The Purbeck Gazette (23/01/23)

Tributes paid to driving force behind food bank

THE ‘one in a million’ leader of Wareham Food Bank has passed away.

Tributes have been paid to Lynn Crabb, whose passion and determination helped found the organisation – and thousands of families.

She died suddenly just before Christmas.

Lynn was the driving force behind the food bank’s foundation in 2011 and led the team of volunteers since it started.

Since then, years of austerity, the Covid pandemic and more recently the cost of living crisis have led to steadily increasing demand from families and individuals in need of support.

And Lynn was at the forefront of the effort to help, working faithfully and tirelessly to ensure their needs were met week by week at the food bank, based at Purbeck Gateway Church, in Ropers Lane, Wareham.

Church pastor Paul Shepherd said: “When Lynn first approached me with the vision of a food bank in Wareham as a response to the growing need felt among people struggling to make ends meet, we could not have imagined how perceptive she was.

“We thought we would just be helping a few families get back on their feet, but twelve years later we have never been so busy with more and more

people requiring support.

“Lynn’s dedication, sacrifice and humility in heading up the team of helpers has brought much relief to so many over the years, and her sudden death revealed just how hard she had been working.

“Lynn had been fighting her own personal crusade against the enemy of poverty and she will be sadly missed.”

A user of the food bank also paid tribute to Lynn, saying: “Can I send my sincere condolences for Lynn – she was one in a million and I had the pleasure of talking to her so many times when I donated.

“What a legacy she has left with the food bank – you all do an amazing job in such hard times for many.”

Another said: “I was so sad to hear the news about Lynn, who had worked so hard to ensure this excellent service had been available to the community of Purbeck. I hope you can ensure its continued service.”

Many local people have reason to be grateful to Lynn through her work with the food bank, which staff say will continue to meet local needs.

Donations in her memory may be made c/o Purbeck Gateway Church, Ropers Lane, BH20 4QT and donations to the food bank will continue to be gratefully received through collection points in local supermarkets.

Lynn Crabb’s dedication, sacrifice and humility brought much relief to many over the years, said Purbeck Gateway Church pastor Paul Shepherd

13-Jan 00:05 07:08 12:20 19:27 08:04 16:28

14-Jan 00:45 07:52 13:04 20:14 08:03 16:29

15-Jan 01:33 08:45 13:59 21:10 08:02 16:31

16-Jan 02:34 09:51 15:11 22:21 NP 08:02 16:32 03:50 11:07 16:39 23:37 08:01 05:07 12:17 17:49 08:00

19-Jan 00:44 06:12 13:19 18:49 07:59 16:37

20-Jan 01:44 07:12 14:16 19:45 07:58 16:38 21-Jan 02:40 08:08 15:08 20:36 NM 07:57 16:40

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Jan '23

22-Jan 03:32 09:00 15:57 21:24 07:56 16:42 23-Jan 04:20 09:49 16:44 22:10 SP 07:55 16:43 24-Jan 05:06 10:35 17:29 22:55 07:54 16:45

25-Jan 05:51 11:22 18:14 23:41 07:52 16:47

Date HW LW HW LW HW Moon / Tides Sunrise Sunset

26-Jan 06:37 12:08 18:59 07:51 16:48

27-Jan 00:27 07:25 12:56 19:48 07:50 16:50

28-Jan 01:14 08:18 13:46 20:43 07:49 16:52

29-Jan 02:06 09:21 14:44 21:50 07:47 16:54

01-Jan 04:00 11:16 16:53 23:37 08:09 16:13 02-Jan 05:09 12:15 17:54 08:09 16:14 03-Jan 00:33 06:12 13:07 18:48 08:08 16:15

30-Jan 03:05 10:33 15:51 23:00 07:46 16:55

31-Jan 04:18 11:43 17:08 00:07 NP 07:44 16:57

04-Jan 01:25 07:06 13:56 19:35 08:08 16:16 05-Jan 02:13 07:54 14:41 20:17 08:08 16:17 06-Jan 02:59 08:36 15:25 20:55 08:08 16:18

NM = New Moon + FM = Full Moon + NP = Neap tides + SP = Spring Tides

07-Jan 03:42 09:13 16:05 21:32 FM 08:07 16:20

All times are local e&oe

08-Jan 04:22 09:47 16:42 22:05 08:07 16:21

09-Jan 04:58 10:19 17:14 22:37 SP 08:06 16:22

01-Feb 05:38 12:47 18:21 07:43 16:59 02-Feb 01:10 06:51 13:42 19:19 07:41 17:00 03-Feb 02:04 07:45 14:29 20:05 07:40 17:02 04-Feb 02:49 08:26 15:11 20:42 07:38 17:04 05-Feb 03:30 09:00 15:49 21:15 FM 07:37 17:06

10-Jan 05:29 10:49 17:44 23:05 08:06 16:24

06-Feb 04:06 09:30 16:24 21:45 07:35 17:08

11-Jan 05:59 11:16 18:15 23:32 08:05 16:25

12-Jan 06:31 11:45 18:48 08:05 16:26

13-Jan 00:05 07:08 12:20 19:27 08:04 16:28

07-Feb 04:40 09:58 16:55 22:14 SP 07:33 17:09 08-Feb 05:09 10:25 17:24 22:39 07:32 17:11 09-Feb 05:37 10:50 17:52 23:05 07:30 17:13

14-Jan 00:45 07:52 13:04 20:14 08:03 16:29

10-Feb 06:06 11:16 18:22 23:35 07:28 17:15

15-Jan 01:33 08:45 13:59 21:10 08:02 16:31

11-Feb 06:39 11:48 18:56 07:27 17:16

16-Jan 02:34 09:51 15:11 22:21 NP 08:02 16:32

12-Feb 00:10 07:18 12:27 19:37 07:25 17:18

17-Jan 03:50 11:07 16:39 23:37 08:01 16:34

13-Feb 00:53 08:04 13:14 20:27 07:23 17:20

18-Jan 05:07 12:17 17:49 08:00 16:35

14-Feb 01:46 09:02 14:15 21:30 NP 07:21 17:22

19-Jan 00:44 06:12 13:19 18:49 07:59 16:37

15-Feb 02:59 10:22 15:58 23:07 07:19 17:23

16-Feb 04:48 12:01 17:39 07:18 17:25

17-Feb 00:38 06:10 13:14 18:46 07:16 17:27

18-Feb 01:43 07:15 14:11 19:43 07:14 17:29

19-Feb 02:37 08:11 15:00 20:32 07:12 17:30

20-Jan 01:44 07:12 14:16 19:45 07:58 16:38 21-Jan 02:40 08:08 15:08 20:36 NM 07:57 16:40 22-Jan 03:32 09:00 15:57 21:24 07:56 16:42 23-Jan 04:20 09:49 16:44 22:10 SP 07:55 16:43 24-Jan 05:06 10:35 17:29 22:55 07:54 16:45

20-Feb 03:24 09:00 15:46 21:17 NM 07:10 17:32

21-Feb 04:08 09:43 16:29 21:58 07:08 17:34

22-Feb 04:50 10:23 17:11 22:39 ST 07:06 17:36

23-Feb 05:32 11:02 17:51 23:19 07:04 17:37

24-Feb 06:12 11:41 18:31 23:59 07:02 17:39

25-Feb 06:53 12:22 19:12 07:00 17:41

26-Feb 00:40 07:36 13:06 19:57 06:58 17:43

25-Jan 05:51 11:22 18:14 23:41 07:52 16:47 26-Jan 06:37 12:08 18:59 07:51 16:48 27-Jan 00:27 07:25 12:56 19:48 07:50 16:50 28-Jan 01:14 08:18 13:46 20:43 07:49 16:52 29-Jan 02:06 09:21 14:44 21:50 07:47 16:54 30-Jan 03:05 10:33 15:51 23:00 07:46 16:55 31-Jan 04:18 11:43 17:08 00:07 NP 07:44 16:57

27-Feb 01:25 08:27 13:57 20:55 06:56 17:44

28-Feb 02:20 09:46 15:02 22:26 06:54 17:46

Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

Peveril Ledge, Swanage

Lynn Crabb led Wareham Food Bank since its inception

School’s fortunes on the up

STAFF and pupils at Sandford St Martin’s C of E VA Primary School are celebrating their latest Ofsted report.

The school watchdog gave it a ‘Good’ overall rating in all categories with an ‘Outstanding’ grade for ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ following an inspection in November last year.

The school was given a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating at its previous inspection in 2019.

Head teacher Paul Beveridge said: “I am delighted with the Ofsted report and gradings.

“I feel it is very well deserved and the report reads like a typical day at Sandford St Martin’s.

“Our children are exceptional in so many ways – and they are very well supported by dedicated staff and governors.

“I am pleased our hard work and dedication is paying off and

that our rapid improvements, especially through the challenges of the pandemic, have been acknowledged.

“We are looking forward to the next stage of development under our new motto: Learn, Love, Laugh.”

The latest Ofsted report said: “Pupils are proud to attend this inclusive school.

“The school’s’ Christian values underpin daily life for everyone and pupils know that these are valuable, lifelong principles.

“Pupils have a strong sense of moral purpose. They know that everyone should be respected and treated equally regardless of race, culture, beliefs or needs.”

Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to their learning are noted as ‘exceptional’.

Children were positive about the school in response to a survey held during the

Sandford St Martin’s C of E VA Primary School was ‘Good’ in all areas and ‘Outstanding’ for ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ in its latest Ofsted report after being given a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in 2019.

inspection.

Every child said they felt safe at school, they enjoyed their learning and felt their teachers listen to them.

Parents said the school was very welcoming, very approachable and that it communicates well. Parents

shared that any SEND needs in the school are identified quicky and the support to the children and parents is excellent.

To see the full report visit the school website – which is being revamped and relaunched next month – at www.sandford primary.dorset.sch.uk

Go back a century in time with 1921 census

By Lorraine Gibson

CALLING all ancestor hunters, researchers and history lovers. Want to know more about your local community’s past – or about your own family?

Then contact the Dorset Family History Society which has just announced that hitherto

unavailable access to the 1921 census is now available at its research centre.

The 1921 census was released by heritage records company Find My Past last year but, until now, has only been available to its own pay-as-yougo subscribers.

Now, however, the society, a local charity, is offering access via research sessions at its Treetops centre for £3 a visit where you can view as many 1921 entries as you like, access other research facilities and talk to volunteers.

Pre-booking is required - the

centre needs to allocate computers - through a form on its website or by phoning them on 01202 785623 during opening hours (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10am-3pm). Treetops is at Suite 5, Stanley House, 3 Fleets Lane, Poole BH15 3AJ.

Travel firm helps Portland Coast Watch

TRAVEL company Crossways Travel, based at Winterborne Herringston, near Dorchester, has given £981 to its 2022 charity of the year, Portland Coast Watch.

The lookout was set up in 1997 and with technology constantly changing donations of this type are valuable to keep it fully operational.

Volunteer watchkeepers are normally on duty 12 hours a day, 364 days a year, and on call at other times. They deal with a range of situations, including issues with small

craft, climbers, walkers and larger vessels.

Donations are always welcome – for more details phone them on 01305 860178.

Crossways Travel runs excursions and holidays by coach from the local area and thanks its customers for taking part in fundraising events throughout the year.

In the picture (from left) Coast Watch administrator Geoff Peters, Crossways directors Matthew and Kadi Crocker and their baby twins Henri and Lillie.

Children’s ward gets special lights

CHILDREN on Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester received welcome gifts from a town chiropractor in the run up to Christmas.

Richard Southam, of Aquae Sulis Chiropractic and Therapy Centre in Damers Road, presented projector lights, which project displays onto a ceiling to entertain babies and small children in cots.

He had organised a fundraising ‘presents for adjustments day’ in which payments for chiropractic services were spent on presents for the children.

He said: “We wanted to

support Kingfisher Ward initially as a thank you for caring for my own daughter 15 years ago. The ‘presents for adjustments day’ was so popular we decided to do this every year.

“We have a lovely day in practice and there is so much goodwill from our patients aimed towards the children who are, unfortunately, in hospital over the Christmas period.”

The Aquae Sulis team also presented hospital charity fundraising officer Kitz Clifford with £400 to be put towards projects focussed on staff welfare at the hospital.

Male voice choir seeks new recruits

THE popular and longestablished Casterbridge Male Voice Choir is seeking new members.

The Dorchester-based choir was founded in the Second World War and has delighted audiences in and around the county town ever since.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic affected its ability to hold regular concerts and rehearsals, and charitable donations raised from its performances.

