Purbeck Gazette Issue 297

What’s inside this issue...

n Personal trainer Alex Eversden is organising a 5k run and walk in Wareham in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society Page 4

Stroll of the ‘Light’ brigade

TWO free open air contemporary dance performances will be staged in Swanage this week when Landance presents ‘Light’.

The events, at dusk on Wednesday and Thursday (September 6 and 7), will see professional and young local dancers lead the audience from Swanage Downs to the amphitheatre.

The hour-long show will culminate with dance, music and lighting as darkness descends.

The walk from Swanage Downs, with views of the bay, cliffs and sea, will be at a slow

pace but Thursday’s event is aimed to be accessible to all.

Wheelchair and other less mobile individuals will see a film of the previous evening’s performance at the amphitheatre, before the audience and performers join them for the final part of the show.

Landance is a community interest company which aims to produce engaging and atmospheric live dance performances outdoors.

Past Landance performances have been held in Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Dorchester, the Valley of the Stones and

About the Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette prints every fortnight and delivers throughout the region from Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis. The Purbeck Gazette is published by The Blackmore Vale Ltd. All editing, graphic design and lay-up is completed in-house by The Blackmore Vale Ltd.

The Purbeck Gazette is printed by Blackmore Ltd of Shaftesbury.

The Purbeck Gazette website is managed and edited by The Blackmore Vale Ltd. Blackmore Vale Ltd also publishes The Purbeck Guidette, the Purbeck Visitor Guide. All rights reserved. All layouts copyright Blackmore Vale Ltd. No reproduction without permission.

OUR TEAM: The Gazette team consists of: Lloyd Armishaw, Debi Thorne, Donna Garner, Jane Toomer and Paul Jones.

The legal stuff...

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur. The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the editor.

No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the editor.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm

Book Online: purbeckgazette.co.uk

seaside towns around the South-West.

Professional artists in dance, music and design develop the performances on site.

This year, the professional dance artists are Patricia Langa, Kip Johnson and Emily Thompson-Smith, working with young dance artists Reuben Squirrell, Rory Armstrong and Mia Tongo Mesembe.

Local young people enjoyed workshops leading up to the performances led by professional dancers in Swanage Library, schools and groups Remix and Allsort’d.

is supported by Arts Council England, Dorset Library Service, Dorset Council, Dorset Community Foundation, Dorset Performing Arts Fund, with in kind from the Mowlem Theatre, Diverse City via ‘One Stop Shop’, Swanage Town Council, Remix and Allsort'd.

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Mar '23

Solar & Tidal Predictions - May '23

Tickets for ‘Light’ are free but booking is strongly recommended, especially for the accessible performance which has more limited spaces – visit landance.org.uk for details or find Landance on Facebook and Instagram.

Landance in Swanage 2023

Accessible parking spaces can be reserved.

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Sept '23

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Jan '23

Solar and Tidal Predictions - Feb'23

Solar & Tidal Predictions September 2023

Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

Peveril Ledge, Swanage

Professional and local young dancers will lead ‘Light’s’ audience across Swanage Downs to the amphitheatre for the culmination of the show

‘Human fish’ back in the water for swim around Greek island

DORSET’S ‘human fish’ Oly Rush is set to take on his next challenge today (Monday, September 4) – swimming around the Greek Island of Ithaca.

The 60km – almost 40 miles – swim, which could be delayed for a few days if conditions aren’t right, is expected to take about 24 hours.

A potential danger is jellyfish, so Oly, from Upton, will have ‘spotters’ on a support boat looking out for them.

Oly has previously swum the length of the Jurassic Coast, become the fastest person to swim around the Isle of Wight and the first person ever to swim around Grand Cayman.

The vegan swimmer has put on 8kg during training because of the relative coldness of the water where he trains off the Dorset coast.

The swim has been made possible thanks to recruitment company Green Folk Ltd based in Hook, Hampshire, which has

funded Oly during his training and is covering his costs.

It means every penny donated will go to Project Planet Earth and Healthy Seas –both groups dedicated to cleaning up the world’s oceans.

Oly said: “I am so grateful to Chris Payne of Green Folk Ltd for making this possible. And there are lots of other people giving their time for nothing.

“I’ve had great support from Adriana Eyzaguirre, who has helped with the planning and runs a kayak tour company on the island.

“And I’ve also had help from Kerry Jamieson of Argos Animal Welfare out there. She will be helping to observe the swim and ensuring the rules are followed.

“Also, when the Mayor of Ithaca heard about the swim he offered me accommodation.

“The sea around the island is about 28 degrees, which compares with 17 degrees in

the water where I’ve been training.

“The main dangers are sunburn, exhaustion and jellyfish, which at certain times of the year are found in large numbers.

“But I have a really professional team and hopefully we can raise plenty of money for the two good causes.

“I am lucky in that I can combine my hobby, which is swimming, with my passion, which is helping better protect the oceans.”

Oly spends his time clearing plastic from Dorset’s beaches as well as giving talks to schoolchildren about plastic pollution.

Ithaca was the homeland of Odysseus, the hero of the Homeric poem Odyssey. It is where the faithful Penelope waited patiently for 20 years for her husband to return.

There will be a tracker on the www. projectplanet.earth website and the link to make donations is https://gofund.me/ a2c63c3d

Run or walk 5k for dementia charity

THE annual Together for Alzheimer’s 5k Run or Walk will take place in Wareham next month in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

It is the 16th anniversary of the event organised by local personal trainer Alex Eversden to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

She said: “It’s always a fun event that attracts both club runners and family walkers.

“All money raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Society which does fantastic work in helping those affected by dementia as well as research to find a cure

for this devastating disease.

“It is close to my heart, so it would be wonderful if we could pull together and meet – or exceed – our target of £1,000.”

The run is on Sunday, October 8, and will start at Birchwood Tourist Park, Wareham, and follow tracks through Wareham Forest.

Registration is at 9.30am for a 10am start and everyone is welcome.

Entry of £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a family is requested, and in addition sponsor forms are available for further fundraising or donations.

To take part, donate or help phone Alex on 07769 584820, email getfitwithalex@yahoo. co.uk or visit www.facebook.

com/togetherforalzheimers or www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/togetherfor alzheimers2023

Chris Payne from Green Folk (left), which is supporting the swim, and ‘human fish’ Oly Rush. ‘Green’ campaigner Oly will be raising money for Project Planet Earth and Healthy Seas

Fruit of the loom

LONG-TERM maker in residence at Wimborne’s Walford Mill, Debby Kirby, is set to stage a new exhibition at the venue.

Debby and her loom have been centre stage at the charity-run historic mill since it was repurposed in the 1980s and became home to the Dorset Craft Guild.

The Threads of Time exhibition includes work representing the four seasons and collaborations with Walford Mill makers past and present.

Debby says the show is a

Debby Kirby is staging an exhibition at Walford Mill in Wimborne

Men’s Shed rises to pole challenge

A COLOURFUL new landmark has risen at a Purbeck beauty spot – a 14ft totem pole!

The landmark sculpture has been carved and painted by users of the Wareham Area Men’s Shed.

It stands in a picturesque glade at the Blue Pool, near Wareham, after a Scots pine tree was felled there for the purpose.

A dozen members of the Men’s Shed stripped the trunk as it stood on chunky trestles before setting to work with chisels and gouges.

Using methods pioneered by Native Canadians, they carved

out stylised shapes reflecting the pole’s setting at the renowned beauty spot.

Over the space of three months, interpretations of an owl, grass snake, badger and sika stag gradually emerged from the wood, along with a ‘sunshine’ face and Wareham’s town crest, while a sea eagle’s wings and head were fashioned back at the Shed’s workshop.

Once the elements were painted in traditional bright colours, and the eagle wings and head were attached, the

pole was finally erected at the far end of the Blue Pool’s Azalea Walk.

And the pole has already become a major attraction with most visitors stopping to take photos.

The creation was the brainchild of project leader Chris Hockley.

“While we love making things for the community at the Men’s Shed, such as planters and bird boxes, we felt the time was ripe for a bigger challenge – and they don’t come much bigger than a 14ft totem pole,”

he said.

“I knew the Blue Pool was having to fell some pine trees as part of their woodland regeneration schemes, so I cheekily asked the owner, Matt Jones, if we could have one to carve as a special project for this summer.

“Matt responded brilliantly by giving us two – one for practice and one for the real thing.

“We were out of our comfort zone as none of us had ever carved before. And I suppose we should have practised more than we did. But in the event, spurred on by a book we bought, appropriately called Carve Your Own Totem Pole, we more or less got straight to it.”

But he said the group of determined craftspeople had ‘spent a truly enjoyable summer carving and painting together in such a glorious setting’.

Feast of folk for charity

VISITORS to the Wareham Folk Harvest at the Kings Arms in the town this month will support the Allison Campbell Trust (ACT).

The pub has backed the local charity for some time now and is dedicating this year’s folk harvest to ACT.

The charity works with district nurses to help people in Purbeck in end-of-life care who wish to remain in their own home.

The folk harvest celebration starts with a ‘Come All Ye’ on Thursday, September 14, at 8pm – an opportunity to play, sing, tell a

story or just enjoy the music.

Black Sheep, a popular Dorset ceilidh/ barn dance band, come to the Kings Arms for the first time on Friday, September 15.

The band has performed all over Dorset and beyond for over 40 years earning its well-deserved reputation.

Support for Black Sheep comes from Wareham’s own Muddlecombe Men – the mayhem and laughter will start at 7pm.

A variety of performers will celebrate folk heritage, traditional and contemporary,

from noon on Saturday, September 16, before a musicians’ session led by Dave Dupplaw and friends from 7pm provides the grand finale.

The pace slows on Sunday, September 17, with a gentle session from 4pm to early evening.

Entry to the event is free but music fans are urged to support the ACT by making a donation in the bucket or buying raffle tickets – all funds raised will support ACT and the work it does throughout Purbeck.

The south of England’s premier skate suppliers

Matt Jones

“I hope people who see the end result will think it spectacular,” Chris added.

“I know that, personally, I am knocked out by it and can only thank some of my Shedmates who are far more skilful than me.”

The Blue Pool’s team of woodsmen provided logs for the eagle wings and head to be sculpted, and helped the Shedders raise the pole.

Owner Matt said: “We have been delighted to work alongside Wareham Area Men’s Shed and their project has been a pleasure for us, too.

“It was a wonderful proposal for us to receive and we are thrilled with the result.

“Totem is derived from a word meaning ‘kinship’, which could not be more appropriate for this truly inspiring group of friends.”

For more information on the Men’s Shed, log on to warehamshed.org.uk.

Fostering brings together people from all walks of life

FOSTERING children and young people is already very diverse, what we find is that those that come into the care system are within a diverse pool of people from different walks of life, races, religion and ethnicities.

Multiple circumstances can mean someone enters the foster care system, and each case is treated equally.

We follow the same approach when recruiting for foster carers, removing any barriers or stereotypes to fostering,

Our fourth value is to Respect Difference – at Footprints we believe the world would be a very boring place if we were all the same!

Why is this the case? Well,

once we embed a culture of difference, we can promote a safe space where everyone feels valued.

The support groups that Footprints offers is a great example of this, where all carers come together to share ideas and situations.

A carer shined a perfect light on this when they said: “Every child wants someone who loves them and believes in them, someone who makes them feel safe and secure.”

We break down the misconception of the ‘perfect’ foster family, respecting that everyone lives their lives differently.

So when you apply to become a foster carer, Footprints is always open minded to understanding your fit to fostering, regardless of your background or way of life. No matter where you come from, your background or way of life, if you can provide a safe and secure environment for a child or young person, Footprints would like to hear from you.

The totem pole at the Blue Pool beauty spot and the members of Wareham Men’s Shed who created it. Inset, project leader Chris Hockley and the pole being installed by a forklift

Landmark building gets new lease of life

A LANDMARK Wareham building has been lovingly restored and re-opened as a gallery and furniture business.

Dorset designers and furniture makers Esme and Jason Cameron took on their ‘dream challenge’ in July 2022 – to restore a Georgian shop and home, where they can live and operate their businesses –Cameron Furniture and the Grange Gallery.

Having worked together for many years as professional designers and makers, between them they have many sizeable build projects under their belts, so they were well seasoned for the restoration journey that lay ahead.

When people in Wareham are asked about the Georgian property many are quick to share their affection for its historic charm and often have memories of it as the popular family greengrocers, Bests of Wareham.

The family served the community with fresh floral arrangements and fruit and veg for more than 50 years and latterly for the past 30 years it was a gift shop, County Theme.

The Grade II* listed property was in a sorrowful condition

when Esme and Jason purchased it in 2022– it was in need of some ‘serious attention’ to save it falling into further disrepair, they said.

