The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 317

20,000 copies: Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis

PHOTO: Ken Hewitt Photography

01963 400186

07714 289408

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n A 50metre rope bridge has opened at The Blue Pool, Wareham Page 4

Blind Amar’s coasteering adventure

BLIND television presenter

Amar Latif OBE was set to experience the excitement of coasteering on the Jurassic Coast at the weekend in a fundraiser for charity.

Amar, best known for his BBC documentary Travelling Blind with Sarah Pascoe, was going to be taken from Swanage Pier to Dancing Ledge by speedboat to be guided through a coasteering session.

That would involve scrambling over rocks, swimming through moving water, exploring caves and leaping from various heights

into the sea.

The fundraiser was staged by Dorset Blind Association and Land & Wave, one of whose instructors, Verity, would join Amar in the coasteering session while blindfolded, to experience the adventure through his perspective.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Amar Latif and Land & Wave for this unique and inspiring event,” said Samantha Baker, community relations officer at Dorset Blind Association.

“Amar's adventurous spirit and commitment to raising awareness align perfectly with

Festival organisers decide to cancel

THIS year’s Swanage Fish and Food Festival was cancelled due to wet and windy weather.

The popular festival was scheduled to take place over June 15-16 but organisers said they were forced to cancel the event as they could not guarantee the safety of attendees.

A festival spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness and disappointment that we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel the Swanage Fish and Food Festival due to the very wet and windy weather predictions over the coming days.

our mission, and Verity’s blindfolded participation represents the empathy and

understanding we strive to promote.”

The event was set to be filmed to demonstrate that adventure can be accessible to everyone.

To support Dorset Blind Association, a Just Giving page has been established at https:// www.justgiving.com/page/ land-and-wave.

All funds raised will go to providing essential services and support for individuals with visual impairments across Dorset.

unnecessary trips to Swanage and feeling let down.

“We are totally committed to holding a successful and safe festival for all and believe that going ahead this weekend would put this in jeopardy.

“We wish to thank everyone who has booked a stall, generously sponsored us, agreeing to be part of the demo chef team, all of our wonderful volunteers, everyone who has promoted us in every medium, all businesses who have dressed a window and donated raffle prizes.

“Please share this announcement with friends and family far and wide so that we can prevent people making

“We couldn’t do this without you all and we are so lucky to have you in the fish and food family.

“We will be back! Watch this space!”

Television presenter and motivational speaker Amar Latif OBE

Verity, of Land & Wave

Hundreds of visitors have already used a new rope bridge at The Blue Pool

View from on high at tourist attraction

THE UK’s longest suspended rope bridge, with a span of 50 metres, has opened at The Blue Pool, Wareham.

The bridge, built by outdoor company Treehouse Life, offers

panoramic views of the pool. It was officially opened by Wareham mayor Councillor Marian Cotton towards the end of last month and hundreds of visitors have already used it.

Wareham town crier Jacquie Hall accompanied the mayor and The Blue Pool owners Matthew and Julie Jones on the first crossing of the rope bridge.

Cllr Cotton said: “I was very excited when I received the invitation to come to The Blue Pool – it holds many memories, it was my holiday job when I was at school and at college.

“I used to cycle out here every day and take a walk around the wonderful grounds, so I felt very privileged and I still do to be here today.

“It gives me great pleasure to open the UK’s longest rope bridge, a new and exciting addition to the attractions here at The Blue Pool and it will, I am sure, be a huge visitor attraction.

“My congratulations go to both Matt and Julie and I wish their venture the very success that it deserves.”

Matthew said: “We are thrilled to present this impressive, hand-crafted bridge to our members and visitors alike.

“This exciting new addition offers a fresh ‘tree top’ perspective of The Blue Pool, championing eco-tourism and sustainable outdoor recreation in the region.”

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms opened as a tourist attraction in 1935.

Petra’s charity walk to Petra

A WOMAN who works at Corfe Castle library will be following in the footsteps of the Bedouins on a charity walk this autumn.

Petra Peters will be walking with a party including her son Ben on the trek to Petra in Jordan in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice.

The 50-mile walk in November comes a few days after Petra’s 55th and Ben’s 25th birthdays.

It will see them follow an ancient Bedouin migration route and camp under clear starry skies.

Petra and Ben only found

out recently they could go on the trip and have less than two months to achieve their fundraising goal, which must be reached three months before they leave.

Anyone who would like to donate to Julia’s House through their fundraising pages should visit www. justgiving.com/page/ petrapeters and www. justgiving.com/page/ benpeters.

Julia’s House provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition in their own homes, in the

Petra Peters will be raising money for the Julia’s House charity

community and at its own hospices.

Petra is known as the

“Rose City” because of the colour of the sandstone from which it is carved.

Lifeboats stalwart gets MBE

SWANAGE man David Corben has been rewarded with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for more than half a century of service to the RNLI.

David, 73, joined the crew at Swanage Lifeboat Station at the age of 20 having served as a volunteer with the local Coastguard Rescue Team for a few years.

He has carried out numerous roles, including 35 years as operational crew – 18 of which as emergency mechanic.

He also spent 14 years as a launch authority and has served more recently as chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, responsible for overseeing all aspects of station life.

The Swanage lifeboat station has been credited with saving 566 lives across over 2,750 launches in his time there.

David was honoured with a vellum service certificate for a shout to the Ro-Ro ferry Al Kwather 1 which was in difficulty 3.5 miles east of Peveril Point in a south-westerly storm and very heavy seas on

Donation to community garden

DORSET Hardy Plant Society recently presented Wimborne Community Garden with a £500 donation to support its work as a therapeutic and productive garden for the local community.

The society is a local gardening group with more than 120 members who enjoy

October 29, 1989.

He received a medal service certificate for the rescue of the five crew of the yacht Be Happy in hurricane force winds on the night of 28 October 1996.

Outside of his work for the RNLI, in 2015, he was a founder of the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership, which has funded and installed nearly 40 defibrillators across the Isle of Purbeck.

His talks about lifeboats, securing money for defibrillators and helping other fundraising initiatives have raised about £120,000 for charity, including about £50,000 for the RNLI.

David was recognised by the RNLI with a Gold Badge for long service in 2016 and was selected as one of the RNLI flag bearers for the late Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday Parade in London in 2000.

His Corbens Estate Agents business premises are a hub for a range of community activity and fundraising.

meeting once a month for a speaker/presentation at Colehill Village Hall, as well as trips to gardens of interest and an annual plant fair.

The community garden is a volunteer-run garden which, while being beautiful and garnering community spirit and comradeship, provides fresh produce for foodbanks.

To find out more about each organisation, email dorsethps@gmail.com or wimbornecommunity garden@gmail.com.

WI gears up for Camp Bestival

DORSET Women’s Institute members are setting out their stall to feed a crowd at their popular Tea Tent at next month’s Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle.

They will be offering, in a family friendly environment, food and drink prepared by members in their own homes and freshly made on site. Their shopping list runs to 136 loaves of bread, 950 bread rolls, 2,000 tea bags, 75kg bacon and 100 pints of milk.

And members are busy producing scones, fruit cake,

chocolate brownies, Victoria Sandwich cake, carrot cakes, muffins and biscuits.

They will be catering for a wide range of dietary needs with gluten-free, lactose free, and vegetarian and vegan options.

And they can make jam sandwiches with no butter and no crusts for little ones, plus celebration cakes, handdecorated to order.

Skilled crafters will help children and adults to make bracelets, and other festival items with glue and glitter.

28.

To find out more about

Women’s Institute in Dorset, visit www.Dorsetwi.org, email federationsecretary@dorsetwi. org or phone 01305 266366.

Skydivers urged to step forward

WANT to raise money for a good cause? Then registration has opened for the LewisManning Hospice Care Skydive, taking place in September.

The event, at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, will see

fundraisers take an adrenalinepumping 10,000ft leap into the skies.

The event also offers participants a chance to learn more about the work of hospice nurses supporting patients and

their families in Poole, Purbeck, East Dorset and West Hampshire.

Skydivers will be paired up with a nurse and will support the work they do in hospice hubs and in patient’s homes.

A

“Meet the Nurses” event will be held at the hospice in Poole on Thursday, July 4, from 12.30pm-2pm, where skydivers can hear about their work first hand from the clinical team.

The nurses are supporting the campaign, and many have signed up to skydive themselves.

Staff nurse Hannah Quick said: “I have seen first-hand the amazing people this money will support.

“My patients show me every day how brave and courageous they are, so I feel it’s only right for me to do something out of my comfort zone!”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce, has a life-long fear of heights but is facing the challenge head-on.

Ian said: “I cannot wait to skydive for Lewis-Manning! I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life and even experience vertigo when looking up at the sky.

“When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital cause.

“The nurses at LewisManning need our help, and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.”

For more information about the skydive on Saturday, September 21, visit https:// lewis-manning.org.uk/skydive.

Camp Bestival runs from Thursday, July 25, to Sunday, July

the

Runners hit the road in revived Purbeck 10k

HUNDREDS of runners took part in the Purbeck 10k road race when it was held after a five-year absence.

The race, organised by Purbeck Runners, was a popular annual event on the running calendar before the Covid-19 pandemic, being staged on a Friday evening in June.

The out and back course from Norden to Arne is popular with runners of all abilities as it is traffic free through the Purbeck countryside and offers views over the heaths and, on the return leg, on to Corfe.

This year 424 entrants took

part in a competitive race with Rob Mctaggart of Bournemouth AC winning in a time of 33m 23s.

First woman home in 37m 39s was Hayley Martin of Poole AC.

The first Purbeck Runner was David Brown (37m54s) with the first woman being Anna Philps (39m52s).

The race was open to all, not just those affiliated to running clubs, 105 of the runners not belonging to a club.

Many runners with friends and family stayed on after the race to enjoy refreshments from

424 entrants ran the route from Norden to Arne and back

The Salt Pig, The Purbeck Cider Company and Purbeck Ice Cream.

Holme for Gardens and Swanage RBL also contributed to the evening’s success.

Purbeck Runners made sure the race was well marshalled and all runners returned home safely.

PHOTO: Ken Hewitt Photography

The club meets every Wednesday night and anyone who would like to run on a social or competitive basis, on road or trail, as a beginner or more experienced runner is welcome to go along.

For more details visit the club’s website, www. purbeckrunners.co.uk.

Team have mountain(s) to climb!

FITNESS enthusiasts from a Lytchett Matravers gym are preparing to scale three mountains in 24 hours for a Dorset cancer charity.

The eight-strong team of staff and clients from Coach House Fitness will be attempting the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge on July 6.

Their goal is to climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – one after another, in under 24 hours.

All the money they raise through sponsorship will go to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), which offers financial support to local people diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Hatchard, owner of Coach House Fitness, said: “We have been inspired to undertake this challenge by one of our gym members, Clare Zsigo, who lives in Wool and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We like to do a charity challenge every year to sponsor a local charity close to our hearts.

“Last year we did a 24-hour “rowathon”, which raised over £1,000 for the local primary school here in Lytchett Matravers.

“Clare was all primed to take part in the 3 Peaks with us this year until her diagnosis.

“Her GP is the Wellbridge Practice in Wool and one of the doctors there, Richard Mugford, who is on the Three Peaks Challenge with us, recommended the DCCF as a worthy cause to support.

“Everyone on the team was

thrilled with this idea and so we are going all out to raise as much money for this charity in honour of Clare.”

The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the UK at 1,345 metres; Scafell Pike, the tallest peak in England at 978 metres; and Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain at 1,085 metres.

The Coach House Fitness team are doing 30-mile walks around some of Dorset’s most rugged and challenging Jurassic coastline to ensure their fitness.

Matt added: “We have a great mixed team, with a nurse, GP, the medical secretary at Wool surgery, a paramedic from Poole and clients from our gym.”

The CHF team – Angela Robins, Ben Cleal, Bev Symes, John Flavin, Jenna Flavin, Louis Tucker, Matt Hatchard and Dr Richard Mugford – will be joined by driver David Ivall, who will make sure they are transported between all three peaks in enough time to achieve their 24-hour time limit.

Matt added: “It's a tough challenge, a real test of endurance, determination and teamwork, and people’s donations will not only motivate us, but also make a real difference to local families battling cancer.”

