The New Stour & Avon Magazine

Edition 4

Friday, June 4, 2021

The New Stour and Avon

Fortnightly

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Dealing with Dorset’s waste We find out the facts surrounding the proposed recycling plant in Parley Full story on page 4

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What’s inside this issue Antiques and Collectibles Arts & Entertainment Business Matters Environment Health & Wellbeing Homes & Gardens Letters Local Services Planning Property Puzzles Sport Starwatch Walk

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Meet the team Jane Toomer Senior account manager jane.toomer@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289411

The school crossing at Burt’s Hill in Wimborne is an ‘accident waiting to happen’ according to locale residents – page 20

Dean Mortlock Editor dean.mortlock@ stourandavon.net Tel: 07809 121434

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@ stourandavon.net Tel: 01963 400186

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Cover image of Beech Avenue by Jack Lodge – jacklodgephotography.co.uk

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June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Welcome to the New Stour and Avon

Deadline may have kept me indoors for most of the Bank Holiday weekend, but it was good to see the weather finally change towards the end of May, the sun to appear, and moods lighten.

While we keep everything crossed that the vaccinations continue to reduce numbers and allow something like normality to return, our attention cannot help but turn towards the summer and some events to look forward to.

We recently found out the Ferndown’s Fete on the Field, such an important event in the town’s calendar, is able to run this year, so that must be such a relief for the organisers. We’ve got an update of what to expect on page 32.

It’s also been a good

month for getting our teeth stuck into some local issues, including the proposed ERF near Parley and the ongoing battle for an official school crossing on Burt’s Hill.

We’ve covered these subjects because, ultimately, they are the things that concern you.

If there’s anything you’d like us to highlight or investigate then please do email in and let us know.

So hope you’re able to enjoy this lovely weather and see you again in a couple of weeks.

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2020

Dean, Editor

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

Cultural strategy approved At a recent Cabinet meeting of Dorset Council, members agreed to adopt Dorset’s Cultural Strategy 20212026.

Fans of the strategy believe is will play a key role in the recovery of the arts, heritage and culture sectors, which were badly hit during the pandemic.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “We want this cultural

strategy to drive positive change at the individual, sector and county level and to make culture more inclusive, accessible and visible for everyone in Dorset.

“Ultimately, we want our communities to feel proud of Dorset’s arts, heritage and cultural offer and for it to be shaped by our communities so that culture becomes woven into everyday life as an entitlement and not a privilege.”

“The staff here are quite simply wonderful, they can’t do enough for you. The food is excellent with plenty of variety and my quality of life has improved since moving here.

I only wish I made the decision sooner.” Current resident

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Cover feature

Waste not, want not A planning application to build a new Energy Recovery Facility in Parley is not without its critics. We decided to find out more… says the facility would enable it to process an extra 60,000 tonnes of local waste a year on top of the 250,000-plus tonnes it currently handles. The plans also include improvements to the existing site layout and incorporate the already permitted Anaerobic Digestion facility.

The company says that up to a fifth of the extra waste processed at the new ‘Chapel Gate ERF’ would be recycled, with the rest used to generate green energy for local homes and businesses.

According to the company: “Currently, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of leftover rubbish created by BCP and Dorset homes and businesses is taken by road out of the county, with significant amounts ending up in landfill, emitting methane (a potent greenhouse gas).

“Diverting this waste from landfill via Eco’s proposed ERF will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12,850 tonnes of CO2 per year and HGV

‘waste miles’ by more than 17,000 miles per month.” newsdesk@stourandavon.net The plans include a Nothing is guaranteed visitor and education centre to infuriate people more designed to support local than proposals to dump or council efforts to encourage incinerate waste on their people to do more to help doorstep. But even BCP reduce waste and tackle the Council might be surprised climate emergency. at the objections to the But this hasn’t cut proposed Energy Recovery much ice with objectors.

Facility – or incinerator Perhaps it’s because BCP as its opponents describe now encompasses a much it – at its Eco Park site in greater population area Chapel Lane, Parley, near but objections have rained Bournemouth International down from as far away Airport. as Wareham, Ringwood It’s claimed that over 600 and Purewell, as well as people and organisations Bournemouth town centre. have commented on the People are objecting plans by the Eco Sustainable on health, traffic and Solutions company, which environmental grounds. They were revealed in early query the need for such a March. Few of the public facility, as well as disquiet comments seem favourable. over how the consultation The official objection process has been carried out. period closed last month “What is it with BCP which means both sides of Council?’ demanded one the debate are now waiting objector, who lives in to see if the plan can go Throop. “Declaring an ahead – or whether, as local ecological and climate councillors hope, it will be emergency on one hand – called in by the environment then going out of their way minister. to damage the environment Eco Sustainable Solutions on the other. This proposed facility (with a lower than usual chimney height due to airport exclusions) will mean that particles are released into the atmosphere at a lower level and are potentially damaging to health and the environment.”

Then there’s this from a Cardiff How do you feel about the plant? Email us at newsdesk@stourandavon.net

By Faith Eckersall

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grandfather, who expressed concern over the potential effect on his grandchild.

“Incinerators produce CO2, nitrogen oxide, heavy metals and particle matters which damage health,” he claimed.

“The children in Portfield and Parkfield Schools would be directly harmed by this project.”

Those living nearer, in West Parley and Ferndown, cite fears over heavy and polluting HGV traffic, along with concern over the perceived dangers of breathing in particulates.

One of the greatest concerns lies around the discovery that, despite being in the immediate vicinity, West Parley Parish Council and Ferndown Town Council were not regarded as statutory consultees to the application.

A furious statement

In a furious statement published on their website, South Ferndown Residents Association claimed: “Whole swathes of Ferndown (including all of the Lone Pine Park area, parts of Golf Links Road and a large section of West Parley) will all be less than one mile from this monstrosity and its fumes.

“It is noticeable that this development is (as far as BCP is concerned) about as far away from their population as they can put it.”

This highlights a major beef from plan opponents.

According to Cllr Andrew Parry, who is chairman of West Parley Parish Council as well as being a Dorset

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Cover feature Council representative for the village: “The site is inside the local government area of BCP council but only just. It’s in very close proximity to Dorset Council area; we are talking yards away.”

Therefore, he says, the residential population that will be most affected is in the Dorset Council area.

He is concerned about an increase in HGV movements, traffic congestion and that the proposals may be ‘the thin end of the wedge’.

“One of the frustrations is that there’s a solar farm in this area which is a green, renewable energy source which is already established, yet here we are talking about putting something forward that we see as a retrograde step,” he said.

His dismisses allegations of nimbyism. “This area has shown great restraint in its behaviours in that respect,” he says. “We’ve had to accept additional housebuilding levels; we’ve had to see traffic volumes increase and we know there is a desire to see industrial expansion in the area. So in that sense we are very much leading at the front in trying to create a positive contribution to the Dorset economy and our duty to protect the environment. I would refute any suggestions than we are doing anything other than trying to be cognisant of our environment and to do what is right for our residents.”

Despite not being ‘official consultees’ he joined with his fellow West Parley parish councillors to lodge an objection. Concerns included additional traffic in the wider – and already busy – area, worries about whether the incinerated waste would include medical items, fears for the safety of

Ferndown

Bournemouth International Airport West Parley The yellow circle indicates the proposed location for the ERF

local horse riders, proximity to an SSSI, a chimney height which may deposit particles in the ‘drop zone’, queries over how up to date the technology will be and if any alternative locations have been considered.

However, one environmental issue that few objectors have mentioned is that of waste and what can be done about it. Figures produced by the Department

The area’s rate of recycling was at 60 per cent but even if that could be raised to an ambitious 80 per cent, he warns: “Even tackling that headline figure trying to get the overall waste down we are still looking at tonnes of genuinely leftover rubbish from households by 2033 so the councils have to make sure they’ve got the facilities to manage all of

hundreds of thousands of tonnes of material from going into landfill’ including organic matter which produces climate-warming methane gas. He also pointed out that technology at facilities such as the proposed one has vastly improved in the past two decades.

“It’s claimed that over 600 people and organisations have commented on the plans by the Eco Sustainable Company”

On ‘thin end of wedge’ arguments he says the proposed 60,000 tonne facility is ‘the right size’. “It gives lots of room and space for increased recycling and tackling the real problem which is how much rubbish there is.”

Mr Twitchen hopes the proposed education centre will help drive home the message that we should all be reducing rubbish across the whole county.

“The important issue is that this waste exists. We all contribute to it, so we are part of the problem and part of the solution, too,” he says.

“The biggest contribution we can make is to have less rubbish and more recycling.”

for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in March said people living in the county of Dorset produce 400kg of waste per person each year – the equivalent in weight to four washing machines.

John Twitchen, a spokesman for Eco Sustainable Solutions, believes it’s something that everyone must address.

“Dorset and BCP have a joint waste plan and they estimate that residual waste will grow, purely by the fact that more homes are coming with more people,” he says.

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

that material.”

He points out that rubbish brought to the proposed new facility would go through a further screening process to remove recyclables, such as plastic bottles or drinks cans, before sending the rest for energy recovery.

“In the grand scheme of things there’s a very large job that someone has to do, and what Eco Sustainable Solutions is proposing is a relatively modest part of that,” he says.

He points out that the company, which is 25 years old, ‘has managed to divert

‘The thin end of the wedge’

Words: Faith Eckersall

5

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Family-run hearing centre celebrates 10 years in Fordingbridge Girlings Complete Hearing Service are also celebrating 20 years in Sherborne, an exciting business expansion, and the welcome addition of a second generation into the business When Nicola Girling first became a trainee hearing aid dispenser in 1984, she could not have imagined how hearing technology would develop, nor that her future family business would lead in the field of clinical ear treatments.

Nicola qualified in 1986 and, being a West Country girl, she and her husband Ian decided to return to Dorset with their young family and set up their own independent hearing practice.

Their first hearing centre was in Sherborne, which opened in 2001, by which time Ian was also qualified as a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser. They then opened in Fordingbridge in 2011, enabling them to care for clients in Hampshire, while reaching out to Wiltshire and the Salisbury areas.

Now, 37 years after Nicola first started in her hearing career, Girlings Complete Hearing Service celebrates a double anniversary milestone

The Girling family business (from left): Ian, Nicola and Dan Girling

of 10 years in Fordingbridge and 20 years in Sherborne.

Not only that but the company is growing, too.

Dan Girling, who was a just a teenager when his parents opened their Fordingbridge clinic, is now a fully qualified hearing aid dispenser and has joined the family business as it looks to the future.

Nicola said: “We feel thankful and privileged to have been able to serve so

many long-standing clients during the past 10 years in Fordingbridge, and we look forward to doing so for decades to come.

“Ian and I are delighted that our son Dan has now joined the business, enabling us to grow and secure the future of hearing health in our local communities.

“We look forward to continuing to provide impartial advice, along with the cutting-edge hearing technology and expert clinical ear treatments for which we have built such a strong reputation.”

To mark this anniversary year, Girlings has also announced expansion with the creation of a new business, The Microsuction Company, which offers specialist ear health services, including ear wax management, and is based near their home in Maiden Newton – extending the reach of their hearing businesses to Dorchester, Weymouth and Lyme Regis.

To find out more about the Girling family’s hearing businesses, visit: www.girlinghearingaids. co.uk and www.themicro suctioncompany.co.uk

Reader offer To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Girlings is offering New Stour and Avon magazine readers two special offers at its Fordingbridge clinic during June. Customers can choose from either a complimentary hearing test or a 10 per cent discount

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on microsuction for excess ear wax removal, using the promotional code ‘SAM10’.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, or suffering from blocked ears, call 01425 655142 or email fb@ girlinghearingaids.co.uk for more information.

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

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Council bans disposable barbecues on its own land

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Disposable barbecues have been banned in all of Dorset Council’s country parks, as well as at other ‘high risk’ sites.

The ban came into force after councillors voted through the move almost a year to the day after Wareham Forest was devastated by a wildfire believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.

Throwaway barbecues and camp fires are prohibited at Moors Valley Country Park, Avon Heath, Durlston Country Park, and Thorncombe Woods. The ban mirrors the one already in force in the New Forest.

To help visitors understand where disposable barbecues are banned, the council has produced an interactive map although Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for the environment, has stressed that it was not about ‘ruining people’s fun’.

“We decided to ban all disposable barbecues on any land we actually own that is in high risk areas,” he

said. “We are also looking at working with a number of people as to how we can educate the public on the dangers of disposable barbecues.

“We’re not trying to ruin their fun. What we are trying to do is come up with a constructive way which we can all work together to try and get the message across that disposing of a barbecue is absolutely crucial if we wish to protect the environment which we live in.

“Just seeing the barbecue embers go grey doesn’t solve

the problem,” he said. “We need to dispose of them in a safe manner and we are hopeful people will take this onboard.

“In our own area we can ban them; in other areas we have to give guidance to people in the hope they will respect what we are trying to say to them.”

Initially Dorset Council says it is not seeking to introduce legislation that will result in penalties for those contravening the ban.

