The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 325

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More than 20 organisations received donations at an event at The Mowlem

Carnival hands out record

SWANAGE Carnival has made its largest ever donation to more than 20 good causes following the success of this year’s event.

The carnival presented £30,900 to representatives of 23 organisations at a celebratory event at The Mowlem in Swanage.

The donations will benefit a wide variety of organisations from community groups and charities to emergency services.

The money was raised over a week of festivities enjoyed by

£30,000

SWANAGE CARNIVAL DONATIONS

Swanage Coastguard/Fire and Rescue/Lifeboat, £500 each; St George’s Pre-school, £500; Corfe Castle FC, £1,000; Dementia Friendly Purbeck, £1,000; Friends of Dorset Carers, £1,000; Friends of Swanage Primary School, £1,000; Herston Village Hall, £1,000; Mount Scar Cygnets Preschool, £1,000; St Marks Primary School, £1,000; Swanage and Wareham Hockey Club, £1,000; Swanage Gymnastics, £1,000; Swanage Linking Lives, £1,000; Allsort’d.org, £1,500; Friends of St Mary’s Association, £1,500; Greengage Community Garden, £1,500; Harlequin Care, £1,500; Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, £1,500; National Coastwatch Institution, £1,500; Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership, £1,500; Swanage Musical Theatre Company, £1,500; Swanage Sea Rowing Club, £1,500. Annual charities: Swanage Stroke Club, £500; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, £1,500. Chair’s charity: Forget Me Not £3,400.

music and dancing.

Darren, on behalf of the committee, thanked all the volunteers, sponsors and participants who helped stage the event.

He also thanked the town council and, in particular Gail and the operations team for their help.

Darren also paid tribute to costume band Rampage UK as this year’s procession will be their last, as they are stopping touring.

They have visited the event for nearly 20 years and have been a firm favourite.

Carnival organisers are now looking for a new costume band

Farmers adapt to new regime

THE National Trust in Purbeck is supporting its tenants to ensure they can run financially sustainable businesses while also helping restore nature with the introduction of major changes to government subsidies.

The Government’s Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) is replacing the former European Union's Common Agricultural Policy subsidies.

The new payment schemes focus on supporting farming initiatives that provide a wide range of public benefits, such as soil health, climate change adaptation, increased biodiversity and access for people.

Mark Singleton, National Trust countryside manager for Purbeck, said: “This is a major change to farming subsidies, and farmers need to manage their land differently to benefit.

“We’re working with tenants to find the best way for each to meet the requirements of the new schemes.

“Our aim is for them to produce food and support the local economy, but in ways that allow nature and their businesses to thrive.”

Paul Loudoun, the trust’s

tenant at Wilkswood Farm, Langton Matravers, has embraced the changes on his 300 hectares of land.

He has reduced his grazing stock to a level that supports wildlife habitats. He is also planting native trees such as oak, field maple and hawthorn from seeds gathered on his farm.

The long-term vision is to create wildlife-rich wood pastures, where grassland, trees and shrubs provide a diverse range of habitats.

Paul said: “This is a really exciting time for me. I came

PHOTO:

into farming around 40 years ago because I had a real interest in the outdoors and nature.

“But my focus for many years was more on the intensive grazing of sheep and cattle. I still have cattle now but in reduced numbers and I can focus more on what I always wanted to do – helping nature.

“I feel like I have come full circle.”

Paul has now set up a sustainable way of managing an organic beef herd. He has about 120 Ruby Red cattle, a hardy, outdoor breed which thrives on rough grassland.

He added: “The cattle are completely pasture fed, live outdoors all year and calve in the fields. It’s a simple, natural system, and much more economical than buying in feeds and fertilisers.

“The government payment system enables me to do this as a viable business, supplying the local economy with meat, while creating a place where nature can thrive.”

Jake and Chrissy Hancock

are the trust’s tenants at Middlebere Farm, near Corfe Castle.

They also graze cattle over the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. They currently have about 270 animals, a mixture of Devon Red, Angus and Longhorn cattle.

Jake’s background is in farming, but he also worked for the Soil Association, so is passionate about managing the land without killing all the vital organisms that live on the farm.

He said: “It’s a challenge working with the soil here, as it’s largely sand. The only way you can use it for crops is to add loads of expensive fertiliser, but this soon washes out.

“So my focus is on rearing beef cattle, but in numbers and ways that restore nature.

“Farming the land here wouldn’t be profitable without government support – it not only keeps farmers in jobs but also encourages them to maximise their wildlife.”

Another important part of the business is educational visits to the farm.

Chrissy, who has a background in environmental science and education, leads the tours which involve a tractor and trailer ride across the heaths with talks about the grazing animals and wildlife conservation.

They do about 80 visits a year, mostly for schools but also some adult groups. The visits and transport to the farm are free to schools, thanks to government support.

Jake added: “I drive the tractor and Chrissy delivers the learning – between us fielding a fantastic range of questions.

“Children need to understand where their food comes from and why nature is important – but as part of a fun experience that they’ll remember.

“Our vision is to demonstrate how farming for wildlife and food can be sustainable in places like this, and to spread this message to other landowners and farmers.”

Paul Loudoun at Wilkswood Farm has reduced his grazing stock and is planting native trees PHOTO:National Trust, Cathy Lewis

Jake and Chrissy Hancock, at Middlebere Farm, say farming the land there would not be feasible without government support

National Trust, Cathy Lewis

Medals galore for Upton in Bloom

MEMBERS of Upton in Bloom came away with awards galore at the annual South & South East in Bloom presentation ceremony held at RHS Wisley.

Representatives collected six gold awards, of which two were best in category awards, plus an additional silver gilt award: Upton town – gold and category winner; and town of the year – gold; Upton town centre –gold; Upton Wood – gold; Lytchett Bay View – gold and

Mayor’s charity quiz FURNITURE Beautiful

THE Mayor of Wimborne’s Big Charity Quiz later this month is set to help two local good causes.

Wimborne Hospital and Planet Wimborne will benefit from the event being held at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne.

John Billington is quizmaster and teams of six are invited to take part, although individuals

category winner; South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Park – gold.

Upton also won a silver gilt in a new RHS category –Gardening for Wildlife – for the work done at Lytchett Bay View and Meadow Garden.

Upton in Bloom’s success in previous years and currently means it will be one of only eight winners to be entered into a new category in 2025, Champion of Champions.

can be matched with a team.

The event also includes a raffle, prizes and games, and entry is a modest £5.

The quiz night is on Monday, October 21, from 7pm with the quiz getting under way at 7.30pm.

For more details, or to register, contact Gary Mason at gary.mason@wimborne.gov.uk.

Beautiful music in lovely old church

HAUNTINGLY beautiful music will be presented when Dorset Chamber Choir stages its 2024 autumn concert, Pacem – Peaceful Music for our Busy World, in Corfe Mullen.

The programme includes motets and anthems from the 16th and 19th centuries, including items by Monteverdi, Palestrina, Tallis and Victoria.

The choir will also sing the Missa Quatuor Vocum – also known as Misa de Madrid – by Domenico Scarlatti.

The choir’s musical director, John Watkins, will conduct.

The concert is on Saturday, October 19, at 7.30pm, at St Hubert’s Church, Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen BH21 3RG.

Tickets cost £12, free for students and children. They can be ordered through the choir’s website at www.

dorsetchamberchoir.com and are also available from choir members and at the door.

It is the choir’s first visit to the lovely old church which has great acoustics.

For further details, visit Dorset Chamber Choir’s website.

THE Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society is hosting its annual coffee morning in the United Church Hall in South Street, Dorchester, on Saturday, November 9.

Coffee and homemade cake will be available from 10am and a range of stalls, including books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, homemade cake and so on will be on offer for browsing.

Station to station: Porsche pair’s RNLI fundraiser

A COUPLE attempting to visit all the UK’s lifeboat stations in 911 hours in their RNLI decked out Porsche 911 have ticked Swanage off the list.

Belinda and James Richardson, from London, set themselves the challenge of driving clockwise around the UK to visit all 238 lifeboat stations – raising more than £83,000 so far to buy the RNLI a new lifeboat.

After starting in Morecambe on August 23, the pair visited Swanage Lifeboat Station on September 17.

The couple presented a specially commissioned puzzle and lifeboat Top Trump cards to the crew – which an RNLI spokesperson said have already come into use during late night call-outs while the shore crew awaited the return of the lifeboat.

Jayne George, RNLI director of fundraising, said: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all of our lifeboat stations around the coast.

“We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the

unique organisation’s 6,500 volunteers; be they boat crews, shore crew, lifeguards or fundraisers, and wish to put our new found freedom to good use in supporting their gallant efforts by raising funds for a relief D Class lifeboat.

generous support of people taking on challenges like this, and we’re honoured Belinda and James have decided to raise even more money to fund a new D class inshore lifeboat.

“In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and helped 2,028 people in difficulty.

“Belinda and James’ 911 challenge will help continue that lifesaving legacy.”

The couple said: “Although we are not connected to the RNLI, we are humbled by this

“And we get to drive to some of the most beautiful and diverse coastline around the UK and Ireland in our challenge car named Splash.”

The Swanage leg of the couple’s lengthy journey was sponsored by The Priory in Wareham – a hotel the couple had previously visited.

Upon discussing their fundraising challenge with a garden team member at the hotel, Martin Coward, they soon discovered the former owner of the hotel, the late Anne Turner,

had been a great supporter of the RNLI.

Anne had a long-established connection with the charity carrying out a lot of fundraising for the RNLI.

This connection sowed a seed of interest and as a result the hotel where Anne Turner’s daughter and granddaughter are still involved sponsored the event in her memory.

Mr Coward attended Swanage Lifeboat Station on the day to meet Mr and Mrs Richardson again, along with others who have been tracking their journey around the country in their Porsche 911.

Fundraising towards a new inshore lifeboat is well underway. To donate to their challenge, visit https://rnli911challenge.co.uk/

Exploring Purbeck – Arne

by Chris Slade

Reired Dorset rights of way

officer

THIS walk is a circuit of about five miles. Much of it is across Access Land over which you have a right to roam and you might choose to deviate from the following route to do some more exploring and – in season – look at birds, beasts, butterflies and flowers.

When I did the walk at the

end of May I heard the first cuckoos of the year!

Start from the Arne Road where there is a triangular junction and head along the road to the south-south-east for about a mile.

The land alongside is rather marshy at first – I noticed lots of Bog Myrtle at the roadside and made a mental note to re-visit the next time I’m about to do some home brewing. It

was always used in beer before hops became fashionable.

The countryside becomes drier as the road gets further uphill and enters the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.

Join the Poole Harbour Trail which leads south-westwards across higher ground for about a mile. It’s very easy going with good views of the landscape, including Corfe

Castle.

After a mile, the route turns right, north, for about 600 yards then left, west, for half a mile to join a road.

Turn right and follow the road, Soldiers’ Road, northnorth-east downhill through the Nature Reserve for about a mile until you come to a T-junction. Turn right, east, and in less than a mile you’ll be back where you started.

Belinda and James Richardson visited Swanage PHOTO: RNLI 911 Challenge

The Porsche 911 at Swanage Lifeboat Station PHOTO: RNLI/Becky Mack

Dozens of new homes planned for edge of village

PLANS have been submitted to build 67 homes on the edge of Bere Regis.

Wyatt Homes submitted a full planning application for two parcels of land at Back Lane and North Street – both of which have been allocated in the Bere Regis neighbourhood plan.

Wyatt Homes was selected by land owner Charborough Estate as the preferred developer after the two sites went on the market in 2022, with Wyatt Homes hosting a public consultation event to hear residents’ views on the plans.

The plans would see 52 homes built on land at Back Lane and 15 houses on land at North Street with 20 affordable homes at Back Lane and six at

North Street.

Most of the houses would be three- bed and two-bed, with the inclusion of some one- and two-bed apartments.

A new vehicular access to the Back Lane site is proposed via West Street in the form of a new give‐way junction. Vehicular access would be achieved to the North Street site via a give way junction directly on to North Street.

158 car parking spaces are included in the plans, along with a suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG) which would provide a recreational open space for residents.

The proposed SANG would include walking routes, wildlife meadows and areas of

woodland.

One resident who commented on the plans has pointed to the lack of infrastructure in the village.

They said: “Very simply, there is not the infrastructure in the village to support this many new homes.

“There is not enough shops. Only one school and a small doctors surgery, and this amount of new homes would put a severe strain on this service.

“This development would also affect the landscape that surrounds the village and environment.

“Bere Regis is a village that has embarked on an extensive project of rewilding and building on green spaces around

the village is not in keeping with this.”

