NEWS Christmas concert is back

Church to host concert

A POPULAR Christmas concert at Corfe Castle will return this week.

The event takes place at St Edward’s Church on Thursday, December 8.

Organisers have said the place of worship will be decorated with candles and a Christmas tree for the musical evening, which gets under way at 7pm.

“While there is no need to purchase a ticket or pay for admission, there will be a retiring collection in aid of Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal,” a spokesperson for organisers told the Gazette.

“In addition to the audience singing well-known Christmas carols, there will also be seasonal readings and music from Wareham Town Band, St Edward’s singers and singing from Corfe Castle Primary School.”

The concert will include an interval, during which refreshments will be available.

Use town’s Xmas post

WAREHAM Scouts and Guides will be organising their Wareham Christmas Post in the local area.

Their stamps will be available for sale from Horsey’s North St, Not just Sundaes South St, Carey Home and Garden and Wareham Scout and Guide HQ.

Post boxes will also be at the above locations and the very last day of posting – for guaranteed delivery before the big day – will be Saturday December 17.

Book your tree collection

A CHARITY Christmas tree collection and recycling service is returning this year – with backing from the ‘gaffer’, Harry Redknapp.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s initiative, now in its fifth year, is back by popular demand and has been backed by patron Harry, who said he would be using the service for the family tree.

The scheme, supported by Katie Fox Estate Agents, sees residents able to register to have their real tree collected online - in return for a donation to the charity.

All Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch postcodes are covered, from BH1 to BH23, and collections will take place between Friday, January 6 and Saturday, January 7.

Harry said: “Sarn and I know what we’re doing with our Christmas tree this year, thanks to Lewis-Manning.

“I hope lots of other people in the local community also make a donation for their tree to be collected too. They’re such a worthy cause that help so many people in Dorset.

“It’s fantastic to know that after Boxing Day we don’t have to worry about what to do with the tree.”

Area fundraiser for LewisManning, Ruth Wright, said: “Not only is it a great service and fundraiser, but we love the fact we’re doing our bit for the environment by recycling the trees.

“Registering your tree online is easy, simply make a donation to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on our website, specifying where you will leave your tree outside on the day of collection and we will take care of the rest.”

People are being encouraged to book early as spaces go fast. Bookings close on Tuesday, January 3.

Katie Fox Estate Agents director, Katie Fox, said: “When we were first approached by Lewis-Manning in 2021 to support this fantastic campaign it was an immediate yes.

“Not only was it about raising money to aid this wonderful charity but we loved that it was community based, which is whereas a business our hearts lie.

“Me and my team cannot wait to be part of it again this year and working alongside the amazing Lewis-Manning Hospice Care fundraising elves and the other fantastic businesses who volunteer their time to help the charity.”

Ruth added: “We are also very kindly supported by Eco Sustainable Solutions who will be recycling all the trees that we collect and many other local businesses who have offered their help and support again this year.”

For details and to register for a collection, visit lewismanning.org.uk/christmas-treecollection.

Harry Redknapp is among those who have booked a tree collection to help the Lewis-Manning Hospice Picture: Lewis-Manning

Road crash puts driver in hospital

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously injured in a crash in Christchurch.

The incident happened on the A35, Lyndhurst Road, at around 10.35pm on Friday, November 18. Police want any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The crash involved a white HGV, a blue Honda CRV and a black Mercedes convertible.

The driver of the Honda – a local man aged in his 30s – was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries. Road closures were put in place as emergency services responded to the incident and were lifted shortly after 2.30am the following morning.

Police Constable Adam Carr, of the traffic unit, said: “We are carrying out inquiries into the circumstances of this collision and I am keen to speak to any witnesses who have not already had contact with police.

“I would also urge any motorists with dashcam who were travelling in the area to please check their footage for anything of relevance. Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, by email to scit@dorset.pnn. police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220187772. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.