However, once the couple received the green light from Dorset Council and English Heritage for the project, they became a fixture on the high street throughout the winter and spring months.

In all weathers, the

community and visitors watched and wished them well as the couple meticulously restored the façade of the property.

“We had to start with the roof, as the building had sustained water damage on the inside and on the outside because of failing flashing, broken tiles and guttering,” they said.

“We then cleaned and painted the building, restored all the

sash windows on the top two floors, before getting our feet on the ground to start on the shop façade.”

But it was painstaking work, they said, as they uncovered original features and fine detailing.

“The restoration work, especially on the shop façade and town house entrance, took its time because we had to be so careful – we uncovered original features and fine detailing that had almost been lost forever because of the water damage the façade had been exposed to,” they said.

Summer 2023 saw the completion of their first phase of the restoration – the frontage itself.

And later in the summer, Esme and Jason opened the doors to Grange Gallery, where they both showcase their own art, homeware and furniture that they design and make at the gallery’s workshop, alongside regular exhibits by local artists and makers.

The new-look Grange Gallery in the heart of Wareham – the Georgian building was family greengrocers Bests of Wareham for over five decades and for the past 30 years was the County Theme gift shop

Hospital opens £2m Discharge Lounge

PATIENTS waiting to leave hospital can do so in improved facilities after the opening of a new lounge.

A new £2 million Discharge Lounge has opened at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) after funding was secured from NHS England as part of plans to expand discharge facilities and ambulance hubs across the country.

Discharge lounges are dedicated areas for patients who are waiting for their medication or transport once they are medically fit to leave hospital.

The funding was used to install a single-storey modular building in front of North Wing Entrance 2 that was pre-made and assembled on site.

Known as the Portesham Unit, the new building provides a much larger, purpose-built

space for patients to stay while they wait to be discharged, freeing up inpatient beds in the meantime for patients who need to be admitted.

It also includes additional, flexible clinical space with side rooms and bed bays to be used by other hospital services.

Open from 8am until 8pm, the Discharge Lounge has comfortable seating, recliner chairs, beds and refreshment facilities.

The lounge team can carry out final tests and tasks, plus help link families up with local voluntary support for patients as they return home.

Anita Thomas, chief operating officer at DCH, said: “We are delighted to be using our new Discharge Lounge. This larger space allows us to accommodate more patients

The Village Inn Ulwell

who are medically fit to leave hospital, which in turn frees up beds on our wards for those who need to be admitted.

“The new Discharge Lounge will support patients on their road to recovery by providing them with a comfortable and relaxing environment away from the wards while they wait to be collected by relatives, carers or transport services.”

Landscaping and road surfacing works are still being carried out around the outside of

the new building, which will include dedicated parking bays for those collecting a patient. In the meantime, patients, staff and visitors can access the new building via North Wing Entrance 1 and anyone collecting a patient should park in the drop-off area in between North Wing Entrance 1 and South Wing Entrance 1. Temporary parking bays have been assigned for those collecting patients waiting to be discharged.

From

Staff at the new Discharge Lounge at Dorset County Hospital

Rail minister gets the grand tour

RAIL minister Huw Merriman took a trip on the Swanage Railway during an informal visit.

The MP (Con, Bexhill and Battle) visited the Dorset heritage line via the trial diesel train service from the main line at Wareham.

He was accompanied by South Dorset MP Richard Drax and Dorset Council transport portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan.

Events

AVON VALLEY CONCERTS presents Pocket Sinfonia, 15th September at 19.30, Trinity Centre, Ringwood .

Adults £18.

Sunday 24th Septemb er 2023

Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL (B 30 81)

In Hand, Harness, Turnout, Ridden, Ladies Cart Classes, Trade Stands, Cra� Stalls, Refreshments, Classic Vehicles, Sta�onary Engines, Inflatable also featuring Fun Dog Show Tug of War Compe��on

Grand Horseshoe Making Compe��on

Adults £1 0

Chi ldren under 16 F R

On arrival, the minister was hosted by Purbeck Community Rail Partnership chair Mike Whitwam and Dorset Council councillor Beryl Ezzard, of the Friends of Wareham Station, for a tour of the station built in the 1880s.

Swanage Railway Trust (SRT) chair Gavin Johns then joined the minister for a journey on Swanage Railway’s trial heritage diesel train service to Corfe Castle and Swanage.

At Swanage station, the minister met volunteers before enjoying a footplate ride on 1940s Southern Railway Bulleid Pacific West Country class steam locomotive No 34028 ‘Eddystone’ during a trip from Swanage to Corfe Castle.

Once at Corfe Castle station, Mr Merriman toured the Swanage Railway Trust Museum – housed in the Victorian goods shed – before

visiting the station signal box which liaises with the Network Rail signalling centre at Basingstoke, Hampshire, when Swanage Railway trains run on to the main line into Wareham.

He rounded off the trip with a return journey to Wareham on the heritage diesel service operated by overhauled former British Railways Class 117 and Class 121 diesel units from the 1950s.

SRT chair Mr Johns said the group was ‘delighted’ to welcome the minister. “We were able to show the minister our trial heritage diesel train service from the main line at Wareham down to Corfe Castle and Swanage which has been achieved thanks to partnership working with the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership and a £1.8 million grant from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund,” he said.

“The minister was impressed by the number of long-serving volunteers as well as the professionalism, commitment and hard work shown by everyone he met.

“The minister was also introduced to guards and signalmen who explained their work in helping to operate the Swanage Railway safely and efficiently.

“[He] asked that his grateful thanks be passed on to everyone involved in making his visit to the Swanage Railway so informative and enjoyable.”

Mr Merriman was ‘genuinely interested’ in the work of the trust, and ‘keen to meet our dedicated volunteers and staff’, he added.

Rail minister Huw Merriman (second left) with Swanage Railway staff and volunteers. PHOTOS: Andrew PM Wright

Rail minister Huw Merriman with Cllr Beryl Ezzard

News from Wareham Town Council – August report

By Julie Bradshaw

AFTER meeting the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, with Richard Drax MP, Michael Tomlinson MP and representatives of Swanage Railway at Wareham Station, Mayor Cllr Turner and Dorset councillor Ezzard came away feeling positive about the future of the station and the level crossing.

While discussing the ticket office closure, councillors noted that when the station is not staffed, the toilets are closed and the Swanage Railway train does not have toilets either.

The 2RN minibus to Arne will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday until the end of September.

Initial checks have found sand lizards in the verges of the flyover where it is planned to

extend the footpath/cycleway.

The Community Speed Watch team is almost complete. If you would like to join, contact Cllr Ezzard on 01929 550138.

Anyone who lives or works in Dorset can take part in the consultation on housing strategy and learn about Dorset Council’s housing policies and challenges. The News section of Wareham Town Council’s home web page has a link, or phone 01305 221000.

Members of Wareham Twinning visited Hemsbach in August and are looking forward to welcoming their German ‘twins’ next year.

Sustainable Wareham had brought to the amenities

Protect Your Home From Care Costs & Inheritance Tax With A Living Trust.

A Living Trust, also known as a revocable trust or inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs and potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Revocable Nature: One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. You can also name successor trustees to take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death.

The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home.

Tel 07832 331594

email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

committee a project to establish an orchard but the council was unable to provide a suitable piece of land.

Wareham Christmas market is on Saturday, December 9.

Councillors objected to a planning application to convert a barn at Swineham Farm into holiday accommodation on the grounds it would cause too much traffic on the single track road.

In response to an application for the conversion of a barn at Bestwall Park, councillors requested the restriction that the accommodation be used for holidays only.

Councillors recognised the urgent need for risk management and asbestos management policies, and these

were accepted before detailed examination by the policies, resources and finance committee.

The SAFE partnership, which uses part of the town hall building, is moving out at the end of October.

There was no news on the Purbeck Gateway housing development – Dorset Council has still to engage with the market to find a developer.

The council deplored the loss of a chemotherapy nurse at Wareham Hospital meaning that ill people have to make the stressful journey to Poole Hospital, especially as the Friends of Wareham Hospital raised funds for equipment for cancer patients in Wareham.

The public is welcome to attend the next council meetings on Tuesdays October 3 and November 14 at 7pm in the council chamber. For more information, contact the town council office on 01929 553006 or visit the council’s website, www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Frank, 100, shares life advice

‘LIVE as honestly as you can and take care of those closest to you.’ That’s the advice newlyturned 100-year-old Frank Daley for those who want to live a fulfilled life.

The centenarian shared his considered words as he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at Colten Care’s Canford Chase care home, in Poole.

After a morning Skype call with family well-wishers in Australia, Frank was the centre of attention at his party as performers arrived to entertain him and guests with music, dance and circus skills.

For residents and staff at the home, it was a chance to honour a man renowned for being sociable and having a sense of fun.

Frank was born in Southampton in 1923, the second youngest of eight brothers. The family lived in the

city’s Long Cross Street, now a football pitch, and the birthday boy remembers the war vividly.

“When it came along in 1939, I was 16 years old,” he said. “I remember the bombing raids on Southampton and the damage they inflicted, losing loved ones in the attacks.”

After a period in the Home Guard, where he learned how to use weapons such as a Lee Enfield rifle, Frank joined the Royal Navy and went on to

Frank Daley enjoyed a 100th birthday party at Canford Chase care home in Poole

serve for three years, seeing action against both the German and Japanese navies.

Later, in civilian life, he became a businessman, setting up and growing a number of engineering and tool manufacturing ventures.

He also worked as a consultant advising business owners on growth strategies.

Performers at Frank’s birthday included three artists from Poole-based aerial hoop

class, Secret Circus, who performed while a relative of one of Frank’s fellow residents played trombone for him.

Frank also enjoyed listening to a series of Matt Monro and Frank Sinatra swing-era hits sung by crooner Scott Free.

Vicky Day, companionship team leader at Canford Chase, said: “It was a great pleasure and privilege to wish the lovely Frank a Happy 100th Birthday in style. The day was filled with love, good wishes and talented performers.

“Frank is very sociable, recently took part in a karaoke session for World Music Day and had seen Secret Circus before and so we knew he would appreciate the music and artistry on display.

“We all joined in with the performances, following the movements, serenading Frank and singing and dancing the afternoon away.”

Secret Circus performers (from left) Jennifer Durrett, Sarah Philips and Chloe Bradwell provided entertainment for family and friends

Ride+Stride fundraiser for churches

A CHARITABLE church fund is hoping for a bumper boost thanks to an annual fundraiser taking place this weekend.

The 2023 Ride+Stride event, being held on Saturday (September 9), is organised by the Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT).

The event sees participants cycle, walk or ride between a chosen number of county churches, raising sponsorship money as they go.

Funds raised through the event are donated in part back to the church designated by the

fundraiser, with the rest going into the DHCT grant pot.

In 2020, £112,000 was raised by sponsored cyclists, walkers and horse riders – and in 2022, more than £107,000.

Organisers said as well as being a vital fundraiser for the cause, the event is also an opportunity to spend an enjoyable day visiting beautiful Dorset churches.

Chair John Stokoe said:

“R+S is a great way to assist in the maintenance of historic church buildings all over the county.

GOT A STORY? Then email

“In the last five years, over £100,000 per year has been given out in grants, largely for restoring roofs, walls and floors to keep out the rain and damp.

“This is what the Trust is all about.”

For more information on the work of DHCT, and to find out more about volunteering, log on to www.dhct.org.uk.

Swanage Blues Festival brings us four days of fun, dance and great music from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th October. This is the 38th event since its beginnings in 2001 as a local party, and now attracts visitors worldwide.

Whilst many of the visiting artists play to stadiums and large venues (with an equally large ticket price), Swanage offers something uniquely different and appealing to both musicians and music lovers alike for the price of a £15 support wristbandavailable in venues and some Swanage retailers shortly before and during the festival.

Fans say that wearing them helps identify other festival fans, brings people together and creates even more of a party atmosphere. As well as lots of rip roaring gutsy bands there is humour and a wide variety including acts such as Vince Lee & Sophie Lord, who joined forces only last year yet their homemade music videos on guitar and double bass have reached millions of people round the world, gaining them a huge following. Blues Dharma, who explore the synergies of the Blues in World Music through tabla, saraswati veena and guitar. Probably the only band that can incorporate Delta Blues and Indian Folk Song into the same set. Thomas Heppell, nominated as Young Blues Artist, Emerging Blues Artist, and Acoustic Blues Artist in the prestigious 2023 UK Blues Awards. Plus some vaudeville-type acts all sorts!

Full information about the festival is available on the festival website www.swanage-blues.org and at Swanage Information Centre.

