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PLANS to build a Lidl store in Sandford, near Wareham, have been given planning permission – despite officers recommending refusal.
The supermarket’s plans were supported by most residents but officers at Dorset Council raised concerns about building on green belt land.
The store, the first discount supermarket in the Purbecks, will be built on land east of Sandford Road in Sandford and 35 part-time and five full-time jobs will be created.
The plans, first submitted in September 2022, were approved following a two-hour debate at Dorset Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee, with chair, Councillor David Tooke, casting the deciding vote after councillors were split five- five.
More than 4,000 comments were received in relation to the application – with 79% in support of the scheme and only 1.5% concerned with the impact on the green belt.
Concerns over damage to the green belt were heard at the meeting, but the council’s highway department, Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust did not make objections.
Speaking about the lack of
issues raised by these bodies, Cllr Spencer Flower concluded there would be a ‘limited impact’ on the green belt.
Lidl’s regional head of property, James Mitchell, said the proposed site would likely be classified as grey belt in the upcoming National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) revision due to the ‘limited contribution it makes to green belt objectives’.
Mr Mitchell argued it would be a ‘waste of time’ for the plans to be refused as Lidl would appeal the decision and submit new plans once the latest NPPF had been published, which is expected before January 2025.
He added that the store
sentiment.
One resident, David Stewart, said: “There is an overwhelming support for the Lidl store in Wareham – it’s massive.
“We have four major supermarkets – two in Swanage and two in Wareham. These are basically High Street shops with little to no parking facilities available.”
He added that 55% of shoppers travelled to Poole via the A351 to access supermarkets, which he said resulted in about 8,000 cars travelling both ways ‘just to do their shopping each week’. The Lidl store would help to reduce shoppers’ carbon footprint.
But concerns were raised that the new store could exacerbate traffic issues on the A351.
would reduce shoppers’ travel by 1.5 million miles a year, as most residents travel further afield to do their shopping. Residents who attended the meeting to voice their support for the plans supported this
Cllr John Williamson, from Wareham St Martin Parish Council, said the area is often heavily congested, with half mile queues on the Upton bypass with motorists waiting to get on the A351 seen in July. He said this would only get worse if the store was built.
AN Army veteran, who became an Invictus Games Vice-Captain for Team UK, is inviting families from Dorset to ‘walk to remember’ in honour of veterans and their families this weekend.
Spencer Bull, who served for 29 years in the British Army, wants local people to show their support for veterans and loved ones by joining a 5km walk at Bovington Tank Museum.
Spencer saw action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kuwait, but his military career came to an end after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
He now advocates for Remembrance and veteran support.
“Remembrance is a powerful time of year, and I feel a responsibility lies with this generation to keep it going,” he said.
“We owe it to the families of those who were left behind and to those living with the traumas
of war.
“Remembrance can be tough for veterans. Dealing with it is very emotional.
“The Walk to Remember will provide a time for us all to reflect on that and help to wrap our arms around others to support them.”
The Walk to Remember at
The Tank Museum on Saturday, November 30, is a free event
Winery wants to put all operations under one roof
A WINERY near Dorchester wants to streamline its wine making processes under one roof with new plans.
Langham Wine Estate, at Crawthorne Farm in Crawthorne, is looking to create a new winery building to expand production by amalgamating all operations under one roof.
The plans would see two derelict steel frames demolished to make way for the new facility.
Agent Bart Agri, on behalf of Langham Wine Estate, said: “Given Langham Winery’s ambitious growth plans for the business coupled with the
current infrastructure at max capacity, it has been understood that the sensible direction for the business it to amalgamate its operations under one roof and to make better use of the existing site.
“Discussions were held to see whether the existing steel frames could be rectified and ‘made good’ as per all of the other existing buildings on site; however, the eaves height, structural integrity and having two independent buildings rendered this option impractical, obsolete and not financially sound.”
The spokesperson added: “Throughout the previous 15
organised by military charity Help for Heroes.
Participants can enjoy tea and coffee at 10am and will hear
years, Langham Wine Estate has grown its operations by renewing or enhancing existing building infrastructure that was originally not fit for purpose.
“As the winery has continued this expansion, it was envisioned that a new welfare business would be most suitable to aid this expansion, granted under planning application P-FUL2023-03221.
“However, as the winery
from Spencer himself at 11am, before the start of the walk at 11.30am.
The 5km nature route invites families to share stories, connect and dedicate a personal tribute to loved ones.
Each participant will be provided with a bib that can be personalised with the name of someone they wish to remember.
Following the walk, participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments, including cakes and pastries, and explore The Tank Museum at no extra charge.
The museum’s familyfriendly features range from soft play areas and interactive exhibits for children to historical displays and a World of Tanks Gaming Zone.
A spokesperson added: “Walk to Remember promises a day of camaraderie, reflection and community support, creating an opportunity for local families to come together and show gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much.”
For more information about the event, visit www. helpforheroes.org.uk/givesupport/fundraising-events/ walk-to-remember/
has reached capacity within the converted buildings, the client wants to streamline and expand production by amalgamating all operations under one roof.
“It is therefore understood that this proposal is a priority to create the foundations for future business.”
To comment on the plans, log on to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search planning reference P/FUL/2024/05761.
REHEARSALS are well underway for the Belvedere Singers’ Christmas concert at St Mary’s Church in Swanage.
They will be singing a wide variety of music, ranging from the mysteriously entitled Catalan carol Fum, Fum, Fum, which dates from the 16th century, to the 21st century Seal Lullaby by contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre.
They will also visit some of the lighter seasonal repertoire from the American songbook, and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
For those who like to join in, the group have three rousing
carols to ‘get up and sing’.
The concert is on Saturday, December 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 – under-18s free –and are available from choir members or on the door.
The retiring collection is in aid of Swanage Linking Lives, a befriending service operating in Swanage and east Purbeck.
Linking Lives aims to alleviate the blight of loneliness among isolated older people by recruiting volunteers to provide company, activities and often outings.
The charity also operates a drop-in centre in Swanage and plans are afoot to develop a telephone befriending service.
certificates to local people and businesses:
Pride In Your Patch – front gardens nominated by fellow residents
UPTON IN BLOOM has won a gold national award in the Britain in Bloom competition.
The town had previously won the regional category for South and South East in Bloom, Dorset-Kent.
The result provided the backdrop to Upton in Bloom’s annual celebration evening, when the Mayor, Councillor Ray Griffin, presented
Partnerships – for individuals, businesses and other organisations such as The Clarion Community Magazine; Harbour View Woodland Burial Ground; and South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Site
Excellence – for helping and supporting Upton in Bloom in a variety of ways
Special mention was made to the town council’s outside operations and administrative team’s contribution.
JAMES DOBSON
Peter Pan aka James ‘Jim’ Dobson has flown to Neverland at the grand old age of 93, to be with his Wendy ‘Maisie’...
As per his wishes there will be no funeral with no ‘boo hooing’ but his family of 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren will celebrate his life and hope to carry on his legacy of ‘humour’ and wisdom.
“As a discreet and confidential Landbroker, I specialise in helping property owners to sell land and buildings with development potential. With or without planning. I offer a private, stress-free process, leveraging my exclusive network of developers and construction companies to ensure your property gets the attention it deserves. Whether you are looking for a swift transaction or waiting for the perfect offer. I provide a bespoke service, protecting your privacy while maximising your returns.”
A WOMAN arrested after three people died at a Swanage care home has been released without charge.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths at the Gainsborough Care Home, in Ulwell Road, which were reported at 7.16am on Wednesday, October 23.
During initial enquiries into the deaths, a 60-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Now, following further investigative work, she has been released from the investigation without charge.
The deaths of the three residents – two men aged 74
and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – are still being treated as unexplained.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The deceased and their loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds throughout our investigation.
“Over recent weeks we have been continuing to gather as much information as we can, working with HM Coroner, to establish a cause of death.
“To enable us to take a full account and recover any available evidence, while providing legal protection to the person, we made an arrest
The Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where two men aged 74 and 91, and a woman aged 86 died last month. Police are still treating their deaths as unexplained.
as part of our enquiries.
“The arrest was also made to establish where there were any actions or omissions by that individual that were believed to be grossly negligent, and we have now reached a position where we do not believe that to be the case.
“Our investigation is very much still ongoing, and we are awaiting results from detailed forensic submissions and analysis to assist us in establishing the causes of the deaths, which may take several months.
“The families of the residents who sadly died are being kept informed with any updates in the investigation.”
When deciding on a new chapter of life and a new direction, it is nice to know the ‘ins and outs’ to help us make informed decisions, in this month’s article we will be giving you all the information you need. However, should you have more questions we are just a phone call away! To be a parent and child foster carer, you will need to be confident in looking after newborn babies and have some experience, tips, and tricks that you can pass on to the new parent. It is also vital that there is always a carer available for support and guidance. In your home, you will be inviting in a parent and their newborn baby, therefore need a big enough spare room to accommodate their needs, such as a bed, changing area, and cot for the baby. The placement is normally short-term and lasts up to 12 weeks, this can vary depending on the requirements of the placement. You may be thinking, how about the rewards that come with being a carer? Well, many rewards can be acquired, the satisfaction of passing on your knowledge to new parents, enabling them to integrate into a community, and promoting the nurture of a newborn. On top of that pay can start in the region of £850 per week. To become a carer, the approval process takes 4-6 months, and a social worker will guide you through your journey. Once completed Footprints offer you the continued guidance, support, and training to ensure you have full confidence in your role. Not every child comes into this world with well-equipped and prepared parents, therefore need some help to get them on their way. In your role as a Parent and Child Foster Carer, not only will you help with the care, but you also will help develop the parent in the areas of money management, and household skills helping them build the confidence they need to live independently.
The need and demand for carers in the field of Parent and Child is rapidly growing and to ensure that we as a nation provide the best support possible, we need more carers. If you think that you can provide a safe and supportive home for such placement, Footprints would like to hear from you.
TWO men who forced their way into a Poole home and threatened the occupants with a gun before stealing valuable items, have been jailed.
Ashley John Peter Fulton, also known as Ashley McFarland, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court after admitting two offences of robbery and a charge of possession of an imitation firearm while committing a schedule one offence.
Fulton, 42, also admitted fraud, possession of an identity document with improper intention, possession of an article for use in fraud and possession of a class A controlled drug. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of nine years and 192 days.
Aaron Evans, 42, of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was previously sentenced on September 23 at the same court for two counts of robbery and possessing of an imitation firearm while committing a schedule one offence.
Evans was jailed for 12 years
and will be the subject of an extended licence period for a further four years.
A third defendant, 24-yearold Lacey Louise Langton, of Wareham, was also sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on September 24 to 14 months in prison after admitting perverting the course of justice and possession of an identity document with improper intention.
The charges came after, on Tuesday, February 21, last year, at around 12.50pm, two men purporting to be police officers forced their way into an address in the Sandbanks area and tied up the lone female occupant. They demanded to know the whereabouts of jewellery, with one of the men pressing what appeared to be a gun up against the victim’s thigh.
A short while later, another female arrived home at the address. On entering the house, she was dragged inside by the two men and also threatened with a firearm.
Both victims were assaulted and threats were made to cause them serious harm before both were shut within the bathroom
of the property, the court was told.
The men then made off with jewellery and the victims’ mobile phones.
Once they had left, the victims raised the alarm with a neighbour and the police attended.
Initial enquiries identified a car the defendants had utilised during the robbery – which had earlier been reported stolen by Evans.
Following a detailed investigation by detectives, Evans was arrested in Merseyside on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Forensic evidence subsequently linked him to the scene of the robbery.
Fulton, meanwhile, was arrested at a hotel next to London Heathrow Airport on Sunday, May 14, last year, with partner, Lacey Langton.
Evidence was obtained to show that she had fraudulently obtained a passport for Fulton under a false name, with the intention of them travelling to Morocco together.
Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Dorset Police, said:
“This was an extremely distressing incident where the victims were put through a terrifying ordeal within their own home.
“I would like to express my thanks to them both as they have displayed immense courage and bravery throughout our investigation.
“I hope that the sentences passed by the court will provide them with some form of closure for what was a truly terrifying experience.
