatever your reason for visiting this month, we hope you enjoy September at Durlston Country Park as much as we do!
For further information on events and more, visit the Durlston website www. durlston.co.uk. Visit the Seventhwave café website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk.
attended by all ages.
They said: “A wide variety of musical performances in the Big and Long Barns, also the Bar Barn, were very well received by enthusiastic audiences.
“A range of food and drink outlets catering for all tastes was available, in addition to the popular bar.
“The craft and activity areas, away from the barns, provided opportunities for children to participate a number of new activities and learn new skills.
“Camping areas were well organised and clean, while parking for day visitors was convenient and easily accessible. A great weekend!”
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival features original young folk, roots and world music across five stages.
Anthony Collyer at the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Durlston Country Park has a lot going on this month
Guide Dogs charity seeks puppy raisers
COULD you look after adorable puppies such as Robin and Jasper until they are ready to undergo vital guide dog training?
Charity Guide Dogs, one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities, is appealing for more people to look after puppies for 12 months before they can become guide dogs.
In that time, puppy raisers help them learn basic commands and introduce them to different social environments – with essential costs covered, including food and vet bills.
The charity is keen to hear from people, particularly in Poole, Wareham, Dorchester, Wimborne, Weymouth, Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury.
Guide dog puppies Robin and Vesper are getting settled into their new life in Dorset having moved from their home at the Guide Dogs’ National Centre in Leamington Spa last month.
Robin is a Labrador, and Vesper is a Labrador cross golden retriever. All being well, they will qualify as working guide dogs at around two years of age.
Elli Cavazza, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs, covering Dorset, said: “Robin and Vesper are our latest recruits to join our puppy raising scheme in Dorset.
“Both are currently in loving homes with first-time puppy raisers, but we need more local volunteers who’d be happy to help us.
“We’re especially keen to hear from people who live in or near to Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Wareham, Dorchester and
Weymouth, as well as Poole.
“Being a Puppy Raiser is a long-term commitment but it’s exciting and very rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when the puppy you’ve looked after becomes a qualified guide dog.
“Ideally, we need people who are mostly at home and can spend time with the puppy to develop and socialise them.
“This involves things like taking the puppy to different environments such as cafes, shops, on public transport, and other places a guide dog owner might go to.
“It’s not always easy, but you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll provide all the training and support you need, so you’ll be well equipped to care for your puppy when they arrive.
“If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs in Dorset, please do get in touch. With your support, we can help train more life-changing guide dogs for people in the UK living with sight loss.”
Guide Dogs is holding a puppy raising information event at the Corn Exchange in Wareham on Friday, September 13, at 2.30pm where anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can learn all about puppy raising. Free places can be reserved through Eventbrite.
To become a puppy raiser, you must be aged over 18, have suitable housing and be able to give a guide dog pup the love and attention it deserves.
Applicants also need to have the ability to access training online and have an email address. To find out more or apply, visit www.guidedogs.org. uk/puppyraiser.
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Vesper and Robin are taking the first steps to becoming guide dogs
Castle going back in time for ‘The Betrayal’
THE English Civil War Society will be bringing history to life at Corfe Castle this weekend with a dramatic re-enactment of “The Betrayal”.
Over two days, It will portray the events of 1646 when the castle was taken by Parliamentarian forces.
The event begins at 10.40am each day with military marching from West Street car park to the village square, where they meet Lady Bankes.
Lady Bankes calls for tenants to come into the castle and bring supplies.
A military drill at noon will see the firing of a musket, pike and cannons before children will be invited to take part in a firing drill at 12.30pm.
Lady Bankes and her officers will then have dinner in the field— a much more elegant and satisfying meal than those of the serving soldiers.
Families will be invited to dress up in the dressing up booth, discover a stonemason trying to repair the castle, see what life was like in an authentic kitchen, see a constable laying down local 17th century law and experience a 17th century tavern with soldiers playing authentic games, sleeping or repairing armour.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the social divide between the finely dressed officers and gentry, and the soldiers and tradesmen beneath them.
Personalised social worker support, 24/7, 365 Regular training Informal get togethers Excellent financial rewards
Ellen Smith, senior programming and partnerships officer at Corfe Castle, said: “We’re thrilled The English Civil War Society are coming to Corfe Castle.
“They really know how to create immersive experiences and engage young people with this interesting time in history.”
Stephen Burden, from the English Civil War Society, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Corfe Castle, our ‘home’ since 1996 – taking families back in time to the colourful days of the 17th century.
“Although Lady Bankes is heavily outnumbered, her soldiers say it is far less scary to face Roundheads than it is the children's drill!
“Come, visit and talk to her in her home, meet the soldiers, see the garrison's everyday life— but is there a traitor ready to betray the Castle?”
The castle is open on Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8, from 10am-5pm and normal admission charges apply for this special event; free for National Trust members.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ corfe-castle.
School Summer Holidays at Footprints
As the summer holidays draw to a close, it is a time to reflect on a fun filled 6 week break from school and start preparing for the beginning of the new term and new school year. For some children this is an exciting time to see their teachers and friends again and to establish their routine again. For others, it can be a daunting time, symbolizing the start of a new school, changing classes or an important exam year.
Independent Agency or Local Authority? Helping you to make an informed decision
We always suggest exploring all your options before making a commitment and find a fostering service that you feel is right and comfortable for you. Here are some hints on what to consider when choosing your foster care provider:
Training and Support – when setting out on your journey to fostering always bear in mind that everyone develops at a different speed and your confidence in fostering may grow greatly or require more support and training. Always seek a fostering provider that can fit your needs with training and support.
At footprints we believe that all children should enjoy their summer break, to regain their energy from a tiring school year and get ready for what is to come in the next year. A lot of our foster carers will take the foster children on holiday with them within the country and abroad, however this is not an expectation.
Age of placements – Local authorities tend to have more placements that are young children and babies, whereas independent agency although still have some placements veer on the side of slightly older children.
Fostering payment – Although fostering is not about the money, and we emphasise the will to care over the benefits. It is important to always consider your financial situation whereby an independent fostering agency tends to provide a higher reward.
Location – From placements to support, think about how far you would like to travel and check with the fostering provider which areas they serve for placements.
This year, all foster carers and children were invited to an activity centre to enjoy a day out socialising with each other and engaging in outdoor activities. We also organise informal meet ups but as the foster carers get to know each other they also arrange get togethers, this shows the sense of community when being part of Footprints.
As an independent agency we, Footprints offer tailored training and support that suits your needs. Also as the agency is small, you bond close relationships with fellow foster carers meaning the training is great fun! The social workers have low caseloads so can provide you with 24/7 support. Finally we are local, serving the local community, someone is never far away and you will always be greeted upon visits to the office by one of our team.
Sometimes foster carers would like some personal time away from the foster children, and in these cases the Footprints team will help to arrange some respite care with another carer who knows the child and their needs. This helps to ensure continuity of care and enables the carers to also feel refreshed and revived!
Yes, independent fostering agencies and local authorities have key differences, but the main thing to remember is the child, and both options ensure that the well-being and safety of the child in care is at the forefront of service.
If you have given it some thought over the summer, that holidays are just a lot more fun with a full household, fostering may be the right step for you and we would love to hear from you here at Footprints.
We would welcome you at footprints for a further discussion to help you make an informed decision, either give us a call, email or pop by the office!
The English Civil War Society is at Corfe Castle this weekend
PHOTO: National Trust/Jon Bish
Croquet teams riding high
SWANAGE Croquet Club has gone from strength to strength this year with both the High Handicap Second Team and the All Handicap First Team reaching their south west regional semi-finals.
The High Handicap Second Team won all of their first three matches, beating Winterborne Valley at home 13; 7, local rivals East Dorset (Poole) 12; 8 at home and Winterborne away 11; 9.
Most recently there was a narrow loss to East Dorset 8; 12, but the league had already been won. The semi-final south west regional match is against the winners of the match between St Agnes, Cornwall and Dowlish Wake, Somerset.
A club spokesperson said: “What a great season so far and excellent for this team to reach the semi-final stage for two years running!
“Last season they made it to the final, only to be beaten by Llandaff, Cardiff, and so we were 2023 runners-up.”
The All Handicap First Team have also had a season to remember making it to the semi-final of their league where they will play Bude, Cornwall, at home on September 12.
The team made the semi-final with two matches to spare having beaten Budleigh Salterton, Devon, at home 19; 1 and 11; 9 away, Exeter away 11;
the top of Bon Accord Road.
“Good luck to both teams in their semi-final matches, flying the flag for Swanage.”
This year, the club welcomed new members who have picked up the skills and rules of the game very well and are now playing croquet at the club regularly on a social basis.
Lawn preparation and maintenance have been carried out by a group of club members who have worked tirelessly to convert the playing field, formerly a football pitch, in the grounds of Swanage Primary School, into what are now two competition standard courts.
A club spokesperson said: “Last season, when work on the lawns was at an early stage, all the club league competition matches had to be played on away grounds.
“This year the playing surface has been greatly improved and
home league matches have resumed. Swanage play in the South West Federation League and have two competitive teams. Results have been fantastic!”
Each match consists of 20 games played during a full day of play and is a mix of both doubles and singles games. A game is comprised of playing 12 hoops and the winning team needs to score seven of the 12 hoops to win. In the event of the score being 6; 6 after 12 hoops there is a final 13th “golden hoop” for one team to win the game.
Social play takes place at the club throughout the week, as do internal club competitions, which give all players the chance to play competitive croquet if they want to.
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact it via the club website for an introductory session.