Ride+Stride riders at Affpuddle church

Golf ace Jeanne turns 100

TURNING 100 has seen the achievements of one Dorset woman once again hit the headlines.

Though born in Surrey, Jeanne Bisgood has had links with the county – and the Poole and Bournemouth areas – for much of her life.

After moving to the area with her family in 1940, Jeanne has since achieved in a number of areas, perhaps most notably

in sport.

She enjoyed a hugely successful career as an amateur golfer, winning the English Women’s Amateur Championship on three occasions (1951, 1953 and 1957), becoming one of only three players in event history to achieve that feat.

Before that, Jeanne’s strong performances in domestic competitions saw her earn a

first England call-up in 1949 for the Women’s Home Internationals where she was part of the team that beat Scotland, Wales and Ireland to win the title.

She went on to represent her country seven more times in the tournament (1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956 and 1958), picking up a further three trophies.

Not only has Jeanne represented England at amateur level, she also represented Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) in the Curtis Cup – the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup for women.

Her first appearance came in 1950 with GB&I losing out to the United States, before she was back again in 1952 to help the team win the competition for the first time in their history as GB&I secured a 5-4 victory.

A final Curtis Cup selection came in 1954, before 16 years later, in 1970, she was named non-playing captain as the United States once again took the plaudits.

During her amateur career, Jeanne won several one-day events in Britain, including the 18-hole Roehampton Golf Cup, which she won three times in succession from 1951 to 1953,

and the 36-hole Astor Salver, which she won in the same three years.

She also won a number of open championships on the continent and was crowned Swedish champion in 1952, the German and Italian champion in 1953, the Portuguese champion in 1954 and the Norwegian champion in 1955.

Jeanne was the first lady president of Parkstone Golf Club, in Poole, and has been a member for more than 80 years.

Off the golf course, she studied History at Oxford, but left to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service in 1942, working at Stanmore, an outstation of Bletchley Park.

After the war, she trained as a barrister, passing her final exam in 1947.

She returned to Poole in 1954, after the death of her mother, and joined Poole Council in 1955.

She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1982 Birthday Honours as chairman of the Dorset Education Committee and was given an honorary Doctor of Education at Bournemouth University in 2018.

Jeanne Bisgood read History at Oxford, became a barrister and was appointed a CBE as chair of Dorset Education Committee

PHOTO: England Golf

Backpacks enhance island experience

NEW backpacks that enhance the experience of visitors with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are now free to hire at Brownsea Island.

The National Trust team at the attraction has recently unveiled eight sensory backpacks, which have been developed with the support of a charity called Diverse Abilities and SEND in Museums.

They have sensory activities and fidget elements that can be useful resources for families and schools on a self-led visit. They have two themes, woodland and beach, with activities using the senses to explore nature.

In addition to the SEND backpacks, Brownsea’s summer of play season running over the school holidays season is

packed with lots of fun activities.

There is an interactive sensory trail where families can learn about minibeasts, including a sign language board, where you can learn how to sign the names of lots of different bugs.

There is also a natural play area on the island, with a red squirrel-inspired agility course featuring balance beams, climbing frame, obstacles, see-saw and den-building space.

Free family trails, featuring scouting, tree climbing and nature are available from the Visitor Centre and Outdoor Centre.

Dania Schmitz-Vaughan, senior volunteer and communities officer, said: “We

see so many families enjoying exploring the island. The trails are a great way to discover how special Brownsea Island really is.”

The backpacks are free to hire and can be booked by phone 01202 707740 or by

emailing brownseaisland@ nationaltrust.org.uk.

Brownsea island is open every day until October 29, from 10am to 5pm. For more information, log on to www. nationaltrust.org.uk/brownseaisland.

The backpacks on Brownsea Island have been designed for visitors with special educational needs and disabilities PHOTO: National Trust

School choirs at care home

A POOLE care home was filled with song during visits from two school choirs.

Dorset House, run by Care South, welcomed students from Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School for performances – and the chance to form intergenerational friendships.

Cornerstone Academy was the first school to entertain staff and residents, singing a handful of songs, while some children sat with the residents and recited poems.

One mini-rockstar took his guitar and impressed everyone with his talent, with one resident calling him a ‘future star’.

Hamworthy Park Junior School visited the following day, with students from the extra-curricular school choir club taking part.

And after serenading everyone, students took the time to bond with residents and discuss all things summer holidays, from Disney cruises, trips to Australia and camping.

Resident Thelma said: “The children brought tears to my eyes.”

Neil Dominy, home manager at Dorset House, said the care home has long-standing partnerships with schools and nursery groups, with the aim of

07930352822

forging inter-generational friendships, helping residents’ wellbeing.

“Our home is always enhanced by visits from schools and nurseries,” he said.

“It was a wonderful gesture from the students of Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School to visit us and make special

memories with everyone.

“The residents and staff loved it, and it’s so warming to overhear their conversations with the children.”

Dorset House, in Hamworthy, Poole, is part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

Podcasting Nature’s Whispers: The Artistry of Robert ‘VYNS’ Wysoszyński

Residing in Dorset since 2019, artist Robert ‘VYNS’ Wysoszyński’s creative journey has been a symphony of influences spanning borders and cultures. Enchanted by Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, he relocated with his family from London, a move that unearthed a new chapter in his artistic voyage. Since 2013, when he first settled in the UK, he has embarked on an odyssey of self-discovery that resonates through his works.

Hailing from Świnoujście, a Polish seaside town steeped in cosmopolitan history, Wysoszyński’s upbringing mirrors the merging of cultures, evident in his eclectic approach to art. While he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, his pursuit went beyond degrees, focused on learning from fellow artists and honing his craft. His preferred medium, acrylics, grants him the versatility to depict the raw power of nature he adores, particularly the rugged British coastal landscapes. In his art, Wysoszyński draws inspiration from both the external and internal worlds. Nature’s unbridled force and humanity’s intricate cosmos intertwine in his works, reflecting his deep spirituality. Abstraction has also become a canvas for his exploration of these dimensions. Portraiture, another facet of his artistic prowess, transcends mere resemblance to capture the intangible essence of individuals. Wysoszyński’s rich journey is encapsulated in every brushstroke, a fusion of his Polish origins, cosmopolitan experiences, and his current British muse. Through his art, Wysoszyński whispers the languages of nature and spirituality, resonating across time and space. His canvases beckon us to explore the intricate dance of human existence, where the tangible and intangible converge.

Robert paints portraits from photos, with acrylics on canvas or board.

Hamworthy Park Junior School singing to Dorset House

A Hamworthy Park pupil with Dorset House resident

M argaret Green Animal Rescue

Make a difference

WOULD you like to support rescue animals in need, and ensure they receive the love and care they so desperately deserve?

By making a regular donation to Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you will be helping to look after many rescue animals each year, and provide them with the food, comfort and shelter, veterinary treatment and rehabilitation they may need.

As we receive no government funding, we rely entirely on the incredible generosity of our supporters to make sure we can continue to provide our animals with the very best care and welfare possible. We would love for you to join us on this journey of animal rescue.

If you would like to make a regular donation to help us on this mission, we would be so

grateful to have you on board. To set up a direct debit today, please visit our website at www.mgar.org.uk/donate for more information.

Every penny will make such a difference to the animals in our care and help

us to rescue more in the years to come.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please email comms@mgar.org.uk and we will be delighted to help.

Caring for animals since 1965

Rescue Care Rehome Support

Donate margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/Donate

Registered Charity Number: 1167990

Sculpture park joins elite band

A DORSET sculpture park and art venue has been handed a prestigious honour enjoyed by just 83 locations around the world.

Sculpture by the Lakes, at Pallington Lakes, near Dorchester, has been recognised for its exceptional quality gardens and plant conservation efforts by achieving official Botanic Garden Status.

Botanic Gardens

Conservation International (BGCI) recognises gardens which conform to the highest international standards and make significant contributions to plant conservation.

Sculpture by the Lakes joins just seven other gardens across the country which hold the accreditation, including The Eden Project and the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Garden director Monique Gudgeon said: “This accreditation is testament to years of hard work and dedication by our team, and I’m so proud that we’re officially the only garden in Dorset – and eighth in the UK – to achieve such a renowned mark of status.

“I came across the

accreditation in 2020 after being inspired by Samarès Manor in Jersey and intrigued by how it came to be classed as a botanic garden.

“I spent the next two and a half years pulling together a detailed strategy plan, with the help of several experts, to work towards meeting the BGCI scheme’s intricate assessment criteria.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my committee of specialists, including Tony Kirkham MBE, ex-head of Arboretum at Kew Gardens; Borde Hill Gardens head of horticulture Harry Baldwin; and consultant dendrologist Tom Christian, one of the UK’s leading experts on conifers.”

To achieve the BGCI accreditation, gardens need to submit evidence for 10 separate assessment areas including conservation activities, sustainability and public engagement.

A spokesperson said Sculpture by the Lakes has been working with global leaders in plant conservation to develop a comprehensive collection of critically endangered conifers

for research, visitor education and enjoyment.

Among its species is Picea koyamae, which originates in Japan and has less than 1,000 left growing in the wild due to its vulnerability to multiple threats including typhoons, fire and climate change.

The sculpture park is also home to a grove of Coast Redwood trees, Sequoia sempervirens, originating in north-west USA and under threat from increased urbanisation and logging.

Sculpture by the Lakes has also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability

Annual E xhibition THREADS at the GR AND Embroider y, Textile & Mixed Media Ar tists

Wednesday 27th Sept to Sunday 1st October 2023 9.30am – 4pm at the Grand Hotel, Swanage

through its recycling and composting initiatives, including its reuse of fallen wood for dead hedges to provide wildlife shelter and composting any viable materials to support growth in its kitchen garden.

Monique added: “Achieving the accreditation was an emotional moment for me, as it recognises many years of hard work in making our gardens the best they could be.

“The credentials we hold prove that Sculpture by the Lakes serves its purpose as a true asset to nature and the environment.”

e annual exhibition of ' reads at the Grand' by the Purbeck group of West Country Embroiderers will be held at the Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage, BH19 1LU. It opens at 9.30am until 4pm on Wednesday 27th Sept until Sunday 1st October 2023.

e members of the group have used a diverse range of mixed media techniques both modern & traditional to produce a variety of items many of which will be for sale. ere are also smaller items for sale and of course our very popular Tombola.

e Grand is the perfect setting for our exhibition perched on the cli top with amazing views of Swanage bay. e lovely conservatory is the ideal place to relax with a cool drink, co ee or maybe even lunch as well. We hope you will come along and have a look, our members will be present every day to help with any enquiries and explain more about our group and its activities.

Purbeck West C ountr y Embroiderers

Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester, is one of only 83 locations around the world to have achieved Botanic Garden Status

National Coastwatch

MCA’s work in TV spotlight

ITHINK most of us have become slightly addicted to watching the excellent BBC series Saving Lives at Sea, documenting the work of the RNLI. Now preparing to launch its eighth series, it regularly fea-tures the work of our local station at Swanage. However, Channel 5 has just broadcast an excellent programme taking an inside look at the lifesaving work of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The six-part, prime time series aired during July and early August, but if you missed it, it’s available on catch-up. For 12 months the MCA let cameras inside to see the vital work it carries out to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea.

The MCA was established in 1998 following a merger of the UK Coastguard Agency and the UK Ma-rine Safety Agency. Combining aspects of both its parent organisations, the MCA’s primary role is to prevent and respond to maritime emergencies, enforce maritime regulations, and promote safe and sustainable maritime operations. This is more simply summed up by its mission statement – safer lives, safer ships, cleaner seas.

NCI’s role as ‘eyes along the coast’ often brings us into contact with the search and rescue aspect of the agency’s work but it was fascinating to see the other aspects of its role.

By Nick Reed

The series showed MCA inspectors carrying out what can best be described as safety MOTs on cargo ships, docked in UK ports. It was eye-opening to see how rigorous the inspections were. Several vessels failed the inspections and were detained in port until remedial work had been completed and checked. The importance of this work was highlighted in one episode in which MCA staff had to investigate the tragic death of a sailor, caused by inadequate safety procedures.

The red and white coastguard rescue helicopters are a familiar site along our coasts, but less well known is the work of the MCA’s fixed wing aircraft fleet. The MCA has several planes which patrol the UK coastline to monitor for pollution and to ensure that safety standards are being observed by fish-ing fleets operating within our territorial waters. The series featured several instances in which simply the presence of the plane flying overhead had crew scurrying for lifejackets and hard hats, followed by a rather sheepish ‘fair cop, guv’ wave. The technology employed by the MCA is highly sophisticated and, where safety breeches

were serious enough, the aircraft’s crew was able to send video evi-dence to the MCA’s headquarters in Southampton. It may all sound a bit Big Brotherish, but to put it into context, NCI was set up following the loss of a fishing vessel in Cornwall. If a Coastguard Lookout had been overseeing that section of coast, the crew might have been saved – safer ships, safer lives!