“This was a complex and challenging enquiry and I wish to pass on my gratitude to those involved for their tireless efforts to ensure that we were able to secure justice for both victims.
“Numerous officers and staff were involved from across a range of departments, including the Bournemouth Criminal Investigations Department, Force Intelligence Directorate and South West Forensic Service.
“I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their assistance and support throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.”
RESIDENTS in the Swanage area are being invited to take part in a river restoration and flood protection project.
The call follows the creation of the Swanage Streams Partnership – a collaboration between the National Trust, Dorset National Landscape, community group Planet Purbeck and Swanage Town Council.
It is looking at the state of Swanage’s Swan Brook and its catchment area, which stretches to Langton Matravers, Harmans Cross and Ulwell, and the
flooding risk it poses.
But the group is also keen to draw in local people to help resolve issues such as drainage, pollution, nutrient levels and struggling natural habitat.
The partnership will be formally launched at The Swanage School on the evening of Tuesday, November 26. Individuals, landowners or action groups are invited to go along to learn about steps that will be taken and the potential for getting involved.
Swan Brook’s condition is officially classified as ‘poor’ by
the Environment Agency and is therefore considered a failing watercourse in need of improvement. And there is a notable risk of flooding despite Swanage’s alleviation infrastructure.
Such waterways are sometimes known as ‘Cinderella’ streams because they are relatively neglected compared to nationally recognised rivers such as Wareham’s Frome and Piddle.
Ian Rees, countryside projects manager of Dorset National Landscape, said: “We are particularly interested in small streams like Swan Brook that aren’t designated, have no spotlight on them and often aren’t on anyone’s agenda to look after them. So, if no-one else is doing it, it’s up to us.”
Mr Rees said the project offers Purbeck residents a chance to ‘improve the health of their back garden’.
He added: “It will get you
together with a group of like-minded people to tackle an issue close to your heart. You can make a difference by improving the environment for people and for wildlife.”
Planet Purbeck has been tasked with engaging the community in the project and raising awareness through events such as talks, tours of existing flood defence systems and demonstrations of helpful activities that can afterwards be self-led.
Luke M Luke, Planet Purbeck’s co-leader, said: “We’re proud to unite with such top-tier partners to help transform Swan Brook and surrounding streams. Their current state is pretty shocking. But with the help of the Purbeck community we hope to foster a legacy of fun and sustainable practices to rejuvenate these precious habitats.”
More information at www. planetpurbeck.org.
IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas…Durlston Country Park is open every day in the run up to Christmas, just closing for Christmas Day and Boxing Day – it’s the perfect time to visit for a ‘Christmassy’ stroll, hot drink in the cafe or shopping in our gift shop. While the Rangers will be asking Father Christmas for waterproof trousers and thermal lined boots, our shop is stocked full of wonderful ‘goodies’ for Christmas shoppers, perfect for gifts or hampers. Doggy treats, chutneys, local prints and children’s toys are only just the start of the selection. For those who prefer something homemade, items made by our ‘Sheddies’ can be purchased
from the Castle, including boot removers and wooden keyrings.
If something with a more personal touch is in mind, then we have some exciting workshops that might be for you. On Sunday, December 8, drop in to the Learning Centre for a ‘Christmas Tree Decoration’ activity, where you can create your own wooden ornament. On Saturday, December 14, join us for a ‘Glass Engraving for Beginners’ workshop and create something with a personalised touch or on Tuesday, December 24, learn to draw all things ‘Christmassy’ with artist Mark Page for a ‘Kids Christmas Eve Drawing Workshop’.
Durlston will also be
running a new guided walk this year! Our ‘Have a Very Merry Durlston’ guided walk on Saturday, December 21, will include an hour’s guided walk around the park with one of the Durlston Rangers and will finish off in the Belvedere by the fire with a mince pie and mulled wine. It’s the perfect pre-Christmas activity, so make sure to book, as spaces are limited! Just £6 per person.
As usual, Durlston will be running its ‘Crazy Christmas’ Children’s Activity Trail from Wednesday, December 18, to Wednesday, January 8. Get into the festive spirit and follow the trail around the park, you might just win a prize! £3.50 per trail pack – available from the Castle reception.
Despite the visitor centre, shop and cafe being closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the park and car parks are still open! Meaning you can still visit for a Christmas morning stroll along the clifftop or a Boxing Day walk around the woodland.
Whatever your reason for visiting Durlston this December, we hope you enjoy your time with us here and have a wonderful Christmas! All the best from the Durlston Rangers.
For more information on events and more, visit our Durlston website, www. durlston.co.uk. Visit the Seventhwave cafe website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk.
THE RAC Saddle Club at Bovington has enabled a veteran horse rider to rekindle her passion for riding.
Jenifer Jones, 86, got back in the saddle at the equestrian centre two years after the heartbreaking loss of her cherished ex-polo pony.
She faced the challenge of being horse-less for the first time in 75 years after moving to Dorset in 2022.
Her love for horses began early, growing up on a farm in Hampshire, and after sharing several ponies, she was given her own, Smokey, when she was 10.
“In 1967 my family moved to Doha, Qatar, where I quickly established myself at the Ruler’s stables and rode out daily, later working and competing with their race horses,” she said.
Jenifer later returned to Devon where she bred and showed Dartmoor ponies, but it was not until she moved to Dorset that she found herself without a horse.
Encouraged by her daughter, Jenifer booked a lesson at the RAC Saddle Club, a charitable
BHS livery yard serving the military and local community.
Yard manager, Stephanie Buchanan, paired her with Sally, a gentle veteran mare, and Jenifer enjoyed every minute.
“It was so much fun,” she said. “At almost 87, I’m grateful to still be fit enough to ride, and I can’t wait to return!”
Stephanie added: “It was wonderful to see Jennie enjoying riding again. She rode Sally brilliantly, cantering around the arena with enthusiasm.
“We’re fortunate to have such incredible horses that cater to riders of all ages and abilities.”
The RAC Saddle Club also recently hosted residents from local care home, Dorset House, allowing them to groom horses and experience riding.
Max, a new resident who spent most of his life working with horses, was eager to ride again, while Tom, who experienced riding for the first time, said it was great to ‘feel like a cowboy’.
“I’m not sure what’s more rewarding – watching young children learn to ride or seeing those in their 80s return to the saddle after years away,” said Stephanie.
“With rising costs leading to the closure of many riding centres, it’s crucial that community-focused clubs like ours continue to thrive.”
by Patricia Hook
OUR coffee and cake morning will be held on Friday, December 13, and we look forward to seeing you for a lovely slice of homemade cake with a cup of coffee or tea from 10am-noon.
Following the success of the Mad Melodies Choir Sessions, held on Wednesday mornings and evenings, Maddison has started a children’s choir, starting at 5.45pm for one hour with the second session for adults starting directly
afterwards.
You would also be very welcome at our Board Games afternoon, held each week on Wednesday from 2pm-4pm –although we usually over-run as everyone is having so much fun – and don’t forget the yoga, kick-boxing and keep fit classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday every week. Details of all these events can be found on the Village Hall Noticeboard and on our website.
We would very much
welcome enquiries if anyone is wanting to start tai chi, karate or similar, as the hall lends itself perfectly to smaller groups, as well as providing plenty of space for more active classes.
The hall can be hired for private/personal events or, if you wish to start a class, maybe art, drama or book club and so on –phone 01929 288020 or go to our website, ebvh.org.uk. The whole hall can be hired, or we can divide it in half – with a kitchen for
each half – and a smaller meeting room is available. For information about these events, hire rates, availability, bookings and so on, do not hesitate to get in touch.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and send thanks to all who have held events at the hall. We have a very active local community and look forward to hosting more of your events and activities in 2025.
Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place, a captivating exhibition showcasing the artistic legacy of the Isle of Purbeck, is now open at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth. This groundbreaking exhibition features a diverse range of artworks by well-known artists, offering a visual journey through the region’s history and landscape.
A range of paintings, sculptures, and prints are displayed, drawn from the Russell-Cotes Collection, as well as national and local public institutions like Corfe Castle, Langton Matravers, and Swanage Museums, as well as private lenders. Many of these works are being displayed publicly for the first time.
Curated by Dr Gill Clarke, Artists in Purbeck explores the profound influence of the Purbeck landscape on artists from the early 20th century to the present day. The exhibition is thematically organised, delving into topics such as quarrying, tourism, and the unique geological formations that have inspired countless artists.
Iconic landmarks like Corfe Castle, Clavell Tower, and the Great Globe at Swanage are prominently featured, alongside breathtaking natural wonders such as dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Purbeck. The exhibition runs until 16 March 2025, at the RussellCotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth.
“THERE were moments where I thought ‘we could die here’.”
So said Karen Loftus who, along with husband Steve, escaped after getting caught up in the disastrous floods in Spain.
More than 200 people were killed in the floods, with bodies still being pulled from the rubble after severe rainfall in the region.
Among those caught up in the incident were Steve and Karen, of Poole, who were on a motorway in Valencia as they returned from visiting their daughter in the Netherlands.
Traffic stopped and their car began filling with water, Mrs Loftus said, and they decided to
flee the vehicle – with the help of a Moroccan lorry driver.
The 62-year-old told the BBC the couple wound down their windows initially, seeing water running on to the motorway from nearby fields.
The engine eventually cut out, she said, with the water rising to chest level as they climbed out.
They later saw a car crash into their vehicle – coming to rest on top of it.
“If we hadn’t have got out of the car when we did, literally two minutes later, we would not have been able to get out,” she said. “It was really, really scary.”
The pair, with other drivers, fled to the central reservation of the motorway which was higher than the rest of the road, she explained.
“Some Spanish guys were at the top, they dragged us up over the wall,” she said.
It was then Moroccan driver, Fadil, came to their rescue –allowing them into his cab and handing them towels and chocolate biscuits.
“He’s such a hero,” said Mrs Loftus. “I don’t know what we would have done without that man.”
Fadil drove through 5ft of water, which made the lights in the lorry go out, and eventually
Karen Loftus – she and her husband, Steve, were driving on a motorway in Valencia when the traffic stopped and their car began filling with water
dropped them off at a hostel. Since their escape, the couple have been able to take in the devastation caused by the flooding.
“It’s like a warzone,” said Mrs Loftus. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
They lost all their belongings as well as their car, but Mrs Loftus said she felt ‘lucky’.
“I do keep getting flashbacks and [getting] emotional but I just keep feeling grateful,” she added. “We were in the wrong place at the wrong time… but it wasn’t our time to go.”
But, she added: “We will be mourning the poor people who did not survive.”
AFTER a successful autumn exhibition, Broadstone Art Society is holding an online charity auction.
The sale will raise money for Diverse Abilities, a local charity for adults and children.
Members of the art society have donated a large number of paintings.
The highlight of the auction is a painting by renowned Scottish and Dorset artist Alastair Michie, who lived in
Wareham from 1950 until his death in 2008.
To view the sale lots, visit the society’s website, www. broadstoneartsociety.com
– bidding is open from 9am on Saturday, November 30, to 8pm on Friday, December 6.
A society spokesperson said: “This is a great opportunity to buy a piece of original artwork, usually at a much-reduced price, and funds raised are given to a very worthy charity.”
A NEW electric vehicle charging point has now been installed in Cerne Abbas.
The charger, in the car park at Kettle Bridge, is set to go live in the coming weeks.
It has been installed as part of Dorset Council’s Charging Ahead programme which aims to get 80% of Dorset households within a 10-minute walk of a
public charge point by 2030.
Dorset Council has partnered with EV charging company Mer to expand the availability of chargers.
Earlier this year, the UK registered its millionth fully electric vehicle and by 2030 it is projected that nearly a third of all vehicles on UK roads will be electric.
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
UPTON Together is highlighting the services it offers to the local community four years after it was founded.
The group was established by members of Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council to support people during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Funds were raised rapidly, in part thanks to the success of grant applications by the town council, and a team of volunteers assembled.
They offered essential services such as prescription collection, shopping and household assistance, along with the unusual – ‘bubble cream teas’, buddy telephone
LABOUR MP for South Dorset, Lloyd Hatton, was out and about supporting this year’s Poppy Appeal by selling poppies in Swanage and taking part in the House of Commons Poppy Ride – an annual cycling challenge for MPs organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL).