It is a policy decision as landowner, meaning that people would be asked to

leave land if they failed to comply.

The move coincides with a campaign by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service which is urging the public to bring picnics, not barbecues, with them on a day out.

To mark the anniversary of the Wareham Forest blaze, which destroyed an area the size of over 230 football pitches, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service launched a wildfire prevention campaign #BringAPicnicNotABBQ. The Wareham fire was one of the most devastating of its kind in Dorset within living memory.

Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cllr Rebecca Knox, said: “Please, if you’re out and about in Dorset and Wiltshire this summer, bring a picnic, not a barbecue.”

More information on staying safe and enjoying outside areas while avoiding starting a wildfire can be found at dwfire. org.uk/heath-fires-andcountryside-safety

New books by Wimborne writer/photographer Following more than 50 years of photographing his home county of Dorset, Wimborne photographer and writer Roger Lane, reveals some of his favourite images in a new series of self-published books.

The first series of three books concerns the Dorset countryside and rural landscape and later in the year, Roger will be releasing a further series on the coast stretching from Hengistbury to Lyme Regis.

In a revealing introduction to each book, Roger explains his 8

view of the loss of much of our rural landscape but also provides a significant level of assurance in the fact that we are exceptionally fortunate to have the county’s largest nature conservation charity, the Dorset Wildlife Trust – all proceeds from this series of books will be donated to The Dorset Wildlife Trust.

The books are print to order and printed on quality fine art paper, available through Blurb Books UK at blurb. co.uk/b/10714456-my-dorsetcountry-a-personal-view June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Father and son take on sponsored cycle ride for RAF charity On Saturday, June 5, the anniversary of D-Day, Air Cadet William AveyHebditch from Wimborne, together with his father Dan, will embark on a sponsored challenge to cycle 179 miles in 12 hours as part of the RAFA Rides 2021: Goes Global! Challenge.

Organised by the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), the personal challenge devised by William and his father reflects an important element of the D-Day landings 77 years ago.

The distance chosen for the ride equals the 179 miles travelled in Horsa gliders by D Company, Ox & Bucks Light Infantry from Tarrant Rushton airfield in Dorset to Pegasus Bridge in France.

Money raised will be

shared equally between 1069 (Flight Refuelling Wimborne) Air Cadets Squadron and the Wimborne Branch of RAFA. Air Cadets funding will be used to provide extracurricular education to local cadets, and Wimborne RAFA will use their funds to support the needs of the wider RAF community.

Speaking about the challenge, William said: “Knowing that over the last 14 months the Wimborne Squadron had been denied its usual fundraising activities, I wanted to do my bit to help.”

“There is a fundraising web site which will remain open after June 5 to which people can make donations at justgiving/ WillAH/RAFACYCLE CHALLENGE”

Dan (left) and William Avey-Hebditch in training for their fundraising ride

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Who’s the fairest of them all?

Mirror Mirror Hair Design is a small hair salon located on the outskirts of Wimborne at Pamphill dairy farm shop.

They are a friendly, relaxed salon with experienced stylists.

Julie has recently joined the team as their salon assistant. She has worked with Tracy and Lisa before at a previous local salon and

the team are very pleased to be working with her again.

Maddie is advancing in her training and is looking for models and clients to build her junior stylist clientele.

Chloe is their new salon barber and works every Saturday. She is currently offering 15 per cent off to new clients as she is keen to build her clientele.

If you would like any more information about the salon or regarding their covid safety measures, please visit their website www.mirrormirror hairdesign.co.uk Free Parking is also available, too.

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Mirror Mirror Hair Design welcomes Julie to the team

Friendly, relaxed salon covering all aspects of hairdressing in a peaceful location.

Call us on 01202 889464 or drop in to...

Unit 2, Pamphill Dairy Farm shop, Wimborne BH21 4ED www.mirrormirrorhairdesign.co.uk Tuesday – Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm Sunday & Monday closed. Free parking

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Colehill couple raise over £2,000 for Julia’s House in plant sale Green-fingered Catherine and Rodger Andrew held a community plant sale from their home in Colehill near Wimborne at the end of May, raising more than £2,000 over three days for the children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

The couple revealed that they have been growing plants to sell since the beginning of last year.

“It started as a small event,” explains Rodger, “but Catherine has such green fingers. She produced some plants for last year and then it couldn’t happen because of lockdown so we had lots to sell. It was 18 months of hard work for Catherine, but when we totalled it up it was well worth the effort.

“We have been astounded by the response, and the amount raised exceeded our expectations by an incredible amount. We even had one youngster carrying Alan Titchmarsh’s gardening book so he could get the right plants! The weather could have been better but we sold out of virtually everything.”

The couple gave thanks to those who helped over the three days or donated plants, and paid tribute to those who supported the sale, saying “Well done, Colehillians – your generosity knows no bounds!”

Laura Maidment, public fundraising manager for Julia’s House, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Catherine and Rodger for the amazing support they have shown us. The money raised will go directly to helping the families of children with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions in Dorset and Wiltshire, who have had an incredibly tough time during the lockdowns.”

The couple added: “We chose Julia’s House as it is an excellent local charity and a most worthwhile cause.

“Lots of people who came to the sale were delighted that we chose Julia’s House, and the fact that the children are the ultimate beneficiaries stirs us to perhaps start now for next year.”

Catherine and Rodger Andrew sold the plants out of their front garden and garage

There was a fantastic turn out over the three-day sale, despite the poor weather

Award given to respected community member Helen Tague has accepted the annual award of Citizen of the Year from Fordingbridge Rotary.

Helen was given the award in recognition of the years she has been involved with many local activities, all of them on a voluntary basis.

Her involvement has been varied and includes St Mary’s Church, the Fordingbridge Museum, the Business Forum, the Flower Club, Inner Wheel, and the Fordingbridge Twinning Association.

Helen was the Town Clerk for years, and as such, 10

was a founder member of Fordingbridge Twinning.

She became Chairman for a while, and has been active in the Twinning Association ever since – she is still a very active member of the Twinning Committee.

It is highly opportune that she will be joining some of the Rotary members on their proposed visit to Vimoutiers next July when the 40th anniversary of Fordingbridge being twinned with Vimoutiers, will be celebrated.

Helen is nominated for

all her hard work in the community. And, through this, she has become a highly respected and well-known member of the community.

As with previous Citizens of the year, Fordingbridge Rotary will be adding her name to the board of honour, kept in Fordingbridge Town Hall.

For further details contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770 or by email on hippotrain@ btinternet.com June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Weekly meet ups Women in West Moors are invited to join Tuesday meet ups at the Café Olivia in Station Road. The coffee mornings were dreamed up by resident Lynne Smith to help like-minded women to socialise and, if successful, will take place every week.

More information can be found on the West Moors Facebook Page.

New councillor needed in Ferndown

Heritage Weeks closed for 2021 but Open Days still on

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Dorset’s popular Architectural Heritage Weeks, the annual event where people can visit all kinds of buildings and spaces not always open to the public, has been cancelled for the second year running.

In a statement, the East Dorset Heritage Trust, which runs the event, said: “After much deliberation, the decision has been made by our board of directors to cancel the event for this year because of the ongoing uncertainties that we as a nation are facing.”

It cited reduced staff resources and the need to protect all their volunteers and said it was ‘extremely disappointed’ to have had to make the decision.

In the past, visitors have been welcomed to a diverse range of places, including air raid shelters and

private homes.

However, in better news the national Heritage Open Days – which is not officially connected to the Dorset weeks – is planning to go ahead from September 10-19 and is looking for participants.

This year’s theme will celebrate ‘Edible England’ because, said the organisation, food and drink are at the heart of so much of England’s culture and history.

“The theme will inspire a broad spectrum of events and activities, from revealing culinary tastes of the past, to going behind-the-scenes of modern production methods, exploring the customs and quirks that have developed around what we eat and drink, as well as the fascinating history of some of our regional and national specialities,” said Heritage Open Days.

Events will be a mix

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

of in-person and digital.

Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days, Sarah Holloway, said: “It’s about connecting people, and nothing brings us together like food and drink. We’re excited to see what innovative events our organisers dish up, and look forward to sharing new sites and stories, as well as welcoming people back to some of England’s most vibrant places.”

Last year, for the first time, organisers embraced technology to deliver virtual tours, Q&As and behind-thescenes experiences.

“We’re thrilled to encourage both in-person and online events again this year, so organisers and visitors can come together wherever they are,” said Sarah.

If you’re interested in registering an event, find out more here heritageopendays.org.uk

Ferndown Town council is looking for a new councillor for its Central North Ward.

The vacancy will be filled by a co-option process, which means applicants won’t face an election but they will have to fulfil certain legal criteria.

You can find out more about eligibility criteria and a role description by contacting the town clerk on 01202 892249 or email townclerk @ferndown.gov.uk The closing date for applications is Tuesday, June 15 at 5pm.

Work on Blandford Bridge Single-lane traffic with portable signals returned to the Blandford Bridge on May 24 for a highways construction team to complete the work carried out in 2017 and 2019 to strengthen the bridge and make masonry and concrete repairs.

The remaining work involves stonework repairs to the upstream cutwaters, and the reduction to a single lane allows it to be carried out safely. The signals are in operation Monday to Friday between 9.30 and 3.30pm, and the work is due to be completed by June 18.

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Community united in support for family who lost their home After a devastating house fire that left a Cowgrove family homeless and with only a few recovered possessions, it was the support of the local community that helped them to rebuild their lives.

Locals on Facebook immediately set up pages on donation sites, and social media groups were flooded with offers of help.

Hundreds of people in the area pledged everything from clothes and hot meals to accommodation.

Dacombes, the electrical goods retailer based in Wimborne, immediately came to the family’s aid when they realised that the house the family have been temporarily housed in came without a cooker.

They were over the same day and installed a brand-new

cooker completely free.

Matt Renaut of Dacombes said: “We can’t imagine what they have been through but hopefully our donation along with the rest of the Wimborne support, will help make the family meal times easier.”

The family issued a statement on Facebook that said: “There are no words that can ever express the gratitude we have to the whole of the Wimborne community, people from afar, friends and family, The Dorset fire brigade and Pamphill first school for the generosity and kindness we have received since the devastating fire on Sunday ripped our lives apart and took so much from us.

“The response has just been so over whelming we are all so grateful to every single person who has offered

us their belongings, help, support and love we whole heartedly cannot thank you all enough.

“I would like to say a special thank you to the whole of the Dorset fire brigade for the rapid response and risking your lives to salvage our most treasured possessions that would have been irreplaceable, you are all just amazing people.

“No words can ever describe the appreciation we have for every single fire Dacombes kindly donated a cooker to fighter who attended make life slightly easier for the family including Richard after the fire Paradise who was there on the day and help us rebuild our lives. You has gone above and beyond to are our heroes.”

Police chief delights kids with school visit Chief Constable Vaughan recently visited Hayeswood School in Wimborne to talk to a group of year one students about what it’s like to be a police officer and run a police force.

The children aged five and six were asked to write to someone famous as part of their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

Their teacher, Miss Becky Taylor, wanted to drive their attention away from lockdown and get them to focus on their future. Pupils were asked to identify someone they thought was famous and doing something they would like to do. Five children chose to write to Dorset Police’s Chief Constable, James Vaughan.

Harry said he wanted to be 12

a police officer and can run really fast.

Alfie said he wanted to catch baddies.

While Dexter said he also wanted to arrest baddies and help people, he told the Chief Constable that he loves the police and thanked officers for arresting baddies for him.

Fred said he loves to stay

fit and healthy and asked the Chief what it was like being a police officer.

Nathan said that he loved police cars and is happy the police catch baddies and put them in jail.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I was extremely surprised and honoured to receive these

fantastic letters the children had written. They were full of such personality and it was clear they had taken a lot of time and effort to write, so I felt it was only fair that I took the time to visit them and say thank you in person.

“It is important that we engage with our young people and help them see for themselves that police officers are here to help and support them.”

Miss Taylor said: “We were thrilled that the Chief Constable took the time to visit us. The children haven’t stopped talking about it.”

Five-year-old Dexter said: “It was special to meet the Chief Constable. I really liked it when we got to have a photograph with him, and his assistant actually gave us police hats to wear!”

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Charity’s desperate plea for volunteers

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

A Blandford-based bereavement charity for children is desperately seeking volunteers to help raise vital funds to counter the covid restrictions which have made a crushing impact on fundraising efforts over the past 15 months.

Mosaic: Supporting Bereaved Children was established in 2007 to provide support for children and young people who had experienced the death of a loved one. The charity now supports some 300 children across Dorset each year.

Mosaic offers bespoke individual therapy sessions to bereaved children. By working with the whole family, they ensure the support has the best impact.

Additionally, Mosaic run residential weekend programmes, family social events and activity days, from family picnics and Christmas parties to ice skating, sailing and adventure days of high ropes and raft building.