The friendly choir enjoys singing a wide range of music from songs from the shows to

traditional male voice choir songs and current popular pieces.

A spokesman for the group said: “Being part of a choir is an uplifting and beneficial experience that can be enjoyed by anyone who would like to make music with others.”

Casterbridge Male Voice Choir meets for rehearsals at St Mary’s church hall, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HJ, every Wednesday at 7.15pm.

For more details visit www. casterbridgemalevoicechoir.org. uk and/or contact Jim Burt on 01305 784114.

Richard Southam of Aquae Sulis Chiropractic (centre) with Katie and Lucy from the Kingfisher Ward play team

New care home boss has worked his way up

THE new manager at Maiden Castle House, a Care South home in Dorchester, has risen through the ranks.

Ashley Smith, who started work in the care industry as a care assistant at the home over 11 years ago, has been promoted from acting home manager to home manager.

Care South chief executive Simon Bird said: “We are very pleased that Ashley has been promoted at Care South’s Maiden Castle House care home. He brings a wealth of experience and knows the home very well after starting his care career at the home.

“Ashley has invaluable skills and has demonstrated his ability to manage a successful business in the care industry. His experience and knowledge are very beneficial for residents and staff at this wonderful home, and we have enjoyed seeing

Ashley develop and drive Maiden Castle House to where it is now. We look forward to seeing him flourish in his new role as home manager.”

Ashley added: “There is nothing better than seeing happy residents, and the memories and friendships you make with them.

“Every day I look forward to challenges the day may bring – I have worked here for a third of my life, so I am particularly passionate about the home continuing to be as successful as possible.

“I am a positive person that is always looking forward to the future and all the exciting journeys you can embark on.”

Ash is a proud dad to twins, Archie and Myla, and is a keen runner and sports person.

Maiden Castle House provides residential, respite and dementia care to residents.

Ashley Smith has been appointed manager at Maiden Castle House

Christmas tree collections raise £9,000 for hospice

A HOSPICE’S Christmas tree collection and recycling service has raised a whopping £9,000 for the charity.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has thanked households for choosing them to sort nearly

600 trees after the festive period, as well as businesses who have helped in the process.

All trees are being recycled either by Eco Sustainable Solutions, JSR Tree Care in Swanage, or James Dean Garden Maintenance.

Area fundraiser, Ruth Wright, said: “We are now in our fifth year and are thrilled to be able to continue offering this brilliant eco-friendly service to our local community.

“We are so grateful to our loyal supporters who keep coming back to register their trees for collection.

“We have raised an incredible £9,000 for our wonderful charity which could pay for 30 days of running our

Out Of The Blue

HAPPY New Year and welcome to January – festivities are over and it’s back to work. Not that we ever stopped. As you can imagine, the run up to the holidays was busy.

Talking of busy, I’m sure you all are, but if you can spare a minute please use this link and have your say: https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ PurbeckEmail – listening and acting upon what you say enables us to target our resources and patrols.

So, what have we been up to? Well, in the period 8 November-8 December 2022 we dealt with 399 ‘occurrences’ in Purbeck, of which 173 were recorded crimes resulting in 61 arrests.

Please take extra care on the roads at this time of year. Light levels can be low, and temperatures can drop quickly, resulting in poor visibility, freezing fog and icy roads. This can catch out even the most experienced drivers.

Please reduce your speed and allow plenty of space between vehicles. Ensure all your lights are clean and working correctly, and all your windows are clear –this includes making sure they are fully demisted so you can properly see out of them before

starting your journey, no matter how short. Visit https://www. dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/

You can get all the latest information on road conditions on England’s motorways and trunk roads:

n Visit the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/ traffic

n Call the Highways Agency Information Line (HAIL) on 0300 123 5000

n Download the Highways Agency iPhone app or access the

Breathlessness service.

“A special thanks to Katie Fox Estate Agents (www.katiefoxea.co.uk) for sponsoring our campaign again this year. Thank you.

“Huge thanks are also due to so many other local businesses and willing volunteers who have continued to help us again this year, from donating vans and people power, to providing space to chip trees.”

The roll call of thanks goes to: Abacus Vehicle Hire –Ferndown, Breeze – Poole, Poole Yacht Club (PYC), Eco Sustainable Solutions, James Dean Garden Maintenance, JSR Tree Care and Garden Maintenance, Peter Harding

Wealth Management, We Move, Easy Storage, TWK

Scaffolding, Hill Osborne Accounting, Mauveworx, Compton Acres, Your Man with a Van – Poole, Five Star Man and Van, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care community volunteers and staff, Harry Redknapp – Hospice Patron for endorsing and helping us to promote our campaign.

“We are extremely grateful to all involved and look forward to the return of our successful service next Christmas,” Ruth added.

Facebook page at Facebook.com/ Purbeck-police and Twitter – @ PurbeckPolice – we really value your support and comments. You can also see our latest priorities and up and coming events at https://www.dorset.police.uk/ neighbourhood-policing/ purbeck/

mobile website at www. highways.gov.uk/mobile n For information on weather conditions, consult the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio broadcasts n For further information on driving in bad weather see The Highway Code at www.direct. gov.uk/motoring

And finally, if you need to contact Dorset Police, please call our Police Enquiry Centre on 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police. uk Always call 999 in an EMERGENCY when there is a risk of HARM or a CRIME in progress. Alternatively, call the free CRIMESTOPPERS line on 0800 555 111.

You can also use our website to report a number of issues, from full crime reports to lost property – just use this link https://www. dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/

Don’t forget to visit us on our

Why not register on Dorset Alert. By registering for the free Dorset Police community messaging alerts you will receive information on local crime and incidents where we believe that sharing information with you will help to prevent further offences; crimes and incidents where you may be able to help by providing vital information; current crime trends; crime prevention advice and Safer Neighbourhood activity; and opportunities to meet the team.

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

Please come along to our meet the team events – dates and locations can be found on the website. We’d love to see you there.

Patron, Harry Redknapp, backed the campaign

Young driver jailed over fatal crash

A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed over a crash which took the life of a young woman.

Lewis Clark, of Poole, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, January 13.

He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison, as well as being disqualified from driving for four years and 10 months.

At about 9.45pm on Sunday, December 12, 2021, a collision occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the A3049 Canford Way involving a car and a female pedestrian.

The pedestrian – a 23-yearold woman from Poole – was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle involved, a black Ford Fiesta, was being driven by Clark. All occupants of the Ford fled the scene after the

incident.

A witness described seeing the vehicle drive at excessive speed shortly before the collision.

Following detailed fast-time enquiries by police, Clark was arrested in connection with the incident in the early hours of December 13, 2021. He later admitted to being the driver of the car at the time of the collision.

Lewis Clark was sentenced to three years and eight months

National Trust focuses on carbon emissions

By Sara Nevin

CARBON mapping software is being used to identify areas of high emissions in the Purbecks, with the aim of reducing these to be carbon neutral by the year 2030.

The current local target set by the National Trust is to cut carbon emissions by five per cent with numerous steps towards that unveiled by its Isle

ADVERTISING FEATURE

of Purbeck facilities manager

Adam Evans, Speaking after addressing Corfe Castle Environmental Group on the issue of Achieving Net Zero recently, he explained numerous projects are on the cards.

These include the switch from using LPG (liquified petroleum gas) as fuel at Knoll Beach Café and installing more

Plumbing and heating for self-builders

SINCE Pinevale’s inception in 2003, much has changed in the world of plumbing and heating. Specialising in working with self-builders, here’s what one of Pinevale’s customers has to say.

“I would highly recommend Pinevale who worked with us on our new build home. They offered an excellent, straightforward, professional, reliable service with good engagement from Ian and the team both during and after the build, all of which we found invaluable in guiding us through the process as first-time self-builders.”

Plumbing and heating has become far more technical, with ever-more complicated legislation. Pinevale’s managing director, Ian Brazier, says he needs to learn faster than his team to keep him at the forefront of technology within the industry.

Early involvement from trades is key to any successful home project and now, more than ever, plumbing and heating is taking a major role. Self-build

customers are looking for a cohesive finished product but are unsure how to plan for it.

They often want to integrate renewable energy sources into their home but the myriad of options can be confusing and sometimes not practical or cost-effective.

Pinevale can help separate out the various elements that make up a new installation, which helps the client’s decision making process.

Key decisions include the heat source, the heat emitters, the piping system, the hot water system and renewable energy sources.

When considering bathroom sanitary ware and kitchen appliances, Pinevale’s input will help ensure a cohesive finished product that every customer needs.

Considering all of these elements at the start of a project will ensure a solid infrastructure plan. This will help avoid issues later on, not just during the build but also after completion – think warranties and future service maintenance.

eco-friendly heating in Corfe Castle Tearooms and shop.

It is planned for the Beryl Bike scheme to be extended into Studland to encourage visitors to cycle, rather than bringing their cars, while local suppliers will be used wherever possible and there will be a firm focus on reducing commuting emissions.

Mr Evans said the National

Trust’s countryside and ecology teams will also be working on improving the habitats in their care to increase biodiversity and allow them to absorb more carbon from the atmosphere but acknowledged that they had many factors to consider and said nothing would be done to undermine the historic nature of the buildings they care for and listed status.

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• Plumbing & Heating Surveys/Technical Advice

KEEPING DORSET WARM SINCE 2003

For more details on these and other services we provide Visit www. pinevale.co.uk Tel: 01202 795952

Pinevale Plumbing & Heating Limited. Reg 4678633 Upton, Poole BH16 5LE

Can you help solve mystery of man with no memory found in Dorset?

A MYSTERIOUS man with an eastern-European accent has presented himself to policeand has no idea who he is.

Dorset Police officers are trying to trace anyone who can identify the man, believed to be in his 40s or 50s, after he was found in September last year.

Officers located him on Weymouth seafront on September 28, wearing a black motorcycle helmet with no visor, a black shirt, a black leather jacket, black suit trousers on top of other black trousers and brown workman’s boots. He was carrying a black rucksack.

He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and of slim build. When he was found he had long, curly matted brown hair and a long brown beard. He speaks with an Eastern

European accent, and it is believed his first language is Latvian.

Though he was found in Weymouth, officers have no idea where he has come from or travelled through and are appealing for help to try and piece together his story.

The man is now in the care of the NHS and has undergone a haircut and shaved his beard off.

Police have released new images in the hope someone will recognise him.

PC Becky Barnes, of Dorset Police, said: “We have been continuing to conduct enquiries to try and establish the identity of this man, which have included contact with Interpol and other partner agencies.

“However, we have still been unable to confirm an identity for this man and he has not been

How the unidentified man looked when he was found, left, and how he after a clean-up, right

able to tell us who he is or provide any information about where he is from or his family.

“He remains in the safe care of the health service and his appearance has changed somewhat since he was first found as he has now cut his hair and beard.

“I am therefore issuing updated images of the man in

case it might assist anyone who has information relating to his identity.”

Anyone in Dorset with information about the man’s identity or knowledge of his activities should contact Dorset Police online via www.dorset. police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220158012.

Desserts

£700k welcome centre finished at country park

WORK on a new £700,000 welcome centre at Upton Country Park has been completed.

Builders Greendale Construction Limited said it has completed the ‘iconic’ new centre, complete with biodiverse living meadow roof and constructed using local Purbeck stone walling with laser-cut wording on dressed stone signage.

Located in the main car park, the Welcome Centre also boasts a powder-coated, aluminium metal cladding fascia, non-slip porcelain tiles and underfloor heating, partly fuelled by an air source heat pump.

Low energy LED lighting has been installed throughout the building, as well as three bug hotels and a number of swallow nest cups and bat boxes installed.

Inside, the development has new unisex toilet facilities, a baby area and accessible WC. The dog wash has been re-instated and a secure staff area and gift/ display space formed.

Rob Hooker, director of Greendale Construction, said: “We were delighted to be awarded this project as main contractors, and are equally delighted and proud to have delivered this iconic Welcome Centre for BCP Council and Upton Country Park.

“The new Welcome Centre creates a real wow factor for visitors, and provides brilliant information and facilities for the users of the park.”

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place at BCP Council, added: “The Discovery Project continues to deliver significant improvements across the park, benefiting our visitors,

volunteers, and local schools.

“The opening of the Upton Country Park Welcome Centre is a significant milestone for the project, that has been made possible by funding from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, BCP Council and the Friends of Upton Country Park.

“Visitors will now be able to learn more about the history of the estate, alongside the wonderful range of events, activities and wildlife that the park continues to support today.”

