The Purbeck Gazette

Cheque mates celebrate success of the carnival

ALMOST £30,000 has been donated to good causes by Swanage Carnival.

Organisers of the event handed over the funds at a presentation night to mark the success of the 2022 event, which took place from July 30 to August 6. A total of £29,150 was handed to 20 chosen organisations.

The committee behind the event said that, after the longest known break from holding Swanage Carnival in its history, they did not know what 2022 would bring. But the sun shone, and the crowds came, making 2022 a year to remember.

Carnival chair Maria Foot said: “Straight after Carnival 2019 we started looking for new events and coming up with improvements for 2020, but unknown to us the next two years would be cancelled due to Covid. Our work didn’t stop

during this time, as we planned for various scenarios should restrictions lift.

“In the end it was nearly three years before we would set up on Sandpit Field again.

The presentation night was held at The Mowlem Theatre, which Maria said was a fitting setting for a celebration.

“The stunning venue gave us the chance to showcase what carnival is all about, which is raising money for charities and good causes that support our community,” she said.

“Our event is run by a team of volunteers who give their time to help raise as much money as possible.”

Maria said 2022 would be her final year at the helm of the carnival after five years.

To get involved with the 2023 carnival contact Kevin Langdon via secretary@ swanagecarnival.com.

Lake event ‘amazing’

A GATHERING of thousands of people for a moving event in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on 15 October was described as “amazing” by the charity’s fundraising manager Vicki Gray.

Candles on the Lake, a free

memorial at The Ark in Poole Park, brought friends and families together to reflect, celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones.

By donating money for a candle, they also raised funds for the hospice.

Solar & tidal predictions – Oct / Nov ’22

Representatives from groups receiving their cheques on the night

PHOTO: Murray Lambert

Town comes up smelling of roses

IT’S official – Wareham is blooming marvellous!

The town has been crowned the best small town in the South and South East region in the South and South East In Bloom (SSEIB) competition.

The competition, which is the largest horticultural contest in the region, involves hundreds of communities each year.

Participants create lasting improvements to their local environment for the benefit of all those who live in, work in or visit the area.

SSEIB’s annual regional competition focuses on the themes of horticulture, environment and community and Wareham was judged in July by John Lockwood.

The town’s entry was prepared by the Wareham Community Growers (WCG), successor to the former Wareham in Bloom Committee.

The group was delighted to learn at the awards ceremony in Farnham that Wareham had beaten six other towns in the ‘Small Town’ category to gain a

coveted Gold and Regional Winner award.

“This is a superb result in just 16 months of the group’s existence,” said Rod Curtis, chair of WGC.

Wareham was also judged in the ‘Churchyard of the Year’ competition at Lady St Mary Cemetery, winning a superb Gold, and a coveted ‘Thriving’ award in the

‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ section for the Friends of Wareham Railway Station.

“Wareham Community Growers gratefully acknowledges the work of Wareham Town Council and its staff in providing magnificent town centre floral displays, and all those who provide their own displays for all to enjoy including residents, businesses and community projects,” Mr Curtis told the Gazette.

“Well done Wareham.”

A local ‘In Bloom’ competition has also been organised for residents and businesses by the WCG.

Winners of the awards will be published in the coming weeks.

Roadworks go on despite safety fears

BUSINESSES and members of Studland and Corfe parish councils are disappointed not to have secured a last-minute U-turn over plans to close a section of the B3351.

They have been flagging up concerns over the closure of a short section of road north of Corfe Castle on October 31 at the same time the Sandbanks ferry is out of service for refurbishment.

They believe the two taking place together, and for the same five-week time period, could be a fatal combination, with the risk of delays for emergency

services as well as economic consequences for businesses.

Councillor Nick Boulter, chairman of Studland Parish Council, has been calling for the closure to be delayed until the ferry is operating in January.

“Shutting two essential transport links to Studland at the same time is something we have been desperate to avoid,” he said. “We feel our concerns have been totally ignored by Wessex Water and Dorset Council.”

A Wessex Water spokesman said everything possible had been done to minimise impact

to the community while work to upgrade the water mains took place and the ferry closure had been taken into account.

“Following advice from Dorset Council, work has been timed to take place away from the busy summer holiday season and during a period in which the Sandbanks chain ferry is closed for maintenance so there’s less traffic passing through.

“To minimise impact on the community, we redesigned the scheme so the vast majority of the new water main has been moved off the B3351 into adjacent fields.”

A spokesman for Dorset Council said it would work to ensure traffic diversion did not place anyone at risk and added: “While we accept some people have concerns around the necessary traffic diversions, there is no perfect choice here.”

The closure of the Sandbanks Ferry will also mean changes to Purbeck bus services.

Morebus has announced that due to the lack of ferry it will be splitting its Purbeck Breezer 50 into two separate routes in addition to timetable changes.

“Our aim is to minimise any disruption,” a spokesman added.

Floral displays, such as the one pictured above, have earned Wareham the title of best small town, an award collected by Wareham Community Growers chairman Rod Curtis, left, and treasurer Sue Dean, right, from Mayor of Farnham Alan Earwaker, inset. Below, SSEIB judge John Lockwood with town crier Jacquie Hall.

PHOTOS: Wareham Community Growers

County’s steam fair cancelled until 2024

THE Great Dorset Steam Fair will not take place in 2023, it has been announced.

Organisers of the event, which traditionally runs across the August Bank Holiday weekend at Tarrant Hinton, confirmed the cancellation in a statement, citing ‘significant and spiralling increases’ in costs.

The shock news comes after the 2022 event was hailed a success by organisers, with thousands attending.

The board of directors for the event said the decision was made with ‘great sadness and disappointment’ after a ‘thorough review’.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision for us to make,” a spokesman added. “While the 2022 event has been a fantastic and resounding success as a spectacle, it has been mired by significant and spiralling increases in contractor and infrastructure costs.

“As a big show we have big costs, which have risen disproportionately this year and,

crucially, are very difficult to forecast for next year in the current economic climate.”

The spokesman said event organisers were still feeling the financial effects of the pandemic, as well as the aftermath of Brexit and the war in Ukraine, which had led to “significant increases” in the cost of staff, contractors, fuel, transport, material and equipment hire.

The board added: “The likelihood is event costs will continue to rise in 2023, compounded by the emergence of the cost-of-living crisis.

“With the ongoing economic situation, it is not prudent or sensible to hold the show next year and in order to safeguard and preserve the future of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, we believe this to be the right decision to enable us to continue in 2024 and beyond.”

The event is set to return in 2024, from August 22 to 26, with tickets on sale in autumn next year.

THREE people have been arrested in connection with an alleged distraction theft in Wareham last month.

The arrests happened after a woman in her 70s who had withdrawn £1,000 in cash found she had lost it after being approached in North Street by two women with a clipboard

who claimed to be charity workers.

Following inquiries a 27-year-old man and a 30-yearold woman from Portsmouth were arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud. A 36-year-old woman from the Portsmouth area was also arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Rescuers help turn difficult dog into

A FORMER inmate at a Wareham-based animal rescue charity has won an award for his work with the police.

Crime-fighting Dorset Police Dog Jeff has been recognised for his efforts by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity the Dogs Trust.

The Animal Welfare Scheme Awards, organised by the charity, celebrate the work and success of service dogs working within the UK’s emergency services. Jeff was awarded The Community Superstar Award for his work keeping the public safe across the UK.

What makes Jeff’s success even more incredible is that he started his career in a rehoming centre – the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre in Wareham – after he became too much for his owners to handle as a pet.

Staff at the rehoming centre realised his potential as a police

dog and he went on to join the team at Dorset Police. He was selected for an explosives detection course, which he passed with flying colours. Since joining the team at

Dorset Police, he and handler PC Sue Hillier have been deployed across the UK for large events including the Queen’s funeral, the pre-search and seal operation for the G7

summit in Cornwall and the summit itself, where he was responsible for searching the Eden Project prior to the arrival of the Royal family. He also searched President Biden’s hotel, the hanger where they kept Marine One, and also President Biden’s private toilets.

He also completed a deployment to Birmingham where he was searching for explosives ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games.

The Dogs Trust has rehomed around 70 dogs in the last few years with police forces across the UK where they go on to work as successful service dogs.

This year marks 20 years since the launching of the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme, designed to ensure that the training, housing and transport of police dogs meets high animal welfare standards.

PD Jeff’s handler PC Sue Hillier said: “Thank you to

Police Dog Jeff with his award, certificate and treats

crime-fight hero

Dogs Trust for recognising the work that our dogs do.

“In Dorset, we prefer to rehome rather than buy our police dogs, and Jeff is a great example of a dog that has gone on to do great things since being rehomed as a police dog.”

Louise Crawford, animal welfare scheme co-ordinator at the Dogs Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate

and recognise the success of service dogs working across the UK.

“It’s even more amazing they all came from humble beginnings, spending time in rehoming centres before being identified as potential police dogs. We never fail to be blown away by the stories of heroism and bravery shown by these crime fighters.”

At Heathcote Care Home in Swanage,

specialise in residential care for people living with memory and behavioural difficulties, through specialist care and support.

Our model of “networked care” and support aims to give our guests back the quality of life that they may have lost, in a safe, calm environment in which our residents feel at home, cared for and secure.

We presently have rooms available for guests looking for a supportive ‘home from home’, please call to arrange a visit

On road to recovery

STAFF at Margaret Green Animal Rescue have posted an encouraging update after attending an ‘upsetting’ case of animal neglect.

The Wareham-based charity recently took on 25 dogs in need of medical care and attention after a raid on a property in Devon prompted by reports of animal cruelty and neglect by an irresponsible breeder.

A total of 96 dogs were

seized in a scene described as “incredibly disheartening” by their rescuers. Many of the dogs were suffering medical conditions such as hernias, dental problems, skin issues and breathing problems. One, named Edwina by charity workers, had to have an eye removed.

Treating the animals has already cost the charity in excess of £15,000.

Out Of The Blue

NO APOLOGIES for using this article to remind you of a few simple rules to ensure Firework Night celebrations across Purbeck are safe and enjoyable.

It’s important to remember the misuse of fireworks can be dangerous to people, property and animals and can leave some feeling intimidated and distressed.

So respect the firework code. Regulations under the Fireworks Act 2003 make it an offence for under-18s to possess fireworks in a public place and for anyone to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am).

And retailers will be liable to prosecution if they sell fireworks to under-18s.

So, what have we been up to? Well, from September 7 to October 7, we dealt with 392 incidents in Purbeck, of which 167 were recorded crimes resulting in 34 arrests.

We have also been

working hard to identify and apprehend those responsible for a number of motorcycle and moped thefts that have been occurring mainly in the Swanage area. We are pleased to report a number of vehicles have been recovered and returned to their owners. Any details about these incidents can be reported using the contacts below.

Keep sending us your comments and visit www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ PurbeckEmail to have your say. Listening and acting on what you tell us enables us to target both our resources and patrols.

And finally, if you need to contact Dorset Police please call our Police Enquiry Centre by calling 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn. police.uk. Alternatively, call the free Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

You can use our website to report a number of issues, from crime to lost property, at dorset.police.uk/do-itonline. Call 999 only when a

crime is in progress or if there is a risk of harm.

You can visit us on social media at facebook.com/ Purbeck-police and on Twitter @PurbeckPolice –we value your support and comments. You can also see our latest priorities and events at https://www.dorset. police.uk/neighbourhoodpolicing/purbeck.

You can also use Dorset Alert to register for the free Dorset Police community messaging alerts for information on local crime and incidents where we believe sharing information with you will help to solve a crime or prevent further offences occurring.

You can also receive news from our partner agencies such as Dorset Fire and Rescue Service or Trading Standards and Community safety messages.

PURBECK NEIGHBOURHOOD

‘Perfect day’ for Dorset’s biggest cycle ride

CYCLISTS travelled from across the South Coast and from as far afield as the Midlands and M4 corridor to take part in the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride in Wareham on Sunday October 9.