While these activities can often be prohibitively expensive for a large number of bereaved families, they are a key part of enabling the families to create a peer support network of others who have been through a similar experience.

At Mosaic, every child is invited to attend a residential weekend, usually held at Leeson House near Swanage three times a year, which gives bereaved children and young people the chance to meet others, share their experiences, take part in activities and remember their special person and understand how to safely

express the overwhelming emotions grief can bring.

These services would not be possible without the fundraising of local groups and people.

This month many of the team will be taking part in #5kmay where you can walk, run, swim, skip or even hop 5k, donate £5 and then suggest five friends to carry it on.

If you would like to join up, go to runforheroes. justgiving.com/getinvolved?charityId=187323 or make a donation at justgiving.com/ mosaicfamilysupport The impact of the covid restrictions on fundraising has been significant. Now restrictions are easing, the charity needs to step up its fundraising activities, and is inviting anyone who would like to help to get in touch.

A Mosaic spokesperson said: “Do you have a couple of hours a month to spare to support our events, or could you nominate Mosaic as a charity for your local business to support? Do you have an employee scheme at work which would help, or is your village having an event which we could attend and raise awareness and much-needed funds?

Maybe you own a business and would be happy to have a collecting tin there?

If so, please contact us on 01258 837071 or info@ mosaicfamilysupport.org.”

If you would like more information about Mosaic or are able to support us in any way the please get in touch at info@ mosaicfamilysupport.org or ring 01258 837071 For more information about the charity, go to mosaicfamilysupport.org

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Rush to avoid birth in restaurant

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

An unexpectedly early May Day delivery almost brought this little chap into the world in the restaurant of the Crown Hotel in Blandford, after Kelly Tilsed met up with her sister there for lunch.

They had booked the meal so they could catch up before the baby’s expected arrival on May 6, and Kelly said: “During lunch I had some very mild cramps but no different from what I’d been having over the previous couple of days, but then halfway through eating I felt a pop in my tummy and my waters went!

“The staff were so lovely, they brought my sister through and followed with a

towel in case I needed it and then offered drinks and kept coming to check on us until my partner Kevin arrived to pick me up.

“He came in with our little girl Emerson and the staff gave her an activity pack to keep her entertained.

“As we left, all the staff wished us luck and asked us to let them know how it all went, which I did. They couldn’t have been kinder or more accommodating.”

After leaving The Crown, they went to the Poole Maternity Unit where less than 30 minutes later, Beauden James Potts popped out.

Kelly said: “He arrived safely and naturally, and it was a very rapid labour.

Had we not left when we did, he could have been born at the Crown!”

13

Feature

Making plans for Dorset What is the Dorset Local Plan, and how will it effect you?

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

From the number of houses that will be built, to new ideas for high streets, to finding land for new business, one thing’s for certain; Dorset’s Local Plan will affect you.

Perhaps that’s why Dorset Council has seen a record level of interest in its recent plan consultation, which saw 7,000 individual responses and between 33,000 and 60,000 comments made.

Responses have come from people as young as 12 and as old as 85, and every single comment will be collated for publication in an online database.

Given the time and effort it takes to produce one, it’s fair to ask: do we really need Local Plans? The short answer is ‘yes’.

Firstly, they are a legal requirement and vital for

of development that will be needed. For example, Dorset Council’s area now requires more homes for smaller households.

The plan also considers where that development should be, taking into account other factors such as existing and proposed business, work and transport links.

Currently the authority is looking at where to place the 30,500 new homes the Government says must be built, as well as putting into use 150 hectares of employment land and looking at 35 town centre retail areas.

The council says it’s taken into account existing district council Local Plans, and it also has the tricky job of working out how it might incorporate new Government ideas, such as zoning areas.

Others, including the Dorset Campaign to Protect

“In the end, the council has indicated that is wants Dorset to both grow and be protected” many reasons, not least in determining the amount and location of housing. If a council can’t prove it has a Local Plan in place, there is always a presumption in favour of development which can then be a cause for conflict and dismay for those on the receiving end of it.

But Local Plans, which stand for 15 years, don’t just talk about development – in a process called a ‘settlement hierarchy’ based on population and other factors – they scrutinise the type 14

Rural England, believe it could go much further.

In a statement issued earlier this year, it said that central housing targets ‘put at risk our communities and environment’ and said the council should be ready to justify a ‘Dorset-based approach’ when the plan is publicly examined.

“Other councils have successfully made the case for locally appropriate housing numbers below central targets,” said the CPRE. “Dorset needs a

The Government have asked for 30,500 new homes to be built

Local Plan that is achievable, deliverable and reflects and responds to local need.”

Alongside all of this, the council must then prep for another round of consultation whereby they try and establish if their plan is a sound one. It will also consult with its neighbouring authorities, including BCP to the south, to ensure housing and other needs are in harmony with each other.

When this phase is done, the Plan will be sent to the Government who, it is hoped, will approve it by 2023.

Because its engagement process has been regarded as encouraging, the council are determined to build on its success and are launching a series of on-camera interviews called ‘Real People, Real Places’.

The idea is that people from social housing residents to businesspeople to employers, talk to the council about their stories; what is important to them and how the Local Plan can help. The council are hoping that industries who have

problems recruiting for their workforce might find this a useful way of articulating their issues to others.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning has thanked everyone who responded to the consultation. He said: “The team are working through the 60,000-plus comments and considering them against planning policy and the needs of Dorset Council residents for the next 17 years.

“Planning affects us all.

It’s about homes, schools, work, health and leisure facilities. It’s about keeping communities thriving and growing.”

In the end, the council has indicated that it wants Dorset to both grow and be protected, with development flourishing in the right areas in a sustainable way. As one official said: “It’s about balance.”

Find out more here: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ planning-buildings-land/ planning-policy/dorsetcouncil-local-plan.aspx

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Housing numbers raised at meeting Requests for Dorset Council to revise its assessment of the number of houses needed in the county in the draft Local Plan were met at May’s Cabinet meeting, with the response that all comments made in the recent consultation will be considered before the final proposals are put forward for further public consultation.

Cabinet member for planning, Councillor David Walsh, told Giles Watts of the Dorset Climate Action Group that all the data from submissions and feedback from the consultation exercise was likely to be published in July, and cooperative discussion was welcome with DCAN about the significant differences of professional opinion regarding the basis for housing numbers to be used.

Mr Watts said: “This is especially true with regards to the application of ‘exceptional circumstances’ and the fact that national housing needs have changed dramatically post Brexit and post pandemic.”

Mike Allen of Sturminster Marshall further questioned the suggestion that Dorset needed to meet its own Government housing target of over 30,000 homes together with helping Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole meet their target with another 9,000 homes, requiring the release of ‘hundreds of hectares of Dorset’s Greenbelt land to developers’.

He highlighted the pledge of the newly re-elected West Midlands Mayor to preserve local Greenbelt and challenge the 2014 Standard Method of assessing housing need.

He said the Office for Statistics Regulation had stated that reliance on that method rather than the more recent 2018 household projections produced by the Office for National Statistics meant that changes were not reflected in the statistics informing housing need, and over-estimation of population in certain age groups could drive targets in a different direction to local priorities.

Mr Allen asked how confident the council was that adopting the 2014 Standard Method in the Local Plan, without question or modification, would lead to a sound plan that properly balances the local need for houses in the next decades against protection of Dorset’s ‘cherished countryside and green spaces’.

Sheila Bourton asked how the council could consider new housing development on land north of Wimborne Road in Wimborne when it was part of the strategic Greenbelt gap between Wimborne and Colehill, intended to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another.

Councillor Walsh replied: “The council has consulted on a draft plan to help us understand everyone’s views, and we are very grateful for the large number of responses that we have received.

“We have not yet made any decisions about the approach that will be taken in the final plan, and will take all the comments into account, alongside the requirements set out in national policy, to ensure a sound plan.”

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Trainees find their wild sides

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

10 new trainees to become Dorset’s next conservationists to protect wildlife and wild places are being invited to apply for a place on the Wild Paths training scheme.

The scheme is run in collaboration with the South West Wildlife Trusts, and training will begin in September 2021 following a year’s break due to covid.

This is the final year for National Lottery Heritage Funded traineeships. As part of its Skills for the Future programme, the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) has enabled five Wildlife Trusts in the South West to train 20 aspiring conservationists since 2018, in response to skills shortages within the South West conservation sector.

The scheme will appoint 10 new trainees to start in September 2021.

Traineeships will be based at Avon Wildlife Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Each will focus on practical conservation, working with volunteers, and engaging people and communities with their natural heritage.

As well as gaining formal qualifications and a bursary, the trainees will receive

training in transferable skills to enhance their future employability and consolidate their learning, by working with Wildlife Trust staff.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wild Paths Coordinator, Colleen Smith-Moore, said: “This scheme will give those interested in wildlife a real insight into working in conservation, from wildlife survey skills, to gaining their chainsaw qualifications and leading engagement activities.

“After they have completed their 10-month placement, trainees will have the skills and confidence to take their careers forward in the workplace.

“The Wildlife Trusts involved are delighted to be part of this programme, and are grateful to National Lottery players, who have helped make it happen.”

The Wildlife Trusts are keen to reflect the diversity of the British community within our workforce, and applications from people from disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups – for example people with disabilities, from the LGBTQ+ community or from ethnic minorities – are particularly welcome.

More information about the scheme and how to apply can be found at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ WildPaths 15

In her own words: the therapy of writing I’ve always enjoyed writing – at school, work, or just writing the odd rhyme.

I went to school locally, Corfe Hills, and did okay.

An average-grade student I guess you’d say.

I had a fascination of reading about real-life crimes, all the gory details included, and read many

Claire D Evans, the author of Becoming a Mum

Patricia Cornwell books, secretly wanting to become a forensic pathologist.

However, in reality my forte consisted of secretarial, administration, payroll, and IT helpdesk…

I started noting down memorable, funny, (and stressful!) moments from having the children about 10 years ago. I got so far, but due to a sudden bereavement, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis, I couldn’t put pen to paper.

I’d lost interest. And five years went by.

It was during recovery from the illness, however, that I found therapy in writing again.

I started writing about my thoughts, the experience I had, but wrote in my way – a little humour, a little sarcasm, and a lot of heart.

That turned into a website called Cancer. Me? Really?? (cancermereally.co.uk)

It was also at that point that someone gave me a nudge to finish and publish the book I’d started about the children.

It seemed such a huge feat that I just couldn’t see it happening, but I’m pleased I persevered resulting in a couple of offers to have it published.

A big thank you is owed to the family, friends, and community support I’ve received so far.

My book is not written to scare, glorify or exaggerate experiences, but to tell it how it was for me.

And it is written in the same way – a little humour, sarcasm, and heart – and reaches out to mums of children of any age – an opportunity to remember, relate and even giggle a bit

with me.

Becoming a Mum is available through all good booksellers, including, locally, Gullivers in Wimborne, the Westbourne Bookshop, Waterstones, and other online retailers.

Words: Claire D Evans

A full programme of activities for U3A group Ferndown U3A has recently launched its new brochure for the next 12 months. Unlike many local organisations they managed to keep going strongly throughout the past year, enjoying presentations, quizzes and other activities via Zoom. This gave important support for members who were shielding or on their own.

FU3A Chairman Bob Reeve said: ‘Our new programme, which will observe any required social distancing, has nearly 90 groups to choose from. If you are intrigued by titles such as The Blue Lamp, A Passage to India, or Supermovers – or if you think you’re eligible for our Really Awful Singing Group 16

Ferndown U3A on a study Visit to Malta

– come and join us!

“Membership is open to anyone who is no longer working full time. Our 500plus members are also drawn from Wimborne, Verwood, Ringwood and further afield.”

FU3A Greenfingers

Group’s Kevin Steele said: “Even members with very little gardening experience are now happily sowing seeds, making compost and learning how to care for their gardens. No experience is necessary, just a love of plants and nature, so do

come along.”| There are also daily Bridge sessions, catering for rusty enthusiasts to experienced players, with some members travelling quite a distance for these popular groups.

Forthcoming social activities include trips to Bletchly Park and Exbury Gardens, and a Study Visit to Bruges in Easter 2022.

Bob Reeve said: “Whether your choice is creative, aesthetic, physical or just plain fun, our emphasis is on social interaction and friendship . We Learn, Laugh, and live! As one member puts it: ‘Ferndown U3A is my happy place’.

You can find full details on the FU3A website at ferndownu3a.co.uk

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

The Coping with CHAOS play service takes place every day during school holidays

Play sessions boosted by grant award Coping with CHAOS, the family play service operated

by Dorset-based charity, Diverse Abilities, has received a grant of £5,000 from The Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.

The fund will help to cover the costs of various aspects of the school holiday play sessions, including arts and crafts activities.

Play sessions can be attended by the whole family, giving parents a chance to meet others in similar situations. They take place every day in the school

holidays, and are made up of a constantly evolving programme of activities and sessions throughout Dorset for children and young people aged five to 19 years old with disabilities and their families.