In Swanage, Lloyd visited the Poppy Appeal pop-up shop in Station Road to lend his support selling poppies.
WOMEN from all over the county came together for Dorset Federation of Women’s Institute’s annual meeting at Lighthouse Poole.
Delegates from the organisation’s 79 institutes representing more than 3,000 members were entertained by Jan McNeil, a cruise ship
chat services and Father Christmas Zoom calls.
Hardship grants also provided vital support to individuals.
Upton stalwarts Bill Pipe and Stew Mckell run Upton Together as an independent organisation, and many local residents have formed close bonds with the group and its trusted volunteers.
A spokesperson said: “Whether you require a prescription pick-up during a bout of flu or need a quick repair for a broken pair of glasses, Upton Together is here to help.”
The group can be reached on 01202 030369.
And in Westminster, Lloyd took part in the Poppy Ride to help raise awareness of the RBL’s important work.
Lloyd said: “The Poppy Appeal is such an important opportunity to honour those who have served in our Armed Forces, and to remember everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the freedoms we all enjoy today. I’m proud to support the Royal British Legion and their vital work here in South Dorset.”
TWO members of staff at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy have been recognised in the Barchester Care Awards 2024.
Alain Fadonougbo was crowned National Chef or the Year and Mark Jeffries Health and Safety Champion.
The awards celebrate staff who go the extra mile for the 13,500 residents of Barchester’s 262 care homes and private hospitals across the country.
Categories range from Team of the Year and Carer of the Year to Dementia Care Champion and Activities Coordinator of the Year.
More than 5,200 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK.
entertainer, and Christian Ørner, a private chef and chocolatier.
On the business side of the meeting, delegates also heard the chair’s report and agreed the financial statement.
The parade of banners made a colourful and powerful statement about the wide range of institutes, their history and
many local landmarks.
Stalls selling a range of local crafts provided some retail therapy.
The events team offered opportunities to go canoeing, axe throwing, holiday to North Wales, not forgetting the shopping trips, garden visits, literary lunches and, of course, a
Alain said: “I feel very proud to have received this award and work with such a brilliant team.
“I hope all our residents enjoy my dishes and look forward to serving many more in the future.”
Alain and Mark’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony to celebrate Barchester’s staff.
General manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of both Alain and Mark.
“They both are very dedicated to the Upton Bay family and we feel they provide exceptional service to our residents.”
skittles league.
The membership and support team offered ideas on how to plan interesting programmes, set up new WIs and training programmes for volunteers who take on officer roles and a display of WI badges.
The sustainable living group showed its plans for local projects, including a refurbished sofa with recycled materials.
Anyone who would like to know more about the Women’s Institute in Dorset, can visit www.Dorsetwi.org, email federationsecretary@dorsetwi. org or phone 01305 266366.
CAREY’S Secret Garden, near Wareham, shone a spotlight on the mysterious and magical world of fungi when it hosted its first-ever Secret All Things Fungi Festival.
The event brought together more than 200 nature enthusiasts, local experts and curious visitors for a line-up of workshops, talks and hands-on activities.
Expert speakers delved into topics ranging from the medicinal benefits of fungi to the art of sustainable foraging.
Highlights included guided fungi walks, photography workshops and culinary demos that showcased the versatility of mushrooms.
Fungi photographer Max
Mudie said: “Carey’s event was a lovely weekend connecting with like-minded people.
“Plenty of interesting species were found on site including some of my favourites to capture.
“I saw real value in what these events do for people as we gain a deeper appreciation and reconnect to the natural world.”
Hands-on workshops were a hit, with participants of all ages learning how to grow their own mushrooms at home.
Meanwhile, artist Jana Nicole hosted creative fungithemed collage workshops.
She said: “The fungi workshop was a perfect reminder of how art can be a bridge to learning about nature
THE president of Walford Mill Education Trust, Simon Pirie, will talk about the early days and growth of his business in a talk at the mill this week.
Simon, a designer and maker of contemporary furniture, interiors and public art commissions, will give the talk as part of the mill’s new Meet the Maker programme, supported by Dorset Council. He will offer a behind-thescenes look at his creative process, inspiration and stories relating to some of his unique pieces.
Simon has had a long association with Walford Mill, having first exhibited in 1998, and becoming its chair for nearly a decade until 2010.
Jeanette Hinton, Walford Mill trustee and organiser, said: “Everyone is welcome to find out more about what it means to
be a contemporary craft professional.
“Simon will take us through his business journey from early days to the present.”
The event will be set against the Christmas backdrop of Handmade Wimborne’s Festive Craft Show-case.
The talk, on Friday, November 29, at 6pm, is free admission but pre-booking with Eventbrite is neces-sary – visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-themaker-simon-pirietickets-1037871019157.
and how even those who don’t consider themselves ‘artists’ can produce something beautiful and personal.”
The ‘Mushroom Market’ added a vibrant touch to the festival, with local artisans showcasing mushroom-inspired crafts, jewellery and homemade treats.
Garden finder Simon Constantine said: “The Secret All Things Fungi Festival at Carey’s was as inspiring as it was fun.
“The mixture of expertise,
innovative science and creative flair created a warm atmosphere in which to connect and learn about all aspects of fungi.
“It was a real privilege for our gardens to host this introduction to the wonderful world of mycology.”
Co-host Andy Knott, from Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, said: “A shout out to all the vendors, talkers, walkers, guides and everybody at Carey’s that helped make this such a success. We look forward to welcoming you all back to the gardens for 2025!”
Thursday 28th November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Visit our popular and friendly sixth form, where students are taught by highly qualified staff, gain outstanding careers guidance, and leave with excellent qualifications.
“It is a really good, well-maintained sixth form. Lovely teachers. Lovely atmosphere. It’s great!”
SO much going on in Purbeck, where do I start? Well, the bad news is that despite assertions made following the public meeting in Swanage that the police force was to be implemented by recruitment to the point where it became almost credible, we are now told that 78 police officers and staff will be part of a ‘voluntary resignation scheme’, which we are told is not voluntary redundancy, although I would imagine what it must feel like it to the 78 people involved. So, thank you for your service, goodbye, and a merry Christmas to you.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has suggested the county force has the second lowest amount of central government funding in all of England and Wales. He is doing ‘everything he can to lobby the Government for more funding’. Sorry, David, you must have known the situation many months ago. Indeed, you must have known about it when you promised we would have more police on the beat.
Was the financial situation something you forgot about when you talked to us at Swanage? Was it something you conveniently swept under the carpet?
It is suggested the job losses will save just under £3 million, although you need £7m to be saved this financial year.
by David Hollister
Did this come as a surprise to you? You were recently re-elected to serve another term as police and crime commissioner, but I do not recall such a vast tranche of redundancies appearing on your prospectus. If the deficit was something you didn’t know about before being re-elected, then this smacks of incompetence. If you did know about it, then your electors should have been made fully aware before being asked to cast their vote.
I’m afraid this doesn’t sit well with me in light of the fact you are appealing for £15m towards the new police headquarters and no doubt at the end of March you will be holding out the begging bowl again appealing for more funding from the council to provide more police officers.
The only thing you can do at this stage is either cancel the redundancies or cancel the new headquarters until we can afford it. The two just do not go together.
It has been suggested to me that Linda and I should try to organise another public meeting and ask you to explain yourself, but in view of all the hot air spoken by you and your colleagues at the last public meeting, perhaps we should ask you to arrange a meeting rather than spend time and money
doing it ourselves. I will watch the Purbeck Gazette correspondence column with interest for your reply.
AND the next bombshell was the granting of planning permission for the proposed new Lidl store at Sandford. What took me by surprise was the fact it needed the chair’s casting vote for approval, in the light of substantial public opinion that it should go ahead. When I served on Swanage council, my platform was to represent the wishes of the people, as expressed, and although I did not always agree with the wishes of the people, in this so-called democracy, it was my job to represent them. In this case, we had a planning department recommending refusal, and five elected councillors who were prepared to ignore the wishes of the people as expressed, probably because of the threats laid down by unelected planning officers. This is not good enough. Thankfully, we had a chair with a casting vote, prepared to accept that 600 people wrote to Dorset Council in support of the application, and that a petition with just under 200 objectors was also handed in. So, I ask Wareham St Martin parish council, Councillors Ryan Holloway and Beryl Ezzard, which part of the ‘expressed wish of the public’ do you not understand? And what is your definition of the word ‘democracy’?
IT gets worse. The public inquiry into the ferry has been postponed because the village hall at Studland is not big enough. It has been suggested the inquiry should be held at Poole Ferry Port, which is almost completely inaccessible by public transport and very difficult to reach when the ferry is not running. It should not be the job of the applicant to recommend a venue. The Mowlem theatre is quite big enough for the size of meeting involved. It has a good
PA system, close parking, and is more accessible to most of the people who will be directly affected by a proposed rise in ferry fares.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10 – the ferry was set to be out of action until November 20 due to its service schedule, but most of us remember what happened the last time it was serviced, which took it out of action for many months. So, may I suggest to the ferry company and all those involved in the organisation of this public meeting, they wait until the ferry is back in service before they set a date.
I am grateful to Philip Eades and his hard-hitting Facebook page ‘the Swanage Independent’ for bringing this to our attention. I was disappointed Mr Eades did not receive greater support when he recently stood for council, because what our council and indeed Dorset Council needs is a thorn in the flesh – this has always been my job, but two heads are better than one. And, indeed, two pens are better than one!
THE Government has very graciously extended the price cap for bus fares, which will result in the maximum single bus fare rising to £3 from £2. It may seem insignificant to you, but it is a 50% increase which, in the light of the Government’s protestations that inflation and emissions should be kept down, is very significant to the many people who depend on this subsidised bus to get out of Purbeck and see the world beyond. People who are no longer able to drive, who cannot afford a car or just people who just want to help cut down on CO2 emissions.
Like a good number of other measures taken by a landslide government while it can, it seems we pensioners are being conveniently ignored as ‘the grey vote’ because we have no way of getting rid of them or indeed persuading them to listen. Who was it said, ‘be careful what you wish for’?
SUSTAINABLE Wareham's recent Rethinking Rubbish event at Not Just Sundaes was a great success.
We invited Wareham residents to bring unwanted stuff that cannot be put in the household recycling for collection and we would arrange for it to be recycled or given to charity.
More than 50 people came along from all over Purbeck with their old charger cables, blister packs, corks, jewellery and much more.
In total we gathered 36kg of goods that would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
Everyone we spoke to said they would love it to be a regular event – and so we have now agreed with the trustees of Not Just Sundaes that we will be back every second Saturday of the month – starting on January 11.
So start saving! Bring along your old Christmas cards, old cheese wrappers and other Christmas leftovers – see our full list at www. SustainableWareham.org.
Vicky Charles Sustainable Wareham
AUTUMN is a time of the year when the bounty of hedgerows and trees is particularly noticeable, with nuts, berries
and seeds providing a vital food source to keep wildlife healthy. But not all autumns are equally plentiful.
If you have been walking around the Dorset countryside, you might have noticed that there is not an abundance of acorns or hazelnuts; there are very few sloes; species such as dogwood have done poorly.
It is possible that this year’s poor spring has resulted in a paucity of both fruits and nuts across a range of species –autumn 2024 does not appear to be the bounty that we all look forward to, and that many animals rely on.
Local community group Trees for Wimborne has now devised and implemented three planting schemes.
In each one, we have tried to plant as diverse a range of native tree and shrub species as possible, while adhering to the principles of ‘right tree, right place’.
This is to create a varied and interesting landscape which brings joy in all seasons, and to provide a range of food plants and habitats to attract and
provide for as many insects, birds and mammals as possible. It is also to provide resilience – a word frequently heard in relation to nature over the last decade.
During this time, land managers and conservationists have grappled with how to make habitat improvements for wildlife in an increasingly unstable climate, so the aim of many of these projects is to cope with the ever-changing ‘new normal’.
Trees for Wimborne hopes that by planting a wide range of species it will contribute, in some small way, to a resilient landscape.
If some of the species do not produce pollen, nectar, fruit or nuts one year, then others will; if some do not do well in the vagaries of wetter, warmer, windier or drier climates, then others will.