Event organiser Richard Burnett said: “We had a perfect day for our event. Riding through the spectacular Dorset countryside in the October sunshine was a pleasure for the scores of cyclists who took part.

“Riders from nine years old to well into their 80s took part, choosing routes from 22 to 108 miles, which were tailored for families to competitive cyclists.

“I am delighted to report we raised in excess of £20,000 for Cancer Research UK.”

Participants included Dan

Jenkins from Poole, who smashed the 55-mile challenge with his twin teenage sons Jasper and Joseph.

Dan said: “Last year we achieved the 35-mile route at this event – I am proud we went one better this time.”

Poole engineering business Norco, based at Holton Heath, fielded an impressive 17 riders.

Owner Mark Northey said: “I am delighted to say that Norco’s riders raised £4,475.

“Many thanks to our friends, families, customers and suppliers for their generosity.”

Paul Brown, who travelled down from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands to complete the 70-mile course, said: “It was worth the journey to Wareham

to cycle through delightful Dorset scenery.”

Mr Burnett added: “I would like to thank my colleagues from local Rotary clubs, Cancer Research UK and all the additional volunteers who helped with catering and

marshalling.

Together we are making this event a classic for the cycling community.”

Cyclists at the starting line, above, Dan Jenkins with his twin sons Jasper and Joseph, Taylor Cane-Richardson from Cancer Research UK and president of Westbourne Rotary Club Brian Thomas, right, and, inset left, cancer survivors Tim Wilson, 81, and Cherry Wilson, 76, who both cycled 35 miles.

Recognising excellence with scholarships at Leweston

Each year Leweston School is proud to award scholarships which recognise and encourage students with talent, potential and who we believe will make a significant contribution to the life of the school.

At Leweston, Scholarships are available for academic excellence and in art and design, equestrian, music, drama, sport and pentathlon. There are also two boarding scholarships open to students looking to join Sixth Form and boarding for the first time.

The scholarship programme at Leweston is diverse with award holders given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and to take up leadership roles across the school.

There are scholars’ projects and workshops run by many of the Departments. Art scholars produce work for display in the school and dedicated exhibitions; music scholars perform regularly as members of musical groups

and soloists and sports scholars are supported with personalised mentoring and training programmes. Many Sixth Form scholars lead clubs and activities for the younger pupils.

One of our most recent scholars, joining Sixth Form this September, is Tom, Year 12 who this month has become U17 Laser-Run World Champion, as well as being part of the Gold medal winning team.

If you would like to find out more about Leweston’s scholarship programme please contact Andrea Hulme on 01963 211015 or visit the website www.leweston.co.uk.

The deadline for Sixth Form Scholarship applications (Year 12 entry) is Friday 11 November 2022.

11+ (Year 7) and 13+ (Year 8) applications are due by Friday 6 January 2023.

photos: Nuno Gonçalves Photogra phy

THE festive shopping season gets underway in Dorchester next month with a special event.

Goulds Household and Fashion stores, in South Street, will be keeping their doors open until 9pm on Wednesday, November 2, for the Goulds Late Night Shopping Spectacular.

From 5pm right up until doors close at 9pm, the stores will showcase fabulous offers, new ranges and a new-look perfumery section. Visitors can expect a welcome glass of sparkly wine, food tastings, discounts and special offers across the stores; including the chance to win a £250 gift card.

Chris Gould, director of Goulds, said: “We want to show our appreciation to our loyal customers, so we have decided to open our stores until 9pm on November 2 to offer everyone a four hour spectacular selection of offers and discounts across our ranges.

“It’s the ideal time to start your one-stop Christmas shop.”

In addition to the instore offers, all Goulds reward card holders will receive a money-off voucher with their purchase on the evening.

The voucher will be valid to use in any of the Goulds Stores from November 3 until November 13. While these offers will help many customers find the perfect Christmas gift for their loved ones, the company is also doing their bit to help those

who need extra help.

“For those whose family Christmas will be especially hard, we will be fundraising for Home-Start West Dorset,” Chris added. “This is a valuable charity offering help and support to local families through their toughest times. We have donated some great prizes for a fundraising raffle.” A ‘fill your own hamper’ service and discounts and offers across the household, dining and Christmas ranges are also promised.

Have your say on paths

WIMBORNE residents are being urged to have their say over a bid to impose a Rights of Way Order on a town-centre route.

Dorset County Council has opened a consultation process over routes in the Mill Lane area. The routes concerned include from Mill Lane to the river; from the top of Mill Lane towards the Handham Road car park; and from the top of Mill Lane to the Co-op car park and on into the High Street and The Square.

Email submissions, reference RW/T418, to vanessa.penny@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by post to Definitive Map Team Manager, Spatial Planning, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ by November 4.

Staff at Goulds gearing up for the event

Digging up Durotriges’ DNA secrets

THE Museum of East Dorset is collaborating with the Francis Crick Institute in a nationwide research project.

Funded by the Wellcome Foundation, the project seeks to establish the whole genome history and evolution in 1,000 ancient people from Great Britain, in order to aid medical research. It will also give the museum new information and fresh insights into people from the past.

Ancient DNA will be analysed from the skeletal remains of people who lived thousands of years ago in and around Tarrant Hinton, Dorset. Remains of these individuals – thought to be members of the Celtic tribe of Durotriges who lived in Britain prior to the Roman invasion – were found by excavators from Wimborne Archaeological Group between 1968 and 1984. The area was occupied from the Bronze Age (2500 BC to 800 BC) through to the Iron Age (800 BC to AD 43) into Romano-British times up to AD 388.

Tiny samples have been taken from 17 burials for DNA analysis. For a sample there are three parts of the skull that can be used: the tiny bones from inside the ear commonly known as the hammer, anvil and stirrup; a piece of the temporal bone from the cranium; or a well-preserved tooth.

The Museum of East Dorset has consulted closely with Dr Simon Mays of Historic England and Professor Alistair Pike from the University of Southampton, who in 2019 were involved with analysis of the museum’s Iron Age TB skeleton, the earliest known case of TB in Britain, also from the Tarrant Hinton site. This suggested a high probability the man spent his early childhood in an area of Carboniferous Limestone to the west of Britain – possibly in south or west Ireland, on the Atlantic coast of southwest France or the Cantabrian Mountains of Northern Spain

Now, it may be possible to find out more about his specific

strain of TB, which differs depending on geography.

The DNA analysis may take up to 12 months, Museum director Chezzie Hollow said the results would be awaited with great interest and any significant findings would be shared with the public.

Pontus Skoglund, head of the Francis Crick Institute’s Ancient

Genomics Laboratory, said: “As part of this project, the unique heritage collections of the Museum of East Dorset will not only shed new light on archaeological questions but also aid our understanding of genetic health and disease through our larger integration with the medical resources of the UK biobank.”

Police in appeal after assault claim

DO you recognise this person?

Police are keen to trace them in connection with an alleged assault in Upton, near Poole, at around 3pm on Friday, September 9.

Officers released the CCTV image after the incident at the Co-op, in Poole Road.

A man entered the shop and selected various items before putting the shopping basket down and leaving, saying he did not have his wallet, a spokesperson said.

“However, when the shop assistant went to look out of the store, the man returned and after a brief verbal exchange punched the store worker to the side of his head,” they added.

“It was reported that he also re-entered the shop, grabbed the basket and ran away.”

Police Community Support Investigator Adam Cleaver, of Dorset Police, said: “As part of my investigation, I am now in a position to release a CCTV image of a man I would like to identify.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact us.”

Anyone with information or who can identify the person should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/ contact.

They can also call 101, quoting incident number 55220150147.

Francis Crick Institute research scientist Jesse McCabe examines fragments from the Tarrant Hinton burials PHOTO: Museum of East Dorset

Police are keen to trace this person

Picture: Dorset Police

Avlaki’s Accidental Olive Oils

Deborah MacMillan and I didn’t intend to be olive farmers when we bought a small ruin on a seaside grove on Lesvos Island, Greece to restore as an escape from London. (Deborah is a painter and the widow of choreographer Kenneth MacMillan looking after his ballets with major companies around the world. I was presenting weekly broadcasts for BBC Radio.)

Every parcel of land on Lesvos is planted with olive trees: 11 million they say; we found ourselves with 1400. All pretty tired and the land starved of care. When we set to as good gardeners, the trees responded miraculously, making an excellent oil.

Lesvos oils are exceptionally light textured, never overwhelming other ingredients, so we realised they were perfect for the British palate IF you’re interested in good food! Thus started Avlaki Superb Organic Olive Oils.

Now joined by AVLAKI’s Organic OliveOil Soaps.

How to tell a good oil? The best sadly is in the olive still on the tree.

After that only ‘Extra Virgin’ comes from top quality fruit, picked and milled within

smell by a panel of oil experts.

Our oils come from 2 different terrains which we keep separate as they have individual characteristics. Mountain grown ‘Agatherí’ is light textured with complex afternotes; lowland ‘Avlaki’ is buttery and creamy. Our 3rd oil

‘Lesvos’ is a mix of produce from colleagues - excellent for all culinary uses.

All AVLAKI’s oils are verified ‘Extra Virgin’ and certified ‘Organic’ from tree to bottle.

Most important: we only harvest in one month, December, when the fruit

is at its optimum for quality and taste. The milled oils then go straight into airtight containers.

AVLAKI keeps the true taste of the olive in their olive oils.

Buy online at www.oliveoilavlaki.com

Avlaki looking towards the port

Flying Scotsman rolls into town!

THE world’s most famous steam locomotive - the Flying Scotsman - has arrived on the Swanage Railway.

The record-breaking, iconic locomotive will be hauling trains for five days, as well as going on public display for almost two weeks.

Close to celebrating its centenary, the 97-tonne A3 class locomotive – completed in 1923 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) –arrived at Swanage station on Tuesday, October 18, after a six-hour rail journey from London.

Owned by the National Railway Museum in York, No 60103 Flying Scotsman will be on the Swanage Railway until November 7.

The Flying Scotsman will be hauling passenger trains

between Swanage, Corfe Castle and Norden from Saturday, October 22, to Wednesda, October 26.

It will be on display at Swanage station for pre-booked public visits to the footplate on Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21, as well as daily between October 17 and November 6.

Swanage Railway Company chairman, Bob Patterson, said he was thrilled to see the iconic locomotive arrive.

“It’s wonderful to see the Flying Scotsman at Swanage because the iconic locomotive has a wonderful charisma – it’s a real icon, an impressive piece of 1920s railway engineering and the most famous steam locomotive in the world,” he said.

Standard-class seats for a

one-hour return trip behind the Flying Scotsman from Swanage to Norden and return are £39 per person, while Premium class seats, in a 1930s Southern Railway Maunsell heritage coach, are £55 per person.

Costing £7,944 to build, the Flying Scotsman was named after the prestigious London to Edinburgh express train service that the locomotive helped to operate – the journey time being eight hours.

In 1924, it appeared at the

British Empire Exhibition in London, before it was withdrawn from service by British Railways in 1963.

It was purchased by the National Railway Museum in 2004 and restored thanks to a £4.2 million, 10-year project funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as public donations.

For more on the visit, and to book tickets, log on to swanagerailway.co.uk.

The Flying Scotsman passes Corfe Castle

PHOTO: Andrew Wright

Poignant homage to railway saviours

TWO pioneering Swanage Railway founders – who as university students started the battle to rebuild the Dorset heritage line in 1972 – have returned to Swanage 50 years later to honour those who have realised their dream.

Andrew Goltz and John Sloboda were keen 22-year-old railway enthusiasts when they travelled from London to the disused station in the village of Corfe Castle during May, 1972.