Talking about the service, one parent said: “Without CHAOS it is unlikely that my children would be able to access or enjoy the wider community and would be entirely isolated in their family home. We have no other respite and little positive opportunities to spend time with the siblings.”

Clare Rochford, service manager, commented: “We are so thrilled to receive this donation from The Maria Björnson Memorial Fund, and it will truly make a huge difference in our day-to-day provision of activities.

“This year, more than ever, our families will need respite over the holidays, so it’s crucial that we continue to raise the funds needed to be able to provide this valuable support.”

Set up in 2008 in honour of the late Maria Björnson, the fund supports artistic

enterprises, arts-related activities and individual artists.

Last year Coping with CHAOS supported 125 children, who received support both remotely and in-person amid the changing covid legislation.

Safety precautions have included creating ‘social bubbles’ between families, reducing the amount of venues for play sessions, and additional hours for cleaning.

Visit diverseabilities.org. uk/coping-with-chaos for details about the service.

Wimborne in Bloom gearing up for planting Members of Wimborne in Bloom have been visiting the various businesses in town seeking orders for hanging baskets, and are grateful to all those who have already placed orders.

If we have missed out anyone who would like a basket please let me know as it is not too late to place an order. Contact me, Anthony

Oliver, on 01202 888703.

The baskets are being put up in the middle of June and hopefully the flower towers and planters around the centre of town will be planted up before the end of the month. If funds permit, the planting may well be extended.

At this point I would like to thank, on behalf of

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Wimborne in Bloom, those who have sent in donations as they are all very much appreciated.

With no fundraising events having been possible since March last year, funds are somewhat depleted. All being well there will be a Wimborne in Bloom stall on the Minster Green on Saturday, July 10 when there is the fundraising

event for the Minster Makes Music Appeal.

A number of other Charities are also running stalls on the day.

We do hope that our first fundraising event will be the Annual Duck Race on Saturday, August 28 so book the date in your diaries now!

Words: Anthony Oliver

17

Eurovision star hits the right note Residents and staff at a Dorset care home found the perfect way to bid a fond farewell to a Eurovision Song Contest winner who worked with them during lockdown.

Brotherhood of Man singer Nicky Stevens joined the Companionship Team at Colten Care’s Outstandingrated Ferndown home, Amberwood House, at the end of 2020.

Over the following months, the classically trained singer and pianist sang and played music for residents, led arts and crafts sessions, quizzes and games, and spent one-to-one time with individual residents.

On the day her temporary contract finished, Nicky was astonished when residents and staff gathered to

perform their own version of her band’s Eurovisionwinning song Save Your Kisses for Me. With lyrics amended and personalised by Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s Music and Arts partner, the heartfelt musical tribute brought a tear to Nicky’s eye.

“I was busy sorting out afternoon tea with the residents and I could see a lot of staff coming down the corridor,” said Nicky. “I thought, ‘what’s going on, is there a meeting?’. Then they all entered the lounge and I said to myself, ‘this must be serious’. I never twigged until one of my fellow Companionship Team colleagues started making an announcement.

“When I heard the start of the singing, I couldn’t

Nicky Stevens of Brotherhood of Man with Amberwood House resident Sheila Wakefield

Nicky cuts the cake at her farewell party

believe it. I heard later they had been practicing for two weeks on days when I wasn’t in. I am so humbled they thought so much of me that they went to all that trouble.

It made me very emotional and I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t get over it. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.”

Sung to the same tune as the original, the lyrics included lines such as: “Though we’re sad to see you go, We just want to let you know, That your time with us has brightened every day, We’ll miss you, it’s true.”

Among those serenading Nicky was resident Sheila Wakefield who said: “It has been such a joy to meet Nicky. We’ve all loved her.”

As well as the song, Nicky was presented with a card,

Funding boost for Blandford church

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

The continuing restoration of Blandford’s Grade I listed parish church of St Peter and St Paul has received another funding boost in the form of a National Churches Trust (NCT) Cornerstone Grant of £20,000 and a £7,500 18

Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation on NCT recommendation. This will help fund urgent repairs to the building, which remains on the Historic England ‘At Risk’ Register.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, NCT Vice President, and Paul Ramsbottom, Chief

Executive at the Wolfson Foundation, both said they were delighted to be supporting the project.

Anne Shire and Sara Loch, who are overseeing the restoration project on behalf of the PCC, said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of both the National Churches Trust and

box of chocolates, flowers and a framed photo of her with residents.

Like other performers, Nicky had been looking forward to a busy season of gigs last year before the Covid crisis hit, prompting her to respond to a Colten Care advert for entertainers and companions.

Now, as well as hoping to confirm Brotherhood of Man engagements in the pipeline, the easing of lockdown will enable Nicky to return to her other professional music activities as a voice coach, singing teacher and choir leader.

After Brotherhood of Man won Eurovision in 1976, Save Your Kisses for Me went on to be a number one hit in 33 countries, holding the top spot in the UK for six weeks.

the Wolfson Foundation in providing grants towards the latest phase of our church restoration, and thrilled to receive one of only 14 Cornerstone Grants given, for which 63 churches applied.

“Fundraising continues and we hope to launch our ‘Tag-a-Tile’ appeal soon.”

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Letters

Have your say…

Bravo to all the editorial and advertising team at the New Stour and Avon magazine from members of Wimborne Choral Society.

It’s wonderful and so uplifting to see the return of a much-missed publication with some welcome extras. The choir hopes to be able to feature in the magazine’s new Events Guide once post-lockdown rehearsals get underway this September.

The choir will be working on pieces for its risk-assessed Christmas concert in The Minster on Saturday, December 4. The much-awaited concert will feature Faure’s Requiem and a selection from Handel’s Coronation Anthems.

Members continue to meet regularly on Zoom, and it will be the choir’s first performance since December 2019.

Sharon Kinlin-Martin Wimborne Choral Society

of the Death Certificate, his mother has no photo ID and they refused to transfer the money to her as ‘how do we know that she is the person named?’.

Chris Cox (via Facebook)

This is in reply to William Gardiner’s letter from the New Stour and Avon, May 7.

I think that the main high street banks should open a joint banking facility, where small traders can deposit their cash, and people who wish to discuss their banking needs can see an ‘X’ Bank employee.

Whilst not many people may use the branches, as my husband recently discovered, sometimes it is essential.

He is the Executor for his father’s estate, and one high street bank asked him ‘to come in with his mother so that they could sort out an account’. Whilst he has photo ID, a certified copy of the Will and a certified copy

In Wimborne, there are groups like Wimborne War on Waste doing an excellent job litter-picking. There are groups of volunteers all over the country doing the same.

I understand that recently, a massive clean-up on the A31 or is it the A35, was underway by Dorset Council cleaning up the litter thrown out of vehicles.

Then there is the huge clean-up on the beaches and other public places.

Eye Bridge and the surrounding countryside was/is trashed by visitors who kayak, camp and barbecue. Not being a campsite with facilities, they also use this beauty spot as a toilet, and leave all their litter behind. There was, maybe still is, a .gov

The following letters are in reply to Lee Edmond’s letter from the New Stour and Avon, May 7.

There are lots of amazing locals doing regular litter picks either on their daily walks or as part of organised events, from preschoolers to retired folk, they’re all amazing! But it’s a shame we have to clean up after people, even when there are plenty of bins! We really need to create less waste in the first place! If we don’t pick up rubbish though the potential impact on wildlife is too awful to consider.

Sarah Wise (via Facebook)

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

petition going around about giving offenders three points on their licence if they are caught littering on the highways and/or fly tipping.

The point is that without consequences, people will continue to do this. Maybe fines, though not sure if it can be enforced, and doing community service by joining litter-picks and helping to clean it all up will help.

It is a global issue with no easy solutions I think – the financial cost for all these clean-ups is huge. The impact on the environment and wildlife is obvious.

Clearly, something needs to be done.

Shirley Belwood (via Facebook) Some people are leaving stuff outside their houses for free, some have been taken and dumped elsewhere, so far we’ve had a trike and now a

small table on the green to the right of our house in Grenville Road.

Anita Berry (via Facebook) Dear N Avon maew Stour and gazine, I’m just tell you writing to enjoy thehow much I magazin e.

We want your letters If you’ve got something to say then why not write in and tell me? Something you like? Don’t like?

Annoyed by a local issue or just want to start a debate? Whatever it is, I would love to hear from you.

Send an email to dean.mortlock@ stourandavon.net

19

Feature

Residents demand action on school crossing Delays in traffic calming measures need to be addressed, say Burt’s Hill residents and parents of the Wimborne First School and Nursery

By Alice Metcalfe

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Residents living on a busy road in Wimborne fear there is an accident waiting to happen as plans to implement traffic calming measures face long delays.

Bob Cormack, who lives on Burt’s Hill, said cars are using the road as a race track, and drivers are repeatedly ignoring the 30mph speed limit recently imposed around the new Wimborne First School and Nursery, which has a pedestrian entrance on Burt’s Hill.

Mr Cormack said: “I see mothers with one child under their arm and another in the pram trying to cross the road to get to school.

“They are taking their lives in their hands but what else can they do? There is no path for them to go on and the cars hurtle down. I have nearly been hit just coming out of my gate, and one of my neighbours, an old lady in her 80s, had to jump into a hedge to avoid a car. Has somebody got to be killed on this road before something is done?”

According to Mr Cormack, the traffic issues along this stretch of road become even worse during school drop-off and pick-up times, with parked cars restricting visibility and parents and children attempting to navigate across the busy road.

Plans to implement traffic calming measures along Burt’s Hill are in 20

Locals believe this stretch of road outside Wimborne First School is a potential accident black spot

negotiations between Dorset Council’s highways department and Bloor Homes, the developer of the Minster Gate residential development that built the nearby houses and the school.

As part of the planning requirements, Bloor Homes also created the SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) between Burt’s Hill and the Cranborne Road, an area that residents say is difficult to access as no pavement has been provided to link to the entry points, forcing visitors to walk on Burt’s Hill to be able to enter the SANG. Neil Turner leads the

Dorset Council’s Highway Development Team that is overseeing the changes to Burt’s Hill.

“We are currently working with Bloor Homes to ensure that the scheme they have designed meets all required standards before any works can be permitted to take place,” explained Mr Turner.

“These plans include traffic-calming measures, pedestrian provision for at least three locations on the road, and crossing points for residents to access the SANG safely.

“The proposal is to buildout one side of the road at three locations up Burt’s Hill where the SANG access

points are. These will serve to slow down traffic and provide a crossing point for pedestrians, with pavements linking these to the three existing bridleways and public rights of way on the other side of the road.

“The most recent design was for these to be 50-plus metres long, which we believe is too long to narrow a carriageway to traffic, so we are proposing to shorten them to 20 metres which will be better for vehicles and easier for pedestrians but will still slow down speeds.”

This is the latest in a number of revisions to the plans made between the

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Feature council and Bloor Homes, with new comments from Mr Turner’s team going to the developers on April 29 this year, to which they are waiting for a reply.

“It is frustrating, as normally with planning permission there is an indicative plan, but in this case it has been left ambiguous as to what should be done. And with post planning there are no set time frames to get work completed,” said Mr Turner.

“We send them [Bloor Homes] something and it takes a month or two for them to come back to us with comments. We try to respond quickly but we don’t have any statutory powers to force them to deliver it quicker.

“I would like to reassure

you that Dorset Council view matters such as road safety with the utmost of importance, and that we will continue to work with the

the local authority to address the obvious issues. We stand alongside parents and local residents who are calling for changes to be made, but keep

“Plans to implement traffic-calming measures along Burt’s Hill are in negotiations between Dorset Council and Bloor Homes” developer to ensure that they can meet their obligations as soon as is possible.”

However, many are concerned that the changes are taking too long to implement.

Gary Plummer, Chair of Governors at Wimborne First School, said: “The governors are concerned about the junction and continue to push

getting told that the local authority are working on it.”

Robin Goodlad, who lives off of Burt’s Hill and is also a parent at the school, has set up a Burt’s Hill road safety Facebook group for concerned locals and is calling for a community speedwatch to be set up to help highlight the issue.

“I have to cross Burt’s

Hill every day to enter the SANG to walk my daughter to school and it is so dangerous,” said Mr Goodlad.

“There are three public footpaths that come out onto Burt’s Hill and there is nowhere to go from there.

You’re on your own.

“Anyone coming from the direction of Colehill is faced with no form of crossing and has to walk on a busy road, often going around parked cars at the beginning and the end of the school day.

“It really should be a 20mph around the school, not just a 30mph limit, but no-one does that any way.”

We contacted Bloor Homes for a comment but, as yet, they haven’t replied. We will print an update to this feature if they do.

WW2 heirloom on Antiques Roadshow

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

A tiny china cup, found by the grandfather of a Blandford man in the rubble after the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, was featured in a special Antiques Roadshow ‘World War II – The Aftermath’ broadcast by the BBC on May 2.

Ernest Houlton from Poole was serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment when he discovered the cup, which looked like something from a child’s doll set, and carried it around with him for the rest of the war.