The application reads: “The proposed dwellings would make efficient use of allocated sites and would be located in a sustainable location, supporting the local economy, as confirmed previously by Dorset Council.

“The proposal would benefit the economy through construction and additional footfall of future occupants which would support the local economy through their expenditure.”

It added: “The proposed SANG would provide easily accessible open space green space, whilst public access would be gained from a various different type of users, therefore would deliver a valuable community resource contributing towards the health and wellbeing of the local and wider community.”

To view the plans, log on to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search planning reference P/FUL/2024/05032.

The two sites would be separated by a greenspace with wildlife meadows

PHOTO: Chapman Lily Planning

Harbour walls to be replaced in multi-million pound project

HARBOUR walls in Weymouth built almost 50 years ago are set to be replaced – with a section of beach to close during the work.

Dorset Council has confirmed a “significant programme of work” in early 2025 to replace the two main harbour walls which support the peninsula in Weymouth.

It is set to take about 12 months to complete, the council said.

“Recent inspections show the walls of the peninsula to be in very poor condition,” a spokesperson said. “As such, they need to be replaced urgently to prevent failure.

“The current walls, known as walls F and G, were constructed in 1977 by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

“These will be replaced with new walls which will be installed in front of the existing wall.”

The new walls need to be higher than what is currently in place to protect the peninsula from predicted sea level rises until the year 2100, they said.

Once the wall replacement work is complete, a raised public walkway will be built behind them on the peninsula, to ensure the panoramic views over the walls are maintained.

Cllr Jon Andrews, the council’s cabinet member for

place services, said: “Unfortunately, not doing this work is not an option. Dorset Council has a duty to maintain its harbour walls and if we choose to not replace these walls soon, the strength and stability of the peninsula is at risk.

“A section of the car park and walkway has already been fenced off at the far end, as minor sink holes have appeared above where the wall is already failing.

“This work will be very much dependent on weather and sea conditions, and we’ve designed the programme to lessen the impact as much as possible to local people, visitors and businesses.

“We hope that by making this announcement so far in advance, residents and businesses have as much notice as possible ahead of work starting. We are very grateful for everyone’s understanding and patience.”

The first phase of work will start on the wall closest to the beach, by the pavilion, with temporary traffic lights in place opposite the Pavilion forecourt to keep the public, contractors and machinery safe.

Access to and from the pavilion car park will be restricted to one lane and a small section of the beach

which hugs the harbour wall will be closed to the public for this part of the work.

The restrictions are expected to be in place until the end of May 2025.

Cllr Richard Biggs, cabinet member for assets and regeneration added: “Dorset Council has ambitions to create a collaborative, long-term vision for Weymouth, building on the town’s unique identity.

“Government funding of £19.5 million is helping Dorset Council to bring forward several sites across the town which will deliver a mix of dwellings, including an appropriate element of affordable homes, together with suitable commercial enterprises that encourage economic regeneration.

“If we do not carry out this

vital engineering programme, longer term regeneration of this site cannot move forwards.”

At a Cabinet meeting in January, the previous council administration agreed estimated costs of up to £10.5m for the total cost of the wall replacement project.

Most of the total – £6.5m – will come from the £19.5m awarded to Dorset Council last year. The remainder will be funded by Dorset Council and the Weymouth Harbour Authority, with the project team hopeful the final cost will be less than estimated.

Information sessions are set to be held for residents once the work is underway, the council said. In the meantime, people can email any questions to weymouthharbourwalls@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Harbour walls in Weymouth are set to be replaced

PHOTO: Dorset Council

Tyrone goes the extra mile for good cause

ENGLISH tutor Tyrone Humphreys has raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support with a 120-mile trek along the Jurassic coastline.

Tyrone, who teaches English as a foreign language online, was inspired to do the trek after two of his loved ones were diagnosed with cancer in the last year and supported by the charity through surgery, radiography and chemotherapy. He started the three-day walk at South Haven Point, near Studland, and walked 40 miles to Weymouth on day one, another 36 miles to Seatown on the second day and a further 37 miles to Exmouth on day three, staying at hostels and with

friends along the way.

He set out to raise £1,000 and has so far brought in £866, although his JustGiving page is still active.

He said: “I wanted to do something to say thank you to Macmillan, which helps so many people living with cancer, but also to help raise cancer awareness.

“Not everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, nor are they aware of the support available through Macmillan.”

Tyrone, 34, who had not done anything like the trek before, said he prepared for several months, training regularly to build endurance,

strength and technique to ensure he could handle the distance.

The most challenging aspect was nutrition, making sure he had a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats before, during and after.

He said: “One of my highlights was the varied and breathtaking views I encountered along the way.

“There were times when I was worried it would be too difficult, as my body started to fatigue, but the variety of those different places, as well as the deserving cause, kept me going.”

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Rob’s Lockdown laptops made a difference

A POOLE man who went above and beyond to help children in his community has been recognised with a BBC Radio Solent Make A Difference Award.

Rob Franks collected and repaired more than 600 laptops for disadvantaged children to allow them to continue schoolwork throughout the Covid lockdown.

His work saw him selected by a panel of judges for the community award at the BBC Make A Difference Awards, which recognise local heroes across the UK.

Mr Franks joined other award winners at a ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said: “I had an old laptop which I mended and refurbished and took to Facebook to see if there were any children that needed it to

Rob Franks with his award

PHOTO: BBC Radio Solent

learn on during lockdown.

“I had about 100 messages, which made me think if I have an old laptop then surely other people have one.

“I put a small plea out on

He said he was thankful for the support he had received from others.

“I’m grateful for the help I received from family and friends, particularly my father, Steve Humphreys, who was a Royal Marine,” he added.

“I am grateful to everyone that has donated so far.”

Tyrone says that if he surpasses his £1,000 target, he will complete the next part of the South West Coat Path to Teignmouth.

His fundraiser can be found on JustGiving at www.just giving.com/coastingforacause.

Facebook and it went loopy. It was a snowball effect – every day I was collecting 10 to 15 laptops.”

He added: “It was heartwarming to know that people were taking my little campaign on.”

His nomination read: “The humbling part is that Rob doesn’t see what he is doing as out of the ordinary.

“I want to show him that what he is doing is beyond the call of duty.”

It added: “He is the definition of a community man and he definitely deserves some kind of award.”

Mr Franks has also lobbied the government to put an end to funding cuts to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

He was awarded an BEM in June for his work to refurbish and provide laptops for disadvantaged children.

Marathon walker Tyrone Humphreys near Worth Matravers

Housing targets could ‘obliterate’ green belt

AN additional 93,000 homes could be built across Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (BCP) in the next 15 years.

That’s the proposed target set for Dorset Council and BCP Council as the Government looks to meet housing needs across the county.

The Government set an ambitious target in July of building 1.5 million more homes in the next five years, with Labour looking to “get Britain building again”.

The Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is concerned about the new ambitious target – warning the plans will not bring down house prices nor address the shortfall of affordable housing and lack of

social or low-rent housing in the county.

local people.”

A spokesperson for Dorset CPRE said it hoped to work alongside council officials and elected representatives in developing appropriate responses to the plans during the current consultation period which ended formally on September 24.

It went on to highlight that, apart from huge increases in BCP, all the towns and larger villages in Dorset could be earmarked for large new developments too, which it says would threaten Dorset’s environment.

The CPRE said if the new housing target is to be met, the build rate in Dorset would need to at least to double and the county could see increased traffic congestion as well as increased problems with residents accessing NHS services.

It warns the proposed targets could result in the “obliteration” of the small remaining BCP green belt.

Mike Allen, of Dorset CPRE, said: “We have newly elected MPs and a new council.

“This is the first test of whether they really stand up for

In its manifesto, Labour pledged to update the National Policy Planning Framework, restore mandatory housing targets, and deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

To achieve this, it will prioritise building on previously developed brownfield land first but, where necessary, also release currently protected green belt land of lower quality.

Data from the Campaign to Protect Rural England

Children’s seafront artwork

MORE than 100 local school children have helped produce a new mural titled Coastal Life for Swanage seafront.

Town Mayor, Councillor Tina Foster, and town crier, Andrew Flemming, helped officially open the artwork, which celebrates the flora and fauna found along the Purbeck coastline.

The Purbeck Art Weeks project saw pupils from The Swanage School, The Harbour School Bovington, Wool C of E

Primary School and St Mark’s C of E Primary School work with artist Sophie Jenkins and clay tutor Debbie Clarke.

The mural includes sea birds, insects, snakes, fish and wildflowers

The youngsters from Wool school worked with the Butterfly Conservation charity to learn about the lifecycles of butterflies and their habitats.

They then moulded clay butterflies, under the guidance of Creative Clay for All, to flutter

Dorset Council helped to fund the new mural, and thanks go to Coastal Tents which funded the

marine ply needed for the project, and Travis Perkins and Johnstone’s Decorating Centre for their support.

We are looking for volunteer Trustees to join our friendly team and help shape the future of our organisation.

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is a local, independent charity who help people move forward with their lives. We offer free, confidential advice on a number of issues, including Benefits, Debt, Employment, Energy and Housing.

Do you have experience in: Business Development Finance

Human Resources & Training

Marketing & Public Relations

Risk Management

If yes, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information about the roles, visit our website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/volunteer or email: training@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or call 01202 857100

across the mural.

Affordable counselling helping to change lives

A COUNSELLING service in Poole is celebrating three years of helping the community through its affordable mental health services.

Set up in 2021 and run by a team of volunteer counsellors, Poole Community Counselling based in Old Town offers sessions ranging from £15 to £35, based on a sliding scale linked to income.

It provides between 100 and 450 hours of voluntary counselling as part of trainee placements.

“During my 150 hours of voluntary counselling at Poole Community Counselling, I have seen first hand the transformative impact this service has on people who are often overlooked by overstretched NHS services,” said a recent placement counsellor.

“One of my clients, who

by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary

THE latest round of the Dorchester & District Angling Society junior championship was held on Trendals Lake at Revels fishery.

The match was moved from the River Stour due to flooding but the first proper frost of the year affected the fishing for the six participants, as bites were hard to come by. By the end a few had found

came in feeling suicidal, found herself unable to access NHS group counselling due to severe anxiety and transport issues.

“After 15 sessions, she made remarkable progress towards living a more social and balanced life.

“This is just one of many stories illustrating the lifechanging power of the work we do.”

Since its inception, Poole Community Counselling has partnered with local charities, including #WillDoes, which funds counselling for young people aged 18-25.

And Sovereign Network Group, a property company with a social purpose, has helped Poole Community Counselling by donating to its work with new parents and funding six counselling sessions for those adjusting to parenthood.

some willing fish, but the one who found the most was Austin Scott-Kennedy who managed to tempt some carp to weigh 10lb 12oz for the win.

In second was Josh Roe who caught some early carp to weigh 4lb, and Mia Evans managed her first podium place in third with 1lb 4oz.

The next Junior event is at Harbourbridge Lakes on Saturday, March 12.

Contact Graham at juniors. sec@d-das.com for more information or go to www. ddasjuniors.co.uk. Contact Revels on Facebook for fishery details.

Poole Community Counselling has also been working with universities in Bournemouth, offering discounted sessions for students.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Unlike the time-limited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy often provided by the NHS, the counsellors are trained in Integrated Counselling, tailoring therapy to individual needs.

“They use various techniques and offer open-ended sessions, allowing clients the time they need to heal fully.

“Research supports the importance of sustained, therapeutic relationships between counsellor and client in achieving successful outcomes.”

As mental health service demand continues to exceed supply, Poole Community

Counselling is inviting local charities and groups to collaborate, helping expand access to affordable mental health care.

“Poole Community Counselling has the infrastructure and capacity to help more people who are struggling with their mental health,” said Jane Zoega, company director.

“With more support and collaboration, we could make an even greater impact and ensure more people, especially those falling through the cracks, receive the care they need.”

For more information or partnership inquiries, visit https://www.poolecommunity counsellingcic.org or phone 07745 212041 or email enquiry@poolecommunity counsellingcic.org.

The team at Poole Community Counselling PHOTO: Poole Community Counselling

Match winner Austin ScottKennedy with his 10lb 12oz winning catch

Your Health Matters Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

Let’s talk mental health at work

PEOPLE struggling with their mental health at work are being urged to seek help instead of soldiering on in silence.

To mark World Mental Health Day (Thursday, October 10) – which, this year, is focusing on wellbeing in the workplace – Dorset HealthCare is reminding people of range of support available, online and in person, across the county.