The pair, both sons of Polish immigrants, walked along the abandoned and rusting tracks just weeks before they were lifted by demolition contractors working for British Rail. It was during that afternoon walk around the boarded-up Victorian station, in the shadow of the medieval

castle ruins, the pair decided to form the Swanage Railway Society to reopen the 10-mile branch line from Wareham after it was controversially closed by British Rail in January 1972.

Just a few weeks after the Swanage Railway Society was formed, British Rail lifted the tracks for scrap, with the Society having to fight a four-year battle to be allowed to rebuild the line and re-lay the tracks so that steam trains could be returned to the Isle of Purbeck.

Flying in from his home in Poland to visit Corfe Castle station 50 years later, Andrew said: “It’s very moving and gut-wrenching to be back. With the castle ruins rising above, Corfe Castle station had a powerful magic and I remember John saying, ‘We have to save it’.”

Now in his early 70s, John travelled from his London home to be reunited with his former student railway campaigner.

After being shown around Corfe Castle station the pair took a train trip to Harman’s Cross station to visit a poignant memorial stone paying tribute to generations of dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers.

Andrew Goltz, seated, and John Sloboda to his left at Harmans Cross paying tribute to railway volunteers no longer with us

PHOTOS: Andrew Wright

Andrew Goltz in 1976 and, inset, the memorial stone

Ofsted: Improved school now ‘good’

A WAREHAM primary school has been praised by inspectors.

Wareham St Mary CofE Primary School was given a rating of “good” after a two-day inspection in May this year.

It was previously ranked as “requiring improvement” after the last visit from Ofsted in May 2018. The school has since become part of the Coastal Learning Partnership and a new headteacher – Nicole Davids –was appointed in April.

Inspectors said the school, recovering from the Covid pandemic, wanted “all pupils to reach their potential and offer a wealth of opportunities for each child to succeed”.

They added: “All members of the school share a firm understanding of the high expectations for behaviour.

“Pupils and staff talk clearly about the use of the school’s behaviour system. There is rarely low-level disruption and pupils say that teachers deal swiftly with this if it should

happen.”

The report also highlighted a “positive and caring culture” at the school, with no bullying and “overwhelmingly supportive” parents. Teaching was also praised, with particular focus put on maths and reading, with leaders fostering a “love of reading for pupils”.

The report said the school could improve further by addressing “too much variety” in the way pupils experienced the curriculum, and by developing ways of assessing whether pupils were making the progress they intended.

In addition to the positive Ofsted report, the school was also ranked “good” after a statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) by the Church of England Education Office for the 2021-22 academic year.

Head teacher Ms Davids said: “We are proud to see that our school’s core values have shone through in both reports.”

The report from the Church of England highlighted how school leaders were ‘totally dedicated to their work with a passion to a make a difference for every pupil’, enabling ‘children to flourish’.

Ms Davids added: “We

couldn’t be prouder of how our school and our wider school community are reflected in these two reports. We are dedicated to continuing the good work.”

The full Ofsted report is at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ provider/21/142167.

Police volunteers receive awards

POLICE volunteers were honoured at a special eventincluding from the Dorset force. The annual Citizens in Policing Awards were held at the RNLI College in Poole on October 16 and attended by nominees from Avon and Somerset Police, British Transport Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Wiltshire Police and Dorset Police.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell and Regional Lead for Citizens in Policing T/Assistant Chief Constable David Minty opened the event.

Other speakers included Tim Mann MBE and Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, David

Sidwick.

Among the winners was Rod Almidani, who joined Dorset Police’s Positive Action team in January 2022 and has already undertaken a significant number of hours of duties engaging and supporting members of the Muslim community.

He was named Police Support Volunteer of the Year.

Elsewhere, winners included Police Cadet of the Year Luke Taylor, of Devon & Cornwall Police.

He has been a cadet since he was 13 when the Torbay Unit was first formed in 2018. Now that Luke has turned 18, he has become a Cadet Instructor and has applied to become a Cadet Leader.

The Special Constable of the

Year award went to Special Sergeant Jazz Smart, from the Gloucestershire Constabulary. She is also a qualified tutor and runs Op Disruptor – a Special Constabulary response to organised crime and drug dealing.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “All our police staff volunteers, special constables or police cadets demonstrate amazing dedication and commitment to their communities, and the role they perform is essential to helping their police force deliver the very best service to the public.

“These awards are about recognising the tremendous work they carry out every day and to thank them for their service.”

Volunteer Rod Almidani

Picture: Dorset Police

Musician booked

MULTI-instrumentalist and two-times BBC Musician of the Year Tim Edey will play at the Drax Arms Stable Bar, Bere Regis, on Tuesday November 1. Tim has toured the world and recorded with most of the major

names in Celtic/contemporary roots music including The Chieftains and Christy Moore.

Tickets for the 8pm show can be reserved by emailing pip_ evans@btinternet.com. For more details visit timedey.co.uk.

Charity seeks drive helpers

ARE you a driver and car owner who would like to help local patients in need of vital hospice support?

If so, Lewis-Manning is looking for volunteer patient drivers across Purbeck.

Lewis-Manning’s day hospice provides a calm, relaxing and homely atmosphere for people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

It offers a safe space for patients to receive support from nurses and take part in activities they enjoy – from arts and crafts, to simply having a cuppa and a natter with others.

The charity needs someone to help transport patients from their homes in Purbeck to the new Closer to Home day hospice in Wareham.

Debbie Tallick-Wyatt, Lewis-Manning’s day hospice clinical team manager, said: “We are so excited to have recently opened the doors to our new day hospice based at Wareham and Swanage Rugby Club, meaning we can offer this fantastic service to people in our community, closer to home.

“If you are a confident driver, with a full, clean license and like meeting new people, we would love you to join us as a volunteer patient driver, supporting your community and helping to brighten the days of our patients.”

To apply visit lewis-manning. org.uk/volunteer-vacancies, email hr@lewis-manning.org.uk or call the volunteer manager on 01202 708470.

Hundreds hit roads for biker charity

MORE than 400 bikers took to Dorset roads as part of a charity ride out.

The annual DocBike fundraiser saw the wheels hit the road on two routes – a 30-mile trek from Alderholt and a 35-mile effort from Bridport –with both finishing at Henstridge Airfield.

Organisers said the efforts of the bikers raised more than £8,000 for the Dorset-based charity, which provides care to injured parties in motorcycle crashes.

The weather provided perfect riding conditions on the day, with Dorset riders Dr Ian Mew and critical care paramedic Mark Williams leading separate convoys through the Dorset countryside followed by paramedic Rob Walker, who

volunteers as a public engagement rider for the charity.

After completing their chosen route, motorcyclists received a warm welcome from crowds at Henstridge, where they were able to enjoy a fantastic display of stalls and live music from The Hardcore Troubadours.

The event also provided DocBike and the crew from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance the opportunity to engage with bikers to raise awareness of their life-saving work.

Dr Mew, co-founder and a trustee of DocBike who is based at Dorchester County Hospital, said: “While this event helps to raise much-needed funds for the charity, the support for what we do from the motorcycling community and beyond means

so much more. Motorcyclists are statistically the most vulnerable road users, being 56 times more likely to be killed per mile travelled than when in a car.

“Reducing motorcycle collisions while being able to provide life-saving critical care to anyone who needs it, not just motorcyclists, forms the cornerstone of our work and we are immensely grateful to every

person and organisation across the county for their unwavering support.”

DocBike thanked everyone who took part, as well as businesses who donated raffle prizes, Bridport Town Council, the Churchill Arms in Alderholt, Henstridge Airfield owner Geoff Jarvis and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

For more on DocBike visit docbike.org.

Motorcyclists sport helmet hair-dos as part of the fun

PHOTOS: Will Badman Photography/DocBike

THE WORLD’S BEST ACROBATS AT MONKEY WORLD

Meet the world’s best acrobats at Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset this half-term- the gibbons! Children visiting the park can celebrate International Gibbon Day with us by taking part in fun trails and quizzes whilst learning about the important work we do to protect primates worldwide, plus arts & crafts & Halloween activities in the Kid’s Centre!

As well as seeing the king of the swingers, Monkey World is home to over 260 primates, including over 50 chimpanzees, and Europe’s official crèche for orphaned orangutan infants. Many of the park’s residents have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can now all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment.

Combining fun with conservation and animal education, self-guided audio tours explain all about man’s closest living relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape Play Area for children with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames.

PLUS Kids go free on 31st October when in full Halloween fancy dress! Visit www.monkeyworld. org for full details and to book in!

Charity appoints new CEO

A WIMBORNE man has been appointed CEO of a Christian charity that supports victims of domestic abuse back to independent living.

Andy Gilbert brings a raft of experience from his church charities and business background to the role with the Christchurch-based Water Lily Project.

He was instrumental in running a nationwide charity initiative to help churches become more dementia friendly, including working with Lambeth Palace, London home and centre of ministry of the

Archbishop of Canterbury.

He was also managing director of a corporate teambuilding company and before that worked with Barclays Bank, Poole, managing strategic development and UK-wide programmes.

Andy said: “Water Lily Project supports women in their greatest times of need yet receives no government funding and relies solely on grants, awards, and fundraising.

“As the country enters an economic crisis, I know things are going to get even harder for the women we support and

charities like Water Lily. “We have a waiting list of women in crisis as cases of domestic abuse continue to rise. We’re also seeing more cases of women with mental health issues.”

Water Lily Project trustee Sue Daly said: “Andy brings a huge amount of business acumen to the charity.

“We’re over ten years old and have grown considerably. His skills will prove vital in helping us restructure and look forward to the next ten years and how we can continue to help more women back to

independent living.”

To get involved in supporting Water Lily Project, contact Andy by email to ceo@ waterlilyproject.org.uk.

Talk tackles Jurassic Coast eco issues

AN ENVIRONMENTAL talk is to take place at Corfe Castle on the subject of climate change and its impact on the Jurassic Coast.

The talk is titled ‘What’s the

local response to the climate emergency and other local environmental issues?’, and takes place at Corfe Castle Community Library from 2pm on Friday, November 11.

A spokesperson said: “Purbeck is part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage site.

“So it’s nationally and internationally important.”

“However, it faces environmental issues at local, national and international

Andy Gilbert

How you can avoid being fooled by unscrupulous online puppy dealers

IF YOU are thinking about getting a dog, animal charities would be incredibly grateful if you would consider rehoming one of theirs.

They have lovely dogs in need of good homes and would give you all the support and information you need to be a successful, happy dog owner.

However, if you are aiming to buy a puppy, take note that the RSPCA says that a shocking 87 per cent of their puppy-trade calls are about animals bought over the internet.

To avoid being fooled by unprincipled sellers who use the internet to advertise and sell farmed puppies, take heed of this advice from the RSPCA on how to spot their ads.

Look for these tell-tale signs: n Same contact number on more than one advert – try searching for the number in a

search engine to find out if it has been used on other puppy adverts;

n Descriptions may have been copied and pasted and used on more than one ad. Again, use a search engine to check if the text has been used before, word-for-word;

n Words like ‘miniature’ and ‘teacup’ can be a sign of dealers

who are capitalising on cute, popular terms;

n Photos of the puppies may have been used on other adverts – right click on the photo, select the ‘search for image’ function with your search engine and see if it has been used on other ads;

n ‘Vaccinated early’. If the advert says a puppy is

vaccinated, check how old he or she is. A puppy cannot be vaccinated before they are four- to six-weeks old. If someone is advertising a three-week-old vaccinated puppy, they are lying;

n Pet passport. If the puppy is advertised as having a passport, it has probably been imported; n Are they really Kennel Club registered? Ask for original documents and check with the Kennel Club before buying;

n Promises of ‘free insurance’ and ‘puppy packs’ don’t always mean the advert is from a legitimate breeder.

If you see a suspicious advert, report it to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

For further information, visit the charity’s Puppy Trade Campaign online at rspca.org. uk.

LORRAINE GIBSON

Basil the jackapoo seeks forever home

I AM a six-year-old jackapoo, found alone and taken to the pound.

