The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 305 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Issue 305

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

8 January, 2024

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

The Purbeck Gazette SCHOOL IS ON THE UP www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

NEW LIFEBOAT

Boost for Swanage RNLI Page 7

RECORD BREAKER ‘Human fish’ in Guinness Book Page 20

Inspectors praise Corfe Primary after visit Page 12

RED LION PLANS

Development bid revealed for hotel Page 37

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

What’s inside this issue... Antiques and Collectibles 38 Arts & Entertainment 40-42 Business 36-37 Dorset HealthCare monthly round-up 16 Durlston Country Park monthly what’s on 8 Free Adverts 43 Health & Wellbeing 34-35 Health & Wellbeing Feature 27-32 Home & Garden 26 Letters 33 Local Services 43-47 Margaret Green Animal Rescue 14 Motoring 39 Politics 24-25 Puzzles 22-23 Puzzle Solutions 33 Sport 25 Spotlight Diary 43 Telling It Like It Is 21 Wanted 46 Wareham Town Council December meeting 20 NEWS Ticket to ride the Polar Express 4 Regatta and Carnival in awards running 5 New inshore lifeboat for Swanage RNLI 7 Head delighted at school report 12 ‘Human fish’ in record books 20

EDITORIAL Paul Jones Editor-in-chief We love hearing your news and views. Get in touch with us by emailing ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk Lloyd Armishaw Publisher ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk 01963 400186

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.

n Alison

Cassidy, a housekeeper at a care home in Dorchester, has been recognised for 35 years’ service Page 11

n Members of the Court Leet in Wareham have been visiting the town’s hostelries Page 19

ADVERTISING Debi Thorne

Sales Director

Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Donna Garner

Account Manager

Donna.garner@blackmorevale.net 07714 289408 Jane Toomer

Senior Account Manager

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Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm Book Online: purbeckgazette.co.uk 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.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Town has its say on seafront proposals

PEOPLE are backing plans to secure Swanage seafront – and want to keep an events field as part of the scheme. That is the result of a consultation run over the summer, which garnered views on the Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation and Enhancement Scheme. The consultation, by Swanage Town Council, asked for views on two draft proposals for work to counter ‘significant ground movement and slope instability’ on the seafront. The first, an ‘essential’ scheme, saw Sandpit Field retained as a large events field, while retaining current greenery and stone walls. A second, ‘enhanced’ scheme, was more far-reaching, including filling in and conversion of Walrond Road to create more green space, alongside enhancements to Sandpit Field and the creation of a second, smaller events field. A total of 468 people responded to the online survey, with 430 attending in-person events to discuss the plans. “The survey results show that generally people are aware of the ground movement issue in the Green Seafront area, and 78% of respondents ‘definitely

more detail regarding certain elements of the scheme, such as construction timeframes, and how the works would be integrated with the wider management of traffic in the area,” the spokesperson added. The council will now discuss the responses and use them to inform the final proposals, including financing options. Mayor of Swanage, Cllr Tina Foster, said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation on the Green Seafront proposals, the Swanage community always responds well to public consultations, and we are very grateful for your input. “We will continue to keep everyone updated and involved in the process as the project progresses.” Findings of the public consultation were set to be formally received by councillors at a meeting last month. The council will feedback to residents early this year on plans going forward.

More than 400 people turned out to in-person consultation events over Swanage seafront PHOTO: Dorset Coast Forum

agreed’ that it will be important to stabilise the area to protect it for future generations,” a town council spokesperson said. “Additionally, a range of improvements to the Green Seafront area were considered important by respondents, including significantly improved accessibility, and enhancement of the green spaces through increased planting. “Crucially, retaining a large events field was viewed as the most important feature.” The results showed 51.1% of respondents favoured the enhanced scheme, and 43.6% favoured the essential scheme, with the remainder selecting

‘don’t know’. “Key feedback from the public included the need for

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A small majority of survey respondents backed the ‘enhanced’ scheme

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Ticket to ride the Polar Express

TICKETS given by mayor of Swanage Tina Foster saw two families enjoy a festive trip on the train. The families took a morning trip on the Polar Express steam train, which runs from Swanage Railway Station to the ‘North Pole’, operated by Swanage Railway. The tickets were given by the mayor, who chose LewisManning Hospice Care as her Christmas charity. Hospice family support and bereavement lead, Jo Sharkey, said: “Thanks to the mayor’s generosity we were able to treat two very grateful families to this magical trip. Families that during 2023 have accessed our family bereavement counselling service.” Jo said it was a ‘wonderful and enjoyable experience’, as well as an opportunity for the

Mayor of Swanage Tina Foster chose Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as her Christmas charity

children to have fun. “The trip comprised an hour-long journey during which actors appeared as characters from the book and film of The Polar Express,” Jo went on. “There was never a dull moment as we were entertained with singing, dancing and actors interacting with all the guests on the train.

“We were treated to a delicious hot chocolate drink and a Polar Express cookie, and on returning to Swanage, Father Christmas presented the children with a special gift. We were brilliantly entertained and spoiled.” The children said: “We loved it, it was great fun and very exciting. Thank you to the

mayor for making this possible for us to enjoy.” Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity providing care to patients and their loved ones facing a life-limiting illness across East Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Purbeck and west Hampshire. For more information, log on to lewis-manning.org.uk.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

27 garages broken into in one night

THIEVES targeted 27 garages in Poole in one night, according to Dorset Police. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward after the garages – in Keyes Close and Downey Close – were raided at around 2am on Thursday, December 28. Following enquiries, police found 18 garages in Keyes Close and nine in Downey Close had been broken into. Officers are also looking to identify three young people who were seen in the area wearing dark clothing and riding a brightly-coloured pushbike. PC Jamie Adams, of Poole police, said: “We are conducting enquiries into these burglaries, and I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity around the relevant timeframe.

Thieves raided 18 garages in Keyes Close, Poole

PHOTO: Google

“I would also like to ask residents in the area to check their home security cameras to see if they have any relevant footage which may be able to help us with our enquiries.” Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230202202. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously via Crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Wax Away Ear Care MOBILE EAR WAX REMOVAL Micro-suction and ear irrigation performed in your own home. More than £27,000 raised from last year’s Swanage Carnival & Regatta was handed to representatives of 23 organisations at a special presentation event held in October

Regatta and Carnival in awards running ORGANISERS of Swanage Regatta & Carnival 2023 have paid tribute to the ‘brilliant, dedicated team of volunteers’ who help put on the event after being shortlisted for a prestigious award. The eight-day event, which took place from July 29 to August 5, is a finalist at the Dorset Business Awards in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category. Winners of the awards, recognising the best of business in the county, will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Weymouth on February 1. And chair of the event, Darren Strong, said organisers were thrilled to make the list. “This is a fantastic achievement to be recognised and nominated as one of the best tourism events and festivals

of the year in Dorset,” he said. “It is a testament to all the hard work that goes into making our eight-day event now one of the biggest attractions in the south thanks to our brilliant, dedicated team of volunteers.” A total of 62 finalists have been announced for the Dorset Tourism Awards following five months of judging. The suspense will be ended at the awards ceremony, set to be held at Weymouth Pavilion. Fundraising efforts at the carnival saw 20-plus good causes receive donations totalling more than £27,000. Representatives from 23 organisations were invited to a special presentation event in October, where carnival volunteers handed over donations from funds raised at last year’s event.

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Robin Boultwood captured this image of paddle boarders in the sea at Swanage in the run up to the festive season

Tel: 01929 480701 www.clavellsrestaurant.co.uk Valid until 31st January 2024, not valid New Year Day.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Citizens Advice raises funds to prevent homelessness

CITIZENS Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is raising funds for a housing project which will provide support for local families and individuals at risk of homelessness. The project provides a one-stop support service offering housing and financial advice to vulnerable people. Citizens Advice helped 953 people with 2,241 housing issues between January and November this year, and in November alone, the housing team helped 98 people. Demand is expected to increase further as more people may be unable to pay rent and

bills due to the increased cost of living. Katrina Ford, business development manager, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “Our housing team provides essential support by offering both housing and financial advice, particularly to residents who need help navigating the system and the application process. “Some people do not have the skills to maintain tenancies, making them vulnerable to homelessness. “Unfortunately, our external funding is coming to an end and we are in desperate need to be

purbeckgazette.co.uk The housing team at Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck

able to continue to offer this essential free service.” Katrina added: “Housing is a key issue for lots of local people. “Many families and individuals are housed in temporary accommodation out of the area, which typically have higher rents, resulting in higher transport costs to work and school, loss of support networks together with other additional costs.” Mandy Mitchell is the sister of a client who the housing team recently helped. Mandy said: “My brother has a serious heart condition and PTSD, and was unable to work, so was at risk of homelessness. “Without the help of the Citizens Advice housing team I really do not know where my brother would be now. “Their knowledge, expertise and compassion is amazing. I

can’t begin to imagine what people will do if this service is no longer available.” Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is an independent charity and relies on grants and donations to fund its service, and is looking for donations to help fund the housing project. Donations to Citizens Advice Housing Project can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund page – the company will match fund the amount raised. Alternatively, visit www. edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or email giving@ edpcitizensadvice.org.uk for more information. For general advice and support call the Dorset Adviceline on CAB’s freephone line, 0800 144 8848 –Textphone 0800 144 8884 – 10am-4pm weekdays or visit www. edpcitizensadvice.org.uk

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Swanage RNLI gets new inshore lifeboat SWANAGE RNLI has unveiled a new inshore lifeboat (ILB) thanks to a generous donation in honour of a dedicated fundraiser. The new vessel has been funded by a donation from Doreen Norgrove following the retirement of the previous inflatable lifeboat after 11 years’ service. Doreen left half her estate to the RNLI when she passed away in August 2019,

The new lifeboat was funded from a bequest from Doreen Norgrove, whose late husband, Roy, was an active fundraiser for the RNLI PHOTOS: Swanage Lifeboat Station

requesting the boat be named after her late husband Roy. He was an active fundraiser for the Swanage emergency station, running the RNLI

Sunday Roast

Join us to enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast. Includes a choice of Chicken, Pork & Beef

(vegan alternatives on request)

seasonal vegetables, Yorkshires and crispy roasties

Jewellery Appeal. Previous ILBs had been named after Phyl and Jack Cleare, who supported the charity since 1980. Jack passed away suddenly in 2000, but Phyl continued her support and won the RNLI’s 2011 Individual Support of the Year Award, a year before her death. Senior helm at Swanage, Dazzy Tomes, said: “It’s great to have a new ILB. Virtually

nothing has changed but there are some small improvements that will make the boat even better. “We’re going to have an open day at the station in the New Year to let people come and have a closer look at the new boat.” A naming ceremony will be held in 2024. For more on the work of the RNLI, and to make a donation, visit www.rnli.org.