The work carried out by the local Coastguard rescue teams and the helicopters wasn’t ignored and several nail-biting rescues were shown, including some in the mountains of Scotland and Wales. With the reduction in the Armed Services’ search and rescue capacity, the Coastguard helicopters play an increasingly important part in assisting casualties in remote areas.

Dorset featured strongly in one of the episodes. A lone walker got stuck in one of the landslips near Lyme Regis and had to be rescued. The rescue was co-ordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Fareham – or, as we more commonly call it, Solent Coastguard – and involved the local Coastguard rescue team, the rescue helicopter and a local ambulance crew. The programme took viewers inside

the rescue centre and it was fascinating seeing the set up and people who we regularly speak to on the telephone.

Screening this episode was extremely timely as we’ve recently had major cliff falls along the coast in West Dorset. I’m sure I’m not the only one who watched the videos, on social media, of the huge cliff collapse at West Bay and the lucky escape of the people standing near to it. We’re fortunate the cliffs between Peveril Point and St Alban’s Head are more stable but even they are prone to cliff falls. A recent visit to the quarries at Seacombe highlighted this as some alarming cracks were appearing in the caves and the cliffs above them. You can certainly see why the National Trust has put warning signs around.

IT'S been great meeting the public during the summer at events such as our tea and cake days, the Swanage Fish Festival and the Lifeboat Fair to talk about our work and pass on advice on how to stay safe along the coast. The last event of the summer will be when St Alban’s is planning to ‘open the hatch’ over the weekend of September 16-17 to coincide with the Purbeck Outdoor Weekend.

This is St Alban’s NCI and Swanage NCI listening on channel 65, NCI out.

Meeting the public this summer at the Lifeboat Fair (left) and tea and cakes at the Lookout (right)

PHOTOS: Swanage NCI

The Waste Group expands with the aim to recycle 100% of your waste

The Waste Group are pleased to announced the acquisition of Ideal Skip Hire (Southern) Ltd as of Monday 10th July.

Survey verdict on hospital’s emergency care

Based in Wareham, The Waste Group is a local family run skip hire business that has branched out into aggregates, asbestos disposal and grab hire.

STAFF at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) ‘should be very proud’ after the results of a patient survey were released.

Trade customers can tip all types of aggregates and waste at their existing recycling centre on the Puddletown Road in Wareham.

More than 400 responses were received to a survey sent out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) from people who used the Dorchester hospital’s urgent and emergency care services in September 2022.

Ideal Skip Hire (Southern) Ltd is based in Swanage and has a long tradition of providing skips and aggregates to the local Swanage and Purbeck area. Their existing recycling facility on the Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate will still be open and running as usual.

The poll was part of the national Urgent and Emergency Care Patient Survey by the CQC which documents the experiences of thousands of patients across the country.

For further information about The Waste Group, please visit www.thewastegroup.co.uk or contact us on 01202 247716

of their treatment, patients gave their experience a score out of 10 – 10 being higher – which is then compared to other trusts around the country and the hospital given an overall rating for each question.

The ratings are: Much better, better, somewhat better, about the same, somewhat worse, worse or much worse, when compared to others.

DCH received ‘about the same’ or ‘better than expected’ scores for all nine areas.

The Waste Group’s aim is to strengthen customer service through great relationships whilst implementing an improved fleet and new technology. A full range of aggregates are available to purchase from the recycling facility on the Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate.

Emergency Department

Matron Clare Turnbull said:

and stressful environment.

“The results reflect just how hard everyone works and the team should be very proud of themselves – and I want to thank each and every one of them for all their hard work and dedication.”

executive Nick Johnson added: “We are so proud of our team for achieving such good results in this survey, despite the continued unprecedented pressure on our Emergency Department.

And many responded positively to the care received at DCH.

Asked about different aspects

“The team work extremely hard to provide high quality care and strive to give our patients the best experience they can, in an often very busy, unpredictable

Low scores – though about the same as other comparable trusts – came in ‘information about waiting times’ (2.7/10) and ‘Updated about waiting times’ (2.7/10).

Overall, patients scored their experience at 7.9/10 – about the same as other trusts.

“The results are evidence of the huge amount of commitment and hard work from staff and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care for our patients.”

WE ARE DEDICATED TO REDUCING LANDFILL. Working with waste doesn’t have to be wasteful. We currently recycle at least 98% of all our waste through our dedicated waste recycling & processing facility, helping to protect the environment.

DCH’s deputy chief

The full survey results for DCH can be viewed at https:// www.cqc.org.uk/provider/RBD/ surveys/30.

Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester

Efforts to welcome international staff recognised with award

WE are the first NHS trust in Dorset to be acknowledged for our dedication to em-bracing and supporting internationallyeducated nurses.

We have earnt the prestigious NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award, which aims to standardise the quality and delivery of pastoral care for international nurses and mid-wives across England.

It’s awarded to trusts which demonstrate they meet a set of high standards for best practice

and are committed to supporting international colleagues at every stage of their recruitment and beyond.

We take great pride in this award. We are committed to supporting our wonderful in-ternational nurses from the

start of their journey and throughout their career, enabling them to excel in their roles.

And we are very grateful to our international colleagues for their feedback and assis-tance, enabling us to continually improve what we do.

If you are an internationally-

educated nurse and would like to join the Trust’s team delivering community and mental health care across Dorset, please email dhc. internationalrecruitment@nhs. net

Maria Thomas-Smith International Recruitment Lead at Dorset HealthCare

Mental health nurses (left to right) Reshmi James, Jiss Varghese and Christy Thomas

Hospice charity set to open another shop

LEWIS-MANNING Hospice

Care is to open a new retail House Clearance Shop in Ringwood, on Southampton Road, in the town centre.

The shop will open on Wednesday, September 13, at 10.30am.

The local community is invited to go along to meet the team, enjoy refreshments and look around the new shop, full of fantastic and sustainable bargains to buy.

The hospice’s new store is opening due to the ever-growing demand for its house clearance services, as well as the increased need to raise funds for its vital charity services.

Director of retail Susan

Newcombe said: “We are delighted to have secured such a prominent and central location in this busy part of Ringwood.

“It’s a great opportunity to let shoppers know about our house clearance and recycling services, and how we turn pre-loved items into extraordinary hospice care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones across Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset.

“Moving, downsizing or house clearing may be a very stressful time, and our aim is to reduce that stress as much as possible.

“We can offer flexible, complete or partial house

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

clearances and recycling services.

“For your free no-obligation quote, or to ask any questions you might have, give us a call today on 01202 119310 or email house.clearance@lewismanning.org.uk

“If you have a few hours to spare and would like to be part

of the shop team, please have a look at our volunteering roles at lewis-manning.org.uk/ volunteer-vacancies.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s other stores are located in Poole, Ashley Cross, Christchurch, Swanage, Westbourne, Winton and Wimborne.

Lewis-Manning’s new store in Ringwood town centre is opening due to increased demand for its house clearance services

WELL, August has definitely flown past for us!

The weather had somewhat mixed emotions over the summer holidays, either providing some beautifully bright days for a hot summer walk, or giving us rain and downpours that autumn would be jealous of!

Whatever the weather, September is a truly wonderful time to visit as, despite the summer holidays being over, the wildlife here is still worth the visit.

As the leaves begin changing to a yellow or brown, the woodland will become full of character, brimming with autumnal colours, sounds and smells.

In the gallery from Tuesday, September 5, is the fantastic exhibition ‘Linear’ by local

Durlston Country Park has a lot going on this month

artist Bonnie Brown.

Her work will be on show in the Fine Foundation Gallery and will highlight the transformation of light and water as well as the movement between the boundaries of land sea and air.

The exhibition is open daily from 10.30am-5pm until Wednesday, September 20.

September heralds the start of autumn, which tends to be a good month for seeing spiders!

Recently matured male spiders begin seeking a female

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

mate who prefers to remain in her web or burrow.

One of our most recognisable arachnids is the wasp or tiger spider.

It has black and yellow stripes and creates a zig-zag between the ‘spokes’ of its web threads.

We also still have some butterflies on the wing, including Large and Small Whites, Meadow Browns and Red Admirals.

Other autumn indicators are the ripening fruits upon blackberry, blackthorn, elder, wild bryony, as well as those of the few apple and one pear tree.

Small migrant birds such as wheatears, redstarts, whinchats and whitethroats feed up on the rich crop of insects and seed heads of wild parsnip, woolly

thistle and teasel. A keen eye might also spot a bottlenose dolphin or two, providing the water isn’t too choppy!

While the park feels a little less crazy than the summer holidays, why not join us for a guided walk?

Run by either knowledgeable volunteers or rangers, come and take a ‘gentle stroll’, learn about the birds of Durlston, or hear about the history of Swanage while walking ‘Park to Pier’.

For more information on all our guided walks, visit www. durlston.co.uk/events

For more information on events and more visit our Durlston website at www. durlston.co.uk. Visit the Seventhwave café website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk

“Your staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Current

resident

Charity video aims to boost hospice funds

A HOSPICE charity serving people in Purbeck and beyond has taken to animation in a bid to raise awareness and encourage gifts in wills.

The Forest Holme Hospice Charity has launched a new animated video as it seeks to inform people about the work it does – and raise much-needed funds.

The charity worked with agency Top Cat Media to produce the video, inspired by the experience many patients and their families go through from diagnosis through to end-of-life care, highlighting Forest Holme’s holistic personcentred approach to care.

The story is told through the eyes of a young girl as it follows her grandad’s journey using the different services the hospice provides, including counselling, complementary therapies, community nursing and care on the in-patient ward.

Paul Tucker, communications manager at Forest Holme, said: “One of the key messages that we wanted to get across is that hospice care isn’t just about coming here in the last few weeks of life but being there from the first stages of diagnosis right through to providing care and support for families after the loss of a loved one.

“For Forest Holme, it is all

about the personal, unique nature of our care, which always places the individual at its heart.”

The video will be the centre of a digital media campaign, which will include television adverts, to raise awareness about Forest Holme Hospice and promote Gifts In Wills to support the charity.

The hospice provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck. NHS funding is limited, which is why the charity needs to raise £1 million each year so that the team can deliver the highest level of care and support within the community, either at home or in its dedicated hospice facility.

Hannah O’Hare, chief executive of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, added: “The cost-of-living crisis has caused donations to our charity to fall. Legacy income is becoming increasingly important to us.

“Without it, we simply couldn’t provide many of the life enhancing services our community relies on.”

Bournemouth-based Top Cat Media has been collaborating with the charity team at Forest Holme over the past few months on this project.

Ross Taylor, founder and managing director of Top Cat, said: “It was a real privilege to be able to work with our friends at Forest Holme in order to curate something that connects so closely with each and every one of us in some capacity.

“The work they do is incredible, effectively ensuring that those affected by a lifelimiting illness get the care and support they need.”

The video is available on Vimeo via https://vimeo. com/846536223 For more information about Forest Holme Hospice visit www. forestholmehospice.org.uk or for details about Gift In Wills visit www.forestholmehospice. org.uk/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

Rais Viva

Chesneys Beaumont

Dru Maestro 60 Tall

Onyx Avanti

LibDems ‘committed to environment’

I AM sure, like me, you watched Springwatch more intently than usual this year, looking for those familiar views and favourite spots on Arne and the wider Purbeck area.

We are so blessed to have these incredible nature reserves so close to home and to have the support of the organisations dedicated to nature and to improving the biodiversity of the place we all call home.

But sometimes I wonder whether we get a bit disconnected. Having such abundant places down the road or up the river can lead us to believe that nature is doing well. These reserves are landscapes of plenty, but if we do not ensure that wildlife thrives in our towns and gardens, they risk becoming islands of nature, unable to sustain our long-term ecosystem.

When told that without bees

we cannot survive it is easy to find this so fanciful that we do not believe it. But think it through. Bees and other pollinators – butterflies, beetles, birds and bats – ensure that 80% of crops can seed. Without them, our diet would be depleted, but so too would the diet of the animals in our food chain, and the animals that stabilise the wider ecosystem.

These pollinators may live within the nature reserves, but they need corridors through our gardens and along the verges to reach the farmers’ fields. Without flowers on which to feed they cannot travel to the crops and work their magic. So, when we lay down a plastic lawn, or pave over our front gardens to provide parking, mow the verges while the

buttercups provide early nectar, or spray harmful chemicals on the veg in our allotments we reduce the risk of the pollinators surviving and doing their jobs.