DCCF provides financial assistance to Dorset residents undergoing cancer treatment.

From helping with travel expenses to covering household bills, the DCCF ensures that patients and their families can focus on recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.

The charity’s fundraising manager, Jannine Loveys, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to hear that the team from Coach House Fitness has chosen us as their beneficiary for such an amazing challenge and are completely in awe of what they are preparing to do.

“We hope people will show

their appreciation too by sponsoring them.

“Every penny given will go directly to a Dorset family which is struggling financially because of a cancer diagnosis.”

Donate at: Coach House Fitness is fundraising for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (justgiving.com).

Mervin’s 5k for good causes

THE general manager at Upton Bay care home in Poole, Mervin Sohorye, successfully completed his first 5km run this month to raise funds for the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity and support the Barchester Charitable Foundation.

The home would like to thank everyone who supported Mevin in his fundraising efforts.

The Coach House Fitness team have been training with 30-mile walks around rugged Dorset coastline. Some of the team members are pictured walking above Lulworth Cove

Hospital friends support hospice

THE Friends of Swanage Hospital has made a donation of £2,600 to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care in Swanage, as it continues to support the charity.

Hospice chief executive, Clare Gallie, said: “This support by Friends of Swanage Hospital is pivotal in allowing us to cover the costs of keeping our Swanage office open for a second year.

“It’s home to our clinical

nursing staff in Purbeck and allows us to have a base in the very heart of the communities that we are here to support in Swanage and Purbeck.

“Their generosity is most sincerely appreciated”.

Friends of Swanage Hospital, chair Deirdre Selwyn, said: “We are delighted to be supporting such a well deserving local charity delivering important services in our local community.”

Friends of Swanage Hospital chair, Deidre Selwyn, presents a cheque for LewisManning Hospice Care to Lisa Wansbrough

Lots on offer at village hall

EAST Burton Village Hall has a busy line up of events for July.

The hall will be the local polling station for the East Burton area on Thursday, July 4. Voters should remember to bring ID with them.

A coffee and cake morning will be held on Friday, July 12, with tea/coffee and a selection of home-made cakes. Coffee and cake mornings are held on the second Friday of every month from 10am-noon – they are free of charge, but donations are requested.

The hall is attempting to find a speaker from one of the wildlife groups to talk at a Hot Potato evening about the Asian Hornet, which is making its way into Dorset and can devastate bee populations. No date is fixed yet but look out for our posters around the area.

A weekly yoga class is held on Monday at 6.30pm-7.30pm

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and a kick-boxing session on Tuesday at 7pm-8pm.

The gardening club will be visiting The Hollow gardens in Swanage and having its annual barbecue. It will take a break in August with the next meeting on Thursday, September 26 –speaker to be ar-ranged.

It is hoped to start a fitness club in September for all ages and levels of fitness. It is intended to be held on Thursday from 9.45am-10.45am.

The hall can be hired for private/personal events or, for anyone who wants to start a class – perhaps art, drama or book club and so on – get in contact on 01929 288020 or visit the hall’s website, ebvh. org.uk.

The whole hall can be hired, or it can be divided in half –with a kitchen for each half, and a smaller meeting room is available.

For more information about

Tributes to woman who transformed arts venue’s fortunes

by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former chief executive of Lighthouse Poole.

Ruth Eastwood, who was CEO from 1997 to 2008, died on May 31 after a short and unexpected illness.

She was responsible for taking a run-down Poole Arts Centre and turning it into a nationally renowned venue.

In doing so, Ruth was backed by the local authority and the Arts Council, both of which remain fully committed.

Her successor as chief executive, Elspeth McBain, said: “Ruth’s passion for Lighthouse and her impact on the organisation was huge – the cultural life of Poole and the wider region owes much to her drive and vision.”

After holding positions at Hull Truck Theatre Company, the Royal National Theatre, Bradford Theatres and as Head of Arts and Culture for Darlington Borough Council, as

well as Lighthouse, Ruth also served as chief executive at Blackpool Grand, Curve in Leicester, and Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre.

In February, she took up a new position as theatres adviser at Theatres Trust, having previously served on its board for nine years and been vicechair for the last six years.

Elspeth said: “Ruth was hugely respected and much loved in the theatre world.

“She achieved so much and had a positive influence on so many. What a legacy.”

Artist and broadcaster Sally Winter, a former trustee and deputy chair of Lighthouse, paid touching tribute online to her dear friend, posting: “Professionally awesome, but personally even more so.

“Feisty, funny, hilarious at times, principled and hugely intelligent, steering a compassionate path through life. She was an enduringly loyal friend to me and mine.

“Our paths met as she

bounced in to her interview for the post of CEO at the former Poole Arts Centre. She shone then and on as she steered the rebuilding and rebranding of what is now Lighthouse Poole.

“During my time as a trustee, it was awesome to watch her love of theatre and the arts infuse the building and the staff, establishing a solid relationship with the Arts Council while mentoring and fostering talent within.

“Her particular skill was to nurture and develop, to make huge and necessary changes

without losing existing skills, but absolutely having an eye for new ones – if they didn’t always believe in themselves, she did.

“You may not have heard of her, but quiet women like her move and change things and take others along with them.

“Watching her work and build was inspirational and instructive as a professional, but her honesty, generosity and irreverent humour were the things that sustained our friendship beyond the Lighthouse years until the present day.

“It has been an enormous privilege and joy be her colleague and friend.

“My dearest Ruth, along with so many, I will miss you always.”

Ruth’s husband, Roger McCann, has advised that, as per her wishes, there will not be a funeral. There will be a celebration party later on in the year.

Ruth Eastwood was chief executive of Lighhouse Poole

Shuttle bus offers ride to the wild

THE trial shuttle bus service originally set up by the RSPB to connect Wareham train station and RSPB Arne nature reserve has been extended to run from May to the end of August, two days a week, on Wednesday and Sunday.

The service is particularly useful to those without access to a car and to local people coming into Wareham from Arne.

The 2RN shuttle bus is now in its third consecutive year and is supported and funded by the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership, RSPB and Wareham Town Council and operated by Dorset Community Transport.

It aims to provide a sustainable public transport link, reducing road traffic, especially during the main summer season.

It also enables links with walking and cycle hire for visitors staying in the area.

Steven Booth, Purbeck community rail officer, said:

“We are so pleased to be involved in this project working with our partners as it supports our aims and objectives to promote sustainable joined-up transport by linking the railway and bus to one of Purbeck’s most picturesque attractions.

“RSPB Arne remains one of the few places in the UK where all six of the UK’s native

reptiles can be found, situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Natural Landscape area.”

Tim Christian, Dorset Community transport manager, added: “We’re delighted to offer the continuation of the shuttle bus through the summer period.

“This is a valuable service for those who can’t drive or don’t have access to a car to be able to come and visit RSPB

Arne and connect by rail.

“Whether visitors choose to leave their cars at home or don’t have access to a vehicle, we hope our Service 2RN will enable more people to enjoy RSPB Arne’s fun nature trails, wonderful wildlife and stunning views.”

For the full 2RN timetable, visit https://ectcharity.co.uk/ Dorset/local-bus-service-indorset.

The 2RN shuttle bus links Wareham train station and RSPB Arne nature reserve PHOTO: Rachel Martin Pash Joynson

Memories of D-Day at care home

CARE home residents in Poundbury have marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day by sharing personal memories and taking part in community commemorations.

Freda Wade, 99, laid a wreath on behalf of her fellow residents at Castle View care home.

She was serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service at the time of D-Day.

WRNS ratings were known as Wrens and worked as wireless telegraphists, electricians, mechanics, weapons analysts, radar plotters and in many other occupations.

Freda was proud to wear her Wrens’ medal as she laid the wreath in the Castle View garden near to artworks depicting soldiers and poppies which residents made using recycled materials such as bottle tops.

Freda said: “I chose to be a volunteer in the Navy at the age of 17 due to my family’s heritage of serving in the Navy.

“I remember that before the war the youngest volunteers were using broom handles to do drills, as the country had not re-armed.

“I also remember there was a prisoner of war hut on what is now Poundbury.”

Fellow resident Pat Hills had a Land Girl billeted with her family during the war.

Pat recalled the lodger’s standard working uniform of corduroy trousers, thick socks and big boots, adding: “Land Girls worked on the land and did any other jobs that were needed.

“As a youngster, I felt jealous of the close relationship that built up between the Land Girl and my mum.”

Richard Johns spent time on a farming camp as a teenager, living in a bell tent and doing jobs such as “stooking”, collecting corn in bundles. He went on to do National Service at the age of 18, serving in the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong and eventually training as

Wimborne in Bloom fundraiser

THE Wimborne in Bloom spring coffee morning enjoyed brisk trade on the bring and buy and plants stalls.

The event raised £512 towards this year’s ‘In Bloom’ campaign.

The town mayor, Diann March, drew the raffle.

After the event, chair

Richard Nunn thanked the Olivers for once again hosting this popular event.

The second Wimborne in Bloom Open Gardens Day this year is on Sunday, June 30, when 20 gardens in and around the town will be open. They will be well signed and leaflets for the event will

soon be in circulation.

It is hoped that townsfolk will help to ensure that the town looks its best throughout the summer with an absence of litter, weeds and graffiti. Help is always needed so volunteers are welcome to contact Richard Nunn on

a dental nurse.

Among other memories shared, Jill Kember remembered vividly that her brother was a Spitfire pilot.

Joining residents for the commemoration and afternoon tea, and to lay their own wreath, were young visitors from the Combined Cadet Force at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

Welcoming everyone and helping to turn the clock back, members of the Castle View Companionship Team dressed as Land Girls for the occasion.

Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s chief operating officer, said: “D-Day continues to inspire and act as a reminder of the bravery of our armed forces and the loved ones they left behind for the price of our freedom.

“With many of our residents having service histories themselves and even personal wartime memories, it has been a privilege to facilitate events and opportunities to commemorate the 80th anniversary on their behalf.”

01202 888793.

Full details on Wimborne in Bloom can be found at

Freda Wade, 99, prepares to lay a wreath on behalf of her fellow residents at Castle View care home – with her is the home’s companionship team leader, Hayley Legg. Freda (left) was serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service at the time of D-Day

The companionship team dressed as Land Girls (from left) Charlotte Musgrove, Sue Goodwin, Stephanie Jolliffe and Hayley Legg

Leap of Faith: Jump for a Nurse!

Registrations have opened for the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Skydive, which takes place on Saturday 21st September at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.

Participants will be taking an adrenaline-pumping 10,000ft leap into the skies to raise essential funds and awareness of the hospice nurses and the vital services they provide in our community at Lewis-Manning.

This unique event not only promises an unforgettable experience but also offers participants a chance to learn more about the incredible work that the hospice nurses do supporting patients and their families impacted by life limiting illnesses across Poole, East Dorset, Purbeck and West Hampshire. Skydivers will be paired up with a hospice nurse and will support the vital work they do in our communities every day in hospice hubs and in patient’s homes.

A ’Meet the Nurses’ event will be held at the hospice in Poole on the Thursday 4th of July, from 12.30 – 2pm, where skydivers can visit the hospice and hear about the vital work first hand from the clinical team.

The nurses are proudly supporting the campaign, and many have signed up to skydive themselves. Staff Nurse Hannah

Quick said “I have seen first-hand the amazing people this money will support. My patients show me every day how brave and courageous they are, so I feel it’s only right for me to do something out of my comfort zone!”

Among the brave individuals taking part is Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber of Commerce. With a life-long fear of heights, Ian is facing the challenge head-on.

Ian advised, “I cannot wait to skydive for Lewis-Manning! I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life and even experience vertigo when looking up at the sky. When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital cause. The nurses at Lewis-Manning need our help, and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.”

Area fundraiser India Turner said, “We are super proud of our amazing team of skydivers signed up so far. Their bravery will have such a positive impact for our nurses and allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care. We would urge anyone interested in joining in, to register on our web site. It’s going to be a fun day!”

https://lewis-manning.org.uk/skydive/

Saturday 21st September 2024

Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury

To register, please visit: www.lewis-manning.org.uk/challenges

Dance school brings Second World War history to life

A REMARKABLE blend of history and dance unfolded in Dorset when talented young dancers concluded their year-long educational journey with a stunning Second World War-themed performance.