Casey bags three tries in topsy-turvy away victory

By Ron Butler Dorchester 24 Swanage & Wareham 27

SWANAGE & Wareham made the short trip to Dorchester for what turned out to be an absorbing game, with the lead changing several times.

After five minutes, Swans were held up on the Dorchester line but from the goal-line drop-out Swans were awarded a penalty which centre Tom Munns put over to give them three points.

On 12 minutes, Dorchester had a move along their threequarters to score in the corner.

Swans continued to attack but on 20 minutes an interception by the home team’s centre saw him run 50 metres to score under the posts.

On 30 minutes, a penalty took Swans into the Dorchester 22, and from a maul the ball came back to the Swans’ skipper and the number 8 powered over the line. The conversion was missed.

With five minutes to go to the break, the ball was hacked towards the Dorchester 22 and winger Olly Dillon booted it further ahead and won the race to the line. Munns converted

RUGBY

making the half-time score

Dorchester 12 Swans 15.

A penalty to Dorchester took them into Swans’ 22 and from a scrum Dorchester’s fly-half punted the ball out to the wing where the winger caught the ball and scored in the corner.

Swans continued to press and won a penalty inside Dorchester’s five metres line. James Casey took a tap-and-go penalty to cross the try line.

With ten minutes to go, Swans were attacking close to the Dorchester 22 and once again an interception by Dorchester enabled the winger to run to the try line to score under the posts. The try was converted.

In the last five minutes Swans were all over the home side inside the 22 and from a pile up close to the line the ball came to James Casey, who worked his way over the line to complete his hat–trick of tries. Munns converted to make the score 24-27.

Dorchester had time to restart but less than a minute later the referee blew the final whistle.

Swans: R.Ferguson, O.Dillon, E. Demescio, T.Munns, S.Bowen, W. Slack, C.Tomes, S.Kitkat, C.Foskett, C.Peters, P., G.Climie, M.Peters, C. Moag, J.Casey, N.McMath, M. Seaton, M.Spencer.

n Other result: Weymouth & Portland 64, Swanage & Wareham 2nd XV 0.

Royal Wootton

Bassett 2nds 27

Swanage & Wareham 15

SWANS made the long trip to Wootton Bassett in the first game for five weeks due to the bad weather in December and the Christmas break.

Swans attacked in the first half but a penalty to RWB cleared their lines and from a line-out the ball was passed along the RWB three-quarters to a winger who scored in the corner. The try was converted.

Swans spent ten minutes with several phases on the RWB line, before Swans captain and number 8 James Casey powered his way over the line. The conversion was missed.

RWB had much more of the play for the next ten minutes with Swans giving away a series of penalties, one of which RWB converted.

From the re-start an RWB

mistake enabled Swans to break clear with winger Harry Spyers kicking clear and his race to the line was successful.

But after 35 minutes RWB scored another try close to the posts which was converted, making the half-time scored RWB 17 Swans 10.

From the kick-off, Swans collected the ball, broke clear and the Swans centre passed the ball to Harry Spyers who went in and ran round to score close to the posts. The conversion was missed.

Both sets of three-quarters produced some fine play but the defences were on top. Close to the hour mark Swans tried to run from their line but an interception by an RWB centre close led to him crossing the line.

RWB dominated the scrums and put Swans under pressure and RWB scored a try through a winger in the corner, the final score of the game.

Swans: O Dillon, L Spyers, T Munns, E Dimescio, H Spyers, W Slack, C Tomes, S Kitkatt , C Foskett, N McMath, P Mercer, G Climie, M Seaton, C Moag, J Casey, S Waterman, S Bowen, R Ferguson.

n Other result: Swans 2nd/3rd 22 Dorchester 2nd/3rd 31

HOCKEY

Players all kitted out

THE men’s second team at Swanage and Wareham Hockey Club look smart in their new kit, supplied by Swanage-based Crab Apple Catering.

Co-owner Jordan Tillman, a regular member of the team, said: “We’re very happy to sponsor this local club as they provide a vital opportunity for people of all ages to get into hockey and keep fit.”

Crab Apple Catering specialise in all catering needs, from weddings and functions to street food events.

Theatre board revamp is continuing

A MEDIA culture expert has been appointed deputy chair of the Lighthouse in Poole.

Monika Barnes worked in training and development for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 before setting up her consulting practice to provide organisational and strategic change, leadership development, EDI work and executive coaching to a global range of clients in the arts and media sector.

Now, she has been appointed deputy chair of the Poole Arts Trust Ltd, the charity that runs Lighthouse.

Her appointment comes alongside other changes, including four new trustees as the venture revamps its board.

“These appointments ensure that we have a strong, hands-on board that will ensure Lighthouse continues to be well managed, relevant and a true civic asset for our community,” said Lighthouse chief executive,

Elspeth McBain.

“Monika joined the board in 2020, just weeks before the pandemic hit us, and since then has played an important role as a trustee.

“Our trustees are our unsung heroes, volunteering their time and expertise for the benefit of the organisation and for the arts and culture in the region.”

Monika designed and launched Career Savvy Women, a specialist training programme that succeeded in increasing the number of women in senior roles.

She now holds a portfolio career and as well as her role at Lighthouse she is a board member of both Goldsmiths College University of London and AECC, a specialist Health Sciences University based in Boscombe.

“Quite simply it is an absolute privilege to be deputy chair of Poole Arts Trust,” she said.

How to protect your home from care costs

Nobody likes to think about getting old, but it is certainly worth thinking about if you value your home. That is because your house could very well be sold by the local council to pay for your care fees.

As an example, let’s say you own a home jointly with your partner and you live there until one of you dies. The surviving partner continues to live in the house until they must go into a care home run by the local authority. At that point, the local authority will assess the surviving partner for care fees. If their capital and savings are worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

Councils place a charge on the property, which is paid when the house is sold. Alternatively, you may be required to sell the house immediately to raise the cash. Money raised from the sale of the house will fund your care until your savings get down to £23,250. That won’t leave much of an inheritance for your family and loved ones.

There are two solutions to the problem available to you. One is a will trust which protects 50% of the value of your home from care costs. The second is a living trust which shields 100% of the property. Both are relatively inexpensive to put into place. Every trust is administered by trustees, the trustees can be the partners or surviving partner and children.

The situation won’t get better over time. The UK’s fastest-growing age group comprises those aged over 85. Councils will face even more pressure on budgets, leaving them with little choice but to continue to sell people’s homes.

To protect your home, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

The main thing to remember with trusts is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, it is more difficult for those assets to be taken away from you or from the beneficiaries of the trust.

Chris Tennant, Oakwood Wills

the fragility of arts organisations, as does the current energy crisis and no doubt there will be many more challenges ahead.

“I had always admired Lighthouse from my visits as an audience member and now that I get to see behind the scenes I know how passionate, hard working and committed everyone is who works there.

“The year round programming is phenomenal in terms of its range and accessibility and the new branding ‘Different Every Day’ captures the vibrant, positive energy within the venue.

“One thing is for sure, Lighthouse never rests on its laurels and is ever mindful of its role within the local community and broader region.

“The pandemic highlighted

“Nevertheless, we have an excellent strategic plan and I know all Lighthouse staff and volunteers will do whatever it takes to ensure Lighthouse retains its place as the cultural gem of Dorset.”

Poole Arts Trust has also announced that joining the board are: Caroline Gitsham, Operations Director RNLI; retired Hospitality and Entertainment Operations and Development Director David Hoare; Tony Johnson, Chief Technology Officer at the Copyright Licensing Agency, a not-for-profit collective management organisation that works on behalf of authors, publishers and visual artists; and Channa Vithana, senior lecturer in Architecture at Arts University Bournemouth.

Advertisement feature

Help for young people having issues with drugs or alcohol

By Lorraine Gibson

IT’S a hard truth to face, but according to Young Minds, a charity that helps support young people with mental health, drug and other issues, the use of both legal and illegal drugs among teenagers and young adults is widespread.

Teenagers are likely to experiment, test boundaries and take risks – and smoking, drinking and trying drugs are among the most common ways in which they might do this. Substance misuse is one of the most common risks to a youngster’s health and development, and all drugs have the potential to cause harm –some can be addictive and using them in combination can increase the risks.

Illegal drugs include cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and heroin, but legal drugs – alcohol and tobacco – can be very addictive.

If you’re worried that your child could have or is already having problems with drugs or alcohol, help and advice is available and, as a parent, there are things you can do.

If you’re unsure about anything, Young Minds has lots of advice and its simple guides for parents talk them through things they might try, such as: n Be a good role model: You’ll influence your child’s attitude to drugs and alcohol before they even encounter them themselves n Be honest: When kids ask

Teenagers may indulge in risky behaviours such as smoking cannabis (above) and cigarettes, and Young Minds can offer advice

about them, tell the truth. Why people enjoy them, find them relaxing etc, but also add the drawbacks like illness, being sick, being vulnerable n Make conversations about drugs an everyday thing rather than a big, one-off talking point n Be clear about the myths –

like how they don’t boost self-confidence and suggest other ways of overcoming shyness, awkwardness and anxiety

If you really think your child is using alcohol or drugs to help them cope with difficult feelings or mental health issues, speak to your GP for professional advice straight away.

WEBSITES WHICH CAN HELP

www.youngminds.ork.uk www.talktofrank.com www.edasuk.org/support www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

Welcome to The Old Rectory Care Home

Situated close to Swanage on the Jurassic Coast, our family-run home has light and airy rooms, many with grandstand views over the hills of the Isle of Purbeck. We offer short and long-term residential care and work closely with a community matron and other multidisciplinary services. We cater for those over 60 years of age and for those with health conditions including dementia and palliative care.

TALBOT Heath is an independent day and boarding school which offers a dynamic and holistic education to girls aged three-18.

Community, continuity and a coherent curriculum are just some of the huge benefits that being a through-school gives to every one of the students at Talbot Heath.

Staff get to know each and every pupil as they progress from kindergarten right through to sixth-form, forging long-term relationships with students; our

broad and innovative curriculum provides cogent consistency and progression across the year groups and key stages, and our dedicated staff build strong, supportive, nurturing relationships, having guided girls through all aspects of their development.

The younger members of our school benefit greatly from the support and role modelling the older girls provide, and equally, the older

pupils can develop their empathy, mentoring and leadership skills while working alongside younger pupils.

Indeed, the latest initiative for students is ‘The Bridge’ – a volunteer mentoring programme where sixth-formers support younger Talbot Heathens in mathematics and through the Forest School.

Whole school events such as the Harvest Festival celebrations and School Birthday cement that sense of community through annual shared traditions.

Parents have regularly acknowledged how their daughters have developed a strong sense of security throughout their education as a result of being surrounded by

familiar people and places.

Indeed, it is this sense of security that enables our pupils to look outwards and take on their future with confidence and conviction.

Pupils attending our Junior School will automatically be offered a place in our Senior School in Year 7 if they have a positive attitude to learning across the curriculum, alongside standardised and teacherbased evidence of progress being made in English, Maths and Science; this immediately eliminates the anxiety and stress of entrance examinations.

Pupils will benefit from the comprehensive and consistent approach to learning and the values and ethos of the school’s motto, ‘Honour before Honours’ embodied by each individual.

These values include: kindness to others, good behaviour, industry, contribution to school life and being a positive role model.

Book your place now on our kindergarten, pre-prep and junior school open morning, Friday 3 March, www.talbotheath.org/ openday

More than 100 stopped in December drink-drive op

MORE than 100 drivers suspected of drink or drug driving were stopped by police in Dorset last month.

Officers from Dorset’s Roads Policing Unit worked closely alongside partner agencies from the Road Safety Partnership during the force’s Christmas Drink Drive campaign throughout December.

In total, officers stopped 112 drivers - 46 drivers were reported for drink driving and a further 59 were reported for drug driving.

Three drivers failed to provide a sample when requested and four drivers were reported for driving while unfit.

Eleven of these drivers came to police attention after being involved in road traffic collisions.

A/Insp Will Ayres said: “Of course we hold a zero tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, however, we know that the festive period sees an increase in parties and

events for people to attend and enjoy, and with that often comes an increase in the amount of alcohol people consume.

“Drink and drugs can seriously affect your ability to navigate the roads safely and react to any hazards that arise.

“The team have been working extremely hard over the past few weeks to keep the roads within our county as safe as possible, targeting those who

take risks and drink drive.

“We hope these figures send a reassuring message to law abiding drivers that we are fully dedicated to dealing with those who commit an offence, putting the lives of other road users, as well as their own, at risk.”

If you suspect somebody of drink driving, report your concerns to police by calling 999, or 101 for nonemergencies.