Most people have heard of the climate emergency, but many are unaware that we are also living in an ecological emergency, and that UK nature has been reduced. Over 40% of UK species of plant and animal have declined since the 1970s, with one in seven species facing extinction. Small actions like cutting our lawns less often – or leaving part of our garden unmown – or sowing wildflower seeds in window boxes or even leaving out a saucer of water during hot weather can make a difference to nature.

The Liberal Democrats have

launched their Green Recovery Plan with one of the five key pledges being to save Britain’s countryside. This involves restoring our waterways, renewing peat bogs and planting trees to double the natural environment. With the Government having missed 17 of the 20 biodiversity targets it set itself, we cannot afford to waste any more time.

Our party policy paper which we will be debating at conference in Bournemouth this month includes a right to nature, provides a fair deal for farmers and will introduce incentives for green choices. These policies will form our manifesto for the general election that is expected to take place next year and make clear the Liberal Democrats’ clear commitment to environmental issues, and confirm us as the real alternative to the Conservatives in Dorset.

Waste incinerator plans plain bad

TIMING in life and politics is all important. Powerfuel Portland’s recent decision to seek once more to build a waste incinerator on the Isle of Portland is therefore surely especially woeful and illjudged.

Dorset Council refused permission in March for the company to build the facility which would have overlooked Portland Port.

Bill Reeves, the chief executive of Portland Port, had enthusiastically backed the plans since their inception. In November 2020, he said, according to Powerfuel Portland’s website, that: “Building the power station is vital to this port’s future.” He had invited the company to develop the facility. It would bring benefits to the local economy and would in no way endanger the environment or the health of those living nearby.

The project, however, faced overwhelming opposition from the island community, and

moreover caused widespread concern about its likely impact upon the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. MP Richard Drax expressed himself ‘baffled’ why the incinerator should be built in such ‘a stunning place of the world’. Ecologists spoke of the damage to unique environments.

80 lorries a day would service the facility. Particulates would pollute the air and be carried by prevailing winds to Weymouth and Purbeck. The facility’s chimney would be twice the height of the Portland Bill Lighthouse and the building itself longer than Westminster Abbey. No wonder Richard Drax de-scribed it as a ‘blot on the landscape’.

Retired GP and Weymouth councillor Jon Orrell, referring to the fact that Weymouth and Portland included areas marred by ill-health and deprivation, said bluntly: “It’s wrong that

this power station should be in the middle of all this. It’s just wrong”.

Yet now Powerfuel Portland has submitted a 70-page document to the Planning Inspectorate, arguing that Dorset Council’s refusal to allow its application to build the facility be overturned.

When the original application was rejected, Bill Reeve accused Dorset Council of ‘opinion shopping’ – asking the same question again and again until the desired answer is given. Giles Frampton, a Port-land Powerfuel director, said the council planning officer’s report was unfair. Too much attention had been given to what he described as ‘claimed negative effects’.

So, Portland – where so much bitterness now divides the community following the arrival of the Bibby Stockholm

– faces the possibility once more of its air being poisoned by emissions from imported waste.

Portland Port, owned by Langhams Industries, was reported by the Mail Online as receiving £2.5 mil-lion from its Home Office contract. The contract won by the Australian company CTM – Corporate Travel Management – to manage the barge – and other barges in the UK – is reported by Marine Industry News to be worth £1.6bn. CTM has sub-contracted the management of the barge to Landry and Kling Global Ship Solutions.

Portland Port would seem therefore to be profiting from the present misery of asylum seekers – yet also seeking future handsome profits from what Mr Drax has aptly called a ‘blot on the landscape’. Woeful timing indeed. Some might say shameful.

CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Chris Bradey

Vikki Slade

‘Mind the app’ for unwanted charges

IT has been suggested to me that if you use the JustPark app you should watch out for sneaky new ‘optional’ charges. Apparently, the app automatically adds 20p for SMS receipt and 20p for SMS text each time you park. You can slide the buttons off each time, but they shouldn’t be there in the first place, and it’s easy to forget. Dorset Council uses the app to ‘help you’ pay for the exorbitant street parking.

I am told that if you go into the app, there are three dashes on the top left, press and you will get My Bookings etc – at the bottom of this list is your name and My Account. Go into My Account and at the bottom is Communication Settings, second section is SMS Notifications for Drivers, untick the next two boxes. Click on Update at the bottom. I haven’t tried this myself because I am particular about what ‘apps’ I install on my phone…

THE Bibby Stockholm is already proving to be a white elephant. Its capacity is such that it can only accommodate 500 immigrants or, in reality, the occupants of five ‘small boats’.

It is not a ‘prison ship’ and the occupants are free to come and go at will. The average time it took for the First-tier Tribunal to decide an asylum case was 82 weeks in the period April to June 2023. Are you really going to sit about in a cramped cabin for 82 weeks while some civil servant comes to a ‘decision’ which might well not be in your favour and which may result in your being sent back to where you came from? No. You’d enjoy the hospitality for a few days, have a few square meals, watch a bit of British daytime TV and have it on your toes. I

By David Hollister

know I would…

LOWER High Street was closed to traffic in both directions between Thursday, August 17, and Monday, August 21, and residents, businesses and visitors were urged to have their say about the experiment in a survey. While the 80-metre stretch of road was closed to traffic, cars were diverted using Seymer Road and Marshall Row. Having navigated this on several occasions during that period, I find myself wondering what planet these people are on. The corner at the foot of Seymer Road is a potential death-trap, especially when cars are parked on the yellow lines outside Gee Whites and even on the yellows in lower Seymer Road itself. Yes, this ‘diversion’ could work, but only if the Highways department enforces the yellow lines on which people park.

The environmentalists and ‘pedestrian safety’ campaigners have conveniently forgotten the sewage works, into which large tankers come and go regularly. I’d hate to meet one of these trying to navigate the blind corners coming out of Marshall Row into Seymer Road, or indeed at the foot of Seymer Road going into High Street. This is an accident waiting to happen and only after it’s happened will the planners realise their mistake.

PART of Shore Road, between The Mowlem and Banjo Pier, is currently closed to traffic in a pedestrianisation ‘experiment’ and under the Swanage Seafront Masterplan – currently being finalised – may become a permanently traffic-free promenade. I ask myself – if

this is an ‘experiment’, why has Dorset Council taken away the parking machines?

Lower High Street is occasionally closed after severe storms as debris, seaweed, sand and pebbles get strewn by the waves across the road, making it temporarily dangerous to traffic. Those closures are usually transitory. But in the Swanage seafront ‘masterplan’, the vision for the area from the pier en-trance to Stone Quay now includes creating a ‘pedestrian friendly’ open space as part of flood defence improvements.

I hate this idea. It’s so good to get a place, pull up and have half an hour with a dog or a disabled person, who couldn’t walk that far from home, or just to have five minutes’ sea air in the evening. This is the thin end of yet another ‘anti-car’ wedge – I suspect it’s a lead in to a permanent closure to pedestrianise the whole area.

There’s plenty of countryside, beaches and pavements for pedestrians around here and there are only lots of people for six weeks of the year, whereas I use those spaces outside those weeks. As do many others. Not everyone is mobile enough to walk down from the car parks on that side of town either.

I know this opinion will infuriate a section of our readership who regularly

express their pedestrian views on the local Facebook pages and to whom I’m an evil carobsessed devil, but honestly I really don’t care. This column is called ‘Telling It Like It Is’ and I’m telling it like it is on behalf of tanker drivers, blue badge holders, pensioners whose sea views are gradually being eroded, people who want to get home and to get to work without having to navigate a circuitous one-way system so that the odd pedestrian can roam the streets oblivious of traffic, pedestrian crossings, road safety and all the other things we used to be taught at school. One of which was that cars are heavy metallic objects without the stopping power of the human being, but that human beings are generally squidgy and will come off worst in a confrontation.

At the risk of repeating things I have said for many, many years – here’s the deal. You don’t walk on the roads, I won’t drive on the pavements. And we will all live happily ever after.

AND finally. Such an outpouring of love for Purbeck from people who are leaving our lovely area to get home. They say things like: “Thank you for a beautiful week. You should be very proud of how clean your town is and how lovely and clear the water is. Sadly, we’re going home today. Genuine tears shed this morning as we packed up.” So – despite the ‘knockers’ and the critics of our council, and despite the un-pedestrianised streets and rip-off parking charges, people still love it.

So do I. It works. Stop trying to fix it.

Rusty Swans come good

Swanage & Wareham XV 29 New Milton XV 26

By Ron Butler

SWANAGE & Wareham came out in front in a pre-season fixture at home to New Milton.

The first session was full of mistakes, the second saw New Milton steam ahead but in the third Swans came back to take the spoils.

Early in the first half hour session the visitor’s first mistake saw Swans full back Steve Woolley land a penalty kick.

Too many knocks-on by both sides and problems at the breakdowns resulted in a stodgy session but on 28 minutes New Milton scored a converted try to end it Swans 3 New Milton 7.

Both sides made several changes to their formations and ten minutes into the second session a New Milton wing forward scored a simple try after a mistake by Swans at a line-out.

RUGBY

Ten minutes later a missed tackle enabled a New Milton centre to score under the posts to take the score to Swans 3 New Milton 19.

In the first minute of the third session, winger George Crouch scored close to the posts and Woolley converted.

Ten minutes later a kick ahead by Swans towards the New Milton try line saw Joe Ginders win the race to touch down and Woolley added the extras.

Winger George Crouch caught a cross-field kick with five minutes to go and ran round to score under the posts before adding the extras.

Steve Woolley won the chase after another kick ahead to the New Milton try line before New Milton completed the scoring in the final minute with a converted try.

Swanage & Wareham 21

Bournemouth 2nd 56 SWANAGE & Wareham had a good work out and probably learned a lot when they entertained a Bournemouth XV.

Swans were scheduled to play a Bournemouth 2nd XV but the visitors had several first XV players in their line-up.

The game started with both teams setting up position to score but the defences held out until the 15th minute when Bournemouth scored with a pass to the winger, which was converted.

Swans immediately replied with a maul as Kirk Jones powered over the try line, Steve Woolley adding the extras.

Both sides put on substitutes after a break, but this benefited Bournemouth more, the visitors scoring two tries before the half-hour mark.

Swans made some ground, but the Bournemouth fly-half kicked Swans backwards, enabling them to catch/drive or with just a few phases to pass along the three-quarters to register two more tries be-fore 50 minutes.

Bournemouth added another seven points shortly after another break but a penalty to Swans took them into the visitor’s 22 and from a line-out they added their second try when prop forward Zach Wyburgh dived over, Woolley converting.

Swans had plenty of the play but a breakaway saw Bournemouth add their seventh try then a few minutes from the end Bournemouth took their score to 56 points.

However, from the restart a move to winger George Crouch had him beat a couple of defenders to score half way out, Woolley adding the extras.

New recruits welcome at local club

HOCKEY

SWANAGE & Wareham

Hockey Club are striving to be bigger and better as they enter their 60th anniversary year.

The club have four senior teams and a budding junior section and are now preparing for the start of the 2023/24 season this month, after a successful Summer League over the past few months.

Swanage & Wareham have a friendly but competitive attitude and welcome everyone, from those with no experience to those who want to pick a stick up again after some time out.

Training is held on Wednesdays at Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham (BH20 4PH) – Ladies, 6.45pm-8.30pm; Men’s, 7.30pm-9pm; Junior (six-13 years old) starts on

Swans edged out in seven-goal thriller

Hamworthy United Res 4

Swanage Town & Herston 3

THE Swans led three times against the table-toppers but succumbed to a last-minute winner in this entertaining clash at The County Ground in The Jewson Dorset Premier League.

The Swans weathered early pressure from the young Hammers and went close with a Merredew strike, but keeper Taylor Hibbs produced a good save from Claydon.

Ocean Smith put the Swans ahead after 17 minutes, firing

second to equalise.

scores level.

The drama continued to the last minute when Harries bagged his second and for the first time put his side ahead to secure the three points.

home following good work from Olly Smith and Hughes.

The hosts levelled on 21 minutes when Eric Richardson headed home.

Swans restored their lead on 28 minutes, Magnier producing a great tackle to set up Merredew, who cleverly flicked on for Ocean Smith to complete his brace and his fifth of the season with a cool finish.

The home side would not lay down and a minute before the break Richardson scored his

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with both sides determined to claim the three points.

Swans’ defender Stephen Pryor headed home at the far post for his second goal in two games to put his side ahead.

The they had a great chance to secure the points when Steele hit the bar and Towers was off target with the rebound.

Substitute Charlie Harries equalised for the home side for the third time and again Hibbs made a great save to keep the

Double success for doubles teams

PLAYERS in two first teams at Swanage Tennis Club have served up a great year.