Equally, anyone can provide vital support just by starting an informal conversation with their colleagues during the working day.

Morad Margoum, the trust’s interim service director for mental health and learning disabilities, said: “I encourage employers, managers and colleagues to have regular check-ins and wellbeing conversations at work.

“The fact is, we dedicate

much of our waking hours to work and poor psychological wellbeing can impact not only on our work performance, but on our experience of the world.

“Ironically, having these informal conversations and exploring solutions early is key to having better outcomes for all.

“Sometimes the challenges and stresses we face in our working lives can impact our mental health and affect our ability to cope without the right support.

“Taking interest in one another’s wellbeing can open important dialogue and help us recognise when someone isn’t coping”.

Sometimes people continue to struggle with poor mental health. If you, or someone you know, is struggling to cope, a range of services can provide

support, depending on your need:

n Steps2Wellbeing – a free, NHS mental wellbeing service that offers counselling, guided self-help and talking therapies for anyone feeling low, stressed or anxious. If you are registered with a GP in Dorset or the Southampton City area, you can refer yourself direct via www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk

n Access Wellbeing – a drop-in service with offices in Boscombe, Poole and Weymouth where staff can offer mental health support and advice on a range of issues which can affect people’s wellbeing, from bereavement to education, employment and

One-to-one support is available at The Retreats in Bournemouth and Dorchester

financial matters. More information is available at www.dorsetaccesswellbeing. co.uk

n Access Mental Health – specialist support for anyone struggling to cope or nearing a breakdown. Help is available via Connection, a 24/7 helpline – 0800 652 0190 – or in person at The Retreats – in Bournemouth and Dorchester – or Community Front Rooms in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and Weymouth. Mental health professionals and peer support workers will be on hand and no appointment is required. Visit www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ access-mental-health.

Squirrel-themed events on Brownsea Island

THE National Trust on Brownsea Island is hosting a range of red squirrel-themed events this autumn, including free guided squirrel-spotting walks, a free interactive squirrel trail for children and squirrelthemed walks with a cream tea at Brownsea Castle.

The guided squirrel-spotting walks run twice daily until Sunday, November 3, led by knowledgeable guides who will take visitors through the woodland in search of the squirrels as they prepare for winter.

The walks are free – normal admission applies – and subject to volunteer availability.

During October half-term, children can embark on a free interactive red squirrel trail,

is an ideal time to see the red squirrels as they gather food and prepare for winter

where they will discover fascinating facts and participate in squirrel-inspired games.

The trail runs daily from Saturday, October 26, to November 3 and is free –normal admission applies.

Enquire at visitor reception on arrival for both the daily squirrel walks and half-term

trail, no need to book in advance.

Visitors can also book a guided red squirrel-spotting walk followed by a cream tea at Brownsea Castle.

These run every Thursday in November, 1-4pm, and booking is essential, priced £34.50 –book via the website.

Dawn Clark, visitor experience officer, said: “We are excited to be offering these autumn events to celebrate the changing seasons at Brownsea and we look forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the island to see the charming red squirrels.”

Autumn is the perfect time for red squirrel spotting on Brownsea Island as they are busy in the woodland gathering

food and preparing for winter.

Over the past century, the UK has witnessed a dramatic decrease in red squirrel populations.

Reasons for this include the introduction of grey squirrels in the 1800s, which not only outcompete them for food, but also spread a deadly disease. Habitat loss and fragmentation have also played a significant role in their decline.

Thanks to conservation efforts and no grey squirrels, Brownsea Island is a haven for red squirrels.

More than 200 of the creatures call the island home. For more information, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island.

Autumn

PHOTO: National Trust/ Jess Dibden

Memory Walk on Alzheimer’s Day

RESIDENTS at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy stepped out with relatives and staff on a Memory Walk in support of World Alzheimer’s Day. They walked from the care home to Hamworthy Park, where they enjoyed refreshments in the cafe.

To mark the day, which has so far raised £265 for the

Alzheimer’s Society, Memory Lane residents, family and friends came together to create flower arrangements. The home’s activity lead, Karen, successfully completed a 13-mile Alzheimer’s Walk for the Upton Bay community, starting and finishing at Canford Cliffs and taking in the 8km Bournemouth Memory Walk.

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

M argaret Green Animal Rescue

Help us to get them back on their hooves

AT Margaret Green Animal Rescue, we are seeing a vast increase in the number of horses needing our support.

As soon as a vulnerable new friend arrives, we are instantly faced with spending hundreds of pounds on their initial health checks.

£500 is the minimum we have to spend in the first few days for our new resident’s vital medical tests and vaccinations. This huge cost puts a strain on our already stretched funds.

With the increased number of enquiries we are receiving about horses requiring our help, we need you, more than ever, to help us to give them a second chance at happiness.

By sponsoring, from just £5 a month, you will make a direct impact and help us to fund the care, treatment and

enrichment our horses and other farm animals desperately deserve.

In return, you will receive a yearly update about how your monthly donation is making a difference and helping us to change their lives for the better.

To find out more about becoming a sponsor, please visit our website at www.mgar. org.uk/sponsorship for further details.

Together, we can continue to support rescue animals in need and find them the loving homes they’re longing for.

Swanage Bandstand to Light Up with ‘Candles by the Sea’ as Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Hosts Third Annual Event

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is excited to announce the return of their poignant event, ‘Candles by the Sea’, now in its third consecutive year in Swanage. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, 26th October from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at a new location: the Swanage Bandstand in Horsecliffe Lane. Previously held on the beach, this change of venue promises to bring an even more intimate and community-focused atmosphere.

The entire community is invited to join in this heartwarming event, which offers a meaningful and unique opportunity to celebrate, remember, and reflect on loved ones. Attendees can dedicate a message on a candle that will be displayed around the Bandstand, creating a stunning and magical display.

Musical performances by The Wareham Town Band and The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir will add a reflective and moving ambiance to the evening, enhancing the sense of togetherness and support.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Events Fundraiser Anna DuRose shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to bring our popular ‘Candles’ event back to Swanage for the third year running. This year, we are relocating to Swanage Bandstand, where we hope to create an even more intimate feeling of community spirit and provide a safe space for those wishing to celebrate and remember their loved ones. We hope the wonderful Purbeck community will come along to support their local hospice charity at this celebratory and reflective event.”

A suggested donation of £6 per candle will support Lewis-Manning’s Bereavement and Family Support services, allowing the hospice to continue providing vital care and support to those in the community.

Anna added, “We’d like to acknowledge our sponsors James Smith Funeral Directors and give special thanks to Wareham Town Band and The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir for supporting this event.

“Join us at Swanage Bandstand on 26th October for an evening of light, music, and shared remembrance as we come together as a community.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will also be hosting ‘Candles on the Lake’ in Poole Park on

October and ‘Candles on the Green’ at Wimborne Minster on 16th November.

Anyone wishing to take part is urged to pre order a candle at https://lewis-manning.org.uk/candles/ Candles will also be available to purchase on the evening of the event.

Sport

Swans pay the price for their second half mistakes...

by Ron Butler

Devizes 36

Swanage & Wareham 19

SWANAGE & Wareham travelled to Devizes for a Southern Counties fixture, and after an absorbing first half, the visitors made too many errors in the second to allow Devizes a comfortable victory.

In the first minute, the ball was passed along the Swans three-quarters to winger George Crouch, who chipped his opposite winger but could not

RUGBY

get the follow up.

A couple of penalties to the hosts led to a move which ended with a try after six minutes under the posts. This was converted (7pts-0).

Both teams had chances to score in the next quarter of an hour, but Swans were next on the scoreboard following a smart move by the backs, who got the ball to George Crouch who scored a try out wide after

20 minutes (7pts-5).

Devizes attacked again, resulting in a Swans goal-line drop out, and from a mistake by Swans at the line-out the hosts powered over the line for a converted try on 30 minutes (14pts-5).

Swans went on the offensive from the restart, and after George Crouch was tackled just before the line, scrum-half Ollie Peters followed up to score half way out. Lewis Reeves added the extras (14pts-12) after 35 minutes.

Neither side scored again in the last five minutes of the half.

Five minutes into the second half, following a Devizes kick to the corner, Swans lost the line-out and from a penalty the home side landed the three points.

Swans forwards and the backs produced a good few moves, and Devizes did the same up to the hour mark, but when Swans knocked on a high

ball, Devizes picked the ball up and ran in for a converted try (24pts-12).

Devizes won the ball from the restart and the full back put the ball deep into the Swans 22. Swans could not clear the ball and after several phases Devizes scored another converted try (31pts-12).

Swans continued to attack and after a couple of penalties the ball was spun to Swans full back Lewis Reeves who scored under the posts. He converted himself (31pts-19) after 75 minutes.

In the last minute, as Swans tried to reduce the deficit, they made a mistake in the Devizes 22, a forward intercepting the ball and running clear before handing the ball to a winger who scored out wide (36pts-19).

: Lewis

George

County cup for 10th time

WIMBORNE Bowls Club have won the Dorset County Cup for a 10th time – the first being in 1922.

The finals match was played against Blandford Bowling Club at Branksome Park on four rinks.

Wimborne, captained by

Charlie Carr, pulled out a good lead in the early stages before Blandford went up a gear, taking them into a one-shot lead overall.

But on the last end, two Wimborne rinks scored five shots each, giving them a win by nine shots.

Star performers in the spotlight

by Mike Nash

THE pavilion was packed to the rafters when Swanage Cricket Club held their annual presentation evening.

Tim Ives and Craig Wells performed the compering duties and began by thanking all the committee members and volunteers for their hard work and dedication over the last 12 months.

The following awards were presented by the team captains.

Men: 1st XI Batsman of the Year – Mike Salmon; 1st XI Bowler of the Year – James Harding; 1st XI Fielder of the Year – Ben Hodder.

2nd XI Batsman of the Year – John Lewis; 2nd XI Bowler (and Fielder) of the Year – Matt. Beard.

3rd XI Batsman of the Year – Michael Barry; 3rd XI Bowler of the Year – Jernimain Barry; 3rd XI Fielder of the Year – Josh Gould.

4th XI Batsman of the Year – Jon Maidman; 4th XI Bowler of the Year – Arun Orgee; 4th XI Fielder of the Year – Luke Marks.

Women: 1st XI Batsman of the Year – Safia Nadaf; 1st XI Bowler of the Year – Faye

Stacey; 1st XI Fielder of the Year – Niamh McKeown.

2nd XI Batsman of the Year– Kirsty Wilcox; 2nd XI Bowler of the Year – Nala Lee; 2nd XI Fielder of the Year –Gemma Lee.

Most Improved Player (Male): Jernimain Barry. Most Improved Player (Female): Niamh McKeown.

The club also thanked Nigel Dawe, Tatty King and Chris Wood for their help with the scoring and umpiring duties during the season, and Beryl and Sharon for producing some of the nicest teas throughout the entire county.

Swans

Reeves,

Crouch, Ed Demecio, Leon Esera, Tom Munns, Ben Meaden, Olly Peters, Anthony Crouch, Craig Foskett, Nick Audley, Joel Andrews, Kian Salina, Ollie Andews, Tom Holland, Joe Desmond, Steve Waterman, Taylor Snell, Matt Spencer.

Two of Swanage’s award winners, Mike Salmon and Michael Barry

Hundreds sign up in protest over affordable homes sales

IN the words of the late great Frank Sinatra – it’s very nice to go travelling but it’s oh so nice to come home. So glad to be back in Purbeck after a challenging month in Spain!

So much has happened while we were away. The ‘big issue’ at the moment seems to be the sale of ‘affordable homes’ by Aster in Corfe Castle, a move which many residents feel will deplete the stock of local homes available to people on the housing list.

Local resident Rachel Fooks has set up a campaign calling on the Government to change the policy which allows housing associations to sell off affordable rental properties.

Find out more by joining Rachel’s Facebook group ‘Action against Aster Housing Association – Stop Selling Houses’.

It has 400-plus members – at the time of writing – although it’s only been running for a week, indicating the strength of local feeling.

Rachel would like to recruit a small team of helpers to share the load as there’s a great deal to do to achieve her aims. Contact her via the Facebook page.

I learned a lot about this subject at a recent meeting with Rachel, and hope to go into greater detail in a future edition, but in the interests of balance I need to ask, through this column, whether anyone from Aster is able or willing to

by David Hollister

comment on what’s going on. If so, please contact me via ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk.

IHAVE for some time been mentioning the sad closure of the Keyhole Bridge in Poole Park, a move apparently made unilaterally by Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch Council, in the face of petitions and a survey of local residents urging that it be re-opened permanently. They are asking that car users and disabled users have access rights and full access through Keyhole Bridge into Whitecliff gate for all the public in vehicles.