Afterwards he gave it to his daughter, Maggie Pitcher, who still lives in Blandford after marrying a Winterborne Whitechurch man, and who said: “Dad was always keeneyed.”

In turn she passed it onto her son James Pitcher, who

Ernest Houlton, who found the tiny cup in the rubble of the bombed Dresden

told the programme: “It’s quite amazing really, and symbolises how fragile things can survive.”

Antiques Roadshow expert Will Farmer shed more light on the redware cup, which

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

The cup, pictured alongside a biro to demonstrate its size

bore a mark on the base saying Wedgewood, and said that 80 per cent of the pottery made by Wedgewood in the late 1800s was exported to Europe.

He said: “It was

extraordinary to find it so perfect in among the rubble.

A little survivor, so small, so beautiful, which shows how much we had in common, at the same time as people were trying to kill each other.”

21

Repairs on a rented property I’ve been living in my privately rented flat for years. I generally have a good relationship with my landlord but I just can’t get them to carry out various repairs that have built up. How can I get them to act – and what exactly do they have to do?

This must be a very frustrating situation.

The law states that your landlord must provide accommodation that is safe, healthy and free from things that could cause harm.

You don’t say exactly what repairs are needed.

If you have problems such as electrical wiring that you think might be faulty, or there’s damp, or an infestation by pests,

the landlord has a legal obligation to fix it.

Landlords are also responsible for the maintenance of the general structure, and fittings such as boilers and radiators, basins, baths and toilets, and the drains.

The first step is to contact your landlord again, in writing. Include photographs of the problems. Keep a record of all communications and evidence relating to the disrepair.

If that doesn’t prompt any action, the housing advisors at Citizens Advice can help with next steps. These could include contacting your local council – who will have dedicated officers for dealing with disrepair in private rented properties –

or asking for a visit by the environmental health team.

Tenants can take their landlords to court to force them to carry out repairs.

However, it’s worth getting some advice and thinking carefully before embarking on this route.

For free, confidential advice, call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or visit edpcitizen sadvice.org.uk for more information.

Every month we’ll be printing out a different Q&A from Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck. We hope that there will be something useful for you over the coming issues, and please do let us know if there’s a specific question you would like help with – newsdesk@ stourandavon.net East Dorset Citizens Advice

and Purbeck Citizens Advice merged on April 1, 2021, creating Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck.

They have offices in Wareham and Wimborne, with outreach clinics throughout East Dorset and Purbeck.

Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to

everyone on their rights and responsibilities to enable them to find a way forward whatever problems they face.

We value diversity, promote equality, challenge discrimination wherever we see it and aim to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

Visit edpcitizensadvice. org.uk for more information.

Volunteer with Dorset libraries Corfe Mullen Library are looking for a volunteer to help them with their meet and greet role. The hours are Mondays 10.30am-1pm and Fridays 10am-1pm.

The volunteer will greet customers and welcome them to the library. They will also explain the library’s covid safety procedures and ask customers to use the NHS app or take their contact details. Full training is provided.

If you are interested, please pop in and see the staff at the library or give them a ring on 01202 659755 or an email to corfemullenlibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ libraries

Weighed down by debt?

If you or someone you know is feeling weighed down by crushing debt, then we can help for free. You may think your situation is impossible, but there is hope. Our friendly team will give you a listening ear and provide a solution to your debts.

Please call free 0800 3280006 to book an appointment. Our friendly debt coach Pam Ansell and a volunteer from our East 22

Dorset CAP Centre will arrange a visit to help you begin your journey out of debt.

Christians Against Poverty or CAP is an awardwinning national debt counselling charity that has been serving people for free for 25 years. CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt, and is open to people of all lifestyles and faiths – including those that don’t have one.

Our service is unique, in depth and free. We will offer you a variety of support as you work with us from the start to the end of your journey out of debt.

Our CAP East Dorset, Ringwood and Bearwood Centre is a joint project of the Bus Stop Club charity and Hope Church Ferndown. We have just celebrated our 26th individual or family in our area becoming debt free!

There is always hope. Call free on 0800 3280006.

Words: Derek Howshall

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Popular footpath in Wimborne closed for another 26 weeks

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Wimborne residents have been told that a popular footpath, whose temporary closure sparked protests last year, will remain closed until the end of November due to ‘potential ground collapse’.

Dorset Council said the 110-metre path closure at the Rivers Edge development was needed to comply with Health and Safety regulations which require the provision of safe working areas, and to minimise the likelihood of

danger to highway users.

In a statement it added: ‘The closure is required due to there being deep excavations within the development which are adjacent to footpath E2/8, and due to the potential of the ground collapsing which would prove a risk to the general public’.

An order signed by the Secretary of State for Transport said footpath E2/8, one of the Cuthbury footpaths which connects Cowgrove Road to a further footpath, should be closed

until November 1. As the path was originally closed in November 2020, it means it will now be out of action for a whole year.

The original closure was announced last August to allow the Cuthbury New Neighbourhood development on the town’s western side to go ahead. The development will see the construction of 203 homes on an area once occupied by allotments.

At the time of the original closure announcement, more than 15 residents staged a protest. They claimed the

route was one which had been used ‘for decades’ by local people as a shortcut onto the main footpath that leads to Eyebridge and Pamphill. Others said it could be used by an estimated 100 people a day.

One resident said: “The alternative is to walk along the main road with the thundering traffic and the narrow footpaths and it’s about a 10-minute diversion.”

Other concerns are flooding on the footpath route plus additional footpath closures in the town.

Full steam ahead for Wimborne Community Theatre Wimborne Community Theatre has recently heard that their grant application to Dorset Performing Arts has been successful. Now the group have the funding to develop a new outdoor project to take place in October, performed on or beside the River Allen and River Stour, involving local people of all ages.

Guest artistic director, Joe Hancock, will join the WCT team. Joe is puppeteer, producer and director at the Devon-based Burn the

Curtain Theatre.

Joe said: “I see no reason why ‘creativity’ should be the privilege of the few, when each of us has the ability to inspire and create, not just those with access to so called ‘creative’ spaces and buildings.”

Other artists joining the WCT team are Wimbornebased sound artist and ecologist, Adrian Newton, Dorset-based artist, Heidi Steller, and composer and musician, Karen Wimhurst.

Tony Horitz, WCT’s

resident director, said: “We’re looking for members of the community with or without experience of theatre, to join us for this production as actors, singers, dancers or backstage workers – sewing, making props, puppets, sound recordings – or anyone with creative ideas who would to explore being part of a creative team, after so many months in lockdown.

“All ages welcome, as long as you are over 12 years old. You will be trained

Repairs approved for skate park Equipment on the Blandford’s popular skate park on the Stour Meadows is to be repaired and replaced at a cost of around £30,000 after the ageing ramp surfaces were found to have deteriorated to dangerous levels, and one item needed significant work.

When the skate park was first built, Blandford Town Council agreed to contribute annually to a fund for its replacement which has a

balance of over £158,000, and the idea was to replace all the old equipment with new and invite contractors to put forward designs for consultation with users.

But the users said the general set up was popular and well-used by those travelling significant distances, and an inspection in March highlighting the continuing deterioration also revealed that the Jump Box

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

would either need significant work or replacement as it is becoming high risk.

Councillors were told that the ramp surfaces that requiring replacement could be used in any future changes to the equipment, and the replacement Jump box could also be used within any future design.

In view of the urgency of getting the work done to avoid having to close

by a team of professional artists and members of the company, and be part of a friendly and cooperative ensemble, travelling together on a creative journey towards the river performance. For more information, please contact gill.horitz@talk21.com” If you would like to share your memories about days by the Wimborne rivers, please visit WCT’s website, at wimborne community theatre.co.uk/rivermemories

any sections of the park, they agreed to accept the quotation from the specialist contractor with whom the council has a maintenance contract. They noted that while ideally further quotes might be sought, there were no companies locally working with the materials used at Blandford, and those contacted in the past had declined to quote due to the distance involved.

23

Starwatch

Find the Ship Star Never heard of the Ship Star? It’s an old term for the Pole Star, which many think must be a pretty bright one as it’s famous.

Navigators of old used it to find their way, as it sits apparently unmoving in the North.

Interestingly, Polaris the Pole Star is at the same height as your latitude, so in Wimborne for example it’s just a little less than 51 degrees above the horizon.

When we use the end stars of the seven-star Plough, in Ursa Major the Great Bear, as pointers, we come to the Pole Star, at the bottom left of the diagram.

Is it a bit dimmer than you expected?

That’s probably because its light has been travelling towards us for 432 years, since 1589, just after the Spanish Armada met its watery end.

Clear skies!

Words: Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society

Demonstration aimed to raise awareness A Palestine solidarity demonstration in Blandford Market Place on Sunday, May 30 was organised by the Blandford Black Lives Matter group, whose spokesperson Emma de Saram said: “As a group which stands in solidarity with all social justice movements, we came together to show our support for Palestine, raise awareness about ongoing settler colonialism in Palestine and to ask our elected representatives to withdraw military support for Israel.”

Emma described in detail the history of the displacement of Palestinians since the creation of Israel in 1948, leading to the current conflict in the Gaza strip and Sheik Jarrah in East Jerusalem, encouraging people to find out more 24

through the Palestine Solidarity Campaign UK – palestinecampaign.org Peter Aldous urged those present to write to their MP and others seeking withdrawal of Government support for the Israeli military, and Pat Osborne stressed the importance of the strong protecting the weak, and the extra strength in people joining together in a cause.

Sylvia Hixson Andrews highlighted the parallel struggle for peace through organisations such as the Jewish Voice for Peace – jewishvoiceforpeace.org – which opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression, and calls for suspension of military aid to other human rights abusers and occupiers in the Middle East.

The Blandford Black Lives Matter group

Peter Aldous, watched by Emma de Saram and Pat Osborne

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Picture perfect As the weather (finally) improves, lockdown eases and we find ourselves able to get out-and-about a bit more, it’s clear that there are now far greater opportunities to photograph the incredible countryside and wildlife that surround us.

Best of all, you’ve all been sending in your beautiful photos to the New Stour and Avon office. So what else could we do but set up a

regular page of the magazine to show them all off?

If you have a photo – or several photos – that you’d like to share with the New Stour and Avon community, then please do email them in to newsdesk@ stourandavon.net Many thanks to this issue’s super snappers, including Chloe Palmer, Dave Wiseman, Alexandra Pereira and Nigel Fuller.

Kingfisher – Chloe Palmer

White Mill Bridge, Sturminster Marshall – Dave Wiseman

Heron at Coombe Park, Warwickshire – Nigel Fuller

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Heron Wings Spread – Alexandra Pereira

25

The Defence BattleLab facility is a collaboration between Dorset Council, the MOD and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership

Organisations join forces for historic defence building programme

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

A £5.7 million defence building programme in Dorset has completed the first building at the Winfrith site with the completion of a 450sqm workshop ready for defence personnel.

The Defence BattleLab facility is a collaboration between the MOD, Dorset Council and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, and will include an Army BattleLab featuring an engineering workshop and a conference area for the Armed Forces and MOD. In its first decade, the programme aims to create 90 new local jobs and add £4 million to the local economy.

The Defence BattleLab will enable the MOD to work with academic institutions, corporates and SMEs. The workshop will be joined by an additional 1,100sqm office space complete with meeting and 26

conferencing facilities which is on track to be completed this year.

Considerable work is underway to encourage innovation to meet defence needs. The MOD’s recently published Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, which outlines the MOD’s strategic approach to the UK’s defence and security industrial sectors, highlights the Defence BattleLab as a great opportunity to focus on specific challenges, and to accelerate exploitation of new technology.

Dorset boasts a particularly strong defence sector and is home to many MOD establishments, such as the Army’s Armoured Trial and Development Unit in Bovington, the home of the Royal Corps of Signals in Blandford, and the training area at Lulworth Cove which is used by all elements of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Brigadier Matt Cansdale, British Army, Head Future

Force Development, said: “We are delighted that the Army and Defence BattleLab remains on course for completion this year despite recent turmoil. This reflects a huge amount of excellent collaborative work from all the partners in this project, and is indicative of the strong relationships and commitment from the whole team.

“The completion of this workshop is an important stepping stone and will allow us to start using this facility in its intended purpose of engaging with industry in a more collaborative manner.

“Future Soldier is the Army’s plan to transform itself into an asymmetric Army for the digital age. It is a bold plan, and the Army BattleLab will be at the heart of how we deliver it.”

Cecilia Bufton, Dorset LEP Chair, said: “Dorset LEP is committed to unlocking the skills of our future workforce to support initiatives such as the Defence BattleLab. This

commitment is included in our Local Industrial Strategy and our Dorset Investment Prospectus. We look forward to connecting our regional network in support of the Army’s drive for innovation.”

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property at Dorset Council, said: “The Defence BattleLab reflects Dorset’s historical links with the Army, forged over many generations, married with our current place at the cutting edge of technology.