When nobody came to collect me, Waggy Tails offered me a place and they are going to find me a super forever home where I will be loved and cared for.

I am not able to tell them too much about myself, but they know I love treats!

I enjoy my walks and love to sniff about in the field looking for gaps under the fence.

I like to have cuddles a lot. I’m a busy boy, a typical terrier with lots of energy. I am making friends slowly with other dogs but can be a little reactive to them. I would like a home where I get lots of exercise, lots of cuddles and lots of treats.

If you are able to offer me or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, email: admin@

waggytails.org.uk or visit our the website www.waggytails. org.uk.

n Waggy Tails Rescue has lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes, and also needs more foster homes.

If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden, have experience with dogs and have no children under 10 years old in your house then give the charity a call and discuss fostering.

Waggy Tails Rescue is a based in Wimborne. It rescues and rehouses dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or are otherwise in need of a new home. The charity also finds homes for other small furries that may be in its care.

To find out more you can contact the number or email listed above. Donations can be sent to: Waggy Tails Rescue, Helen’s House, 143 Magna Road, Wimborne, BH21 3AW.

Make sure your puppy is not from an unprincipled seller Image by Kim Hester, Pixabay

Runner completes her 34th marathon

AFTER two years of setbacks due to the pandemic, a determined runner has raised much-needed funds for a Dorset charity by completing a marathon in Berlin.

Eliza Brodie finally managed to run the Berlin Marathon last month in aid of the Poole-based Dorset branch of SSAFA, the armed forces charity.

She was among 45,000 runners who took to the streets of the German capital on a route that took in the old East and West Berlin with the finish line being the spectacular Brandenburg Gate.

The run was Eliza’s 34th marathon, with her support team in Germany headed up by her godmother, Sally Cadec, who is vice-president of the Dorset branch of SSAFA. Earlier in the year, Eliza also ran the North

Dorset Villages Marathon and the Ham to Lyme 50km.

“I like running as it’s something I can do for myself and I like a challenge,” she said.

“I always have a feel-good factor at the end of a run as well.

“I’m dyspraxic, which means my co-ordination isn’t brilliant and I was never very good at team sport at school, so the fact that I do running now is great.”

She said the charity was one that was close to her heart.

“Through my godmother I’ve learnt how much good work this charity does for serving and ex-service personnel and their families,” she added. “I am lucky enough to be fit and able to run. Many service personnel have been injured in the line of duty and can no longer do so. I am running to support them.”

So far, Eliza’s efforts in Germany have raised more than £1,000 for the charity and people can still donate at https:// www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/eliza-brodie4.

Meanwhile, SSAFA Dorset is urgently in need of a fundraising co-ordinator to help planning and running charitable events.

To volunteer you do not need

to have any military connection or knowledge, just community spirit and a desire to help people.

For more details visit ssafa. org.uk/volunteering.

Eliza, above, and at the finishing line, right

Explore archives for family history

SWANAGE Museum will be holding an open weekend at the Swanage History Centre on November 5 and 6, in order to allow people to explore the archives for family or personal history.

A small group of volunteers

has been slowly and painstakingly working over the last few years sorting, listing and cataloguing the artefacts and paperwork.

In April the History Centre acquired the adjacent two units and has since been able to

expand and put the new space to good use.

It will now be able to hang a lot of the growing collection of works of art that have been donated or bought by the museum over the years.

The library of books is also

now housed in a much more accessible space.

Additionally, it is home to the archives relating to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, including a growing photographic collection and a family history section.

The Square, Swanage, BH19 2LJ - www.swanagemuseum.org.uk

The Swanage History Centre is the research arm of Swanage Museum. It houses the artefacts that aren’t on display at the Museum and the research material relating to local families, the local schools and Swanage & the Isle of Purbeck in general.

It consists of printed, written and photographic material. It also houses the Museum’s art collection. The acquisition of the two adjacent units earlier in the year has enabled us to display a lot of the art collection. This Open Weekend is chance to come and see the scope of this material and to view the art collection. Members of the Research Team will be on hand to answer your queries. Refreshments will be available. We regret that there is no disabled access at the moment and that parking is extremely limited.

Your ties to Swanage and the surrounding area may be revealed among a treasure trove of museum documents and photographs

Telling It Like It Is

We need another way to tackle stealing caused by desperation

Rising numbers of “desperate” customers are leaving shops, restaurants and petrol stations without paying, as the cost of living crisis bites.

And while crimes of making off without payment have not yet hit pre-pandemic levels –there were 848 offences in Dorset in the year ending March 2020 – it is feared that many may turn to this type of offending through desperation.

This is theft where the person knows on-the-spot payment is expected for goods or services supplied, but they nevertheless leave without paying.

Leaving a restaurant without paying the bill, refuelling a car and driving off, leaving a taxi without paying, or even failing to scan items in a shopping basket through a self-service till – in many cases these are not just deliberate attempts to defraud, but stealing in desperation to feed a family.

Are they guilty (yes) or should their ‘crime’ be punished by fines (no) or imprisonment (double no).

I am fortunate my mortgage was paid off 20 years ago and we have learned to live within our means. And we have thick jumpers and fluffy blankets.

But if my choice was stealing or letting the kids starve, you know darn well what I’d do.

I read that average household disposable incomes have dropped by £160.84 per month compared to last year. The article blamed sharp increases

in spending on essentials including rent, groceries, transport costs and utility bills.

Charities have warned that millions face a stark choice between eating and heating their homes this winter, with inflation expected to rise above 18 per cent and energy bills now predicted to hit £2,500 per year since the ‘cap’ has been raised.

On the subject of which, what’s the point of a ‘price cap’ if it keeps on being lifted as the prices go up? Was it not supposed to protect us from rising prices?

And how does the Bank of England expect to control inflation when it relentlessly increases the rates which directly affect our mortgages and loans – which fuels rather than inhibits inflation?

Mortgage rates are quick to go up when the base rate rises, but not so quick to go down when it falls. This governmental interference with the economy is a sack of wool being used to pull over our eyes and conceal their inability to solve the problem: we are being ‘fleeced’.

But that is by no means the limit of governmental interference in our lives; look at the badly-thought-out new Highway Code.

It’s not a legal document and many of its rules are not official highway laws. It contains 307 regulations; contravention of many of these can give rise to penalties. Much of the code is actually supported by laws and

it is easy to tell which ones, because they use the explicit terms ‘must’ or ‘must not’.

There are more than 10 million drivers in the UK who are over 70 years old. Your licences won’t be automatically renewed when you reach 70. Together with your GP, you should have regular check-ups to see if you are still up for the demands of the road.

There is no upper age limit for driving a car. However, all drivers have to renew their driving licence when they reach 70 and every three years from then on.

The renewal form will be sent to you automatically by the Driver Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) 90 days before your 70th birthday. You can also renew your driving licence online for free any time from 90 days before your 70th birthday.

A new rule affects how road users should behave towards pedestrians. The rule is aimed at drivers, motorbike riders, horse riders and cyclists.

It states: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which, or from which, you are turning.”

So if you are turning into a road and there is a pedestrian waiting to cross, you no longer have right of way as the vehicle driver. Instead, you should wait for them to cross before carrying on. This rule also states you will be expected to let a pedestrian cross in front of you in slow moving traffic. Did you know this? And now for the really stupid bits...

Cyclists are “advised” to take care when overtaking

pedestrians and horses by slowing down and using their bell.

Cyclists should try to ride in the centre of their lane so they are more visible on quiet roads and on the approach to junctions.

Cyclists are advised to leave enough space for drivers to overtake them safely, especially on busier roads.

Motorists should leave at least 1.5m when overtaking cyclists and 2m for horse riders. If motorists are travelling faster than 30mph, though, they should allow more room.

This applies on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions with the aim of improving cyclists’ visibility. On faster roads cyclists should ride at least 0.5 metres from the kerb.

There is also updated guidance for people cycling in groups. While they can ride two abreast, they have a responsibility to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake by moving into single file or stopping when necessary.

Yet 1.5 metres will put you right into the oncoming lane. Totally impractical and almost impossible on the narrow roads in Purbeck.

Cue for even more cries of execration from horse riders and cyclists … but we all use the roads, we must all work together to make them safe, and that’s about common sense and courtesy rather than rules and regulations.

But don’t forget, this column is ‘telling it like it is’ and not ‘telling it how it should be’. There isn’t enough room for that.

Highway Code cycling rules don’t make sense

Emergency measures target bird flu

NEW rules have been introduced to stop the spread of bird flu as cases soar.

Chief veterinary officers in England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

From midday last Monday it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from avian flu.

Implementing the highest levels of biosecurity measures on a farm is the most effective way to reduce the risk of disease spreading within flocks, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The introduction of the AIPZ comes as the country faces its

largest ever outbreak of avian flu, with 190 cases confirmed across the UK since late October 2021 – more than 30 of these since the beginning of this month.

The East of England has been particularly badly hit with outbreaks in poultry and captive birds, although there have been outbreaks in the South West and in wild birds at multiple sites across Great Britain.

Now keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and

geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products including eggs are safe to eat.

In a joint statement the chief veterinary officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Bird keepers have faced the largest ever outbreak of avian flu this year and with winter brings an even more increased risk to flocks as migratory birds return to the United Kingdom.

“All bird keepers must take action to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.”

Cases of illness are on the rise

PHOTO: Canva

Motoring Confusion over tyre pressure warning

WHILE a potentially life-saving feature, many drivers are still unaware of what the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light is for when it appears on their dashboard.

Introduced as a mandatory safety feature on all new cars since 2014, it remains a mystery to some yet is one of the most important warnings drivers need to pay attention to.

To help drivers understand what it is and what they need to do if they see it appear, TyreSafe has developed a new animation that clearly explains what all motorists need to know.

As the name implies, TPMS is designed to monitor all the car’s tyre pressures and alert the driver if they fall below the recommended settings.

Driving with underinflated tyres not only wastes fuel and increases tyre wear but it also makes tyres more vulnerable to

catastrophic failure, or ’blowout’ – a potentially life-threatening driving event.

Some systems will automatically turn the light out once a driver reinflates their tyres to the correct pressure, although not all do. In many instances, it is down to the driver to check the pressures, inflate the tyres accordingly and then manually reset the system.

Understanding which type has been fitted to their vehicle

and what to do is essential for all motorists.

The TyreSafe animation also has advice should the light reappear soon after. It maybe a sensor needs replacing or there is a fault with the system. Both situations will need to be fixed if the car is to pass its next MoT as a functioning TPMS is a requirement of the mandatory safety test.

Should a driver see the TPMS light come on while

driving, they should slow down, drive more cautiously and find a service area or garage where the pressures can be checked as soon as possible.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe chair, said: “TPMS is an essential part of modern vehicle safety systems. If tyres aren’t at the right pressure, the vehicle’s handling and braking will be compromised.

“But, our research suggests a significant number of drivers ignore the warning light when it appears and carry-on driving – putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk.”

“You need to take action now, to understand what to do if the TPMS warning light does on come whilst driving. Take a few moments to watch our animation so you can act if this happens to you.”

The animation can be found at TyreSafe.org.

Fall in number of dazzled drivers involved in crashes

MORE traffic on the roads after lockdown helped cut fatalities where sun dazzle was a contributory factor, according to the AA.

Deaths dropped from 41 in 2020 to 19 last year, while the number of severe road casualties (KSIs – killed and seriously injured) barely dipped, from 496 in 2020 to 491 in 2021, according to the latest Department for Transport statistics.

The return of traffic to UK roads, while putting more vehicles back on the road, likely reduced the lethality of incidents by slowing traffic speeds and making road users more wary of encountering others and vehicles.

The return to work and school last year would also have reduced the number of vulnerable road users exercising during the day and therefore chances of a deadly collision,

the AA said.

However, although a blinding sun is a contributory cause of fewer road casualties (3,900 to 4,000 each year between 2012 and 2014, now down to 2,397 in 2020 and 2,369 in 2021), it is still a factor for 3%, or one in 33, road casualties.

Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

With sunset moving into the rush-hour period, the AA is warning drivers to be equipped and alert to how they might respond if suddenly blinded.

Above all, if drivers are unsure that the road ahead is clear, they should slow down.

Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

“Always keep sunglasses within easy reach when driving.”

Race is on to identify lost footpaths

EVIDENCE of forgotten footpaths is being sought by a Dorset group – and you could help in the search.

The Dorset Ramblers is calling on volunteers to help them track down evidence of ancient and lost paths, bridleways and rights of way.

They need people who know their way around a 100-year-old Ordnance Survey or parish map and who would enjoy looking at old railway or canal records or websites showing the location of former mills and other landmarks. All these things can help establish where former rights of way were, and how they were recorded.

“If you can find historical evidence to back up the fact that a pathway or bridleway once existed, you have a much stronger case,” explained Jan Wardell, footpath secretary for the Dorset Ramblers.

The project is part of a gargantuan effort to relocate and register England and Wales’s lost pathways and routes.

The Ramblers reckon there are more than 49,000 miles of these routes, which, in walking terms, is roughly twice round the earth – and they need to complete it by January 1, 2026.

After this date paths and bridleways that existed before 1949 but which are not recorded

on definitive maps will be extinguished forever.

“It really started with the Countryside Act in 2001, when the government announced a cut-off date for adding routes to the definitive, which means the legal, map,” said Jan.

documentary evidence.

“You don’t even have to enjoy walking to do this, just enjoy being a bit of a detective with old documents and maps,” says Jan.

These documents are important because, say, a map showing a former mill may also indicate a public right of way to it used by the people who bought their flour for milling. A canal map may show a towpath that was created and used as a public thoroughfare.

years.

“Until they are recorded, we cannot guarantee they are public rights of way, and therefore we would not encourage you to go out and walk them.”

For the same reasons, it says, landowners and householders should not feel concern, about the campaign.

Initially, the government funded the discovery of the routes but after a while that ceased and, as time started to run out, the Ramblers launched their Don’t Lose Your Way campaign in 2018.

Routes can be lost for a variety of reasons, from falling into disuse, disappearing because of roads or changes to the original route, and some have been lost because of previous landowner action.

Volunteers in Dorset have already discovered 918 miles of long-lost routes – now they need more people to search for

Many of these documents and maps can be found online. Others, such as the ones in the Dorset Record Office, are on paper and must be inspected in person and others still will come from images derived from the National Archives at Kew.

Nationally, the Ramblers are developing tools and resources to help with the research. But they are also keen to get out a few messages, one of which is not encouraging people who think they’ve identified a former potential right of way to go and try and walk it.

A spokesperson said: “While many of the paths identified may be historical rights of way, they are not currently recorded on the legal map of rights of way, the definitive map, and some may have been legally extinguished in the past 120

“The Ramblers do not want to claim lost rights of way going through buildings, including people’s houses,” said the spokesman. “Volunteers were asked to mark-up paths which appeared on historical maps and we recognise that some areas have seen a significant development in the last 120 years.

“We want to add paths to the map which will improve the network for all. Identifying a potential lost right of way is the start of the process and further research and consultation is required before the local authority confirms a right of way. In some cases it is possible and appropriate to apply for a diverted version of a historical route.”

To find out more or to help Jan Wardell and Dorset Ramblers contact the group nationally at ramblers.org.uk/ get-involved/campaign-with-us/ dont-lose-your-way.

Ramblers on a walk through the countryside

Cryptic crossword

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.

Have a light sleep with family in small square? (6)

Travels finally some distance showing evidence of happiness (6)

Priest in chapel incessantly (3)

Have a light sleep with family in small square? (6)

Travels finally some distance showing evidence of happiness (6)

Priest in chapel incessantly (3)

Down 1 Dislike pointed instrument (6) 2 By the sound of it, chief theoretical basis

Religious books kept in Iowa a little bit

Client, chap largely that’s trained to do with applied science (9)

Parasites left by diamonds (4)

Client, chap largely that’s trained to do with applied science (9)

Parasites left by diamonds (4)

Publicity prevalent about large weapon (3,5)

Revolutionary number in protest close to normally traditional institution (8)

One responsible for creating titles? (9)

Sensational European lecturer, endlessly resourceful (8)

Ancient civilization found in main category (4)

Publicity prevalent about large weapon (3,5)

One responsible for creating titles? (9)

Sensational European lecturer, endlessly resourceful (8)

Will shown by group that’s upset weak conservationists (9)

Instinctive pull on reflection (3)

Discount graduate entering network (6)

Trace with trouble river and hole (6)

Ancient civilization found in main category (4)

Will shown by group that’s upset weak conservationists (9)

Instinctive pull on reflection (3)

Discount graduate entering network (6)

Trace with trouble river and hole (6)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit maybe repeated in any dashed-lined cage, and each dash-lined cage must result in the given value when the stated op eration is applied between all of the digits in that cage.

For subtraction

Struggled with month? (9)

Dog one creating

Some American

Dark resin found in normal accounts (3) 7 Precious metal belonging to the elderly? 10 Slate councillor, independent and troublesome citizen mostly (9) 13 Struggled with titled figure, we hear, in month? (9) 14 Remove quietly summary (8)

Dog one creating crosswords? (6)

Some American term for an easy gallop

Leading source of light (4)

Weep in this way over book (3)

Join the fight over water pollution

OVER the last year many of us have been appalled at the sight of raw sewage in the sea and the loss of shellfish from Poole Harbour following pollution of the water.

In October 2021 an amendment to the Environment Bill that would have placed a legal duty on water companies not to release raw sewage into rivers was voted down by Conservative MPs.

Early in 2022, as vice chair of BCP Council’s overview and scrutiny board, I questioned senior staff from Wessex Water and the Environment Agency about the increasing number of storm overflows affecting the wider Dorset area and challenged them on where responsibilities lie for improving water quality.

There was shock at the revelation that EACH overflow within the system is permitted to discharge sewage ten times each year and with dozens in the

Letters

Statement from council misleads

I READ with amazement the response from Dorset Council to the article on street lighting published in the last edition. They claim the lights comply with their policy, but they do not. The upwards emission from these lights exceeds the policy by a factor of nine.

The environmental zone definitions they use do not comply with the zoning definitions from the CIE, the originators of the guidance they claim to follow.

There are many areas where their statements are incorrect.

The most serious misrepresentation of fact is their denial that credible scientific

Purbeck area this means the potential for hazards to human and animal health as well as fish stocks is considerable.

One overflow north of Corfe Castle has discharged 108 times over three years and another at Durlston has overflowed 126 times in two years since monitoring began.

As more homes are built, water runoff and waste from household use is allowed to connect to the sewers without the systems having capacity increased downstream.

Developers are encouraged to provide sustainable drainage systems onsite to deal with rainwater and runoff but there is no legal obligation to do so.

Improved legislation to force housebuilders to create ponds and waterways within developments rather than connecting to the mains systems has been requested by the

Environment Agency but has yet to appear.

During the BCP scrutiny meeting we challenged Wessex Water over why they were not improving the sewage systems and water treatment plants. We were told Ofwat dictates the priorities for water companies and the priority has been in keeping water bills low rather than increasing investment in infrastructure.

I visited residents who had raw sewage come up through their floors on to their patios after heavy rain in July 2021.

These homes are inland on streets built in the 1950s but having been built before most of the homes further away from the sewage plant their street sewers were not capable of dealing with the levels of wa er flowing into them.

These residents are calling for sewer capacity to be

increased with underground storage tanks constructed along their length. This is not only costly but needs space.

Last month, a group of us tested the water in Poole Harbour for contamination with nitrates from sewage. On this occasion, levels were low but on the same day a discharge off the beach at Sandbanks was confirmed and on several dates in August beaches at West Lulworth and Swanage were marked as unsafe to swim by Surfers Against Sewage.

Liberal Democrats are calling for increased regulation of water firms and a 16 per cent tax on their £2.2 billion profits to be ringfenced to improve the quality of our rivers, lakes and coastal areas. We hope residents will join our campaign.

SLADE

evidence exists about the health risk that these lights pose.

The American Medical Association wrote a report in 2016 called “Human and Environmental Effects of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Community Lighting”. They would not have done that if there were not legitimate concerns about these lights.

Research at auspicious institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the National Institute for Cancer, among many others, has independently confirmed the risk.

The mechanism whereby melatonin suppression increases cancer risk has even been reported.

For any public body to make such an uninformed and

misleading statement on such an important health subject is highly irresponsible.

Dr Gavin Rider By email

Be careful what you wish for

DAVID Hollister writes on September 26 that ‘Democracy is dead’ and that whoever you vote for, ‘things will go on just the same’.

How wrong he is! The Conservatives under Margaret Thatcher radically changed Britain from 1979 onwards, as did Labour under Tony Blair from 1997 onwards. The last referendum led to us leaving the EU, but that is, by a small margin, what people voted for.

So elections do change

things, just as Liz Truss is currently changing things to the delight of Mr Drax but in ways that other Conservative leadership candidates would not have done.

In his last paragraph Mr Hollister asks, ‘Can we turn it round?’ and effectively answers ‘No’. He is thus arguing for a dictatorship.

We are fortunate the idea of democracy goes very deep in the British people.

As they look around the world as it currently is, when it comes to democracy, I am confident the British people will be more careful in what they wish for than Mr Hollister is in his despairing comments.

Peter Clark Chair of South Dorset Liberal Democrats

Readers’ letters on matters of local interest are welcomed. Email them to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk along with your name and where you live. Please let us know if you are happy for your name and address to be printed. If permission is not obvious we may either use your initials or state ‘name and address supplied’.

VIKKI

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Mid Dorset and North Poole

Vikki Slade

Government steps in to support families with energy price hikes

AS THE weather turns colder, I am pleased the government is supporting households with energy bills.

Credit on energy bills will be £66 a month until March, and the Energy Price Guarantee is keeping bills lower than first forecast. It’s important to note you do not need to apply for this support. Ignore emails or text messages telling you to complete forms to get the money – these are scams.

For those not on mains gas, there is also a support payment of £100 towards heating costs in addition to targeted support for those on lower incomes.

I know some energy firms are still raising direct debits very high – please make sure these are based on your actual usage, not estimated bills. There is also support for businesses, keeping bills lower through the Energy

Bill Relief Scheme, and lots of advice and support from local councils. You can find links to this and other help at michaeltomlinson.org.uk/ cost-living-advice.

The government is also legislating to provide support for households, like park home owners, who may not benefit from the credit on energy bills. We are also changing the way renewable energy prices are linked to global gas prices to protect consumers.

Following the appointment of our new prime minister, I have been given a new role in government. I am now His Majesty’s Solicitor General, working under Britain’s most senior law officer the Attorney General. This means I will be

providing legal advice to the government, and considering unduly lenient sentences.

When a person is convicted of serious or violent crime, they are sentenced by a judge using sentencing guidelines. If anyone thinks a sentence is too lenient they can refer it to the office of the Attorney General and we then consider it. If I think the sentence was too lenient, I will refer it to the Court of Appeal for review.

I will also be answering questions at the Dispatch Box in Parliament on legal issues, but all this work goes alongside my constituency work. I am unable to take on legal cases for constituents, but I am here to support you as your MP. Recently, I took the

opportunity at the party conference to meet several charities that constituents had asked me to see, and hear about their campaigns, including the British Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs and the British Red Cross.

Many constituents contact me about environmental issues, and I was pleased to be able to discuss new developments in environmental protection with Wessex Water at conference.

I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency. If you need assistance email michael.tomlinson.mp@ parliament.uk or call my office on 01202 624216. You can also follow what I’ve been doing on Twitter @Michael4mdnp, on Facebook at facebook.com/ michael4MDNP and at michaeltomlinson.org.uk.