The plants we have put in are still too young to be subject to the influence of weather events on pollination, but it is hoped soon they will begin to prove their worth and contribute to next year’s autumn bounty.
Niki Harper Trees for Wimborne
WIMBORNE Community Garden is organising two fundraising events this year.
Firstly, a Forgetful Santa, which entails a hunt around the town looking in shop windows for items that Santa forgot when he was out shopping.
Entry forms cost £1 and are available from Optique 2000, the Museum of East Dorset and the library.
Two prizewinners, picked at random, will receive a book token each and these will be presented by Santa himself at the prizewinners’ homes on December 21.
Secondly, be prepared to wrap up warm and visit Santa in his woodland grotto and see the lighted walkway at the
Community Garden opposite Beaucroft College in School Lane, Wimborne.
Parents can enjoy a hot drink and mince pie while Santa greets the children, tells them a story and hands them a gift.
Dates are Friday, December 6, 13 and 20, and Wednesday, December 18. Times are 3.45pm, 4.30pm and 5.15pm. For tickets, at £10 per child, telephone 07851 402207 evenings.
Anthony Oliver Wimborne
Making America Great Again ?
‘We’re making America Great again!’
That’s what the Trumpites roar But I’m really just left thinking When was it Great before?
Was it when the native Americans Were suffering genocide? Was it when the gory slave trade Meant millions of black folk died?
Was it in the First World War When the US turned up late? Was it during Prohibition When gangsters ruled with hate?
Was it in the Great Depression? Was it in the Second World War?
Dropping two nukes on civilians After turning up late like before.
Was it in Korea or Vietnam? In segregation, Watergate and more?
Was it in some numbskull presidents?
Or the shootings of children galore?
The red necks, the Bible Belt, the killing of blacks, The ruling of women by men, If any of this made America Great, I hope it isn’t Great again!
Martin Hobdell Swanage
ATTENDING the 2024 Dorset COP, held this year at Bournemouth University, reminded me the Climate Emergency was very real –global average temperatures were rising, extreme weather events more common and governments doing little to redress trends which the UN says are already resulting in ‘catastrophic consequences’. Indeed, the UN Secretary General told leaders at COP 29 this year has been a ‘masterclass in human destruction’.
Yet our own Dorset COP gave me cause for hope. More than 300 people, with representatives from 100-plus Dorset-based organisations, came together to consider what action could be taken from the ground up. As vice-chancellor, Alison Honour said, in her keynote address, tackling the global climate crisis may ‘feel beyond our abilities to change, but by bringing it down to a local level and understanding
what we can do as a community is empowering and impactful’.
Jessica Toale, Bournemouth West’s Labour MP, said there was no more profound challenge than the Climate Emergency. The most vulnerable suffered the most, women and children in the Global South, island states threatened by rising sea levels. Yet by coming together, communities could build resilience. The Dorset COP brought together ‘wonderful grassroots organisations’ – it ‘provided a real opportunity’ for us all to make positive changes. Throughout the day there were interactive sessions, business-related activities, workshops, talks and presentations. Rufus Boyd, lead director at Great British Railways Transition Team, led a session exploring how Dorset’s public transport could be improved to reach out to rural Dorset and to ease congestion in Bournemouth and Poole. Dorset
Community Energy hosted a workshop on community renewable wnergy, drawing inspiration from Energy Local Bridport and the Hazelmead Cohousing Project – currently the largest electricity microgrid in England.
As chair of Food for Thought Purbeck, I was keen to attend the Feeding Dorset Partnership workshops, supported by Dorset Help & Kindness. I especially enjoyed meeting members of Grounded Community, a charity based in Boscombe, Bournemouth, working with its community to give everyone access to healthy, nutritious food. Members grow and share fruit and vegetables, redistribute food surpluses from gardens and businesses, and connect networks of people who store and share homegrown food.
The speaker’s corner community sessions opened with campaigners from the Portland Association and the
IN Swanage it was heartening to see the number of people who turned out to mark Remembrance Sunday on November 10, whether lining the parade route, participating in the annual service of remembrance at St Mary’s or attending the wreathlaying at the war memorial. Many were also present at the war memorial for the Silence at 11am on the 11th, Armistice Day, itself. Such occasions rightly focus our attention on the service and sacrifices of –particularly – British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in the world wars and, of course, other conflicts since then. In a world where danger and instability have increased, these solemn reminders of the human cost of war must never be overlooked. The implied lesson was summarised by the thinker and essayist George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember
the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I sometimes marvel at the evident lack of real local knowledge displayed by Dorset Council. Without consultation with Wareham Town Council or local residents, the council is –in conjunction with Network Rail – proposing to close the ground-level pedestrian rail crossing at Wareham station and replace it either by lifts or a ramped crossing. Around half the townsfolk, some 3,000, live north of the tracks, while nearly all town facilities – shops, schools, health centre, hospital, library, cinema etc – are on the south side. This generates 1,000 movements across the railway each day. Such a volume of people – including children on bikes and scooters, mums with prams, elderly people with mobility difficulties or in wheelchairs – will simply be
Stop the Portland Incinerator Group highlighting why Powerfuel Portland’s energy recovery facility would endanger the Jurassic Coast’s World Heritage Kitemark.
The comments made by those who attended, recorded by Bournemouth University Media students, were uplifting yet down to earth – as Dr Kevan Manwaring said so aptly “it’s not about going to Antarctica to see icebergs melting, it’s about doing what you can on your doorstep”.
“We leave a legacy behind”, said one attendee, “and we’ve got to make sure we leave a good one”. I thought of those words, a few days later, when Donald Trump was re-elected President. “Drill baby, drill,” he has promised. We must wake up and see what is at stake – the legacy we leave for our children.
CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party
unable to fit into lifts or find a convoluted set of steep ramps a workable alternative. The proposal will sever the town and community, with many people in practice left isolated. Three previous schemes of this kind have already failed, two being refused planning permission and listed building consent. The current lack of a satisfactory, affordable substitute for the present arrangement is surely no argument for adopting an unsatisfactory one.
Just up the road at Sandford, Dorset’s Eastern Area planning committee has given permission for a supermarket, following an application and a public consultation by the popular retail discounter Lidl. This led to the thickest file of public endorsements I’ve ever seen presented to a planning committee, although the consultation happened to forget
to mention to residents that the proposal was on Green Belt land and outside the settlement boundary. The vote was six-five, with just two of the voting members representing wards in Purbeck. The decision will have to go to the Secretary of State for confirmation, since the size of the development exceeds a particular limit. Interestingly, council officers had recommended refusal on the basis of harm to both the Green Belt and the character of the area. I await this permission being quoted in future as a precedent for further depletion of protected spaces elsewhere. Such ‘justification’ contributes to what remains of the rural character of eastern Dorset continuing to be steadily eroded. CLLR BILL TRITE Conservative, Dorset Council and Swanage Town Council
WITH so much democratic activity to keep us occupied in 2024, it’s a bit of a surprise to think that it's now a full six months since the since UK local council elections and my own election to Dorset Council as ward member for South East Purbeck. When reflecting on this mini-milestone and as a ‘newbie’ councillor, the question I am asked most often is: ‘Are you enjoying it?’. I love the question. It reminds me that the role is there a be enjoyed and to be made the most of. Of course, the answer is ‘yes’ but what sort of a politician would I be if I don’t provide some caveats?
The reality of day-to-day life as a councillor is that every day is different. I get a genuine sense of reward in knowing that something has been achieved to help residents – be it a pothole
ON Friday, November 8, Reform UK launched its first-ever South Dorset Constituency branch. The turnout was remarkable, so much so that we will be holding a second event in Swanage later this month to fulfil demand. Our goal for Reform UK in South Dorset is very clear – end the decades of failure by successive Tory and Labour MPs and their associated national governments.
Over the next several months we will start to lay out our bold, positive and, in fact, radical vision for change in South Dorset.
As well as sharing our ambitious plans for the constituency, we will be aiming to conduct a widespread consultation with the people of South Dorset to listen to the key issues that you feel, both nationally and locally, are
filled – or a whole road resurfaced! – a planning query resolved or a funding request filled – but some of the greatest satisfaction comes in supporting the community action efforts happening across Purbeck.
The objection to the ferry fare proposals now rumbles onto January with strong backing from local councils and very well-informed residents; there has been a recent, fantastic local effort from residents of Corfe Castle to oppose the sale of housing association properties; and, earlier in the summer, a campaign in support of temporary campsites, denied licenses due to new regulations.
I am continuously impressed by the level of community engagement in Purbeck and support these campaigns to achieve the best outcomes for
those impacted. For 2025, add to this list much needed improvements to Purbeck Park, expanded bus routes and the delivery of much-needed speed schemes in Studland and Church Knowle.
So, the caveats –frustrations?
The need to prioritise and stretch finite resources. I share the frustrations felt by residents when a request isn’t feasible or that of parish councils when the delivery of approved projects will take more time than hoped. Where we do agree high priorities, I am very happy to be held accountable to make sure these get delivered.
Breakdowns in local communications. Every parish council meeting includes a public session and residents should use this. When they don’t feel heard then I am
happy to be a point of escalation but an open communication between all parties will always be my first recommendation.
Lack of youth representation. I often feel we are talking about issues that affect younger people in Purbeck – jobs, housing, schools – but without first hand representation in the room. What is the barrier to targeting a parish councillor under the age of 30 on each PC?
There is a lot of be getting on with and I am very grateful for the support I have received this far. I look forward to providing further updates on the big issues for Purbeck. As for job satisfaction, please ask me again in another six months.
BEN WILSON, Dorset Council ward member for South East Purbeck
critical to turning the constituency and country around.
While Reform UK is well known for its strength on issues such as immigration, crime, opposing the indoctrination of our children in schools, and low taxes, we will also be extremely focused on topics which may surprise people in South Dorset.
Having grown up and lived in the constituency, I am passionate about preserving our exquisite coastline and countryside for future generations and ending the relentless development of our green spaces by successive Tory and Labour governments. The protection of our natural world in South Dorset, be that opposing more wind turbines,
solar farms, open pit gravel extraction or large-scale housing developments, will be front and centre of our commitment to the people of South Dorset.
Thomas Gargrave
Clean rivers, clean seas and handing the next generation an environment that is in better condition than that which we inherited is our responsibility as custodians of this remarkable corner of the country.
The day after our branch launch for South Dorset, Reform UK held its largest-ever SW conference in Exeter on November 9. A wide range of topics were discussed but farming was at the very forefront of our agenda. The shameless attack on our farming community in Labour’s recent Budget shows
its complete lack of understanding of how skills and traditions are passed down through generations of farmers. Yes, by all means clamp down on those using land as a tax avoidance scheme, but this legislation is extremely ill thought through and will only penalise those farmers with the least resources to mitigate it.
If Labour pursued criminality and illegal migration with even half the vigour it does pensioners and farmers, the country may not be in such a dire mess.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or views, we will be pleased to hear from you and update you as to the next steps for Reform UK in South Dorset. Email chair.southdorset@reformuk. com.
THOMAS GARGRAVE Chair, South Dorset Constituency, Reform UK
DUKE’S Auctioneers’ full Asian Art catalogue is now available to bid and explore online.
The upcoming auction is on Wednesday, November 27, at 1pm following the Dick Hardy collection of snuff bottles starting at 10.30am the same day.
Hailing from a lineage of great spectacle and bounty,
Duke's Asian Art auction is shaping up to be one of memory.
With artefacts of such eternal beauty, it is of no surprise Asian Art continues to hold such a dedicated audience within the auction world.
Not simply figures of parade, nor rusted relics of sentimental value, Asian art blends both splendour and historical gravity, while remaining anchored in Asian cultural pride.
A highlight of the collection is a Lapis Lazuli figure of Buddha, modelled seated on a turquoise pebble, highlighted in gold leaf with turquoise beads, raised on an agate plinth base, estimated at £6,000-£10,000.
This extraordinary Buddha sculpture was designed by Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio, a world-respected glyptographer, who specialises in the carving of ruby.
His works are displayed in museums in the United States and Europe and are enjoyed by private collectors around the world.
by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham WHEN thinking of green gemstones, emerald often comes to mind as one of the most valuable.