Housing, jobs and the winter fuel payment
IT was over 15 years ago that I wrote my first column for the Purbeck Gazette. Well, actually, it was a letter, but Nico suggested that maybe I should turn it into a regular feature! And so “Telling It Like It Is” was born. I was looking back through my archives and was disappointed to see that most of the early stuff relates to housing. Or rather, lack of. The sad fact is that the average wage in Purbeck still won’t come close to the average mortgage repayment – the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” has broadened rather than reduced.
Hundreds more houses have been built but how many of them are genuinely “affordable”? By which I mean that once the lucky couple have been accepted, an assessment is made and they will find out exactly how much is left of their earnings after mortgage repayments, council tax etc for non-essentials such as food. The answer is usually “not a lot”.
And yet we have a surplus of jobs – local businesses can’t seem to find part-time employees even though they advertise all through the summer. I know of some businesses which have been obliged to close their doors in the summer evenings and at weekends just because they have no staff. “Trouble is,” one of them said to me “they just
by David Hollister
don’t want to work”. And despite a minimum wage that’s a great deal higher now than when the minimum wage was set up, still no-one wants to work.
Why do we work? To set up our homes, bring up our families and furnish our nests. Yet secondhand furniture is of little or no interest to young couples these days. A friend who has just moved down to Purbeck has advertised a really attractive five-piece suite for several weeks, has reduced the asking price from £35 to Zero, and has now asked how much it would be for someone to take it away to the recycling centre. What a sad waste of natural resources. But seems everyone wants new furnishings these days, on interest-free credit from “shed” warehouses. When we set up our little home in the mid-1970s, much of the furniture came from the auction houses – how sad that “Cottees” has gone.
STUDLAND is working hard to be included in the next tranche of villages to have the speed limit reduced to 20mph. How long, I wonder, before the whole area becomes one great big 20mph limit with automatic penalties and fines being sent by post? Yes, you will argue that safety is everything and that lives must be protected at all costs.
How would I like it if my granny or my three-year old daughter was run over? Obviously, not a lot. It’s a question which has no logical answer. So “20 is plenty” is going to spread like a wildfire and the days of free unrestricted driving are in the past. Unless, of course, you are a cyclist – in general, British cyclists share no legal obligation to adhere to the same speed limits as motorists. But they do have an obligation to observe one-way streets!
I was fascinated to see that parts of the junior “Tour Of Wales” have been changed as support vehicles would not be able to keep up with the riders without speeding.
Regrettably, I will not be in the UK on September 4 to attend the public meeting being held at Studland Village Hall to discuss the Ferry Company’s application to increase tolls, cut discounts for bulk users and make a charge for accessing Ferry Road. It wants to increase tolls for bikes and foot passengers from £1 to £1.75, for cars from £5.30 to £6.26 and for larger vehicles from £10.80 to £12.52. It also wants to move the toll booth nearer to Knoll House Hotel – where is used to be – and charge £6.26 for car users to access Ferry Road whether they use the ferry or not!
THE Ferry Company has insinuated that refusal of its proposals may well result in the withdrawal of ferry services completely in 2035 when the old one wears out! Would it? Could it? Dare it? Well, the answer is most probably “yes”. If it’s the Ferry Company’s ferry, then it must be up to it whether or not it chooses to keep it running. Not up to the villagers, the
government or even the National Trust. Is it likely that someone else will turn up with the odd £50 million to buy a new ferry? I think that is precisely what the Ferry Company is hoping for. Without the ferry, both Studland and Swanage will go under!
Of course, one mention of the ferry brings out all the tunnellers, bridge builders and similar keyboard warriors, all of whom have huge and detailed expert knowledge of the problem, the infrastructure and the expertise necessary to run a ferry safely and profitably. Thankfully, I will be long gone by that time!
AND finally. Winter fuel payments were created in 1997 to help everyone above state pension age with their winter heating bills.
About 10 million pensioners in Wales and England are due to lose their winter fuel payments – worth between £100 and £300 – as a result of Ms Reeves’ announcement. This is always referred to as an “entitlement”. But let’s get this straight. It was a voluntary grant by the Government in 1997 to help with winter heating bills. A grant, not an “entitlement”. We did not pay in for our own state pensions. Please try to get your heads around this. We paid in to provide pensions and benefits to the two or three generations before us. Our pensions and benefits are being paid for by those still in work today and for which I am truly thankful.
We need to stop looking at what we paid in as being our own little personal savings plan. It isn’t. This is what’s called “socialism”, where we all look after those who by reason of age or disability are no longer able to fund their own retirement.
Thank you to everyone reading this who’s still able to earn enough to pay lots of National Insurance contributions. I only wish I was.
Bitter fruit of anti-immigrant stories
LIKE many Labour Party members in Dorset, I support the work of Stand Up To Racism. We have seen disturbing scenes on our TV screens recently. Newspapers have featured photographs of angry mobs and communities traumatised by violence. A hotel believed to be housing refugees was set on fire in Rotherham. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said this was an “utterly appalling act” – “deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside”. A Community Library was torched in Liverpool. In Sunderland, a Citizens Advice Bureau was set alight. We witnessed the bitter fruits of years of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman talked of an “invasion” of Kent by immigrants. Rishi Sunak boasted of his plan to send “illegals” to Rwanda – the
words “stop the boats” were emblazoned on his press conference lectern.
Nigel Farage says only his party will “stand up for British culture, identity and values”. “We will freeze immigration and stop the boats” he writes in his online flyer promoting the forthcoming Reform UK National Conference. “Join the revolt”. The misinformation he spread on social media about the tragic events in Southport has been widely condemned – former CounterTerror Chief, Neil Basu, accusing him of “fomenting discord”.
Chris Bradey
Stand Up to Racism deplores the ugly racism shown by those rioting in the streets. It welcomes the contribution immigrants have made to our economy and public services.
One in five of NHS staff are non-UK nationals. Without them the NHS would collapse. The surgeon who saved my life when I had bowel cancer is the son of a Pakistani immigrant. The asylum seekers on board the Bibby Stockholm are still regarded by some Portland residents as “illegals” and worse – as potential rapists or criminals. The members of The Portland Global Friendship Group have faced hateful abuse. They have been called “traitors” because of their work to support those on the barge. The far-right group, Patriotic Alternative, has spread its poison in Dorset.
One Sunday in August, I experienced myself the effects of that poison. I attended a Unity Rally in Weymouth called by Dorset Stand Up To
Racism. We faced off for hours an angry crowd, many of whom had come from elsewhere. I stood only a few feet from a man holding up an England flag, screaming “we want our country back”. Bottles and insults were thrown at us. I was grateful for the police who kept us safe.
A week later, at another rally in Weymouth – this time peaceful – I heard Portland Labour Councillor Paul Kimber speak. His words were true and brave.
“The far-right have come up with a slogan ‘we want our country back’”, he said. “Well so do I. I want my country back so we can live in freedom, so we can express our concerns and welcome people here from other backgrounds”.
Well spoken Paul.
CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party
Over to you on council’s priorities
BY the time this column is published, Dorset Council will have completed its eight “Big Conversation” engagement events across the area, although more will follow next year.
The “Big Conversation” is about talking to our residents and communities, and asking what they want from the council over the next five years.
The new Liberal Democrat administration of Dorset Council created a manifesto out of what we learned while campaigning and this will help create the new Council Plan set to be published in December.
Following the elections in May, we’ve already implemented some of the promises made during the campaign, but moving forward, the new Cabinet are working through the proposed priorities and want Dorset residents to be part of that process, hence why we are asking residents to help shape the council’s plans and
priorities for the next five years. Dorset Council delivers about 450 services to the 380,000 residents of Dorset and this vital work will continue, but the Council Plan will drive forward the priorities that sit outside statutory service provision.
The four proposed priorities are: Communities for All, Respond to the Climate Crisis, Provide High Quality Housing, and Grow Our Economy.
These represent the areas where we want to make significant improvement over the next five years and they are further broken down into sub-sections such as specific actions to tackle the climate and nature emergencies etc. We want to know whether our residents agree with these priorities for Dorset Council and what they think the council should focus on.
While the in-person events have finished, it’s not too late to give your views, as the closing date isn’t until September 15. You can give your thoughts and feedback online on the Dorset Council website at www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/a-bigconversation.
Dorset Council to act as their liaison for all issues.
Nick Ireland
Another Lib Dems manifesto promise was to create a well-run council with vision and ambition, making decision making as democratic as possible, listening more to residents and creating a genuine partnership with town and parish councils. The “Big Conversation” covers part of that but we’re also doing other things differently such as having a Green Party councillor on Cabinet, looking at setting up area boards, scrapping Lead Members and giving the market towns a named contact within
Cabinet generally meets 11 times a year and this has always been at County Hall in Dorchester until now. We’re changing this and taking Cabinet on the road to make it easier for residents to attend one of these meetings in person without having to make their way to our county town. The intention is to visit the larger towns in Dorset Council’s area providing there is a suitable affordable venue –town council chamber, theatre etc – available. The first of these will be on September 10 at Weymouth Town Council’s offices in Commercial Road, Weymouth starting at 6.30pm. We’ll still be live streaming and recording the meetings as well, of course.
Hope to see you at your local Cabinet!