Arrest in theft probe

WOOD worth more than £10,000 was stolen from a wildlife site.

The theft occurred at a Dorset Wildlife Trust site in Bere Regis some time between December 24 and January 1.

The trust is running the Wild Woodbury community rewilding project in the town, but it has not been confirmed this was the site targeted.

Following enquiries, a 53-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of theft and released under investigation, Dorset Police said.

Officers also seized a tractor as part of the investigation and a notice was served that wood that had been located is to remain in situ while enquiries to establish ownership are conducted.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230000200, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The campaign ran throughout December

Man who made threats to kill former partner jailed

A MAN has been jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour involving a former partner.

Benjamin David Jason Albin, of Swanage, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, January 13, after being convicted at a trial for the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour. He had also previously

admitted criminal damage.

Albin, 25, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and was made the subject of a restraining order for a period of seven years.

The charges related to his behaviour during a relationship in the early part of 2021.

Evidence produced before the court detailed how Albin would contact his victim

excessively on a daily basis.

She would start receiving calls and messages within minutes of arriving at her workplace and the defendant would go and find her to see who she was with if he did not get a response.

He would also contact her friends if she didn’t answer, to try and find out who she was with.

Albin insisted she install a location service on a mobile phone app so he could monitor her movements and would accuse her of cheating on him if it was ever turned off.

He would routinely check her mobile phone to see who she had been in contact with.

Albin also caused criminal damage to her possessions.

Mobile phone evidence was secured showing messages in which Albin made threats to the victim, including threats to kill her and anyone she was speaking to.

Detective Sergeant Eleanor Jones, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We take all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and are committed to both supporting victims and taking robust action against offenders.

“Nobody deserves to be the victim of the kind of psychological and emotional abuse Benjamin Albin subjected his former partner to.

“I hope this case demonstrates that we will take action to ensure offenders such as Albin face the consequences

of their actions.

“I want to praise the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward and report this awful behaviour to us.

“I hope her actions will inspire others to feel confident that they can report offences to police in the knowledge that they will be fully supported, with specialist officers supporting them from their initial police contact through to the court process.”

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is being abused, report it to Dorset Police. This can be done in confidence.

If abuse is in progress and someone is in immediate danger, phone 999. Otherwise, contact police via www.dorset. police.uk/contact or by calling 101. Crimes can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www. crimestoppers-uk.org.

For more information on help and advice around domestic abuse, as well as details of agencies that can offer support, visit www.dorset. police.uk/da.

Benjamin Albin, of Swanage, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison

Aldi eyes store sites for Purbeck

BUDGET supermarket chain Aldi is eyeing a string of sites in Dorset and South Somersetincluding potential stores on the Isle of Purbeck.

The cut-price giant says it has ‘ambitious acquisition and development plans’ across the region and is seeking suitable sites for stores in a number of locations.

Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Swanage, Wimborne and Wincanton are among towns on the list.

“Our sustained growth means we are continually expanding our property portfolio to help

achieve our ever-growing goals for 2022,” a spokesperson said.

“We have ambitious acquisition and development plans and prefer to purchase freehold, town centre or edge of centre sites suitable for property development in towns with a population of 15,000 or more.”

The full list of sites included on the Aldi list is: Blandford, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, Poole, Ringwood, Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, Wincanton, Yeovil.

BOVINGTON Community Stores

BLANDFORD Tourist Information Centre

BEACON HILL Royal Heights coffee Shop

BERE REGIS Bartletts Stores Maces Stores

BRIANTSPUDDLE Briantspuddle Shop

CANFORD MAGNA Garden Centre

CORFE CASTLE

Corfe View Visitor Centre Railway Station Village Stores

CROSSWAYS

Co-op Post Office

HAMWORTHY Allways Fryday Co-op Hamworthy Central Convenience Kings Fish & Chips Shop Library Mayze Hairdressers Morrisons Post Office Premier Blandford Stores

HARMANS CROSS Foleys Garage St Michaels Garage/BP

HOLTON HEATH Clay Pipe Inn

KINGSTON Scott Arms

LANGTON MATRAVERS Langton Village Stores

LYTCHETT MATRAVERS South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park The Bakers Arms

LULWORTH Lulworth Visitor Centre

NORDEN Farm Shop Train Station

PUDDLETOWN Community Library Spar

SANDFORD

Co-op Food & Petrol Station Sandford Premier

STUDLAND Studland Stores

SWANAGE

Ballard Stores

Budgens Supermarket Coastal Park Conservative Club Co-op Costcutters Durlston Castle Jenkins Newsagent MacCalls Newsagent

Nationwide Building Society Post Office Rudges Spar

Swanage News Tourist Information Centre

Traditional Barber Train Station Triangle Garage/Texaco WH Smiths

TINCLETON

Tincleton Church

TOLPUDDLE

Tolpuddle Creech Farm Shop

ULWELL Village Shop/Inn

UPTON Aldi Co-op

Lytchett & Upton Council Spar Upton Library Upton News & Wine

WAREHAM

Chipperies Fish & Chips Conservative Club Co-op Horseys Newsagent long John’s Fish & Chips One Stop Farwells

Premier Stores Purbeck Library Purbeck Mobility Centre Purbeck Sports Centre Sainsburys Train Station Wareham Laundrette

WEST HOLME West Holme Nurseries

WINFRITH NEWBURGH Post Office

Telling It Like It Is

What’s going on with level crossing?

By David Hollister

One old chestnut that simply refuses to go away is the level crossing at Wareham. Dorset County Council seems to be spending a six-figure sum annually to fund a person in a hut armed with a timetable, binoculars and a switch.

Strange how Dorset Council can spend tens of thousands of pounds on a cycle pathway from the back of the station to the bypass, but still seems unable to agree on the best way to get pedestrians across the railway line.

Soon after the cycleway was constructed, it was autumn, and it was covered with leaves making it treacherous. More recently, it became even more dangerous with snow and ice.

One of our readers who travels regularly down the road from the bypass to Northmoor tells me he has never seen a single pedestrian, cyclist or mobility scooter on the pathway. What an expensive waste of money.

But cycle lanes appear to be the Government’s number one way of wasting our money –witness the useless havoc they have caused in Bournemouth.

As regards the crossing, all sorts of plans and schemes have been examined and turned down. Surely by now the prohibitive cost of installing electronic gates has been dwarfed by the cost of maintaining the man in the hut. Come on Dorset councillors, what is your next move?

Electronic gates work at Wool and at Holme Crossing

– so why not Wareham? On the positive side, I’ve been told all the mechanisms that controlled the barriers are still in place and as the gate system seems excellent, perhaps the connection may be relatively simple?

It is clear the Government doesn’t want cars, but still wants our money in road taxes and fuel duty. It doesn’t want our pollution, but neither is it prepared to put in the sort of charging station infrastructure it will need after 2030.

Already, at Christmas, electric cars queued at motorway service stations waiting for the too few charging stations to become available. I’m glad I can’t afford a Tesla!

And not until each petrol or diesel pump in the country is matched by a proper fast-charge point will the electric scheme be anything other than a Green politician’s pipe-dream!

Apart from the ridiculous cost of installation and the ever-increasing price of electricity, no-one living in a terraced house or an upstairs flat can home-charge overnight.

I wonder whether, when it comes to the crunch, whichever government is in power at the time, will have the guts to go ahead with this preposterous scheme.

We country folk are already prevented by cost alone from going into London and other cities with their ‘exclusion zones’, which appear to exclude anyone who doesn’t have a deep pocket or a fuel-efficient vehicle.

They’ve thought very little

about the tradespeople and low paid workers in their cheap old cars who by reason of their employment are obliged to go into those towns, and who, as I write, can’t even count on using the railways!

It looks like a potentially worrying issue for many of us out in the sticks. A friend has just had her fortnightly big supermarket shop delivered at home. The driver told her they were all worried about their jobs as the word is the big supermarkets are considering pulling out of home deliveries in the main, possibly just keeping the hyper-local deliveries close to the main supermarkets (Weymouth, Poole, Bournemouth).

He’d heard it was for economic reasons – there’s no real profit when the additional customers served require drivers and vans, with all the related costs. They consider it to be not worth the time and effort.

Makes sense, it’s purely a capitalist society, so you’re allowed to make as much profit as you possibly can, without any obligation to ‘give anything back’ whatsoever.

So – do you work for a supermarket? Do you know different? I can’t name the big supermarket, to protect the driver, but he said he’d heard from other supermarket drivers that they’d heard the same rumour about an upcoming withdrawal of delivery services for economic reasons. We’re very much hoping this is not true!

If this happens, everyone locally will have to drive to their chosen supermarket like the bad old days, thus piling tons more traffic onto the roads, causing more congestion, more pollution, adding yet more cost. Not to mention all the jobs that would be lost.

On the other hand, most of the towns and villages in Purbeck are served by small shops and supermarkets and it

would be hoped they would benefit. But are they truly independent or are their prices dictated by their supplier group?

What about price comparison lists to publish in this magazine, proving that once the fuel costs of going to Poole have been considered, local shopping is not that much more expensive – or is it?

What an amazing sight – Swanage Beach lit up with candles to remember loved ones. The night sky was frosty and there was a backdrop of the moon rising over the sea.

Swanage’s first Candles on the Beach event, organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, was emotional and poignant. I really hope this, along with the sponsored lighting-up of Swanage Pier, becomes an annual event.

On the subject of lights and spectacular events, don’t miss the Blue Pool, running until 5 March, bringing back ILLUMINATE for a second year.

After the success of 2022, this year will include new waterside lights to music as well as additional musical sections of woodland trail. Take time to reflect in the peaceful tranquillity of The Blue Pool at night. Professionally staged illuminations, lighting the meandering woodland trails.

You can glimpse the beautiful deep waters of the Pool and the ancient woodland while stopping at carefully selected positions along the way to relax and enjoy this unique setting. I do hope the ‘peaceful tranquillity’ is not spoiled by ubiquitous music. Give peace a chance!

The warm and welcoming art deco licensed tearooms will provide refreshments throughout the evening as well as fire pits on the terrace for toasting marshmallows.

We went last year and really enjoyed it. Hope you do, too!

‘We’ve watched facilities dwindle...’

I WAS appalled to read Mrs Church’s letter – Purbeck Gazette, January 9 – about Kingston Maurward cancelling apprenticeships and suggesting that the poor students go to Sparsholt instead with just about no notice.

Young people in Dorset are already challenged by transport logistics – just getting as far as Kingston Maurward can be an epic journey for many. Sparsholt may as well be on the moon!

I am astounded that the college can treat students in such a manner and it is a matter of grave concern.

As my children have grown up here, we have watched everything in our community close or dwindle – the youth club, library, police, adult learning centre, banks and buses.

The only thing on the up seems to be the county lines drug gangs.

We never got our new primary school. Young people in rural Dorset are still recovering from having education disrupted by Covid-19 and need help not cutbacks.

Young people here talk proudly about being at Kingston Maurward – it has been a beacon of hope for their futures and now it seems it will be just another slowly closing door for the youth of our area.

Pauline Metcalf Sturminster Newton

I’VE just come back from The Real Oxford Farming Conference. It’s always a joy to go to and I come back buzzing.

One point that always comes across is that from all levels, international, national, local and individual, there should be more joined up thinking and things to make our lives more pleasant, the planet cleaner and Dorset

even more beautiful.

A good place to start is our hedges, farmers’, councils’ and gardeners’. Especially in Dorset, which is still a thriving livestock area full of grass areas surrounded by hedges.

Defra has for years encouraged the good practice of only cutting hedges every two years, if not three, and to do it on rotation.

This provides the beautiful white blossom from black thorn/hawthorn hedges and the hazel catkins/nuts which provide food and habit for birds and insects.

If the hedge is trimmed back yearly there is no blossom.

As I was cycling to Sturminster today, the long way round through Marnhull and Hinton St Mary, some hedges on one side of the road where shaved and on the other side had a year’s growth.

I would like to think this is the start of new practice.

I realise close to the road it needs to be cut back, even I don’t like a stray bramble hitting my face or not being able to see on a junction, but there are many areas where this doesn’t apply.

I also notice on my bike ride that the birds perch, sing and nest in the taller hedges not in the shaved ones.

It has also been shown that the sequencing of carbon is locked up as efficiently in a mature, well manged hedge as in woodland.

Conservationists point the decline of some populations of wildlife to the fact their habitat is too small and too far apart.

Our hedges provide much needed shelter and food to get from one area to another, it’s a wildlife motorway around the country.

A friend of mine always pointed out that people would only change their habits and become ‘greener’ if it hit their pockets.