But did you know there are many other green gemstones that deserve attention for their distinctive and totally unique beauty?
Peridot, from the olivine family, is known for its pale, ‘Granny Smith’ apple-green hue.
Its inclusions, resembling floating lily pads, are the result of stress fractures formed under extreme pressure within the Earth.
These inclusions can give the stone a slightly ‘greasy’ look, adding to its character.
Tourmaline, which can appear in a variety of colours like pink, turquoise and brown, is most famous in its green form.
Typically, this stone exhibits a deep olive-green shade, with the fascinating ability to display two different tones of green depending on the light – a phenomenon known as
pleochroism.
There is also a ‘watermelon tourmaline’ which can be half pink and half green – just like a watermelon!
Garnet, often thought of as a red gemstone, also comes in stunning shades of pink, purple, orange and green.
With green garnets, the colours are known as tsavorite garnet, chrome diopside and demantoid.
The rarest is demantoid garnet, found only in Russia’s Ural Mountains.
Known for its vibrant lime-green colour, demantoid is distinguished by its unique ‘horsetail’ inclusions because it looks identical to a splayed horse’s tail.
Its rarity, particularly in larger sizes, makes it comparable in value to fine emeralds.
In the Victorian era, tiny garnets were often used in brooches, where their pave setting mimicked the scales of lizards and other creatures.
These green gemstones offer a unique alternative to emerald, each with its own fascinating characteristics.
As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, it’s the perfect time to embrace the festive spirit. Whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast or need a nudge to get into the mood, there are plenty of ways to spark joy this season.
Start by decorating your home. Twinkling lights, a wreath on the door, or even a cozy throw in festive colours can instantly elevate the
34 High St, Swanage
Fresh Turkeys
Fresh Ducks & Geese
Dorset Lamb
West Country Beef
English Gammon
Hand Raised Pork Pies
Wide Variety of Cheeses
To order and discuss your requirements pop in the shop or call 01929 424891
Wishing all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year!
atmosphere. If you love crafts, try making your own decorations or ornaments—it’s a fun activity that adds a personal touch.
Next, dive into festive flavours. Bake cookies, sip on hot chocolate, or experiment with holiday-themed recipes. The aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger have a magical way of filling your home with warmth and nostalgia.
Music and movies are another easy way to set the tone. Create a playlist of your favourite Christmas songs or schedule a movie night featuring classic festive films. These simple pleasures can make your evenings feel extra special.
Engaging in community activities is also a wonderful way to feel festive. Check out local markets, light switch on ceremonies, or charity events. Not only do these bring joy, but they also connect you with others who share the holiday cheer.
Finally, take a moment for gratitude. Write cards to loved ones or reflect on the year’s highlights. The season is about togetherness and joy, so find what makes you happiest and embrace it wholeheartedly.
Let the festivities begin!
This Christmas, enjoy a chef-prepared holiday feast without lifting a finger! Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable dining experience with our exclusive holiday menu, crafted with wholesome and seasonal flavours. Our chef will prepare a generous three-course meal featuring festive starters, mouthwatering mains, and indulgent desserts, all delivered straight to your door. Perfect for savouring the magic of Christmas without the stress of cooking.
Choose the easy way to celebrate — simply heat, serve, and enjoy time with your family while we handle the rest.
Reserve your Christmas feast today and make this holiday one to remember. Limited slots available, so book now!
Contact us to secure your festive delivery or to enquire about catering for your party or for vegan and vegetarian options: nichola@pimentoeventcatering.co.uk www.pimentoeventcatering.co.uk
You will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic hamper, full of delights, with every tree purchase.
Winner to be announced Monday 16th December on social media.
Wide selection of potted and sawn trees on display from 29th November. Free delivery to the local area on all Christmas trees.
Christmas is coming and what’s better than a Party to celebrate the season! Our Parties and Lunches are filling up fast. The food is great, the staff is friendly and the decorations are Fab!
And for a great deal, don’t miss our Soup and Sandwich Deal for just £11, available Monday through Thursday till the end of November.
Our Winter Warmer Deals are back through March! Enjoy a day on the course with a bacon bap and coffee for £40 on weekdays or £50 on weekends. Upgrade to a Full English for just £5. Advanced booking is required.
For details and bookings, visit www.purbeckgolf.co.uk, call 01929 450361, or email iop@purbeckgolf.co.uk.
We only stock Real British grown trees with traditional Norway Spruces, low needle drop Nordmanns and glorious greeny Blue spruce.
Our friendly staff are always on hand to help you choose your perfect tree, fit it in a stand and even deliver should you require.
There is always a warm welcome in the Orchard café, so come and relax with family and friends for a delicious Holme made breakfast, warming lunch or cream tea, and follow it up with a stroll around the beautiful gardens, only £3.50 to wander around for as long as you want. Remember to bring the dog too as we are very dog friendly.
Browse our selection of Christmas gifts, and cards, or for the person who has everything we have Holme vouchers to buy on site or on our website, and next year’s garden season tickets are now on sale for just £25 in 2025.
Plants are not to be forgotten and we have a great selection of, heathers, bedding, shrubs, and colourful planted pots and arrangements. Traditional houseplants of cheerful red poinsettias, cyclamen and Christmas cactus are in stock, perfect presents and to bring a seasonal splash of colour to any house.
Holme is a great place to meet up, with plenty of free parking, open 7 days a week and friendly staff always on hand to help and advise.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Advertising Feature
The festive season at Knoll House is a truly special time, with a traditional, cosy setting and the most amazing sea views, guests can join us for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations - we make sure everything is taken care of so guests can truly relax and enjoy the festivities! We also offer a range of festive party packages whether you’re celebrating with work colleagues, friends or family we have various spaces for hire to suit all budgets. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.
The festive season at Knoll House is a truly special time, with a traditional, cosy setting and the most amazing sea views, guests can join us for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations - we make sure everything is taken care of so guests can truly relax and enjoy the festivities! We also offer a range of festive party packages whether you’re celebrating with work colleagues, friends or family we have various spaces for hire to suit all budgets. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.
The
sea with celebrations guests offer celebrating have the Christmas
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate this festive season?
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate this festive season?
The Village Inn is the place to be for Christmas cheer, delicious food, and good company. With a cosy atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu designed to delight, your holiday gatherings will be truly memorable.
The Village Inn is the place to be for Christmas cheer, delicious food, and good company. With a cosy atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu designed to delight, your holiday gatherings will be truly memorable.
Our Christmas menu is bursting with festive flavours, featuring traditional favourites alongside exciting seasonal dishes crafted by our talented chefs. Whether it’s an intimate meal with loved ones, a festive lunch with colleagues, or a full-blown Christmas party, we’ve got you covered. Our team can tailor the experience to meet your needs, ensuring everything is just right.
Don’t forget to check out our Ulwell Village inn Facebook page for the latest updates on festive events, live music, and seasonal promotions. It’s your one-stop hub for all things happening at The Village Inn this holiday season. From festive roasts to family-friendly events, we’ve planned something for everyone to enjoy.
Our Christmas menu is bursting with festive flavours, featuring traditional favourites alongside exciting seasonal dishes crafted by our talented chefs. Whether it’s an intimate meal with loved ones, a festive lunch with colleagues, or a full-blown Christmas party, we’ve got you covered. Our team can tailor the experience to meet your needs, ensuring everything is just right.
Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to book early to secure your table. Celebrate Christmas in style with us, where the warm glow of the fireplace, a glass of mulled wine, and the company of friends and family will make for a magical festive experience.
Don’t forget to check out our Ulwell Village inn Facebook page for the latest updates on festive events, live music, and seasonal
promotions. It’s your one-stop hub for all things happening at The Village Inn this holiday season. From festive roasts to family-friendly events, we’ve planned something for everyone to enjoy.
Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to book early to secure your table. Celebrate Christmas in style with us, where the warm glow of the fireplace, a glass of mulled wine, and the company of friends and family will make for a magical festive experience.
To contact our team call 01929 427644 or email us at bookings@ulwellvillageinn.co.uk
To contact our team call 01929 427644 or email us at bookings@ulwellvillageinn.co.uk
The festive season at Knoll House is a truly special time, with a traditional, cosy setting and the most amazing sea views, guests can join us for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations - we make sure everything is taken care of so guests can truly relax and enjoy the festivities! We also offer a range of festive party packages whether you’re celebrating with work colleagues, friends or family we have various spaces for hire to suit all budgets. Contact the team to discuss your requirements.
us at The Village Inn for a
Whether it’s a cosy gathering with family, a festive feast with friends, or a lively office party, we have something for everyone.
Contact the Team for details
01929 422823
Smoked Salmon | Spiced Parsnip & Butternet Squash Soup Prawn & Crab Cocktail | Salad of Smoked Chicken Wild Mushroom Risotto
Traditional Turkey | Grilled Seabass | Confit of Duck Leg
Traditional
Kimmeridge Pork Fillet | Butternut Squash, Lentil & Almond Wellington
& a Champagne cream sauce
Confit of Duck Leg - Dauphinoise potatoes with a morello cherry & port sauce (£3 supplement) GF
Served with chantenay carrots, brussels sprouts, honey glazed parsnips, mashed swede, braised red cabbage, & garden greens
Kimmeridge Pork Fillet - Dauphinoise potatoes with a creamy apple & calvados sauce GF
Butternut Squash, Lentil & Almond Wellington - V GF & VG by request
Served with chantenay carrots, brussels sprouts, honey glazed parsnips, mashed swede, braised red cabbage, & garden greens
Traditional Christmas Pudding | Apple Tarte Tatin Lemon & Elderflower Posset | Belgium Chocolate Cheesecake
English Cheeses & Biscuits
Traditional Christmas Pudding - A brandy custard V VG & GF by request Apple Tarte Tatin - Black vanilla
V Lemon & Elderflower Posset - Handmade shortbread V
2 Courses £27.50 | 3 Courses £30.50
Belgium Chocolate Cheesecake - A strawberry & Champagne sorbet V VG
Available 25th November until 31st December Lunch times & Saturday evenings in December (Please ask for other evenings for parties of 15 people or more)
English Cheeses & Biscuits - House chutney, celery & grapes (£3 supplement) V GF by request
2 Courses £27.50 | 3 Courses £30.50
Available 25th November until 31st December Lunch times & Saturday evenings in December (Please ask for other evenings for parties of 15 people or more)
Not available Christmas Day Pre orders & a £5 deposit per head required
Not available Christmas Day Pre orders & a £5 deposit per head required
Call: 01929 490701 OR Email: enquiries@clavellsrestaurant.co.uk
Call: 01929 480701 OR Email: enquiries@clavellsrestaurant.co.uk
Corfe Castle is a magical place to visit in the run up to Christmas, with its festive lights and pubs full of winter cheer. It’s also an ideal place to shop for gifts, and Seasons Green is full of unique ideas.
There are locally-made art, crafts and products from British independent makers, as well as some bigger brands - all largely inspired by the countryside and coast - so you’re sure to find something special.
You can also shop online, ‘Click & Collect’, or even use their ‘Wrap & Send’ service to send your gifts direct to your loved one. www.seasonsgreen.co.uk
TFestive Range now available
Artisan Cheeses | Specialty Breads | Meats | Locally made Jams, Chutneys and Honey | And much more
Follow us on Facebook to see our latest offers!
37 Commerical Road, Swanage, BH19 1DF theoldstablesdeli@gmail.com
Looking for an early start to the festive season?
his Christmas skip, the big-box stores and discover unique, handpicked gifts and hampers at our deli. From artisan cheeses and specialty breads and meats to locally made jams, chutneys, and honey. Our shelves are stocked with festive season ingredients, exceptional products and thoughtful gifts that help you add warmth and charm to your Christmas celebrations.
Whether you are searching for the perfect gift, stocking up for festive meals or simply looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, our deli and cafe have everything you need to make this time extra unique.
For a special touch café offers a variety of hot beverages and a new Christmas menu to warm you up while you shop or take a break from busy holiday preparation.
Help to make the season brighter this Christmas by supporting local businesses.
Happy holidays from The Old Stables Crew.
Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Set in 65 acres of Dorset countryside, the sanctuary works in conjunction with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of apes and monkeys. At the park, rescued primates are rehabilitated to live in natural family groups of their own kind, with specialist care.