MICHAEL TOMLINSON MP

Enough is enough as country goes to pot

ONE can hardly keep up with the news since the government’s spectacular mini-budget fiasco.

The market was spooked by the budget – announced by chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in September – with the pound at one point falling to its lowest rate against the US dollar since 1971. The Bank of England had to intervene to save UK pension funds, with a promise to buy up £65bn of government debt – so called “gilts”.

The verdict of think tanks like the Resolution Foundation – as well as that of the International Monetary Fund and global economics consultancies like TS Lombard – was damning. Kwarteng has since been sacked, to be replaced by Jeremy Hunt.

since been scrapped – with the exception of stamp duty concessions – and the fuel cap, which will cost £60bn over the next six months, is now only guaranteed until April. At which point it looks likely to be means tested, with the emphasis now on balancing the books over borrowing to pay for tax cuts.

More austerity beckons and the knives are out for Liz Truss – after just weeks in power. The Economist even wondered if she would outlast the shelf life of a lettuce.

wages in South Dorset are low – in Purbeck £26,000 per year – yet prices, especially private rents, are already too high for many. Our pleasant countryside hides real poverty, as revealed in a recent report, “Forgotten Towns”, authored by Emeritus Professor Phil Marfleet and Jenny Lennon-Wood of South Dorset TUC.

On October 1, an Enough is Enough demonstration took place in Weymouth, attended by a lively crowd complete with a Red Choir from Bridport.

Weymouth Labour town councillor Lucy Hamilton gave her support to those now striking for higher pay.

Labour activist Claudia Sorin spoke of how underfunding made it almost impossible for schools to support youngsters with special educational needs.

Chris Bradey

The budget U-turn came after mortgage rates hit a 14-year high, and it is hoped rates can now stabilise.

Similar protests took place all over the UK. I marched with demonstrators through the old town. Speakers from the RMT, UNISON, UCU and CWU spoke near the King’s Statue.

Caz Dennet from Extinction Rebellion reminded us the green light given to fracking by the new government would directly affect thousands of Dorset residents. Three outfits have already been granted licences to explore a wide swathe of countryside including Corfe Castle, the Lulworth Ranges and Swanage.

Most of the mini-budget has

Locally, there has been much concern about how hard pressed families will cope. Average

They spoke of the need for fairness, for pay rises to match inflation, for essential services such as schools and the NHS to be properly funded and for children not to go hungry.

Standing by the King’s Statue, the words of the Red Choir stayed with me: “Hearts starve as well as bodies, give us bread, but give us roses.”

CHRIS BRADEY Chairman, Swanage and Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Michael Tomlinson

Bring some cuttings in from the cold

AS THE nights draw in with the clocks changing on October 30, our limited time spent in the garden needs to be put to good use.

There is still time to take cuttings from a variety of plants such as geraniums, fuchsia, petunias, to name but a few.

Not only will this save money but it is an insurance against loss if the parent plant does not survive the winter.

Tuberous bedding such as begonias can be lifted and stored until their next growing season.

Another beneficial task is to

apply mulch around plants. Mulching insulates the roots, acting as a natural blanket that will protect the root system from frost. It will also suppress weed growth and add nutrients to the soil.

Now is the time to bring tender plants inside. Before doing so check for insects and treat if necessary.

Be sure to place them in a

position that provides light and cut back on watering. Any plants that are too large to move inside can be wrapped with fleece or a suitable insulation to protect them from the frost.

Pots can be raised on to feet or bricks to avoid saturation. Check pots that may be at risk of cracking and insulate accordingly.

Faded herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses and bamboos can be tidied at this time of year or alternatively the dead stems can be left as habitats for the wildlife in your garden.

Transplant trees and shrubs that may be growing in unsuitable positions. Ensure you keep the root ball intact.

Be aware that trees and shrubs that have been growing for a couple of years or more may now be too established to move.

If you haven’t already done so, clear out the greenhouse and get rid of any debris which could potentially harbour pest and diseases over the winter.

Once empty, clean and tidy it will be ready for your overwintering plants and cuttings.

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece”

Claude Monet

Begonias can be lifted and stored indoors until the next growing season

PHOTO: Peter H, Pixabay

A pumpkin soup for after Hallowe’en

AS THE old saying goes, waste not, want not.

You can make the most of your Hallowe’en pumpkins with this creamy and silky, garlicky and smoky soup. Beyond your Hallowe’en celebrations, it is a

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 large onion, roughly chopped

1kg (2lb) of pumpkin or butternut squash, skinned, deseeded, chopped into chunks

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed

A litre of chicken (or vegetable) stock

4 to 6 rashers of bacon or about 200g pancetta/lardons (optional)

Ground black pepper; salt Teeny pinch of cinnamon 120 ml of whole milk or cream

Method:

Heat a large pan/stockpot over a medium heat then add and fry the onion gently for 5

perfect recipe for autumn and winter days that cry out for cosy suppers,

You can make it with any squash, and with or without the bacon. Serves 4.

LORRAINE GIBSON

minutes; add the garlic and cook together until soft, golden and caramelly.

While they’re cooking, prepare the pumpkin chunks. Add them and your stock to the pot then season with black pepper and salt to taste. Bring to the boil uncovered, then simmer for 30 mins or until the pumpkin’s soft.

Meanwhile, if adding bacon, chop, fast fry and set aside. Remove soup from the heat, blend until silky smooth, return to mediium the heat and stir in the milk or cream with the tiniest pinch of cinnamon then add the bacon if using.

Taste to check it’s properly seasoned. Stir and serve in generous bowls with a swirl of cream and crusty farmhouse bread or black olive focaccia.

Going slow is quick way to start saving

WITH the cost-of-living crisis, we are all worried about how to cope this winter.

I have been very impressed with the new initiatives of some supermarkets, which are linking up with celebrity chefs to educate people with their value-saving meal planning – keeping the food on our plates seasonal and keeping more pennies in people’s pockets.

The chefs have come up with recipes under £2 per person, which are not only brilliant value but also use fresh ingredients and take a no-waste approach to meal planning.

Cooking for a family is a real challenge when you’re also trying to run your home, hold down a job or manage your own business, and look after your children, but it is the healthier option and would save you

money on the weekly shop.

Our local food bank has been given a number of slow cookers to be given out to get people cooking again. This is a great idea. I love mine, and they are very economical to run. As a child, I remember my mother and grandmother using their hotpots, or slow cookers as they are known today. They’re a practical way to cook up a one-pot meal, and make superior soups, stews and all types of casseroles.

My easiest slow cooker recipe is a whole chicken, with carrots, onions, potatoes, mixed herbs, and a stock cube, with salt and pepper to taste. You can also do exactly the same with a piece of pork. Pop it on in the morning, and you have the most wonderful meal ready and waiting when you come home

from work. Long, slow cooking helps to tenderise cheaper cuts of meat and brings out the flavour in braised dishes.

You would be amazed what you can cultivate in any little pot. In October, you can still grow spinach, herbs, and

lettuce. As a child I would grow cress for my egg sandwiches.

Let’s enjoy getting back to basics and cooking from scratch, back to how our grandparents cooked to save money and fill our tummies.

Pick any squash to make this tasty soup

BARBARA COSSINS

PHOTO: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash

Centre’s open day event set in stone

VISITORS can find out more about the role of stone in the Isle of Purbeck during a special event on November 19.

Between 10am and 4pm, an open day will run at the Burngate Stone Centre, near Langton Matravers, pictured right.

Burngate was set up as a not-for-profit charitable educational trust that supports the sharing of skills and the advancement of knowledge and culture associated with Purbeck Stone, which is at the heart of the landscape, economy and history of the Isle of Purbeck.

The centre aims to ensure the community, students, professionals and visitors to Purbeck are offered opportunities to get a better understanding of the stone and the landscape around them through hands-on courses, events, and other related educational activities.

“We specialise in teaching stone working skills including relief carving, letter cutting and stone masonry to everyone from

complete beginner and families through to those with years of experience,” said a spokesperson.

“We’re also keen to do more to champion, support and communicate Purbeck’s contemporary stone industry and heritage craft skills in the years ahead.

“Why not come along, have a look around and join us for a cuppa to find out more about Burngate?”

Meanwhile, the centre is looking for

more volunteers to help run the venue on a day-to-day basis, supporting the courses as well as maintaining the site and grounds.

“If you have spare time, we would love to hear from you,” the spokesperson added.

“We are at an exciting stage of development and would love to hear from anyone with business skills and time to help us develop, including but not limited to; PR, Funding Applications, Social Media, Finance, Business Planning etc.

“We have ambitious plans for Burngate but we do need some help.

“We are looking for Volunteers and Trustees to help us to realise our plans. It’s a great way to get involved with the local community, meet new people, learn new skills and be in a creative space with people who are passionate about the area and Purbeck stone.”

For more information, log on to burngatestonecentre.co.uk/support-us or visit the open day.

Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services.

We’re a dynamic, forwardlooking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We like to do things differently here – it’s one of the

reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference.

Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, a vibrant urban location, thriving seaside spot, or the among the rolling hills of a stunning rural setting, there are a lot of ways you can make a difference in our local communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people.

We’re all about building a workplace for the future – we

believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity.

We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team. You’ll challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and

Why a tidy home is good for you

A MESSY house can cause stress and make it hard to rest in your own home.

Fortunately there are some simple ways to take control of clutter and enjoy better mental health at the same time.

Storage experts at Clever Closet say when it comes to a house tidy-up, the hallway is the best place to start as there is often no storage at all and clutter can easily become a problem.

If you are houseproud, you can easily become stressed if the hallway is untidy as it is the first space you enter when you return home. It will also be the first thing any visitor sees, whether they come inside or wait on the doorstep.

Marie Kondo, a notable proponent of decluttering using her KonMari method, argues you should discard anything that

doesn’t “spark joy” in your life and keep only the things you really care about. Through this method, you can grow to be more organised, stay mindful and appreciate the things you have in your home.

This can be a particular challenge for the hallway because of the lack of storage, and that is where understairs storage can be very beneficial.

However, it is rare that understairs cupboards are kept tidy and well organised – things you don’t use often are often stashed there, and that can make it difficult to find these items when you need them.

The answer is a modular drawer and cupboard system to prevent this problem by offering convenient compartments in which to sort and separate the things you need to keep in the hallway – whether that’s shoes,

coats, umbrellas or other things you want by the front door, or items you need in adjacent rooms but have run out of space for.

It does not have to be understairs storage, but creating

more storage space can be one way to feel more engaged and enthusiastic about tidying.

Taking a small step towards solving a manageable problem can be a great start and pull you out of a spiral of negativity.

Everything in its right place

PHOTO: El Sun, Pixabay

Strong demand

RINGWOOD’S summer sales saw strong prices across all categories.

Recent highlights included a Swiss singing bird automaton music box for £2,000, an Augustus John watercolour for £3,400, a Liberty & Co silver and enamel vase sold on behalf of Julia’s House Hospice that fetched £1,400, a collection of Piedfort proof silver coins that sold for £2,000 and £1,800 for a gent’s Omega wristwatch.

There is currently a high

demand for jewellery, silver and collectibles.

Ringwood Auctions are now accepting entries for our forthcoming auctions. If you would like to consign items for a future auction or discuss buying or selling with us, call on 01425 480178.

Call experts before

PEOPLE are often surprised to find it is things that are likely to be thrown away that can sell for the most money at auction.

The world of antiques has changed and people are now not interested in china teasets, large dinner services and jug and basin sets. Once a staple part of the antiques market, these items are the things people clear from a house first and bring to us –because they do not want them.

Of course there can be exceptions. A certain name or

make can still sell well and this is where we can advise you. For example, back in 2009 we saw a surge in interest in what we call ‘collectibles’ – postcards, coins, stamps, old photographs, WWI and WWII war medals and memorabilia including old uniforms and kit, old telephones, corkscrews, printed ephemera, watches, any items of local/Dorset interest, sporting memorabilia, autographs, badges, small silver items and gold (even scrap pieces).