Family Sharing The Village Inn Open Daily Roast Reopens 18th January Food served 12.00pm-2.00pm 5.30pm-8.30pm Drinks Served 9.30am-10pm *

* Winter closing times subject to change without notice

Regular Roast Chicken £16.95 Beef & Pork £17.95 Small Portion £12.95

Gather the Family around the table and let us do the rest. Our family sharing roast includes a choice of meats (vegan alternatives on request)

lots of seasonal vegetables, Yorkshires and crispy roasties. £50 per Platter Made for a family of 4, larger parties or appetites can order extra portions at supplementary cost.

Pre-Booking is recommended

Booking 48hrs in Advance Required *

enq@ulwellholidaypark.co.uk

01929 427644

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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HAPPY new year from the Durlston Rangers! If you don’t mind the frosty mornings then Durlston is a great place to visit in January. On your travels you might stumble upon signs of new growth despite it still being winter. In the coastal woodlands, shoots of snowdrops, lords & ladies and three-cornered leek emerge through the soil and before the month expires daffodils might bloom outside the castle. A walk around the park may grant a sight of guillemots and razorbills returning to the ledges, and from the hedges the song of dunnock and song thrush can be heard, whereas a warm evening may provide badger sightings and pipistrelle bats flying overhead.

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Durlston Country Park has a lot going on this month

In the Fine Foundation Gallery until Sunday, January 14, pop into the exhibition by Allsort’d, to learn more about the work it does as an organisation and the community work it is involved in. The exhibition is free to enter and is open daily from 10am–4pm. After this, from Wednesday, January 17, we will host one of our in-house exhibitions ‘Victorian Durlston’ – make sure to have

a look if you’re interested in the Victorian Past of the Country Park. If you’re looking to try out something new this new year, why not think about volunteering here at the park? There’s plenty of varied roles to get involved in from helping at the Durlston Shed, surveying, photography and at our weekly outdoors work parties. We can provide a pair of steel toe-capped boots, good company and tea and cake on the work parties! On Saturday, January 20, at 7.30pm, we will be hosting our first Stargazing event of the year. Come up to the Learning Centre to find out more about our dark skies. Make sure to call on the day for any cancellation in case of bad

weather and cloud. Remember, Durlston Castle Shop is an excellent place to spend your Christmas money on Dorset produce or perhaps a new pair of binoculars! Durlston Castle’s winter opening hours are 10am-4pm. The Rangers are excited for a new year here despite the cold weather and evenings being dark. Whether you come as a visitor, bird-watcher or volunteer, we would like to wish you a happy new year. All the best from the Durlston Rangers! For more information on events and more visit our Durlston website at www. durlston.co.uk. Visit the Seventhwave cafe website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk.

Twinning soldiers on By Robin Brasher RUDESHEIM, Swanage’s twin town in Germany, is in a wine-making area and very different from its Dorset counterpart. Rudesheim is about 30 miles west of Frankfurt and is in a limestone gorge surrounded by vineyards next to the River Rhine. A cable car takes visitors to woodland walks and a cafe by the Germania monument to commemorate the unification of Germany. The cobbled streets are lined with half-timbered houses and numerous gift shops, wine bars, hotels and restaurants. Trains and boats take people to nearby towns and a passenger and car ferry sail to Bingen on the other side of the Rhine. Swanage Town Twinning

Robin Brasher with twinning friends Ingrid and Hannah at a wine tavern at Oestrich-Winkel

Association, founded in 1986, was dissolved in December 2022 and the assets distributed to local charities last September. In Rudesheim, the Swanage Group is still active and has 18 members. At least two of them visited Swanage this year and about half a dozen of our former members have visited Rudesheim. Rudesheim is about 500 miles from Swanage and visitors can get there by train

Vineyards and cruisers at Rudesheim

from St Pancras, by plane from Heathrow to Frankfurt and by road. I have tried all three but this year I flew there in October and went by coach in December. In October, about 12 of my twinning friends gave me a warm welcome in Rudesheim

and treated me to a light meal and drinks at a wine bar. The second visit in December was an organised coach trip run by a local firm to see the Christmas markets in Rudesheim and nearby towns. The association has closed but twinning soldiers on.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Police seek help on garage raid

CIGARETTES were stolen in an early-morning raid at a garage near Swanage. Thieves targeted Foleys Garage, in Valley Road, Harmans Cross, at about 4.30am on Monday, December 18. When officers attended, they found a large quantity of cigarettes had been stolen from behind the counter. PC Katy Ross, of Purbeck police, said: “I am continuing to investigate this incident and as part of my enquiries an examination of the scene was carried out. “I am now appealing to

Foleys Garage, near Swanage

anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the village around the relevant time to please come forward. “Also, if you have captured anything of relevance on either dashcam or home CCTV footage, please contact Dorset Police.” Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230197518. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Bay fossil find and a fearsome beast of the deep

SECRETS of the deep from 150 million years ago are being revealed on the Dorset coast. When dinosaurs ruled the Earth, they also ruled the seas, and one monster species in particular was a feared predator. The Pliosaur – often known as the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the seas – measured up to 12m long and weighed up to a whopping five tonnes. With a bite up to twice the size of a great white shark, complete with 130 razor sharp teeth, the Pliosaur was a formidable foe for any seabound creature.

And now, fossil hunters and dinosaur experts are finding out more than ever about this sharp-toothed sea-goer, thanks to a discovery on the Dorset coast. Their efforts were followed in a new BBC documentary – Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster – broadcast on New Year’s Day, which saw Sir David Attenborough join the investigation into a ‘discovery of a lifetime’. For a Pliosuar skull was

Sir David Attenborough and Steve Etches examine the fossilised snout of a pliosaur PHOTO: BBC Studios

found 12 metres up in a cliff face at Kimmeridge Bay. An avid fossil collector since he was a young boy, Sir David said he has never come across a find quite like this. The show saw scientists and palaeontologists seek to unravel the skull’s mysteries, searching for clues about how the fearsome beast not only looked but how it behaved, and the strategies it used to hunt its

prey. “Cutting-edge visual effects sequences bring the sea monster to life, showcasing its astonishing size – thought to be an incredible 12 metres long – and its phenomenal strength,” said a BBC spokesperson. “A momentous new discovery, scientists now believe this could be a completely new species of Pliosaur.”

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

Care home worker Alison Cassidy has achieved 35 years of service

Loyal servant at care home

CARE home housekeeper Alison Cassidy, who works at Care South’s Maiden Castle House in Dorchester, has clocked up 35 years of service. She started work at Maiden Castle House in Weymouth, when it was still part of Social Services, be-fore its move to Dorchester in 2007. Alison said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating 35 years with Care South. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of residents in our care. The support from my colleagues and the wonderful atmosphere at Maiden Castle House have

made every day a joy.” Ash Smith, home manager at Maiden Castle House, added: “Alison’s dedication and positive spirit have been a cornerstone of Maiden Castle House for over three decades. “Her commitment to her role and the well-being of residents is truly commendable. We are proud to have her as part of the team and look forward to many more years of working together.” Maiden Castle care home accommodates 66 residents. Care South is a not-for-profit charity and provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

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How a Living Trust protects your estate: 1. 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. 2. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from creditors, divorce & remarriage, and other potential claims, including care costs. 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. Should you move home the trust stays in place and protects your new residence. 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.

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Head delighted at school report

A “WARM and welcoming” Dorset primary school is celebrating after going from ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection. Inspectors visited Corfe Castle Primary School, part of the Coastal Learning Partnership, on November 7 and 8 and were impressed by what they found. “Pupils love coming to this warm and welcoming school,” the report said. “The values of courage, community, perseverance and belief embody the work of the school. “Staff have high expectations of all pupils. Pupils rise to these expectations.” Efforts made since the previous inspection in

September 2020, which delivered a ‘Requires improvement’ rating – have paid off, the inspectors said. “The school has worked tirelessly to engage with parents and carers since the previous inspection,” they wrote. “The community speaks highly of the many changes that have taken place. “Consequently, parents have confidence in the school and pupils enjoy attending.” They praised teachers’ “unwavering focus on the curriculum” and “sound subject knowledge”, and said that pupils “progress well through the curriculum”. Headteacher at Corfe Castle primary, Amy Howe, said: “As a school, we are incredibly proud of the education in Corfe

Corfe Castle Primary School headteacher Amy Howe (back left) with deputy Robert Stoner and pupils. Ofsted inspectors rated the school ‘Requires Improvement’ in September 2020 but it has now been recognised as ‘Good’ in all areas

Castle Primary School being recognised as ‘Good’ in all areas. “The whole school community have worked together to improve the

education at the school. We are absolutely delighted with the recent inspection grading.” To read the full report, log on to https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ provider/21/142145.

Absolutely ABBA at home’s party! DANCING Queens took to the floor at an ABBA-themed Christmas party at a Hamworthy care home. Memory lane residents at Upton Bay care home got in the Christmas spirit by donning their best 70s garb and taking in the sounds of Scandanavia. Meanwhile, other residents enjoyed a gala buffet and a performance by Tyler James singing Sinatra, Buble and songs from My Fair Lady, with festive food from the home’s chef, Alain. General manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive, so we’ve pulled out all the stops. “It is so lovely to see them all getting into the Christmas

spirit, it’s definitely my favourite time of year.” Joy, a resident at Upton Bay, said: “It has been a lovely day. It was wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort to get into the Christmas spirit. “I really enjoyed the delicious savoury snacks, Yuletide log and mulled wine.”

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Get set for Lewis-Manning’s pawsome Muddy Dog Dash in Upton Country Park! Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has launched

families and friends, with or without a dog can

Take a look at last year’s pictures online to see

registrations for its hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog

choose between a 2.5km and 5km muddy obstacle

how much fun you are guaranteed to have!

Dash’ event and is encouraging dog owners to

course. Spectators are more than welcome and can

https://lewis-manning.org.uk/muddy-dog-dash.

get involved in what promises to be a brilliantly

enjoy the pawsome event village while they wait

“Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to

fun…and muddy event!

for their muddy friends to return! Hannah

our kind headline sponsors of this event, Barratt

The ‘Muddy Dog Dash’, kindly sponsored by

Garrett, Event Fundraiser at Lewis-Manning

Homes. They have also assisted us with a number

Barratt Homes, takes place on Sunday 17th March

Hospice Care said, “You can choose to run, jog

of the obstacles on the course.”

at Upton Country Park, Poole. Runners, walkers,

or walk, that’s up to you. Whatever your ability it

Megan Hamlyn, Marketing Manager at Barratt

will be a fantastically

Homes concluded, “We are thrilled to be

muddy experience.

supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care again

There will be various

for their hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog Dash’,

fun obstacles

it’s certainly an event not to be missed!

including ramps,

Barratt Homes are always keen to support their

tyre runs, wiggle

local communities and causes like Lewis-

poles and much

Manning who provide vital care and support to

much more!

patients and their families across East Dorset

There will be goodie

and Purbeck.”

bags sponsored by

Hannah concluded, “What are you waiting for?