Think of all the fuel and manpower hours that could be saved if hedges are only trimmed back every two or three years.

Maybe that manpower could be used to lay the hedges on a rotational basis instead?

Gardeners could do their bit and talk to their neighbours so hedges can join together through a village.

Have a competition to see which village can nurture the longest hedge.

We can all leave the odd bit of untidy Ivy and a patch of nettles, and the odd hole in the fence for the hedgehogs to get through.

Gold Hill Organic Farm Child Okeford

Gazette reader Robin Boultwood took this photo of the footbridge at Studland recently

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Cryptic crossword

Across

Frozen block? Reserve one, say (3,4)

Couple feature in news bulletin (4)

Mistake allowed for one of three? (7)

Examine minutely soft gown (5)

Fool dropped wee bacon sandwiches (5)

Provoke anger with someone ultimately? (6)

Across

Frozen block? Reserve one, say (3,4)

Couple feature in news bulletin (4)

Mistake allowed for one of three? (7)

Down 2 Agree with sound of clock? (5) 3 Star given allowance for festive treat? (11)

Examine minutely soft gown (5)

4 Intensely cold alcoholic drink (6)

Fool dropped wee bacon sandwiches (5)

Provoke anger with someone ultimately? (6)

6 Consideration still close to respect (7)

7 Humble writer on English king (4)

Type of gear regardless of time relating to a cell (6)

Fortified place the French set behind shed (6)

8 Act that’s orchestrated around Delaware one in college, say (7)

Type of gear regardless of time relating to a cell (6) 16 Fortified place the French set behind shed (6)

I show dishonesty in married university setting (6) 19 Drive that is engaging politician on left (5) 22 Deride society with hackneyed material (5) 23 Event of music and dance excited child touring Ireland (not half) (7)

Remainder in the back (4)

Across

Frozen block? Reserve one, say (3,4)

Act green and use two-wheeled transport again (7)

Couple feature in news bulletin (4)

Mistake allowed for one of three? (7)

Examine minutely soft gown (5)

Fool dropped wee bacon sandwiches (5)

Provoke anger with someone ultimately? (6)

Type of gear regardless of time relating to a cell (6)

Fortified place the French set behind shed (6)

I show dishonesty in married university setting (6)

Drive that is engaging politician on left (5)

Deride society with hackneyed material (5)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 3x3 box. No digit maybe repeated in any dashed-lined cage, and each dash-lined cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage

I show dishonesty in married university setting (6)

10 A top trilby I misrepresented as having characteristic of light headwear? (11)

Drive that is engaging politician on left (5)

Deride society with hackneyed material (5)

13 Sound chalet first off dismantled on sides highway (7)

Event of music and dance excited child touring Ireland (not half) (7)

Remainder in the back (4)

15 Academic institution with class that’s regular (7)

Act green and use two-wheeled transport again (7)

17 Strength in sea food, it’s said (6)

20 Small bottle? China imports hard one (5)

21 Government authority confused irritated expression (4)

Day in the life of HM Solicitor General

I WAS appointed Her Majesty’s Solicitor General shortly before the Queen died, and then re-appointed by the current Prime Minister in October.

Some of you have kindly asked about this and so here is some detail about how I spend my days in Westminster.

I usually travel to London from Dorset late on Sunday evening, or very early on Monday morning, and return home late on a Thursday. My first meetings are often with the Attorney General (AG), and the team who work for the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General is my direct boss, and she and I have adjoining offices just off Central Lobby in Parliament. This has been the tradition since at least the latter part of the 19th century. Interlinking doors ensure constant communication, but there is no doubt her office is the grander of the two! We discuss the business in Parliament, and anything specific we have been asked to look at by the Prime Minister. Part of our job is to provide legal advice to the Government. This is always confidential and the convention is that this is not disclosed – not even the fact of whether advice has been given,

let alone the advice itself.

I also sit on the cabinet sub-committee called ‘PBL’, the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee. This considers each Bill before it is introduced in Parliament. The Legal Department shares a building with the Ministry of Justice and is about half a mile away from Parliament, and being central London it is often quicker to walk. The department has staff who assist the Attorney General and I in our work, including preparatory work and research.

General if they think the sentence was too lenient. I review all the evidence and sentencing guidelines, before deciding whether to refer it to the Court of Appeal for a fresh look. There are specific cases that can be reviewed in this way, the most serious cases, including murder, rape, child cruelty and sex crimes, serious drug and terror offences, and control and coercive behaviour.

Michael Tomlinson

Following these meetings, I usually return to my office to catch up on paperwork. Behind my office desk is the Solicitor General's red box. Lead-lined, and weighing in at around 5kg – about 11lb – when empty, I do not often carry it around! It can be locked and kept secure, but thankfully given the number of papers I look at, the vast majority can be considered electronically. There are always court cases to be read through, and there may be documents to sign.

On sentencing, anyone can refer a case to the Attorney

My important work as a constituency MP continues, and during the day I speak to my senior caseworker in Dorset or my senior parliamentary assistant to discuss constituents' cases and see regularly review any constituency-specific issues. If a Dorset school is visiting Parliament, I’m invited to do a Q&A session in the education centre, or I might meet a charity that wants to highlight its work in Dorset or the South-West.

If we have upcoming Oral Questions to the Attorney General, I spend time researching and preparing for this. The AG and I share responsibility for answering these, and it is important to be

fully ready before standing at the dispatch box. If the division bell rings, it’s time to vote, and we all file through the lobbies to be counted. Each vote takes about 15 minutes, and there are often several votes, so it can be a long process. On Mondays Parliament sits until 10.30pm, though it can sometimes sit much later. I try to call my family in Dorset most days, and then usually do some more box work and preparation for the next day, before getting some sleep, ready to face another day.

I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency so please 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 on michael.tomlinson.mp@ parliament.uk or contact my office on 01202 624216. You can also follow what I’ve been doing on Twitter @ Michael4mdnp or Facebook www.facebook.com/ michael4MDNP or on my website www. michaeltomlinson.org.uk

MICHAEL TOMLINSON KC – MP for MID DORSET & NORTH POOLE

MP backs minister’s demand for fuel company pricing transparency

FUEL companies are being asked to divulge pricing strategies as part of a probe into how prices at the pump vary.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Secretary Grant Shapps has written to fuel retailers urging them to reveal the details as part of an investigation by the Competitions and Market Authority (CMA).

The probe is intended to bring clarity and transparency to how prices at the pumps are calculated.

“Although I am encouraged to note that this Government’s cut in fuel duty announced in March 2022 has been passed on to consumers, it is concerning to see that the CMA’s emerging findings point to retail fuel margins rising year on year over the past five years ahead of general inflation,” Mr Shapps wrote.

“In addition, their analysis has found

evidence that on occasion the price of fuel at the pump has fallen more slowly than it rises following changes in the price of crude oil.

“As a result, the CMA will continue to investigate the retail sector further, with a focus on the relationship between wholesale and retail fuel prices, factors driving local and regional variations in prices, and the role played by major supermarkets in the road fuel retail sector.”

The move was welcomed by West Dorset MP Chris Loder, who says fuel pricing strategies have left residents in towns like Bridport having to pay hefty premiums or travel many miles to fill up at up to 20p per litre less at the same retail chain.

Mr Loder said: “Since my intervention at Prime Ministers Questions on the 9th November, we have seen progress with the

CMA’s investigation which, still ongoing, is highlighting many of the unfair pricing practices we all feared were happening.

“I am very pleased that, after shining a spotlight on this issue, the Government is acting swiftly in the interests of fairness for the consumer.”

Mr Loder met with Dan Turnbull, director of the Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) on December 16, urging them to take Bridport’s fuel price situation as a case study for their investigation, which came to light following Mr Loder’s intervention at Prime Minister’s Questions in the Autumn.

Mr Shapps said he would be looking ‘very closely’ at the CMA’s report.

“Ahead of this, I encourage you to take any steps necessary to ensure savings are passed on to consumers,” he added.

Workers striking to save the NHS

AT the end of my dad’s long life, when – like so many others – he was lost in the fog of dementia, he had a bad fall. His carer called for an ambulance. Within a short time, paramedics were on hand, who took him to hospital where he was treated. I am still grateful to them. Their support, professionalism and compassion were beyond price.

Similar sentiments were expressed last year at the Swanage Community Awards Ceremony about the town’s Ambulance Car Team.

Those nominating the team for an award said of the paramedics “they go beyond the realms of their job description with the care they provide on a regular basis, at all times of the day and night”.

The successful campaign to retain the Swanage and Purbeck Ambulance Car, led by Swanage councillor Debby Monkhouse, drew upon many testimonies from residents and

visitors whose lives – or the lives of those dear to them –had been saved by the town’s paramedics.

Yet recently, here in Swanage, and nationwide, paramedics felt they had no alternative but to withdraw their services.

Like the nurses, ambulance staff were lauded during the pandemic. Boris Johnson said “they’re heroes, heroes, heroes, heroes”. But their well evidenced concerns about patient safety, staffing shortages and lack of capacity – the results of years of underfunding and studied neglect – have been shamefully ignored.

The strikes – and more may yet come – reflect despair by professionals at the near collapse of healthcare across the UK, and the appalling conditions faced by frontline

crews. SWAST – South West Ambulance Trust – staff say their fight is not about money but about the future of a broken NHS.

Testimonies from Purbeck residents and visitors confirm that even those in dire need wait long and miserable hours for a SWAST ambulance to arrive. A Freedom of Information request, obtained by the Swanage News at the start of this year, showed that the average waiting time for even the most urgent life-threatening cases was more than double what it should be in Swanage.

No wonder one SWAST paramedic is quoted as saying “the NHS has gone beyond breaking point. People are dying waiting for an ambulance”.

Ambulance car staff spend

So, does it matter if I vote?

OVER the last few years, I must have knocked on at least 50,000 doors and my heart sinks when what I hear is ‘there’s no point voting, it doesn’t change a thing’.

These conversations often lead to some of the most fascinating discussions on everything from farming to childcare, immigration to inter-generational fairness.

I will often ask younger voters if they share the same priorities and world view as their parents or earlier generations and I will usually be answered with an emphatic ‘no’. This is followed with the question about why they are effectively letting those grandparents decide on their future…

Recent changes by the Conservative Government to reform Voter ID are therefore very worrying. It claims there is widespread voter fraud. However, there was only one

conviction for in-person fraud in 2019. The Electoral Commission’s own website even states: “There is no evidence of large-scale electoral fraud”.

Proposals signed off by Parliament late last year – which Liberal Democrats tried to stop – will force voters to take specified forms of photo ID to the polling station. Bizarrely, an OAP Oyster card or bus pass is on the approved list, but the equivalent student travel card is not!

One in three people under 30 do not hold a driver’s licence and at the most recent Census, eight million people declared they do not hold a passport –with the cost-of-living crisis likely to make this worse.

I have been challenging the council to reach out to residents early to arrange access to a special form of ID and to reach

voters where they are – ensuring we aren’t expecting people to make appointments at town halls or jump through hoops to exercise their democratic right!

Voting reform is needed. We could enable online voting as they do in Estonia; consider votes at 16 as they do in Scotland and Brazil; or set up polling stations in supermarkets and shopping centres as they do in New Zealand – leading to 6.5 per cent increase in turnout among younger people.

First Past the Post voting favours two political parties but we don’t all fit neatly into a two-dimensional ‘left-right’ spectrum and even the large parties are effectively a coalition of views. Liberal Democrats believe in wholesale electoral reform including a move to Proportional Representation, restructuring the funding of

hours waiting outside hospitals with very ill patients, waiting for beds – too many of which are ‘blocked’ by older, frail, patients who have nowhere to go as a result of the crisis in social care. Locally, one-third of Poole Hospital’s beds are blocked for this reason.

Pay, certainly, is an issue. The Nuffield Trust says that this year ambulance workers may see their pay fall to around 4 per cent behind inflation. But one in four surveyed by the trust said they would leave their role as soon as they could find another job. They would do so because they felt they could no longer provide an adequate service for patients.

Far from being ‘greedy’ or ‘unreasonable’ health workers are striking to save our NHS. They should be supported by us all.

CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

political parties and removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

When my grandparents were born, they didn’t have the right to vote. The Representation of the People Act in 1918 gave women, younger men and those who didn’t own land the right to take part in elections. They voted in huge numbers, wanting to be sure their voice was heard in policy making for their generation.

With huge issues facing society in the coming years, it’s critical that we all have the chance to make our mark, however imperfect the system, so check your ID now or register for a postal vote – you can download a form from the Gov. UK website and send it to your local council – and make sure you have your say.