NICK
IRELAND Liberal Democrat Leader of Dorset Council
Sudoku 3D puzzle
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
Killer Sudoku Pro
Across
7 Excessively enthusiastic son first off with hug stirred after opening to game (4-2)
8 A French socialist reportedly not studied (6)
9 Joint part of stock needed (4)
10 Tamper deliberately with boat at sea in decline close to home (8)
11 Largely cut a race arranged in Lancashire town for officials (11)
Down
1 Spectacularly different female fashion designer upset Greek character (7)
2 Look amorously with cry of triumph about golf (4)
3 Husband concerned with mostly closed island (6)
4 By the sound of it, burden regarding the back (6)
14 Fool from Hertfordshire town with a line put in musical number (6,5)
18 Last of manufacturers with another varied style of furniture (8)
19 Tablet making priest out of sorts (4)
20 One making mistake, not new, as musical player (6)
21 Overlook excellent treatment (6)
Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
5 Set of rules for gun around clubs (8)
6 Chap with energy gets fruit (5)
12 Wholly damaged tyre line (8)
13 Surround pair of bridge players nearby (7)
15 Trainee in winter nominated (6)
16 Alcoholic drink almost beginning to offer stimulation (6)
17 Request for quiet disclosed – or loud noise
19 Put in luggage set of cards (4)
The Battle of Britain Class loco 34070 Manston at Harmans Cross on a service from Swanage to Norden PHOTO: Bob Bunyar
Rare mushrooms back on the menu thanks to Dorset’s fungi rescuer
A FUNGI enthusiast has been collecting, preserving and propagating Dorset’s rare wild mushrooms.
Andy Knott, from Bere Regis, has spent the last year travelling the county, collecting samples of rare native mushrooms. He then clones them, enabling mushroom growers to enjoy the fruits of their labour without disturbing wild populations.
One such rare UK mushroom is Hericium coralloides, the coral tooth fungus. It is so rare that Andy only knows of one record in Dorset.
He said: “I first found it several years ago and have visited it every year to see it fruit again. It’s a rare cousin of the UK-protected Lionsmane (Hericium erinaceous), which has recently gained in popularity thanks to its taste and texture, but also because of its medicinal properties.
“Coralloides is very similar in many ways, apart from the way it grows. It produces these stunning fractals of coral structure, as opposed to Lionsmane, which does resemble the mane of a lion, with long white cascading spines.
“Most years this rare Dorset mushroom is harvested by somebody. While they are not breaking any laws – because this mushroom isn’t protected like its poster boy cousin Lionsmane – it does mean others don’t get to enjoy its beauty.
“By removing the fruiting body from the wild, the forager is reducing the chance of more spores dropping and settling elsewhere, which may create new colonies of this beautiful
organism.”
Instead, Andy harvests a piece of this mushroom the size of a postage stamp. From this ultra-fresh sample, he can clone the mushroom.
It is a technical, specialised process that has to be carried out in an incredibly clean environment.
Andy explained: “Once we have our small sample, it’s taken back to the lab. There, in front of the laminar flow hood – a fan unit with HEPA filters to ensure an aseptic environment – we tear it open to expose a clean part of the fruiting body.
“We take a sterile scalpel and cut a slice no bigger than a grain of rice.
“Mushrooms are fascinating – they can regenerate from a teeny tiny piece. We place this slice onto a Petri dish of agar and pop it in the incubator until we start to see mycelial hyphae extending out from the small piece of mushroom tissue.”
Eventually, after a series of resampling and incubating has taken place, the culture is ready for cultivation. The whole process can take anywhere between two and nine months, perhaps longer with some medicinal species.
The resulting culture can be made into a liquid broth or
introduced into a sterile bag of grain, from where it can be transferred to wood pellets or a mixture of coir, vermiculite and gypsum, depending on the natural habitat of the species.
From this point, what grows is both beautiful and edible!
“I have fruited my cloned coral tooth fungus three times now, and the huge fruiting bodies have gone to my good friend Alex, who is head chef of Thirteen on Ashley Road in Parkstone,” said Andy.
Andy also sells syringes of liquid fungi broth to mushroom enthusiasts and commercial growers around the UK.
“Currently, we grow mainly non-native species of mushrooms in the UK, both commercially and at home in kits,” he said.
“My wish is to continue to successfully clone these native species and get mushroom growers around the country to switch from commercial strains – which are usually of US or Chinese origin – to UK native strains.
“We have seen what the introduction of non-native plants has done to our countryside over the years. We don’t really know yet what the impact of non-native fungal species and pathogens may have.”
Native mushrooms populations are in decline, Andy explained. “Natural England and the Forestry Commission like to blame the lack of mushrooms on foragers,” he said. “In truth, it’s our ancient deciduous woodlands that we are not maintaining or actively destroying, which is why we see less and less mushrooms these days.
“The loss of pastures, farming processes, the use of chemicals and synthesised fertilisers all play a part, too. In a county where ancient woodland is few and far between and isn’t particularly cherished, we are losing the crucial habitat these rare mushrooms require to thrive.”
But Andy has hope for the future of our fungi. “Something I haven’t done yet is to rewild an area, but it’s possible,” he said.
“If somebody out there has the land, the money and a desire to restore things, we could plug fallen logs with suitable species of native fungi and actually recolonise woodlands and green spaces.”
Find out more on Instagram @jurassiccoastmushrooms or email hello@jurassiccoast mushrooms.com.
The rare coral tooth fungus on a beech tree at Upton Country Park
Mushroom man Andy Knott, from Bere Regis
History
How 250 men and £7.5m of silver were lost at sea...
ON February 5, 1805, stormy weather was battering the Dorset coast.
Among those struggling to navigate the rough seas was the Earl of Abergavenny – an East India Company ship captained by John Wordsworth, brother of renowned Romantic poet, William.
At some point that day, due to human error amid the stormy conditions, the 1,460-ton vessel struck the Shambles sandbank, and sank around 1.5 miles off Weymouth, costing 250 lives.
Alongside the human tragedy was a financial one for the East India Company – with some 62 chests of silver dollars also lost in the sinking. The haul – estimated to be worth about £7.5 million today – has never been found.
Now, the wreckage of the Earl of Abergavenny has been scheduled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England.
The designation means divers can dive the wreck but must leave its contents in situ.
The cargo ship launched in 1796 in Northfleet, Kent, and is rare as one of only 36 ships of 1,460 tons that formed a special class of the company’s merchant fleet.
It was an early example of the changing technologies in ship building of the time, incorporating the use of iron in its construction.
Together with other East India Company vessels, it contributed to the growth of western economies during the 17th to 19th centuries by changing the focus of Britain’s trading operations from Indian textiles to China tea.
The Wordsworth family had a close association with the East India Company and John
Wordsworth embarked on a life at sea to help support brother William’s writing career.
He captained two successful voyages on the Earl of Abergavenny to China but lost his life off the Dorset coast on his fifth trading voyage from Portsmouth to Bengal and China.
The ship lies at a depth of 16 metres on the seabed, and there are substantial structural remains of the hull measuring about 50 metres by 10 metres.
It includes planking, frames, and fixtures and fittings such as a chain pump – a type of water pump – and iron knees, which are brackets in the structure of a wooden ship.
The wreck has not been fully excavated.
“This wreck has an evocative story to tell about the life and sorrow of one of our most renowned poets, William
Wordsworth,” said Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England.
“But it also has an important place in this country’s shared maritime history and how the East India Company’s fleet made its impact across so much of the world.
“Its protection is testament to the dedication and hard work of Chelmsford Underwater Archaeological Unit, Weymouth LUNAR Society and Portland Museum and their volunteers.
“Their efforts will help us all learn more about this vessel and its place in our shared past.”
The grief William was experiencing following the loss of his brother is evident in Elegiac Stanzas, where his previous belief that nature was good and kind, is rejected.
After the loss of John, William’s work turned and became more reflective and bleak.
The Portland Museum, in Portland, houses a collection of artefacts from the wreck site when it was excavated in the 1980s, including a cufflink believed to have belonged to Captain John Wordsworth.
The museum was awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in November 2021 to launch the Diving into the Digital Archives of the Earl of Abergavenny project – a digital volunteering initiative aimed at breaking down barriers to heritage.
As part of the project, which continues today, the Museum’s volunteers produce 3D models of the artefacts from the Earl of Abergavenny and make them publicly available.
David Carter, trustee of Portland Museum, said: “I’m delighted the Earl of Abergavenny has been granted protection. It played an important part in British history.
“Being involved in the underwater excavations from the 1980s and seeing the artefacts conserved and finding a home at the Portland Museum has been a major achievement.
“I’m proud of our volunteer team who make hundreds of finds from the wreck site digitally available and accessible to all.”
A cufflink believed to have belonged to John Wordsworth, left, and lead cloth seals recovered from the shipwreck PHOTO: Portland Museum Trust
A portrait of William Wordsworth in the Staircase Hall at Allan Bank and Grasmere, Cumbria PHOTO: National Trust
The Earl of Abergavenny, by Thomas Luny IMAGE: From the British Library Collection by Portland Museum Trust
Envelopes, stamps and satire
TWO Dorset philatelists go back to the birth of the postage stamp and a craze equivalent to the modern internet meme in a new book.
Robin Cassell, who lives near Poole, and Dr Richard Hobbs, from near Dorchester, feature hundreds of examples of the humorous and satirical “Mulready Caricatures” in the book.
The caricatures, which can now change hands for up to £50,000 each, came about after a pre-paid envelope was launched on May 6, 1840 – at the same time as the first stamps, the Penny Black and Two Penny Blue.
The envelope featured a design by artist William Mulready intended to promote
the British postal reforms of the time.
But the depiction of Britannia dispatching winged messenwgers to the colonies was widely ridiculed in newspapers and by their readers.
In turn, entrepreneurs and stationers created envelopes which became known as “Mulready Caricatures”, featuring caricatures mocking the establishment.
The caricatures, many coloured in by hand, became instantly popular, but the short-lived craze had died out by early 1841.
The authors, both fellows of the Royal Philatelic Society, have more than 1,600 examples of the caricatures and associated
pictorial envelopes in their two-volume book, The Mulready Caricature.
Robin said: “In 1840 Sir Rowland Hill introduced the penny post with the 1d Black and 2d Blue stamps.
“He also commissioned Irish artist William Mulready – an associate of the Royal Academy – to create a design for the pre-paid envelope.
“It was launched on May 6 and newspapers ridiculed it because it was deemed pompous and over the top. Their readers also joined in.