Nurturing by

- On your barks, get set… GO!! Sign up today

Nature, rosettes

on our web site: https://lewis-manning.org.uk/

and certificates.

muddy-dog-dash/.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Margaret Green Animal Rescue New Year – the ‘pawfect’ time for a new challenge!

WOULD you like to kickstart 2024 by doing something amazing? Go on – give yourself a wonderful reason to stick to your resolutions, by raising vital funds for rescue animals in need. From signing up to a sponsored walk to organising a bake sale, hosting a quiz night or even taking on a thrilling skydive, there are lots of ways that you could make a ‘pawsitive’ difference to rescue animals across Dorset and Devon. If you’re looking for inspiration on how you could create your own fabulous fundraiser, make sure you visit our website, www.mgar.org.uk/ fundraising, to download our Fundraising Guide for plenty of top tips and ideas on how to

would love you to join Team MGAR by securing your place! If you are a keen runner or hoping to improve your fitness, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. If you are interested in running the half-marathon,

get started. We are also delighted to have spaces available for Run Bournemouth on Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, and we

10K or 5K to raise funds for your local animal rescue charity, please email comms@ mgar.org.uk to speak to a member of our friendly team. With your support, we can give our animals, who have no voice to ask for help, the love and care they truly deserve.

Caring for animals since 1965

Rescue Care Rehome Support Donate margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/Donate Registered Charity Number: 1167990

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Festival in call to artists

A PURBECK art festival is calling on visual artists living or working in the area to put themselves forward for a prestigious exhibition. Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is inviting artists to submit applications to exhibit in the highly-anticipated Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2024, set to take place from May 25 to June 9. The event gives artists a unique platform to showcase their talent and engage with the

vibrant artistic community in Purbeck. And organisers are encouraging visual artists keen to be a part of the event to apply after registration opened this week. For more information on the application process and requirements, visit the official festival website, at https:// purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk. The deadline for applications is January 31.

Meanwhile, as part of the festival’s commitment to fostering and supporting local artistic talent, PAW is offering bursaries to provide financial assistance and support to visual and performing artists interested in developing their careers. “The bursaries are a way of encouraging local talent, carving pathways for local artists to access opportunities and push their boundaries,” said

Laurel Hart, director of strategic communications at PAW. “It’s about investing in the aspirations of local artists and deepening access to creative opportunities. Supporting artists today means a richer cultural scene for everyone tomorrow.” Artists interested in learning more about the bursaries and the application process should get in touch by email to info@ purbeckartweeks.co.uk. Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, from May 25-June 9, gives artists a platform to showcase their talent and engage with the local artistic community

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

Mental health support is available DORSET’S Access Mental Health services provide support for anyone struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious or heading towards a crisis. Led by Dorset HealthCare, our services offer round-theclock help and advice to those in need, in person, over the phone and online. The beginning of a new year can be a particularly tough time for many of us. Worried about your mental health or someone you know? The county’s Connection helpline is open 24/7 for support, advice and signposting for anyone in Dorset. Direct dial 0800 652 0190 or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Connection last year received an average of 4,500-5,000 calls a month. One caller to the service said: “I really felt listened to and supported at a time when I was

struggling to cope. It means so much to know I am not alone and was assured by the person I spoke to that I could call back any time and that I wasn’t being a nuisance.” Face-to-face and online services available include: n The Retreat – drop-in service run in partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum which provides a way for over-18s to talk through problems with a mental health worker or peer specialist face-to-face. The Bournemouth Retreat is open from 4.30-11.30pm every day and Dorchester’s Retreat is open from 4.3011.30pm, Sunday-Wednesday. n Community Front Rooms – face-to-face drop-in support service for over-18s in Bridport, Shaftesbury and Wareham (2.15-9.45pm,

Ruth Fletcher, who works in the Connection team

Thursday to Sunday) and Weymouth (2.15-9.45pm, Monday to Sunday). Virtual support is also available. They are run by local charities – The Burrough Harmony Centre (Bridport), Hope (Shaftesbury) and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (Wareham and Weymouth) – and are all staffed by mental health and peer support workers. We know this time of year can be particularly hard for many, and our Access Mental Health Services are here to help. Our Connection mental health crisis phone line is available 24/7. Please do call

us if you are worried about your own mental health, or that of someone close to you – our experienced mental health staff are here to listen and support you to find a way forward, whatever the circumstances. In person support is available in the evenings, at our Retreats and the Community Front Rooms. All the details can be found at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ access-mental-health Dorset HealthCare offers a wide range of other mental health support for all ages. Visit www.dorsethealthcare. nhs.uk/takeastep. LAURA EKELUND Dorset HealthCare’s Crisis and Acute Community Services manager

The Purbeck Mummers performed their time-honoured play on Boxing Day in Corfe Castle watched and enjoyed by many in the village square PHOTO: Sue Wheatley

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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50% OFF FOR LOCALS Anyone with a BH, DT or SP postcode will benefit from 50% off the entry price to Monkey World! Advertisement feature Monkey World is starting the New Year off with a promotion for all locals to the parks - half price off entry during January! From the 2nd to 31st, anyone with a BH, DT or SP postcode will benefit from 50% off the entry price to Monkey World. Come and see over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, including the world’s largest group of chimpanzees

outside of Africa. Most primates have been rescued from unbelievable cruelty or neglect, but at Monkey World they can enjoy the company of their own kind in safe and natural living environments. Some are even part of breeding programmes for endangered species. Combining fun with conservation, half hourly keeper Q&A’s are available to explain all about man’s closest living

relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Business’ and ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape play area for children with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames. There are several food outlets available at the park, or visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings. Visitors can choose to support the parks rescue work further by adopting a primate. This means you get an annual pass to the park for a whole year, as well as 3 magazines a year, a photo, certificate & access to exclusive adoptive parent only events!

For more details please see our website www.monkeyworld.org. Alternatively, email apes@monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537

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A BIG ROTARY NEW YEAR THANK-YOU We want to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported the work of Swanage & Purbeck Rotary in 2023 - whether through the generosity of your donations, sponsorships, or lending a hand with our various activities and events. We couldn't do half as much without your kind and enthusiastic help. We’ve had a fantastic range of Christmas events: • A very successful Christmas Market that extended this year into Institute Road allowing

over 50 stalls to participate. • A full programme of visits by Santa’s sleigh to the streets of Swanage, Langton and Corfe. • The despatch of over 3,500 Christmas cards to local addresses through our Charity Mail Service. • A highly popular pop-up shop selling a range of Christmas treats. • Filling over 250 Christmas shoeboxes that have been sent to underprivileged children in Eastern Europe.

As a result of your generosity, these Christmas activities have raised a stunning £15,771!! This money represents a significant part of our annual fund-raising efforts. Over the last financial year (which runs to the end of June) we raised a total of £36,602 and donated to more than 25 different organisations and charities; these are shown in the graphic below. The graphic also lists our Business Partners to whom we would like to give a big thank you for all their help and support. Grateful thanks are also due to Harlees for the use of part of their premises on Station Road and to Swanage Town Council for their cooperation.

our very popular Silver Saturday will be honouring our community's senior citizens with a slap-up afternoon tea. If you would like to attend either of these or want to get involved in any other way do contact us via secretary@swanagerotary.org.

Finally,! we would like to flag up two forthcoming events. On Sunday February 4 the local round of the Rotary Young Musician competition will be taking place at Swanage Methodist Church. On the afternoon of 25 February,

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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National award for energy adviser who goes extra mile

AN energy adviser helping Purbeck and east Dorset residents with energy problems and battling fuel poverty has been recognised with a national award. Laura Wilcox, from Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, has been named ‘Champion on the ground; Advocating for fuel poor households locally’ at the recent National Energy Action Awards 2023. National Energy Action is a national charity working to end fuel poverty. Ros Dignan, project coordinator at the Dorset Energy Unit, who nominated Laura, said: “Laura’s extensive knowledge of the energy industry and continuous efforts to stay abreast of changes

demonstrate her dedication to excellence. “Her hands-on approach when directly assisting people who come for help, especially in the most challenging cases, reflects a level of commitment that goes beyond expectations.” After her win was

announced, Laura was presented with a framed certificate of her achievements by Ros, alongside Helen Goldsack, chief officer at Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck. “We wanted to show our appreciation to Laura of her dedication and commitment to

helping others,” Ros said. “Not only does Laura go above and beyond for people who come to us for help with their energy issues, for over four years, she has run free energy training sessions for frontline workers, which enables community members to navigate the complex energy issue landscape.” Helen added: “This dedication creates a supportive environment where people feel empowered and her holistic approach and impact extends far beyond her immediate responsibilities. “Laura makes a real difference to the energy team and most importantly to local residents who benefit daily from her knowledge, help and support.” The Citizens Advice Dorset Energy Unit can be contacted on 01929 775500,. The unit can also be reached via email to energy@ edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

A CHANGING Places toilet has been installed at Knoll Beach in Studland, ensuring facilities there are accessible to all. Changing Places toilets provide more space than standard accessible toilets, an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, a peninsular toilet, a height-adjustable basin and are heated. The installation will allow everyone to take part in recreational activities at the

beach. Knoll Beach is particularly accessible with level access from the disabled parking, changing room, cafe and shop. Other facilities include free to hire beach wheelchairs and a powered Tramper mobility scooter. Emma Wright, visitor operations and experience manager at Studland Bay, said: “We are delighted to include a changing room alongside our

other accessible facilities. “Everyone is welcome at Knoll Beach and we hope to make days out for all as stress free and enjoyable as possible.” Funding for the Changing Place came from Dorset Council which secured funding of £454,250 from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to provide seven more changing places toilets across the council area.

National Energy Action Awards winner Laura Wilcox (centre) with Ros Dignan and Helen Goldsack

New loo improves access at the beach

Court Leet performs time-honoured duty

MEMBERS of Wareham Court Leet had a successful week of visiting the town’s ale houses, including The Legion, Horse & Groom, Duke of Wellington, the Con Club, The Bear, the Quay Inn and the Old Granary. The officers and jury carried out the timehonoured tradition of testing the leather, beer, bread, chimneys and lavatories.