Playing cards and, inset, a stamp for collectors

the house clearout

One thing for certain is items sold at auction have a better chance of realising their full value than selling elsewhere.

Antique furniture is proving hard to find and good items sell. Even bureaus are coming back into fashion and selling for more as people realise small laptops can be fitted into them.

When clearing the property of a deceased relative, it is advisable to contact us for professional advice before disposing of anything. An initial

visit to a property is usually free, and it helps to email images of items to info@ cottees.co.uk beforehand.

Clearance charges apply but are usually more than covered by the auction proceeds. If you have paid for a house clearance you will see nothing of the profits from the contents.

With all our catalogues now listed worldwide online, we can save you the time and trouble of selling items on eBay and achieve high prices.

An eclectic mix...

HERE @sixtyone you will find an eclectic mix of old and new items for your home.

From a gorgeous mid-century Nathan ‘Trinity’ coffee table with a circular glass top and three leaf-shaped nesting tables that fit neatly underneath, pictured top right, to stunning vintage style puzzles produced by Cavallini & Co, below, which are so beautifully presented they make fabulous, affordable gifts.

Pop in next time you are in town. You never know what you might find for your next interior project or gift idea.

Value proposition of antique jewellery

WHY should we buy antique jewellery?

Antique jewellery specialist and owner of Heirlooms, Amy Brenan, believes antique, vintage and second-hand jewellery is imbued with a magic that many modern pieces simply cannot conjure.

Here she gives her opinions on why antique is a winner for everyone:

She said: “Jewellery is incredibly personal and there will always be an intriguing story behind each antique, vintage or second-hand piece – who wore it, on what occasion was it given, how long has it been in the family?

“The appeal of owning and wearing something from history will never disappear.

“Antique jewellery can also represent fantastic value for money. Just like a new car, a modern piece of jewellery will depreciate in value before it turns into an investment. When buying an antique piece, someone else has already ‘paid’ for the depreciation.

“Antique jewellery is exempt from VAT so you are

automatically paying 20 per cent less than a modern alternative, making it a much more affordable and wise long-term investment?

“If being eco-friendly and ethical is important to you, most antique jewellery on offer pre-dates the use of heavy machinery to design, cast and set mounts and stones. It was all down to the individual manual skills of the maker. And when you buy antique, you are also actively recycling and not contributing to the over-mining of land to harvest precious metals and gemstones.

“If you’re looking for jewellery that’s really different and not run of the mill, choose antique.”

n Heirlooms of Wareham is at 21 South Street, Wareham, heirloomsofwareham.co.uk.

We Will Remember Them.

As the country builds up to November 11 – Armistice Day – all our thoughts turn to the sacrifices of those who have fought for our country.

From the First World War to the Falklands, the Battle of Britain to Baghdad and beyond, our Armed Forces are the best of us all.

Remembrance activities in the UK – and here in the South West – are led by the Royal British Legion.

The RBL supports the Armed Forces community in a myriad of ways, with hundreds of thousands of volunteers doing what they can to honour not only the fallen, but those still serving – and their families. We want to show our respect, and give something back. Your Purbeck Gazette magazine is publishing your messages to our Armed Forces.

For a donation of £10 or more – all of which will go to the RBL – we will publish your message of up to 25 words. It can be dedicated to one of The Fallen, a veteran, serving personnel or our brave forces in general.

“We are passionate about supporting our Armed Forces, as we know the people of Dorset are too,” said publisher David Armishaw.

“This is one way we can show our appreciation of those who take care of us each and every day – and we are proud to do so.”

Simply follow the instructions below to place your message, and we will remember them.

Theatre to star as a ‘cultural hub’

AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to establish Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre as a cultural hub for the wider Purbeck area.

The Mowlem Institute Charity has revealed its business plan after commissioning a community consultant in 2020 to help inform and shape a process of change.

More than 1,500 responses were received to the consultation, representing 15 per cent of the Swanage population.

wellbeing of its residents and the economic regeneration of Purbeck.”

Deborah Paige, co-chair of The Mowlem Institute Charity, said: “The board of trustees is committed to involving the local community at every step as we position the Mowlem as not just a cultural hub for the people of Swanage but also as contributing to the continued regeneration of Purbeck.

Remember them, and support the Royal British Legion

On November 7, the Purbeck Gazette magazine will publish your messages of remembrance and dedications.

For a donation of £10 or more, your message will be published in our remembrance feature, in print and online, with all donations given in full to the Royal British Legion.

To place your message, up to a maximum of 25 words, please call 01963 400186 and place your message with Lizzie.

It overwhelmingly identified a desire for The Mowlem Theatre to be more open and welcoming and to develop deeper relationships and links with local schools, music and visual arts partnerships and festivals.

Called Time For Change, the 20-page document tackles subject areas such as the history of the trust, where it is today, organisational change, governance, funding and reimagining the building on Shore Road.

The plan also contains financial projections for the next five years.

It concludes: “The Mowlem is at a crossroads. Never in its history has the trust been in such an excellent position to make the changes necessary to become a thriving cultural hub for Swanage, contributing to the

“We hope through the public release of this business plan; residents and visitors, businesses and other arts organisations, charities and community groups will see our commitment to positive changes.”

In the last two years the board of trustees has been reinvigorated with new appointments to ensure it has the skills needed to deliver the changes identified.

Robin Sutcliffe, chair of the theatre’s Development SubCommittee, said: “The Mowlem has the potential to be an inspiring multi-purpose community resource – a place where people can learn, enjoy themselves and gather.

“This growth and organisational change will be dependent on increased funding, both public and private.

“We hope that this business plan helps to secure that.”

More than 1,500 people gave their opinions on the Mowlem

Site in Purbeck on list for zone boost

THREE areas in Dorset could become ‘investment zones’ under a new government scheme aimed at boosting development and growth.

Under the plan, firms based within the zones would benefit from zero business rates as well as relaxed planning rules to enable speedy delivery of homes and employment developments.

Dorset Council has submitted expressions of interest to the government covering three parts of the county –including one area in Purbeck.

The council wants investment zone status for a site in Wool, adjacent to the existing Dorset Innovation Park, pictured inset, where the aim is to build on the success there by offering further development opportunities for key sectors including advanced engineering and manufacturing.

The innovation park at Wool is currently home to around 36 firms, including Britlift and Qinetiq, with around 800 people working on the site.

The park is described by the

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership as ‘an advanced engineering cluster of excellence for the South West, building on its strengths in marine, defence, energy and cyber-security’.

The other two areas the council wants included are in Weymouth and Portland.

In Weymouth several regeneration sites around the waterside at Weymouth harbour and marina have been earmarked for homes and jobs, with opportunities for commercial and leisure developments.

And the port area in Portland offers opportunities for commercial and business operations, and a residential site in Castletown.

The government says investment zones are designed to ‘unlock housing across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment’.

The zones offer lower taxes – including 100 per cent business rates relief – planning

changes that minimise the need for planning applications, and wider support including cash settlements to enhance growth.

Councillor Tony Ferrari, portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property at Dorset Council, said: “We welcome any opportunity to attract investment, improve infrastructure, and create jobs here in Dorset.”

The three proposed locations offer great potential for economic development and are suitable for this kind of activity.

“However, I should also say that we have received only limited detail so far from government about how Investment Zones will work.

“Our Expressions of Interest do not represent a commitment by government or by Dorset Council. We await further detail

from government so we can assess the potential pros and cons of an Investment Zone before making any formal commitment following council processes.”

A total of 38 local authorities across the country have been approached to submit expressions of interest in creating Investment Zones, including Dorset and nearby Somerset County Council.

It is not yet known when the government will announce decisions on Expressions of Interest for Investment Zones.

The schemes were announced last month as part of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s controversial mini-budget and their future remains unclear as changes to that statement are made.

More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Dorset Innovation Park opens in 2018, with MP Richard Drax cutting the tape

Pictures: Dorset LEP

Horror will have you in stitches

INSPIRED by the classic gothic horror film of the 1930s and heading for Dorset soon is Gonzo Moose’s fast-paced Is That a Bolt in Your Neck? – a clever mix of spooky paranoia, surreal nightmare and frantic farce.

The spooky mood is set with a castle that looms, dark and foreboding, over a small mountain village.

Inside the eerie pile Dr Chekhov, a brilliant and reclusive scientist, is working in secrecy.

Outside, as the villagers prepare for Christmas, they become increasingly alarmed. Strange shadows linger at the castle windows, and every night brings blood-curdling cries of pain.

What is Chekhov doing? What hideous experiments is he perpetrating? What unimaginable horror might emerge from his laboratory?

And will any of it spoil Christmas?

All will be revealed in this gripping comedy horror.

They promise you’ll gasp, laugh and be amazed at the horrific experimentations, the mind-boggling love, and the sensational death-defying finale!

The show is playing at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, on Sunday November 20 at 7.30pm, as part of the Artsreach autumn season of performances in rural communities.

To book tickets call 01202 887247 or visit artsreach.co.uk.

There is also another performance in north Dorset’s Stalbridge Hall on the Saturday night, November 19, for those who fancy venturing further afield for a night’s entertainment. Call 01963 362978.

The band performs in Argentina

See Coldplay at the Lighthouse

COLDPLAY are set to perform in Poole on Saturday (October 29) – although lead singer Chris Martin and the rest of his band will not be heading to Dorset in person.

The Lighthouse, Poole, will be screening a recording of the band’s show from Argentina, which was made into a feature by acclaimed BAFTA awardwinning and Grammynominated director Paul Dugdale.

Fans can take a seat in the cinema for what organisers promise will be a ‘stunning spectacle’, made during the Music Of The Spheres world tour during a sold-out concert at

Buenos Aires’ River Plate stadium.

“The show has attracted rave reviews from fans and critics alike,” said an event spokesman.

“Watch as the band perform classic hits from across their career including Yellow, The Scientist, Fix You, Viva La Vida, A Sky Full Of Stars and My Universe in a stadium bursting with lights, lasers, fireworks and LED wristbands – all of which combine to make Coldplay’s concerts such a joyful and life-affirming experience.”

Tickets to the 3.30pm and 7pm screenings are available at lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Span relive golden era

THE early 1970s were the start of a vintage period for music and for Steeleye Span, the pioneers of folk-rock – it was their time to shine and become a major creative force.

Fifty years on, and still with legendary vocalist Maddy Prior, they’re out to show the world what makes them so special at the Tivoli in Wimborne tonight, (Monday, October 24).

Prior’s voice remains remarkable, swooping and soaring in harmony and melody and, more importantly,

underlining how Steeleye has survived largely by having her at the helm.

Their gig at Wimborne’s Tivoli theatre tonight will pay homage to the ’70s as they revisit definitive material from their albums.

LIVE SHOWS & MUSIC:

• An Evening of Entertainment - Swanage Drama Company is back on stage with this concert featuring songs, comedy sketches, barrels of fun and laughter and all in aid of charity. • Saturday 5th November at 7.30pm

• The Decatonics (with Stacey Lou) A powerful 8-piece skaband from Dorset drawing on classic tunes from Ska, Rocksteady, 2Tone, Soul, and Reggae genres supported by Stacey Lou performing ‘Amy’, a tribute inspired by Amy Winehouse.

Saturday 26th November at 7.30pm

EVENTS IN THE SHOWBAR

(upstairs at The Mowlem):

• Swanage Seafront Masterplan. This public drop-in event in The Showbar encourages interested community members to join James & Sara from the Dorset Coast Forum team to discuss their views on the seafront. They are also planning a photography exhibition exploring the seafront.

Thursday 17th November at 6.00pm

MOWLEM VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITIONS

• The Ties That Bind. Our second visual arts exhibition will showcase work from Helen Hardy and will open to the public from Friday, 21st October, through Tuesday, 29th November. More information to follow soon.