A Mulready Caricature (left) – the first English caricature, designed by John Leech, May 22, 1840, and in Leech’s own handwriting. It is worth £25,000
“The messengers that Britannia was dispatching were represented by people in native costume and included exotic animals.
“Hill quickly realised the design was being lampooned and wrote: ‘I fear we shall have to substitute some other stamp for that design by Mulready... the public have shown their disregard and even distaste for beauty.’
“What happened next was like an internet meme of today. Stationers, book sellers and printers immediately began issuing their own satirical envelopes – the start of the Mulready Caricature.
“Robert Wright Hume in Edinburgh issued one showing Britannia sitting on a pig.
“The first known example of this was sent to Mulready
himself who appeared to have received it in good humour because he kept it.
“London was the other major centre, with SW Fores issuing one showing a one-eyed lion.
“Then others joined in, including a Frenchman who issued 12 caricatures just for the English market.
“Because these envelopes were not pre-paid, stamps had to be bought and attached, so they also helped establish the importance of stamps.
“By early 1841 the craze of the caricatures had died out after the introduction of the more sombre penny pink envelope.
“In our book we have attempted to catalogue all known caricatures and related envelopes with photographs.
“Collectors and enthusiasts have traditionally looked down on Mulready Caricatures, but in recent years their values have rocketed.
“A single example can make tens of thousands of pounds and there is more interest in them now than at any time since 1840.
“It’s a good area to collect because there are examples that you can find for £100, but an incredibly rare one might swap hands for £50,000.”
n The book, The Mulready Caricature, is published by The Royal Philatelic Society.
Dorset philatelists Robin Cassell and Dr Richard Hobbs
The original Mulready design (right)
Health & Wellbeing
Chamomile, lavender and scarlet pimpernel
by Fiona Chapman
IT is amazing how fast the year goes by. It seems only yesterday that I was writing about putting blackberries in balsamic or apple cider vinegar to make a delicious healthy glaze – particularly with the balsamic and blackberry. It is now the start of blackberry season again, so I am going to be doing the same thing.
This year, I also want to make my own organic apple cider vinegar. It is extremely good for lowering cholesterol, for heart health, high blood pressure and, if you leave the “mother” in, is a probiotic. I have lots of apples growing, although I must get to them before vmy dog does, who helps herself secretly to any within her reach.
I am a firm believer that if something is growing in your garden and flourishing, then it will be good for you.
I also have chamomile flourishing, which I pick and make into a delicious tea. 10 flowers or so with boiling water
and steeped for 10 to 15 minutes makes an almost thick, quite bitter tea with a blue tinge. A fresh infusion is for tension and relaxation. If you pick it and dry it – which I also do – then the bitters become more pronounced, and this is very good for digestion. I do find it is a bit of a diuretic, so probably not too good to drink just before bed.
I often combine this with Lavender. You need to put the lid on the tea as soon as you pour in the boiling water to preserve the volatile oils. Again, it is very good for the nerves, calming the mind and the whole nervous system, and particularly nice if you are feeling a little panicky for any reason.
I also have an abundance of scarlet pimpernel growing, which I have just discovered was used as an infusion in Roman times for melancholy. It has fallen out of fashion, which is why I had not come across it before. It is, however, considered to be the bringer of
laughter and it is used today for those who have closed or hide their heart and are emotionally cold.
Eliot Cowan, a famous herbalist, used it to encourage his patients to laugh with abandon and cheer. Maybe as I
have so much of it, I am in need. I will try it and may well be found walking the hills of Dorset shouting with laughter. What a lovely thought! n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).
RSV vaccine in pipeline
WOMEN 28 weeks or more pregnant or anyone aged 75 or older will be eligible for the new RSV vaccine when it becomes available this month.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV can be especially dangerous for
infants and the elderly, says Public Health Dorset. RSV accounts for about 30,000 hospitalisations of children in the UK a year, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths. RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and existing lung-condition flare-ups. It causes about 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year.
Fresh lavender and chamomile
Meditations in nature: Between Perseus and Andromeda
by Susanna Curtin
AUGUST is rapidly slipping away. The swifts have left our shores, the nights are drawing in and spiders are weaving their art around my house and garden. I find these seasonal shifts simultaneously alarming yet reassuring. Alarming because the summer seems to have passed so quickly, and reassuring because this is what should be happening at this time of year. Equally predictable, is the Perseid meteor shower that peaks in mid-August, and it is this that I am hoping to enjoy tonight should the clouds permit.
Today has reached 32 degrees, and as much as I love the sunshine, I am quite grateful to feel the cooler evening set in. As the light gently fades, I watch the waxing crescent moon sink below the trees and admire my bats as they skilfully navigate the rooftops before circling out of view. With their departure, my attention turns to the chirping crickets that can be heard from every direction. They are creating a tune I never tire of. Instead, I am thrilled that they like my garden, as it is testament to the wildflowers and log piles I have created to attract them.
Eventually, as the darkness folds in around me, I begin to make out the stars and the hundreds of satellites that criss-cross the heavens. I
remember the excitement of seeing one, or perhaps two, in my childhood. Who would have thought that by now they number more than 10,000 –mostly generated by the USA, China and the UK. Although we all depend on them, I find it sobering to think how successfully we are polluting space as well as our own planet. 10pm becomes 11pm – time effortlessly passing in thoughts and observations of the night sky until I see my first shooting star. In contrast to the man-made objects I have been counting, this is the cosmos at work. A moving flash of light catches my peripheral vision and I turn to watch it slowly burn a bright streak across the sky just between the constellations of Perseus and Andromeda. A second later and it is gone. I have seen thousands of shooting stars over the years and each one elicits the same emotions of wonder and awe.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs as the Earth passes through the trail of the SwiftTuttle comet that is on a 133-year orbit in our solar system. As the comet gets close to our Sun, it heats up and sheds fine fragments of materials that are only the size of a grain of sand. When these particles hit the Earth’s atmosphere, at an estimated 36 miles per second, the air in front of them becomes
compressed and is heated to thousands of degrees Celsius. This intense heat causes each particle to burn up, creating a bright streak of light across our skies that is several times higher than a passenger jet.
The Swift-Tuttle comet was independently discovered by Lewis Swift and by Horace Parnell Tuttle, on July 16 and July 19, 1862, although it had been noted much earlier by ancient Chinese astronomers in 69BC. Its nucleus, the solid central part of the comet, is 16 miles in diameter and as such is the largest near-Earth object to cross Earth’s orbit, giving rise to scientists’ claim that it is “the single most dangerous object known to humanity”. Most shooting stars begin only as tiny fragments but occasionally a
larger fragment will fail to burn up completely and falls to earth as a fireball. When it hits the ground, it becomes a meteorite. It is estimated that there are 190 meteorite impact craters on Earth. Although several meteor showers are visible throughout the year, the Perseids are my favourite as they are reminiscent of balmy summer nights spent with my parents and my own children, laying on the grass and watching the night sky. Finally, it is nearing midnight, and as I close the door, I see a final white flash speed across the darkness. Clear skies and 16 meteors has marked this evening as one of the best Perseid events I have ever experienced.
n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).
The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August
Home & Garden
A summer of salvias
by Sally Gregson
ONE of the glories of contemporary gardens in late summer is the upsurge in the number of small shrubby salvias relishing our warmer days. Their paintbox flowers bring pops of saturated colour to our herbaceous beds and borders. And their aromatic leaves scent
rain and freezing overnight temperatures have killed their enthusiasm.
In the past 10 to 15 years, continental plant breeders have been working on crossing some carefully chosen cultivars and produced exceptionally good flowers and offspring that were almost immediately ready to very soon many gardeners were another S. greggii hybrid, S. ‘Amethyst Lips’, with bicoloured petals of purple and white.
If your garden is full at this time of year, try putting a new plant in a pot. Then as the winter approaches it could be popped into cold greenhouse or placed in the shelter of a warm sunny wall.
Pot them on in March and they will be ready to make another display throughout next summer.
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Salvia grahamii ‘Hot Lips’ and (inset) Salvia amistad
How to manage ornamental grasses
by Sally Gregson
AFTER a long, wet winter such as the one we have just experienced, many gardeners will bemoan the lost plants they have had in their borders. Too much winter wet is in many ways more difficult to manage than too much frost. Plants survive extremes of cold in winter much better than an excess of cold rain.
Many ornamental grasses, for example, prefer a sunny, open space. The roots of many plants, especially grasses, quite simply rot in an excess of winter moisture. Grass roots are reluctant to grow at all from midsummer onwards. Which is why most grasses are divided only in spring. Then they are keen to get away into the warming land.
It can be quite tempting in the bright, new spring light to cut back all grasses, regardless of whether they are evergreen or not. Sadly, many beautiful specimens, newly planted the year before, succumb to being “tidied up” a little too enthusiastically. Many will not
re-grow from a tight haircut.
Miscanthus can seem particularly untidy in spring, but it’s a good idea to cut the old, flowered stems right down, leaving those that are beginning to sprout. These stems will carry the current year’s flowers later in the season.
Evergreen grasses should be combed through with your hands encased in rubber gloves to lend cohesion, to pull out the dead leaves. The resulting thinner plant should then be lightly fed with a little diluted fertiliser and watered. It should then “get away” well.
Herbaceous grasses that die back in autumn need to be tidied up in winter, cutting them back and removing the dead top growth. But allow a little to remain for the garden birds to line their nests.
Seed can be sown as soon as spring arrives. Few varieties need any special treatment. All should germinate quickly in a shallow seed tray of proprietary compost in the cold greenhouse, and pricked out in the usual way. Pot up the young
seedlings into 9cm pots and stand them down where you can keep an eye on their
development. They should be ready to join the garden gang before the summer.