PHOTO: Sue Wheatley

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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News from Wareham Town Council – December report By Julie Bradshaw “CONTACT Crimestoppers if you want to report a crime or nuisance anonymously.” This from David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner – crimestoppers-uk.org is the website, 0800 555 111 is the phone number. If you want to report a crime which is not serious and where the perpetrator is no longer at the scene, 101 is the service to use. It can be difficult to access by phone. Efforts are being made to reduce the waiting time, which will be helped if people who are able to, report online. A councillor felt that an incident which she had reported had not been dealt with in a way to assure her of her safety. Mr Sidwick recognised a failing in the police’s customer service

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

which needs improvement. Working assiduously alongside Dorset Council, Joyce Spiller, of Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation (PYCF), has secured a family hub. Based in the youth centre next to Purbeck Sports Centre and behind Purbeck School, it is a place where families are welcomed for access to the full range of family services and to get advice. Like the Sure Start scheme but supporting families with children from 0-19, or in the

case of children with special needs 0-25, family hubs try to address problems before they escalate. Dorset has eight family hubs. Services offered include midwifery, financial information, mental and other health issues, housing advice, support for those suffering domestic abuse and youth services. Wareham Town Council has been making a financial contribution towards PYCF because it recognises the value of its work with young people but there will be no obligation on the town council to pay towards the family hub. Initially there is a grant from the Department for Education. On a lighter note, Father Christmas appeared at the Red Lion Hotel chimney and congratulations to Mary and Colin Appleton, Wareham

‘Human fish’ in record books

DORSET’S ‘human fish’ – Oly Rush – has crowned a remarkable year by being listed in the latest edition of the Guinness World Records. The plasterer and endurance swimmer, from Upton near Poole, has made the pages of the 2024 book of world records after completing a 60-mile circumnavigation of Grand Cayman. To complete the feat, the 39-year-old spent an arm-aching 37 hours non-stop powering round the Caribbean island. He was the first person ever to achieve the feat and he did it to raise awareness of plastic

pollution in the world’s oceans. It came after a number of notable achievements in recent years, including the fastest swim around the Isle of Wight and becoming the first person to swim around the Greek Island of Ithaca. Vegan Oly also raises money for environmental charities during his endurance swims and has his sights set on further firsts. “It’s lovely to be recognised by the Guinness book of records but what’s more important is to do my bit to clean up the oceans,” he said. “The Grand Cayman swim

Oly Rush has made the latest edition of the Guinness World Records for his 60-mile swim around Grand Cayman

was incredibly difficult but I had a fantastic team who planned it in detail and were with me all of

Town Council’s Volunteers of the Year. The council has allocated a grant of £500 towards the cost of a new heating system for Carey Hall. Members of the public attended the planning and transport committee meeting concerned about the felling of the sycamore tree on the former Cottees site. The Lidl planning application has been delayed until the new year. The public is welcome to attend the next council meetings on Tuesdays January 23 and March 5 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. the way. “I have recently set up a new charity called Project Planet Earth and I’ll be putting a lot of effort into that, raising awareness about plastic pollution. “I also go into schools and give talks and the children really seem to take what I’m saying on board. I think we have a great generation coming through who really care about reducing pollution. “Next year I aim to do another swim which I’m still finalising, but which will test me more than any of the others.” Guinness World Records 2024 details how Oly swam around the 59.3-mile distance in 36hrs 59mins and includes a picture of an emotional Oly at the end of his world record feat.

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Telling It Like It Is

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Sick of being told to ‘do it online’ C ENTRAL government is forcing Dorset Council to drop charges for dumping DIY waste at local recycling centres with effect from January 1. My first thought was ‘that’s good news’ but it’s only four small bags of rubble, soil and hardcore over a four-week period. The council claims the move will cost it £500,000 a year, which will now be passed onto all Dorset Council taxpayers, leaving less money for already stretched council services for which some of us feel central government should be responsible. Does the new legislation provide councils with the tools needed to tackle fly-tipping, reduce waste and increase recycling? I think not. Residents will be asked to pre-book their DIY waste via Dorset Council’s website or its customer services phone line. Which will deter ordinary householders who just need to get rid of a few bags of rubble rather than enter a ‘process’. Many of my generation are as heartily sick of ‘do it online’ or ‘talking’ to a faceless ‘bot’ as we are of trying to get through to a customer services person and face an interminable wait being told ‘your call is important to us’. And that’s not just Dorset Council, it’s almost every large concern which will not spend enough on properly trained staff and who would rather trouser the profits than provide a proper service. Try ringing HMRC!

ROM January 8 until February 17, the B3069 High Street in Langton Matravers will be closed by Wessex Water. This means the Breezer 40 bus will not be able to serve Langton Matravers or Kingston and will divert via Harmans Cross, leaving Swanage five minutes later across every departure each day. Morebus will provide a shuttle minibus service seven

by David Hollister days a week starting at Steppes Hill and finishing at Corfe Castle (East Street) to connect with most Breezer 40 journeys. The shuttle bus will be a 16-seater minibus and will be free. Temporary timetables for the shuttle and the Breezer 40 can be found online. Purbeck School students in Langton Matravers and Kingston who normally board the PB3 will be taken on the minibus direct to the school. Unfortunately, this closure is out of the control of Morebus, which is sorry for any inconvenience caused and is doing its best to work around it. So let’s hope we will find adequate work-persons doing their best to get the job finished on or before time, rather than apparently abandoned traffic lights as have been set up – again – outside the Royal Oak. Perhaps SGN could consider ripping up the patchwork of faulty gas pipes once and for all and laying a fresh new plastic-pipe gas main which should see most of us out. Or would the costs involved take too much from shareholder dividends. Someone, somewhere, please try and explain to me the long-term benefits of privatisation of this nation’s utilities?

99 police call handlers receive thousands of calls every year asking for help which the police are unable to give, regardless of the fact that years ago the police did this stuff as a matter of course. Dorset Police now urge you to remember the slogan: ‘When something’s wrong – report it right’ to ensure callers get the best help from the most appropriate service and without taking up the time of police staff who may otherwise be dealing with more urgent queries. Which roughly translated means ‘we’re under-funded and

under-staffed and don’t have enough resources to do our job properly’ – all of which is true. So – Dorset Police – please stop trying to cover up the deficiencies with verbose press releases from senior officers, just admit the funds aren’t available. I would suggest the answer is in the ballot box but actually here in South Dorset I don’t think it is. The police see a significant number of calls reporting issues relating to noisy neighbours, parking and lost dogs, which should be reported to the local council or other agencies. That’s if you’re calling the right number at the right time. The police press release suggests that ‘noise pollution’ should be dealt with by the council Environmental Health Department on 01305 221000 or ‘do it online’ if you have a computer and enough time and patience to write a report and dispatch it online to God knows where, wait for a reply or for someone to turn up and try to get the noise stopped. 500 people at an illegal rave will hardly be deterred by a couple of environmental health officers in a panda car, who are probably pretty scared anyway! Lost or found dogs – if you find a lost or stray dog then the same ‘customer services department’ will deal with it between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Any found dogs outside this period will just have to be kept in a secure garden(!) with access to water until the dog warden arrives. And if you’ve lost your dog,

maybe try Facebook first. Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Lincoln Farm, Bere Road, Winterborne Kingston, Blandford, will accept stray dogs up until 9pm, Monday to Sunday – except closed on Tuesdays. Its phone number is 0330 400 6670, which appears to be a national number, or you could look up its website and ‘do it online’. Bad parking? The council’s parking enforcement department or maybe 101. Make a coffee first. Legal advice? Try Citizens Advice service on 0800 144 8848. Of course, if there is an emergency or crime in progress, use 999. Non-urgent incidents? Try 101. We’d really like to hear of readers’ experiences of calling 101 – either positive or negative – so drop us an email. And as regards the proposed meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and police chiefs, well, Linda Welsh and I have both had Christmas away from our phones and computers, so we’ll be trying to contact the PCC this week. Watch this space! It was great having a fortnight away from the computer and indeed from the microphone, a Christmas holiday much needed and much enjoyed. But today, it’s the first day of the rest of my life, so, onwards and upwards. Thanks to everyone for all your good wishes – don’t forget – if we don’t hear from you, we won’t know what’s on your mind! In the words of Gaffer Gamgee, it’s the job that’s not started that takes longest to finish!

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

THE

PURBECK MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 305

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PURBECK MAGAZINE

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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For the solutions, turn to page 33

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Politics

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Life – and death – on Bibby Stockholm TWO weeks before Christmas we heard that one of the asylum seekers on board the Bibby Stockholm barge had taken his life. I was looking after my grandson when I heard the news. I felt heartsick – this young man, so far from his home and dear ones – what despair must he have felt to end his life? The day before the tragedy, I had been privileged to meet some of the men from the barge. The Portland Global Friendship Group had organised a Christmas party for them in the Dry Dock, Weymouth. Heather, a young woman from Portland whose energy and compassion are inspirational, met me on my arrival. Heather is one of the founder members of the Portland Global Friendship Group. She and her fellow volunteers have been tireless in their work to offer a welcome to the asylum seekers on the

barge. Activities organised by in Computer Science. the Friendship Group range I listened to haunting from walking to gardening. Kurdish songs and music from Warm clothing and footwear Dorchester artist Mustafa have been provided for those in Mamu and then to urban need of them. Local people sounds from DJ Crumpet have been generous with their Claire. The atmosphere inside donations. the Dry Dock was one of Dorset Stand up to Racism fellowship and friendship. has given Heather People played chess and unstinted support. Its challenged one another members are fearless to games of pool. with their call that There was ‘all refugees are conversation and welcome here’ – laughter. challenging those I heard many who spread fear and stories. I spoke to division through racism those who sorely and xenophobia. missed their wives and Chris Bradey The Christmas party children, who now was joyous, with music and waited in limbo for their delicious food, some of which asylum applications to be was cooked by the refugees. I processed. A former civil savoured a wonderful spicy servant from Afghanistan was chicken biryani, prepared by a still waiting after 14 months. student who had fled Pakistan His daughters, he said, ‘now as result of religious have no one’. persecution. A gifted cook, he I heard how stressful life longed to continue his studies was on the barge. The food was

poor. Shared en suite facilities in a cramped cabin afforded no provision for modesty. Dodgy Wifi meant keeping in touch with loved ones was often impossible. Leaving the barge meant going through security gates at set times and being subject to searches. People were seasick when the barge wallowed in the swell. Most of all, the refugees – many of whom had flown here, and have skills we so desperately need – were left here uncertain and fearful for their future. They were aware of the hatred and division spread by racists on social media. A cruel and shameful policy took all the hope from that young man’s heart. He had a name. He had dreams. Where is the pity, the humanity that should have given him a welcome? CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Illegal migration now on my watch FIRSTLY, a Happy New Year to all of you. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family, however you celebrated. I always find the start of the new year a great moment for reflection. 2023 has been a year which has been more politically stable in the UK than some recent years, but internationally events have not been so settled. Headlines have been dominated by events in the Middle East, and as I write the humanitarian pause has ended, with a resumption of hostilities. We will continue to provide humanitarian support to the region, and continue call for the release of all hostages and for a diplomatic solution to be found. We also continue to support Ukraine, and I was pleased that the new Foreign Secretary’s first mission visit was to see