The bridge was donated by Lord Wimborne and opened in 1890 by the then Prince of Wales.

Visitors need access in the day – it always has been a public park and it needs to stay a public park.

Please note there is one gate to come in and one gate to get out, but by closing Whitecliff gate the council has caused major disruption to traffic in and out of the park. Go and look for yourself.

Sign the change-org petition at https://www.change.org/p/ reopen-whitecliff-gate-for-all.

ASWANAGE resident wrote to Dorset Council and to the town councillors one Saturday warning that the wall at

Sunshine Walk was likely to collapse as soon as it rained, which it did the following day, and sure enough it collapsed.

Gary Suttle replied to him within two hours – Gary had informed Dorset Council, but I guess they thought they’d wait until Monday, by which time it was too late.

It is suggested that the developers should be paying for the remedial work and be ordered to start repairing it immediately.

SEEMS like the Police have closed or are closing the token ‘police station’ next to Swanage Town Hall, which was been open Mondays and Fridays.

I did try to look this up on Google but it came back ‘your connection is not private, attackers might be trying to steal your information from www. dorset.pcc.police.uk’.

A reader says: “When we had a spate of break-ins the other week, people who rang 999 as it was happening were told ‘no police available’.

“The feeling here is that there isn’t a police presence when the sun goes down.”

We have been considering holding another public meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) but Linda and I felt it would probably be another waste of time.

I think the problem is people no longer have faith in our police.

I wouldn’t report a crime because nothing happens or I’m told to send an email with details.

I understand this is a national problem and other parts of the country have far worse

problems, but I will have no confidence in the police until I know that people reporting crimes will get the help they need and an officer would turn up. Every crime matters.

It is clear to us that the majority enjoyed by David Sidwick at the recent PCC election suggested he had the support of most of the voters. Well, count me out.

Wasn’t it a part of a manifesto at the recent general election that Police would turn up to every 999 call?

IT’S getting closer – the ‘anoraks’ are winning!

We now have 20mph through Wimborne, which is farcical as you would be extremely lucky to get anywhere near as fast as that.

No doubt thousands will be spent painting roundels on the roads and new road signs and so on, but we can’t afford to sort out potholes or uncover road signs.

All down to perceived priorities. It’s just that my perceptions differ from those of the council, the Police, and indeed the Elf’n’Safety brigade.

JUST received a ‘friend request’ for someone who I could have sworn was already a ‘friend’. Looked it up. And she is.

What profit or what perverted pleasure do people get out of these fake ‘friend’ requests?

And it just shows that Facebook doesn’t really give a damn about ‘privacy’, despite its protestations!

So, before you click ‘accept’ on the next one you get, just check that he/she isn’t a ‘friend’ already!

Ferry meeting at party conference

RECENTLY I visited a very wet and windy Liverpool for the Labour Party Annual Conference.

Here, I was able to work on just some of the pressing issues that matter to South Dorset.

First, I met with the chief executive of the National Trust to discuss my concerns regarding the proposed toll changes for the StudlandSandbanks ferry.

Many constituents are understandably worried about the proposals to hike prices on the service and restrict access to the road approaching the ferry.

I am pleased that a Public Inquiry has now been

announced for this December – this will be an opportunity to formally examine whether these proposals should go ahead or not.

I look forward to attending and I will continue to oppose these unreasonable proposed price hikes.

These proposals would make commuting much more expensive, make it harder to reach medical appointments in Poole and Bournemouth, and limit access to nature around Studland.

many of my concerns and so we will continue to work together to ensure the current proposals are dropped.

Second, I met the leader of Surfers Against Sewage to hear about its top priorities.

Lloyd Hatton

The whole team at Surfers Against Sewage have been leading the national campaign to stop disgusting sewage spills trashing our coast and rivers.

cherished Jurassic Coast.

Third, I met with the Help for Heroes team to discuss how we can best support veterans and their families.

They outlined how far too many veterans continue to struggle to access the welfare support they deserve and find it difficult to find suitable housing.

Following our meeting, I will be urging the new Government to make several much-needed changes so that we can make sure every veteran gets the support they deserve.

The National Trust shares

I’m determined to work closely with this group – and local campaigners – to stop the spills and protect our

News from Wareham Town Council – September

by Julie Bradshaw

WAREHAM’S Twinning Group is thriving after a successful visit to Conches-enOuche and receiving visitors from Hemsbach. If you are interested contact Jacquie Hall on 07890 139038 or Sue Dean on 07931 628461.

At the end of October the Mayor and Mayor’s Escort will be taking a privately funded trip to Wareham in Massachusetts.

On the Mayor’s Civic Day on 19th September, Mayors, Escorts and Deputy Mayors from Dorset Towns arrived at Carey Hall. After a buffet lunch they were taken in minibuses to visit a factory in Westminster Road, then the Walls for a talk by Heather Scharnhorst followed by tea and coffee at the Rex.

Cooperation between Wareham Community Growers (WCG) and the Town Council staff resulted in beautiful flower displays recognized by a gold Britain In Bloom award. There was also a gold for the

cemetery, and of the 6 In Neighbourhood entrants, two including Wareham station were classed as outstanding and the others as next best.

It has been proposed that the Wildlife Haven group become part of WCG which would provide them with insurance, more fundraising opportunities and the support of the Town Council.

Responding to correspondence from a Northmoor resident about the narrowness of the pedestrian side of the path from the station into town under the subway, a Dorset Council planner suggested that when the path is resurfaced, it becomes a shared

path with a notice to cyclists to advise pedestrians of their approach and to give way when necessary. The planner asked for Wareham Councillors’ views but said that there was no immediate plan to resurface.

Wareham Town Council supports the request for measures to make the junction of Worgret Road and Stowell Crescent safer and for parking restrictions alongside the wall at North and West Walls to allow easier access for emergency vehicles.

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group sent a response to the government’s consultation on the revised National Planning Policy

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

Framework. Councillor Holloway said that it was very similar to Dorset Council’s response, both stating that the government’s housing targets for rural areas are unachievable.

To nominate someone for the prestigious position of Honoured Townsman or Townswoman contact the Town Council office (see below).

Council meetings are open to the public. During this Council term, you will find the Councillors all sitting round the table, addressing one another by their first names and not standing to speak. The next meetings are on on Tuesdays 22nd October and 26th November at 7.30 pm in the Council Chamber. Further information is available on the Council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk, or by ‘phoning the Town Council office on 01929 553006.

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

Tories need to get back to basics

IT'S obvious that the last few years have not been easy or comfortable ones for those who work, speak or write in the Conservative cause. Yet the unmistakable shortening of the Labour Government’s ‘honeymoon’ period by the exposure of its own shortcomings doesn’t remove from the Conservative Party the onus of reviewing and renewing itself.

In this process the party's longstanding, core principles are, I believe, as important now as they ever were. They include, but are not limited to, (1) strong national defence, (2) internal order and security based on laws rooted in democracy, (3) freedom of thought, movement and expression, (4) an independent judiciary, (5) a constitutional monarchy which reigns but does not rule, (6) an economy based on free enterprise as the backbone of the wealth-creating (private) sector, (7) sufficient help for

those in genuine need, (8) holding taxes down, and (9) restraint on the power of the state over the individual.

Such principles need to be recognised as underpinning Conservative thinking and, consequently, the policies of the next Conservative government. We’re told that the shape of British politics has lately changed irreversibly and previous assumptions no longer hold, but I’m not yet convinced. There’s always a temptation to think we’re at a turning point, but look a long way back and it’s evident that this is actually very rarely the case.

by sleaze, scandal or incompetence – soon paying the electoral price for that. One very telling pre-election complaint from Swanage electors was a strong sense of being disrespected by this misconduct. That’s a critical concern which the incoming leadership must ensure never arises again. Then we must gain trust by sticking to our principles, genuinely listening to what the British people are saying, and acting accordingly.

needed against the Sandbanks ferry operators’ latest plan to hike tolls and reduce discounts to an unreasonable extent, well before a review was due. When the ferry began in 1923 it must have presented an agreeable prospect as part of a pleasant day out, but it is now also a vital transport link for work, shopping and emergency services. Yet it still operates under an old Act of Parliament, without local accountability and with its owners able to use fares income to support business interests far afield.

Unfortunately too much of our politics up to the general election was characterised by high-profile Conservatives letting down both the country and their party, with many good MPs and councillors – untainted

Here in the South Dorset constituency it was disappointing to see the new Labour MP voting to axe the winter fuel payment for pensioners, his constituency having one of the highest percentages of over-65s in the UK.

And as with local MPs before him, his support is

These underlying arrangements somehow need to be changed, but meanwhile a public inquiry into the latest proposals will take place at Studland Village Hall from December 10-12. Ferry users, potential users and residents are urged to attend.

CLLR BILL TRITE Conservative, Dorset Council and Swanage Town Council

Lib Dems put ‘care’ front and centre

WE are just coming out of an eventful conference recess.

While Conservatives paraded their leadership candidates to their members and Labour lost another MP from their ranks, Liberal Democrats enjoyed debating policy and celebrated a great year after gaining two new councils, including Dorset, and electing a record-breaking 72 MPs.

Bookended by party leader Sir Ed Davey arriving on a jet-ski and leading us in a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the close, our conference was attended by about 5,000 people and passed policy that will shape our priorities and future thinking.

It is well known that we based our campaign around caring and I am proud that much of the new policy talked to this theme.

n An improved commitment to

maternity care, including timely support for those experiencing miscarriage and work to reduce infant and maternal mortality in ethnic minorities.

n The reintroduction of bereavement support and recognition of kinship care, ensuring that grandparents and extended family have financial and emotional support.

n A plan to fix the NHS by focusing on public health, supporting hospice care, mental health and GPs, and supporting a cross-party commission to finally resolve the care crisis.

Conference as an MP is a different experience.

speak on issues close to my heart.

While friends enjoyed an ice-cream or seaside stroll between voting for policy, I spent my time meeting charities and organisations, including the EU Ambassador, Guernsey’s Deputy Chief Minister, SSEN who are responsible for our electricity supply and organisations including Parkinson’s UK, Nature Friendly Farming Network and Girlguiding.

Vikki Slade

n A fair deal for family carers and disadvantaged children, including reform of Carers Allowance and Pupil Premium and extending free school meals to all children in poverty.

After conference, I received an unexpected call from Sir Ed in which he appointed me Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

As a ‘front bencher’ this gives me more opportunities to

As a former council leader, I understand how cuts to council budgets impact communities, and I am ready to challenge the Government on proper funding and devolution, so councils can genuinely take control of decisions affecting their area.

It also made more urgent my submission to the Government’s planning consultation in which I suggested ways to provide the housing communities so desperately need, while protecting our countryside, ensuring local services are not overwhelmed and building them in a way that helps reach our climate and nature commitments.

VIKKI SLADE

Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole

Bill Trite

Orpheus painting auction highlight

AS the sun begins to drowse, and life in the countryside prepares for a new epoch, Duke’s sits nestled amid the auburn shades of Dorset’s falling leaves.

Readying for the next foray into the fall with The Autumn Auction on October 23.

This year’s autumn auction anticipates a spectacle of fierce

competition for a magnificent collection of items – a sea of glistening golds and regal oak, exhibiting all manner of aristocratic artistry from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last year’s autumn auction possessed a storm of competitive bidding, with many items exceeding their estimates and solidifying the popularity of

Duke’s fine sales.

A highlight of the collection is a wonderful oil on slate painting ascribed to Roelandt

Savery (1576/78-1639) titled Orpheus Charming the Animals (pictured).

Featuring the hero of Greek mythology, reposed within a green grove, encircled by enthralled birds and beasts alike.

This piece, formerly in the collection of the late the Honourable Anna Kinnaird, could fetch £5,000-£10,000.

For more information on The Autumn Auction on October 23, or to see Duke’s other upcoming auctions, visit dukes-auctions. com.

How functional fobs became fashionable

by Amy Brenan, director of

Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham FOBS used to be a functional accessory but they are now considered to be treasured antiques and even fashionable modern jewellery pieces.

These miniature charms were not only practical but also served as a symbol of status and personal style in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fob seals were important for two reasons:

1 – The weight of them provided a counterweight to a pocket watch: at one end of a watch chain and the fob at the other so the chain was balanced and one end wouldn’t fall out of the pocket.

2 – They were usually set with a hardstone or a gold or silver panel which could be engraved with a monogram, family crest

or motto, typically in Latin. It was used to stamp in molten wax to seal a letter or document giving a clue to the receiver who it was sent from.