“There are many strands that have come together to make Dorset the right place for the Defence BattleLab, such as Lulworth Ranges and 5G coverage, so it’s exciting to see institutions from different centuries brought together to deliver solutions for today’s armed forces.

“We’re pleased at the progress being made with this project and I personally cannot wait to see the finished facility later in the year.”

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Are your retirement plans on course?

Contact us for a pension review today.

Whatever’s on your mind, just ask.

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

30 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 830730 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd

Walk

Verwood three viewpoints Route Summary

A tour of the best three viewpoints in the forest north of Verwood. Views north over Alderholt, east over the New Forest and, from Stephen’s Castle, a 180-degree view south taking in the Isle of Wight (on a clear day), Bournemouth skyline and the Isle of Purbeck.

Park in the free car park in Jenner Close (BH31 7PY) near the Verwood Hub. Take the short path from the car park into Station Road and turn left. Cross the road at the crossing point and take the footpath straight ahead of you to the left of Acorn Lodges.

At the end, turn right onto a gravel track, then left into Edmondsham Road.

Cross the roundabout and continue onwards past the new housing development on the right.

Turn right onto the public footpath at the end of the unfinished pavement.

Cross the stile at the end of the footpath and cross the bare patch by the electricity pylon. Go through the gate opposite into the SANG (Suitable Area of Natural Greenspace) and then take the right-hand path towards the seat – heading for two bungalows in the distance.

Go through the gate to the right of the bungalows and turn left onto Burrows Lane.

Follow this unmade lane for about 500m, passing some

fine old oaks on the left and some houses on the right.

Continue past the grey timber building and barn on the right and continue past a nice lily pond. Go past the big house on the left and continue up the byway.

At the junction take the middle path up a slight incline.

Keep your eyes and ears open for interesting wildlife as you take the obvious path through the trees – I saw Brimstone butterflies and heard Chiffchaff calling. The path bends to the right and gets steeper before levelling out.

Go through an open forest gateway and continue straight on, ignoring the path to the left. Cross the main path and go straight on via a narrow track through the trees. Continue straight on at the next junction – crossing the footpath and staying on the blue-arrowed bridleway.

Ignore the track to the right and continue onwards down the hill to Viewpoint #1 to the North.

Turn right onto the track and follow round to the right

VIEWPOINT #1: A view to the North towards Cripplestyle and Alderholt. – 50.89992, -1.86735

28

and then left, ignoring the crossing tracks. This is a big sky area, so keep your eyes open for Buzzards and other raptors, as well as Swallows, Martins and Swift. Note the mast to the right that gives the name to the Telegraph Plantation.

Continue back into the trees on the main path but then go left onto the minor track at the junction. If (like me) you love a Trig. Point, there is one hidden among the scrub to the left of the track here about half-way along.

Ignore the metal gate on the right for the minute, go past it to the convenient bench and admire Viewpoint #2 to the East. That thing that looks like a lake is a large bank of solar panels.

Go back to that gate that you ignored a moment ago and climb over or under it and go round to the right, crossing the bridleway. Continue for a few metres and then take the track to the right back into the trees – shunning the pleasant green lane ahead.

Follow the green but obvious track through the

Route Overview

Length 7.89km/4.93 miles Difficulty Medium trees, ignoring the fork to the right. Go straight on through the scrub until you reach a low wire fence with a stile.

Cross the stile and turn left for about 400m with the woodland on your right and the open heathland on the left.

The path here may be muddy and there are some waterfilled ruts.

When you reach the junction take the sharp right turn and follow the path round to a gravel track. Turn right, go past the thatched dwelling on the left and turn left down the other side of it. Follow the path round the bend for 200m or so, keeping your eyes open for a fallen tree on the right.

Take the faint forest track to the right in the middle of the bend past the fallen tree – don’t carry on round the bend!

Continue on this track, going slightly uphill, ignoring two forks to the right before descending gently and crossing a gravel track. Continue in the same direction through the trees, descending quite steeply until you reach a cross track.

VIEWPOINT #2: The viewpoint to the East from the convenient bench. – 50.89746, -1.86025

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Walk Turn sharply right.

Continue on the track, which may be muddy, until you reach the junction, then turn left for another 250m before turning right onto a broad track for about 600m. When the main track turns to the right, go straight on, up a hill, past a sign for ‘Stephen’s Stone’ to your right and then turn left where a minor forest track crosses the path.

The track goes up and round and then down, through a green metal gateway and then another gateway on the left, to the tumulus and our Viewpoint #3 at Stephen’s Castle. There is a 180°-plus panoramic view available from here – from beyond the South East to the left and beyond the South West to the right – with the trees behind.

Go back down from the viewpoint to the track and continue to the left, going down the steps and following the track round to the left and South.

Where the track bends to the left between two large Goat Willow, don’t carry on round to the left but go straight on past the right-hand tree, passing to the right of some earthworks.

Go through the gateway and straight on down the unmetalled road with the houses on your right and the woodland on the left. Follow round to the right, past the Helix building and then go through the pinch point on your left into the recreation ground.

Go to the left of the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) and out onto Ringwood Road. Turn right and follow the road for about 250m back to the start on your left.

VIEWPOINT #3: The 200-degree panorama from Stephen’s Castle – 50.88677, -1.87188

The Trig Point hiding in the scrub at the side of the path – 50.89686, -1.86121

Start and finish: Jenner Close (free) Car Park at BH31 7PY – 50.88202, -1.88026

Words: KD Johnson.

Walk originally published by the Verwood Ramblers and used with their kind permission New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

29

Arts & Entertainment

Folk Festival goes online for 2021 One of the victims of the pandemic was the Wimborne Folk Festival, but although the organisers haven’t been able to host the full event, we do have two nights of free music and entertainment to look forward to on Friday, June

Polly Morris

11 and Saturday, June 12.

We spoke to Polly Morris, of the Polly Morris Band, who’s helped to put the events together, to find out more about what we can expect on the nights.

“We wanted to make sure we could put something online that would have something of the feel of the festival,” said Polly.

“Obviously it’s impossible to capture the full atmosphere of the festival, but we wanted to do something that

would keep it in people’s minds for when we can come back next year.”

And the organisers really have gone all-out to make sure it’s a very special pair of events.

“The idea was always that Friday would have more of a comedy feel about it, while Saturday would be more of a traditional folk night,” said Polly.

So on Friday night you can look forward to Les

Barker, The Captain’s Beard, Fly Yeti Fly and Chris Howat, a magician.

Saturday night’s line up includes Becoming Branches, Mitchell and Vincent, Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer and Lucy May Walker.

Performing on both nights and taking on comparing duties will be the Polly Morris Band.

As well as the music, there will also be dance, interviews, videos, and a spotlight on local art, too.

For more information on both nights – and the Wimborne Folk Festival itself, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year – head to their website at wimbornefolk.co.uk PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

TE SE NO

PLEA

S MASTK BE MUS RN WO

NOMADLAND (12a)

Wed 9th & Fri 11th June, 7.30pm Matinee Thur 10th June 2pm Tickets £8.00 Adult £7 Matinee £6 U16s

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

DAD’S ARMY Thur 5th to Sat 7th August 7.30pm Tickets £16.00 Matinees Fri 6th & Sat 7th August, 2.30pm Tickets £16.00 1 in 10 tickets FREE! Via Box Office only (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

OVER 16’S ONLY! Sat 21st August, 7.30pm Tickets £26 & £22

Concs (Students over 16 & Over 60s) £23 & £19 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

30

THE BOHEMIANS Fri 13th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PETER PAN

Wed 25th to Sat 28th August, 2pm.

Fri 27th & Sat 28th August, 6pm Tickets £17.50 adults £14 under 16s 1 in 10 tickets FREE!

Via Box Office only (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS

MONEY FOR NOTHING

Sat 14th August, 7.30pm Tickets £24.50

Thur 19th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20

The Roy Orbison Story

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PURPLE ZEPPELIN Saturday 4th September, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

20th Anniversary tour

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

ALBERT LEE

The Tivoli favourite and double Grammy Award Winner returns!

Wednesday 15th September, 7.30pm.

Tickets £26.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Arts & Entertainment

Playing on Friday night – Fly Yeti Fly

Playing on Saturday night – Becoming Branches

Putting on a fine show One of the best and hardest working acts on the circuit, Show of Hands, is coming to the Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, June 12 for two performances – at 6pm and 8.30pm.

The multi awardwinning duo, consisting of

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, have five sell-out Royal Albert Hall shows under their belts, but are now making a rare return to more intimate settings.

Dovetailing old songs with new, this is an unmissable celebration of the duo’s

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

enduring impact on roots, acoustic and folk music.

Interestingly, the band was formed in 1986 when Steve was offered a gig at the relatively new Wimborne Festival. Phil was in the audience and the rest, as they say, is

history.

Online ticket sales are £28.60 each – or £26 in person at the Tivoli box office. For more information on the event, including social distancing guidelines, head to tivoliwimborne.co.uk 31

Arts & Entertainment

Fete on the Field to go ahead

Another event that we’re delighted to be able to inform you is still going ahead is Ferndown’s Fete on the Field on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20.

Things are obviously a little different for 2021, but the organisers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the fete is as much fun as previous years.

As usual, there will be a fantastic range of stalls, with things to buy, delicious food to eat, drinks (both soft and not so soft) and competition

stalls where you might win a prize – there’s even a raffle where you could win a wheelbarrow full of wine!

Classic vehicles return too, with a stunning selection of pristine cars, bikes and agricultural machinery.

Then, when you fancy relaxing and being entertained, you can sit back and enjoy a packed schedule of entertainment – including Krazy Kev and the wonderful team from Liberties Owl, Raptor and Reptile.

There will be loads of stalls to browse on the day

Energetic types might want to enter the popular 5k and 10k charity runs. Starting and finishing at the King George V fields, the course takes the runners on a 5k circular route

through various terrain – both on and off road. You’ll need to register for the race on the fete’s website.

The only real difference from previous events is that the pram dash will not be able to be held. Apart from that though, it’s pretty much business as usual.

The Fete on the Field will be held on the King George V Field in Ferndown, and you can find out lots more information about the event on their website here: ferndownfotf.org

Around 100 classic vehicles will be there to show and shine

The vinyl countdown On June 17, music fans across the world will be celebrating Record Store Day once again.

Created in 2007 as a way to celebrate and support

32

independent record shops, it’s grown into a major annual event, with many shops hosting live music and very special offers – many bands release exclusive vinyl releases, so queues outside record shops are commonplace.

Square Records in Wimborne is one of the 200-plus stores taking part, so we recommend you keep an eye on their Facebook page for the latest news – facebook.com squarerecordswimborne

This is the queue outside Square Records on Record Store Day 2019. And yes, that really is a Dalek

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Arts & Entertainment

The Museum of East Dorset welcomed local writer and poet, Sarah Barr to the museum recently to host the first of two dementiaFriendly workshops on Poetry and Memories. The workshops are the first of several dementia-friendly events that are being held at the museum over the coming months.

Event Guide If you have an upcoming event that you would like added to our guide, please email us at newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Regal Cinema: Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) Recorded live. 7pm theregalcinema.org

THURSDAY 3

THURSDAY 10

Jack & the Beanstalk Tivoli Theatre. Matinees at 2pm. Running until Sunday, June 6. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

SATURDAY 5

East Dorset Trac Pack Wimborne/Colehill area.

See page 42 for more details.

Jack & the Beanstalk (grown-ups only) Tivoli Theatre. Running until Sunday, June 6. tivoliwimborne.co.uk Regal Cinema: Parasite Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) 15 certificate. 7pm theregalcinema.org

MONDAY 7

Regal Cinema: Emma Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) U certificate. 7pm theregalcinema.org

WEDNESDAY 9

Movies at the Tivoli: Nomadland (12A) Running on 9 and 11. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

The Three Tenors 7pm. (Recorded screening) tivoliwimborne.co.uk Outdoor Cinema: La La Land (12A) Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston. For more information, head to keynestonmill.com

FRIDAY 11

Wimborne Folk Festival Free live streamed concert 7pm-10pm. See page 30 for more details. wimbornefolk.co.uk

SATURDAY 12

Wimborne Folk Festival Free live streamed concert 7pm-10pm. See page 30 for more details. wimbornefolk.co.uk Regal Cinema: Knives Out Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) 12A certificate. 7pm theregalcinema.org Wimborne Win on Waste Recycling event at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, from 10.30am-midday.

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

facebook.com/winonwaste dorset Record Store Day A national event to support local record shops – including Wimborne’s Square Records.

See page 32 for more details. recordstoreday.co.uk

Outdoor Cinema: The Grand Budapest Hotel (15) Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston. For more information, head to keynestonmill.com

Live music: Show of Hands Two performances at 6pm and 8.30pm. See page 31 for more details. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

THURSDAYS

MONDAY 14

FRIDAYS

Regal Cinema: Sound of Metal Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) 15 certificate. 7pm theregalcinema.org

WEDNESDAY 16

Regal Cinema: Yuli Fordingbridge (SP6 1JF) 15 certificate. 7pm theregalcinema.org Outdoor Cinema: The Artist (PG) Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston. For more information, head to keynestonmill.com

THURSDAY 17

Stevie Nicks 24K Gold 7.30pm. (Recorded screening) tivoliwimborne.co.uk

Quiz Night The Green Man, Wimborne.