President Zelensky to underline their new nursery business has our support for their struggle got stuck along the way and against Russian aggression. needs investigating. Here in Dorset over the last Maybe they have tried to get year I have received more than answers from a business or 6,000 emails and letters from government department, or they constituents. My team and I need answers to a question have responded with that no-one seems to 5,000-plus emails and be able to solve. We letters, and I have sent have helped with all in excess of 10,000 these issues and surveys – asking you more last year – I for your views on a always say I do not range of issues, for have a magic wand me to feed back to – would that I did! Ministers. But my team and I But being an MP is Michael Tomlinson will do our utmost to not about numbers – it help if we can. is about people. Every week, The Prime Minister has local residents get in touch asked me to take on a new role needing help with a wide range in Government. I am now the of problems. Perhaps their visa Illegal Migration Minister and application for a family member will be attending Cabinet. has been held up or their Illegal migration is an application for a new broadband important issue and one that I connection has been refused. Or know concerns many of you. I their Ofsted registration for will be working in the Home

Office, alongside other ministers, and the Home Secretary. My constituency work will continue alongside this role, as it did when I was Solicitor General – so you will still see me out and about as usual. I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency, so please do get in touch if there is something you need help with, or if you’d like me to visit your organisation or business. Email me at michael.tomlinson.mp@ parliament.uk or contact my office on 01202 624216. You can also follow what I’ve been doing on Twitter @ Michael4mdnp, Facebook www.facebook.com/ michael4MDNP and on my website www.michaeltomlinson. org.uk. MICHAEL TOMLINSON Conservative MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Politics

purbeckgazette.co.uk

‘Pints of wine? Govt has lost the plot’ THE announcement this week that the Government has introduced ‘pints’ of wine as proof of a Brexit benefit is evidence – if you still needed it – that we are in the dying days of a government that has lost its way.

I have knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors over the last decade and I have never met anyone desperate to grab a pint of wine, and if they did, they probably don’t realise it will only apply to UK wines, not the European or New World wines enjoyed by most people. More common is a frustration that public services are on their knees and society unravelling. Residents are desperate for our community to be future-proofed from the problems brought about by climate change, the increasing use of AI and the impact of an ageing population. This Government has wasted over two years running a consultation and creating legislation for something that

no-one asked for and no-one needs. More than 100,000 replied to the consultation and only 403 people wanted the UK to switch back to Imperial measurements, with only 870 wanting more choices. And yet, this Government has changed the law on the back of just a handful of people, creating costs for business. In recent years the Government has undertaken some important consultations, but the following ones seem to be stuck in the ‘too difficult’ pile and seem unlikely to see any positive outcome this side of a general election. The irony is these issues DO come up regularly during doorstep conversations and cause real harm to the lives of people in communities across Purbeck and beyond. The first is on Zero Carbon Homes, and the regulations that housebuilders will have to achieve. Councils are being held to account on failing to

Huge weights in Christmas match

By Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary DORCHESTER & District Angling Society’s Junior Christmas match is always a fun event to round off the year, with all the juniors fishing getting a prize and no one going home empty handed. The frost gave Homeground Lake at Todber Manor a nice ‘Christmasey’ feeling, but it was minus three degrees and so very cold. Eight juniors wrapped up warm by their parents, sat in the wintery sunshine to compete for the Christmas Match Trophy, and practice had shown that very big catches were on the

ANGLING

cards. Jack Cryer (pictured) proved that correct by weighing in a new Junior Match record weight of 200lb 7oz, a fantastic effort on the feeder all day. In second was Josiah Wells-Parkes with 168lb 15oz, and third was Jack Copp with 155lb 12oz. It was a fantastic finale to a great year and the junior section would like to thank everyone who helped them in 2023. For more information, go to ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@d-das.com, and for fishery information go to todbermanor.co.uk.

deliver Zero Carbon targets, but all the while developers can build to lower environmental standards and consumers pay the price – financially from higher bills and environmentally as homes generate a quarter of our nation’s carbon emissions. The second consultation is on banning pavement parking. A recent poll in the Daily Express showed that over three-quarters of people want to see this ended, and petitions regularly prove most people favour changes in legislation. Pavement parking not only damages footpaths and causes inconvenience but is responsible for accidents, reduces children’s independence and the freedom of elderly and disabled people. Scotland and Wales have already progressed legislation but despite the consultation closing over three years ago, the Government has taken no action, instead manufacturing a ‘war on motorists’ to stoke

community divisions. Delivering on safer streets and low carbon homes will improve our quality of life, boost the economy by reducing costs for households and they could save money in the NHS from reduced accidents, improved health and fewer deaths from cold or damp homes. The Government needs to listen to people and deliver on policies for whole communities not prop up its ailing electoral prospects with niche policies that help no-one. This latest policy on pints proves two things. First, that this Government can deliver if it wants to and second, that it is out of touch with the rest of us. It’s time for them to go and give a new Government the opportunity to finish what it started. VIKKI SLADE Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate – Mid Dorset & North Poole

Swans share spoils in first 0-0 in 111 games Swanage Town & Hertson 0 Westland Sports 0 SWANS shared the points in an entertaining Dorset Premier League match at Day’s Park played in difficult conditions in front of a big crowd. Swans started the brighter with Charlie Brassington just missing the target, and the impressive Cohen Lee produced a great pass for Cody Moore, who went close to breaking the deadlock. Swans keeper Taylor Hibbs produced good saves to deny the Westland forwards at the other end. Both sides went close before half-time but were denied by good organised defending, particularly Brad Smith at the heart of the Swans defence.

Sport

FOOTBALL Swans went close early in the second half through Elliott Steele, who was denied by visiting keeper Sam Watts. Hibbs had to be alert to deny Sports but substitute Dan Cavendish had two chances and Brad Smith missed the target with a header when well placed. The game ended with Swans striker Dan Reeks and a Westland player getting red cards. This was Swans first 0-0 draw for 111 games but was a very entertaining match. Team: T Hibbs, Olly Smith, B Smith, D Keates (S Pryor 67), J Hughes (D Cavendish 75), C Lee, C Brassington, E Steele, C Moore, C Dyke (M White 82), D Reeks. Subs: M White, D Cavendish, S Pryor, B Hughes (not used). Star man: Cohen Lee. Special mention: Brad Smith and Charlie Dyke.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Home & Garden

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Wonderful winter-flowering camellias By Sally Gregson CAMELLIAS are among the most dramatic and sought-after shrubs for early spring, and in the mild climate and acidic soils of the far South-West, they are budding up for a glamorous show this season. If you garden on alkaline soil, however, they need not be off limits. A large half-barrel filled with ericaceous compost and placed on a west-facing aspect, out of cold winds and sheltered from early morning sun, will provide a home for most camellias for many years. Providing, that is, that the plant is fed and given a dose of Sequestrene – sequestered iron – every spring. In hard-water areas this makes up for watering it with limey tap water in the summer and enables it to take up the nutrients from the soil. Immediately after it has finished flowering for the first

time, tip back the flowering shoots to promote good side growth. In subsequent years it is only necessary to prune the plant when it gets a bit gawky or leggy, or if it grows out of its barrel and has to be re-potted. Top up the soil with ericaceous compost regularly and it will repay such consideration with glossy green leaves and perfect waxen flowers. Some camellias flower earlier than the spring. One or two produce sumptuous flowers in December and early January. The glorious Camellia sasanqua flowers well and happily in a large half-barrel of ericaceous compost. There’s a good pink variety, C. sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’, and a pretty red, single C. sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ whose flowers sport large golden centres. In a half-barrel they are unlikely to get too big, but if

Camellias grown in a half-barrel

they need pruning, get out the secateurs when it has finished flowering. It will flower the

following year from the growth it makes during the very early spring.

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WINTER WELLNESS

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024 Advertisement Feature

WINTER WELLNESS

New Year, New You: Jumpstart Your Health & Fitness Journey in January CATCH UP WITH OUR FAMILY HUB DEVELOPMENTS Our mission: To support, enable and inspire everyone in our communities to Live Young, Live Life! Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation is developing a Family hub which aims to bring and join up services for young people 0-25 years and parents and carers in our local community. We do have some adult groups running.

Charity number: 1168537

office@pycf.org.uk 01929 552934 Worgret Rd, Wareham, BH20 4PH

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

WINTER WELLNESS HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PURBECK WHOLEFOODS Here at Purbeck Wholefoods we really do believe, “you are what you eat!” After all, your body is renewing its own cells on a daily basis. Serving the public for almost 50 years our amazing team is always on hand to assist, whether it’s winter wellness, improved sleep and relaxation, a healthy mindset or new lifestyle choices for 2024. We’ve been at our most recent address at 19 North Street in Wareham, for almost 18 months and run monthly events, often free, to help us all be more informed about topics including pre and Probiotics, gut health, the Menopause and hormones amongst others. We stock a wide range of supplements, herbal teas, tinctures and essential oils and along with many more basic ingredients including dried herbs and spices, oats and muesli, nuts, dried fruits and seeds. If you’re looking for something special or different, just ask, we can try to source it for you. Can’t get in to the shop? We offer a delivery service too! As we approach the new year we look forward to meeting new customers and catching up with our fantastic regulars. Happy New Year, Happy New You!