Swanage Ladies 1 and Mixed 1, after seven matches over the winter season, were crowned Dorset LTA Doubles League Division 2 Winter Champions to gain promotion to Division 1. Both teams then went on to win the Dorset LTA Doubles Summer League Division 2 to gain further promotions to Division 1.

The club has considerable strength in depth with Jane Langstaff, Georgina Thomas,

SWIMMING

Daisy among region’s chosen few

YOUNG Swanage swimmer Daisy Kirkpatrick has been selected for the South-West region Distance Development Programme.

Some 48 swimmers aged

FOOTBALL TENNIS

Deborah Miller, Maisie Gate, Becky Gate, Helen Hardy and Jo Kiddel putting in superb performances for the Ladies first

between 12 and 15 have been chosen.

The programme will involve a face-face camp at Millfield School in Street in Somerset later this month and another at Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester in Gloucestershire in June next year.

An online education session will be held next March.

team.

Jane Langstaff, Georgina Thomas, Deborah Miller, Cara Hyman, Michael Muir, Matt

The game, played at times in difficult conditions, was a great advert for the Jewson Dorset Premier League.

New Swans signings Joey Towers and Travis LightbownSmith gave solid debut performances.

Team: T Hibbs, J Towers, B Smith, T Lightbown-Smith, S Pryor, E Steele (C Furmage 80), C Magnier, Olly Smith, Ocean Smith, A Merredew (B Hughes 80), J Hughes.

Subs: C Furmage, B Hughes.

Swans’ star man: Ocean Smith, special mention, Brad Smith.

Sullivan, Paul Marchant, Ryan Tricky and Jamie McDonald achieved success for the Mixed first team.

Ladies team members (from left) Jane Langstaff, Georgina Thomas, Maisie Gate and Becky Gate

Mixed team members Michael Muir, Georgina Thomas, Paul Marchant and Jane Langstaff

Arrow words Wordsearch

Toolbox

Crossword

Across 7 Device for taking pictures (6)

8 Back to back (2,1,3)

9 Pasty-faced (4)

10 Removed passage of text (8)

11 Neck of a stringed instrument (11)

14 Denizens (11)

18 Bodily exertion (8)

19 Red jewel (4)

20 Judge (6)

21 Legally responsible (6)

1 Combat vessel (7)

2 To a great amount (4)

3 Portable climbing frame (6)

4 Statement agreeing to a request (4,2)

5 One-cell organisms (8)

6 Automaton (5)

12 Create (8)

13 Short facial hairs (7)

15 Each (6)

16 Principles (6)

(4)

17 Minor actor (5)

19 Far side (4)

9 3

6 6 3 5 9 2 5 7 7 9 3 7 6 1 2 7 8 1 7 6 8 4 9

Brain chain

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.

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

Down

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

2 Frequency of an event in police department from now commonly expressed (9)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

3 Miss in competition for intimate photo (5-2)

4 Promotion in upcoming college for trainee

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

5 Bachelor on American vessel by leading up point? (3,4)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

6 Victor in haunt upset opponent (5)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

24 Support a book and film (4)

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 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 operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret?

That’s false (6)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

24 Support a book and film (4)

7 Old Arab in row (3)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

12 Property in area that’s first given honour

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

14 Fruit that could be forced? Nonsense (7)

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

15 Lethargy in a rite requiring reform (7)

17 Make solemn allegiance in Sunday sport

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)

18 Escape European lecturer due for replacement (5)

21 A game in the past (3)

24 Support a book and film (4)

Down

2 Frequency of an event in police department from now commonly expressed (9)

3 Miss in competition for intimate photo (5-2)

4 Promotion in upcoming college for trainee (5)

5 Bachelor on American vessel by leading pickup point? (3,4)

6 Victor in haunt upset opponent (5)

7 Old Arab in row (3)

12 Property in area that’s first given honour (9)

14 Fruit that could be forced? Nonsense (7)

15 Lethargy in a rite requiring reform (7)

17 Make solemn allegiance in Sunday sport (5)

18 Escape European lecturer due for replacement (5)

21 A game in the past (3)

Reflections on the water-lily

By Sally Gregson

THERE is something calming about water in the garden. It’s cooling, tranquil, serene. It seems to lend another dimension to the design and the planting. An island of flowers floating on the reflections of passing clouds and blue skies inspired the impressionist painter Claude Monet to create his beloved water-lily lake at Giverny and paint it every morning.

But Monet kept the flowers and pads in discreet ‘islands’. He did not allow the plants to expand boundlessly. The surrounding water and its reflections were as important, if not more so, than the flowers and lily-pads.

Monet lived at a time when French nurseryman M. Latour-

Marliac was working on breeding varieties with less vigour than our enthusiastic North European native Nymphaea alba – pygmy water-lilies that would survive in the smaller, shallow ponds of humbler gardens. He was successful. The newer waterlilies with bigger, better flowers wowed the gardening public, not just in France but throughout Europe.

Now US nurserymen are breeding plants such as Nymphaea ‘Hal Miller’ with dazzling white flowers; N. ‘Carolina Sunset’ whose deep yellow blooms have a peachy glow and purple mottled leaves; and N. ‘Chubby’ with enormous pink and yellow flowers that would drop any jaw. More

varieties are being bred to resist Crown Rot, a highly destructive fungal disease that spreads to other water-lilies in the pond and is very difficult to eradicate.

Best advice is always to buy young plants at a specialist nursery that keeps its tanks free of duckweed and raises them in the UK. This ensures that the

plants are fully hardy and will produce lots more flowers after our modern warm springs followed by hot, sunny summers. And every pond, big or small, can boast a truly gorgeous modern water-lily that survives our grey, wet winters and every summer produces flowers that gaze to heaven.

Purbeck

It’s best buy young water-lilies at a specialist nursery that keeps its tanks free of duckweed and raises them in the UK

Tips on cleaning the garden pond

By Sally Gregson

IN an ideal world, garden ponds should be cleaned in late spring, just as the plants are beginning to grow and flower. But often the weather is far too cold, or on the only day available the rain pours down in torrents.

So, August can seem like the perfect time. The water is warm, the pond weed has got overenthusiastic and the family is on holiday. Choose a typically wet summer day with nowhere to go.

Then take the plunge. Empty the pond of any fish, storing them in a tank elsewhere, while the pond is emptied by about two-thirds – just enough to get to the nasty gunk at the bottom.

Take out all the pond plants and clean them of algae, mould and dead leaves, before repotting them in aquatic compost

specially developed for pond plants. This compost is low in nutrients to avoid too much nitrogen that causes the pond water to go green from excessive algae.

Place the plants in a shady corner while you attend to the stones on the bottom of the pond. They should be individually scrubbed to rid them of all the algae. Inevitably, a little green algae will remain, but it need not be such a concern. The eco-system of the pond will stay in balance.

It’s a pretty smelly job but it should not be neglected. Algal blooms quickly grow and get out of control, and eventually completely shade the water surface preventing pond plants from growing.

If the algae have already got too numerous and the water is

green, it can help to put in a small bale of barley straw. This exudes a natural chemical that kills the algae. Keeping the water moving constantly is always recommended. And be careful if you put in tadpoles in spring that there is no algal

growth in their water. Refill the pond, ideally with rainwater, to avoid the algae in alkaline tap water. And the glinting water will soon attract the pond life – the damsel-flies, dragonflies and water-boatmen back again.

Late spring is probably the ideal time to clean the garden pond, but early autumn is a good time, too

Meditations in nature: Wonders of the sky above

By Susanna Curtin

THE swifts have now departed for their African home and the nights are drawing in. The countryside is slowly turning autumnal. More and more fungi are appearing, the leaves on the trees have lost their bloom, and rose hips and berries are beginning to ripen.

Although I find this shift in the year rather sobering, there is nothing quite like being under an August sky.

I can’t remember the very first time I looked up at the sky with wonder. I don’t think anyone can. A child’s eyes are so absorbed by their surrounds that the sky is just a ‘forgranted’ thing.

Yet I do recall that, for me, the sky became part of the fabric of my everyday very early on in four important ways – looking for shapes and symbols in the clouds with my grandmother, stargazing and birdwatching with my dad, and flying with my brother in a

small light aircraft as his flying career began. Even now, my joy of looking up is entwined with the people who showed me how the sky shapes our day.

The sky is such a strange, obscure ‘thing’, though. How high do we have to jump before we are in it? For weather scientists the sky refers only to the lower, denser part of the earth’s atmosphere, the troposphere, that extends between five and nine miles high depending on its proximity to the equator.

It is, of course, this layer that we are the most familiar with, as it contains the weather systems and the cloudy dramas that give us beautiful sunrises, sunsets, rainbows and dramatic thunderstorms.

Above the troposphere are four other atmospheric layers. There is the stratosphere, which rises to 31 miles high. This is where commercial airliners fly so they can escape most of our turbulent weather systems.

Above this, rising up to 50 miles, is the mesosphere. There are still air molecules at this level and when tiny bits of rock and dust from space descend towards the Earth, friction causes them to disintegrate, delivering us those exciting shooting stars that blaze across the heavens in August.

Then, going higher still, is the thermosphere. Outer space begins here, at 62 miles up. If you have ever been lucky enough to see the aurora borealis or australis then you would have been watching the colourful light activity of a solar storm in the thermosphere which rises to 440 miles high.

The International Space Station also flies in this layer 220 miles above Earth. You can often see its large bright light that creeps eerily and silently over the Blackmore Vale.

The final, and largest layer is the exosphere which extends around our planet into outer space from 375 to 6,200 miles above us, and this is the layer in which satellites orbit the earth.

It was flying with my brother, that I learned the truth about how complex clouds can be – sometimes benign and friendly, but other times violent and monstrous.

Most people assume that

clouds are just water vapour made from restless evaporating particles that escape the earth from rivers, seas, lakes and vegetation. But if clouds were just vapour then we wouldn’t be able to see them. It is only when the water particles rise, cool, and condense back into liquid water or ice crystals that clouds are formed and become visible.

I remember feeling anxious when we took off in low-lying cloud. It felt as though we were on a fairground ride, bouncing around at the will of the Gods, dark grey clouds crashing past the windows at speed, solid looking yet not solid, uncontrollable and frightening. How grateful I used to be as the aircraft eventually escaped into the blue above them.

Now, all these years later, sat safely in my garden, the clouds above my head are the sky’s actors and players, and the drama is unfolding. Angelic puffs of whiteness skim playfully over the infinite blue, yet out there on the horizon, devious black storm clouds are gathering. As Leonardo de Vinci once claimed, ‘once you have tasted the taste of the sky, you will forever look up’. How true that is.

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

Fridays

Clouds can be complex – sometimes benign and friendly but at other times violent and monstrous

How to cope with a new school year

By Alice Johnsen

IT’S nearly time to shake off the sand and dust down the school uniform. Earlier this summer I wrote about the anxiety some children may feel about the new school year, especially if that means a new school. Here I offer some thoughts on how to support your child and yourself as the first day of term approaches.

FEAR = False Expectations

Appearing Real. Is that how your child is feeling? Their expectations and worries about next term will feel very real to them. Sometimes it is helpful to remind ourselves that our thoughts about something coming up can be aggravated by the stress and anxiety connected to it and, in fact, the anticipation really is worse than the event. Encourage your child to focus on what they really know, not just on what they think they know.

Keep talking. Keep the channels of communication as open as you can. Short conversations while you’re unloading the shopping together. Snatched chats about

how they are sleeping or how they are going to get their kit ready for school – keeping that age relevant, so less direct help from you the older they are. You can tell a lot about how someone is feeling about something by the way they are talking – or not – about it. Use that as your lead into asking them more direct questions such as: “Which bits of your new school are you looking forward to?” Keep the questions simple and short and

allow your child to use their own way of answering. Avoid the temptation to answer for

them.

Setting examples. We do this all the time, which is obviously a good and a bad thing. Be conscious of the examples you are setting from phone habits to sleep routines, what you eat and how you deal with the stuff on your mind. Again, keeping it relevant to your child’s age, it can be really helpful for them if you share something that’s worrying you and show how you are going to address that concern.

At the end of the school day. They will be tired. They will not want 8,073 questions. Let them decompress but be ready to listen when they want to tell you.

Finally, for those parents facing an empty house for the first time – new school children or maybe the university years, I’ll write about Empty Nest Syndrome soon. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne (phone 07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk).

Wax Away Ear Care

Health & Wellbeing

Blackberry brandy a delicious health-giving pick me up

By Fiona Chapman

THE summer seems to have been very short. I find it incredible that the leaves are starting to turn on some of the trees and there is an abundance of blackberries and hawthorns all ripe and ready for picking. As I write, it is only midAugust!