Crafted from precious metals such as gold, silver, rolled gold, brass and pinchbeck – an alloy which imitated gold – fobs often featured intricate designs, engraved initials or coats of arms, making them valuable heirlooms.

The hard stones used were usually carnelian, jasper, bloodstone, laps lazuli, amethyst and citrine, all of which have properties which lend themselves well to carving.

Some of the fobs swivel and had two types of hard stone on them, and some were ornately decorated with shells or serpents.

Today, antique fobs are highly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate vintage craftsmanship.

They are now also worn as necklaces, stacked together following the latest fashion trend, and are given as keepsakes.

I think it’s wonderful that this fine jewellery tradition has found an albeit different purpose today.

Antique fobs are highly sought after by collectors

Halloween is “spook-tacular” at Monkey World!

On 31st October, children in full Halloween fancy dress will receive free entry to Monkey World! Best costume will receive a prize, in the FREE fancy dress competition!

We’ll spread the spooky fun throughout half-term, with creepy crafts, terrifying trails and plenty of fang-tastic activities for kids to have a go at!

As well as over 230 rescued monkeys and apes, visitors can try and spot our very own “creatures of the night” the slow loris, as they travel around their moonlit, night simulation enclosure.

Combining fun with conservation, free daily talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative. Prebookable guided tours are also available, as well as video talks and a self-guided talk accessed via your own smartphone device.

Once you’ve seen the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, your little monkeys can let off some steam in the Great Ape Play Area, the south’s largest adventure playground.

You can support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme which includes a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year! All funds from adoptions are used solely for the rescue & rehabilitation of primates in need around the world.

Monkey World © Monkey World

Halloween Fun for Kids: Party Games, Costumes, Décor, and Craft Ideas

Halloween is “spook-tacular” at Monkey World!

On 31st October, children in full Halloween fancy dress will receive free entry to Monkey World! Best costume will receive a prize, in the FREE fancy dress competition!

Halloween is a time of spooky fun, creative costumes, and unforgettable parties. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or planning family activities, kids love getting involved in every aspect of the season. To help make your Halloween celebration extra special, here’s a complete guide to exciting kids’ party games, creative costumes, home décor, and craft ideas.

other up like a mummy! The first team to completely wrap their mummy wins. Bonus points for the funniest-looking mummy!

We’ll spread the spooky fun throughout half-term, with creepy crafts, terrifying trails and plenty of fang-tastic activities for kids to have a go at!

b. Cute and Playful Characters

Animal Costumes: Lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! Kids love dressing as their favourite animals. You can DIY these with face paint, onesies, or headbands with ears.

1Spooktacular Halloween Party Games for Kids

d. Witch Hat Ring Toss: Create or buy witch hats and set them on the ground. Provide rings (you can use glow stick bracelets or homemade rings from cardboard). Kids take turns trying to toss the rings onto the pointy tips of the hats. The child who lands the most rings wins.

As well as over 230 rescued monkeys and apes, visitors can try and spot our very own “creatures of the night” the slow loris, as they travel around their moonlit, night simulation enclosure.

Superheroes: From Batman and Wonder Woman to Spider-Man and Captain Marvel, superhero costumes are always a hit.

Fairy Tale Characters: Let them become a prince, princess, or knight. Add a wand, crown, or sword for a magical touch.

Games are the heartbeat of any successful kids’ party, and Halloween offers endless opportunities for spooky fun. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas to get your little ghosts and goblins laughing and playing.

e. Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin: A Halloween spin on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Draw a large pumpkin on a poster board, cut out a bunch of noses, blindfold the kids, spin them around, and have them try to stick the nose in the right place on the pumpkin.

Combining fun with conservation, free daily talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative. Prebookable guided tours are also available, as well as video talks and a self-guided talk accessed via your own smartphone device.

c. Fun Group or Family Costumes Monsters, Inc. Team: up as Sully, Mike Wazowski, and Boo for a Pixar-inspired family look.

2Creative Halloween Costumes for Kids

Once you’ve seen the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, your little monkeys can let off some steam in the Great Ape Play Area, the south’s largest adventure playground.

a. Monster Freeze Dance: Put on some Halloween-themed music (“Monster Mash” or “Thriller” are great choices) and let the kids dance their spooky hearts out. But here’s the twist: when the music stops, they have to “freeze” in a monster pose! Anyone who moves is out until the last child remains.

b. Pumpkin Bowling: Transform small pumpkins into bowling balls and use stacked paper cups as targets. Each child gets a turn to roll the pumpkin and knock down as many cups as possible. It’s a fun, pumpkin-filled twist on classic bowling.

a. Classic Spooky Characters

Scooby-Doo Crew: Everyone can join in! Velma, Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, and Daphne make a great team costume.

c. Mummy Wrap: Pair the kids into teams, hand out rolls of toilet paper, and let one child wrap the

Witch: A witch hat, broomstick, and a black outfit with green face paint make for a simple yet spooky costume.

Vampire: Dress them in a cape with fangs, slickedback hair, and white face makeup. Add a little fake blood for extra drama.

You can support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme which includes a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year! All funds from adoptions are used solely for the rescue & rehabilitation of primates in need around the world.

Ghost: The easiest DIY costume! All you need is a white sheet with eye holes cut out. Add some chains or spooky makeup for flair.

Harry Potter

Characters: With Hogwarts robes and wands, kids can transform into their favourite wizards and witches from J.K. Rowling’s magical world.

3Hauntingly Cool Halloween Home Décor

Halloween is “spook-tacular” at Monkey World!

Set the spooky mood at home with some fun and eerie Halloween décor. Here are some kid-friendly and festive decoration ideas:

paper shapes to make lantern faces. Add a green construction paper stem on top. These are great to hang up as decorations.

On 31st October, children in full Halloween fancy dress will receive free entry to Monkey World! Best costume will receive a prize, in the FREE fancy dress competition!

a. DIY Haunted House: Transform a part of your home into a spooky haunted house. Hang cobwebs, use black lights for an eerie glow, and scatter plastic spiders or skeletons around the room. You can even add spooky sound effects like creaky doors or howling winds.

b. Egg Carton Bats: Cut out sections of an egg carton and paint them black. Attach googly eyes, paper wings, and a string to hang these adorable bats around the house.

We’ll spread the spooky fun throughout half-term, with creepy crafts, terrifying trails and plenty of fang-tastic activities for kids to have a go at!

b. Ghost Garland: Create a ghost garland to hang across windows or walls. All you need are white tissue paper, string, and black markers to make little hanging ghosts. Kids can help shape the tissue paper into ghostly figures and draw faces on them.

c. Handprint Spiders: Have the kids dip their hands in black paint and press them onto white paper, leaving handprints that look like spider bodies and legs. Add googly eyes and draw a web with a marker.

As well as over 230 rescued monkeys and apes, visitors can try and spot our very own “creatures of the night” the slow loris, as they travel around their moonlit, night simulation enclosure.

c. Pumpkin Lanterns: Carve out mini pumpkins, place tea lights inside, and line them along your doorstep or pathway. For a safer option, use batterypowered candles.

d. Halloween Slime: Kids love slime! Mix glue, water, food colouring (green or orange for Halloween), and contact solution with a bit of baking soda for a spooky slime-making activity. Add glitter or plastic spiders for a spooky effect.

Combining fun with conservation, free daily talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative. Prebookable guided tours are also available, as well as video talks and a self-guided talk accessed via your own smartphone device.

d. Floating Witch Hats: Hang witch hats from the ceiling using clear fishing line. This will create the illusion of floating hats, perfect for adding a touch of magic to your home.

Once you’ve seen the stars of TV’s Monkey Life, your little monkeys can let off some steam in the Great Ape Play Area, the south’s largest adventure playground.

e. Creepy Window Silhouettes: Cut out spooky shapes like bats, cats, or ghosts from black construction paper and tape them to your windows. When the lights are on inside, the silhouettes create an eerie effect from the outside.

4Boo-tiful Halloween Crafts for Kids

Halloween crafts are a fantastic way to get kids excited and engaged in the holiday. Plus, they can double as decorations!

e. Mini Ghost Pom-Poms: Make little ghost pom-poms using white yarn and black felt for eyes. Hang them from doorknobs or windows for a cute Halloween touch.

You can support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme which includes a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year! All funds from adoptions are used solely for the rescue & rehabilitation of primates in need around the world.

a. Paper Plate Lanterns: Let kids paint or colour paper plates orange, then cut out and glue black

Halloween is all about creating fun, festive, and slightly spooky memories for kids. From planning thrilling party games and crafting easy-to-make costumes to transforming your home with ghostly décor and diving into fun crafts, there are endless ways to celebrate Halloween. Just remember, the most important ingredient for a great Halloween is a dash of creativity and a lot of fun!

Exciting Events at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club this October and November!

Join us for two special screenings as part of the Purbeck Film Festival: “Bob Marley - One Love” on Tuesday, 22nd October at 7:30pm and “A Haunting in Venice” on Thursday, 31st October at 7:30pm.

Then, don’t miss our legendary Halloween Party on Saturday, 26th October! Enjoy a night of dinner, dancing, and spooky fun – it’s the most anticipated party of the year!

Looking ahead to November, we’ll be offering our popular Soup and Sandwich Special, starting at just £11, available Monday through Thursday.

For more details, visit www.purbeckgolf.co.uk, call us at 01929 450361, or email iop@purbeckgolf.co.uk.

We are so happy to be bringing you our annual Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza. You’ll find all the usual WW fun, including stage and lighting by Whaley Entertainments with Live Music by ‘Big Nite Out’, children’s entertainer ‘Crazy Kev’, the return of ‘Simon Chainey Fire Show’, Fun Fair Rides, Bar and lots and lots of food and sweet stalls. Then our AMAZING FIREWORKS DISPLAY, courtesy of’ Anytime Fireworks’

After a successful summer of fun on Wareham Quay – we would ask you all to come and support our last event of the year to boost the funds so that we give back to the four charities that we supported this year.

These amazing charities are:

Lexie-May Trust (www.theleximaytrust.co.uk)

Will Does (www.willdoes.co.uk)

Allsort’d (www.allsortd.org)

Alison Campbell Trust (www.allisoncampbelltrust.org)

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday 8th November 2024 – The location will be updated onto our Facebook Page in the next few weeks. Thank you for all of your ongoing support – please keep supporting us and helping us achieve amazing events and giving back to the local community and our local charities.

Friday 8thNovember 2024 Doors open 6pm

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

8 Line penned by British playwright, conspiratorial type (7)

9 Manage after retirement hotel for very long period (5)

10 Some credit tolerated in the same manner (5)

11 Shield for detective with time (7)

12 A taciturn vet that’s turned ugly (12)

16 Self-governing body in mostly German place, one with power to shake up Italy (12)

20 A lamb’s cooked around yard that’s terrible (7)

Down

1 US detective getting flat in south-east (5)

2 Understand what a gin could produce getting drunk (6,2)

3 Tom’s excited entering Utah to the greatest degree (6)

4 Supply hunting whip (4)

5 Chore I planned being worthy of admiration (6)

6 Extreme location for staff (4)

7 Put into pieces varied threats (7)

13 Tear shown by some trippers (3)

23 Take away by force others in hearing (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

24 One in the Balkans, say, beginning to extol one tied to work (5)

14 Mean to carry explosive after all (2,3,3)

15 Diplomatic post maybe moved around Sweden twice (7)

25 Woman showing suspicion with old Indian coin (7)

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.

17 Force firm politician with gutted wriggler?

18 The most miserable small estate (6)

19 Post, it’s said, offering meat (5)

21 Asian currency you gain at regular intervals

22 Rich bloom fellow overlooked (4)

Health & Wellbeing

Elderly can feel excluded and marginalised, says survey

BEING an older person in the UK can feel like being cancelled, according to new research.

Many older people say they feel excluded and marginalised in many aspects of daily life –leading to an increased sense of isolation and loneliness.

That is the conclusion of The New Ageing Index, 2024, from Home Instead, a private provider of home care.

The project was an attempt to discover what older age in 2024 really looks like.

Over a third of all respondents (35%) believe being old is like being cancelled. This rises to nearly half (43%) for older women (over 75s). And rises further to 46% for some of the youngest respondents (18-34-year-old

men). Almost a third (32%) of older men (over-75s) believe this to be the case.

Older people – the fastest growing cohort in society – feel ignored by fashion brands (60%) and high street brands (59%).