Is your New Year's resolution to pay more attention to your health? If so, come and join our friendly Tuesday yoga class. This inclusive mixed-abilities class will help you improve your ﬂexibility, balance, and strength

Iyengar Yoga with Semra every Tuesday at 10 am Corfe Castle Village Hall, £8 drop-in

Contact: Semra @ Yogawithsemra@gmail.com or 07932180327

Understanding the Verruca virus & Advertisement Feature exploring treatment options

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Clinic Appointments • Comprehensive Foot Care • Diabetic Patient Care • Nail Trimming • Athletes Foot & Fungal Nails • Verrucas • Ingrowing Toenails & Nail Surgery • Painless Curved Nail Correction • Biomechanics • Shoe Fitting • General Foot Care 2 Daisy May Arcade, King’s Road East, Swanage

Contact 07979 840542 www.swanagechiropodypodiatry.co.uk

The Verruca virus enters the body though micro abrasions on the bottom of the feet in places where there is an abundance of water. The virus lives in the sub dermal layers of the skin and appears on the surface of the foot as a wart like projection. The virus cannot be eliminated, all we can hope to do is to put the virus into a state of dormancy, so the visual appearance of the virus on the surface of the foot is no more. This does not mean that the virus has left the body. It is now asleep waiting to resurface at times of stress, illness, or low immunity. Treatment options are wide and variable ranging from, do nothing, wait and see, to alternative non-invasive treatments with no evidence to say they work, to the more effective evidence based treatments. The ‘go to’ treatment usually starts with a trip to the chemist and the purchase of an over-the-counter product, which is a good starting point. These products in some cases regress the verruca back into a dormant state just below the skin surface. If the verruca fails to go it may be necessary to seek further help from your podiatrist. Treatments your podiatrist may offer • Freezing with nitrous oxide or using Acid based products not available over the counter due to their potency – either treatment is up to 30% effective. • Falknor’s Needling, involves a local anaesthetic to numb the area of the foot before piercing the verrucae with a needle several times, to stimulate the bodies own immune system to regress the virus. Up to 70% effective. PLEASE NOTE: NO TREATMENT IS GUARANTEED TO WORK. Rachel Ciantar Podiatrist, MRCOP, MSSCh, HCPC reg, POM-S, POM-A

WINTER WELLNESS

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

Make 2024 your Year and take out a Gold Card Membership at Purbeck Sports Centre. The membership package includes use of the Gym Facilities Swimming, Exercise Classes, Sauna and ½ price Pilates and Yoga Courses. Our varied Exercise Class Programme offers Spinning, Dance fit, HIIT, Circuits, Aqua-fit, Retro Aerobics, Dancercise, Pumpercise and ChaSamba amongst many others. Membership Prices start at £28.35, less than £1.00 per day and don’t tie you into lengthy Contracts. Alternatively, you can use all our Facilities on a pay and play basis, as and when they are available. Visit our website for further information on how to join, opening programmes and costs or alternatively call in and we can take you on a tour of our fantastic facilities. Coming New in April 2024 our BRAND-NEW FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ZONE, the area will include a Rack that will be a free body area full of equipment dedicated to functional training, suspension, and calisthenics. The Rack will feature shelves, kettlebells, medical balls, dumbbells, gym balls, and Battle ement

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Ropes. The area will also include a brand new SKILLMILL, this is not your ordinary treadmill. Designed as a HIIT treadmill, this piece of kit will improve Power, Speed, Endurance and Agility and you will get better results from your training thanks to the variable resistance integrated.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

WINTER WELLNESS

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

WINTER WELLNESS

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

WINTER WELLNESS

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Letters

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Poor response to consultation

I HEARD on Purbeck FM that the results are in following the public consultation on the repair or complete reconfiguration of the seafront in Swanage due to land subsidence pressing down on some of the retaining walls which need repairing. What a disappointing response from residents! Only 400 or so people attended the meeting and there were 468 responses to the online consultation. Of those 50%-plus were in favour and 43% against, and the balance of ‘don’t knows’ wanted more information from the council before spending £11 million on a repair or £12 million to repair and revamp the whole area. However, the council has already said it does not have the money to pay for either of these projects and would have to sell assets to cover the work. Would it not be better to

canvas local builders, stone workers and groundwork specialists to work together and obtain quotes for the repair work and leave what I feel is a vanity project to another time when the council has the funds to pay for it. Mrs Alex Gray Swanage

13 years of Tory rule

After 13 years of Tory rule The ceiling’s falling down in my local school For hospital appointments, I have to queue and queue And now my local river is full of local poo! Houses aren’t affordable and rents are sky high Students pay their loan back until the day they die! Jobs are low in quality and low in salary, too Without the European workers, it’s down to me and you! Brexit sent them packing because of Leavers’ votes It seems they’ve been replaced

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I CANNOT disagree more with Michael Cooper – Purbeck Gazette, November 13 – regarding the proposed Lidl store in Wareham. It seems to me that he is just repeating the local council’s views. I disagree about the increase in traffic travelling through Sandford – I believe it will actually cut traffic flow. A large number of people shop in Poole, driving both ways, and these are not only

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Wareham residents but people from Swanage and the whole Purbeck area, and in the summer that also includes visitors who can’t believe the poor quality of local shopping. This has a terrible effect on our local carbon footprint. I believe if people come to Wareham to use the Lidl store many would then go on to use other local facilities, cafes, pubs and other smaller local shops. I have very little sympathy for the likes of Sainsbury’s or the Co-op as they are poorly stocked and overpriced. It seems they don’t like competition. If people don’t want to use the new shop and wish to carry on using the existing shops that’s fine, but don’t try and stop other people who would like the benefit of a Lidl store without the need to drive a 15-mile round trip. Unlike Michael, I believe this proposal has overwhelming support from the local population. David Stewart Wareham

(from pages 22-23)

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Brain chain (hard) 99

Huge support for Lidl plans

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though by a million rubber boats! HS 2 goes nowhere and other trains don’t run 60 billion pounds was lost when Liz Truss had her fun Now the economy’s tanking and we’ve social ills galore All this done in 13 years Please God, don’t give them more! Martin Hobdell Swanage

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Health & Wellbeing

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Meditations in nature: A midwinter night walk By Susanna Curtin I KNOW that January is not most people’s favourite month, but I have always loved it. Quite soon the days begin to lengthen, and the spring bulbs emerge through the cold earth – nature itself providing the future hope that humanity seems to have lost. For me, January is a time for new beginnings and for laying down the hopes and dreams for the year to come. I also try to take stock of what is important and precious, and I find there is no better way to do this than to take time out in nature away from the material things we surround ourselves with. But time is short in midwinter and night falls too soon. The sun has long since set before my son and I go out for a night walk in the woods and field margins of the Cranborne Chase. Armed with warm clothes and hot tea and biscuits, we leave the house to the sweet, melancholy sound of robins singing to announce their territory. I have heard their melodic warbling for a few weeks now and love to listen to their crystal-clear notes ringing through the darkness. Once we reach our destination and leave the confines of the car, we tentatively stride out into the night. It takes us a while to

adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings that winter darkness brings. Tonight, the moon is skulking behind drizzling dark clouds but the light it emits is enough to see a path through the monochrome gloom. Skeletal trees loom high above our heads, their branches reaching out with long alien arms. As the trees and hazel coppice steal the light, we resort temporarily to using our head torches. With our lights on, the emergent colours are surprising – there are the resplendent greens of the holly, ivy and moss, and the vibrant oranges and reds of the remaining fallen leaves. Surprisingly, there are even some pink spindle berries decorating its tree’s bare branches, a sign of our mild, wet winter. Under this night mantel of obscurity, I enjoy the feeling of insignificance and as I melt into this magical space, my thoughts are totally in the moment. I find night walking a truly mindful activity as I cautiously feel the roots and the ground underfoot before committing a single step. Other senses come into play and my ears become more useful tools than my eyes. Hearing the wind in the trees, the sound of soggy leaves under my feet and the haunting calls of tawny owls helps me to make sense of what is around me.

The eyes have it: Susie Curtin was delighted to see a young barn owl perched on a low branch of a remote tree on her night walk

Making our way out of the woods along the field margins, we suddenly become aware of hundreds of eyes looking at us. These come from the elegant silhouettes of fallow deer grazing on the hills against the skyline – a timeless winter scene. We watch them for a while before finding the slippery path beside the adjacent field, where we can vaguely make out the lively shapes of three hares happily frolicking and chasing each other, befitting their old country name of ‘stags of the stubble’. Satisfied with our adventure, it is only a short walk back to the car to make for home. As we recall the night’s events, we pass a young barn owl perched on a low branch of a remote tree. I stop the car and dip the lights so

that we can watch him for a while. He has a wonderfully curious character, staring at us and tilting his head to the side trying to fathom what we are doing. He eventually unfolds his wings and shakes them before regaining his resting pose. We move on not wishing to disturb him further as this is obviously his favourite perch, but what a delightful finale to our midwinter night walk. Later that night, I look back on all that we have seen and the excitement of being out at night, walking in the darkness. There is always hope in nature. The promise of renewal and rebirth, and the reassurance that while we slumber in our beds the countryside is stirring with life. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com)

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Top tips for eating better as we enter a new year

By Fiona Chapman WHY is it that as you get older it is so easy to put on weight and so incredibly hard to lose it again? Christmas is always difficult surrounded by so much temptation – mince pies and brandy butter, alcohol, chocolates and so much more. Sugar is an absolute killer – in every sense. It sits as a spare tyre around the tummy and too much causes insulin resistance and diabetes type 2. One day it will be classed like tobacco as a major contributor to deaths around the world. Most processed food has an

enormous amount of sugar in it. We may think we are being good about not eating chocolate, but it is the hidden ingredients we need to be aware of. That is why it is so very important, if possible, to cook from scratch and to eat organic fruit and vegetables that have not been sprayed with insecticides or fertiliser. We should only be eating meat once or twice a week and that should be grass-fed and definitely not processed. We have evolved over centuries, slowly –the advent of fast, pre-cooked food is really since

Health & Wellbeing

the Second World War and our bodies just do not have the capacity to deal with it all. Also, most of us eat too much. Each meal should really be the size of our fist. We eat too fast. Slowly chewing our food – eating mindfully – means that your body has time to realise that it has just eaten so produces the right hormone to tell you that you are full and should stop. We also should not drink anything with a meal – the best trick is to drink a pint of good quality water about 20 minutes before eating. It gives that full

feeling but has gone through your body enough not to dilute your digestive juices. If you drink something cold when eating, it does further damage by cooling down the digestive ‘fire’ so it cannot work as efficiently. So, I had better take my own advice to heart, I know I will feel so much better, have loads more energy and have more confidence in myself if I shed the Christmas excess. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Parents and setting a good example By Alice Johnsen A COUPLE of things happened recently that reminded me how ‘on show’ parents are all the time. Our actions, reactions and words set the thought patterns, behaviour habits and moral boundaries of those we raise far more than we might realise. Our interpretation of what is a bit of fun will be seen as a green light. The way we react to things or people will be seen as a reliable guide. Most of the time that’s fine. It provides the guide our children need. But sometimes we are reminded of how it is all too easy to set a bad example without realising it. I saw this twice last week. Once during a conversation with a client and once at home. Neither situation was really, really bad. But it was a dip towards a bad example. A bad set of morals. It happens and, of course, as we approach the hullabaloo of the Christmas season, normal habits may vary even more and with them the examples we set. As children ourselves, we were almost certainly influenced by many people outside our

immediate family. You may be familiar with the African proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. The support we as parents can feel when we allow other adults in our communities to have influence or offer guidance to our own children is significant. Of course, always with an eye on the safety and suitability of such a situation. That’s where communication with our children is so key. As parents we can feel a need to protect our children from seeing us as anything other than ‘fine or better than fine’. That is probably right for very young children but as they grow older, I have come to believe it is really valuable to allow our children to see us struggle. To see us get it wrong, to hear us acknowledge our mistake and watch how we go about fixing it. To see us grieve or feel anxious. To see us under pressure but coping in the best way we can. To allow them to tell us what they think or what they would do. A young take on things is very often more refreshing and less cluttered than the view of

someone who feels they’ve been there before. If our children see us moving through those emotions openly, honestly, with consideration, logic and eventually with

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strength, surely that is one of the best moral examples we can set. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach (07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk).