Miscanthus Morning Light growing with Verbena bonariensis
Field & Stream
by AJ Selby
“By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather / And autumn’s best of cheer.” Helen Hunt Jackson I KNEW it was going to be special the moment I glanced out of the window. It didn’t take much, just a reflection in the glass, that told me I needed to hastily dress and get out into the early morning air. And it was beyond special, one of those once in a decade experiences that take the breath away – I hope some of you may have enjoyed it, too. I have seen many over the years, but this was one of the very best. It was about 5.30am on August 15, just a couple of weeks ago. The reflected deep red glow on the window of the neighbouring house made me hasten out to see how good it was, and I wasn’t disappointed. The entire eastern skyline was ablaze with the most astonishing sunrise you can imagine, from the yellow hues just above the horizon where the sun was about to appear, then turning orange higher up and then a glowing red of fragmented clouds mottled
Once in a decade experience took the breath away
black, higher and higher until almost above me across the entire vista from left to right.
The field in front of me was showing traces of early morning dew with curtains of mist hanging between the trees and above the hedgeline, snaking in and out of a small copse or an isolated bush. I saw a similar sunset, as opposed to a sunrise, like this a year or so ago and many people shared images of it as it draped over the far western horizon, but sunrises are extra special as fewer folk are abroad to enjoy them and one feels a sense of privilege to have witnessed such a spectacle.
In 1883 Krakatoa erupted – a huge explosion that filled the upper atmosphere with billions of tons of ash that caused magnificent red skies all over the world for two or three years afterwards. Many a diarist of
west of Java!
The weather news during the last couple of weeks of this August indicates that more amazing sunrises and sunsets could be seen from the UK into early autumn. This is due to the jetstream carrying smoke particles from the United States and Canada into the upper atmosphere, the particles coming from the large amount of wildfires that have blazed all summer over there – they are too high to be a health risk. While no-one wishes to profit from someone else’s misfortune, spectacular natural phenomena like fiery sunrises and sunsets certainly stop us in our tracks to admire the power and beauty of nature.
the time wrote and drew pictures of these phenomena –my children wondered why I didn’t mention seeing it, they seem to think that I have been around since the mid-19th century! – with comments such as “the world seemed on fire”.
The explosion was equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT – 13,000 Hiroshimas –and the volcano ejected some six cubic miles of rock into the atmosphere, 50 miles high, and it was heard more than 2,200 miles away in Alice Springs in central Australia. Not only were the global skies blood red –some historians think that Edvard Munch’s 1893 painting The Scream depicts the Norwegian sky after the eruption – but the light filtration caused the moon to look blue. Fun Fact: the 1969 film Krakatoa, East of Java is geographically incorrect as it is
On a more mundane level, autumn is creeping ever slowly towards us. The nights are drawing in earlier and the dawn later, and there is that chill in the air that follows even the warmest late summer day. There is more dew on the grass and the late summer flowers are now rushing to seed and look spent and withered. In contrast, the berries have come and there is a fine crop of blackberries on my walks already – the damp and indifferent summer has suited them. Soon to follow will be the crab apples, plums and damsons, as well as sweet chestnuts, beech mast and acorns.
There is always hope for a good September, but the primeval urge to stock up for winter is in us all, man, bird and beast. The winter brassicas look good in the kitchen garden and there will soon be talk of casseroles and fruit crumbles, while the jay hides his acorns and the squirrels and other small mammals stock up or lay down fat. Plants, too, put their energy into seed production and in a month the hedgerows will be blotched red with haws and hips from hawthorn and wild rose. It’s another wonderful time to walk and enjoy the changing season, and a salient reminder that even darker and colder days are just over the horizon.
AJ Selby felt a sense of privilege witnessing this spectacular sunrise
Wimborne prove too strong for Swans
Swanage & Wareham 0
Wimborne 53
by Ron Butler
THIS was an even contest for the first 20 minutes, but it was obvious the visitors were a much more accomplished squad.
Swans had a couple of penalties early on, but a long kick by Wimborne took them into the Swans 22 and from the scrum they forced their way over the try line.
The ball came back to the visitors and with a move along the threes the right winger scored in the corner.
Swans came back when a winger was tackled just five metres from the Wimborne line after an interception.
In the second session, both sides changed some players, and this saw players from the higher league come into their own.
A sliced Swans kick landed in the Wimborne’s full back’s hands and a move along the threes took Wimborne to 15pts.
Swans could not get the ball – Wimborne appeared to turn over the ball with every tackle and in this 20-minute period
RUGBY
they scored three more tries without reply, taking the score at half-time to Swans 0-Wimborne 34.
In the second half, Swans had a bit more of the ball, but just as they were looking better, a Wimborne winger intercepted a move along Swans backs and scored in the corner.
Wimborne had a couple of penalties close to the Swans posts, which they took as taps, and with the second one forced their way over Swans line (0pts-46pts).
In the last 20 minutes, Swans had much more of the ball, but Wimborne still turned it over at the breakdowns.
On 65 minutes, another tap penalty to Wimborne close to the Swans line saw the visitors power over.
Swans: N Audley, J Phillips, C Foskett, S Waterman, G Smith, G Slack, K Salina, C Moag, T Holland, H Sadd, O Peters, B Meaden, E Demescio, T Munns, W Slack, L Reeves, O Dillon, E Bainy, R Ferguson, G Crouch, J Taylor, C Chew, I Kato, K Burr.
Bournemouth 24
Swanage & Wareham 17
SWANAGE & Wareham had
Big name guests at rugby lunch
DIVERSE Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, hosts its annual rugby lunch at Hoburne Park, Christchurch, later this month.
Guests include Luke Pearce, one of the leading World Rugby referees, and rugby legend Neil Back MBE.
David Flatman, former Bath prop and the England national team, and now pundit, is hosting the day.
Over the past 13 years the event has raised more than £298,000, helping Diverse Abilities make a difference to children and adults in Dorset
their first pre-season friendly against Bournemouth and, considering Bournemouth are one league above Swans, the squad put up a creditable performance.
The game was played in four quarters of 20 minutes so that every player in the squad could feature.
The first session was fairly even but Swans gave away too many penalties. A penalty to the home side took them into the Swans 22 and with a catch/drive move Bournemouth scored a try in the last minute of the quarter.
In the second session, Swans went on the attack down to the Bournemouth 22 and four minutes into the 20 from a scrum Swans scrum-half Ollie Peters worked his way over the try line (5pts each).
After 10 minutes, everyone bar the referee thought it was a forward pass but a winger scored for the hosts in the corner (10pts-5pts).
Swans replied a few minutes later as once again Ollie Peters was on hand to score Swans second try (10pts each).
In the third session Bournemouth showed that their
backs could play, when, in the 44th minute, a move all along the three-quarters went to a right winger to run round to score under the posts (17pts10pts).
Swans had two good moves in the backs, but towards the end of the quarter after several phases close to Swans posts, Bournemouth added another try close in. This was converted (24pts-10pts).
There was more play in the host’s territory in the last 20 minutes with Bournemouth having a few goal-line drop outs, and with 10 minutes to go centre Lewis Reeves powered over the try line to score Swans’ third try. Conor Moag added the extras (24pts-17pts).
Both sides should have added to their scores, but the defences held secure.
The match was a good work out for both sets of players with Swans coaches having some things to sort out before the season starts in earnest.
Swans squad: N Audley, J Phillips, C Foskett,
R Ferguson, G Crouch, J Taylor.
living with physical and learning disabilities, and their families.
Tim Carroll, director at Dunore Utility Connections, which is sponsoring the event, said: “It means so much to us to support a charity that does so much to help children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.
“It’s such a pleasure to be involved in the event again.”
Luke Pearce, who has officiated 50 international rugby test matches, is a guest at the Diverse Abilities rugby lunch
The sporting lunch on Friday, September 13, kicks off at noon with welcome drinks and a VIP reception for sponsors, before guests enjoy a three-course meal and hear the celebrity speakers. There will also be an opportunity to win the famous Knife, Fork, and Spoon game, raffle prizes and auction lots, with prizes given by local
businesses and the community. The event is now sold out but to be the first to find out about next year’s lunch, sign up for the Diverse Abilities Newsletter at diverseabilities. org.uk.
S Waterman, A Crouch, G Slack, K Salina, J Towers, C Moag, J Desmond, T Holland, H Sadd, O Peters, B Meaden, E Demescio, T Munns, W Slack, L Reeves, O Dillon, E Bainy,
Five more join Hendy’s ‘25 Year Club’
THE Hendy Group has recognised the long service of five of its Dorset staff at a special event in Brighton.
They were among 18 employees from across the company who have worked 25 years for Hendy at the event at the Hilton Metropole.
The staff from Dorset to join the “25 Year Club” were Wendy Ponzio, customer service specialist and Sean Pollock, paint sprayer at Hendy Poole; Chris Cox, business process manager and Steve Neville, technician from Hendy Bournemouth; and Bryan Singer, service cleaner/driver at Hendy Ferndown.
Hendy Group, which is celebrating its 165th anniversary in 2024, now has 25 staff in
Dorset who have worked a quarter of a century for the family-run business.
155 staff – 9.4% of the 1,648-strong workforce – have worked for the company for 25 years.
Members of the Hendy “25 Year Club” have a combined period of service of more than 5,166 years, with staff at 40-plus locations across the south of England.
They include board-level managers, technicians, customer service specialists, regional service manager, head of brand performance, learning and development partner, and valeters.
The celebration included a dinner and evening of awards and entertainment, hosted by
members of the Hendy Family. The 18 staff who had recorded 25 years’ service were presented with a carriage clock by chief executive of Hendy Group, Paul Hendy.