The project, made up of dancers from the Athena Theatre Works & Productions (ATWP) in Wool, began in September last year and culminated in a public showcase that captivated onlookers and celebrated the importance of remembering the past.

The project included immersive activities, such as tasting ration packs, listening to talks and exploring music and artists from the Second World War era.

The dancers, who were between the ages of seven and 10, took to the streets and performed in locations including Durberville Field, Lulworth Cove, Bovington’s

Memorial Hall and areas around The Tank Museum.

The dance teacher behind the project, Athena Burns, said:

“The public couldn’t help but stop and watch the moving performance, which was more than just a display of dance — it was a living history lesson.

“Passers-by were intrigued and often inquired about the filming project, adding to the educational impact of the event.

“Students were talking about what they had learned and understood about the Second World War and told onlookers of the importance of remembering so these things never happen again.

“Our dancers have been working tirelessly since September, not just on their dance steps but on understanding the significance of the Second World War.

“Our aim was to go beyond

the norms of a typical dance school and offer an enriching educational experience.

“A memorable highlight was a video call with my grandmother, who shared her poignant memories of watching her father depart on a merchant navy ship and her experiences of an orphanage.

“These activities provided the students with a profound understanding of the era, making this project my favourite of the year.

“This unique approach not only deepened the students’ knowledge of history but also

All hands to the pump for Wareham in Bloom

GREEN-FINGERED townsfolk in Wareham are going for gold again this year in the Britain in Bloom competition – and are calling for public support.

Wareham Community Growers, who aim to enhance the town for residents and visitors, and Ware-ham Town Council have created superb floral displays in the town centre.

They line the route from North Street all the way to end

of South Street and at St Johns Hill.

Now the Community Growers group has entered Wareham for this year’s South and South East in Bloom competition.

It achieved Gold and Best Small Town in 2022 and 2023, plus a Silver Gilt at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Awards in 2023.

Judging this year is on Thursday, June 27.

The competition is not all about flowers – Community Involvement and Environmental Responsibility sit alongside Horticultural Excellence.

Chair Sue Dean said: “We are a volunteer group and depend on public support.

“Let’s see your well-kept beautiful gardens and containers, tidy streets and plenty of recycling.

“If you wish to help us in any way, please contact our secretary, Jacquie, on 07890

highlighted the importance of remembrance to prevent such events from recurring.

“The dedication and hard work of the dancers were evident as they brought history to life with their powerful and emotive performance.”

ATWP is a performing arts school which aims to provide outstanding opportunities and training to local dancers, many of whom come from families with military, police, fire service and paramedic backgrounds.

A video of the project will be published on ATWP Facebook page soon.

Judges will be visiting Wareham later this month

139038, find us on Facebook Wareham Community Growers or email warehamcommunity growers@gmail.com.

“Fingers crossed – good luck Wareham!”

Athena Theatre Works & Productions PHOTO: Athena Burns

Downton creator ‘filled with joy’ at new role

THE multi award-winning screenwriter, actor, novelist and director Julian Fellowes is set to become president of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society this autumn.

Baron Fellowes of West Stafford, DL, will be following in the footsteps of the author Thomas Hardy as president of the society, which owns Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. He is taking over from Lady Susan Bradbury, who is standing down after 10 years and who oversaw a programme of critically acclaimed exhibitions and the re-opening of the newly transformed museum in 2021.

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Lord Fellowes is a longtime resident of Dorset and has

supported and donated to the Museum & Art Gallery for many years.

He has been nominated as president of an organisation with more than 1,000 members which seeks to collect, preserve, research and exhibit objects relating to the culture of Dorset.

Lord Fellowes is the creator of Downton Abbey and current hit series The Gilded Age.

He won an Academy Award for his Gosford Park screenplay and has also adapted books such as The Wind in the Willows and Vanity Fair for stage and screen.

He helped lead a six-year campaign to protect the cottage where Thomas Hardy wrote Far From the Madding Crowd from property developers. and is a

supporter of regional and national healthcare charities .

Lord Fellowes said: “I am both delighted and extremely honoured to be put forward for this role.

“The museum has grown and developed during my time here, so I have been able to witness its transformation into the marvellous place it is today.

“In fact, I have lived in the county for long enough to know that the combination of its natural evolution from its Jurassic beginnings combined with its role in the history of our country makes it unique.

“The thought of being a

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Julian Fellowes is going to become president of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

PHOTO: Alison Rosa Cohen

custodian for its past, its present and its future, fills me with joy.”

Executive director Claire Dixon said: “Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has hugely appreciated the support of Lord Fellowes for many years.

“His commitment to Dorset and, in particular, his clear interest and passion for the culture and heritage within our county, means he is well placed to serve as our president, and we are excited about his decision to stand.”

The role of president is recommended by the board of trustees and elected by the society’s members.

Pupils raise £13,000 in fun run

PUPILS at Broadstone Middle School raised a staggering £13,000 when they took part in an annual fun run.

In the last three years the event has collected more than £33,000 for the school and several charities.

The children taking part are challenged to complete a run of up to 5k, and pupils and staff are asked to wear a specific colour to represent the chosen charities.

This year the youngsters wore yellow to show support for the Yolanda Moore Foundation, a charity set up by

Ava’s CAB’s poster girl

CITIZENS Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck has announced the winner of its “design a poster competition” with the winner named as seven-year-old Ava Ford from Hamworthy.

Children were invited to enter a competition to design a poster showing how Citizens Advice helps people.

Three anonymous, final designs were selected with volunteers and staff at Citizens Advice voting for Ava’s winning design.

Judy Herring, service manager, Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “Ava’s design sums up perfectly how we help people with lots of different issues.

“Ava’s poster got across the help we can offer in a clear, simple and fun design. It shows that we really are here for everyone!”

Ava was presented with her

Rhonda Moore, chief executive of the Castleman Trust that the school belongs to, following the death of her daughter in a hit-and-run incident six years ago.

It supports ambitious young people aged 15 to 24 with funding, mentoring and practical help.

Some of the money raised will also go to Julia’s House hospice.

Danii Curtis, who organised the run with the PE team, said: “We have more than 650 children at the school and they all ran either 1.5K, 3K or 5K on

framed poster by the Citizens Advice Bear.

Ava said: “I was very surprised and really happy they chose me, because there were a lot of other people making posters.

“I worked really hard on mine and I'm excited that it is going to be put up.”

The winning poster will be on display in offices and outreaches across East Dorset & Purbeck.

our school’s cross-country route, finishing in the middle of our playing field.

“It was so nice to see a flood of yellow, enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking children throughout the event.

“We can’t thank our pupils and their families enough for

raising such an incredible amount.

“We were also fortunate to have been donated fabulous raffle prizes, including two football shirts signed by Manchester City and Newcastle United, along with a local gym membership.”

Natural world inspires

DURLSTON Country Park’s Fine Foundation Gallery is currently hosting artists Julia Polonski and Julie Herring with their exhibition Rooted in Nature.

The exhibition is inspired by the natural world and how humans connect and experience it. ItW is open daily until Thursday, June 27, from 10.30am-5pm.

Broadstone Middle School teachers

Duncan McDermot and Danii Curtis with some of the runners

‘Wobblers’ show steel for skydive

SEVEN ‘wobblers’ from Broadstone have completed a charity skydive in support of the Forest Holme Hospice charity.

Jan Kingsland, Cherry Lorberg, Alex Thornton, Sharon Baker, Barry Grundy, Rob Foden and Kayleigh Williams are all members of Good Vibrations based at The Junction, which provides an Ultimate Whole Body Vibration Workout to help increase health and wellbeing.

The group took the plunge at Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury, jumping out of a plane from 15,000 feet and free-falling for 60 seconds at 125mph.

So far they have raised more than £5,000 for the hospice.

Jan Kingsland said: “We had an amazing time with the skydive.

“It was a team effort as there

was seven of us and we were all there to support each other and watch each one of us go up and down!

“Forest Holme Hospice holds a special place in our hearts at Good Vibrations Poole as there are so many of our wobblers who sadly have had family or friends that needed the care and compassion from Forest Holme Hospice.

“Kayliegh was even more determined to do fundraising as she experienced the sad time of the passing of her mum, who was so young at 55 years old.”

Forest Holme Hospice provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

It is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

More than £5,000 has so far been raised for Forest Holme Hospice

Gardens open for visitors’ pleasure

n THE HOLLOW, SWANAGE

25 Newton Road, Swanage BH19 2EA

Contact: Suzanne Nutbeem VISITORS can wander in a dramatic sunken former stone quarry, a surprising garden at the top of a hill above the seaside town of Swanage. Stone terraces with many unusual shrubs and grasses form beautiful patterns of colour and foliage attracting butterflies and bees. Pieces of medieval London Bridge lurk in the walls. Steps have elegant handrails. WC available. Exceptionally wide range of plants including cacti and airplants.

Open: Every Wednesday, July 3 to August 28, 2pm-5pm. Admission £4, children free. Visits also by arrangement for groups of up to 30.

n

THE OLD RECTORY, LITTON CHENEY

Litton Cheney, Dorchester DT2 9AH

Contact: Richard and Emily Cave

STEEP paths lead to beguiling four acres of natural woodland with many springs, streams, two pools one a natural swimming pool planted with native plants. Formal front garden, designed by Arne Maynard, with pleached crabtree border, topiary and soft planting including tulips, peonies, roses and verbascums. Walled garden with informal planting, kitchen garden, orchard and 350 rose bushes for a cut flower business.

Opening: Sunday, July 7, 11am-5pm. Admisssion £7, children free. Homemade teas. Visits also by arrangement April 30 to September 30. Park in village and follow signs.

n BROOMHILL

Rampisham, Dorchester

DT2 0PT

Contact: David and Carol

Enjoyment and inspiration is on offer to gardeners next month with a variety of gardens open locally under the National Garden Scheme

Parry

A former farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in two acres. Clipped box, island beds and borders planted with shrubs, roses, grasses, masses of unusual perennials and choice annuals to give vibrancy and colour into the autumn. Lawns and paths lead to a less formal area with large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas, bog garden, late summer border. Orchard and vegetable garden. Gravel entrance, the rest is grass, some gentle slopes.

Open: Sunday, July 14, 2pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Homemade teas. Teas include gluten-free cake. Visits also by arrangement June 5 to August 9 for groups of eight to 45 – room for a coach to park.

.

n MANOR FARM, HAMPRESTON

Wimborne BH21 7LX

Contact: Guy and Anne Trehane

TRADITIONAL farmhouse garden designed and cared for by three generations of the Trehane family through over 100 years of farming and gardening at Hampreston. Garden is noted for its herbaceous borders and rose beds within box and yew hedges. Mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Open for hellebores in March. Excellent plants for sale at openings. Hellebores for sale in March.

Open: Sunday, July 14, Sunday, August 4, 1pm-5pm.

Admission £5, children free. Homemade teas. Visits also by arrangement May 16 to July 31

for groups of 15 to 30.

n 22 AVON AVENUE

Avon Castle, Ringwood BH24 2BH.

Contact: Terry and Dawn Heaver

JAPANESE-THEMED water garden featuring granite sculptures, ponds, waterfalls, azaleas, rhododendrons, cloud topiary and a collection of goldfish and water lilies. Children must be under parental supervision due to large, deep-water pond. No dogs please.

Open: Sunday, July 28, noon-5pm. Admission £5, children free.

Tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

n SPECIAL EVENTS EVENING GARDEN LECTURE WITH OPEN GARDEN

THE Gardens at Athelhampton – Their History and Ongoing Development by Owen Davies and Sophy Roberston at the Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster BH21 1HR.

Owen Davies is the estate manager and Sophy Roberston, the head gardener.

Friday, July 5, 6pm-8.30pm. Admission £15, children free. Pre-booking essential, visit ngs. org.uk for information and booking.

Through the evening, guests are free to explore the tranquil walled garden at the museum tucked away in the centre of Wimborne. Colourful

herbaceous borders and heritage orchard trees line the path which stretches 100m down to the mill stream.