You can support Monkey World by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. This scheme enables us to create additional reserves and a safe haven for the many primates whose lives are still in danger around the world. Your adoption money goes into a 100% fund, which is used solely for the rescue and rehabilitation of primates. Prices start from £25 (+P&P) for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and an annual pass to the park!
A great choice would be orang-utan Hujan, who was sadly rejected by his mother when she became ill after his birth. He is now growing up in our orang-utan crèche, with his adopted brothers and sisters. By adopting Hujan, you can fund his care, and help other primates in need around the world.
Go to monkeyworld.org to read all about the 250 primates at Monkey World, and their rescue stories.
- £55.00 per person -
Christmas is a magical time of year at Mortons Manor with our warming open log fire, beautiful decorations & delicious festive food.
Celebrate this special time of year with us Friday 6th December to Monday 23rd December for Lunch & Dinner.
Please call our reception team or book online to make a reservation for this festive time.
01929 480988 | stay@mortonsmanor.com
45 East Street, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EE
HOMEMADE BREAD
Flavoured butter
CELERIAC & MISO SOUP
Crispy egg, pickled ginger
WILD MUSHROOM ARANCINI
Jerusalem artichoke purée, truffle aiolo, shaved parmesan
CONFIT OF DUCK & CRANBERRY RILLETTE
Port gel, white onion and caraway maramlade, sourdough crisps
SMOKED PAPRIKA SOUSED MACKEREL
Wilted greens, piquillo pepper purée, baby capers, romesco sauce
PROSECCO & POMEGRANATE GRANITÉ
ROAST BREAST OF TURKEY
Pistachio & apricot stuffing. duck fat roasted potatoes, smoked bacon chipolatas, maple glazed parsnips, braised red cabbage, carrot & swede purée, Brussel sprouts, turkey & sage jus, cranberry sauce
ROASTED FILLET OF SALMON
Green herb crust, Pommery mustard mash, cavolo nero, walnut red pesto
PORK TENDERLOIN
Dauphinoise potatoes, flageolet beans, smoked bacon & tomato cassoulet, spinach, pork jus
FRESH EGG TAGLIATELLE
Wild mushroom, butternut squash, artichoke, baby spinach, dried tomatoes, salsa verde
DARK CHOCOLATE MOELLEUX
Pumpkin spiced icecream
PECAN, MAPLE, ORANGE & CINNAMON CHEESECAKE
Gingerbread
ICED TONKA BEAN PARFAIT
Honey-roasted figs, almond brittle
STEAMED CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Cranberry & nut granola, brandy sauce
by Sally Gregson
IN
horticulture
there is a fascinating debate between gardeners who tidy away the entire garden ready for winter and those who do not. The argument goes that seed-heads and loose plant debris should be left for the birds to make nests or to eat to fatten themselves for winter. And it can provoke quite heated debates.
The argument for leaving the seeds is an obvious one, but perhaps not so for leaving lots of plant debris. Slugs and snails seem to like piles of slimy, dying leaves to hide beneath while they munch away. And
birds love to line their nests, but perhaps with dry plant waste, and later in the season when they are actually thinking about making nests.
The soil texture can also make a difference. Heavy clay soils seem to get wetter if they are blanketed with dying foliage, whereas light, sandy soils are more in need of extra fibrous material to help retain the moisture.
This winter may well be drier, but previous recent winters have proved to be too wet, and the argument is stronger for clearing away the slimy debris together with
over-wintering slugs and snails. Perhaps it’s time for a more detailed look at the plant matter in question.
Seed-heads are certainly good for fattening up small birds, mice and other little creatures that are trying to survive and manage their winter. But perhaps the dying leaves of herbaceous perennials ought to be tidied away to prevent damp and decaying foliage from swamping and overwhelming the hibernating crowns. They would be better left exposed to the weather, including frosts and ice. Many plants actually need a freezing
period in winter to make them flower – apples, pears and hydrangeas, to name but a few. So perhaps the message is not clear-cut. Consider the long-term. Clear away the debris that might build up a slimy heap that would ‘protect’ plants over the winter from the cold. Layers of soggy, dead leaves are not really good enough. It’s more laborious, but maybe we should look to putting them on the compost heap and spreading that delicious stuff after it’s broken down. It’s an old-fashioned concept, but perhaps it’s the right one.
by Sally Gregson
IT is at this time of year, just before Christmas, when the garden is going to sleep, that gardeners feel in need of a fillip – a shot in the arm, a flower hit. And it is just at this time of year that there is a beautiful flowering cherry to cheer us up – Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’. All summer and autumn the tree has been preparing a very special treat – heads of delicate flowers all winter. And it will continue flowering cheerfully, off and on, until spring takes over.
Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a long, complicated name for a tree that memorably produces delicate pink or white flowers all winter. ‘Autumnalis’ is misleading. It’s only just getting started in November. It does not produce a ‘knock-out’ head of flowers at any one time but will continue to lighten our darkness with sprigs of pale pink flowers all winter long. It has proved such a popular tree in small gardens that it seems hard to improve on its performance.
But recently there has been
a development. Every year the Royal Horticultural Society nominates its Plant of the Year at the Chelsea Flower Show. And this year the accolade went to Prunus ‘Starlight’. This beautiful little tree has been bred from the aforesaid winter-flowering cherry by a British nurseryman, Ken Tobutt. And it’s a winner in every way possible.
It produces starry white flowers off and on from autumn, culminating in a flurry in early March. According to the RHS it is a ‘robust tree with a graceful habit’ and does well on most soil types in sunshine.
I suspect a heavy clay would need to be lightened or the tree planted at the top of a gentle slope on such soils, however. But there can be no doubt that there will be a waiting list for a specimen so look it up online, and if it appeals, put your name on the list asap.
Prunus ‘Starlight’ shows off its flowers best when planted against a dark background, such as Portuguese Laurel or Bay as does P. subhirtella
‘Autumnalis’. Sadly, our winter skies are rarely blue enough to
let it shine alone. It will need a good, well-drained soil in a sunny spot, and would be even
more lovely underplanted with a cloud of snowdrops at its feet.
Across
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.
8 Do well at forty, we hear (5)
9 Shrill sound made by the French following card game (7)
10 Fine advocate of reform (7)
11 Asian country favoured with return of support (5)
12 Firm politician with singular group of conservationists in part (9)
14 Fellow taken with commercial craze (3)
15 Cut principal set of lights (3)
KILLER Sudoku Pro
16 Show of disapproval? It might be seen in a tramp (5,4)
19 School transport (5)
Down
1 Police with resources largely regarding some measures (6)
2 A college with eccentric dame in charge, university teacher (8)
3 By the sound of it, impede a group of countries (4)
4 Figure giving film certificate (6)
5 Small cars given tax in government department (8)
6 Attractive male in horse-breeding establishment (4)
7 Democrat named wrongly in claim (6)
13 Plain feature in heraldry? (8)
21 Biology, say, namely niece misunderstood (7)
23 Second no good relative gets dog (7)
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.
24 Heading? Some respect it less (5)
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.
14 Former Labour leader with comment? It’s fairly unimportant (8)
15 Fall in Yosemite? (6)
17 Rioting in Ulster produces consequence
Police with resources largely regarding some measures (6)
18 Prison guard to remain with a little hesitation (6)
A college with eccentric dame in charge, university teacher (8)
20 Spots expert touring North (4)
22 I love tense atmosphere initially a small bit
By the sound of it, impede a group of countries (4)
(6)
Plain feature in heraldry? (8)
Former Labour leader with comment? It’s fairly unimportant (8) 15 Fall in Yosemite? (6) 17 Rioting in Ulster produces consequence (6)
(4)
(4)
by Susanna Curtin
I FEEL as though the sun has been an absent friend this year, and especially the last few weeks where low pressure and mild, damp, grey weather has marked this autumn. But today the sun is putting in a rare appearance and so I have taken some time out for a walk along one of my usual routes on Cranborne Chase. Despite the lack of cold weather in early November, the colours now are in full force. I have always loved this time of year – the comfort of winter clothes, the rich colours of the landscape and the intensity of the lowlevel sunlight are a joy to behold.
Following beside a thinning hedgerow, I am suddenly accompanied by two very busy butterflies who are flitting daintily from one ivy flower to the next. Butterflies are not usually associated with winter, and with December just around the corner, most of our butterflies are overwintering either as an egg, a caterpillar or a chrysalis. Caterpillars bury themselves at the bottom of plants either just under the earth or in the leaf litter for protection. Here they remain until spring arrives. Then there are a few British species such as Brimstones, Commas, Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells, who survive the winter as adults by
‘hibernating’ in sheds, rabbit holes and log piles, or tucked away tightly against the foliage where they lie dormant until the weather turns warmer.
The two butterflies I am watching, however, are Red Admirals, and they have a totally different story. Their Latin name is Vanessa atalanta, and they are one of my most favourite butterflies in the UK with their striking red, white and black wings tinged with petrol-blues. They tend not to lie dormant in the cold weather but roost only to resume activity on bright sunny days thereby making them a relatively common sight in winter. Red Admirals are strong, capable fliers who undertake long migrations, travelling northwards in the spring and summer and southwards in the winter, thus tracking favourable weather and foodplants. The first wave of these migrant butterflies that arrive in spring come from North Africa and southern Europe, then a slightly later wave comes from Spain and Portugal. Over the last 20 years, they have started to overwinter here, which is how they come to grace our gardens and hedgerows at this time of year – particularly in southern Britain. I have even seen them in December and January. They are now a permanent resident and are often one of the most
reported butterflies in the annual Big Butterfly Count. Today, they look absolutely magnificent – both are in pristine condition. As I watch their delicate movement, I am also enthralled by the ivy flowers and the number of tiny ivy bees that are also foraging. Ivy is one of those plants that we just take for granted as it is so ubiquitous. It is also rather a maligned and misunderstood species. Nevertheless, my garden is full of it, and I must confess I rather like the way it adorns my fences and takes over the places I fail to tend. I particularly like that it is of such value to wildlife. Firstly, its nectar and pollen are an essential food for many species of insects – particularly bees, moths and butterflies – and its berries are equally important for our finches, thrushes, woodpigeons, blackbirds and the blackcaps who have also begun to overwinter here. Secondly, it provides valuable shelter for wildlife to roost or hibernate, and dunnocks, flycatchers, robins and wrens love to nest hidden among its
dark green foliage.
Ivy has two phases of growth and can take up to 10 years to reach maturity. It begins with a climbing or sprawling stage which is later followed by a mature, bushy, non-climbing stage. The former has glossy, dark green leaves with three to five lobes and pale veins, whereas mature ivy has heartshaped leaves and bears clusters of yellow-green flowers in rounded heads from September to November which are later followed by black berries from late November to January. Although Ivy is thought to be harmful for trees, it is only really those that are already diseased or which have sparse canopies that are at risk. Its aerial roots do not penetrate the bark, merely use it for support.
I watch as the two Red Admirals fly up and over the hedgerow and disappear from sight. It is heartwarming to see butterflies at this time of year. Their presence is a symbol of resilience and promise of the spring and summer to come. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).
by Emma Holmes
WHOOPS, yesterday I went to the shop and came back without the butter, the one item I set out to get! Once I realised my mistake a little voice stepped up to tell me off. This voice was mine and it was a familiar one, but one that I am working to try and quieten. This voice can be called an inner critic.
Maybe you have one? Some people have strong and loud inner critics telling them about all the things they do wrong. This critic can be judgemental and challenging, and it can dominate your thoughts, however there are ways to calm this voice.
The way we speak to ourselves has a massive impact on our self-esteem. Do you speak to yourself in a kind way or a critical way?
Here are some ways to quieten that critical voice if you have one:
1 Step one is to notice and name it. Sometimes it's there so often we aren't aware, it feels like it’s us. You can give an image to your critic, maybe it could be a human or an animal. Give it a name. When it pops up, say: “Hi Bill, I notice you are back”. This helps you to separate the voice from yourself and become aware when it's jumped to action.
2 Step two is about gently challenging what it tells you. Is there another way of looking at the situation? Is this what you would say to a friend who had done the same thing? Can you change some of the language, for example: “I am terrible at this…”. Instead try: “I made a mistake on this task and
everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Let's try again.”