Earlier in the day, new and long-standing members of the “25 Year Club” and their families enjoyed a baking lesson with celebrity chef and Hendy Group ambassador Rosemary Shrager.
There were also rounds of crazy golf on Brighton Beach hosted by Hendy chair Simon Gulliford and walking tours exploring Brighton’s rich history.
Paul Hendy said: “This club holds a special place in my heart. These colleagues have poured years of effort into our Group’s success, and it is truly a privilege to treat them and their loved ones to a memorable day out.”
Motoring manners could cost drivers dear
A NEW study from private plate supplier Regtransfers has revealed that an alarming majority of British road users may be unaware of the potential repercussions of their politeness.
When presented with the scenario in which another driver gives way to them on the road, more than half (58.3%) of Brits said they would express gratitude with a quick wave or thumbs up, while one in 10 (13.3%) said they would flash their hazard lights and one in four (24.8%) said they would do either of these actions.
Only 3% of Brits said they would do neither of these actions.
While these might seem like harmless, friendly gestures, this means that almost all of the UK’s road users could find themselves falling foul of the Highway Code and facing hefty fines.
Depending on circumstances, a quick wave or a thumbs-up could be seen as temporarily removing the driver’s control of the vehicle – something covered by Rule 160 of the Highway Code, which states that road users should “drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible”.
If caught by law enforcement, drivers could find their quick act of kindness landing them with a fine of up
to £1,000 and a possible three penalty points being added to their licence.
Flashing hazard lights to say “thank you” is a breach of Rule 116, which says that drivers “must not use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead”.
Similarly, being caught doing this could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Equally, another common gesture – flashing headlights to give way – is also against the rules of the Highway Code, and specifically rule 110, which states drivers should “only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there”.
The rule continues to state that headlights should not be used to convey any other
message or intimidate other road users.
Once again, breaching this rule could land drivers with a potential fine of up to £1,000.
Of course, the amount drivers could be fined – as well as other repercussions – depends on the specific circumstances, but Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee suggests taking no chances.
He said: “It might seem like you’re being friendly, but taking your hand – or hands – off the wheel to say thank you, even for a moment, poses a potential risk to you and other road users, as you won’t be in full control of the vehicle.
“It still pays to be polite, though, so if you want to express gratitude you can do so with a quick nod of your head – remembering to keep your eyes and attention on the road while doing so.”
Celebrity chef and Hendy Group ambassador Rosemary Shrager (front right) with members of the “25 Year Club” and their families
Beautiful fine filigree
by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham
FILIGREE is a delicate and intricate metalworking technique that has been used for centuries to create exquisite patterns in jewellery.
Originating in ancient Mesopotamia and later flourishing in regions like the Mediterranean, India and Europe, filigree involves twisting and curling fine threads of gold or silver to form intricate designs.
This art form adds a distinct elegance and sophistication to antique jewellery, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The appeal of filigree lies in its ability to transform simple metal into lace-like patterns, creating a sense of lightness and intricacy that enhances the overall beauty of a piece.
Craftsmen used a combination of curling, twisting and soldering techniques to produce detailed motifs, often inspired by nature or geometric shapes.
These designs were then applied to various types of jewellery, including rings,
earrings, pendants and brooches.
During the Victorian era, filigree became particularly popular, reflecting the period’s fascination with ornate and romantic styles.
Artisans would often incorporate other elements, such as gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls and enamel, to complement the delicate metalwork, resulting in pieces that were very elegant and looked fabulous.
The piece in the picture is a most exquisite filigree sterling silver butterfly brooch with moving wings which probably originates from China post1950.
You can see the intricate metalwork and expert craftsmanship, despite it being modern, that gives the impression of the veins and eye spots on a butterfly’s wings.
Today, antique filigree jewellery is appreciated not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its historical significance.
These pieces offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the past, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisans who meticulously crafted each delicate design.
Antiques & Collectibles
Pieces from the Grey Egerton Family Collection at the – now burnt down – Oulton Hall, feature in Duke’s Autumn Auction
A celebration of art and history
DUKE’S is poised to showcase an exhilarating triad of auctions this October and is inviting final entries for Sporting and Natural History, the Autumn Auction, and Art & Design post-1880.
This collection reflects the rich tapestry of art and history, with each category promising to deliver remarkable offerings that appeal to seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike.
The Sporting and Natural History auction will feature exquisite taxidermy pieces, vintage sporting memorabilia and rare natural history artefacts.
Meanwhile, the Autumn Auction will bring together an eclectic range of items, from fine antique fur-niture to old master paintings.
There will also be pieces from the Grey Egerton Family
Collection of the, now burnt down, Oulton Hall.
Lastly, the Art & Design post-1880 segment is set to highlight innovative and influential artworks, encompassing a spectrum of styles and mediums that mark the evolution of the art world.
It includes works from prominent artists such as David Hockney, Wilfrid Gabriel De Glehn and Walter David Jones.
As the mid-September deadline for submissions approaches, readers are encouraged to submit their entries and partake in what promises to be a memorable month of exploration and excitement at Duke's.
Phone 01305 265080 or email enquiries@dukesauctions.com, or arrange a confidential free valuation at your convenience.
Business
Business Festival’s headline speakers
A GLOBAL climate change consultant and social entrepreneur has been announced as the headliner at the Dorset Business Festival Conference.
Benita Matofska is set to appear at the event – with the theme of “business as a force for good” – on Wednesday, October 9, in Bournemouth.
She will be joined as keynote speaker by political analyst and president of The Jobs Foundation, Lord Matthew Elliott.
Broadcaster Declan Curry will host the conference, which also includes panel debates, question and answer sessions, networking and presentations. It is one of the highlights of the Dorset Chamber-organised Business Festival – the largest event of its kind in the region – over two weeks from September 30 to October 10.
Ian Girling, Dorset chamber chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to secure Benita as a keynote speaker.
“She is a world-leading orator, change maker and climate change consultant who has worked with some of the
world’s most forward-thinking businesses.
“She joins Lord Elliott and Declan Curry as the headline names at the top of an exceptional line-up of speakers and panellists at what will be a thought provoking and valuable conference for businesses.”
Benita, the author of groundbreaking book Generation Share, helps businesses navigate economic, social and environmental changes.
She is described as a “sustainability innovator, conscious leadership and future business consultant” who is “driven by a passion to create global change and transform business into a force for good”.
Matthew Elliott has worked on UK public policy for nearly 25 years, including overseeing two national referendum campaigns, founding four high profile pressure groups and convening policy commissions.
The Jobs Foundation is a registered charity that champions the role of business as a force for good. It is building a broad coalition of business leaders across the
country to tackle poverty and advance social mobility.
Panels at the conference include:
n Embedding Environmental and Social Responsibility for Growth
n Sustainable Business: Where Profit and Planet Align n Leadership and Innovation. Business as a Problem Solver n Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Beyond: Their Future in our Hands
This year’s Dorset Business Festival returns after 2023’s highly successful event.
It includes a Festival Expo on October 2, the conference on October 9 and the Dorset Business Awards on October 1 – all at the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth. There will also
be a festival breakfast on September 30 at Rick Stein’s restaurant at Sandbanks.
Dorset Chamber is organising the extravaganza during its 75th anniversary year.
The festival is supported by Premier Festival Partner Lester Aldridge and Festival Partners Blue Sky Financial Planning, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council, ElectriX and YMCA Bournemouth.
The Business Festival is open to all businesses, including non-members.
Visit https://dorsetchamber. co.uk/business-as-a-force-forgood-conference/ for more information about the conference and to book tickets.
‘Get a ticket’, lawyers warn train travellers
LAWYERS in Swanage have told of rising requests for help from distressed travellers facing criminal prosecution for fare dodging on the railways.
Ellis Jones Solicitors says it is helping increasing numbers of people avoid court proceedings and a criminal record after they have been caught without a valid ticket, railcard or travel pass, especially students and young professionals.
The firm, with offices in High Street in the town centre, credits the surge to a clampdown by rail operators nationwide and the application of sophisticated technology. Its experts, senior associate
solicitor James Constable and legal assistant Lovetta Pring, in the firm’s crime and regulatory team, have seen an uplift in requests for legal representation since the start of the year.
Lovetta said: “Many people are still unaware that fare evasion is a criminal offence and can have significant consequences. Evading fares on public transport can lead to a financial penalty of up to £1,000, prosecution and even a criminal record, which can have life-changing consequences.”
Fare evasion includes: Travelling without a ticket; using a railcard that is out of date; travelling further than the
destination on the ticket; travelling at a time that is not permitted by ticket conditions; using someone else’s travel pass; and use of a child’s ticket by someone over 16.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), the industry’s membership body, estimates that about £240 million is lost through fare evasion on Great Britain’s railways annually.
Some of the more serious cases that Ellis Jones has dealt with have included an investigation by South Western Railway into a university student’s ticketing history after they were caught by a member of TFL staff without a valid
ticket for travel.
The investigation identified 184 suspicious journeys into Waterloo station over 19 months.
In another case, Ellis Jones represented a college student caught fare evading on Chiltern Railways and with a history of 29 fare-evaded journeys plus a number of inaccurately requested refunds.
In each case, with Ellis Jones’ representations, the matters were settled out of court with payment of any unpaid fares or wrongly requested refunds, as well as the train company’s administrative costs – with no criminal prosecution.
Lester Aldridge partner Grant Esterhuizen (left) and Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling at Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. Lester Aldridge is premier festival partner
£410,000 bill for crime in countryside
by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk
THE cost of rural crime in Dorset rose 18% to roughly £410,000 last year, according to new figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual.
Its report reveals that rural crime cost the UK as a whole an estimated £52.8 million in 2023, up from £50.6m the previous year. In a sign of increasing organisation and sophistication among criminals, claims to NFU Mutual resulting from stolen GPS units soared 137% to £4.2m.