See www.ngs.org.uk for more details. Wheelchair access throughout the site.

n LULWORTH CASTLE HOUSE

Lulworth Park, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS

Contact: James and Sara Weld

LARGE coastal garden next to Lulworth Castle with views to the sea. Pleasure grounds surround a walled garden filled with roses and perennials, behind which sits a working kitchen garden. In front of the house the scented walk leads to a wildflower meadow, lavender labyrinth and Islamic Garden with rills and fountains. A new wild white garden has been created over the past winter.

A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special one-day event, hosted by the owners, James and Sara Weld. Meet at the front the house on the main drive for an introductory talk on the gardens, followed by a guided tour accompanied by Sara and her gardening team. Open: Wednesday, July 10, 10.30am1pm. Admission £30, children free. Pre-booking essential, visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking.

n Entries may be subject to change – for latest information please check www.ngs.org.uk.

The Hollow in Swanage is opening for the Natonal Garden Scheme

Rotary craft fair date

THE popular Wimborne Craft Fair is returning to the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne later this year.

The fair, organised by Wimborne Rotary, promises an interesting and varied display of locally made arts and crafts, all for sale.

Entrance is free of charge to members of the public who are invited to donate to Rotary

charities on leaving.

Some 30 tables for crafters are available in the Allendale’s Minster Hall at the event on Saturday, September 28, from 11am-4pm.

Crafters who want to take part should contact Rotarian Chris Mogg at crmogg@gmail. com.

Chris said: “We have had a great deal of interest from local crafters enthusiastic to display their skills and as a result only a few spaces are left which we are keen to fill.”

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

Wimborne craft

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

7 Merit as represented in musical experts (7)

9 Sluggish son goes off magazine supplement? (5)

10 Rental property abandoned with fellow gone (3)

11 Problem in debt, say (9)

12 Element in combatant, a long hooked claw (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

14 Stop in hotel in the same place with appeal (7)

Dress or amulet for

(8) 2 Troublesome type in cheap establishment

3 Hot sweet German bread with only one 4 Perfect last coat of paint (6)

5 Queen on reflection I label unusually steady (8)

6 Last check (4)

16 Italian cheese, ingredient in apricot tart (7)

18 Female relative spoke of Mediterranean resort (5)

19 Struggle in winter possibly to get meeting for broadcast? (9)

20 Support, we hear, for hot drink (3)

21 Foreign currency from bank or otherwise – not British (5)

22 More unpleasant variant of retsina (7)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

8 A soldier with country after one month showing resourcefulness (11)

13 Liberal with calling heading off for place

15 Lexicographical aids for all to see in this developed (8)

17 Threadbare car mat? It’s used to cover road (6)

18 Sheep kept by conservationists? That’s recent (6)

19 Repulsively sweet cake oddly in island yard (4)

20 Partner is secure after time (4)

at Swanage Beach Kiosk on a recent sunny spring day

PHOTO: Robin Boultwood

Libraries ‘restructing’ leaves folk up in arms

MUCH of Swanage is up in arms about the changes being made to the library in the name of “re-structuring”. I’ve had it explained to me by Cllr Suttle, who has suggested – and I believe him – that this was the least worst option and that the alternative was the closure of Dorset’s excellent library service.

Gary said: “This is the result of a consultation with the single remit of saving the Dorset library service and making it fit for purpose for the future. No secret, this has been the result of months of work and a public consultation.

“This is a very accurate summing up of the difficulties all councils find themselves in with some like Dorset underfunded by central government and I don’t think a change will make much difference as this has been a constant position for decades. The outcome is that Swanage library remains and is safe for the future despite the funding difficulties.”

This is a real blow for Swanage. This Dorset library “restructuring”, or whatever it is being called, has been an absolute shambles and disgrace. Instead of keeping on the top quality, experienced, knowledgeable, local staff –Dorset is paying goodness knows how much for a “review of services” that has led to scores of staff across the county feeling their only way forwards was redundancy.

And how much are all the redundancies costing? The Swanage library team were excellent. It’s an absolute waste of talent and taxpayers’ money. Shame on whoever came up with this plan. And thank you to Jo, Liz, Penny, Andrea and Julia

by David Hollister

for their hard work over the years and in making Swanage Library a really pleasant place to visit!

So here we go again. For “hospital” read “library” or read “social care” or read “police service” or “schools” or indeed any other public funded body that is being starved of funds by central government in an attempt to “cut taxes” which actually means “keep our jobs”. It’s taken many years and many general elections for me to finally realise that they’re all stretching the truth to breaking point and beyond, just to keep their grubby little snouts in the trough. So unless there is a box “none of the above” I will not be voting on July 4.

WELL, here we are, midsummer already! Doesn’t seem like it, does it! So many events cancelled due to inclement weather. Dangerous high winds, storms forecast. They say that there’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s just inappropriate clothing! But exactly how you prevent a marquee or gazebo blowing away in a gale is beyond me!

In particular, we’ve missed the local hospital fetes in Swanage and Wareham, always good value and great fundraisers. Although Debby Monkhouse and friends managed to save our Ambulance Car – for the time being – I still don’t trust Dorset Health Authority not to sneak up behind us and close the hospital down while we’re asleep. So let’s hope that whatever they plan, the hospitals, and in particular the MIU, can be saved for our children and our children’s children. This austerity, this misguided

governmental penny-pinching cannot go on for ever. We need our local hospitals and services, so maybe eventually the general public will realise that we don’t want tax cuts as bribes to ensure re-election, we need our country run properly and have to bite the bullet and pay for it.

And, of course, we’ve lost this year’s Food & Fish Festival which should be going on while I write. I feel so sad for the organisers who have spent so long putting it all together, and I’m so glad that thanks to the power of Facebook they’ve managed to get rid of the huge quantity of oysters which had been ordered for the occasion.

I do hope they didn’t lose too much money, but what price do you put on a shattered dream? Don’t give up, guys, Swanage needs you back next year.

Setting up and running a festival is really hard work, physically and emotionally – to make a call about the weather stopping you at the last minute is very hard.

Thank you especially to the Shantymen singers to whom this sort of weather just fits the music! Hope you come back too! I’m sure that when I was a child, we had longer and brighter summers. Even recently, I can recall summer evenings with friends and family on our patio enjoying long barbecues as the sun went down. I can recall the days when

the meat tasted of real meat, when the chargrilled vegetables were tasty, and when a couple of bottles of red wine were not as harmful as my doctor would suggest. And most of all, when we were not obliged to wrap up like Michelin Men to keep warm.

AND finally. A lovely journey out today in the rare sunshine, driving between our havens for biodiversity and wildlife –roadside verges – enjoying the results of the “love your verge” campaign in which our county council is providing homes to all sorts of plants and animals by “managing” the verges and only cutting where it is necessary to keep roads safe.

And probably saving a good deal of money to spend on salaries for the officers, redundancy payments for unwanted library staff and, of course, many other social necessities which have been foisted upon them by central government.

If it was thought necessary to paint the roads when they were laid down, why isn’t it necessary to maintain those road markings now? If it was initially necessary to provide clean and clear road signage and safe clear verges, why isn’t it necessary to clean the signs and cut back the “havens of biodiversity and wildlife” now?

Movement of people is natural

I ALWAYS try and pick up the Purbeck Gazette when I can.

However, each time I read the page by David Hollister I am left feeling disappointed and dismayed by his populist and not always factually accurate opinions.

I think it would be refreshing to have a more balanced viewpoint on local and national issues.

I can now almost predict what his opinion will be.

I have just read another frankly quite offensive piece regarding immigration, “boat people” and the terrible human tragedies in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In particular, his sentence: “Why is it always us that has to help fix Ukraine, Israel, provide homes for the boat people while leaving our own ex-service personnel out in the streets?”

I am afraid the problems in our world are much more complex than Mr Hollister makes out and we as a country and human beings do have a responsibility to care for and be fair with all people who are in difficulty, whether they are from other countries or in the UK.

In fact, the UK has had a part to play in creating some of the horrendous situations some countries find themselves inlike Afghanistan, for instance. And the Israel/Palestine situation.

Movement of people is natural and has been happening for centuries, and it will continue to happen with ongoing wars, famine and climate change.

It will also continue for economic, social and labour skills reasons.

Wouldn’t it be a much more pleasant society to have a kinder, more understanding and problem-solving approach rather than being accused of being a “nation of softies” or being “all frilly skirt and no knickers”?

Mr Hollister refers to his friends saying they are

“ashamed to be British”.

I am ashamed to be British when I hear and read opinions such as his. I, for one, would appreciate a change.

Liz Flynn via email

Climate change and level crossing

IT is costing billions to protect our railways from the effects of climate change.

According to an article in The Observer newspaper, a decision has to be made about whether it is viable financially and technically to maintain lines that are subject to landslides, erosion and rising sea levels.

One example given was the line over Holes Bay, which seems strange because Poole Harbour does not seem to be a particularly hostile environment. Perhaps we should be vigilant and not take our railway for granted.

One thought, though – could this be the reason Network Rail is dragging its feet over the automation of the level crossing at Wareham?

Rod

Thomas Wareham

Thank you all following fall

UNFORTUNATELY, I tripped up when walking through Kings Road West in Swanage, which resulted in an ambulance being called to the scene of the accident, as I had suffered wounds to my hands and face.

Two people who came to my aid should be thanked for their great kindness in not only taking care of me but for calling an ambulance.

The kind gentleman who first helped me was Nick Corben, Swanage Fire Station officer.

Another passer-by, who is unknown to me, helped Mr Corben move me to a comfortable position when it had been established I had not suffered any fractures.

An ambulance appeared on the scene within a few minutes and I was so impressed with the

paramedics who carried out medical checks on me in the ambulance to decide whether I needed to go to the Outpatients Department at Swanage or an alternative hospital.

I cannot express anything other than high regard for their professionalism.

It is essential that Swanage retains an ambulance service.

Only those who have experienced the expertise of the paramedics realise how valuable they are to the local community of so many elderly people.

I still think of myself as being young at the age of 86 but after this accident I have to realise I have at last joined the older generation!

The treatment given me at the Outpatients Department at Swanage Hospital has proven to be of high quality, including further appointments to inspect the cuts related to the healing process.

Swanage Hospital has a wonderful team providing a quality of service second to none.

Alan S Causon Swanage

Depression group reaches out

DEPRESSION is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, affecting around one in six adults in the UK.

It is also associated with other mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress and loneliness. This has become worse since the pandemic.

Swanage Depression Support was formed about 12 years ago by a group of Christians who had experienced depression.

It was a peer support group which has been meeting fortnightly. It was an informal group, not officially constituted, financed by private donations. It was very successful, with up to 15 people attending.

In recent years, in response to requests from some members who were coming from Wareham, a second meeting opened in Wareham on the intervening weeks.

Sadly, one of the key leaders has had to withdraw owing to poor health, leaving just one, who rightly felt it would be wrong to facilitate the group alone.

So the group has been suspended, although members do meet socially in a coffee shop from time to time.

We are looking for a way to re-form the group on a more stable basis, with proper constitution, supervisory group, bank account and financial security.

For this, we require the backing of the wider community, especially mental health professionals, and a pool of facilitators will be needed.

We would like to convene a meeting of interested people to advise us in the re-forming of the group.

This could form the basis of an on-going supervisory group, though attendance at this initial meeting does not imply any commitment to longer involvement.

We should like to hear from people willing to help us, either as members of the supervisory group or as facilitators.

Some experience of depression/anxiety, either as a sufferer or family of a sufferer would be helpful.

Sympathy with the Christian roots of the group is essential. We emphasise that we are open to people of all faiths or none, that we are not out to convert people and faith conversations or prayer must be initiated by group members - but our motivation is the love of Jesus.

If you might be willing to explore involvement, please e-mail swanagedepression@ outlook.com or contact Alan on 0774 8672069.

Alan Dominy via email

Special concert for choral director

WIMBORNE Choral Society will perform a special concert at Wimborne Minster on Saturday, June 29, celebrating 47 years of

heartfelt dedication to the choir by our musical director, talented musician and friend Christopher Dowie.