Cash prizes and free drinks to be won. From 8pm.

Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am-2pm.

Minster Market Allendale Centre, Wimborne from 9am-1pm. After a long wait, the famous Minster Market is returning to the Allendale Centre every Friday from May 7.

SATURDAYS

Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am2pm.

SUNDAYS

Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am2pm.

Car Boot Sale Wimborne Show Ground from 7.30am-2.30pm 33

Business Matters

Powered by Dorset Biz News

Victoria lives the dream with her sanctuary for people who treasure books Victoria Sturgess has a simple message: Don’t give up on your dream.

The 73 year old has enjoyed the most amazing career in film and TV in the UK and abroad. From rubbing shoulders with the likes of The Who, The Kinks and P.J. Proby, to working on pop videos, including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, and being a key member of Sir David Frost’s production team at LWT (London Weekend Television) –the TV star even lent Victoria his car for her wedding.

But throughout, Victoria, a lover of books from almost the moment she could read, nursed one simple ambition.

So, when the time came to bid farewell to the allconsuming world of TV, film and magazine production 34

after an impressive 35-year career – latterly as a TV producer – it was time to turn her dream into reality. And her dream was to open her own secondhand book shop.

Not just selling preloved, and sometimes very rare, books but creating a community hub where

front room of Victoria’s home in West Borough, Wimborne. She’d moved to the town from Winchester after falling for the historic property, parts of which date back to 1740.

Around 3,000 books are displayed floor to ceiling, and the opening hours

“Black Pug Books opened for business in 2012 in the front room of Victoria’s home in West Borough, Wimborne” people could meet, enjoy a cup of tea – or even a glass of wine – and sit and read before buying a book. A sanctuary for people who value books as one of the greatest treasures in life.

Black Pug Books opened for business in 2012 in the

are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm, with a later closing time of 6pm in the summer. Victoria is also happy to open at other times if contacted.

If a title is not available then her pool of experts around the country can

almost certainly locate it.

For Victoria, who has two daughters, Kate and Hannah, and two grandchildren, Algie and Tinks, it really is a dream come true.

She said: “I absolutely love it. I’ve always loved books. As a child growing up it was books and ponies.

“It’s not just the content but often the illustrations. To me they’re miniature works of art.

“You can lose yourself totally in a book and, especially during the last year, reading really is the best way to travel.

“In many ways it’s like a community centre where my regulars drop in. I wanted it to feel like a club, and that’s how it’s turned out.”

Victoria stocks a wide range of out-of-print titles,

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Business Matters

dorsetbiznews.co.uk including children’s, art and architecture, history, military, foreign and UK topography and fiction.

But she also sells vintage magazines, cigarette cards, vinyl records – LPs and singles – as well as original newspaper front pages capturing key events, from the assassination of John F. Kennedy to the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.

The past year has been very tough, especially for her regulars.

Victoria said: “I know people were missing me.

I was closed but if people contacted me then I was very happy to pass a book out or make a suggestion of something they might like.

I also put together bags of paperbacks with five for

Victoria Sturgess of Black Pug Books: “I’ve always loved books.

To me they’re miniature works of art.”

Picture: Dorset Biz News

a fiver. I’d like to think it helped people get through a

very difficult time.”

Victoria said that since

re-opening in April business had been ‘full on’ for the first two weeks before dipping slightly.

However, talk of a boom in staycations seemed to be borne out by visits from new customers who were from outside the area but staying locally.

She said: “I’m hopeful that we’re going to have a good summer.

“Let’s be thankful for the fact that we’ve come through it and we can shop again.

“Hopefully, we can move forward to happier times while being aware that we’re very fortunate. I certainly feel that way and also very thankful to be doing something I adore.”

Words: Andrew Diprose

Dorset law firm recommends haste to avoid post-lockdown ‘HR bombshells’ Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has offices in Wimborne and Ringwood, has urged businesses to start talking to employees about returning to the office to defuse any HR bombshells later on.

Government guidance for office staff to ‘work from home if they can’ will be lifted at stage four of the roadmap out of lockdown – potentially on Monday, June 21.

Kate Brooks, partner and head of employment at Ellis Jones, is warning bosses to put plans in place now, and cautioned that in most cases they cannot insist employees have a vaccination before returning.

Kate, who has been recognised for her expertise in The Legal 500 and The Times Top 200 Law Firms guides, said: “There could be

less than a month until the vast majority of restrictions are lifted.

“Employees should generally be ready to return to work when required.

However, employers should be discussing a return to the workplace with their people to ensure that they are given the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns.

“It is also an opportunity for businesses to provide reassurance that the

for constructive dismissal claims.

“Planning and consultation will help avoid any HR bombshells exploding later on and smooth the path forward for both the business and its people.”

Kate added: “Many of our clients have asked about vaccinations.

“The simple answer is that employers cannot insist a staff member has the vaccine. If an employee

“The simple answer is that employers cannot insist a staff member has the covid vaccine” employee’s safety is being taken seriously.

“There are complexities surrounding health and safety, flexible work requests and the potential

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

has refused a vaccine, the employer must consider the reasons for this against the business requirement for vaccinated staff and the risk to vulnerable people.

Head of Employment/ HR Services, Kate Brooks

“They can then decide the action to take, which could include a reasonable instruction to the employee or dismissal as long as it is carried out fairly.”

Kate is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

For more information, contact Kate Brooks on kate.brooks@ellisjones. co.uk and 01202 057754 or visit the Ellis Jones website at ellisjones.co.uk/ coronavirusupdate 35

Business Matters

Powered by Dorset Biz News

Duo use their loaf as they turn plastic waste An ambitious startup, which is turning plastic waste into bricks in an old Hovis lorry trailer, is hoping to empower communities in developing countries to follow suit.

Greenbrick Workshops CIC was founded by social entrepreneur Ben Gibbons, 24, of Corfe Mullen last year. He was later joined

by Connor Winter, 23, from Bournemouth.

Both first met in Nepal while working with rural communities to reduce the damage caused by plastic pollution. After catching the last flight back from Nepal before the borders closed in March 2020, they put their heads together to create a product. Their vision was born in Nepal where plastic is everywhere but homes – if, indeed, they exist – were cold.

Joined by design engineer Ella Fenwick earlier this year to lead prototype development, the duo have now created the UK’s first plastic brick workshop.

It’s housed inside a lorry trailer, previously used for transporting Hovis bread, at High Mead Farm in Ham Lane, Longham.

Here, waste plastic is washed and shredded, heated

36

Connor Winter (left) and Ben Gibbons of Greenbrick Workshops CIC surrounded by some of their plastic bricks.

up to 250 degrees, and pushed into a steel mould.

The mould is then cooled, and the plastic extracted and refined.

The resultant bricks are considered ideal building materials for the world’s fastest-growing housing markets where most people build their own homes, such

as Nepal.

Advantages of the plastic bricks include…

High-impact strength Excellent insulation Naturally waterproof Mouldable An added benefit is that there is a plentiful supply

of plastic in developing countries where it is either burnt – causing chronic health problems and greenhouse emissions, or leaked into the environment.

The team plan to work with NGOs (Non- Governmental Organisations) in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to set up local workshops that can

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Business Matters

into bricks in an old Hovis bread trailer use their technology to build affordable houses.

Their ambition is to help establish 1,000 workshops in 10 years which will create the bricks for 1.5 million new homes.

This will prevent around six million tonnes of carbon dioxide otherwise released from plastic burning and the production of clay bricks and cement.

It will recycle around 800,000 tonnes of plastic otherwise headed for the ocean, or around one per cent of global ocean plastic leakage.

Greenbrick will support the growth of the workshops and license its technology for a ten per cent commission.

Ben, who gained a BA in anthropology and a Masters in English at the University of Oxford, said: “As a team, what makes us strong is our connection to a wider community.

“What we’re doing was made possible by an open source network called Precious Plastic which has enabled us to use an open source mould for our first prototype.

“We’re simply refining it to enable it to scale more effectively.

“The solutions are already out there. Our task is to make sure that everyone has access to them.”

The Greenbrick start-up was made possible because of a £11,500 loan from YTKO Group’s Outset Finance programme.

Ben said: “Initially, I tried to apply for grants directly, but it’s very difficult to get funding for an idea.

“We needed to get the equipment that would allow us to make an early prototype. That’s when I met

the team at Outset Finance. I couldn’t believe how quickly they acted.”

An official delivery partner of the Government’s Start Up Loan scheme, Outset Finance provides new businesses with a sustainable

suggesting that I look at my competitors to consider how to position our Community Interest Company (CIC).

“This help was invaluable and certainly helped to make the application go through so quickly.

“Their ambition is to help establish 1,000 workshops in 10 years, which will create the bricks for 1.5 million new homes” solution to the challenges of affordable finance – especially for start-ups and young businesses with no track record and a lack of financial collateral.

After making contact with his local advisor, several meetings were held to talk through Ben’s forecasts and other aspects of the business.

Ben said: “The whole process took just three weeks from start to finish, which was incredible.

“The advisor helped me to improve my application,

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

“I’m really thankful for the support I have received from Outset Finance. They had the open mind to take time to understand what we are planning to achieve.

Their loan has been crucial to what we’ve been able to achieve so far.”

Greenbrick is one of more than 22,000 businesses to have been supported

by YTKO over a 14-year period.

Analysis of 36 funded programmes across the South West, South East,

London, East of England and Midlands, published in March, showed YTKO assisted 22,508 growthambitious businesses and 30,752 entrepreneurs.

They included 47 per cent who were previously out of work, 44 per cent in receipt of benefits and 27 per cent with entry-level qualifications.

Two types of plastic are currently recycled by Greenbrick: Type 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) which is found in bottle tops, shampoo bottles and many other rigid plastic tubs.

Type 5 PP (polypropylene) including plant pots, contact lens trays, cosmetics tubs, margarine tubs, ice cream tubs, mushroom punnets and microwave meal trays.

For more information on this fascinating project, head to greenbrick.org.uk Words: Andrew Diprose

37

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: A life on the wing It was the fourth of May. Something made me look up; maybe that invisible thread of consciousness that connects us to the presence of other living things. And there it was, flying high betwixt and between the rain-filled bubbles of cloud; a sleek, sooty-brown shape with sickle-shaped wings, my first swift of 2021.

They are back and I am glad. These are the birds that herald the summer, and whose departure I watch with sadness as they leave our shores in early August for their journey home to sub-Saharan Africa.

Although I have always loved birds, the common swifts of my childhood seemed to blur with the more familiar swallows and martins that frequented our village. It wasn’t until years later when I found myself in the streets of Dubrovnik that I was mesmerised by them as they flew, wheeling and darting by the thousands down the ancient narrow streets. How had I

not noticed them before?

Ever since then I have been in awe of their aerial supremacy.

To me, they are the epitome of wildness. Living their entire lives in the air only stopping briefly to raise the next generation.

Pairing for life, they sleep, eat and mate on the wing, reaching migratory altitudes

of 10,000 feet and speeds of 70 miles an hour, making them our fastest flyers.

Their diet consists entirely of aerial plankton; tiny insects and spiders that are carried in the winds.

Swifts come from the family of Apodidae and are genetically more related to hummingbirds than they are the swallows or

martins that they resemble.

You can distinguish them by their larger size, their short-forked tail, and their crescent shaped wingspan.

They are seen chasing each other high in the sky during the day but are best appreciated at dusk when they gather in ‘screaming parties’, something they seem to do just for fun.

Since my first love affair with these mystical birds, their numbers have declined by over half due to the loss of nesting sites. I remember squadrons of them, 30, 40 or 50 birds gleefully screaming overhead, now a group of 20 is something to celebrate.

As I write this, my eyes search the skies looking for that distinct silhouette.

What is it to be so totally at home in the altitudes, soaring above everything we know? To be that small and yet that strong to weather life’s storms; perhaps we have much to learn from them.

Words: Dr Susie Curtin

What else can I eat?

When I want to improve my diet, the first thing I ask myself is: ‘what else can I eat?’ Yes, that’s right, I focus on foods I want to add to my diet.

In the pursuit of healthy eating, it’s quite common for people to immediately start thinking about all the foods they think they should avoid – or even cut out altogether. This approach rarely has a happy ending.

Why would you want to 38

cut something out when you really enjoy it? Some of my favourite foods are pizza, bacon crisps, chocolates, bread, ice cream, cake, biscuits, a glass of wine...

If I told myself I wasn’t going to have these things again, I’d likely feel a bit bereft and probably start thinking about them (and craving them) quite a lot, remembering all the good times we had together.

When we deprive ourselves of something,

chances are we’ll want it even more. It’s like if you’re told not to think of a pink elephant – you then can’t help but think of a pink elephant!