Thieves have been found to frequently target several farms in one night, moving between locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits and revisiting weeks later to take any replacements.
The high-tech equipment, typically priced at more than £10,000 a unit, is used to guide tractors and combine harvesters to improve accuracy.
Without it, farmers and agricultural contractors can face severe delays and disruption to harvesting and cultivating work.
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves, with thefts up 9% to £3.2m in claim costs reported to NFU Mutual last year.
However, the total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts fell 9% to £10.7m.
Livestock theft remained high, with an alarming spate of incidents in which farm animals were butchered in fields.
Farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks across the UK in 2023, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
Sharp rises in inflation made farming equipment an attractive target for organised gangs, increasing the financial impact of each theft on the rural community.
However, a coordinated response against crime saw a reduction in the number of agricultural vehicle claims.
NFU Mutual has provided more than £1m since 2021 to support initiatives tackling rural crime, and in 2023, it became a major funder of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU).
Formally established last April, the unit is staffed by police officers with experience in detecting and preventing rural crime, with investigative powers to track and intercept stolen machinery and equipment.
Matt Uren, senior agent at NFU Mutual Dorchester, said: “All the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.
“While the overall cost of agricultural vehicle theft fell thanks to coordinated efforts, it’s concerning to see GPS thefts rocket up and quad bikes being increasingly targeted, with thieves turning to technology to scope out locations.
“We know the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming.
“That’s why it’s so important for insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police and politicians to continue to work together to provide a united response to the challenge presented by both organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.”
New face at Lighthouse
LIGHTHOUSE Poole has appointed John Baker (pictured) to the senior management team as its new head of audiences and communications.
John comes to Lighthouse with a wealth of experience leading marketing,
communications, fundraising and box office teams in venues including the Camberley Theatre, the Churchill Theatre in Bromley and, most recently, as director of communications at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.
ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES
Its not the size that matters it’s the way you move it! Armishaws operate a fleet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company.
With
Arts & Entertainment
New books by Dorset authors
n The Last Boat Home by Rachel Sweasey, Boldwood Books
AUTHOR Sweasey’s Dorset roots and personal tragedy inspire and define this epic tale of love, loss and second chances.
She said: “It has been a joy to write because so much is personal and tied to my roots in Poole.
“It mingles history and fact and fiction together like a dream.
“Poole was recorded as a place of dwelling in the 12th century census, and while much has changed since the war, you can still walk Market Street, Church Street and Thames Street around the old church.
“The description of St James’s and the streets of Old Poole are all factual.”
Poole’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution also plays a moving part in her story.
Rachel added: “My first husband, Peter James Benson, was a member of the Poole lifeboat crew from his teenage years until he died in a sub-aqua diving accident aged 26 in 1992.
names have been changed.”
Shore shifting, the book also takes the reader to the south of France.
Rachel said: “St Christophe is not a real town, but is based on Agay, a beautiful horseshoeshaped fishing town on the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Saint-Raphael and Cannes, on the Cote D’Azur, where I enjoyed wonderful holidays.
“It is named after St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, famous for carrying the Christchild across water to safety, so his connection to the sea and the RNLI and their selfless volunteer work rescuing seafarers fit well.
“Visitors to the RNLI boathouse on the Quay will find a bench inscribed to his memory.
“The retelling of his death and funeral from my character Felicity’s point of view is almost completely factual, though the dates and some
“I grew ups with Elvis. My parents were the same age as him and played his records and I watched his films during the school holidays,” she said.
“His colourful outfits caught my attention – who needed a Barbie doll when you had a singing, dancing Elvis?
because this is not purely a historical recount.
Poole Pottery also features.
“Poole Pottery was ordered to stop making decorative work and its showroom was turned over to BOAC, the Flying Boat airline that operated out of Poole Harbour during the war,” Rachel said. “There will be more about this amazing history of the flying boats in my next book.”
n Fred Sturgeon’s Poole War Diary & Other Writings by Ed Perkins
“And he represents my characters, Luc and Daisy, Felicity and Jean-Pierre, who travel to be with their lovers.”
The real-life
RNLB Thomas Kirk Wright’s involvement in the Dunkirk Evacuation, are written into the story as accurately as possible for a work of fiction.
Rachel added: “During its last trip from the Dunkirk shore, it was carrying French soldiers, and was badly shot up by German gunfire. You can still visit it in the lifeboat museum, just as I’ve described it in the story.
“But I have changed a few tiny details of the evacuation,
SINCE appearing in a recent issue of this magazine, the book sold out and went to reprint.
Sturgeon, joined the Bournemouth Daily Echo as a reporter in 1922 and remained there for 26 years.
During the Second World War, he wrote fascinating monthly accounts of what was happening across the town, which are lovingly detailed here.
n Elvis: The King of Fashion by Lorraine Gibson, White Owl Books
LOCAL author and reporter Lorraine Gibson’s biography moves from the US’s Deep South during the Great Depression to the glamour and excess of 1970s Las Vegas.
“This is a new look at his astonishing rags-to-riches life story through a fashion lens, as his clothes defined him as much as his music did.
“I talk to people who knew, dressed and were inspired by him.”
The book celebrates the lonely, stammering boy who awakened an entire generation to forbidden fruit.
The defiant hair, the sultry looks, the gender-ambivalent outfits – even the famous sideburns – are considered in loving detail.
From dirt-poor scamp and teenage anti-hero, through Hollywood heartthrob, leatherclad rock star and caped superhero in jumpsuits, the author describes his iconic outfits with as much joy as she does his journey through the decades.
A contemporary take on the evolution of Elvis the Showman, it also features a look at the 2022 hit film, Elvis.
Elvis’s life, forged in the hardship and raw music of the poor South and personifying the American Dream, is retold with style by Gibson, who walked in his shoes through Memphis to discover they really were two-toned.
Set in a fascinating period in time, it looks at the powerful legacy of the man, a colossus, who strode through the world of entertainment like the king he never really believed he was.
The Wareham Silent Film Weekender
can
and South West Silents).
Borderlines Film Festival, Nederlands
Classically trained from the age of two, she has worked extensively with various dance companies (English National Ballet, Rambert Company, Matthew Bourne and Pina Bausch) and performs and composes for international silent film festivals, institutions and film organisations (Il Cinema Ritrovato, British Film Institute,
National Ballet, Rambert Company, Matthew Bourne and Pina Bausch) and performs and composes for international silent film festivals, institutions and
Classically trained from the age of two, she has worked extensively with various dance companies (English
Dorset’s oldest cinema, The Rex Wareham, and South West Silents presents another weekend of classic silent film comedy this September: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd September 2024.
Meg Morley is an Australianborn pianist, composer and improviser who creates music within diverse artistic genres (silent film, contemporary dance and ballet, solo piano, contemporary jazz ensembles and electronic music).
Meg Morley is an Australianborn pianist, composer and improviser who creates music within diverse artistic genres (silent film, contemporary dance and ballet, solo piano, contemporary jazz ensembles and electronic music).
Expect more thrills, spills and plenty of laughter as The Wareham Silent Film Weekender 2024 celebrates the incredible silent film world of action, adventure and comedy.
www.megmorleymusic.com
Major silent film titles for this year will include Harold Lloyd starring in Safety Last (1923) on the opening night. We mark a 100 years of Buster Keaton’s stunt filled thrill ride Sherlock Jnr. (1924). The Weekender also has the UK Premiere of action packed Clash of the Wolves (1925) starring wonder dog star Rin Tin Tin! And much, much more.
He has produced scores for projects involving the BBC Proms, the London Mozart Players, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Four, and the composers Diana Burrell and Stephen Montague. Recent projects involving silent film accompaniment has included playing for Le Giornate Del Cinema Muto in 2022 and South West Silents since 2020.
Director Fred Niblo Starring Douglas Motte, Noah Beery, Music:
The Mark
20th – 22nd September 2024
Cinema Muto in 2022 and South West Silents since 2020.
Dominic studied composition and piano for four years at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, graduating in 2009 with a 1stclass BMus Honours degree. In 2011, he completed an MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television (MA-FTV) at Bristol University.
Dominic studied composition and piano for four years at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, graduating in 2009 with a 1stclass BMus Honours degree. In 2011, he completed an MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television (MA-FTV) at Bristol University. He has produced scores for projects involving the BBC Proms, the London Mozart Players, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Four, and the composers Diana Burrell and Stephen Montague. Recent projects involving silent film accompaniment has included playing for Le Giornate Del
www.dominicirving.com
www.dominicirving.com www.megmorleymusic.com
IRVING MEG MORLEY
The Wareham Silent Film Weekender 2024 will not only bring the best restorations from around the world, with a couple of UK Premieres planned, but also showcase all of these great films on the big screen, all with live musical accompaniment! The event is supported by the BFI Film Audience Network and South West Silents. David Evans, chair of the Rex Cinema, said “we look forward to being ‘spellbound in darkness’ as we experience silent films with live music accompaniment in the very same venue that hosted them 100 years ago”.
Tickets for individual films or a weekend pass are available at www.therex.co.uk or 45 minutes before any screening at The Rex.
-
Arts & Entertainment
Short films celebrate the world’s Oceans
THE Ocean Film Festival, a collection of short films celebrating the Earth’s oceans, is set to visit Poole and Christchurch as part of a UK tour.
The films include Ice Maiden, in which adventurer Lisa Blair seeks to become the first woman to sail solo nonstop and unassisted around Antarctica.
Meanwhile, The Whale Song allows audiences to delve into the enigmatic communication of humpback whales.
Tess Felix: Portrait of an Artist, focuses on the California-based artist who uses plastic debris to create mosaic portraits as a response to the
perilous state of the oceans.