It will be an exceptional summer concert with a full orchestra of around 40 musicians from Wimborne Chamber Orchestra, professional solo artists and, of course, the choral society choir. It is the penultimate concert that Christopher will lead before retiring.

The last one, A Journey through Mozart and Bach, is scheduled for November 30, also at the Minster.

Our summer concert will feature a varied programme of British composers such as Parry and Elgar and a major piece from Christopher Dowie himself called A Song For St Cecilia.

Tickets cost from £12, under-18s £6, and are available from Square Records, High Street, Wimborne, or on the door.

Further information from 07802 589662 or visit Wimbornechoralsociety.org.uk.

Christine Brienne Wimborne

Angling club offers great value fishing

THE Dorchester and District Angling Society (DDAS) offers some of the best value for money freshwater fishing in the south west.

Founded in 1947 with just nine anglers, the club has grown steadily through the years to a membership of more than 400 today.

For an adult membership of just £60, members get access to a variety of coarse fishing venues across the area.

Stretches of the River Stour at Shillingstone and Hanford Farm, between Sturminster Newton and Blandford, for those who like to fish light for natural wild coarse fish.

Some of the best grayling fishing you will find is at Wool and Wogret in the west.

One of Dorchester and District Angling Society’s younger members

Small farm lakes at Potwell and Sharnhill Green offer varied species, and multi-lake venues at Chickerell (Coldharbour), Higher Kingcombe and the Revels Fishery at Cosmore offer endless possibilities.

The future of the club is growing with new lakes at the Silverlake Dorset estate, near Warmwell.

But the jewel in the crown is our very own Luckfield Lake in Broadmayne, Dorchester, with a wide variety of species to a reasonably large size!

All these venues combined offer our members excellent value for money.

For our younger members, DDAS can offer guided coaching as well as friendly matches to introduce children to the sport, as well as teaching them how to respect the natural environment in which they will find themselves.

Coaches have recognised qualifications, are first aid trained and fully DBS checked.

Fishing has been proven to improve mental health and reduce stress in a busy world.

Anglers can find solace in nature on peaceful waterways or

years now and in the process we have raised many thousands of pounds for various good causes.

We are keen to thank our many loyal participating locations – pubs, clubs, cafes, salons etc – and, of course, the public who have again supported this venture at a time when charity incomes are generally suffering.

This year you have generously helped us raise more than £1,200.

Thank you all.

join in with the fun and banter of one of our friendly club matches.

However you choose to go fishing, you will find somewhere that will suit your needs.

DDAS is a non-profit making member of the Angling Trust and is active in helping to promote coarse fishing, and in fighting threats like pollution, predation and fish theft.

It also donates annually to worthy local charities from the donations of its members.

For more information about DDAS, go to our website at www.d-das.com, or contact the club secretary, Steve Sudworth, on 07816 175579.

For juniors, go to www. ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@d-das.com

Steve Sudworth DDAS secretary via email

Lions club raises £1,200

WIMBORNE and Ferndown Lions Club have held our very popular annual draw, with giant Easter eggs as prizes, for 30

Ron Neave

Wimborne & Ferndown Lions

Battle re-enactment quite a spectacle

THE recent English Civil War re-enactment in Wimborne was a refreshing addition to the folk festival and I think is well worth pursuing for the future.

The battle at Julians Bridge was quite a spectacle and the attention to detail was exemplary.

All credit to all the participants.

Dave Tulk Wimborne

Identifying the Asian Hornet

THE Purbeck Gazette published an article on the Asian Hornet in its June 10 edition, but I would like to point out that, while the text of the article correctly described the Asian Hornet, the picture published was that of the entirely harmless and native European Hornet. This could cause confusion among your readers with the disastrous consequence of people destroying European Hornet nests by mistake. Susan Double Via email

Elections 2024 – South Dorset

National picture may look bleak for Conservatives - but here’s local view

ON July 4, Purbeck will head to the polls to elect their representative in the House of Commons for the next parliament.

And while the polls are making all kinds of predictions - we have asked candidates across the area to tell you why you should put your X in the box by their names when you cast your vote.

Nationally, Labour are being predicted to score a big win, with the Conservatives facing a loss of power for the first time in 14 years.

This week, an MRP poll by Ipsos, predicted Labour could win up to 453 seats,

with Conservatives back on 115 - a majority of 256.

If accurate, the result would see leading Conservative figures such as Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt, Gillian Keegan, Johnny Mercer and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg lose their seats. The Lib Dems could win 38 seats, according to the poll, while the Scottish National Party would take 15, the Green Party three and three for Reform UK.

But that is the national outlook, we have asked the candidates in our area why you should vote for them...

‘My agenda for a fairer society’

I AM a socialist and climate activist. As part of “Grannies for the Future” I work with the hope of helping to leave behind, for all our grandchildren, a safe and sustainable world that is free from the damage and destruction perpetuated by misinformation and excessive greed, exploitation and war.

I’ve lived and worked in South Dorset for almost 40 years and am a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. I’ve had a variety of jobs in commerce, industry, education and the NHS.

As a Portland town councillor for the past five years, I’ve served on many committees and working groups to help keep it running. I’ve tried to use my position to develop local social and climate solutions – getting the council to declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency, helping set up Portland’s Free School Meals Top-up Scheme, Portland’s Community Fridge and Warm Bank, expanding Portland’s Community Allotments and planting trees. During Covid-19 I was part of Portland’s Resilience

GIOVANNA LEWIS Independent

Committee and helped at two food banks and with shopping. Throughout my council term I also helped people with housing, benefits and other issues.

Outside council, I’ve campaigned to protect services, people and planet, playing key roles in – and sometimes founding – various campaigns – Keep Portland Hospital, Stop Portland Waste Incinerator, Portland Global Friendship Group and Dorset Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.

I would like to:

n Take the “private” out of public services: Stop shareholders looting taxpayers’ money. End private healthcare. Bring back public ownership of water, transport, energy and integrated heath/social care. All achieved after the Second World War with a rock bottom economy – we can do it again!

n End the housing crisis: Build council houses. End no fault evictions. Limit rents. Pause private house building and stop property developers’ donations

to politicians. Use the 1.5 million empty homes for the 1.2 million people on waiting lists.

n Broker for peace: Negotiations not bombs! End arms sales. Encourage resource sharing. End Gaza slaughter. Justice for Palestine.

n Immigration: Blame politicians not immigrants for the failing economy and public services. Set up effective systems to welcome people fleeing war, climate disasters and persecution - support their aims to contribute to our communities and rebuild their lives.

n Clean up tax and government: Close tax loopholes, abolish offshore accounts, end nondoms. Stop MP’s second jobs and honours for cash, lucrative contracts for mates and donations for political favours.

n A fair deal for all: £15 an hour minimum wage to tackle poverty. Create hundreds of thousands of jobs by expanding public services and transitioning to a green economy with a national programme of home insulation. Reduce pension age. Pay WASPI women. End benefits sanctions. Restore the

right to strike and protest. Re-affirm the Human Rights Act.

n Prepare for a warming planet: Stop chasing unsustainable and destructive economic growth. No new oil. Use UK energy profits to expand UK renewables. More pesticide free farming. End animal factory farming. Create a nationwide UK food growing programme using public land.

n Educate for life: End profiteering academies, private school tax breaks and student loans. Free nursery for underfives. Restore youth services; teach how to manage money and debt, understand politics; live sustainably; grow food. Social and climate justice for the many not the few!

Also standing are: Catherine Bennett (Green), Lloyd Hatton (Labour), Rosie Morrell (Independent), Joy Wilson (Independent), Morgan Young (Reform).

Elections 2024 – South Dorset

‘Socialism is proven never to work’

IT has been the greatest privilege of my life to have served South Dorset for 14 years.

Hardly a day has gone by when I have not been inspired by someone I met.

My task has been to represent constituents without fear or favour.

If re-elected, I will continue to do so.

Service is all about working with people, from fishermen, volunteers, prison and police officers, postmen and women and farmers, through to the business community, teachers from across the board, members of our Armed Forces and those who use and work in the NHS. With the commitment and goodwill of those above, we have, I believe, made a difference.

Threatened Swanage Hospital was saved some years ago and, recently, the muchloved special baby care unit at DCH was secured, along with £60 million for a new A&E department.

‘I

RICHARD DRAX

Conservative

While a move to greener energy is welcome, the massive wind farm that would have blighted our stunning Jurassic Coast was eventually turned down.

It was simply in the wrong place.

I am, however, supporting plans for another way out in the Channel.

On Portland, after a hardfought battle to retain our SAR base, I worked hand-in-hand with an innovative, new company, HeliOps, to secure its arrival, which has proved immensely successful.

Another success for the island is the plan for a new SEN school, in the works for 2025. Not so welcome was the Bibby Stockholm barge and proposal for an incinerator, both of which I vehemently opposed. Encouragingly, our Manifesto reads: “We will prevent new waste incinerators being built, including those with recent

permit approvals.”

In Weymouth, together with the College, I have helped to implement its successful apprenticeship policy.

And, working with the then Conservative-run Dorset Council, we secured nearly £20m of funding to repair the sea walls, without which essential redevelopment cannot take place.

Winfrith Innovation Park gained coveted “enterprise zone” status and with it new, skilled jobs and high-tech businesses.

Being a former soldier sitting on the Defence Committee, I have supported our brave men and women based at Bovington and Lulworth, calling for 14 years for higher defence funding, which was recently confirmed.

I hope the above gives just a flavour of what, together, has and can be achieved.

As a traditional Conservative, I love my country and am standing again to fight for less state, low taxes to encourage

growth and prosperity and freedom of the individual to aspire and keep more of their hard-earned money.

And, of course, to provide a safety net.

It is crucial that the private sector is allowed to flourish, for their taxes pay for the public sector and essential services.

Contrary to Labour, our instinct is support the wealth creators.

The choice on July 4 could not be more stark.

Labour’s decision to apply VAT to private schools, for example, is vindictive and gives a flavour of what’s planned.

Education is a great equaliser, so traditionally not taxed.

Labour’s manifesto makes clear that more taxes are coming, on your job, your home, your pension, your car and your business.

Labour is not the answer.

I am fighting for hope and the future, not for a change to something worse, which is simply a return to Socialism that is proven never to work.

see impact of poverty in school’

THE Conservative vote is crashing. The Lib Dems won the recent local elections. Labour only gained TWO seats across the whole of Dorset.

As you work out who to vote for in the coming general election, Matt Bell gives an insight into his background and his reasons for standing in South Dorset.

Matt is already a successful champion for his community. He is a secondary school teacher, has chosen to bring up his young family here and recently won election to Dorset Council – an election that saw the Conservatives and Labour routed.

At a time when politicians of all parties are promising the earth to gain your vote – can you trust Matt to deliver? To be fair, his track record is pretty

impressive. Matt took on various organisations in Weymouth to drive action to prevent flooding. He has been very active in his fight for pharmacies in some of our poorest areas. And already, Matt and his colleagues are delivering on their election priorities at Dorset Council - £2 million has been set aside to help hard-pressed families cope in the cost-of-living crisis; they have ended a Conservative scheme that previously saw 10 politicians claim a payment, saving Dorset Council £100,000 a year; an unpopular steep rise in car park charges at some of our coastal towns has been reviewed. So fast action already.

But Matt knows there are bigger issues to tackle. During

his teacher training, Matt had to face the sad prospect of losing his parents to cancer. It was a difficult time. Matt and his family cared for his mum and dad as best they could right up to the end.

“We were happy to do it, of course we were,” he said. “But it made me aware how hard this must be for other people, other families going through the same thing but without the system being there to help them. It’s just not good enough when you really need it to be.”

And that is one of the reasons Matt is standing to be our MP here in South Dorset. He sees young people struggle in all sorts of ways in his school.

“Some have very unhealthy diets, directly down to poverty. Some are from very deprived backgrounds, living in poor

housing and facing a lack of opportunities to improve their lives. Some have parents who have struggled themselves, for instance reading ages for parents are shockingly poor in some areas here in South Dorset. I’m not sure the wider public realise what impact poverty can have on families. Couple that with the struggle to find decent jobs with decent pay and then the huge battle to find affordable housing. It’s no surprise that some families have such limited social mobility.”