VIKKI SLADE Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Mid Dorset & North Poole

Vikki Slade

Chris Bradey

Eco show home aims to inspire

By Andrew Diprose www.dorsetbiznews.co.uk

A NEW show home with an all-sustainable interior has been launched by a housebuilder on one of its Dorset developments.

Barratt Homes has partnered with national interior design firm Edward Thomas Interiors to create the bespoke, ecoconscious haven at Quarter Jack Park in Wimborne.

The brief was to implement simple but effective ideas around the home that could inspire even the most inexperienced of decorators.

Incorporating vintage and upcycled furniture, the team, led by creative brand manager Sam Jones, wanted to show buyers that creativity doesn’t have to come at a cost.

It follows increased interest in upcycled, or reused, furniture with social media platform TikTok receiving 8.6 billion views for the hashtag

‘upcycling’.

The show home features a mix of upcycled and vintage furniture as well as sustainably sourced products.

Sam said: “There are so many videos online where you can learn different ideas, and you don’t need elaborate tools and unlimited budgets to do them.

“For example, we created a lamp and its shade from an old gin bottle and garden twine.

“We repurposed rattan plant pots as kitchen light shades, decoupaged bedside cabinets with pages from the Jungle Book and added bamboo strips to make new chest of drawer fronts.

“Fast furniture is similar to fast fashion. It costs less, but you have to replace it quicker.

“By changing your way of thinking, and investing in second-hand furniture, you can achieve surprising results.

“For instance, the Ercol dining chairs we used in the open plan kitchen/diner are from the 1970s. They’ve been repainted and look as good as new.”

As well as using eco-friendly furniture, the semi-detached show home has sustainable wallpapers and fabrics including bamboo, rattan, string, rope and driftwood.

The Barratt team used local carpenters, artists, plumbers and electricians.

Tammy Bishop, Barratt

Homes sales director, Southampton Division, said: “We hope this special show home design will not only show our buyers how they can live sustainably but will also highlight the importance of using local suppliers and shopping responsibly, particularly during this difficult time.

“The appetite is there, and with these impressive designs in our show home, we have proved the goal is not as difficult as you may think.”

Ty gets physical for mental health

By Andrew Diprose www.dorsetbiznews.co.uk

ENTREPRENEUR and Dorset Mind ambassador Ty Temel has teamed up with the mental health charity again to lead its fundraising challenges for 2023.

It’s hoped the varied programme of events will inspire people to reap the benefits of getting active on mental health – and raise vital funds to help deliver local support, education and training.

The challenges start with the 40th annual Bournemouth Bay Run on Sunday April 2.

Set against the seven-mile stretch of beach, four distances are offered to suit all abilities –a half-marathon, 10km, 5km and a 1km Kids Fun Run.

Dorset Mind is one of three officially supported charities this year – and Ty will be taking part alongside several of the charity’s ambassadors.

Other challenges planned are the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenges in May, the 3-Peaks in June and Skydive in July.

An epic Land of Fire and Ice challenge in Iceland is planned for August this year, led by the mental health advocate again.

Ty said: “If there’s one thing I learned from lockdown, it was the sense of community, which is why at Dorset Mind we want to reinforce the importance of

connection while also keeping physically and mentally fit.

“I’m really looking forward to this incredible year of challenges to keep me personally motivated, while helping support local people, too.”

Dorset Mind chief executive Linda O’Sullivan said: “This year, more than ever, we’ve witnessed people’s mental health being challenged as they face the cost of living crisis, having only just emerged from lockdowns and the pandemic.

“It’s brilliant that more people are talking about mental health but it’s now time for action. We intend to be at the forefront of leading mental health support across the county to help reduce the postcode inequality for access to timely support.

“We know we can only do this by working in partnership and through communities.

“We’re hugely grateful to Ty for his considerable time, and effort, to help build Team Dorset Mind and enable the expansion of our one-to-one and group therapies for people to access when they need our help.”

To find out more about Dorset Mind’s 2023 challenge events visit dorsetmind.uk/ challenges/

Recruitment

£12.00PH. angela@evropublishing.com

The Blackmore Vale Ltd continues to enjoy great success and we are looking for an experienced Account Manager

You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. Previous sales experience is required and you should be hungry for success. The role is a hybrid of working from home/office and out and about within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid.

Previous sales experience Hungry for success

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fantastic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 27th January 2023.

Entrepreneur Ty Temel has teamed up with Dorset Mind to lead its fundraising challenges this year which include the Bournemouth Bay Run, the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenges and the Three Peaks

ADMINISTRATOR.

Purbeck

Book reveals famous and Royal visitors to our town

By Sara Niven

DID you know that when Swanage men came before magistrates in the 19th century, the charge was nearly always ‘drunk and riotous’?

Or that the famous Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung gave a course of lectures in the town in 1925, while five years later, in 1930, Swanage Music Society performed the opera Lohengrin in the presence of Siegfried Wagner, the composer’s son?

When researching his book, Swanage –An Illustrated History, author Jason Tomes uncovered many fascinating, surprising and sometimes humorous insights into the town’s history and inhabitants over the years.

Something fishy was going on in 1881 when Swanage contested Hastings’ claim to have the purest English air. On December 6 that year, a large

herring caught in Swanage Bay was hung up by Mr Andrews in the Stevenson’s Screen of the Meteorological Society’s station, Durlston Park.

It was taken down by the same gentleman in May 1884, having remained there for two years and five months. The fish wasn’t salted, gutted or treated in any way – and when removed was found to be without the least decomposition. At Hastings, it was asserted, such a herring would have putrefied.

Half a century later, in 1934, it was the hanging of coloured

lights, rather than fish which was the subject for discussion. Their use along the seafront was denounced from the pulpit by the rector at the time.

More controversy arose in 1960, this time over streetfighting rather than streetlighting, when outraged visitors complained that levels of brawling in Swanage were almost comparable to the Notting Hill riots.

Perhaps in an effort to

encourage the town to be seen as a place for making love, not war, in 1971 the Royal Victoria Hotel offered ‘sexy weekends’ in Swanage for a bargain £4.50, roughly the equivalent of a still extremely reasonable £75 today.

Other facts you may not have known, detailed in the book, include:

n Local benefactor Cllr James Day was at the centre of a corruption scandal in 1929. He

SWANAGE SWANAGE

An Illustrated History

JASON TOMES

In the third and final part of our look at a new book on the history of Swanage, we focus on some quirky facts about the town

When illustrator Frederick Walker visited in 1863, he judged ‘gammy’ legs from quarrying accidents so characteristic that he sketched this cartoon, ‘The High Street of Swanage and its principal inhabitants’

Southern Television’s weather forecaster, Trevor Baker, shows Swanage beating its rival Shanklin to top place in the Southern Summer Sunshine League for May-September 1968

Swanage first licensed motor taxis in 1910. Thomas Bennett, a Londoner by birth, ran his fleet from the garage at Lynden Hall in Ulwell Road

Bathing machines on Swanage beach in 1910. (below) and the Great Globe, carved from Portland stone, about 1890. An adjacent slab read, ‘Persons anxious to write their names will please do so on this stone only’. Photos courtesy of Swanage Museum/Dovecote Press

denied wrongdoing but he did not sue his accuser.

n Self-service shopping noticeably arrived in 1960 when the Ritz Cinema was turned into Supermarket Louise.

n David Mellor, ‘Minister for Fun’ in John Major’s Government, worked as a

deckchair attendant in Swanage in 1966.

n A wooden bench by Swanage library is inscribed ‘Donald McGill (1875-1962), King of the Saucy Postcard’. It owes its existence to Basil and Elfreda Buckland, who, on retiring to the town, opened their postcard

collection to the public in 1985. n Visits from Royalty have included the Princess of Wales in 1890, Prince Louis II of Monaco – with young Rainier – in 1932 and King Prajadhipok of Siam in 1934.

n According to a survey, Swanage’s favourite hymn is

All Things Bright and Beautiful. The book succeeds in providing the feeling of being granted some insider knowledge but with the advantage of perspective that comes from distance.

Certainly, author Jason Tomes says that moving out of his home town changed his thoughts on living in it.

“When I was a child, I rather assumed that everywhere in England was essentially like Swanage, which is certainly not the case,” he said. “I have tried in this book to capture something of the individuality of Swanage and to explain it. This ‘Gem of the Dorset Coast’ has many facets, so to speak, and I have tried to take an all-round view. I even toyed with the idea of calling it Swanage – What’s It Like and How It Got that Way.”

n Swanage – An Illustrated History by Jason Tomes is available in bookshops throughout Dorset and directly from the publisher at www.dovecotepress.com

THE UK new car market recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth in December, with an 18.3 per cent increase to reach 128,462 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This second half year performance was not enough, however, to offset the declines recorded during the first half of 2022.

Pandemic-related global parts shortages saw overall registrations for the year fall 2 per cent to 1.61 million, about 700,000 below pre-Covid-19 levels.

December saw battery electric vehicles (BEVs) claim their largest ever monthly market share, of 32.9 per cent, while for 2022 as a whole they made up 16.6 per cent of registrations, surpassing diesel for the

first time to become the second most popular powertrain after petrol.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw their annual share decline to 6.3 per cent, meaning that combined, all plug-in vehicles accounted for 22.9 per cent of new registrations in 2022 – a record high, although a smaller increase in overall market share than recorded in previous years.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also enjoyed growth, rising to an 11.6 per cent market share for the year. As a result, average new car CO2 fell 6.9 per cent to 111.4g/km, the lowest in history.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The automotive market remains

adrift of its pre-pandemic performance but could well buck wider economic trends by delivering significant growth in 2023.

“To secure that growth – which is increasingly zero emission growth –government must help all drivers go electric and compel others to invest more rapidly in nationwide charging infrastructure.

“Manufacturers’ innovation and commitment have helped EVs become the second most popular car type.

“However, for a nation aiming for electric mobility leadership, that must be matched with policies and investment that remove consumer uncertainty over switching, not least over where drivers can charge their vehicles.”

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H erbal tea great way to detox

JANUARY is the detox season, much to my poor husband’s dread and horror!

I do understand because it is such a bad month.

It is therefore a depressing thought to give up everything that you enjoy in the dark, dank days.

I, however, rather relish it because after the initial hardship of the first couple of days, you start to feel really rather energised and definitely sleep better.

My difficulty is coming off coffee, although I know it really does not agree with me, and it is, probably, the one thing I should really give up permanently.

As said a long time ago, the best place for coffee is up your bottom as an enema! But it is not such a nice idea!

To speed up detoxing, I make a lovely tea which includes some of the following herbs:

Dandelion root, which is excellent for dredging the liver of toxins and helps keeps the bowels moving.

Burdock root, which helps

the liver, is good for digestion, the skin and sugar balance.

Yellow dock root, surprisingly delicious as far as herbs go, is a gentle laxative, helping the body get rid of all the toxins and is also very nutritious, containing lots of iron and other minerals.

A little bit of liquorice root is added, again this is good for the liver, it supports the adrenal glands, keeps things moving and also acts as a synergist for

Painful condition can be worsened by cold weather

INDIVIDUALS are being urged to be aware of a littleknown condition brought on by the cold, with more freezing temperatures likely this winter.

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is urging people to look out for signs of Raynaud’s – a painful condition that affects blood circulation and is triggered by the cold.

SRUK says many in the UK are unaware of Raynaud’s, despite about one in six people living with the condition.

The charity says more than one in two UK adults don’t know any of the signs and symptoms with millions likely to dismiss symptoms rather than visit their GP.

The charity is also concerned that high energy prices are preventing many people from properly heating their homes, meaning those living with Raynaud’s are likely to spend the winter suffering in silence.

What are the symptoms?

For someone with Raynaud’s, cold temperatures

the other herbs, making the mix all work harmoniously.

Fennel seeds are excellent for digestion, settling the stomach and dispelling wind.

Some fresh ginger for circulation and calming the stomach.

Juniper berries and black pepper for warming up the digestive process, as well as cinnamon bark which balances the blood sugar.

When I say tea, it is actually

and stress can cause painful flare-ups, also called Raynaud’s attacks.

This is when the blood temporarily stops flowing to parts of the body, most commonly the hands and feet.

Signs of Raynaud’s include: n Colour changes to the skin in areas such as the hands or feet, often in response to cold conditions

n Cold and numbness in the affected areas, such as the fingers and toes

n Tingling or pain, especially as the circulation returns to the affected areas.

The condition can also be extremely painful, preventing many people from carrying out everyday tasks like handling house keys, unbuttoning a coat and even driving.