They also feel culturally excluded, saying they sense that new television and cinema (57%) and music (66%) is rarely, if ever, aimed at them. Being excluded in this way leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness according to 66% of all respondents. This rises to 73% for the oldest cohort (over-75s).

retailers – particularly for high street fashion brands.

The research reveals that many older people are desperate for more to be aimed at them, with nearly half (44%) saying they would love to wear more fashionable clothing if it was marketed at them.

Margaret Newson, 88, said: “You get to a point in your life where you cease to exist as far as the rest of the world is concerned. Being excluded like this really is like being cancelled – you feel that you are no longer invited to the party.

“You begin to feel invisible in every aspect of your life, which for many leads to an increased sense of isolation and loneliness.

“The older people I know are desperate for this to change. We live active and healthy lives and we want to be a part of things. And why shouldn’t we be?”

Martin Jones, Home Instead chief executive, said: “We urgently need to challenge how older people are both perceived and treated in this country.

Older people can make a huge contribution and it’s clear from our research that they want to embrace life and be catered for at every level.

“The fact that so many of these people say they feel like they’re being cancelled is extremely concerning.

“And it should be a wake-up call for businesses to provide better and more innovative services and opportunities for older consumers and older employees – and those that don’t heed it are missing out on potentially enormous revenue streams.

“The image we may have of retirees whose horizons have shrunk to just a bit of daytime TV and a cup of tea simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.

“While there is much positivity, the research does also highlight the wider negative impact of our ageing population on family carers. This is an under pressure group who deserve much more help.”

Not catering to older people is a missed opportunity for

CHIROPODY

Home Visits & Clinic Appointments

“Traditional stereotypes have become completely outdated.

The research also shows the retirees of today are living more active, healthy and dynamic lifestyles than ever before - and are switched on culturally and technologically to a degree that completely contradicts the way many still perceive them.

Meditations in nature: Fare thee well dear swallows

by Susanna Curtin

THE autumn equinox has slipped through time and the leaves are beginning to fall from their trees. The weather is changing. Yet the forecast today is set fair and having watched the misty, dark clouds slowly evaporate in the rising sun, I gather my belongings to make haste for the coast. I want to steal one last day spent on a sun-drenched beach, whiling away the hours, snorkelling, swimming and contemplating the joys of the summer just gone, and the winter to come. It is a bright and breezy beachline that greets me with only a few scattered souls camped out on the pebbles. The sun has completely broken through, and the air is warm and comforting. There is a light onshore wind that is flattening the waves, and the sea is a deep, enticing, rippling blue. At first the water feels cold to my touch but once I am fully submerged, the temperature softens against my skin, and I soon find myself swimming towards a crystal trail of sunbeams cast by the angle of the low sun on the water.

Pushed along by the wind and the current, I suddenly realise that I am not alone. For I am surrounded by a flock of swallows which are skimming low over the water, scooping a drink with their open beaks, then looping up and around again for more. Just the other day, I noticed a restless flock of them all lined up on the telephone wires – a sure sign that autumn is nigh. They are one of the first birds to arrive in spring and the last to depart our

shores in October. They bring hope when they come and sadness when they leave. As my fingers cut through the water around them, I recall Thomas Hardy’s ‘Faithful’ poem: “when summer shone its sweetest on an August day, here evermore, I said, I’ll stay, not go away to another shore, but how fickle they”. Now here I am swimming below a small flock of them as they prepare for their incredible 6,000-mile journey to South Africa. They would have already begun to move steadily south stopping on a southern shore, like this one, before waiting for the right weather conditions to begin their long voyage.

Bird migration is still one of the many wonders of nature. It is driven mostly by the availability of resources and the arrival of certain cues such as the number of daylight hours and a change in temperature. During the summer, swallows are found in open country or farmland where flying insects are abundant. But as the autumn draws near, there are fewer and fewer insects for them to feed on, and so faced with the prospect of little food, they head south through Europe and across the Sahara Desert, travelling at 20 miles an hour and up to 200 miles a day. Along this perilous route, they run the risk of starvation and exhaustion. Migrations are known to be the highest cause of death in both juvenile and adult swallows. Flying at low altitudes, each swallow will endure days and nights of gruelling heat, phenomenal wind speeds, extreme storms

Migrations are known to be the highest cause of death in both juvenile and adult swallows

and a lack of water – not to mention dodging the bullets of the hunters’ guns over Europe and North Africa, and the hungry birds of prey which are also migrating.

The swallows that visit us fly through western France and eastern Spain then over the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. From there, they face the most hazardous part of their journey over the endless dunes of the largest hot desert in the world. Usually swallows only fly during the day, stopping to rest overnight, but they cross the Sahara in one go, as the nights are cooler and there is nowhere

for them to stop. They reach the tropical heat of the Congo rainforest by November, eventually arriving at their wintering grounds of South Africa and Namibia by December.

A swallow only weighs a couple of grams and would fit inside my pocket. Yet the juveniles leave several weeks after their parents. It is not only the distances that are staggering but also the fact that these young birds arrive to spend their winter in South Africa within a mile or two of their parents. There is much speculation as to how they know the way, namely that they use the Earth’s magnetic field, celestial cues and visual landmarks that are biologically imprinted. In reality, their navigational skills are a mystery we are still trying to fathom.

Knowing that many swallows will not survive the round trip, I fare them well as I watch these fine, delicate birds head south over the water. By February next year they will be beginning their return to our shores and then back to the colonies and the nests they were born in. The next time I see them, the joys of our winter will be over, and the spring flowers will be in bloom.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).

Field & Stream

Mushrooms, blackberries and hops – the ‘fruits’ of autumn

by AJ Selby

“A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.” Anon AND so, it’s almost October. Not the best of summers for those of us who like the sunshine, but the grass has kept growing, a blessing for livestock farmers, and there have been no news pictures of half-filled reservoirs or hosepipe bans. It’s now over and we are in meteorological autumn, which runs from September to November, and for many it’s a favourite season.

There is much to enjoy about the slow descent from late summer to early winter with the gradual change in leaf colour, culminating in a wondrous display of reds, oranges and yellows as our trees rest for winter. Then there are the weird and wonderful shapes and sizes of our native fungi and, one hopes, with plenty of moisture in the ground, that a little October warmth could bring out a memorable display. I know many country folk who are familiar with most birds, flowers and trees but struggle with fungi outside of the handful that most people recognise.

The easiest one is the fly agaric, the red capped mushroom with white spots seen in so many children’s’ stories, albeit that it is poisonous. Then there is the giant puffball, often looking like curled up lambs if you see them in pasture until you get close enough to identify them. They can safely be sliced and fried in butter. My favourite to eat is the shaggy ink cap, seen on waste

ground, along with parasols – forest margins – and ceps –damp woodland.

A good book or even an app on a mobile phone will increase your enjoyment of a “fungus foray” as you can then identify different species and build your knowledge base. There are many fascinating fungi to see, from the tiny waxcaps to the smelly stinkhorn and the weird bracket fungi that grow on dead trees like the beefsteak and Jew’s ear – mostly found on elder. Then there are the names – the blusher, the sickener, the panther cap, the death cap and, my own favourite, the destroying angel. The advice is as always – only eat if you are totally sure of your ID and don’t take all the specimens from one patch.

It looks like a pretty good year for blackberries, and who doesn’t love an apple and blackberry crumble? These are very safe for picking – thorns aside – and even children from a young age are taught to identify them – this is a good starting point for teaching youngsters about the countryside; learn and eat. Parents can then move on to the haws from the may tree and hips from wild roses, informing their children that many tons of these bright red berries were collected during the Second World War to make rose-hip syrup to ensure children on rations – and in the absence of imported lemons and limes –got plenty of vitamin C to ward off colds.

Then there are the “fruits” of our native deciduous trees such as beech-mast, an important

The poisonous fly agaric, the red capped mushroom with white spots seen in so many children’s’ stories

source of food for foraging pigs in days past, and the wonderful sweet chestnuts that I have always enjoyed eating. There are “helicopters” from maples and ash “keys” and hazelnuts –if you are quicker to get at them than the squirrels, red stars from the spindle and, of course, the acorns from our beautiful oak trees. Get the children to pick some off the floor and plant them in pots to see what grows, and if they are very young tell them how the little folk in the woods use the acorn “holder” as a bowl or cup in their forest hideaways. There is nothing like firing up their imaginations to get them wanting to go back outside again.

Apart from blackberries there are other fruits to be enjoyed –damsons and bullaces if you are lucky, crab apples to make that sharp jelly that goes so well with game, wild plums in places and, of course, the ubiquitous sloe for those that like infused gin. My last autumn favourite is

the hop. Having spent my early years in hop country, I love the smell of a gently crushed handful of fresh hops, bright green and delicately flaked. Dry them and pop into a small Hessian bag under your pillow for a good night’s rest or, in a big kitchen, drape them along the beams.

You can grow hop plants in your garden – from seed –trailing up a hedge, for example. As long as they have sunlight and something to hold on to –they will climb for 20 feet or more – they will reward you with some lovely clusters of hops to harvest. As the year winds down, get outside, wrap up if it’s cold and learn what you can about our amazing countryside, and, more importantly, teach your children and grandchildren. They are the generation that will help to save our planet – being ecologically aware are the first steps, and where better to learn than their local surroundings.

How to collect seeds for next year

by Sally Gregson

A SUNNY day in October, preferably at lunchtime when the air is driest, is ideal for collecting seeds and making more from your garden. Many plants rely on selfsown seedlings to carry on their lines. Hardy annuals, such as Poached Egg Plants –Limnanthes douglasii; sulphuryellow evening primroses –Oenothera sulphurea ‘Odorata’; and annual opium poppies

– Papaver somniferum – make plenty of seed every summer, and now, at the end of summer, is just the right time to collect it. Use clean paper bags or large old envelopes to collect the seed. Write the name and date on the outside and stand them somewhere warm and dry. A corner of the kitchen is ideal. Leave them to open their pods for at least a week before starting to clean and sort the seed.

Native spindle to light up an autumn garden

by Sally Gregson

IN our more alkaline part of the world those scarlet autumn colours can mostly only be admired, rarely emulated. But some plants produce goodcoloured foliage and are more tolerant of our non-acid soils.

One of the most colourful is our native spindle, Euonymus europaeus. This is a deciduous shrub or small tree that prefers rich, alkaline soil away from the salty winds of coastal areas. It grows wild in most of Europe and western Asia, on gentle slopes at the edge of woodland. In autumn its foliage turns a startling red, highlighting the pink and orange parts of its fruit. The whole plant would light up any garden in autumn, acid or alkaline, celebrating the season with panache.

The European spindle is very different from its Far Eastern cousin, Euonymus japonicus, or E. fortunei, which is famously an evergreen plant that, if it is

Then lay a sheet of paper on a table and tip out each envelope. The seeds are usually dark and hard, and separate easily from their pods once they are dry and ripe. Discard the chaff – the seed pods and dead leaves; and collect the ripe seeds into a small brown envelope. (Wage packets make good seed envelopes). Write the name and date of collection on the outside. Then tip away the chaff and start on the next paper bag of seeds.

An afternoon’s seed sorting will yield a harvest for next

year’s sowing. Make sure the envelopes are well sealed, perhaps using sticky tape to prevent any leakages. Then put the envelopes in a plastic box that can be sealed and place the plastic box in the fridge. In this way the seed will be stored at a cool, even temperature: 4-5 degrees centigrade; in a steady humidity. This is also a good way to store purchased seed which in an ideal world is bought from a specialist seed merchant. Seed that has been stored for weeks or months in a re-purposed polytunnel where the temperature and the humidity fluctuates, is often no longer viable. So, if your seed does not germinate, it’s not you. It’s likely the way the seed was stored.

inserted around the edge of a pot. Each cutting is pressed in, and the pot watered to settle the compost around the cutting. Keep the pot somewhere shaded and bring it out into the light gradually.

If a few large plants are grown, initially for propagation, there should be enough rooted cuttings to plant a small hedge by the end of the following year.

happy, will power up to about four metres in height. The variegated forms are more often grown as a backbone, structural element in the winter garden.

The Japanese spindle too, is happy to grow in alkaline conditions and its easy nature makes it a good plant to use for low hedging. The shining, dark green E. japonicus ‘Jean Hugues’ makes a dense, upright small shrub that can easily be clipped and turned into a neat, low hedge. Planted slightly more closely than old-fashioned Box, it will steadily grow to size in a few years, clipping it to shape in late spring.