That’s why Matt is standing. He sees the struggles around him, and he wants to bring about change. And he wants that change to be fair. Matt will listen to local people, fight for their causes and stand up for South Dorset.

That’s his promise.

MATT BELL Lib Dem

Elections 2024 – Mid Dorset and North Poole

‘The country has turned a corner’

I WAS first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. This will be the fourth time that I am seeking election here in Mid Dorset & North Poole. A lot has changed since 2019. None of us thought a pandemic would suddenly grind our lives to a halt. A brutal war in Europe sent our energy bills soaring. There is no doubt that it has been an incredibly tough few years for all of us here in Dorset and Poole. From support with energy bills, furlough and business support, and a world-leading vaccine roll-out, I have been proud to be a part of the Government that has delivered at critical times. Hard decisions had to be made to get our economy back on track, but we have now turned a corner. Inflation is back down to its normal

‘It’s

MICHAEL TOMLINSON Conservative

rate, and the British economy is growing faster than Germany or France or the US. So we have a choice to make - do we stay the course to grow that progress? Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, we cannot go back to square one. We’ve put in the hard work during the tough times, and now it’s time to secure our future.

Our children deserve first-class education. As many of you know, Frances and I send our three children to schools here in Poole, so I understand the challenges faced by our local education system. Successfully delivering a fairer funding model for them was one of my proudest achievements.

Mid Dorset and North Poole has been good to those of us who have made our lives here, and we must ensure those same opportunities are available for the next generation. Our unemployment rate is already below the national level, but driving local growth takes continuous action day in and day out.

The role of a Member of Parliament is busy and varied. I have been tasked with important national issues including tackling illegal migration and working tirelessly to keep our country safe. I have previously served as the Solicitor General, ensuring our legal system works to protect those who need it.

I have been honoured to be able to help thousands of local

residents; it is a fundamental part of what MPs do. It is hugely important to me that the people who live here have their voice heard in Westminster. Week in, week out I have met with the people I represent, to learn how I can help them. There is no better feeling than when an email comes into my inbox saying “thank you – with your help my issue has now been resolved”.

The stability that is finally returning to our area has been hard-fought for so many of us. We cannot afford to go back to square one. We refuse to start over. We’ve weathered the storm that so many countries had to face, I am seeking re-election to build on this progress and secure the best possible future for our area.

okay to be proud to be British’

DO you remember the Social Democratic Party?

It is usually abbreviated to the SDP.

It started in 1981 and was reborn in 2018.

It is a party that believes it is okay to be a proud British citizen and that it is okay to govern our own country.

It is a party that believes that we do not have to sell our industries and services to other countries or the private sector.

A classic case would be the water industry. The profits of this previously taxpayerowned industry now go to private shareholders. This means there is less money available to invest in keeping our rivers and seas free of sewage. And with a fastgrowing population this problem is only going to get worse.

Another case is the railway

JOHN DOWLING SDP

system. This has been partially privatised in a very complex manner and is still dependent on subsidies from the taxpayer.

The SDP would gradually take the railways back into taxpayer ownership and simplify the ticketing system for all to use. We would also support the manufacture of rolling stock in this country, thereby creating jobs and preserving skills.

The SDP would like to support joined up thinking. Why, with an increasing population, are we covering farmland with solar panels when we could use the roofs of houses, offices and factories?

It is imperative that we preserve good farmland so that we can be more self-

sufficient in food production.

The SDP believes that the state should get involved in house building. This is to ensure houses are built in the right place – not on the green belt – and of the right size to suit the ordinary family.

Such a house would be for rent initially, but could be sold to the residents provided the profit was used to build another house for rent.

The SDP believes that a life on benefits is not sustainable either personally or financially for the taxpayer. Therefore the state should provide work for the unemployed at minimum wage in the local community to ensure human talents are not lost, and the taxpayer receives a return.

The SDP intends to stop mass immigration. Currently nearly a million people are coming into the country every year. This cannot be sustained.

We cannot provide housing or prompt healthcare to citizens as it is.

Therefore immigration should be restricted to fewer than 50,000 people a year to allow entry only for skilled individuals such as surgeons or for immediate family reunification.

We need to train our own skilled professionals, rather than importing them. For instance, we have many well qualified people who could train to become doctors and nurses. It cannot be right to poach medical staff from much poorer countries. The same principles apply to other skilled occupations.

I hope you can see how SDP intends to build a country of productive citizens. Only by doing this can we help other less fortunate nations.

Vote SDP, Vote John Dowling sdp.org.uk.

I MOVED To Dorset in 1999 after I accepted a promotion when I worked in financial services.

We have since raised our four children here – three of whom are now adults. It was my experience as a local business owner that got me interested in politics – as chair of the chamber of commerce I engaged regularly with councils, and this helped develop my voice representing others.

After being elected to Poole Council, I helped write several policies including the AntiBullying Strategy and the Seafront Strategy. When BCP Council was formed, I became leader, working across seven political groups, and took the council through the dark days of Covid-19. More recently as leader I have averted a financial crisis to deliver a balanced budget and developed the new

Elections 2024 – Mid Dorset and North Poole

‘Things just don’t work anymore’ ‘Voters are ready for a change’

“THE people of Mid-Dorset and North Poole have made it clear that they are ready for change,” Candice said. “I’m honoured to stand as a Labour candidate in this election, to help secure a future Labour Government that will bring an end to 14 years of Tory chaos.”

Candice was born to British parents in London but moved to Bournemouth over 23 years ago, before settling in Mid Dorset and North Poole, an area she is proud to call home.

Candice started her career as a community worker in

VIKKI SLADE Lib Dem

Local Plan. This will ensure the housing we need for the next generation is delivered with the infrastructure it needs, minimises the environmental impact and protects the green belt our community treasures.

When Annette Brooke announced her retirement from Parliament, I was selected to run for MP and I have been campaigning for a better deal for Dorset ever since, using the skills gained in the councils and through my community work, including as a school governor, chair of Neighbourhood Watch and youth club lead. Government is failing to support local communities or provide fair funding so the right public services can be delivered.

From crumbling school buildings to broken promises on

CANDICE JOHNSON-COLE Labour

Doncaster, before joining the Labour Party as an event organiser. During the 1997 general election campaign, she worked at Labour headquarters, managing teams that travelled around Britain campaigning for a Labour victory. Candice went on to work as a community worker in Poole, alongside her career as a political events consultant which she enjoyed for over 26 years. She has been a member of the Labour Party

expanding our community hospitals, councils having to bid for enough money to repair our roads and a lack of police officers in our neighbourhoods, things just do not work anymore.

I will use my voice as a Lib Dem MP to fight to resolve Dorset’s dental desert – starting with children and the vulnerable. There are enough dentists here, but their contract means many are leaving the NHS.

People do not want to work in the care sector because they can earn more working in supermarkets, so we will increase their minimum wage. We will also provide free personal care, so no one must struggle with simple tasks of washing and eating. Lib Dems believe that delivering this – something that is already done in Scotland – will reduce the need for hospital admissions and

improve the lives of older people.

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place, but the rivers and harbours are being polluted due to a lack of investment in the sewerage system and Government weakness on holding polluters to account. Too many properties sold for holidays homes is hollowing out communities and Lib Dems have plans to protect new homes so they can be occupied by full-time residents and ensure that second homeowners pay their fair share.

In Mid Dorset and North Poole only the Liberal Democrats can beat the Conservatives – a vote for anyone else will give us another five years of the same decline. Dorset deserves better and I am ready to serve the residents, businesses and communities here fighting for a fair deal.v

since 1995 and has over two decades of experience working both locally and in Westminster.

She said: “As a Labour candidate, I’ve spent time speaking to people in the local community who have been badly let down over the last 14 years. The increased cost of living, unacceptably long waiting lists for NHS appointments, a lack of affordable housing, and the illegal dumping of sewage in our waterways are all areas residents are worried about, and rightly so. As a Labour MP, I

would address these concerns head on.

“Under a Labour Government, we can turn things around and start to rebuild our country. My focus is on our community. Being the MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole would be my only job, and the privilege of a lifetime.

“Labour has a long-term, serious plan to change Britain, and the benefits will be felt right here in our fantastic local area. I invite voters to join us to make this change happen – We Are Ready!”

‘A keen advocate for social justice’

BEN has lived within the BCP conurbation for nearly 30 years. Along with with his wife and three children, his family home is in Poole.

Ben works for a well-known local manufacturing company with an international reputation. An avid sports fan and

BEN PANTLING Green

participant, he coaches the Poole RFC Juniors, plays for the Poole RFC senior men's team and has a long history of playing in the Bournemouth Saturday & Sunday football

leagues. He has also completed three marathons, most recently London 2024.

As a Green Party activist, Ben has a passion for protecting the environment so that it can be passed on to our children in a better state.

Ben is a keen advocate of

social justice and campaigns for our essential services like the NHS, water supply and public transport to be kept out of the hands of profiteering private enterprise.

Ben is a big advocate for the introduction of a Universal Basic Income.vvv

Health & Wellbeing

The huge benefits of eating healthy fats

by Daisy Campbell

MANY of us associate fats with putting on weight and something we instinctively want to avoid. This is true with unhealthy fats, like trans fats, found in processed food, cakes, biscuits etc, but the good kind are beneficial in so many ways.

More and more studies are showing the link between consuming the right amount of good fats with a healthy brain, lifted mood, memory, energy and lovely supple skin. Fats are a concentrated energy source and are twice as efficient as carbohydrates in energy production.

They are fuel for the brain – which is made up of 60% fat – and for the cells. They help regulate inflammation in the body, crucial for preventing disease and much more, and contrary to what we might believe, they aid in making us feel full and therefore help us to lose weight.

They also have a vital role in helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Rather annoyingly, the body cannot make the two essential fatty acids, omega 3 and 6, on

its own, we have to include them in our diet or take a supplement. Omega 6 fats are not as beneficial to health as omega 3 – which are all anti-inflammatory – so it’s important to get the ratio right. We want more of the omega 3s. Vegans need to pay special attention to this as many omega-rich foods come in the form of dairy and meat. Some excellent options for a plantbased diet are avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil, flaxseed, spirulina and dark green leafy vegetables, but as this may become limiting, I would highly

recommend a good supplement, too.

For meat eaters, grass-fed beef and organ meats are an excellent source of omega 3, wild salmon, sardines and tuna – not tinned if possible – are brilliant and, for vegetarians, organic cage free eggs.

A good tip is to fill a jar with mixed seeds, easily found in supermarkets, with organic mulled flaxseed, and get into the habit of sprinkling a bit of both onto porridge or fruit at breakfast, and salads or soups at lunch. I find, particularly on porridge, the seeds give a lovely crunch that I have become very fond of.

A bag of almonds in the car, or in your bag when you go out, is an excellent quick snack to fill up on, and is also one of the cheaper nuts to buy.

So, if we can get into the habit of looking at our plate at every meal and just making sure we have a small fist full of healthy fat, we are doing ourselves a huge favour, we will feel fuller for longer, have more energy and be feeding our brain.

And, of course, let’s not forget all the delicious full fat cheese and unsweetened natural yoghurt!

For more information on healthy fats and all the benefits they provide, Patrick Holford has written many books on the subject.

n Daisy Campbell is a certified health coach. For gentle guidance and help to make changes, phone 07740 864 616 or email daisydundas@yahoo. com.

Avocado, salmon and almonds are among the foodstuff which provide beneficial fats

‘Wort’ a clue that herb has medicinal purpose...

by Fiona Chapman

ANY herbs with a “wort” on the end mean that it was at one time or another a herb that was used for medicinal purposes. Many of these herbs have gone out of fashion and are not used in modern herbal medicine, which does not necessarily mean they do not work.

So much knowledge was lost between the 15th and 18th centuries when there was the purging of the witches. Invariably these were women who were natural healers and midwives with skills that had been passed down by word of mouth for generations.

With the advent of more modern medicine, and male physicians, who felt they knew better, it became unfashionable and in some cases dangerous for these women to practice, so valuable information died with them.

So, as I was wandering the Dorset hills and fields and looking at pretty, white Greater Stitchwort on the verges and bottom of hedge rows, I wondered what it was used for – a stitch in your side – of course, hence the name! It is edible, although it is said if you

pick the flowers, you will cause a thunderstorm and upset the pixies – maybe that is why it is not used so much nowadays!