SRUK chief executive Sue Farrington said: “Winter is well

a decoction and needs to be boiled up to release all the goodness of the roots. I put it in one of those teapots that go on the stove and reheat it during the day so I get at least three or four cups out of it.

Once I accept that there is no coffee, it is surprisingly good and warming and just what you need on cold days.

n Fiona Chapman is a Naturopathic Herbalist (Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

and truly upon us and we know that people with Raynaud’s can find this time of year extremely difficult.

“We all get cold hands and feet when the temperature drops, but for those affected by Raynaud’s the impact can be seriously debilitating, so it’s important not dismiss it and seek advice and support.”

For about 300,000 people with Raynaud’s, the condition can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as the autoimmune diseases lupus and scleroderma, which is why SRUK is urging people in the South-West to visit their GP if they think they may have Raynaud’s.

The charity also has an online test people can take to check if they may have the condition. This is available at www.sruk.co.uk/testme

Fiona Chapman’s tea includes dandelion root, which is excellent for dredging the liver of toxins and helps keeps the bowels moving

PHOTO: Silvia/ Pixabay

Parents: Health help just a text message away...

PARENTS and carers in need of health support and advice can now get it by text.

Parentline, a confidential texting service, has launched in Dorset to support those with children aged from five to 19.

Run by Dorset HealthCare’s School Nursing team, the service offers advice on a range of issues including toileting, sleep, development, behaviour, healthy eating, mental health, bullying, school refusal and exam stress.

Parents and carers simply need to text 07312 263131 and a member of the team will respond.

ParentLine has already been supporting parents and carers of children up to the age of five for just over a year.

One parent, Annalies from Upton, said: “I feel texting is easier than a phone call as my eldest child normally interrupts phone calls and I find it hard to concentrate.

“With a text, I can write it and send it, then give attention to my child.”

Juliet Singleton, from the Trust’s Children and Young People’s Service, said: “It’s fantastic news for parents and carers that we have expanded our ParentLine service to cover the five-19 age group across the county.

“We want to encourage anyone who needs support to text us so we can help them and provide the right advice in an easy, accessible way.”

Parents and carers can seek advice via

the five-19 ParentLine service from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday – excluding weekends, bank holidays and school holidays – with a member of the School Nursing team responding to messages within one working day.

If you send text outside these hours, you will receive an automated message with advice on where to get help if you need it urgently. ParentLine is not an emergency service – for urgent medical help, contact a GP, NHS 111 or 999.

Specific advice about children aged under five is available by texting 07312 277162. For more information about the ParentLine service for all age ranges, visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/parentline

Rachel Ciantar

Amy Smith and Carly Gribben from the Dorset HealthCare School Nursing Team

Small changes can make a big difference to your life

By Alice Johnsen

THE decorations have been packed away for another year and the children are back at school. Another Christmas slips into the past, with all its memories, excitements and challenges forming part of our stories. So now, back to the routine of normal life. Routines are at the heart of all our lives and it is their familiarity and structure that holds us.

Over Christmas, when so many of us take a break from our regular routines, we can feel their absence. What is normal for us gets a bit shaken up, which can be both re-charging

and discombobulating.

Did you notice a difference? And how do you feel now you are ‘back in your normal routine’?

What would your answer be if I were to ask you if your routine works for you? If the answer ranges from ‘it’s not working for me at all’ to ‘it’s ok-ish’, don’t worry.

A routine in our lives should be ever changing, even if only slightly. And the good news is a few small changes or tweaks here and there ripple out to have a greater effect.

It’s like setting your alarm clock ten minutes earlier – not a great loss of sleep but

Small changes are the ones that are most sustainable and make us just feel better about our everyday lives

PHOTO: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

potentially a totally different, less stressful way to start your day. Or eating your evening meal 20 minutes earlier. Taking ten minutes extra over your lunch break.

The small changes are the ones that are most sustainable and make us just feel better about our everyday lives.

It really doesn’t have to be more complicated than that. Often people will start their coaching conversations saying they want to change everything but they are not sure how or even why.

In ten years of coaching, changing everything has never,

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not once, been what was really needed or indeed wanted. Unhappiness or dissatisfaction about one area of your life can make you feel the whole thing is wrong.

It can shake up your outlook on your life and make you feel everything is going wrong - or worse still, you are getting everything wrong.

When your life feels like that, try taking a mental step back and breaking your life up into different sections. You will find some sections are, in fact, going pretty well.

It’s just the feelings about the more challenging parts of your life affect your thoughts about your whole life.

Try looking again at the areas causing you more anxiety. Can they be overcome by any small tweaks?

Have faith in the small changes to your everyday life. They can make a difference to the whole picture.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach (07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk)

Time to call in a garden designer?

By Sally Gregson

AT this season, and especially last year, we have looked at our gardens struggling through the long drought, now under snow and ice, and perhaps thought of at least one or two modifications, or downright changes, we could make.

Full of plans and promises, we vow to improve the garden this winter. But, of course, it rains at last – the ice melts and the frost evaporates, along with our good intentions, and another year passes. It could be time to employ the services of a garden designer.

A good designer will soon save you money spent on inappropriate plants and expensive constructions, and will sit down and talk with you about your concerns and

planting tastes. He, or she, will analyse the soil; the aspect of the garden; and how much sun there is through the year. They will consider the proximity of neighbours, roads and eyesores.

And then they will go away and think of solutions to any perceived problems and run them past you before putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboards.

Once the designer has drawn up a draft plan, including the location of any existing garden buildings – sheds, greenhouses, a detached garage – and located any planned additions, you, and he or she, will be ready for the pretty bits.

It’s here that their knowledge and expertise can also save time and money. They will make lists of favourite and suitable plants, including trees, shrubs and

perennials that will make the garden your own.

Quite often a local garden designer has a favourite nursery where they will buy on a regular basis and can charge you less than the usual price. Buying multiple plants often carries a discount for quantity. A knowledgeable designer can recommend a suitable nursery or nurseries that can supply the

majority of necessary plants.

The ’dead’ days of January are just the time to enlist an expert’s help. They are less busy – everyone thinks about their gardens in spring when there is already too much to think about and do. So, decide just how much you want to spend and get an estimate of costs. And set the ball rolling. It will soon be spring!

Spring green for the winter garden

By Sally Gregson

shade.

IN

winter

gardeners tend to rely on evergreens and the occasional spark of flower to give their gardens interest and pizazz.

And those evergreens do tend to be quite dark-leaved. Hollies, ivies, laurels all seem to have shining, deep green leaves. It’s the fresh green that is often missing.

Hardy, ‘evergreen’ ferns are mostly just that – light, refreshing, spring green. They survive the harshest of winters tucked up in the shade of shrubs and roses, out of the sun’s cold glare, clothing the bare legs of deciduous shrubs and roses with lacy green petticoats.

Our native Hart’s Tongue ferns are ideal for popping in difficult, dry, shady spots. And there are lots of variations with interesting leaves. Some are bifurcated, that is their tips are divided; some have serrated edges to their fronds; while in

others the whole leaf margin undulates.

A planting of these Adiantum scolopendrium ‘Undulatum’ covering the ground beneath winter-flowering shrubs, such as Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, for example, looks like a stormy coastline with rough green waves.

Then there are the dozens of varieties of Polystichum with its upright, laddered fronds. Some, such as P. setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ grows to about 60cm and, like the Hart’s Tongues, is tolerant of dry

But P. setiferum has a useful trick up its frond – it makes little fernlets all along the leaf at each axil. In December and January it is possible to cut off a frond displaying the fernlets, and pin it down on a tray of cuttings compost – 50:50 compost and grit – to make more of itself. The fernlets should have rooted, or not, by the spring, when each can be given a separate pot and grown on until big enough to plant out the following year.

At the end of the winter, as spring starts to prompt new growth everywhere, the ‘evergreen’ ferns take a month off. Their over-wintered foliage goes brown and dies back before their new croziers start to unfurl. A wise gardener will cut back the tired old leaves at this stage, to allow the young growth room to expand. And then the croziers will magically unfurl into fronds, to start another year in a shady part of your garden.

A garden designer’s knowledge and expertise can save time and money

PHOTO: eleus500/Pixabay

Cut off a frond of P. setiferum, displaying the fernlets, and pin it down on a tray of cuttings compost to make more of itself

Big and bold jewellery:

trend for 2023

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

IT’S always fascinating each year to find out what type of jewellery is on trend and making the pages of all the fashion magazines.

For 2023, it seems the focus is on big and bold!

Cocktail rings

I’M very excited that cocktail rings are said to be making a comeback because this means that classic vintage and Art Deco rings will become high profile.

Colourful, vibrant gemstones set in a range of metals that actually look more expensive than they are, really make a statement.

Please note – opera gloves are apparently also making a comeback, so a cocktail ring will be the ultimate accessory!

Silver

AT Heirlooms, we’ve noticed that silver is increasing in popularity, particularly in the

younger age group, and it is recognised in the jewellery world as one of the biggest shifts in preference.

Silver is elegant, stylish and very wearable, and works well when paired with other metals such as platinum or white gold, and even layered with gold.

Layering continues to be a big trend, so look to wear multi-metal chains and pendants or bracelets.

Brooches

AND , best of all, brooches are being seen as fun, colourful additions to an outfit.

These highly decorative pieces of jewellery were around since ancient times made of sticks and flint.

By the time of the Bronze Age, they began to be fashioned out of metal.

The Victorians popularised the ‘mourning brooch’, which was usually made from black enamel and engraved with the date the person died, and

Farming FREE FARM VALUATIONS

Symonds & Sampson’s popular Free Farm Valuation Week is back! From 6th - 10th February, their dedicated farm agents will be talking to farmers and landowners across the south and west who are considering selling during 2023. Why not book your appointment now?

Symonds & Sampson is offering Free Farm Valuations for possible sales of farms, estates, smallholdings, land, and rural properties. Farmers and landowners throughout Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire are invited to take advantage of the offer.

“This is a chance to get an up-to-date market appraisal of your property,” says Andrew Tuffin, Head of the Farm Agency department. “We cover the whole spectrum, from large estates and farms to small paddocks and development opportunities. For farmers and landowners considering their options for the future, it’s a great opportunity to benefit from some free expert advice.

The land market in the south and west has performed particularly strongly over the last 12 months with values up 5-10% year on year. This is due to a combination of an ever-growing number of buyers and a more diverse mix of buyer types competing for a supply of land that continues to remain below historic levels. Now competing with commercial farmers for land are investors, many with rollover funds from development land sales, funds, institutions, recreational buyers, residential buyers and the fastest growing group being environmental and green buyers.

In 2022 we sold over 3,500 acres across 8 counties which included a number of sales “off market” when privacy has been an important consideration. We are registering new London, national, international, regional, and local buyers every day and have little stock left on the books therefore urgently require more property.”

To discuss your property, the market and the value, please contact Andrew Tuffin on 01258 472244 or one of our dedicated Farm Agents in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.

Dorset 389 acres, sold well above guide

Somerset 183 acres, dairy farm sold

Exmoor 53 acres, sold well above guide

Oxford 6 acres, sold 116% over guide

Check the labels and buy British

By Barbara Cossins

IT is so difficult to have any predictions for 2023 – it is hard to see what is going to happen tomorrow!

Farmers, fisherman and all producers are at the mercy of the weather, as well as world events. Food security must become a top priority, and our Government needs to get behind British food and farming.

Labelling is key for the public to know what is grown and produced here in the UK by our farmers and producers.

I want to share with you some interesting information about why we should support British farmers and what we grow.

Did you know that Silver Spoon sugar is grown and produced in England by our farmers from sugar beet?

Hundreds of British growers produce more than two million tonnes of sugar beet a year which on average travels no further than 28 miles from field to factory.

Other companies produce sugar from sugarcane which travels thousands of miles to reach us.

Did you know there is a wild deer population explosion on farms in England? Who would have thought that we have too many wild deer.

I’m a great fan of game on our tables, not only is it a healthy option – low fat and high protein – but the deer have had a great outdoor life and it is a shame for the meat to be wasted and not eaten and enjoyed. Treat it and cook it like a piece of beef, and if you are lucky enough to have a good butcher nearby, he will have it fresh and local.

Please remember we have the best local fresh fish in the waters surrounding our Dorset coastline, more than 40 species, in fact.

However, we export 75 per cent of our fresh fish, while importing most of what we actually eat! Let’s celebrate Dorset fisherman and eat our local seafood instead of letting other countries enjoy what we’re producing here on our doorstep.