The films will be introduced by a compere and each
screening includes a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies.
Festival founder and chief executive, Jemima Robinson, said: “The Ocean Film Festival tour is a platform for storytelling that brings the beauty, challenges and importance of our oceans to audiences around the world.
“This year’s line-up is testament to the incredible adventures, talents and environmental messages that resonate with us all. We are thrilled to share these inspiring films and celebrate the magic of the ocean.”
The Ocean Film Festival was created in Australia and this is the 11th year it has toured in the UK.
It is presented by the Marine Conservation Society, and PADI, the world’s largest diver organisation.
It is at Poole Lighthouse on Saturday, September 21, and The Regent, Christchurch, on Tuesday, October 8, and Thursday, November 21.
New way to experience a cult classic
by Lorraine Gibson BLADERUNNER,
the cult 1980s sci-fi film starring Harrison Ford, is still regarded as masterpiece.
Great news for local fans, then, that Bic is showing the 2007 Final Cut of Blade Runner on a massive HD screen, while Vangelis’ synthesiser-led score
is performed live by The Avex Ensemble – in sync with the original 1982 movie. Sci-Fi Bulletin said of the original Royal Albert Hall performance:
“For a Blade Runner fan, it’s a whole new way to experience the movie.”
Add the era-defining soundscape score, lauded for
Deep-rooted blues, classic rock ‘n’ roll
BLUES-ROCK
guitarist
Laurence Jones is coming to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne this week to showcase his Bad Luck and the Blues album.
The record, released in August 2023, blends deeprooted blues with classic rock ‘n’ roll.
Laurence has already toured the album extensively around the UK and Europe, and Wimborne is one of a handful of autumn dates he is playing
before the end the year.
Laurence, who has shared stages with legends like Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa, said: “I can’t wait for these shows. It’s been so much fun playing almost the full album.”
“Your support has been unbelievable and this is going to be a fantastic way to end the year on a high. Thank you again and see you down the front.”
He will be performing with a
both its ’80s vibes and its evocative, futuristic elements, and you have an all-out cinematic nostalgia fest.
For those who do not know the story, the stylish noir thriller sees detective Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a Replicant –scarily human robot – Hunter who is following four
Replicants who have escaped from galactic colonies and returned to earth.
But, in classic movie plot style, things get complicated when Deckard falls for Replicant Rachel (Sean Young).
The screening is at the Windsor Hall, Tuesday, September 24, at 6.30pm.
full electric power trio in Wimborne on Friday, September 6 – for tickets visit www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk/event/ laurence-jones or phone 01202 885566.
Guitarist Laurence Jones is playing the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne
PHOTO: Rijno Boon Photography
Adventurer Lisa Blair in Antarctica PHOTO: Dean Koopman
Arts & Entertainment
Profound truths and silly stories
COMEDIAN, broadcaster, writer and campaigner Sandi Toksvig is returning to Lighthouse Poole this autumn.
Her new tour – following her sell-out 2022 tour, Next Slide Please – celebrates the publication of her new novel, Friends of Dorothy.
The show will be packed with silly stories, profound truths, fascinating facts, a quickfire Q&A and readings from her new novel to give fans an inside peak at her creative process.
It will also include at least one interactive game with a stylish Toksvig T-shirt as a prize.
Each ticket for the show includes a hardback copy of Friends of Dorothy to be
collected at the theatre.
Sandi Toksvig is in Poole on Saturday, October 5 –for tickets phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.
THE Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a traditional presentation of one of the theatrical partnership’s most popular operettas at The Regent in the town this week.
The Pirates of Penzance – or The Slave of Duty – is full of well-known songs, such as A Modern Major General and A Policeman’s Lot, and the
40 years of G&S Hitchcock classic
WIMBORNE’S film noir club
High Contrast is showing the Hitchcock classic, Strangers On A Train on Friday, September 13, at the Allendale Centre.
The adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel turns a chance meeting into a plan to “swap” murders that swiftly
Spotlight Diary
society is promising plenty of laughs and drama, and a colourful, lively musical treat, supported by a 16-piece orchestra.
The show runs from Thursday to Saturday, September 5-7, with performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets are priced £20 – £19 concessions – under-16s £8.
spirals out of control.
High Contrast will be showing the 1954 film, Suddenly, starring Frank Sinatra as a would-be presidential assassin on Friday, October 4.
More details at mycommunity cinema.org.uk/ cinema/high contrast-cinema.
Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per edition. The deadline for the September 16th issue is NOON on September 2nd. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net
SEPTEMBER 2024
MONDAY
17:00
CHESS AT CORFE CASTLE VILLAGE
HALL, Purbeck Chess Club - Mondays from 16 September through to end of May. Friendly club. Free teas and coffees. Experienced players and beginners. All ages welcome. Contact Nick: 07443 033536
19:30 WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB
Parish Hall Wareham unless on Zoom
Visitors welcome - £3
Zoom link available from website 3rd Speaker Suzie Kirkby - SCPF Exhibition AV’s 10th Speaker - Andy Farrer - ‘A Journey through Landscapes’ 17th Zoom Guy Edwardes - ‘Creative Nature’ 24th League 1 Open Print & PDI Competition
WEDNESDAY
14:00 EXERCISE TO MUSIC, Younger4Longer, United Reformed Church, Wm. Contact Julie 01929 558139, jbrad@uwclub.net.
SATURDAY
18:30 WHIST DRIVE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516
SUNDAY
19.30-21.30 COME AND SING WITH SWANAGE CHOIR the Belvedere Singers this autumn. We rehease every Tuesday from 7.309.30pm and start our new season on Tuesday 3rd September at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage BH19 1AZ. Come and try us out for two weeks with no obligation to join. We are a friendly, welcoming choir. All singers are welcome and there are no auditions! Contact Linda McMorrow on 07943 442919 for more information.”
Sandi Toksvig is coming to Poole Lighthouse next month
Arts & Entertainment
Literary festival celebrates its 10th anniversary
DORCHESTER Literary Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a stellar line-up befitting the occasion.
The event, from October 12-19, aims to produce a diverse programme that entertains, inspires and enlightens audiences.
Festival patron, Tracy Chevalier, said: “10 years of fascinating and entertaining guests, from cooks to crime writers, poets to politicians, Hardyeans to historians, scientists to cyclists.
“I have loved witnessing the festival’s growth and success.
“For a small town, Dorchester punches above its weight when it comes to culture, and the Dorchester Literary Festival is one of its gleaming jewels. Here’s to another 10 years!”
The festival is strong on history, politics and current affairs, with subjects ranging from Jonathan Dimbleby’s account of the drama between Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin in Endgame 1944 to Nustrit Mehtab’s Off the Beat, an account of her 30-year career as a British Asian Muslim in the
Met fighting misogyny and racism.
Tom Baldwin will discuss his biography of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, described as “the most important political book of the year” by Matthew D’Anacona in the Evening Standard.
As ever, well-being and the natural environment are high on the agenda.
Gardener’s World presenter
Rachel de Thame explains how to create a garden that will nurture pollinators all year round, while Christina HartDavis shares Britain’s long history of herbal remedies.
Countryfile’s Tom Heap sets out how both humanity and nature can be given space to thrive in his book Land Smart, and there is a wondrous introduction to the world of cloud spotting from Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society.
Jack Cornish will also share his knowledge of Britain’s millennia-old path network from the Wainright shortlisted The Lost Paths.
Leading figures in UK fiction and poetry will be visiting, including Pam Ayres and Booker Prize winning – 2004, Line of Beauty – author Alan Hollinghurst with his poignant and funny new novel Our Evenings.
Kate Mosse’s painstakingly researched novel The Map of Bones is a beautifully told adventure of courage, injustice and triumph set in southern Africa.
Also joining the event are Tracy Chevalier with her new novel The Glass Maker, about Murano glassmaking through the centuries, and Victoria Hislop, whose novel The Figurine, set in Greece, explores
Leo still feels like dancing
by Lorraine Gibson
THAT most-lovable of “oneman bands”, British music legend Leo Sayer, is coming to Dorset as part of his UK tour. The curly mopped Peter Pan of pop has more than 50 years of exquisitely catchy singing and songwriting success tucked under his belt and this year, along with the tour, sees the release of his much-anticipated autobiography, Just A Boy. Leo, and his band, bring boundless energy and
exuberance to this packed show which will feature all his hits which include the mighty
Thunder In My Heart, the bitter-sweet Moonlighting, the cheering One Man Band plus I Can’t Stop Loving You, More Than I Can Say, Have You Ever Been in Love and his iconic and transatlantic-crossing anthems, The Show Must Go On, When I Need You and, of course, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.
Prepare for a high-energy evening of singing out loud nostalgia!
Bournemouth Pavilion, Friday, October 4, at 7.30pm.
archaeology and cultural appropriation.
Dog lovers will enjoy Clare Balding talking about the many roles man’s canine friends fulfil and the history of how they became such an intrinsic part of people’s lives, while podcast hero Rory Cellan-Jones will share his moving story about adopting a rescue dog, made popular by the viral hashtag #SophieFromRomania.
For more information, visit dorchesterliteraryfestival.com. Tickets went on general release from Saturday, August 31.
For the latest news, visit Instagram/X:@dorchlitfest or Facebook.
THE East Dorset Beekeepers’ Association has been busy and is staging a Honey Show later this month. The event provides a great opportunity for those thinking about becoming beekeepers or those new to the hobby to chat and learn from group members.
Honey, honeycomb and wax creations will also be on show at the event.
The Honey Show is at West Moors Memorial Hall in Station Road (BH22 0HZ) on Saturday, September 21, from 2pm-4pm.
Leo Sayer is playing Bournemouth
Journalists and television presenters Julia Bradbury Louise Minchin on stage at Dorchester Literary Festival
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