3 Step three, notice what went right. Maybe one aspect of something didn't work out well but was it all bad? What were the good outcomes? Often our brains naturally focus on the negative, so we have to work a little harder to find our positives.
See if you can begin to calm your inner critic with these steps. If you need more, talking it over with someone could be an option because it can help
put it into perspective, you could talk to a friend or professional like a counsellor. n Emma Holmes is a counsellor at Calm Seas Therapy and is based in Poole. She works online and in person – elholmes. counselling@gmail.com, phone 07442 662287. She is also co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support [DEWS] which supports businesses by providing counselling and wellness services, for more information email DorsetEWS@ proton.me.
FREE of charge health cycle rides are now on offer to individuals in Weymouth as part of Dorset Council’s Get Back in the Saddle initiative.
The entry-level hour-long rides, led by trained volunteers, take place every other Wednesday from The Palm House cafe and are perfect for anyone who can ride a bike.
They offer an opportunity for riders to boost their health and wellbeing and connect with others.
No booking is required but riders should bring their own bike and arrive at the cafe, behind Melcombe Regis car park, ready for a 10am start. Health cycle rides also take place weekly at Ferndown
Forest Golf Club, Moors Valley Country Park and Kingston Lacy House.
For more information, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ health-cycle-rides or phone
01425 480811.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer ride leader, should email healthandactivity@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk
ASPIRING Swanage
videographer and filmmaker Richard Koburn has been aided in his business aims by a SWEF Enterprise Fund grant from Dorset Community Foundation.
The £800 grant has allowed the 28-year-old to improve his film equipment and scale up his videography work.
He has now been hired to film food promotions for Rick Stein’s restaurants and shoot bike racing action at the MotoGP, among a host of other work.
The achievement follows an already remarkable journey for Richard, who left school at 15 and worked on building sites for four years.
His dream started after watching the Stanley Kubrick classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey. So, Richard went back and studied an Access to University course at Bournemouth and Poole College before gaining a BA in film production at Bournemouth University.
He also completed a 16mm
and 35mm camera course at the National Film and Television School.
But he added: “Around 1% of people studying film production go into the industry.
“That led me to realise there was a world away from this largely middle and upper class existence of filmmaking, which is based on nepotism and being able to go six months without being paid.
“I started filming weddings, doing small brand adverts and
music videos.
“I was 27 when I finished my degree and I didn’t really want to go and sleep on couches in London, so videography was a nicer route.”
So he began picking up freelance work and shooting corporate videos for independent production companies – but found himself limited because he had no budget for hiring expensive equipment to stabilise his camera.
When he discovered a relatively low-cost but effective new gimbal, which allows for steady, free flowing shots, he found the answer – but didn’t have the £800 needed to buy it.
A conversation with another cameraman led him to find out about the SWEF grants.
“I applied and got an email back almost immediately from Dorset Community Foundation. I was absolutely amazed. It really gave me a sense of hope to get a response that quickly.”
Richard said he aimed to continue building his business and portfolio, but the directing dream was ‘still very much a part’ of the plan.
“I knew that videography would always be my beginning and it’s starting to roll on. So, the question is, do I stick in this or do I keep pushing it?” he said.
“It’s always worked for me to keep pushing it, so I think that once I have some stable ground beneath me in terms of finances and reputation, my goal is to work as a director for advertisement agencies in London, going back to working with teams of filmmakers.
“It goes to show that if you are determined, there are many other routes to get you to where you want to be and there is no doubt that this SWEF grant has really helped.”
by editor@dorsetbiznews.
co.uk
MILLSTREAM Theatre group in Wimborne is in ‘urgent need’ of a corporate sponsor to help fund its regular drama workshops and productions for marginalised adults in the community.
The group has grown popular over the years, drawing members from as far away as Bournemouth, Poole, Purbeck and the New Forest.
And earlier this year they toured their own original cabaret production, In Harmony,
to glowing reviews.
“Having never seen Millstream Theatre perform before, I didn’t know quite what to expect,” said Mark Tattersall, director of Dorchester Arts Centre.
“But In Harmony absolutely blew me away…. it was the tremendous humour and sheer joy of the play that made it sparkle!”
humour and display of everyone’s talents”.
Audiences at the Museum of East Dorset (MED) in Wimborne Minster similarly praised the “energy, exuberance,
But despite recently starting to collect subscriptions from its members – which itself is difficult since many are not in employment for health reasons –Millstream remains strapped for cash as it looks to bring more performers aboard.
The group’s directors, Tony Horitz and Tam Gilbert, have begun an application to Arts Council England, though it
would be a long time before they see any funding.
The duo are therefore hoping to get the Dorset business community involved.
“If any local company would like to sponsor Millstream – enabling us to keep our workshops running and capping costs to those who are struggling financially – we’d love to hear from you,” said Tony.
Those interested are invited to get in touch with Tony at tony.horitz@icloud.com or Tam at tam@persuasionarts.co.uk
by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk
DACOMBES of Wimborne, the town’s longest running independent home electronics store, picked up not one but three awards at a ceremony celebrating the best of the sector.
The family-run business was first crowned Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer – a new accolade at the ERT Awards for businesses which demonstrate initiative and adaptation to be more sustainable and energy efficient.
Judges applauded Dacombes for its transfer to solar energy to help power the hundreds of domestic appliances, televisions and home cinemas in its showroom.
The retailer worked with Low Carbon Dorset, a green grant initiative from Dorset
Council, to install 99 solar panels on its showroom roof in Leigh Road.
It also brought in two EV van chargers, a Tesla battery, a heat pump and energy-efficient lighting and equipment.
Matt Renaut, managing director of Dacombes, said:
“Our green energy investment is hugely important.
“I’m thrilled that our business is the first to win this new award category.
“To be recognised for our sustainable ethos means a great deal, and I hope other businesses in our industry will follow our lead.
“The night just kept getting even better when we scooped the coveted Turning Point Award which recognises a retailer that has gone the extra mile to adapt their business or stepped out of their comfort zone to try something new.
by editor@dorsetbiznews.
BOURNEMOUTH University (BU) has been awarded £465,000 from the Office for Students (OfS) to create five new degree apprenticeship courses, with the goal of addressing regional skills gaps.
The programmes, set to launch in September 2025, will cover Digital Marketing, Accounting and Finance Management, Biomedical Science, Social Work, and Midwifery.
Applications will open early next year, with tuition fees funded through the apprenticeships levy.
This funding marks the
second time this year that BU has received support from the OfS for its degree apprenticeships.
In January, the university announced two new courses, and in July, the OfS recognised BU as an outstanding provider.
BU already offers five degree apprenticeship courses, supporting more than 400 apprentices.
The additional funding will also be used to promote equality of opportunity in the region.
“We’ve certainly done that!
“And we crowned the night with a highly commended in the Best Small Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer category.”
Jack Cheeseman, editor of award hosts ERT Magazine, added: “It’s never been more important to focus on the
positives of the industry amid some very challenging times.
“The judges chose Dacombes of Wimborne for three prestigious awards as it’s making clear strides towards a more efficient and dynamic future while still maintaining its local and friendly expert service.”
Call Pete on: 01929 421989 or 07900 992110
Email: info@whizzbits.co.uk
www.whizzbits.co.uk
Workshops and after-school sessions will be held for underrepresented groups, offering guidance on how to apply for degree apprenticeships.
THE RAC is warning learner drivers facing a four-and-a-half month wait for their driving test to avoid websites offering to book or alert them to test slots and only ever use the official government site.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is responsible for the driving test, has issued 313 warnings, 766 suspensions and closed 705 businesses for misuse of its booking service since January 2023.
However, the RAC has found many unofficial sites are still trying to exploit learners struggling to become qualified drivers.
Learners desperate to beat the test backlog are being sucked in by a ‘black market’ that uses bots to book test slots faster than any human could.
These slots are then resold at inflated prices or by paid-for services offering to alert users to test cancellations in their local area as they become available.
While the official driving test costs £62, the RAC’s research shows some sites are reselling
tests for up to £195 – more than three times the official price.
The DVSA is taking steps to clamp down on the ‘black market’ for booking driving tests, but the RAC has found many slots can still be bought through third parties online as they are sold via encrypted WhatsApp chats.
On these channels, sellers will often use the ‘disappearing message’ function so conversations are not traceable.
Other third parties are profiting from the backlog through ‘cancellation alert’ schemes and apps, which charge users a one-off fee to receive alerts every time a slot becomes available sooner than their original test.
While these sites require legitimate proof of a DVSA test, sign-up fees can still set drivers back nearly twice the amount of an official test, with ‘VIP packages’ advertised for up to £117.
The RAC has also found it is not just money learners should be concerned about losing, it is their personal details too.
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Freelance journalist Lara Olszowska, who the RAC has spoken to, is one such victim.
Lara said: “I bought into the driving test black market at £169 for a test worth £62, just to avoid having to retake my theory and delay my practical exam.
“I gave them my driving licence number, my theory certificate number and my home address without batting an eyelid.
“After failing that test, I went online to try to book my next attempt, but the DVSA website kept popping up with an ‘error’ message.
“That led to a fateful phone call with the DVSA where I learned my account was blocked for having ‘too many’ tests booked using my details – even though I was blissfully unaware for the years it was going on.
“A company had used my details to repeatedly book tests under my name 52 times and swap them with other candidates who wanted the slots for triple the price.
“My advice to other drivers is always to book through the DVSA online or over the phone and, if you have months of waiting time, plan backwards from there with your instructor so you know you are more than ready to pass by the time your test date comes.
“You don't want to end up spending hundreds on sooner test dates, only for a third party to run off with your details to book multiple tests so your details get blocked and you find out when it's too late.”
To avoid any doubt, the RAC is advising drivers to book directly through the government website rather than through a
third-party ‘black market’ site, which often contains false information such as how frequently you can book your driving test.
Scammers are even recommending their sites on Reddit and Mumsnet forums, where learner drivers are vocalising their frustrations with the booking process.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “It’s terrible that ‘brokers’ using software to reserve tests faster than a human possibly could are making it so hard for learners to book test slots.
“It seems as though technology is constantly being used to cheat the system as we’ve been told someone’s driving licence number was used to book multiple tests.
“Definitive action needs to be taken to prevent ‘bots’ booking tests and then selling them on to desperate learners for crazy amounts of money.
“This leads to genuine slots being wasted and learners, who are ready to take their tests, missing out and having to wait months for a chance to become a qualified driver.
“It’s no wonder some learners end up booking test slots before they’re ready.
“It’s also very wrong that real people who are genuinely trying to book their tests are being treated as if they are ‘bots’ because their data has been stolen by fraudsters.
“The best course of action before the DVSA finds a solution to this problem once and for all is to book only via the official government website and not pay well over the odds by using a so-called broker’s site.”
Swanage & Wareham 66 Dorchester 10 by
Ron Butler
IN their latest match in the Southern Counties league Swanage & Wareham hosted near neighbours Dorchester.
The game turned out to be a somewhat one-sided in the end, but the visitors never gave up.
Swans received three penalties on the trot at the start and with the last one the ball was spun out to winger Sanaila Nasokidi who crossed the try line half way out. Matt Spencer added the extras.
Dorchester made ground but full back George Crouch intercepted before being tackled close to the try line and getting the ball to winger Olly Dillon, who went in at the corner, to make the score 12pts-0 after 14 minutes.
From the restart Dorchester kicked ahead and the right winger picked the ball up and scored in the corner (12pts-5) after 20 minutes.
The game was quite even for a while, but Nasokidi broke from half way before being caught close to the line and passing to scrum half Ollie Peters who scored under the posts. Spencer converted (19pts-5) after
28 minutes.
Swans continued to attack and from a scrum close to the visitor’s posts Peters dummied his way over for his second try. Spencer added the extras (26pts-5) after 36 minutes.
Full back George Crouch caught the ball from the restart and with a dazzling run weaved his way passed all of the Dorchester defence to go clear and score under the posts. Spencer converted to leave the half time score Swanage 33 Dorchester 5.
Early in the second half Dorchester gave away a couple of penalties that put Swans in the 22, and from a catch/drive move wing forward Aiseia Kaitu claimed the try. Spencer converted (40pts-5) after 45 minutes.