I love harvesting off the land, it gives huge satisfaction, and the actual act of picking blackberries is calming – as long as you have long trousers and boots on – and I picked the most enormous amount this

morning. They are huge and succulent and totally delicious. This is what we should all be doing, eating what is in season to boost the body’s immune system, to prepare it for the long winter months ahead. Blackberries provide lots of vitamin C and K as well as manganese, and contain large amounts of resveratrol, which, as well as being a powerful antioxidant, is anti-inflammatory and helps to moderate the immune system. This is important in things like allergies when the immune system is

overactive or if you get lots of infections, when it is underactive.

Resveratrol will also help to regulate glucose levels and fats in the blood, so is good for diabetes and high cholesterol; it protects the brain and the cardiovascular system, so is beneficial for Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as cancer.

Blackberries go so well with apples – again in season and what we should be eating. Apples are also anti-oxidant and provide much-needed fibre in our diet. They are high in vital vitamins and help with gut health as well as keeping the brain healthy. The old wives’ tale ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is very true.

I make apple and blackberry

Blackberries provide lots of vitamin C and K as well as manganese, and contain large amounts of resveratrol PHOTO: Siala/Pixabay

crumble – the apple, blackberry and oats are extremely good –the sugar and butter not so good!

I am also going to make blackberry brandy, which is like a fresh herb tincture and should be treated as such! The blackberries need to be picked on a very dry day and put into a Kilner jar. Pour the bottle of brandy over the blackberries and make sure they are completely covered – if not, they will go mouldy and then ruin the whole tincture. This should be left to steep for a few months in a dark cupboard then strained. It makes a delicious health-giving pick me up for the depths of winter!

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

The sapphire is the birthstone for September, representing truth and faithfulness, and is associated with a 45th anniversary

Sumptuous sapphires

By Amy Brenan, Director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

THE sapphire is one of the most recognisable gemstones and is the birthstone for September, representing truth and faithfulness.

This may also be why it is the stone associated with a 45th anniversary!

Sapphires were worn as far back as Greek times but the classic naturally grown sapphire became more common in late 19th and early 20th centuries originating from India.

It is a gemstone associated with royalty, much like the ruby, and we all remember the stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that the then Prince Charles gave Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, now worn by the current Princess of Wales.

Even as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries, sapphires –along with diamonds, emeralds and rubies – were set in engagement rings, which were becoming more common with

Roman busts to Banksy prints

DUKE’S is inviting consignments for its flagship fine art and contemporary auctions, both of which are always well received by international buyers.

The spring sale saw a bronze maquette Sir Winston Churchill by Oscar Nemon reach £250,000 and a marble bust of Admiral Horatio Nelson, £50,000.

The autumn auction and Art & Design post-1880 sales encompass pieces over a long period, from Roman marble busts and 18th century old master oils to the works of artists such as Banksy and Mary Fedden.

An already consigned oil scene of goats, chickens and

chicks in a farmyard by Edgar Hunt carries a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£4,000 and a fine model ship by Richardson, Duck & Co, Stockton-on-Tees, £8,000-£10,000.

A Thames view by the English painter Christopher Wood is a highlight of the post-1880 sale. After meeting Augustus John at university, he was convinced to become a painter and later trained at the Académie Julian in Paris where he met the likes of Picasso.

For more information or to organise a free valuation for auction visit Duke’s website, www.dukes-auctions.com, or call its office on 01305 265080 to organise a confidential appointment with a specialist.

nobility during that time.

We’re more familiar with the traditional, deep rich blue of this incredible stone but it comes in a rainbow of colours – white –which as you might imagine is colourless – pink, orange, green, purple, brown and even black, which is incredibly rare.

One of the most famous and largest sapphires in the world is the Star of India.

Weighing 563.35 carats, it is even more amazing because it has naturally occurred ‘stars’ on each side.

It is kept safe in the American Museum of Natural History in New York – although it was stolen in 1964 and then retrieved.

Another of the largest stones in the world is the Queen of Asia, which was discovered by a team of workmen digging a well in Sri Lanka.

It weighs in at a whopping 310kg and is said to be worth more than $100,000 million.

Whatever the size and the value, the sapphire is one very special gemstone.

Expertly curated Antique, Pre-owned and Modern Jewellery

Duke’s is inviting entries for its October fine art sale and art and design post-1880 auctions

Fired Up adds to its pub portfolio

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

BACK in June, Andy Lennox and the team at independent hospitality group Fired Up Collective were hinting at more to come – and they’re already off to a strong start with the acquisition of the iconic Goods Yard in the heart of Broadstone.

The new venue is set to welcome patrons

at the end of this month as ‘the go-to destination for locals seeking a memorable experience’.

With its latest project, the collective has set out to put a contemporary spin on the classic pub experience and embrace the rustic charm of the location – an approach which has gone down well at its flagship

GOT A STORY? Then email

Wimborne establishment, The Old Thatch.

Andy said: “We’re thrilled to launch The Goods Yard as a little sister to our beloved pub in Wimborne.

“Our vision is to create a welcoming space that embraces the essence of traditional pubs while offering a unique and elevated experience for our patrons.

“We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Broadstone community.”

As well as an extensive list of craft beers, wines and cocktails, The Goods Yard will be serving up a rotating menu with plenty of local and seasonal produce, courtesy of executive cwhef Jon Newing.

Andy and team are also keen to celebrate local talent as they look to host regular events, live music performances and themed evenings.

It’s welcome news for Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council and a Broadstone local herself.

She added: “The Goods Yard Pub is a fantastic addition to our local scene.

“Fired Up Collective’s dedication to quality and community engagement, as exemplified by The Old Thatch in Wimborne, aligns perfectly with our town’s values.

“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this establishment will have on our area.”

The collective has only been around since 2020, but with the addition of The Goods Yard already bringing its portfolio of venues up to seven, there could be more on the cards in the near future.

Shirt deal promotes children’s charity

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

MSP Capital is helping one Dorset charity reach thousands more eyes and hearts, with the firm chipping in to fund its front-of-shirt sponsorship of Wimborne Town FC.

Joint managing director Paul Miracca came to recognise first-hand the ‘fantastic brand awareness’ of such an opportunity after making a similar deal for his own business with fellow Dorset club AFC Bournemouth.

Now he’s hoping to do the same for MYTIME Young Carers, which provides safe spaces, respite breaks and

other support for those aged between five and 25 juggling care responsibilities with education and work.

Paul said: “I first came across MYTIME at a fundraising quiz and have been so impressed with them ever since.

“With their support, young carers can continue doing great things for their families and still get the support they need to further develop the incredible, and often unrecognised, skills for future employment.

“Donating this sponsorship

will give MYTIME a unique opportunity to get in front of their target audience of young people and their families who need support.”

Connecting charity and club was also a natural fit for Paul.

He added: “We have a long association with Wimborne Town and some of our colleagues have been fans for over 40 years.

“We’re all impressed by their desire to help the local community with their development centre and work with local schools.”

They’re not the only ones

– MYTIME also makes regular visits to schools across the county, helping to build support and understanding of young carers and their needs among pupils and teachers.

Chief executive Krista Sharp said: “MYTIME is so grateful to MSP Capital for sponsoring the shirts at Wimborne this season.

“It’s going to be amazing to have our name emblazoned across the front of the shirts and know that 500 people come to watch this game every weekend.

“I think for the young carers themselves, it’s going to be something they’re really proud of.”

The Fired Up team outside The Goods Yard in Broadstone

Lord-Lieutenant urges businesses to apply for King’s Awards

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

HM Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset, Angus Campbell, is keen to drum up applications from more businesses across the county ahead of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.

The awards are granted for outstanding achievement by UK companies in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Every year, winners are invited to a royal reception and presented with their award by one of the King’s LordLieutenants.

They also have the opportunity to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office and show off the iconic emblem on marketing materials.

Lord-Lieutenant Campbell said: “I’ve been honoured to present a number of these awards and have been amazed at the variety and excellence of the successful organisations.

“They’ve found that being able to promote themselves as winners of this prestigious and much sought-after award is not only a source of great satisfaction and pride among the workforce of a company, but also makes a significant difference to the successful promotion of their businesses.”

While the many benefits of landing on the prestigious annual list are clear, they haven’t often been enjoyed by companies in this county.

The Lord-Lieutenant added: “Up until now the numbers of awardees involved in Dorset have been fairly patchy.

“This is certainly not because there is any lack of superb businesses in our splendid county, but because it is an award that is not widely enough known about.

“I do urge all businesses in the county to investigate the

possibility of putting themselves forward.”

Applications for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2023 close on September 12.

To find out more and put your business forward, visit gov. uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise

HM Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell (right) presents the King’s Award to Adrian Thompson, founder of imageHOLDERS

HM Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell says Dorset has ‘superb businesses’

NOW ON Facebook

DORSET & WILTSHIRE JOBS GROUP

The New

eBay searches tell a tale on vehicle security

SALES data analysis for theft prevention products bought on eBay has uncovered what drivers are buying and their location, revealing the top 10 most security conscious areas in the UK.

eBay analysed the key security items purchased, including steering wheel locks and car immobilisers, between May 2022 and May 2023.

This was then compared to population size, with Romford in Essex coming out on top of any location in the UK, followed by Motherwell in North Lanarkshire and Redhill, Surrey.

Drivers being more security conscious comes at a time when car thefts are on the rise in some

areas.

In the same period, the Metropolitan Police Service recorded a 12% increase in car theft, with a total of 35,765 offences, the equivalent of four per 1,000 people across all London boroughs.

Llandudno in North Wales placed fourth on the list and Southall in West London rounds out the top five, followed by Crewe, Dartford, Chelmsford, Truro and Doncaster.

As well as items sold, eBay Parts and Accessories also looked at the wider product search, revealing a 136% increase in searches for the phrase ‘car security system’ from May 2022 to May 2023, a 125% increase for the phrase

‘Faraday box’, and a 76% increase for the phrase ‘Faraday pouch’ – an item which blocks the signal between the car key and vehicle to reduce the risk of the car being stolen remotely.

Laura Richards, eBay category lead for parts and accessories, said: “By studying purchases made on eBay and looking at just how many searches are made every day, it’s clear to see people want to do everything they can to protect their vehicle.

“Having a car stolen can cause huge stress, but there are a huge range of items which can help prevent this, whether that’s to protect a cherished classic or a more modern model.

“At a time when we see more reports of vehicles being stolen and more sophisticated methods, owners are looking at all the different accessories that can help protect their vehicle when it’s parked at their home.”

Škoda solution to parking stresses

DRIVERS are finding paying for public parking an ordeal, with 40% of UK motorists saying it’s as stressful as being late for work.

With so many different payment methods used across Britain, from ticket machines to apps, research by Škoda UK found that 20% compared it to having an argument, 16% said it was as stressful as opening a bill and 9% as bad as going to the

dentist.

Almost half (47%) of motorists in the UK have given up paying for parking altogether because the process was too difficult, while 18% have said they’d spent more than 10 minutes trying to pay for a space.

In addition, 33% have failed to pay for parking at least once, and later received a fine as a result.

The British public’s least

favourite payment method is an automated phone call (38%), followed by a parking app (26%) and then a ticket machine (18%), according to the research.

Škoda is trialling a new Pay to Park service which enables cashless payments directly via its infotainment system.

The service automatically

identifies the car park or parking zone the driver has entered using the car’s navigation and handles payments automatically. Sessions can be extended using the MyŠkoda app.

Pay to Park is being trialled in continental Europe but will be tested in the UK in the future.

Searches for the phrase ‘car security system’ increased 136% in the space of a year to May 2023

MAIN PHOTO: Pixabay

Škoda is trialling a new Pay to Park service via its infotainment system

Dementia-friendly film screenings receive support

LIGHTHOUSE Poole has announced thousands of pounds of funding from NFU Mutual to support its popular programme of dementia-friendly film screenings in the cinema for the next two years.

The rural insurer’s New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth branch is giving £6,443 from NFU Mutual's national £1.92 million Agency Giving Fund.

Tom Shallaker, Lighthouse fundraising and ticket sales manager, said: “Not only does this gift help us to foster understanding, connection and joy within our community, it could enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia.

“The funding enables

Lighthouse to provide a safe and comfortable environment that is tailored to the unique needs of individuals with dementia.

“By supporting these screenings, NFU Mutual is showcasing its commitment to corporate social responsibility and demonstrating a deep compassion for those facing the challenges of dementia.”

John Heather, senior agent at NFU Mutual’s New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth agency, said: “For this year we have chosen to support charities that directly help local communities that use the arts to focus on the education, support and wellbeing of the elderly in the community.

“We are delighted to be helping Lighthouse to continue with their dementia-friendly screenings, bringing help to those suffering with the condition and to provide some respite for their carers.”