I was also curious about Herb Robert, which is growing abundantly with its little pink flowers on verges and rather a lot between the paving stones in my garden.

I don’t like the smell of Herb Robert (Geranium robertanum). It is as the name suggests, from the geranium family, and to me it smells of cat’s pee. Traditionally it used to be carried around to bring good luck and fertility.

It can be eaten and the leaves rubbed on the skin to act as an insect repellent. It would certainly repel me, hence it being rather strange it was used for fertility!

Eating it is said to increase oxygen in the blood, which is obviously hugely beneficial, however, I was then rather horrified by one of its colloquial names, “death come quickly”.

This apparently is because of its connection to a German sprite who came to the British Isles and attached itself to Puck – Robin Goodfellow. Although why such a sinister name, as

Puck was a prankster, and the German sprite was Knecht Rupert, also known as Krampus, who was St Nicholas’s dark side? He does punish children who have been

naughty but death coming quickly is a bit excessive, I feel!

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist; email Pellyfiona@gmail.com.

Rachel Ciantar

Greater Stitchwort was used for treating a stitch in the side

Plan those outdoor construction projects… now!

Spring has well and truly sprung and summer is fast approaching. Your outdoor spaces should be in full growth, and now is the time to consider how you can attract potential buyers or add value for the future. If you are looking to improve or add value to your property, evaluate how your outdoor spaces work for you. Start consulting with Purbeck Landscapes to have large projects like driveways, patios, and other hard landscaping projects undertaken during the autumn and winter. This leaves the spring free for the spaces to establish ready to be enjoyed during the summer. Similarly if you’re looking to sell your property, with the vast majority of buyers looking to move in the summer months, now is the time to plan that move 12 months down the line. Do you have off road parking? Can a driveway be created? Are walls and fencing in good repair? Do you have an attractive outdoor area where

Advertising Feature

potential buyers can imagine themselves enjoying a morning coffee? All of these construction projects can be planed now and ready for your move next spring to summer.

Get in touch with Purbeck Landscapes to arrange a consultation so we can help you make your outdoor spaces work for you. www.purbeckld.co.uk

01929 253112

How to grow sweet peas

by Sally Gregson

SWEET peas have been a cottage garden favourite for centuries, but there are welldocumented rules about how to grow and show them. Like so many other popular genera – roses, chrysanths, dahlias –people have worked out methods for growing them to exhibit their blooms to best advantage since the turn of the 20th century.

Exhibitors wanted long, straight stems with no tendrils to wind their way around themselves, ready to display in

a vase. So in 1911 The National Sweet Pea Society introduced the cordon system of cultivation for growing top quality heads.

The seed is started off early in pots, and grown on until it has formed several true leaves. Then the plant is potted on or planted in well cultivated ground, and the top is pinched out to promote the side shoots to branch. As soon as they have grown to a reasonable size, the strongest shoot nearest the base of the plant is selected, and all the others are removed.

This shoot is then grown as a single stem with its own side

shoots removed. Tendrils are also nipped out as soon as they appear to prevent the shoot from clinging onto the flower stems. This stem is tied onto a supporting cane, thus restricting the number of flower stems produced. In this way, all the plant’s energy is directed into producing bigger, better flowers on longer, straighter stems. And winning prizes.

The resulting flowers are not just beautifully scented but in rich, glamorous colours so long as you buy the seed from a specialist seed merchant. Collecting your own seed can

be disappointing. Often the resulting flowers are simply a washed-out mauve rather than the translucent reds, purples and whites of the hybrids.

So, despite the arcane practices of bygone times, the pruning, cutting and tying in does work. And the result will a steady succession of straightbacked flower stems, in glorious colours, that exude scent throughout the house.

Sweet peas have been a long time cottage garden favourite

Business

David dives in with Swim England

A SPECIALIST lawyer from Swanage law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is set to have a say on disputes in swimming with a new appointment at the sport’s national governing body.

David McWilliam, partner and head of Personal Injury & Sports Law at the firm, has joined Swim England’s (SE) Dispute Resolution Panel in a voluntary role.

The board hears judicial complaints made by members – including swimmers, coaches and volunteers – about alleged misconduct, maladministration or breach of SE regulations.

David is already a member of the Football Association’s General Appeals Panel and its Serious Case Panel. He is also an independent Disciplinary Panel member and nonexecutive director of Dorset County Football Association (FA).

His appointment at SE comes after a newly published independent report commissioned by the organisation criticised the

“toxic” culture at some clubs where “excessive demands and pressure” are placed on young swimmers at a competitive level.

David said: “I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing the different range of cases involved.

“My legal knowledge and my experience in sports disciplinary matters should bring an extra dimension to the expertise on the panel.

“I’ve been involved with

swimming for many years, including the past eight years at Christchurch Seagulls Swimming Club, so it’s another great opportunity to make a difference in the sport.”

David will hear cases with colleagues on the panel – a mixture of legal and non-legal representatives – at SE’s head office at the University of Loughborough.

He said: “Swim England has recognised issues at some clubs which it has pledged to

tackle, including those raised in a recently published independent report.

“More than 14 million adults and nearly two million children go swimming every year, according to figures from Swim England.

“The overwhelming majority enjoy the sport with no problems whatsoever and I hope my involvement in the panel will further enhance Swim England’s capabilities in dealing with any matters which do arise.”

David has spent the last eight years involved with Christchurch Seagulls where his daughters have both been swimming to national level. He stepped down as chair last July after seven years in the voluntary role. He is also the legal adviser to Dorset Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).

David launched the area’s first specialist Sports Law Department at Ellis Jones in 2020, one of the few dedicated departments of its kind in the south.

The team advises on a range of issues such as contracts, intermediary/agent regulations, image rights, brand protection, sponsorship, event management, discrimination, disciplinary, anti-doping and employment issues.

Security radios rapidly prove worth

by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk

NEW security radios for Wimborne businesses proved effective within days of being issued.

Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District) was awarded a £5,000 grant to fund the radios.

The grant application was approved by Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.

The radios allow businesses to communicate with each other to warn of suspicious activity

and share live and immediate intelligence about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Radios have also been provided for the town council, BID, the town’s CCTV room and police.

East Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team reported that the radios helped stop a repeat offender in the town’s Crown Mead shopping precinct within a week of being issued.

Sgt Steven Payne said: “A male was detained having stolen from a local store and was in possession of several items that

have been recovered. This male has been identified as being involved in several thefts locally and is being dealt with for all these matters.

“These thefts would not have been detected if it was not for the help of two local stores, the Town Watch radios system supplied by the BID and the willingness for shops to report thefts to the police.”

Tammy Sleet, BID manager, said: “Our old radio system was just not up to scratch, so we looked to upgrade it, and we’re very grateful for the support of

the PCC.”

The funding has allowed the ‘Town Watch’ radio infrastructure to be completely updated to a digital system to overcome past problems of signal reliability and sound quality.

Wimborne BID is using the grant to provide a subsidy for businesses to have the radios free of charge for six months.

David Sidwick said: “The radios are such a good initiative and part of the plan to drive down shoplifting and crime throughout Dorset.”

David McWilliam, partner and head of Personal Injury & Sports Law at Ellis Jones Solicitors

Brewer backs mental health campaign

by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk

DORSET brewer Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) has partnered with Sport in Mind to help two friends undertake a 150-mile walking challenge, from Lyme Regis to Reading.

In aid of National Walking month, Nathan Bingham and Jack Wright created a challenge to help raise awareness of Sport in Mind, and to encourage people to be active for their mental health.

The independent familyowned brewer provided accommodation and refreshments to support the two friends over the finish line.

Nathan and Jack each completed more than 300,000 steps and visited six H&W pubs during their challenge.

The walk began at H&W’s Royal Lion Hotel in Lyme Regis and covered The Ship Inn Weymouth, Smuggler’s Inn Osmington, Lulworth Cove Inn, The Beach House in Milfordon-Sea and The Holly Blue in Basingstoke.

Team members from the Holly Blue and H&W’s brewery joined the pair for some of the challenge to show their support.

Nathan said: “As lifelong friends we’ve both suffered low points in our lives and being open with each other has been a

lifeline in these moments.

“Walking offers an ideal space for these conversations and can go a long way in making someone’s day a lot better.

“We’re not asking for sponsorship in the traditional sense, but are instead asking people to pledge their time to organise a walk with friends and family.

“This is to curate a safe and comfortable environment to have a meaningful conversation about mental health.”

To date, Nathan and Jack have received more than 120 pledges from people across the world, including from Kenya,

Peru and Japan.

Jon Mead, innovation manager at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “I have been a supporter of Sport in Mind for many years and undertaken similar challenges to Jack and Nathan.

“I therefore understand first-hand the passion and determination that goes into completing a walk such as this.

“When I first heard about the challenge, I just knew we would have to do something to help.

“A key purpose of ours at Hall & Woodhouse is making people’s day, so it was essential we supported the boys in doing our bit to ensure they completed their trek.”

ARMISHAWS SMALL MOVES

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One in 12 young drivers don’t wear seatbelt, says AA

ANALYSIS carried out by the AA of the provisional road casualty statistics for 2023, shows that one in 12 young passengers – aged 14-29 – are not wearing a seatbelt, while one in 40 drivers are dicing with death by failing to clip in.

Car occupants not wearing their seatbelt are putting themselves, fellow passengers, and other road users at unnecessary risk by not putting their belt on.

The figures also show that one in every 300 drivers has

been observed using their hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Even though being caught for using a hand-held mobile phone carries a £200 fine and six points, many drivers are still tempted to pick up their phone.

Earlier this month, two fifths (44%) of drivers said that this behaviour was worsening on UK roads.

The motoring organisation is also highlighting mobile phone usage at the wheel

Investigation shows that both seatbelt compliance and mobile phone use worsen in the evening and at night – with mobile phone abuse up 2.5 times at night.

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This highlights the brazen nature of some, believing that the cover of darkness gives them licence to misbehave.

Overall, fatalities on UK

roads fell 4% in 2023 compared to 2022, but the number of pedestrian deaths increased year on year.

As part of its Motoring Manifesto, the AA has called for more road traffic officers to police the roads as well as set challenging road safety targets to eliminate road fatalities and injuries. This includes high profile, road safety campaigns on issues like seatbelts.

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Valuing your treasures

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers,

21 South Street,

Wareham

I’M often asked what I look for when valuing antique jewellery. I have extensive experience in the field of antique jewellery having spent 10 years as head of Jewellery at a leading auction house, and have valued and successfully sold many important collections over the years.

Here’s some of my process: If it’s a ring, I put it on my finger to get the proportion and scale – checking that the settings are aren’t too heavy and they are well crafted.

If a setting is too chunky, it doesn’t reveal the colour or beauty of the stone enough.

Equally a well crafted setting indicates that someone felt the stone was worthwhile taking time over.

Next, I look at the colour. This can help limit the type of gemstone it is.

For instance, if it was light blue it could be a sapphire,

Painting could sell for £8,000

THE upcoming Summer Auction at Duke’s on Thursday, July 11, showcases a trove of curiosities and wonders of exceptional variety.

From furniture to fine art, the auction promises to be one of Duke’s most diverse.

It introduces magnificent collections curated from the property of several renowned estates, including The Old Rectory, Ickham; The Egerton Place Collection; The Old Vicarage, Chideock; Great Hayes, Surrey; and The Digby Family.

topaz or aquamarine.

I can ascertain the overall quality of the stone by using an eye glass and I’m looking for the saturation of colour and how well it travels through the stone.

I can also see how many inclusions there are, which indicate the quality.

The fewer inclusions, which are materials trapped in the stone when it was growing, the better the quality and would show more of the true colour.

I then look at the general condition of the piece, so if the stones are chipped or scuffed, or a ring shank is thin or has broken claws, it is going to affect the value.

And finally, I consider where the piece has come from.

I recently acquired a basic silver and turquoise ring which was in bad condition and worth about £10.

But the customer had proof it was owned by none other than guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, which made it much more desirable and worth far more!