Swans transgressed, giving the visitors some ground, but they easily cleared their lines and another three-quarters move by Swans saw winger Nasokidi go in for his second try.
Replacement kicker Tom Munns added the extras (47pts-5) after 55 minutes.
A catch/drive move by Swans after 60 minutes saw wing forward Kian Salina go
over for a try out wide, and from a scrum the ball was passed all along Swans backs to Crouch to score his second try. Munns added the conversion (59pts-5) after 72 minutes.
In the last few minutes Crouch scored his hat-trick of tries taking the score to 66pts-5, before Dor-chester scored a consolation try in the last minute making the final score Swans 66 Dorchester 10p.
Swans
George
Ed
Matt
Other results: North Dorset 2nd 14 Swans 2nd 20; Swans 3rd XV 12 Oakmeadians 2nd 63.
n SWANAGE & Wareham went down 21-10 in their previous fixture played away at Salisbury.
Swans scored a first half penalty and the last score of the game when, after four or five phases, prop forward and captain Nick Audley powered over the try line. Matt Spencer added the extras.
Swans 2nds lost 14-31 at home to Oakmeadians and the 3rds 63-0 at Wimborne.
Then, against the run of play in the 72nd minute, Poundbury restored their three-goal cushion with a lobbed finish over the keeper.
POUNDBURY proved to be convincing 5-1 winners over the Reserves in a tough encounter, with the visitors demonstrating clinical finishing and defensive resilience in Dorset League Division 2.
Poundbury took early control, opening the scoring in the 9th minute through a penalty calmly dispatched following a foul.
Despite sporadic Swans attacks, Poundbury extended their lead with a speculative cross flicked into the net in the 29th minute.
Just before interval, a stunning 25-yard strike found the top corner, leaving the Swans keeper Norman helpless and put Poundbury firmly in command.
At half time, the score was 0-3.
The visitors picked up where they left off, nearly adding a fourth when a header struck the post in the 49th minute.
The Swans showed more intent, and their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Spencer Grygiel curled a sublime free kick from 25 yards into the net to reduce the deficit.
The Swans enjoyed a strong spell of pressure but couldn’t convert their chances.
The final blow came in the 85th minute when Will Turland completed his hat-trick, converting a penalty to seal the victory.
The Reserves will look to regroup and build on their improved second-half performance in their next fixture.
Poundbury, meanwhile, showcased their quality and finishing prowess throughout.
n Next up for Swans Reserves is a trip to Canford United, with a 2pm kick-off on November 30.
EXPERIENCED actor SarahLouise Young is looking forward to putting the ‘boo’ into ‘Beauty’ this Christmas when she plays the bad fairy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, this year’s panto at Lighthouse Poole.
Sarah-Louise has previously visited Lighthouse on tour with Fascinating Aida and her own show, An Evening Without Kate Bush.
Now she cannot wait to play Carabosse whose powerful spell dooms Princess Rose – Sleeping Beauty, played by Isabella Kibble – to a deep sleep that can only be broken by a Prince’s kiss.
“It’s going to be such good fun,” she said.
“To make a really good villain, the audience should be looking forward to seeing them and hating them at the same time.
“There's so much humour in pantomime, but also you have to have that darkness in a panto for the story to matter.
“If there’s no real sense of potential impending doom, then you don’t get the buy-in and you want kids to be on the edge of their seats, not being sure if good will out.”
Sleeping Beauty is written and directed by CBeebies star Chris Jarvis, who will also appear as Dame Nanny Nutkins.
The show is produced by the same in-house team behind
award-winning hit pantomimes in recent years including Aladdin last year, as well as Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk.
“Poole is a lovely part of the world and I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year there,” SarahLouise added.
“As someone who makes their own work, obviously I’m on my own a lot, so one of the wonderful things about panto is I get to be part of a company again, which is really enjoyable.”
She will join EastEnders and
SarahLouise Young is playing the bad fairy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at Poole Lighthouse
Grange Hill star Todd Carty, who will play King Tucker in Sleeping Beauty, with Tom Mann returning to play Prince Ken after starring as Cupid in Beauty and the Beast three years ago.
West End actress Isabella Kibble is Beauty and Melaina Pecorini – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – is Fairy Sunbeam.
Sleeping Beauty opens on Thursday, December 12, and runs until Sunday, January 5. Tickets are on sale at www. lighthousepoole.co.uk, or call 01202 280000.
THE sounds of Brazil are coming to Dorset when Alvorada visit Swanage as one of three concerts in the county this week.
The London-based quintet perform choro, a rich and uplifting style of instrumental music from Rio de Janeiro.
The group’s musicians have diverse backgrounds in jazz, classical and Brazilian music, featuring Rachel Hayter on flutes, Andrew Woolf on clarinets/sax, Jeremy Shaverin on cavaquinho, Luiz Morais on seven-string guitar and Andres Ticino on percussion.
Alvorada’s debut album, First Light, was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, leading
to BBC Radio 3 and JazzFM appearances and tours to venues and festivals across the
THE Swamp Stomp String Band are bringing their Livestock on Road tour to Dorchester.
The band – Tractor, Somerset Bill and The Good Doctor – are a raucous and energetic travelling band renowned for playing rambunctious, up-tempo, old-time music infused with Bluegrass, Country, Americana and anything else you might find pouring out of a beer – or cider – soaked roadside dive bar!
The Good Doctor said: “We’re so excited to be bringing our Livestock on Road Tour to Dorchester!
“We’re everything you might expect from a Country band, from twangy banjos and chugging guitars to a honkytonk piano, a thudding double bass and driving drums.
“But these propel everything from cider swigging drinking songs, to riotous ballads, Irish polkas and all the way to sea shanties. Play your cards right and you might even get invited for a waltz!”
The Swamp Stomp String Band are truly independent artists – self-recording, promoting and releasing all their own, original music.
With boisterous and bawdy, rough and rowdy, theatrically extravagant performances, they have enjoyed acclaimed success at countless festivals and shows across the country, including most recently, a headline slot on the Caffe Nero stage at Black Deer Festival of Americana 2024 and a sell-out show at Fiddler's Elbow in Camden, back in early September.
The Swamp Stomp String
Festival.
Their latest album, Faz Tempo, released last month, features Brazilian rhythms such as choro, xote, samba, bossa nova and baiao, with jazz and improvisation peppering their sound.
Alvorada are touring with Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach and are at Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall on Thursday, November 28; The Mowlem, Swanage, on Friday, November 29; and Nether Compton Village Hall, on Saturday, November 30.
They will also lead a Brazilian Rhythms and Songs Workshop in Swanage between 10.30am-noon on Saturday.
Participants will learn some catchy Brazilian songs, with accompanying rhythms that can be played using body percussion!
UK and beyond, including the London Jazz Festival and the Paris International Choro
Tickets and further information about the tour and workshop are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.
Band are playing at the Corn Exchange on Friday, November 29, at 7.30pm – tickets start from just £11 each and are available online at https://linktr. ee/theswampstompstringband,
with some exclusive ticket and merchandise bundle offers also available, including the limited edition ‘Swamp Stomper’ superbly spicy hot sauce!
TALENTED speaker and horticultural journalist Sally Nex is giving a talk at Morden Village Hall.
Her talk is called A Rogues Gallery for Gardeners and How to Manage Them.
It will discuss how to cope with nature's predators, determined to eat edible crops and ornamental plants.
The talk at the hall (BH20 7DT) is on Saturday, December
7, with doors open 1.30pm for 2pm start.
Visitors are very welcome –admission is £5 on the door and includes tea or coffee.
A prize raffle, gardening gifts and homemade cakes will also be on offer.
The event is organised by the Plant Heritage Dorset Group – email martin.plantheritage dorset@btinternet.com for more information.
Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the December 9 issue is NOON on Friday, November 29. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net.
Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.
TUESDAY
19:30 WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB Parish Hall 7:30pm Wareham unless on Zoom. Visitors welcome - £3. Zoom link available from website 03rd December. Speaker Terry Mullen ‘Exploring Iberia, reason’s to keep going back’ 10th League 3 - Open print & PDI Competitions 17th Xmas Buffet - 5 minute Audio Visuals and 10 minute talks.
FRIDAY
14:30 CHAIR-BASED EXERCISE Younger4Longer session for the older or not-so-fit people in a friendly group. Wareham United Reformed Church BH20 4NE. Contact Julie Tel. 01929 558139, email jbrad@uwclub.net.
SATURDAY
18:30 WHIST DRIVE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516
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THE Ridgeway Singers & Band will evoke an oldfashioned country Christmas when they perform three concerts in the run up to the festive season.
They promise audiences an evening of West Gallery carols, Dorset songs, dance tunes and local poems and stories to celebrate the coming of midwinter and the holiday.
The group specialises in performing Dorset music old and new, in the tradition made famous by Thomas Hardy in Under the Greenwood Tree.
The singers are accompanied by musicians playing stringed and woodwind instruments.
The group are led by renowned serpent player and member of the Mellstock Band, Phil Humphries, and the popular actor and folk musician Tim Laycock.
New to the repertoire are a Christmas Anthem from an old book found at a car boot sale in Bridport, and a setting by Phil Humphries of William Barnes’s poem Rustic Childhood, as well as arrangements for the band of more tunes by the late Nick Dunckley.
The concerts begin on Friday, December 6, at a new venue for the Ridgeway Singers & Band at Sturminster Marshall Village Hall.
They return to St Mary’s Church in Bridport for a matinee performance on Sunday, December 15, with the final concert at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester on Thursday, December 19. Tickets, priced £12 adults and £6 under-18s, are available from www.ridgewaysingers andband.org, Ticketsource or phone 01305 262159.
with
COMEDIAN Joey Page –pictured – is coming to Lighthouse Poole early next year.
His appearance, that of ‘a geography teacher who got an ASOS voucher for his birthday’, is at odds with his workingclass persona.
Joey, who the eagle-eyed may recognise from Never
Mind the Buzzcocks or as the face of Gumtree, has supported Lloyd Griffith, Laura Smyth, Mark Simmons and Rob Beckett.
He is bringing his show, Nice One, to Poole on Thursday, February 6.
For tickets and information phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.
LOCK up your inmates –Cornwall’s Near-ta Theatre is bringing bucketloads of Christmas spirit and festive cheer to Corfe Castle this December as it returns to Dorset with its hit festive comedy, Christmas. Time.
Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn’t they?
It’s Christmas Day and they’re serving time at His Majesty’s Pleasure.
But why shouldn’t they be having a Merry Christmas despite their incarceration? What’s stopping them from creating Christmas around them? Absolutely nothing!
And so, they set off on their festival of carols, Claus, Christ and custody!
Christmas. Time. Is a
fantastical adventure through Dickens, pantomime, musical, Christmas dinner and Christmas films!
They build a wonderfully Merry Christmas around them with songs, snowmen and lots of laughs in this festive show that puts the ‘cell’ firmly back in ‘celebration’!
This festive musical comedy for all the family is written and performed by Daniel Richards and Ciaran Clarke, and directed by Simon Harvey. Christmas. Time. is at the village halls in Halstock on Thursday, December 5, Corfe Castle on Friday, December 6, and East Stour on Saturday, December 7. For tickets visit www. artsreach.co.uk.
INTERNATIONALLY
renowned harp and electronica duo FitkinWall are coming to Lighthouse Poole.
Scottish harpist Ruth Wall and composer Graham Fitkin “follow threads of migration, loss and longing” in their new show, Harpland.
Ruth has worked with Goldfrapp, Kathryn Tickell, RLPO, BBC Orchestras and film composers John Lunn and Clint Mansell. She tours extensively in venues from Radio City New York and Glastonbury, to
Sydney Opera House and Roskilde Fest.
Graham’s music has been performed by artists such as Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet, BBC Philharmonic, Yo-Yo Ma, Will Gregory, choreographer Wayne McGregor and artist Shezad Dawood.
He has won three BASCA Composer Awards, an International Grand Prix Dance Music Award and the Royal Philharmonic Society Composer Award.
Fitkinwall are at Lighthouse Poole on Saturday, November 30. For tickets and information visit www.lighthousepoole. co.uk or phone 01202 280000.
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