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Business

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Law firm hails appointment a ‘real coup’ A NEW crime lawyer has boosted the team at a Dorset solicitors. Ellis Jones Solicitors has strengthened its team with the appointment of James Constable as a senior associate solicitor. Managing partner Nigel Smith said: “A very warm welcome to James. “He brings great experience and considerable expertise to Ellis Jones, including the right to represent our clients in higher courts of law. “It is a real coup to secure a lawyer of James’s calibre to join our outstanding team, help our firm grow and provide an exceptional service to our many valued clients.” James is a solicitor

advocate, with a Higher Rights of Audience qualification, which enables him to represent clients and provide continuity of service throughout their legal journey from initial interview under caution to the conclusion of their case in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court. Only 7,171 of England and Wales’s 166,256 practising solicitors hold this qualification, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). James has wide-ranging experience in criminal and regulatory law which crosses into banking, contentious probate, family and sports law. He was ranked in Band 1 for Criminal Work in the newly

Managing partner Nigel Smith (left) and head of banking and finance litigation William Fox Bregman (right) welcome senior associate solicitor James Constable to Ellis Jones

published 2024 Chambers and Partners UK Guide to the legal profession. In addition, he was described in the latest Legal 500 directory as a ‘great solicitor’ who is easy to work with, approachable and knowledgeable – and won the prestigious Solicitor-Advocate of the Year title at last year’s Berks, Bucks and Oxon Law Society Awards. Outside of work, James is married with two daughters and is a sports enthusiast who played rugby in the Scottish

Premiership for Stewart’s Melville RFC for four years. James is on the panel for Sports Resolutions, which provides independent sportspecific arbitration and mediation services. Ellis Jones has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London. Visit www.ellisjones.co.uk/ personal/crime-solicitorsbournemouth/ to find out more about how Ellis Jones supports clients through the criminal justice process.

Talk Think Do thinking bigger By editor@ dorsetbizwwwnews.co.uk IT’S been a busy 12 months at Wimborne tech firm Talk Think Do. Revenues for the business rose 64% from 2022 to 2023 – now up to £3.17 million – and it took on 10 new staff to finish the year with a headcount of 34. The past year has also seen the launch of its DevOps Implementation and Custom OpenAI Development services. Founder Matt Hammond said: “I’m immensely proud that our continued expansion has allowed us to extend our service offering to clients, as well as introducing additional roles to the business. “Our aim is to continue expanding even further in 2024 as we work towards launching

The Talk Think Do team at Burley Manor and (below) the tech firm’s founder, Matt Hammond

our new product, Codenative, which we’re incredibly excited to share next year.” The firm also made big strides in the world of EdTech, becoming a certified Learnosity partner. Key to that growth moving forward will be the new Talk Think Do offices in Austin, Texas, from which it will be able to reach

more international clients. Matt added: “Our three- and ten-year visions are in constant evolution, but this year, with the unprecedented rise of Gen AI, the pace and extent of that evolution has been immense. “Looking ahead, the game has almost entirely changed for our sector. “We’ve been assessing what

services will be in demand and what skills will be required to implement our upcoming plans and products. “2023 was big, but I think it’s safe to say that 2024 is going to be even bigger for Talk Think Do.”

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Business

purbeckgazette.co.uk

The Red Lion Hotel: The shape of things to come?

A LANDMARK Wareham hotel and pub that has fallen into disrepair is set to be scaled back – and parts of the building returned to housing use – if plans are approved. A planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council that would see The Red Lion Hotel, in North Street, refurbished and redeveloped. The scheme would see 1 North Street – now part of the Red Lion – returned to use as a house, while the former stables, West Street hotel extension and former meeting room will be subdivided into three separate residential properties. Meanwhile, the yard and four parking spaces would be used by the new dwellings. Both the Red Lion and 1 North Street are listed buildings, so require special permission, sought in the plans. “The proposals will seek to revive the building and restore its functional use in order to avoid its further decline,” the application said. “The task is broad and requires the commercial elements of the proposal be viable and sustainable.

“The previous commercial operations have been of a comparatively large scale for Wareham and the building has suffered from periodic business failures.” It said the hotel has undergone “extensive renovation”, with “few historic fixtures and fittings of heritage value”. “This application proposes to reduce the scale of the hotel and adapt the previous public house to a restaurant,” it went on. “In order to provide a viable business model, the hotel offering will be reduced to four luxurious suites of accommodation, and the restaurant will be scaled back to around 40 covers.” Submitted by Morgan Carey Architects on behalf of George Treves, the plans said the

The landmark hotel and pub has fallen into disrepair

reduction in the business operation would free up the space for residential conversions and allow some restoration of the historic layout.

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Antiques & Collectibles

purbeckgazette.co.uk

This Oscar Nemon statue depicting Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine Churchill sold for £62,500, including buyer’s premium

£62,500 price for Churchill statue

THE curtain closed on Duke’s second century, with the conclusion of its most recent 200 Years sale, marking a major milestone in the auctioneer’s long and illustrious history. The 200 Years auction, with titanic names such as Oscar Nemon, Jenny Montigny, TS Eliot, Paul de Lamerie, Thomas Hardy, TE Lawrence and more, served as both a triumphant finale and a forerunner to a new age for the auctioneers. One highlight of the sale was a magnificent Oscar Nemon statue (pictured) depicting Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine Churchill, which sold for £62,500, including buyer’s premium. The piece echoed a similar

Duke’s sale earlier in the year – another statue of Churchill sculpted by the great Oscar Nemon, which sold for a gargantuan £260,000. The next step in Duke’s long journey will begin in January 2024 with another major auction in Sporting & Natural History, flanked by Interiors and Avenue sales. Duke’s is inviting entries for its January Sporting & Natural History auction – get in touch to organise a free and confidential valuation with one of its specialists either through enquiries@dukes-auctions.com or on 01305 265080. A full list of the Duke’s auction calendar can be found on its website.

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Jewellery trends for a new year

By Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham I LOVE checking out jewellery trends for the coming year and seeing how antique jewellery can be brought into the modern day in a stylish and fashionable way! 2024 is going to be the year of animals, links, cuffs and flowers. Animals THE Georgians and Victorians loved using animal symbols in their jewellery favouring snakes, butterflies, dogs and insects as there was a real focus on nature. The beautiful enamel Lalique of the Art Noveau period also lent itself perfectly to the creation of insect-based pieces featuring mother of pearl and other gemstones. Links HEAVY open chain links will be on trend this year but did you know that the first chain necklace was discovered in 2500BC? Of course, the 1970s made the larger, chunky link chain very popular – think Cuban influences in gold and silver! Cuffs LIKE chains, cuff bangles have been worn for thousands of years using materials such as

leather, metal and engraved or set with gemstones. The Victorians would design a cuff in silver and tip it with gold, with the design featured in gold, too. The difference between a lot of modern and antique bangles is that the antique versions usually fit closer to the skin rather than rotate. The fashion in 2024 is to have to the closer-fitting version, either on the wrist or upper arm. Flowers FLORAL designs, usually quite intricate and in the form of a bouquet or floral basket, were very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as brooches, pendants and rings. The Art Noveau and Art Deco periods also favoured flowers in a more abstract way rather than realistic. Whether wearing contemporary or antique, I hope you enjoy wearing fabulous jewellery in 2024!

2024 is going to be the year of animals, links, cuffs and flowers

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Motoring

purbeckgazette.co.uk

800,000 cars scrapped in 10 months

THE Ford Focus was the most scrapped car in 2023, according to new data. A survey by car publication, Autocar, has revealed almost 800,000 vehicles were destroyed between January and October – a fall of some 60,000 on the previous year. And the Focus was the most scrapped car model, with more than 42,000 being scrapped, closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa, which came in second and third place respectively. The report also highlighted that twice as many cars and vans were registered in the UK

when compared to the total that were scrapped during the same time period. The top 10 most scrapped cars in the uk in 2023: n Ford Focus – 42,639 n Vauxhall Astra – 35,578 n Vauxhall Corsa – 34,405 n Ford Fiesta – 32,935 n Vauxhall Zafira – 26,898 n Volkswagen Golf – 25,903 n Renault Clio – 14,955 n Ford Mondeo – 14,218 n Volkswagen Polo – 13,722 n BMW 3 Series – 13,642 How to scrap a car in the UK SCRAPPING a car usually happens when it is written off,

The Ford Focus was the most scrapped car of 2023 up to October

or is beyond repair. In order to scrap a car in the UK, you will need to contact a licenced Authorised Treatment Facility – or ATF – that is registered with the Environment agency in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The next step is to get a quote. Then, you will need to book a time and date – as well

as provide proof of ownership and the reason for scrapping the vehicle, using your V5C form. On the day, make sure you have removed all personal items from the vehicle before handing over the keys. You will receive a Certificate of Destruction which will need to be provided to the DVLA.