Euonymus japonicus ‘Jean Hugues’ is relatively easy to propagate from nodal cuttings, taken in late spring or early summer. Each cutting should be 15-20cm long taken of the current year’s growth. The lower leaves and the tip should be removed; each cutting dipped in hormone rooting powder and

Business

10,000 visitors to food festival

by editor@dorsetbiznews.

co.uk

WIMBORNE’S first-ever Food Festival saw nearly 10,000 visitors descend on the town, enjoying the sunshine, food stalls and live entertainment.

Spread across three sites, the event showcased the best of local food and drink, with highlights including free samples, live demonstrations and entertainment from Radio Wimborne and children’s activities provided by Little Gizmos.

Dorset’s Seaside Baker and former Great British Bake-Off contestant Maggie Richardson was one of the stars of the event.

In the ‘Foodie Tent’, Maggie delighted audiences with behind-the-scenes stories from her time on the show.

Meanwhile, Michael Russell, head pastry chef at Le Petit Prince Patisserie, shared insights into baking for royalty and former Prime Minister John Major.

Local author and chef Yayu

Slocock had mouths watering with her Indonesian food demonstration.

Local businesses were thrilled with the turnout.

Michelle Trimmer, from Beaucroft Beverages, known for distilling Minster Gin and Vodka, was particularly pleased: “This festival is all about local food and drink specialists, and it was great for Wimborne businesses like mine to be supported in such a positive way. The turnout was way better than we expected.”

Dorset’s Basi Cake Creations also experienced a fantastic response.

Owner, Dylan Cooper, said: “My wife had to go home and start baking for tomorrow’s event because we’ve sold out completely today.”

East Street and Church Street were closed to traffic, transforming into buzzing hubs of activity.

Butcher, Paul Keating, served up hundreds of handmade beefburgers, while award-

winning East Street Deli quickly sold out of its ‘Festival Cheese’ cones.

Co-owner, Simon Warren, remarked: “We’ve been relentlessly busy, and the vibe has been wonderful.”

The alfresco dining scene was equally popular in Church Street, with Lee Green, owner of Ten Bottles, commenting: “The atmosphere with the live music and people dining outside has been amazing.”

The festival’s success was attributed to the collaboration of local businesses and support from Wimborne BID.

Matt Renaut, managing director of Dacombes of Wimborne and festival sponsor, said: “We’ve worked hard to

bring this together, and we hope it becomes an annual event.”

The festival also featured a Dorset Apple Cake competition, judged by Maggie Richardson and BBC’s Repair Shop star Sonnaz Nooranvary.

Sonnaz, who judged 18 cakes, said: “I’m more of an eater than a baker, but this was great fun!”

The winning cake, created by local resident Jo Stanley, was still warm when it was entered. Jo won £150 worth of Neff cooking pans, courtesy of Dacombes of Wimborne.

Maggie, impressed by the entry, said: “The sponge was just right, the apples distributed fairly – a proper, traditional Dorset apple cake.”

Venue makes art more accessible

by editor@dorsetbiznews.

co.uk

A NEW artistic hub is set to breathe life into Weymouth’s art scene, thanks to a collaboration between DJ Property and Artwey.

Located at 82A St Thomas Street, the transformed venue will serve as an exhibition space and community hub until February 2025.

Artwey, a non-profit organisation founded in 2009, has long supported local artists.

This new space, named the Artwey Gallery, marks a key milestone in its mission.

Keith Holdaway, director at Artwey, shared his excitement:

Keith Holdaway, Artwey director, and Claire Hoff, DJ Property

“This is more than just an exhibition gallery – it’s a vibrant hub for the community, where creativity is encouraged through participation.

“With DJ Property’s support, we’re thrilled to bring this wonderful venue to Weymouth and make art more accessible.”

The venue’s transformation

was made possible by DJ Property, a commercial property specialist based in Weymouth.

Mickey Jones, chief executive at DJ Property, said: “Supporting Artwey is a fantastic opportunity to bring fresh energy to the area.

“We’re excited to see how this creative space enriches Weymouth’s cultural landscape.”

The new venue will host exhibitions, workshops and community-focused events.

It kicked off with the Peace Trail exhibition, last month.

Artwey’s established summer and winter exhibitions, alongside the biennial Open for

Art event, will also take place there.

The Artwey Gallery aims to provide an inclusive space for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

As well as showcasing local talent, it offers workshops and ‘plein air’ painting days.

Local artists are encouraged to join Artwey to benefit from discounts on supplies, exhibition resources and networking opportunities.

The Artwey Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Keith added: “Whether you’re an artist or simply curious, our new space has something for everyone.”

George Petrey of The Friendly Food Club cooks in the main tent

Sailor Pip backs arts venue

RECORD-BREAKING

Poole-based solo yachtswoman Pip Hare has become Lighthouse Poole’s latest patron.

Pip, the eighth woman to complete the Vendée Globe single-handed non-stop 24,000mile round-the-world yacht race, took time out from her preparations for this year’s race, which starts on November 10, to show her support for Lighthouse.

“I am honoured to be asked to become a patron of Lighthouse,” she said.

“As one of the largest cultural organisations outside of London, Lighthouse has been

Reforms set to overhaul private rental sector

LAWYERS in Swanage have warned that new a bill introduced to Parliament represents one of the most significant shake-ups of the private rental sector in generations.

Landlords and letting agents are being urged to prepare for sweeping reforms in the Renters’ Rights Bill.

The new Government has published the legislation –including a ban on so-called ‘no-fault evictions’ – for debate by MPs and peers.

Senior associate Conor Maher, of law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors in High Street, Swanage, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in generations.

“For landlords and letting agents, it brings both challenges and new responsibilities that

instrumental in putting Poole on the map and focussing the attention of the wider world on our wonderful town.

“Poole is home to my Vendée Globe campaign. I have a brilliant team here, I love being part of this community, and I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of local people

will have a direct impact on how tenancies are managed.

“While the reforms are aimed at increasing tenant protections, they also require landlords and agents to adapt their practices.”

Measures set out in the bill include:

n Abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – protects tenants but could lead to court delays for evictions

n Banning of rental bidding wars – no accepting offers above listed rent but could push landlords to short-term Airbnb lets

n Restrictions on rent increases – once a year, requiring landlords to be more strategic in rent setting at start of tenancies

n Pets – tenants allowed to ask to have pet in property but landlords able to ask for pet insurance to cover potential damages

n Enforcement and penalties –local councils given greater enforcement powers, with ability to fine landlords up to £7,000 for breaches

and companies.”

Pip is at the centre of a small but growing team of expertise in ocean racing in Poole and has overseen the upgrade of her yacht Medallia with new foils that last summer saw her hit speeds in excess of 36 knots with the knowledge more is to come.

A regular at Lighthouse, where she has hosted two ‘Evening With’ events, she is currently training, race testing and fundraising for her latest bid to compete as hard as she can in the Vendée.

Lighthouse chief executive, Elspeth McBain, said: “Pip is a huge inspiration to me and to

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our local community, and I am very proud that she has agreed to support Lighthouse as our patron.

“As a major Poole organisation, we are fully behind her campaign to compete in the Vendée Globe, but also behind her vision to create a world class ocean racing team here in our town.

“Pip embodies courage, determination, exceptional skill, bravery, self-belief and is such a huge role model, especially for women and girls.

“She is a local treasure that I believe should be cherished and supported. I can’t wait to see what she achieves next.”

Call Pete on: 01929 421989 or 07900 992110

Email: info@whizzbits.co.uk

www.whizzbits.co.uk

Ellis Jones has published guidance about the new bill and its implications. Visit https:// www.ellisjones.co.uk/news/ renters-rights-bill-impact-onlandlords-and-letting-agents.

Pip Hare (right) with chief executive Elspeth McBain

Motoring

State of the roads drivers’ biggest bugbear

DRIVERS’ despair with the state of Britain’s local roads –those which make up 98% of all roads – has reached the highest level ever, new figures from the RAC show.

For the first time ever, most drivers – nearly six-in-10 (56%) – surveyed for the RAC Report on Motoring say the condition and maintenance of roads for which councils are responsible was one of their top motoring concerns, up seven percentage points compared to 2023 (49%).

is now 21 percentage points ahead of drivers’ second biggest concern, the cost of insuring a vehicle, and 24 ahead of the third biggest issue, the cost of fuel.

A record, and growing, proportion of drivers are also reporting that local roads they use are in a worse state than the 12 months before.

The RAC reported more than 25,000 pothole-related breakdowns in the 12 months to the end of June

This year, almost threequarters (73%) of drivers say the condition of the local roads they use regularly is poorer than last year and just 49% who said the same thing in 2019.

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drivers say conditions are worse in 2024 than in 2023, and in suburban locations where the proportion is only slightly lower at 78%. Both figures are record highs.

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Just 6% of drivers believe local road surfaces have improved this year compared to last, a statistic that underlines the desperate state many councils now find themselves in when it comes to looking after some of their most vital assets.

The state of many local roads also has clear consequences for cars. More than a quarter of drivers (27%) say their vehicle has suffered damage as a result of potholes in the last 12 months, a figure which rises to 32% among those who live in rural areas.

Punctures (47%) are the most common problem reported, followed by wheel damage (43%) and broken suspension springs (29%). The latter two problems can be particularly expensive, with RAC data showing the average cost of repairing a family car costing anything up to £460.

The RAC’s figures show that the problem of substandard local roads is more acute in rural areas, where 81% of

But even in towns and cities, most respondents – 53% –believe the condition of local roads they regularly drive on is worse than a year earlier. Across the UK, the greatest proportions of drivers who report the condition of local roads as being bad are those in the east Midlands (85%), the south east of England (83%) and the south west (79%).

Even in London, where as many as 18% of respondents said they believed their local roads had improved during the previous 12 months, half (50%) still said the opposite.

Separate RAC breakdown data shows that patrols went out to 25,085 pothole-related breakdowns in the 12 months to the end of June. Since the start of 2020, the total number of breakdowns most likely to be caused by potholes stands at 167,000.

Christmas Countdown to

As the festive season approaches, the excitement and anticipation of Christmas begin to build, and so does the need for a little planning! To make sure everything runs smoothly, it’s important to get a head start on your Christmas preparations. Here’s a simple guide to keep you organized and stress-free in the lead-up to Christmas:

Mid-Late October

Fill in Your Calendar for December: Begin by marking important dates such as holiday parties, school events, and family gatherings. This will give you a clear picture of your commitments, helping you manage your time effectively.

Start Budgeting: Set a realistic budget for Christmas dinner, gifts, and other holiday expenses. Knowing your limits will keep you from overspending as things pick up.

Mid November

Start shopping for Presents: It’s time to hit your local shops for gifts! Starting early helps you avoid the last-minute rush and ensures better selection of Christmas goods.

Write Christmas Cards: Don’t wait until the last minute. Writing and sending out your Christmas cards now ensures they’ll reach your loved ones in time.

Late November

1Bake:

Now’s the time to whip up those festive treats! Baking Christmas cakes, or other desserts ahead of time not only spreads festive cheer but also saves you time during the busy December period.

Planning the office Christmas party can be an exciting but sometimes daunting task! To ensure a successful event that everyone will enjoy, it’s important to book and plan early. Here’s a guide to help you organize the perfect work Christmas party:

1Early Planning: Set the Date

(Mid-Late October)

Check availability: Before booking, send out a “save the date” or poll to your colleagues to find a day that works best for everyone. Keep in mind that December is a busy month, so the sooner you secure a date, the better. Choose the type of party: Decide if it’s going to be a formal dinner, casual gettogether, or themed event. Knowing this will help shape the rest of your plans.

2Budgeting & Venue

(Late October)

Set a budget: Determine how much you can spend, whether it’s companysponsored or if colleagues will contribute. This should cover venue costs, food, drinks, entertainment, and decorations.

Book the venue: Start researching venues early, especially if you’re planning on holding the party at a popular restaurant, hotel, or event space. If you prefer an in-office event, make sure to plan how you’ll transform the space to create a festive atmosphere.

3Plan the Menu & Drinks

(Early November)

Catering or restaurant menu: If you’re hosting the party at a restaurant, work with them to set up a pre-fixed menu. For catered or in-office parties, choose whether to go with a sit-down meal or buffet-style service. Be mindful of dietary restrictions!

Drinks: Decide whether there will be an open bar, drink vouchers, or a BYO

Christmas at Knoll House

Christmas at Knoll House

Enjoy the festive season at Knoll House, with the most spectacular views across Studland Bay.