These are just some examples of why we need to be

checking the labels of what we are buying. What is the point of flying products thousands of miles to us when we produce the same food right here in the UK.

A friend sent us a package of venison which appeared at first glance to be from Scotland but was actually from New Zealand. Very clever packaging and marketing.

The farmer’s percentage of

profit is the smallest portion. Most of the profit ends up with the supermarkets. Please make 2023 the year we get behind British food for all the producers, farmers and fishermen.

n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local; www.thelangtonarms.co.uk; www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; www.lovelocaltrustlocal awards.co.uk

Drink is simple, delicious and healthy

YOU might have overindulged on food, drink or just good times over the Christmas period, and if you’re now trying to live a little more healthily, a pleasant drink can help keep you in the groove.

Adding cucumber or mint, or both, to any drink makes it instantly more refreshing.

You’ll also benefit from some added nutrients and antioxidants, vitamin A and K in cucumber’s case, which benefits your skin and

muscles, for a start.

Mint is well-known for its digestive benefits.

You can simply add cucumber slices and mint leaves to a glass of water. Or you can add them to a jug of water and leave them to do their thing for a while.

You can take this basic drink up a notch by using sparkling water, or if you aren’t so fixated on health, they are good additions to lemonade.

The EatingWell.com

website has a recipe for cucumber juice, which adds apple for sweetness.

You’ll need two large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped. A small Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped, a cup of pure unsweetened coconut water and ice cubes for serving.

Blend the cucumber, apple and coconut water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh into a jug. Fill two glasses with ice and divide the juice between the two.

Adding cucumber or mint, or both, to any drink makes it instantly more refreshing

The packaging appeared to show these venison steaks were from Scotland when they were, in fact, from New Zealand.

Hundreds of British growers produce more than two million tonnes of sugar beet a year

It would be hard not to fall in love with Dorset. With its easy charm and inspiring scenery, many have come to adore the beautiful county in all its glory. One person who would openly confess his love of Dorset was famed author Thomas Hardy who would likely share his fondness of the county with another love in his life. The lady in question was a certain Eliza Nicholls to whom Thomas Hardy was greatly attached. The two would spend as much time as possible together and loved to visit Clavell Tower which was built in 1830. The tower, noted for its circular structure, was built as an observatory looking out over the beautiful Dorset coastline.

Thomas Hardy was said to have used it as a destination for romantic walks with his first love, Eliza Nicholls, whose father was a Kimmeridge coastguard. His Wessex poems also include a frontispiece, hand-drawn by Hardy himself, of the tower.

Pork Tenderloin

Baked Butternut Squash

Queen show’s a kind of magic

By Lorraine Gibson

QUEEN tribute band Supreme Queen, who are set to play at the Tivoli, Wimborne, are now one of the most recognisable tribute bands around.

They have played to hundreds of thousands of Queen fans across the world since forming in the 1990s, headlining at major events including St Tropez’s International Queen Convention, where

they performed to 10,000 people.

The band features Scott Maley, who has an amazing vocal and visual resemblance to

Freddie Mercury.

Supreme Queen’s new show benefits from stunning production values and sound and lighting effects that transport the audience to the glory days of their heroes.

They are at the Tivoli on Saturday 4 February at 7.30pm and tickets are available online at www.tivoliwimborne. co.uk priced £30.25 and from the box office at £27.50.

Question time for theatre group

By Lorraine Gibson

SHOW off your general knowledge and help a good cause at the same time by taking part in Wimborne Community Theatre’s fundraising quiz.

The theatre group, founded in 1991, is made up of East Dorset residents of all ages who devise original performances set in unusual outdoor locations and non-

theatre buildings in the area.

Local quiz groups and individuals are invited to the latest fundraising quiz night on Wednesday 8 February to support future community theatre projects.

A fun and entertaining evening of questions on a

variety of subjects is promised, including local interest, environmental, science and cultural themes, from easy to challenging, and everything in-between.

Come on your own and join a group, or as a group of up to six. The £8 entrance fee includes a buffet served to tables and prizes and raffles can be bagged. A bar is available.

For more information visit www.wimbornecommunity theatre.co.uk or www. facebook.com/wimborne communitytheatre

The event is at Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road BH21 2QR. Pay on the door – cash or cheque, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. To book visit barbarahart 414@gmail.com or phone 01202 884201.

Supreme Queen feat. Scott Maley

Story of an unusual friendship

STORYTELLER James Rowland is heading back to Dorset with his new show, following previous tours with Team Viking, Revelations and A Hundred Different Words for Love

He is performing Learning to Fly, a captivating mix of theatre, comedy and music, after an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer.

It tells the story of a remarkable friendship he made when he was a lonely, unhappy teenager with the scary old lady

who lived in the spooky house on his street.

Artsreach Yvonne Gallimore, assistant director of Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach, said: “James’ previous shows have always sparked such interesting conversation and debate among audiences. We can’t wait to welcome him back to Dorset.”

Learning to Fly is at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall (07786 880676) on Friday 3 February. Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Back in time to the Corn Laws

LOCAL history author Philip Browne will talk about a violent episode in Dorchester’s past at the town’s Shire Hall Museum next month.

In 1850, on a wet February day, a violent disturbance over the Corn Laws culminated an irate farmer killing a 19-year-old youth.

The subsequent manslaughter trial at the Shire Court revealed a deep split in Dorset society and led to a verdict many saw as a miscarriage of justice.

Mr Browne explains why the Corn Laws provoked such strong feelings and pitted Dorset landowners against free traders and the poor of Dorchester.

Mr Browne is a retired education adviser and author of The Unfortunate Captain Peirce and the Wreck of the Halsewell. He is currently

working on a history of 19th century Fordington.

The talk, ‘Sticks and Stones, the trial of John Brake, 1850’, is on Saturday 4 February at 2pm and tickets are £6 on the door or from www.shirehalldorset.org/whatson

Folk duo tour debut album

RISING folk stars Janice Burns and Jon Doran are performing at Langton Matravers village hall when they visit Dorset next month to play three dates with rural arts charity Artsreach.

The Anglo-Scottish duo released their debut album No More the Green Hills in October last year. It brings together songs that have survived through the ages and explore man’s relationship with nature, love and loss.

Burns and Doran, whose compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and sensitive interplay between mandolin,

bouzouki and guitar, came together in 2017 after discovering a shared love of traditional music.

They have performed at Sage Gateshead, Cambridge Folk Festival and Edinburgh Tradfest, and their self-titled EP released in 2020 received excellent feedback, including airplay on BBC Radio 2.

Janice Burns and Jon Doran are at Langton Matravers village hall – phone 01929 423834 – on Sunday 12 February at 7.30pm. Further information and tickets are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Anglo-Scottish duo Janice Burns and Jon Doran released No More the Green Hills in the autumn last year

Spotlight Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for 6 February is NOON 25 January. Call Lizzie Wilmot on 01963 400186 or email lizzie@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 2023

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

EVERY MONDAY

09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH.

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

09.30 Adult Modern line dance: Corfe Castle Village Hall: Free taster session: Call 01202 243803. Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

09.45 Toddler Club URC, Swanage. Till 11.15.

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

11.30 Adult beginners Latin American & Ballroom Line dance (you dance solo): Corfe Castle Village Hall: Free Taster Session: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

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

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

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

14.00 Pins and Needles at Harmans Cross VH.

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

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

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

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

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

18.30 Wareham Youth Club years 8 to 9, Wareham Youth Centre.

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Swanage.

EVERY TUESDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swanageing of things gently! 481000.

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

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm.

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

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

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. Contributions welcome.

17.30 Wareham Youth Club year 6, Wareham Youth Centre.

17.30 Wool Youth Club year 6, D’Urberville VH.

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

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm.

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

19.00 Wareham Youth Club year 7, Wareham Youth Centre.

17.30 Wool Youth Club year 7, D’Urberville VH.

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

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY

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

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

10.00 Adult Improvers Latin American & Ballroom dance class: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

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

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

11.00 Adult Intermediate modern line dance: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail. com.

12.00 Adult Beginners Modern Line dance: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Free taster session: Call 01202 243803. Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

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

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

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

14.30 Local Historian walk around Swanage, lasting 1 1/2 hours. No need to book, just turn up in Swanage Museum, contributions welcome.

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

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

17.30 Corfe Castle Youth Club years 6 and 7, Corfe Castle VH.

18.00 Wareham Youth Club year 10 up, Wareham Youth Centre.

18.00 Planet Purbeck (aged 11 up), Wareham Youth Centre.

18.00 Wool Youth Club year 8, D’Urberville VH.

19.00 Corfe Castle Youth Club year 8 up, Corfe Castle VH.

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

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

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

19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practise in the Swanage Methodist Church. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909.

19.00 Purbeck Runners have a club run every Wednesday. See purbeckrunners.co.uk for details.

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

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

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

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

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

EVERY THURSDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. Contributions welcome.

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

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

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm.

18.00 Wool Youth Club year 9 up, D’Urberville VH.

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 9pm.

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

19.00 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehearsals, with conductor David Fawcett, at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-May. All welcome. For more info call Liz Roberts 01929 481419.

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

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

EVERY FRIDAY

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

09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30am. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. 07969 925502.

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

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

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

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

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

14.30 Younger4Longer exercise with daisy chain fitness. Chair-based exercise in Wm United Reformed Church. Julie 558139 or email jbrad@uwclub.net.

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

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

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

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

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

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

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

20.00 New Adult Beginners Latin American & Ballroom dance class at The Swanage school (main hall): Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

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

EVERY SATURDAY

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

09.00 Swanage CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30

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

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

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

11.00 Lego and Megablok Mayhem at Swanage Library, until 12 noon.

18.30 Whist. Come and join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Call Richard on 01929 553516.

EVERY SUNDAY

09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Swanage. 8+-mile run.

10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book a table, or for more info, call Tony on 01929 421321.

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

10.30 Dorset Button Rapper is teaching its traditional sword dance from the North East of England. Five men in a ring joined by double handled steel strips form intricate patterns! No experience necessary. Meeting at Sandford Scout Hut, Tyneham Road, BH20 7BQ.

ACORN LODGE ODDFELLOWS: Events all held at the Three Legged Cross Hall, Wimborne: Saturday, December 10, 1.30pm – Christmas buffet, £4. Contact social secretary Julia Taylor to book places.

DATE-SPECIFIC EVENTS

Monday January 30 Talk by Sheila Watters on the Rodgett family of Sandford by Sandford Heritage Community Group. Sandford Labour Club, BH20 7BD. Entry £1.

Wednesday January 30 Talk by Graham Knott entitled “Meyer. A rebel with a cause.” Wareham and District Archaeological and Local History Society, Furzebrook Village Hall, BH20 5AR. Entry £3 non-members.

1.5 miles from Swanage 01929 427644 www.villageinn-swanage.co.uk

Winter Warmer Discounts (Offers run from Jan until Feb 28th) 10% off all food & drink at the Village Inn:

Including breakfast served daily between 10am - 11.30am & main menu served daily between 12.00 - 2.00pm 5.30pm - 8.00pm (Excludes functions & special events)

Please note that The Village Inn will be closed from Feb 6th - 10th.

Come and take a dip in our indoor heated pool.

All adult swims include a free hot drink, tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Junior swims will include a free soft drink (excludes bottled drinks).

Drinks available from the The Village Inn.

Valentine’s Specials

Alongside our full Village Inn menu we will be running a Valentine’s themed specials board on Saturday 11th & Tuesday 14th .

(Booking recommended but not essential)

On SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY The Village Inn will be hosting a charity event in aid of Motor Neurone Disease We are very happy to be supporting this fabulous charity. Come and join us for an evening of great music & food with King of Klubs aka Al King’s Disco and buffet to include lasagne, curry & vegetarian option. A raffle with many prizes to be won will take place on the night. Doors open at 7pm.

TICKETS £20.00 available from Ulwell Holiday Park reception 01929 422823 100% of every ticket sold going to The Motor Neurone Disease Association.

BRITISH

EUROPEAN

ISLE OF

20 23 British & Eu ro p ean

HOLIDAY BROCHUR E

Our selection of individually tailo red coach holiday tours offer a custom made product providing a feeling of luxury and aspiration. Sp ecifically aimed at the more discerning customer.

Convenient & FREE local picking up points throughout the PURBECK area

PARIS

AUSTRIAN TYROL

Cables, Cogs and Cruising Amazing views and experiences

5 Days – Sat 14th to Wed 18th Oct

GUERNSEY & SARK

Spectacular Channel islands

5 Days – Sun 3rd to Thur 7th Dec GERMAN

CHRISTMAS

MARKETS