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ● Mot failures ●Nonrunners ● Unfinished projects ● end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

2020 (69) FORD ECOSPORT TITANIUM 1.0 ECOBOOST 5 Dr, in Beige Sync 3 Nav System with 8” Touch Screen, Cruise Control, Alloys, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB Ports, Quickclear Heated Windscreen, Auto Headlights, Bluetooth, 24000 Miles with FSH....................................................................................£13795 2019 (19) VAUXHALL CORSA ENERGY 1.4 5 Dr in Blue Apple CarPlay, Android Apple, Cruise Control, Air Con, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Only 23000 Miles with FSH..........................................................................................................£9995 2018 (67) VW GOLF TDi SE 5 Dr in Red, 8” Touch Screen, App Connect, Adap�ve Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Alloys, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, DAB Radio, Auto Lights, 33000 Miles with FSH, Euro 6 Compliant.............£13595 2017 (17) TOYOTA AURIS TOURING SPORT 1.8 BUSINESS EDN HY-BRID, In Silver, Automa�c, Sat Nav, 7” Touch Screen, Lane Departure Warning System, Raer View Camera, DAB Radio, Bluetooth, Air Con, Alloys, Euro 6 Compliant, Heated Front Seats, Electric Windows, 82700 Miles...................................£11995 2017 (67) MINI CLUBMAN ESTATE 1.5 ONE 6 Dr in Grey Naviga�on System, DAB Digital Radio/CD Player, Alloys, Air Con, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, 57000 Miles...................................................................................................£10495

ST MICHAELS GARAGE THE PURBECK FORD CENTRE

Valley Road, Swanage Phone 01929 480221 www.stmichaelsgarageswanage.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Tales of a travelling man

THE man hailed as ‘British television’s most adventurous traveller’ is stopping off at Lighthouse Poole next spring as part of an extended UK tour. Simon Reeve is best known for his travel documentaries which combine current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation. His travels have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world. After starting out as a newspaper post-boy, Simon vwent on to become an investigative journalist, then an author and highly-regarded broadcaster. He has made multiple award-winning television series, exploring destinations such as North America, South America, most recently, and Russia, The Indian Ocean, the

Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Australia. He is also a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of multiple books including Journeys to Impossible Places, Step By Step: The Life In My Journeys and Tropic Of Capricorn. Simon said: “The stage isn’t what you’d call my natural habitat, but I honestly grow to love it more with every single show we do. “And that is really the message I’m sharing on this tour – it’s all about stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new adventures, turning left instead of right and discovering what is out there to be seen and experienced, whether we’re close to home or enjoying far-flung travels. “We all need to be a bit more wild and get out into nature, for our hearts, our heads, our wellbeing and our

Simon Reeve is well known for his travel documentaries

memories. “I really hope the stories and advice I share on this tour inspire people to make new memories and have big adventures, wherever they are.” To The Ends Of The Earth live stage show includes

behind-the-scenes footage, surprising and thrilling stories, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. Simon Reeve is at Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, May 23, with tickets available from https://nothird.co.uk/ live-shows/simon-reeve/

Films showcase spirit of adventure

THE Banff Mountain Film Festival is bringing new adventure films to the big screen at local venues in Dorset. The festival features two new collections of action films from remote regions of the globe including extreme skiing, mountain biking, climbing and more. Tour director Nell Teasdale said: “Get ready for an inspirational night of adventure from the wildest corners of the planet. With intrepid athletes, spectacular cinematography and a big dose of adrenaline, the Banff Mountain Film Festival stars the best new films from the world’s top adventure filmmakers.” Banff tour films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, held every

November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Chronoception, for example, tells the story of an expedition along the ancient Silk Road into one of the least explored regions of Asia – the Tien Shan mountains, on the KyrgyzstanChina border.

Three skiers and snowboarders face wild mountain landscapes, wild weather patterns and wild animals to ski stunning lines down immaculate peaks. The festival comes to the Tivoli in Wimborne on February 15 and September 20, 2024;

Lighthouse Poole on March 5-6, 2024, and the Regent Centre, Christchurch, on February 23 and April 10, 2024. Each event features a free prize draw for ‘outdoorsy’ goodies from the tour’s partners. For more details and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Concert showcases sounds of Country greats

A COUNTRY Night In Nashville is returning to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne in the new year following a sell-out show in 2023. The show re-creates a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of Country music.

The audience will be transported on a musical journey through the history of Country, featuring songs from its biggest stars past and present. Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes showcase hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton to the Dixie Chicks, and Willie Nelson to Little Big Town. This celebration of Country music features songs such as Ring of Fire, Crazy, Follow Your Arrow, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Need You Now, 9-5, and The Gambler, to name just a few. A Country Night in Nashville is on Saturday, January 26, 2024 – for tickets phone 01202 885566 or visit www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Book to play to screenplay...

A SCREENPLAY based on a novel by a Dorset writer has been published. Second World War story Stronghold of Happiness by Devina Symes from Dorchester is about a fictional family and their struggles and successes during wartime. It has already been made into a play, most recently performed at the Corn Exchange in September, but now the author wants to see it on the big screen. Publisher Tim Saunders said: “It’s a gripping story and apart from the well-researched history and a sprinkling of romance, there’s a very strong message about how women can overcome abuse.

“Overall, it’s a good news story and we need more of those. I shall be targeting selected television and film production companies.”

Village Quire at hall

PURBECK Village Quire will be singing A Village Christmas in Purbeck at Wareham Parish Hall on Sunday, January 7, at 6pm. Visitors can enjoy carols written 150 years ago and anecdotes about them. Lady St Mary Handbells will welcome visitors with carols from 5.30pm. Donations to Lady St Mary church funds – everyone welcome.

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

THE MOWLEM Theatre, Cinema & Function Rooms Book your tickets: www.themowlem.com

Live on Stage:

• Cinderella - Swanage Drama Company present their annual family panto with this show telling the story of Cinderella. Come cheer, boo and see a host of local talent bring this story to life. January 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th at 7:30pm & 13th, 20th at 2pm • NT Live Dear England - Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s (Sherwood) gripping examination of nation and game. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Rupert Goold (Judy) directs this spectacular new play. Thursday 25th January 7pm • Artsreach presents: The Longest John Born out of a mutual love of traditional folk songs and shanties, The Longest Johns are a Bristol-based acapella folk band covering everything from maritime songs to experimental contemporary folk. Friday 9th February at 7:30pm

Movies:

• One Life (U) - The story of British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who helped save hundreds of Central European children from the Nazis on the eve of World War II. Featuring Swanage's own hero, Trevor Chadwick. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham-Carter and directed by James Hawes. 5th - 18th January • Wonka (PG) - Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Wonka" tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Starring Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson. Directed by Paul King. 22nd, 26th & 29th January at 2:30pm 22nd - 24th, 27th, 29th - 31st January & 1st Feb at 7:30pm • The Three Musketeers: Milady (12A) Constance Bonacieux is kidnapped before D'Artagnan's very eyes. In a frantic quest to save her, the young musketeer, aided by Athos, Porthos and Aramis, is forced to join forces with the mysterious Milady de Winter. In French with subtitles. Starring Eva Green, Lyna Khoudri, Francois Civil. Directed by Martin Bourboulon. Friday 2nd February - Thursday 8th February • Mean girls (12A) - Cady Heron is a hit with the Plastics, an A-list girl clique at her new school when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. This film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name which itself is based on the popular 2004 film. Friday 2nd February - Thursday 8th February

In the Showbar:

Events in The Showbar, upstairs at The Mowlem:

• Wednesday 24th January – Oscar’s Quiz Night - 8pm: £1 per person, up to 6 people per team, prizes to be won! Doors open 5.30pm, quiz starts at 8pm • Friday 26th January at 7:30pm – Galaxy Thief - Live at The Showbar - Join us for a night filled with indie rock tunes and eclectic vibes performed by the four piece indie rock band from the South Coast! Tickets are £8 plus booking fee from Eventbrite. The Showbar is open Monday - Saturday 5.30pm – 9.30pm and later for events.

Mowlem Visual Arts Exhibitions

• Our current visual art exhibition will be until the 6th February featuring artist Jane Colquhoun with the title ‘Cut from the Same Cloth’ Don’t forget to follow us on social media and check our website for the latest update on what we have going on, timings and bookings.

www.themowlem.com

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

Comic mines middle age for laughs

COMEDIAN – and chorister – Lloyd Griffith will be tackling all things middle age when he stops off at Lighthouse Poole next spring as part of a UK tour. Lloyd, who styles himself a working class comic from Grimsby, is now turning 40 and body hair removal, head hair additions, teeth whitening and more will be on his radar. He also sings with the choirs Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, among others, and will throw in a song or two in his show called Baroque and Roll. Lloyd, who has supported Jack Whitehall on three UK

arena tours, has been a regular on television appearing on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats (C4), Pointless Celebrities (BBC One) and Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC), to name a few. As an actor he played ‘Benny’ – Paul Henry – from Crossroads, opposite Helena Bonham Carter, in Russell T Davies’ ITV series Nolly. His credits also include roles in Ted Lasso (Apple), Bad Education (BBC Three), Everyone Else Burns (C4), It’s a Sin (C4) and Not Going Out (BBC One). Lloyd also co-hosted Soccer AM (Sky One) every Saturday

purbeckgazette.co.uk

NORTHERN LIGHT Lloyd Griffith ‘a working class comic from Grimsby’ and chorister

morning for two years alongside John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard. He also fronted his own BBC documentary Can You Beat The Bookies?, to see if he could uncover the secrets of gambling success and the truth

about the industry. Lloyd Griffith is at Lighthouse Poole on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27. For tickets and information phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.

‘Love letters to Dorset’ and more

Beth Brooke took inspiration from sculptor Elisabeth Frink for her Transformations poems

TWO new collections of poetry by Dorset-based poet Beth Brooke have been published. Transformations is a series of poems inspired by the art and life of sculptor Elisabeth Frink. One reviewer has described these poems as beautiful, sometimes brutal and full of searing imagery. A poem from this collection features in the current Frink exhibition at Dorset Museum. The surprising poems in Brooke’s most recent collection, Chalk Stories, have been described as ‘love-letters to Dorset’. They include everything from a quirky account of an elephant bathing at Weymouth beach to an evocation of Worgret Heath. Time is their key theme – the deep time of geology and archaeology, the cycle of the seasons and the time it takes to raise a family.

Beth Brooke has emerged as a distinctive new voice with more than 100 poems published in 20-plus journals and anthologies, and regular appearances at open-mic and online events. She has recently had work accepted by the Poetry Archive and her poem Horses At The Battle Of Philippi, from her Transformations collection, has been nominated for a 2023 Pushcart Prize. Transformations is published by Hedgehog Poetry Press and Chalk Stories by Hobnob Press. All her books are available from Amazon and can be purchased from the publishers’ websites. Transformations is also on sale at Dorset Museum. For more information about Beth and for links to her other work visit www.bethbrookepoetry.co.uk.

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Spotlight Diary

Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for the January 22 issue is NOON on January 19. 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.

JANUARY 2024

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

MONDAY

FRIDAY

19:30 -

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

14:00

BINGO: Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY, 15-Dec restarts 12-Jan

14:30

TUESDAY 19:30 WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB: Parish Hall, Wareham Visitors welcome £3 05-Dec Speaker Huw Alban – ‘The Emotional Landscape’ 12-Dec Woodhouse Nature Print & Bert’s Bole Nature Projected Digital Image Competition 19-Dec Members Audio Visuals and Talks

WEDNESDAY 14:00

YOUNGER4LONGER EXERCISE TO MUSIC: Wareham United Reformed Church, Church St. daisy chain fitness jbrad@uwclub.net, 01929 558139

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SUNDAY 10:00 - 12:00 TABLE TOP SALE: Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY, 17-Dec booking preferred at hirecareyhall@gmail.com, 07368 352737

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

Local Services

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Purbeck Gazette January 8, 2024

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