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Christmas Day Lunch - £90

Boxing Day Lunch - £40

The festive season at Knoll House is a truly special time, with a traditional, cosy setting and the most amazing sea views, guests can join us for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations - we make sure everything is taken care of so guests can truly relax and enjoy the festivities! We also offer a range of festive party packages whether you’re celebrating with work colleagues, friends or family we have various spaces for hire to suit all budgets. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.

The festive season at Knoll House is a truly special time, with a traditional, cosy setting and the most amazing sea views, guests can join us for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations - we make sure everything is taken care of so guests can truly relax and enjoy the festivities! We also offer a range of festive party packages whether you’re celebrating with work colleagues, friends or family we have various spaces for hire to suit all budgets. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.

New Year’s Eve - £90

*Children are half price. Booking essential.

The with sea with celebrations guests offer celebrating have the Christmas

Christmas Countdown to

Music: Consider hiring a DJ, band, or simply creating a holiday playlist to set the mood.

Games & Activities: Organize some fun activities like Secret Santa, a holiday quiz, or a photo booth. If it’s a formal event, consider an award ceremony to recognize achievements from the year.

Speeches or Presentations: Plan any speeches, acknowledgments, or presentations, including thanking employees for their hard work throughout the year.

5Decorations & Invitations (Late November)

Theme: Choose a festive theme, whether it’s classic Christmas, winter wonderland, or something quirky like an Ugly Christmas Jumper Party.

Decorations: Depending on your venue, decide on how to decorate— this could range from simple Christmas lights and a tree to more elaborate decorations.

Send invitations: Once all the details are finalized, send out the official invitations with the date, venue, dress code, and any other important information.

6Final Touches (Early December)

Confirm details: Re-confirm bookings with the venue, caterers, and any entertainment providers. Make sure everything is on track for the big day.

Prepare a party schedule: Create a timeline for the evening so you know when to kick off speeches, serve dinner, or start the entertainment. This will keep the party flowing smoothly.

By following these steps, you can create a fun and memorable Christmas party that your colleagues will be talking about for months to come!

Christmas Wonderland at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club!

A local favorite for festive celebrations, the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland each year. Indulge in the spirit of the season with their daily 2- or 3-course Christmas Lunch, or dance the night away at one of their five lively Christmas Disco Parties – perfect for gathering with family and friends.

The club’s stunning decorations, including a life-sized sleigh and a magnificent tree adorned with over 13,000 sparkling lights, set the perfect backdrop for your festivities. Don’t miss their Christmas Eve Brunch for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Celebrate the season in style with fabulous food, festive fun, and unforgettable memories!

Advertising Feature

Get creative this Christmas

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability charity, is looking forward to hosting a number of creative Christmas events this year.

The festive event schedule kicks off with a Wreath Making Workshop on Wednesday, November 27 at The Beehive with step-bystep guidance from Academy of Floristry. Followed by a second Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, November 30 at Langside School. If you fancy something a bit different, the charity is also hosting a Garland Workshop on Wednesday, 4 December.

Christmas Countdown to Christma

Biscuit W

This is a fantastic opportunity to create a beautiful wreath or garland ready to decorate your door, table or staircase at Christmas, with specialist tuition and a seasonal atmosphere. Tickets are £49.50 per person and include all materials to make the festive wreath.

Sunday 1 December from 11:30am Gather @ Dolphin Shopping Centre

There’s also something for the kids with Christmas Biscuit Workshops hosted by Maggie ‘The Seaside Baker’, a popular contestant from the Great British Bake Off. The workshops will take place on Sunday, December 1 at ‘Gather’ in the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole, with 3 sessions to choose from for £5 per person. Maggie will be baking the biscuits ahead of time, and the charity will provide everything needed to uniquely decorate the biscuits on the day.

Tickets £5 - scan the QR or book online

diverseabilities.org.uk/biscuitworkshop

Mariana Swain, events executive at Diverse Abilities, said: “We are really looking forward to getting into the festive spirit, and helping people to create something special. It’s a great way to do something different with friends or family, as well as raising money to support the vital services run by Diverse Abilities for children and adults with disabilities across Dorset.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/events for more information and to book your tickets.

the

5

Purbeck Gazette reader David Castle, from Harmans Cross, took this photo at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle, during Purbeck Arts Week

Arts & Entertainment

A Secret All Things Fungi Festival is taking place at Careys Secret Garden this October.

This event has been carefully curated by the team at Careys, Max Mudie and Jana Nicole (Sussex All Things Fungi Festival Co-Creators) and Andy Knott (The MushyMentor/Jurassic Coast Mushrooms).

Mycologists and fungi-fanatics will gather to share their knoewledge and creations with a limited number of ticket holders. There’s plenty on the menu for guests to choose from; expert-led mushroom forays, hands-on workshops, and delicious foraged feasts, this event is perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and families alike.

Visitors can enjoy forays, talks, demonstrations, and even a “Mushroom Market” to explore a range of fungi-themed arts and crafts stalls.

DATES, TIMINGS AND TICKETS

25th, 26th and 27th October 2024 | Gates open from 10am Tickets are just £15 per person* FREE entry for under 12s Admission is by pre-booked tickets only, please visit: https://bookings/careyssecretgarden.co.uk Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG

*Please note that all visitors will require a General Admission Ticket. Additional workshops, forays and presentations may incur an additional cost to participate, 100% of the profit from these tickets is paid directly to the workshop leader/host.

Typhoid Mary’s food to die for!

IRISH immigrant. Cook. Amiable host. Killer? 1906. New York City.

Talented cook Mary Mallon takes a job preparing delicious meals for yet another high society family, and yet again they begin to fall ill and die.

Coincidence? Mary thinks so. And now she’s put all that nonsense behind her. She’s cooking three courses for a very special guest tonight. YOU!

That is unless health inspector and sanitation expert George Soper can stop her before it’s too late.

There’s Something about Typhoid Mary, presented by theatre company Living Spit, is coming to Lytchett Matravers this week.

Audience members are invited to prepare for a toetapping, germ-spreading

What’s on!

extravaganza where the laughter is as infectious as Mary’s meals.

The show features Stu Mcloughlin as the muchmaligned Mary Mallon cooking live on stage and Lucy Tuck as the germaphobic George Soper.

The contagiously entertaining journey through the dark and sinister world of the killer cook, Typhoid Mary, is told with Living Spit’s trademark wit, song and silliness.

The show is at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall on Wednesday, October 16, and Portland’s Royal Manor Theatre on Tuesday, October 15, in association with Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach.

It is suitable for those aged 14-plus and further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

The Watch House

0ctober 29th - 7:30 PM

“There’s a legend about the Watch House. Scrape beneath the whitewash and you’ll find terror. You’ll find him.”Once a coastguard station renowned for daring rescues, the old Watch House is now all but abandoned. Just like Anne, dumped here while her parents sort their divorce. She’s never felt more alone. But she isn’t…Sunk deep in the past is a secret which threatens everything. Only Anne can stop it. Catapulted on an adventure through graveyards, discos and shipwrecks, she and her eccentric crew must uncover the truth before it’s too late. More suitable for ages 10+.

Maisie Adam - Appraisal

PEDAS artists on show

MEMBERS of Poole and East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS) are set to exhibit new work at Upton Country Park, Poole (BH17 7BJ), in the club’s centenary year.

Complete our Audience Development Survey Fri 11th & Sat 12th October - 7:30 PM

Fresh from Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own and Have I Got News For You, Maisie Adam is heading back out on tour with a brand new show. She’s five years into her job as a comedian now, so she’s due an appraisal. Join her for the ultimate performance review, where you’ll either see just why she was awarded Best New Act and nominated Best Newcomer…or, you’ll see someone who’s ready for “organisational restructure”.

We want to hear your feedback. Please see the QR code and take part in our audience development survey!

PEDAS 100 Unleashed runs from Friday, October 18 to Monday, November 4, 10am4pm, at The Gallery Upstairs, above the tearooms.

Intrigue by PEDAS member Freda Rhodes

BROADSTONE Art Society is holding its autumn exhibition at the Youth Centre in Moor Road, Broadstone, later this month.

All art work displayed will be original work created by the group’s local artists.

The show will include a cross-section of mediums and illustrate the diversity of the club from fine art to abstract.

The show runs from Saturday, October 26, to Sunday, November 3, 10am-4pm daily, closing at noon on the final day.

For more information, visit www.broadstoneartsociety.com or to Facebook.

Living Spit will present infectious new comedy There’s Something about Typhoid Mary at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall

Exhibition focuses on Windrush generation

THE lives and experiences of the Windrush generation, 25 years after their arrival in the UK, is the subject of an exhibition of photographs at Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester.

Searching for the Motherland features more than 50 pictures taken by Robert Golden of London’s Windrush generation and

their families during the 1970s.

The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 16, and entry to the exhibition is included with a museum ticket.

Pictured (right) is ‘Searching for the Motherland’

PHOTO:

Robert Golden/ Topfoto

OCTOBER 2024 Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for the October 28 issue is NOON on October 18. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net / Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

MONDAY

18:30 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE CLASS (you dance solo). Starting 9th September at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Limited spaces available – to reserve a place in the class contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D Tel: 07518 056149

Email: purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

19:00 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 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE CLASS (you dance with a partner) Starting 9th September at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage 7.30pm - 8.30pm Limited Spaces Available – to reserve a place in the class contact: Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D Tel: 07518 056149

Email: purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

TUESDAY

19:30 COME AND SING WITH SWANAGE CHOIR the Belvedere Singers this autumn. We rehease every Tuesday from 7.30-9.30pm 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.”

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

10:00 TABLE TOP SALE 27th OCTOBER CAREY HALL, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY Book at hirecareyhall@gmail.com / 07359 866912

COME AND JOIN DORSET CHAMBER CHOIR for an evening of Beautiful music for our busy world on Saturday 19th October at 7:30 pm at St Hubert’s Church, Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen BH21 3RG

“Pacem” Featuring Scarlatti – Misa Quatuor Vocum and 16th & 19th Century anthems & motets. Tickets £12 (under 16s free) on the door/choir members/or order online. See dorsetchamberchoir.com for more information

Arts & Entertainment

Stories of the slave trade

ACCLAIMED singersongwriter and storyteller Reg Meuross unearths incredible tales and uncomfortable truths in his new show, Stolen From God, coming to Langton Matravers.

He tackles the history of England’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, unearthing incredible tales and uncomfortable truths, following four years of research into family trees, church records and oral histories.

The stories, featuring the playing of kora master Suntou

Renowned artists on show

THE Gallery at Dorchester’s Sculpture by the Lakes has an impressive line-up of artists contributing to its autumn exhibitions.

Into the Wild celebrates the untamed wild through paintings, sculptures and works on paper.

Notable artists exhibiting include Andrew Denman and Jonathan Sainsbury.

Denman, based in Tucson, Arizona, primarily paints wildlife and animal subjects, and will be exhibiting a selection of his acrylic paintings.

Wildlife artist Sainsbury draws inspiration from the simple beauty of nature. He often focuses on trees, capturing their changing colours and cycles through the seasons. Gallery manager, Madeleine

Susso, are brought to life in a folk song cycle, performed alongside narration on the background to each song by actress, musician and composer, Karen Gledhill.

Reg and Suntou perform at Langton Matravers Village Hall on Wednesday, October 23, and Cerne Abbas Village Hall on Tuesday, October 22.

The show is being staged with rural arts charity Artsreach.

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Bertorelli, said: “Our exhibitions at The Gallery this autumn bring works from some of the most highly respected artists in the world to Dorchester.

“We curate our exhibitions to celebrate multiple mediums and artistic styles. Gallery by the Lakes is a space to discover and be introduced to exceptional artists from across the globe.”

Into the Wild runs until Saturday, October 19.

Later in the month, Gallery by the Lakes’ second bi-annual Printland exhibition brings together some of the UK’s leading printmakers.

Visitors and collectors will have the chance to meet the exhibiting artists and see their printmaking process live in action on selected dates.

The Gallery in the Makers Yard at Sculpture by the Lakes is free to enter and is open weekly from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Printland opens on Saturday, October 26.

GEOFFREY Morgan, organist emeritus at Christchurch Priory, will give an organ recital at St Nicholas Church, Studland, at the weekend.

The programme includes works by Coates, Handel, Bedard, Bach, Grainger, Fauré,Gould and Boëllmann.

The concert follows extensive restoration works on the organ carried out by Andrew Cooper.

The concert is on Saturday, October 19, at 3pm and will be followed by refreshments in the church hall.

Tickets priced £10 are available from Barbara Matthews on 01929 450218, email barmat18@btinternet.com, or from Studland Stores and on the door.

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Reg Meuross and Suntou Susso

PHOTO: Rachel Snowdon

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