The rural insurer launched its Agency Giving Fund, now in its fourth year, to help local frontline charities across the country.

The fund forms part of NFU Mutual’s £3.25m funding

pledge this year for both local and national charities, to assist with recovery from the pandemic and to help tackle the impact of the rising cost of living.

Lighthouse is a charity and relies on support from donations, grants and sponsorship. To find out more about how businesses can help Lighthouse visit www. lighthousepoole.co.uk/supportus/.

Liquid gold, that’s local honey

By Sandra Palmer-Snellin

THE honey taste journey is captivating.

Like wine, this wonder of nature has subtle multifloral notes to robust, pollen-infused richness. It is complex, holds exquisite flavours, releasing the essence of diverse local flora to create a sweet sensation. No two jars are the same.

The colour spectrum of East Dorset honey is incredible. The result of harmonious

collaboration between plants and pollinators.

Tireless honeybees collect a unique mix of nectar from a variety plant flower sources which they store in their stomachs to return to the hive.

Let your palette explore, and appreciate, the subtle, lingering delicate flavours of spring or summer honey. An ambrosia rich in complex sugars, enzymes, vitamins and trace elements.

Local honey is something to be cherished. Every jar has a unique profile, texture and taste. The medicinal benefits have been revered by cultures for over 5,000 years.

Marvel at the hexagonal

chambers of honeycomb. Wax made from the bees’ bodies. In the hive their little wings beat to evaporate excess fluid – honey is capped when the moisture is right.

Find out more about nature’s harvest at East Dorset Beekeepers’ Honey Show at West Moors Memorial Hall BH22 0HZ on Saturday, October 7.

For further information visit www.edbka.org.uk/

Quilters staging charity event

QUARTERJACK Quilters, based in Wimborne, has organised a charity day in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The event is in memory of Marion Jacques who died earlier this year.

Marion was a keen and talwented quilter who was well known in the area and was an

active member of Happy Patchers Quilt group for many years.

Along with her daughter, Sharon, Mavwrion was the proprietor of the Seahorse Quilting fabric shop in Canford Heath. The shop, always very popular with local quilters and sewists, is now run by Sharon.

The charity Sewcial Day will

showcase Quarterjack Quilters members demonstrating a wide variety of patchwork and quilting.

Visitors can watch members tackling their latest projects or can take along their own sewing and spend a few hours – or all day – with group members.

Trade stalls, talks and information will also be on

offer.

All proceeds from the event at the Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna, on Saturday, September 16, 10am-4pm, will go to the MNDA.

Admission is £5, including a free raffle ticket, and free parking is available. For more information email robertson. jacqui@gmail.com.

NFU Mutual’s John Heather (left) and Tom Shallaker, Lighthouse Poole’s fundraising and ticket sales manager

Classic of modern British theatre

THE Woman In Black, coming to Lighthouse Poole this autumn, is a classic of contemporary British theatre.

It has played in excess of 13,000 performances in the West End and been seen by more than seven million people in the UK since it opened 33 years ago.

Now a UK and Ireland tour is stopping off in Poole, starring Malcolm James as Arthur Kipps and Mark Hawkins as The Actor.

James returns to the play having first played Arthur Kipps on a UK tour and then at the Fortune Theatre.

His other West End credits include The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre and Volpone at the National Theatre.

His on-screen credits include HBO’s My Dinner with Herve, Secret Invasion on Disney+, the BBC’s Doctors and EastEnders, ITV’s Coronation Street and The Bill.

Hawkins first played The Actor in The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre and The Madinat Theatre.

His other theatrical credits include The Railway Children at

Kings Cross Theatre, Julius Caesar at The Globe, the UK tour of Lady Chatterley’s Lover and the international tour of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

His television credits include HBO’s The Nevers and ITV’s Vera.

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the spectre of a ‘woman in black’.

He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.

It begins innocently enough, but as they delve further into his darkest memories the borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep.

The Woman In Black is at Lighthouse Poole between Monday and Saturday, November 20-25, at 7.45pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

For tickets and information phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

GOT A STORY? Then email

CHRISTCHURCH

Gilbert & Sullivan Society is set to present HMS Pinafore, one of the theatrical partnership’s most popular works.

The production, with some contemporary adjustments, tells the tale of forbidden love and the inequalities of social and naval rank.

But love still conquers all in this tongue-in-cheek adaptation.

HMS Pinafore is performed from Thursday to Saturday, September 28-30, at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets priced £19, concessions £18, students and under-16s £6, are available from www.theregent.co.uk

Players unearth hidden talents

By Lorraine Gibson

DO you harbour ambitions to act, or to work in theatrical productions?

If so, Broadstone Players actively encourages local people to unleash their hidden talents by offering a part to any newcomers who join them.

This pays dividends both ways, says Broadstone Player Mar Godfrey.

“This year, a bumper number came to the auditions, meaning the Players have had

to put on an extra play so that everyone who wants to, can be on stage,” Mar said.

The company also has a very community-based way of presenting its shows.

Mar addded: “This year’s Plays ‘n Chips performances, where the audience are seated around tables and have a hot supper during the first interval of an evening of one-act plays, is a great Broadstone tradition that has been going for well over 30 years now and is ever popular.”

So, will you be in the audience – or in their next play – or both?

Performances are at Broadstone War Memorial Hall on Friday and Saturday, September 8-9, and Friday and Saturday, September 15-16, evenings at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.15pm on Saturday, September 9, where theatre-goers will have mid-afternoon tea and cake, rather than supper.

Tickets are £15 for evening performances, including cod, sausage or veggie nuggets and chips; matinee £10, including the tea and cake.

Reserve on 01202 678449, email honsec@ broadstoneplayers.co.uk or buy from Broadstone News.

Malcolm James is Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black.

PHOTO: Tristram Kenton

All the magic of the model railway...

By Lorraine Gibson

‘WIMBORNE is becoming the must-go O gauge show.’

Just one of the many plaudits received for last year’s Central Southern Gauge O Group (CSGOG) model railway exhibition, and with trains galore and a very special LEGO layout, this year’s is on track to be even more impressive.

For the uninitiated, O gauge is twice the size of the OO gauge model, normally associated with Hornby.

Many of the models are meticulously hand-built from kits or employ an ingenious use of other materials – and the intricate scenery on the layouts

can be outstanding.

The organisers say the exhibition, a particularly popular attraction for children,

will feature ‘a very large LEGO World train layout with lots of trains running around.’ It will also feature 10

layouts, including some 7mm scale narrow-gauge models, a big test track, 13 model railway sales stands, railway societies and a bring-and-buy stall.

The CSGOG usually meets on the second Wednesday evening of the month at the Allendale Centre and visitors of all ages and modelling abilities are always welcome.

“If you’re interested in model railways we’d love to meet you one evening,’ says joint exhibition manager David Coasby.

“There’s no obligation to join our group, but we hope you will be inspired by what you see and after a few visits want to become a member.”

The exhibition is at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, on Sunday, October 22, from 10am- 4pm. Admission is £6 (accompanied young children free).

For more information visit www.csgog.org

‘Woody’ revives sound of the 70s

MUSIC fans with a taste for nostalgia can take a journey back to the 1970s at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne later this month and enjoy all the hits by Scotland’s original boy band.

The Bay City Rollers sold more than 300 million albums worldwide, attracted fans of all ages and were responsible for a phenomenon dubbed Rollermania, which swept the globe.

Tartan-clad fans in the UK and other parts of Europe were soon joined by throngs of devoted fans in Australia, Canada, USA and Japan.

Now, Bay City Roller legend Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood has brought together a group of talented musicians who embody the essence of the original band the world knew and loved.

The current Bay City Rollers are Ian

Thomson on lead vocals and guitar, John McLaughlin on vocals and keyboards, Mikey Smith on bass guitar, Jamie McGrory on drums and Woody on guitar.

The band are now touring and breathing new life into all the classic hits.

The Bay City Rollers are in Wimborne on Thursday, September 14, at 7.30pm.Tickets are available from the box office priced £25 and online at www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

Tiger all set for rare outing

VISITORS to The Tank

Museum at Bovington will be able to see the world’s only running Tiger I tank in action at Tiger Day later this month.

Tiger 131 (pictured) runs only twice a year, on Tiger Day in April and September, and attracts huge crowds.

Visitors can see it in a 45-minute Second World War tank display that also includes other German moving armour, the Panzer I and Panzer III.

As well as the arena

display, visitors can get up close to vehicles in the Tank Park, and explore military history encampments.

Inside the museum, tank fans can enjoy the 300-strong collection of military vehicles.

The Tiger tank was a formidable weapon and the capture of 131 in the war allowed Allied Forces to understand what the enemy had unleashed.

Tiger Day is on Saturday, September 16 – for tickets visit www.tankmuseum.org/ whats-on/events/tiger-day

One of many fine model layouts seen at last year’s Central Southern Gauge O Group show – this year’s event is in Wimborne in October

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for September 18 is NOON on September 15. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net

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.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

MONDAY

18:30 - 19:30

NEW ADULT BEGINNERS MODERN

LINE DANCE class at St Edwards

Church hall, Swanage

Contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D

T: 07518 056149

E; purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

19:30 - WAREHAM CHORAL SOCIETY.

Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30. New singers always welcome. 01202 632678. warehamchoral@gmail.com

19:45 - 20:45 NEW ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM DANCE class (you dance with a partner) St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage.

Contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D T; 07518 056149

E; purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

THURSDAY

10:30 - 11:30

ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE class (you dance solo) At The Scout hut, Wareham

Contact Donne Diebelius F.I.S.T.D T; 07518 056149

E; purbeckacnestudio@gmail.com

FRIDAY

9:30 - 10:30 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE class (you dance with a partner) Corfe Castle Village hall

Contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D T; 07518 056149

E; purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

SATURDAY

19:30 - WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB:

Parish Hall, Wareham unless zoom

Visitors welcome £3

For zoom link contact club website www.warehamcameraclub.co.uk

05-Sep Speaker Brian Chard

– ‘My Take on British Nature’

12-Sep Southern Counties

Photographic Federation Exhibition

Images Audio Visual.

19-Sep Zoom Talk– Creative

Photographer Andrea Hargreaves ‘The

Art of Metamorphosis’

26-Sep League 1 ‘Open’ Print & Digital Image Competition

18:30

TUESDAY

WHIST DRIVE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Rectory Classroom. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516 THURSDAY

9:30 - 10:30 NEW ADULT BEGINNERS MODERN LINE DANCE class at The Scout Hut, Wareham

Contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D. T; 07518 056149

E; purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

Recruitment

GROUND PERSON AND GENERAL HELP, BETWEEN GILLINGHAM AND MERE. THREE DAYS A WEEK.

The Position may suite an older person/or semi-retired person who enjoys being outdoors.

Duties include mowing, strimming, hedge trimming, edging, keeping outdoor areas clean and tidy. Call 07540 633125

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

For jobseekers and employers

NOW ON Facebook

Independent Boarding and Day School for Pupils aged 4 -18 GSA/CISC

Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form The Society of Heads/CISC

Lay Chaplain Required from January 2024

Driver Required

PA R T T I M E , T E R M T I M E O N LY

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational Lay Chaplain to join our forward-thinking school.

Reporting directly to the Head, the role of the Lay Chaplin is co-ordinate the Chaplaincy work throughout the school, including leading the spiritual and prayer life of the school as a Catholic community, and developing, encouraging and strengthening the faith of all members of the community.

You will set an example of committed Christian living in word and deed and to co-ordinate all aspects of the school’s commitment to its Catholic ethos.

We are seeking to appoint a School Minibus Driver to start at the end of August 2018. The role entails driving the School vehicles on designated routes collecting children in the morning and dropping off in the afternoon at prearranged points. You will also assist with some basic maintenance and cleaning of the fleet The primary qualities sought are a genuine commitment to the welfare and safety of young people. You must hold a valid PCV Manual, (D or D1) Licence

There is some flexibility regarding hours of work which will be term time only (34 weeks) plus two days at the start and end of each term. Salary will circa £26,000 (full time) dependent on qualifications and experience.

Hours: 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 0630 to 0830 and 1730 to 1930 Term Time only Rate of Pay: £9 69 per hour plus holiday pay.

For further information and to download an application form please visit our website: https://www.leweston.co.uk/information/work-with-us

Closing date for Applications: Mid-day 15th September 2023

Please send your CV with the names of two referees to the HR Manager, Leweston School Leweston, Sherborne, DT9 6EN or email: recruitment@leweston dorset sch uk

enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. Leweston is an equal

leweston co uk

registered charity number 295175

Puzzle solutions (from pages 30-31)