MOVIES:

• Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (PG)

Monday 31st October through to Thursday 3rd November at 7.30pm.

Monday Matinée on 31st October at 2.30pm.

• Frida Kahlo (15)

Monday 7th November through to Wednesday 9th November at 7.30pm.

Monday Matinée on 7th November at 2.30pm.

• Elvis (12A)

Friday 11th November at 7.30pm.

• Emily (15)

Saturday 12th November to Thursday 17th November at 7.30pm.

Monday Matinée on 14th November at 2.30pm.

• Amsterdam (15)

Friday 18th November to Thursday 24th November at 7.30pm.

Monday Matinée on 21st November at 2.30pm.

• The Lost King (12)

Friday 25th November to Wednesday 30th November at 7.30pm. Excluding Saturday, 26th November (see The Decatonics).

Monday Matinée on 28th November at 2.30pm.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES:

Monthly

• The Making Memories Dementia Friendly cafe is 1st & 15th of November. There are no movies for November.

• The Flower Club will meet on Thursday 17th November at 9 am in the Community Room.

The Purbeck Society is holding a talk by local art historian Robert Field about 19th-century artist

William Joy on Friday, 11th November, at 1 pm in the Community Room. Weekly / Bi-weekly

• Health Qui Con Community meets every Wednesday at 1.30pm in the Community Room.

• Baharah Dance Classes at 6.30 pm on Thursday 10th, 17th and 24th November in the Community Room.

• Swanage Arts & Crafts Market is every Saturday and Sunday outside the Mowlem.

Book your tickets: www.themowlem.com www.themowlem.com

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for 19th Sept is NOON 12th Sept

KEY: * = Start time not known or n/a; Ffi = for further information; Sw = Swanage; Wm = Wareham; VH = Village Hall, Telephone code 01929 unless otherwise stated.

EVERY MONDAY

09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH.

09.30 Under 2.5 years old group. Till 11am. at Parish Hall, Wm.

09.45 Toddler Club URC, Swanage. Till 11.15.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Methodist Ch.hall, High Street, Swanage. Steve: 424591: Malcolm: 427695.

13.00 Play and Learn at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 2.45pm

13.00 Under 1s and Tums at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 3pm.

14.00 Pins and Needles at Harmans Cross VH.

14.00 Swanage Digital Champions. Support people in the community to use the internet and gain basic online skills. Booking essential on 01929 423485.

14.00 Swanage Disabled Club meet until 4pm. Meeting place All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, Swanage. Transport available. Call Mrs Daphne Saville on 01929 425241.

16.00 Colour Me Happy. Adult colouring session at Swanage Library. Drop in.

16.45 Soccer Skills Swanage FC First Sch children £1. Till 5.45. 425175.

18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Swanage. Free cardio tennis taster. Till 7pm.

19.00 Swanage Youth Club. School year 10 and upwards. Till 9.30pm.

19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30. New singers always welcome. 01202 632678.

19.30 Purbeck Village Quire rehearse at Wm URC Church. New/ visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. 288045 or 480737.

19.30 Wm Folk Dance Club Stoboro’ VH. All welcome. 07749 853815. Email: warehamfolkdance@gmail.com.

19.30 Swanage Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, Court Road, Swanage. Cadets age 12+. Email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

19.30 Swanage Badminton Club meet at Swanage School, High Street, BH19 2PH, and play until 9pm. New members welcome.

20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Swanage.

EVERY TUESDAY

09.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Painting and sketching. At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Swanage. Till 1pm. Outdoors in summer. Gina on 421689.

09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 11.30am.

09.30 Kiddies Corner Mother & Toddler Group (term time only) No feedonations welcome. Purbeck Gateway Church. 551415.

09.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. 553718.

10.00 First Steps Parent & Toddlers’ Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.30am during term time. Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail. com.

10.00 Sandford Toddlers at Sandford Community Hall, till 11.30am.

10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 103 High St. Swanage. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances. Until 12 noon.

10.30 Employment Hub at Swanage Library. Until 12.30pm. Book via Skilla dn Learning on 01202 262300.

10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the Swanageing of things gently! 481000.

10.30 Wareham Walkers. Convivial health walks for mainly older people, of up to two hours in and around Wareham, ending with coffee at a local tea room or pub. www.wareham-walkers.org.uk or call 552933.

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until

2pm.

14.00 Swanage Walking for Health Group. Walks of 60-90mins, various locations. Walks are very social, for a range of abilities. Walks start from car parks at Studland, Corfe, Arne, Durlston, Langton, Acton, Worth and Kingston. 481000.

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. No charge but voluntary contributions welcome.

18.00 Swanage Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10pm.

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm.

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Victoria Avenue, Swanage. BH19 1AZ. Parking on-site. Till 9.30pm. All singers welcome! 425074.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; nonmembers £2.50. Till12.00. 427067.

10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Offering peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till 12 noon. 552864.

10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon.

10.30 Books and More – Swanage Library. Reading & discussion group.

13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm.

14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Swanage. All welcome.

14.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 3pm. With Penny at the Mowlem Community Room, Swanage. 07969 925502.

14.30 Local Historian takes you on a town walk around Swanage, lasting 1 1/2 hours. No need to book, just turn up in the Swanage Museum in the Square, voluntary contributions welcome.

16.15 Swanage Football Club U-7s training til 5.15pm. £1. 426346.

17.15 Swanage Football Club U-9s training til 6.15pm. £1. 426346.

18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7 and 8. Till 8.30pm.

18.30 Swanage and Wareham Hockey Club Junior (6-14yrs) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Until 7.30pm. Email: Swanagewarehamhockey@ outlook.com.

19.00 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552046.

19.00 Wareham Depression Support group. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesday each month at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham. BH20, until 9pm. John: 01929 556315 or 07871 727278 or email: johnoneil905@yahoo.co.uk.

19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practice in the Council Chamber, Swanage Town Hall. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909.

19.00 Purbeck Runners meet at Beach Gardens Pavillion, Swanage.

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. 426161

20.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10pm.

20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130.

20.30 Wm Swanageimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10pm.

22.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59pm.

EVERY THURSDAY

09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Swanage. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. Jane on 01929 427078.

09.00 Carey Crafters meet every Thursday at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, until 12.30pm (come anytime between). No age or gender restriction. All crafts welcome – we have a wide variety!.Come

WEEKLY EVENTS

along and share your craft or learn a new one! Contact Donna on 07870 993311 or Helen on 07368 352737 for further information.

09.30 Play and Learn at Chapel Lane, Swanage, till 11am.

09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Streche Road, Wareham, until 12 noon.

09.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Swanage. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 11am.

09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am

10.00 Wyvern Savings and Loan Credit Union opens until 12 noon at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham, opposite the Library. A secure place to save and loans available at fair rates. Call in for a cuppa and a chat, or call 01305 268444.

10.00 Wm Parent and Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45am. 556806.

10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 103 High St. Swanage. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances. Until 12 noon.

10.00 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Swanage. Til 11am. Admission 50p.

10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups and charities.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@ hotmail.com.

10.30 Midweek Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976.

10.30 Woodworking with Bernard and Terry at the Purbeck Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. D’Urberville Centre, Collier’s Lane,Wool. www.purbeckworkshop. org 07757 776907. www.purbeckworkshop.org Phone: 07794 479208.

11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon.

11.30 Home Producers Market. Wareham to be added to the diary. Every Thursday from 7am to 11:30 in the United Reformed Church, Church Street, Wareham.

13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Anti-natal mums welcome. Till 3pm. 552864.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Swanage. 423937. Till 3pm (term times).

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. No charge but voluntary contributions welcome.

14.00 Wareham Happy Cafe. Friendly conversation, talks, activities and some fun to put a spring in your step! Everyone welcome. Held at the Not Just Sundaes Cafe in South Street, Wareham. BH20 4LU. From 5th March 2020 onwards. FREE. Until 3.30pm.

14.00 Studland Chair-based Exercise in the Village Hall, Studland. Julie on 558139 or email: jbrad@uwclub.net.

14.15 Swanage Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Swanage. All Welcome.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 1125) night. Till 7.30pm.

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 9pm.

19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. 07969 925502.

19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. Ffi, call: 551478 or 01202 242147.

19.30 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehersals, with conductor David Fawcett, at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-May. All welcome. For more information please phone Liz Roberts 01929 481419.

19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm.

EVERY FRIDAY

08.45 Coffee @ 112 - Drop In For Coffee! Catch up with friends at 112 High Street (United Reformed Church) in Swanage. Cake and bacon butties. Fair trade stall. Donations for ‘Besom in Purbeck’ and church funds.

09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30am. With Penny at

Furzebrook VH, Wm. 07969 925502.

09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Alex on 07904 412067.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Methodist Ch.hall, High Street, Swanage. Steve: 424591: Malcolm: 427695.

10.30 Do you want to volunteer in Swanage? Meet the team at the Volunteer Bureau in Swanage Library! Until 12.30pm.

11.00 Swanage Library Rhyme Time, ages 0-4, until 11.30am.

11.00 Toddler Time For Under 5s And Carers. Wareham Library. Stories, songs and crafts. Every Friday, including school holidays. 01929 556146.

18.00 Purbeck War-Game & Model Club. Royal British Legion, Swanage. 426096.

18.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9). Till 8pm.

18.00 Purbeck Youth Choir at the United Reformed Church Hall, Swanage. 8-18 years old. Till 7pm. Jay Buckle on: 07947 866945.

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

19.00 Swanage Youth Centre Seniors Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 9.30pm.

19.30 Informal Lesbian Social Group meets each Friday for fun, laughter and to make new friends. Ffi, contact Karen by email at: outinpurbeck@gmail.com.

20.00 Swanage Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm.

22.00 Swanage Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free).

EVERY SATURDAY

08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Swanage. 4/5 mile run.

09.00 Swanage CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30

09.00 Swanage Self Defence FUNdamaentals for ages 4-12 years at Swanage Methodist Church, Swanage. For a FREE taster session, contact Ian on: 07888660225 or email: SwanageSMA@gmail.com and quote ‘Purbeck Gazette’.

09.30 Swanage CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30am.

10.00 Tea, coffee and home-made cakes in the Parish Hall on Wareham Quay during the Community Market. Til 2pm. Bric-a-Brac stall weekly. Christian bookstall most weeks. All welcome for a warm-up and a friendly chat.

11.00 Lego and Megablok Mayhem at Swanage Library, until 12 noon. 18.30 Whist. Come and join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Call Richard on 01929 553516.

EVERY SUNDAY

09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Swanage. 8+-mile run. 10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321.

10.30 Stoborough Baptist Church – would love to welcome you for meeting. For details please call 01929 550309 or website www. stoboroughbaptistchurch.co.uk.

10.30 Dorset Button Rapper is teaching its traditional sword dance from the North East of England. Five men in a ring joined by double handled steel strips form intricate patterns without letting go of the swords! If you search of “rapper sword dancing” you will see what it looks like! No experience necessary! Meeting at Sandford Scout Hut, Tyneham Road, BH20 7BQ.

ACORN LODGE ODDFELLOWS : Events all held at the Three Legged Cross Hall, Wimborne: Saturday, November 19, 10am – Christmas card – iris paper folding – making and coffee morning; Saturday, December 10, 1.30pm – Christmas buffet, £4. Contact social secretary Julia Taylor to book places.

ARCHAEOLOGY FOR THE AUTUMN : Face The Past, a six-week course, examines past inhabitants of the British Isles – how they would have looked, lived and died. From the man who lived in the time before Stonehenge to the tragic case of an 18th-century ‘witch’; from an Anglo-Saxon warrior to the real face of Elizabeth I, and many others in between. Hear their stories and look them in the eye on a course that puts the individual people back into their cultures and with the many artefacts they would have known and been buried with. Course fee is £96. Starts November 3, from 2pm to 3.45pm at East Dorset Heritage Trust, Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1AS.