A highlight of the many paintings permeating the auction is an oil on panel by Johann Heinrich Tisschbein the Elder (172289), titled Abraham Kneeling Before the Three Angels (pictured), estimated at £6,000-£8,000.

The complete online

catalogue will be available to view at dukes-auctions.com, before the auction.

The physical catalogue is available to pre-order now at £20 plus shipping.

For more information on the auction or to purchase a catalogue, email enquiries@ dukes-auctions.com.

A basic silver and turquoise ring in poor condition was only worth about £10 – had it not once been owned by rock star Jimi Hendrix!

Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder (1722-89) Abraham Kneeling Before the Three Angels

Rugby club want girls to give game a go

WIMBORNE RFC are reaching out to girls to play the game this summer.

They will be running Love Rugby Camps for youngsters aged nine-18 as part of a Rugby Football Union campaign.

England’s Red Roses are the number one ranked side in the world and with the World Cup being hosted in this country next year, interest in women’s rugby union has increased.

The Love Rugby camps are designed to introduce girls to

the fundamentals of rugby, build confidence and foster teamwork, and youngsters of all abilities are encouraged to attend.

Sessions will be led by qualified and experienced coaches who are passionate about the game and dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive environment.

Youngsters can expect:

n Skill development: Learning the basics of the game,

Fishing lesson with former world champ

by Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary

DORCHESTER & District

Angling Society Juniors have again been lucky to spend a day with Maver-sponsored angler Callum Dicks at Revels.

The 2008 junior world champion treated the youngsters to a great display of his angling skills and imparted some of his vast knowledge to eager ears.

Callum spoke to the juniors about the importance of bait preparation, keeping rigs simple and efficient handling of a pole at short and longer lengths.

After a fascinating tutorial that captivated the young anglers, they were allowed back

ANGLING

to their own equipment to put what they had learned into practice.

Callum worked hard alongside the regular team of coaches to deliver another day of coaching that will be hard to forget.

The cherry on top of the cake was lots of freebies sent by Maver UK and a flypast by the Red Arrows!

including passing and game strategy (non-contact).

n Fitness training: Exercises tailored to enhance rugby performance.

n Team building: Activities that promote camaraderie, leadership and sportsmanship.

n Fun and games: A mix of drills, practice matches and friendly competition.

No prior experience is needed – youngsters just need to bring enthusiasm, trainers, a water bottle and a willingness to learn.

Girls, or their parents and guardians, can find out more by visiting findrugby.com or contact Kat Marsh, girls lead/ head coach, at girlsrugby@ wimbornerugbyclub. co.ukfacebook.com/ wimbornerugby.

Wimborne RFC are based in Gordon Road, although

advanced plans exist for the club to relocate to purpose-built facilities.

They runs sides through all age groups in mini and youth rugby from age six to 15, with more than 500 children taking part in events on Sunday from 9.30am.

Once they reach 16, they can join the Wimborne Academy, which covers the 16-18 age group, and they can then progress to Wimborne seniors with three senior sides in levels 6, 8 and 10.

The club also run a Vets touch session weekly and have recently introduced “walking rugby”, which is proving popular with over 20 players taking part on a Friday morning, some new to the game and others getting back into exercise and reconnecting with new and old friends.

Individual coaching information with Callum Dicks can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

For information about DDAS

Juniors, visit www.ddasjuniors. co.uk or email juniors.sec@ddas.com.

For information about Revels Fishery, visit Facebook.

Walking football club seeks new players

DEXTER Sports Walking Football Club, based at the County Ground, Hamworthy, are looking for new players.

The club, established in 2015 for the benefit of members' physical and mental health, compete in the Dorset Walking Football League.

They are looking for players aged over 50 or approaching that milestone.

Training is every Friday at 7pm at the County Ground and

the first session is free.

Members do not have to take part in tournaments – they can just go, along for exercise and enjoy the team spirit.

For more information, contact Paul at kybert@hotmail. co.uk or on 07708 406232, or

visit the club's Facebook page at Dexter Sports – Walking Football Club or their website at walkingfoot-ball. dextersportsyfc.org.uk.

No running is allowed in walking football and physical contact is against the rules.

Callum Dicks has the DDAS juniors captivated – and with six-year-old George Ellis (left)

Acrobatics plus music on the seafront

ACROBATICS and live music for all the family will be on offer at Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage when Collective ConTakt present their contemporary circus show.

The group, made up of five acrobats and a musician –with roots in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK – will be performing their show, Foley.

“Breathtakingly tall human towers and high throws, accompanied by exquisite live music, mixed di-rectly to create electronic beats,” are promised.

Members of the audience are invited to take along a picnic and camping chairs for the show on Thursday, July 4, at 7pm.

The performance is free to

attend, although donations to Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach, which is organising it, are welcome.

More information is available online at www. artsreach.co.uk.

ConTakt are putting on a free show at

Skinner’s back with stage show

by Lorraine Gibson COMEDY legend and mega England football fan, Frank Skinner, has announced that he has added a Dorset performance to his latest sell-out tour.

He is extending his critically acclaimed stand-up show, 30 Years of Dirt – described by The Times’s Dominic Maxwell as “so funny that it’s almost obscene...from a craftsman with exquisite control of his art”, with an additional 24 dates across the UK.

Over the years, Skinner has toured many a sold-out stand-up show, had huge success on radio

and television, and last year was awarded an MBE by the Princess Royal, for his efforts.

With David Baddiel, he created and presented both Fantasy Football and Baddiel & Skinner Unplanned – even more memorably, along with The Lightning Seeds, the pair also wrote the seminal football anthem, Three Lions.

Local fans will get to learn all about what he has gleaned over his three decades in the business when he takes to the stage at Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday, October 5.

LIPSTICK on Your Collar at The Regent in Christchurch promises an evening of back-to-back hits from the 1950s and 60s. More than 40 songs from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more are in store. The show is on Thursday, July 4, at 7.30pm.

Prince Albert Gardens

Frank Skinner is bringing “30 Years of Dirt” to Bournemouth

The Big O a 60s hit machine

by Lorraine Gibson

OH, Pretty Woman – just one of many song titles with the power to immediately conjure up the unmistakably ethereal voice of the late Roy Orbison.

The American singer/ songwriter, whose music is often described as timeless, was first signed to Sun Records in Memphis by pioneering music producer Sam Phillips, who had also signed the littleknown Elvis Presley.

Orbison moved to Monument Records where he enjoyed huge success from 1960-66, notching up 22 singles in the Billboard Top 40. He penned or cowrote almost all of his top hits, including Only The Lonely, Running Scared and Crying.

In homage to the vocallyacrobatic magic of the man they nicknamed “The Caruso of Rock”, The Roy Orbison Story, which comes direct to Wimborne from the West End’s Adelphi Theatre, is a musical celebration of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and six-time Grammy awardwinning legend.

Barry Steele’s take on “The Big O” is described by the The Stage as “true identikit brilliance.”

Backed by a five-piece band, he travels from the Sun Record years through to the Traveling Wilburys era, and on top of the previouslymentioned hits, performs classic numbers such as I Drove all Night, You Got It, Only the Lonely, In Dreams, and more.

The Roy Orbison Story is at The Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, August 17, at 7.30pm – for tickets visit www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk or phone 01202 885566.

ATWP: A Beacon of Excellence and Community in Dance Education

*Advertising Feature

Athena Theatre Works & Productions (ATWP), under the inspiring leadership of Athena Burns, has been making significant strides in the world of dance education, marked by a series of recent accolades and ambitious projects. Nominated for the UK’s Best Performing Arts School and winning the title of Best Community Provider in the Southwest/East, ATWP is a shining example of dedication, innovation, and community engagement. This November, ATWP’s “Temple Team” is set to perform a brand-new routine at the prestigious O2 Arena in London, a testament to the school’s exceptional talent and hard work. Their performance at the National Entertainment Awards 2023, where ATWP has been nominated as the Best Southwest Dance School and a golden Buzzer moment for students winning a place at the UK Final at the 02 Later this year. Celebrating

Success and Looking Forward

The past year has been marked by numerous achievements for ATWP. The school secured over 50 awards in the “So You Want to Dance” competition and showcased their talents at the prestigious Lighthouse Theatre in Poole. Scholarship winners also enjoyed a sponsored trip to MOVEIT, engaging in workshops to enhance their dance skills. Additionally, a Disney movie choreographer conducted transformative musical theatre workshops for the students. Students attended funded CDMT audition day at LIPPA . ATWP’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its support for CDMT students, covering their audition expenses and supporting their workshop classes. The institution’s scholarship and funding program exceeded £20,000 in 2023, with plans to expand further in 2024.

As ATWP continues to blaze a trail in dance education, the school remains a beacon of support and opportunity, paving the way for aspiring dancers to achieve their dreams and embrace a future filled with promise and success.

ATWP is nominated by the National Entertainment Awards for the UK’s Best Dance School 2024.

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Arts & Entertainment

Indie rock hit-makers in action

HANDS in the air – good times are on the cards as Poole Harbour Festival gets ready to welcome some of indie rock’s biggest crowdpleasers.

Place Your Hands hitmakers Reef, Pass It On pop perfectionists The Coral, and The South, whose Song For Whoever has been bringing the house down for over 35 years, are all performing at the event.

More than 50 acts on four stages will play at the festival, from Friday to Sunday, July 26-28.

“Our audiences tell us they love to make the most of their weekend by the sea and we programme the bands and DJs

to deliver exactly that,” said festival organiser Ben Dyas.

“Top hits from the 80s to the noughties by the original artists, with brilliant DJs including total legends like Lisa Lashes and Seb Fontaine, will not only get the party started, they’ll keep it going all weekend.”

The live attractions also include Razorlight and the ever-popular Toploader, along with in-demand festival favourites Ferocious Dog and Dr Meaker.

There’s also a programme of acclaimed UK tributes to international superstar acts like Queen, Madness, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and, for the

first time in Poole, Fleetwood Mac.

The Dance Tent is home to Euphoria heroine Lisa Lashes and former Cream resident Seb Fontaine, as well as top 10 chart act Ultrabeat and cut-n-paste king Jaguar Skills.

Ben added: “And don’t forget the local bands and singers.

“There’s always a lot of competition to get a place on the bill at Poole Harbour Festival because the crowd is really enthusiastic and supportive.

“It’s a great experience for up-and-coming bands.

“This year we’ve got more and bigger bars, many extra

toilets, easier entry and more staff and security across the site with better signage for things like water points and toilets.”

The festival boasts a famous family-friendly atmosphere with free circus shows on Saturday and Sunday as well as daily children’s entertainers, dinosaur shows and activities – plus a pocket-friendly pricing structure.

Poole Harbour Festival opens at 5pm on Friday, noon on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, closing at 11pm on Friday and Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. Tickets are available at www. pooleharbourfestival.com.

Spotlight Diary

JULY 2024

SATURDAY

The Coral are playing Poole Harbour Festival

Wonderful world of wildlife

THE best photos from this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, on show at the Natural History Museum, are coming to Dorchester.

Nearly 50,000 photographs were entered in the competition, from photographers working in 95 countries, and the most compelling were selected for the exhibition, which is at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery this summer.

The photos – from a dramatic encounter between a

lioness, her two cubs and a wildebeest, to battling Nubian Ibex in the mountains of the Negev desert – reveal rarely seen aspects of life in the natural world.

The images are complemented by a variety of soundscapes, videos and expert insights.

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery executive director, Claire Dixon, said: “We are delighted to host this fantastic exhibition.

“As the only Dorset venue to welcome this show, we can

enable local audiences to enjoy world class photography up close.

“Hosting over the summer period also means that those visiting the county will be able to add this exhibition to their ‘must do’ list.

“We find this exhibition appeals to all of our audiences, as children and young people are wowed by the incredible imagery and our more traditional audiences are engaged by the stories behind the photographs, as

Nearly 50,000 pictures were entered in the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

photographers reveal their extreme levels of commitment to capturing the perfect moment.

“This exhibition also enables us to make connections with our own displays, and in particular, encourage audiences to explore the impact of the climate crisis on our local landscape and natural environment.”

The exhibition is at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester from July 19 to November 3.

SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Fri 12th | Sat 13th | Sun 14th | July

PHOTO: Amit Eshel

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