If I told you that you could never have pasta again and that was one of your favourite foods, that’s going to make you pretty miserable, and I bet you’d be thinking about pasta an awful lot more than you would otherwise.

It’s no surprise that food

restriction often results in compensatory behaviour later.

Now of course I’m not suggesting that many of my favourite foods are super health promoting or suggesting you should be eating more of them, it’s just that the health impact of any food in our diet is dose dependent, and there’s room for lots of different variety in our diets.

It’s a good idea to add food to our diet, as in eating

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Health & Wellbeing

Pay attention to your patterns ‘Why do I always react in that way?!’ Ever find yourself thinking this when you realise you’ve had an unhelpful response to something? We all do it. We all have unconscious patterns of thoughts or behaviour, which are built up over time through repetition.

Think about driving a car. When you were first learning to drive, you had to consciously think about what you were doing. But after a while, and a lot of repetition and practise, it all became automatic. The same is true of our thoughts.

Sometimes those thoughts are unhelpful to us, though.

We have no idea why we are reacting that way and we become frustrated and angry with ourselves. It may even begin to cause problems in our lives or in our relationships with others. a wider variety of food, we have more exposure to different nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Adding nutrient-dense foods is a great way to boost our wellbeing and feel good.

I focus on trying to eat more foods likes fruit and vegetables (and trying different ones to my usual selection), having more plant-based proteins like lentils, pulses and beans (also good for boosting fibre). Choosing, where possible, wholemeal bread and pasta, getting some oily fish into my weekly diet and trying a new type of chocolate bar that catches my eye.

Variety is our friend; eat wide to eat well! It’s of course very much down to you and your personal preferences, likes and dislikes. It is possible to

This is because our minds are pattern matching machines – one negative experience can set in motion a program of behaviour designed to protect us from ever having to go through that experience again.

Our unconscious mind is an ever-vigilant bodyguard when it comes to protecting us. But sometimes it gets things a bit wrong, and the pattern of behaviour

that evolves is not always the most effective way of protecting us.

The good news is that you can interrupt that pattern.

You can change it for a new thought or behaviour. This may seem difficult at first, but with the same repetition and practise that it took to build up the original response, you can create a new one.

Think of it like choosing to take a new path through

the woods. At first your way may seem impossible – how can you possibly make your way through all the brambles and fallen logs?

But each time you take that path, the brambles get beaten back a little more, the logs get easier to step over, and you realise that things are becoming much easier and more enjoyable. And in the meantime, that old path you were on has become overgrown and impassable!

You don’t have to remain stuck in one way of thinking or behaving – interrupt that pattern and see how easily life changes for you.

Words: Susie Carver.

Susie is the consulting hypnotist with Sea Change Hypnotherapy in Wimborne – seachangehypno. com. Email hello@ seachangehypno.com

feel virtuous and improve our diets adding foods, and still leaving space for the occasional bag of crisps.

In fact it’s a good idea.

It’s also a lot more fun to eat healthily most of the time and be relaxed around food rather than constructing complicated (and often arbitrary) food rules and breaking into a sweat when someone kindly offers you a slice of their birthday cake.

Katrina Keeling is a Wimborne-based fitness instructor and personal trainer. She works at WOW Ladies Fitness, runs Buggybeat cross training for parents and coaches privately. kkfitness.co.uk Email kkeelingfitness@gmail. com Words: Katrina Keeling

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

39

Health & Wellbeing

Walking back to happiness Discovering the joys of Forest Bathing can increase your happiness and wellbeing, says Gerry Clarke, the director of the World Happiness Project…

Coming out of lockdown creates an opportunity for us to rediscover nature and experience the joys of Forest Bathing. The sounds and smells of the forest, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air – things that give pleasure and a sense of peace and comfort after the anxieties of the past 12 months are what it is all about.

Forest bathing or ShinrinYoku, is a term coined by the Japanese that means taking in the atmosphere of the forest through our senses. It has been shown to ease stress, helping us to relax and think more clearly, restoring our mood, giving back our energy and vitality and rejuvenating our mind.

By opening our senses, 40

Shinrin-yoku bridges the gap between us and the natural world.

Dr Qing Li, the author Shinrin-Yoku – The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, believes: “If you want to be more active, more relaxed, happier and healthier, you need to become closer to nature.”

By 2050, it is estimated 75 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities.

It is proven that city dwellers are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Urban life is also associated with higher anxiety and depression rates.

Nature can provide a solution, and Forest Bathing is good for our body Forest Bathing offers some surprising benefits to our

physical wellbeing, including lowering blood pressure, boosting our immune system and helping us recover from illness and trauma more quickly.

Beneficial effects

In 2016 a research study showed a significant beneficial effect of ShinrinYoku on reduction of blood pressure. Lower blood pressure keeps our heart healthy, preventing cardiovascular problems such as angina, strokes and heart attacks.

The trees and plants in the forest emit substances called phytoncides, or natural plant extracts, which have been found to boost the immune system. Studies have shown that Forest Bathing increases

the body’s NK, or Natural Killer cell activity, and part of the effect comes from the phytoncides. These were seen to last for about 30 days, and as NK cells help fight disease, the study concluded that regular Forest Bathing may have a preventative effect on development of diseases.

The positive effect of nature on patients recovering from illness is also widely accepted, and exposure to nature speeds up convalescence.

A view of nature from a hospital window has been shown to make a difference and lead to many innovations, such as the introduction of hospital gardens and sensory areas.

Forest Bathing is good for our mind

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Health & Wellbeing Forest Bathing can lead to positive effects on mental wellbeing too, reducing tension and stress, improving our mood, resulting in better powers of concentration and our creativity.

Connecting with trees has a healing effect on our mind, stimulating the five senses and allowing us to relate to nature through our ears, eyes, nose, mouth and hands.

Listen to the sounds of the forest, the bird songs and hear the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees.

Look at the calming green colours of the trees and golden sunlight filtering through the branches. Smell the special fragrance of the forest, breathe in the natural aromatherapy of the plants and savour the taste of edible nuts and fruits.

Place your hands on the trunk of a tree, dip your fingers or toes in woodland water, sit or lay on the ground, drinking in the ambience and releasing a

sense of joy and calm. You can then quickly discover your sixth sense; your state of mind. You are connecting with nature and have crossed a bridge to happiness in the natural world.

Tips to help you discover the joys of Forest Bathing…

Turn off your mobile device to give yourself the

using all your senses. Be observant of nature’s small details.

Keep your eyes open. You will find the colours of nature are soothing and relaxing.

Stay as long as you can.

Start with a comfortable time limit and build up to around two hours for a complete experience.

“Forest Bathing is a powerful antidote to the pressures of the modern world, proven to deliver lasting benefits” best chance of relaxing, being mindful and enjoying the forest-based experience.

Slow down. Move through the forest gently so you can see and feel more.

Stop, stand or sit quietly and listen to the sounds and discover the smells of the forest.

Breathe deeply and focus on the environment. Be alert to what’s going on around you.

Take in the surroundings

You can even practise Forest Bathing in parks and gardens near to your home.

Once you’ve found a place that works for you, try visiting outside of peak hours for a quiet time. Early mornings or an afternoon while the children are at school are best.

Forest Bathing is a powerful antidote to the pressures of the modern world, proven to deliver

lasting benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing, and creating a profound connection to nature. You can practise Forest Bathing with or without a guide anywhere in the world, and there are many complementary activities you can do to help you to relax and connect with nature, including walking, yoga, t’ai chi, art classes and forest picnics.

Lindsey from Dorset Forest Bathing runs sessions across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Contact dorsetforest bathing@gmail.com for further details or follow @Dorset Forest Bathing on social media.

You can discover more stories about happiness and wellbeing at our regular monthly online Global Happy Café meetings. Visit worldhappiness-project.com/ happiness-cafe for more details.

Words: Gerry Clarke

Service’s successful switch to online Click is a Dorset-based online interactive community for anyone over the age of 16 with a learning disability.

Their Zoom-based timetable runs seven days a week, including evenings and weekends with a wide variety of sessions that are chosen by their members.

Events range from workouts to dancing, choir, fun and games and music.

We spoke to Click’s project and choir leader, Kelly Perry, and she said: “Click is a project of Windward Day Services, founded 20 years ago by Colehill resident Becky Johnson.

“I’ve led the choir at the Helix day centre in Verwood since 2019 which

went online during the first lockdown along with many other activities on their Zoom timetable.”

When the pandemic hit, Windward Day Services were forced to close all of their in-person centres including Helix in Verwood, but acted quickly setting up a full Zoom service and committed to staying connected with each other during the toughest of times.

Where people once used Windward Day Services to access a range of events, they can now engage in solo or group sessions online.

For many, who have been isolated for the last 15 months, it’s been an essential service.

Marc, a Click member

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

from Ferndown, has been so funded by the local authority, impressed with the service and that’s something Click that he recorded a special are more than happy to help video for us. In it, Marc you with. said: “I’ve been with Click For more information for nearly a year now, and on Click and the range of we’ve done discos, choirs services they offer, go here: and lots of projects. I really clicktogether.co.uk love Click, and I think it’s amazing to be part of their community.”

Prices range from £6-£10 a session, depending on how many you book, and there’s a free two-week unlimited trial, too.

Some people may be eligible to Marc is one of Click’s happy members have the service 41

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June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Environment

Declaring war on waste in Wimborne Did you know that Wimborne Minster is the 32nd town in the UK and the second in Dorset to be awarded ‘PlasticFree Community’ status by Surfers Against Sewage?

This is an award we achieved in September 2018 and celebrated with the soggiest plastic-free street party ever! We are very proud of the work that goes into holding this award, as it shows just how much local businesses, community groups, schools, residents and supporting bodies such as the BID and WMTC have done to reduce the amount of single-use plastic across our lovely town.

The term ‘plastic free’ can be puzzling, even misleading, how can we ever be plastic free? As we know, plastic can be fantastic and is certainly very useful, so here at WWoW our work is focused on single-use plastic – those items such as coffee cups, bottles, bags and straws that are used just once and then thrown away forever. But where is this ‘away’?

Our campaign focuses

on rethinking our culture of using single use; how as a society we have become dependent on the convenience it brings, and how we can bring about change by reducing. It explores alternatives, such as using refillable water bottles and coffee cups, and seeks to encourage change. It is not about judgement, it is about reaching out.

Wimborne War on Waste was started in 2017 by a group of locals who are still passionate about finding positive ways to tackle the problems created by waste.

We are actively involved in organising community litter picks, and the next one planned is part of the GB Spring Clean on Sunday,

June 13 from 11am – all are welcome to attend!

In 2019, WWoW successfully launched the Wimborne Repair Café, a monthly session run by volunteers for people wanting items to be fixed by a team of skilled repairers. A wide range of repairs have been on offer from stitching, jewellery, wood work and electrical. Sadly restrictions put the Repair Café on hold in 2020 but it will be back, just as soon as is possible. Watch this space!

WWoW is run by volunteers. We have an education team delivering awareness workshops with local schools, youth and community groups, as well as stalls and presentations

at events. Looking ahead, WWoW will be opening a community loan scheme where litter-picking equipment, fabric bunting and single-use, plastic-free children’s party kits will be available for free hire.

There’s lots going on and we’d love to involve more people, so if you wish to get involved please drop us an email.

You may simply wish to chat through ways to reduce your single-use plastic, or be keen to volunteer at the Repair Café? You may like your business to become a Plastic-Free Champion, or your community group to be a Plastic-Free Ally? Please get in touch at wimborne waronwaste@gmail.com.

We’d love to hear from you.

For more information about our work, you can find us on the new Planet Wimborne website: planetwimborne.org/plasticfree-wimborne Words: Sarah Wise and Charley Smith, co-founders of Wimborne War on Waste

Crowdfunding for environmental books I recently came across the Wild Tribe Heroes books

by Ellie Jackson, and her fantastic books for schools scheme. The Wild Tribe books carry an important environmental message but not with the shocking images you sometimes see in the media but with an

overarching message of hope, positivity and action.

The books usually cost £10 each but you can purchase a set of three books and a set of teaching resources for £20.

My aim is to raise enough money to buy a set for all our local first schools – £500.

While this may seem a lot, if everyone can give a little I believe we can do it.

You can donate through the JustGiving page

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

here (www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/eastdorset booksforschools).

I understand that this has been a difficult time and you may not be in a position to donate at the moment. If this is the case, perhaps you could share this message with friends and family?

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I really do appreciate it. Your help and support whether through making a donation or sharing the message means a lot.

You can find out about the Wild Tribe Heroes books here: wildtribeheroes.com Words: Julia Carter

Please find attached a copy of your advert to appear in the DORSET VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2021

Fair Ground

Wimborne’s Fair Trade Shop

Beautiful gifts from around the world Food, chocolate, coffee & household supplies Toiletries, soft furnishings & bags T-shirts, baby & children’s clothes, scarves & socks Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm 1 Cornmarket Court, Wimborne fairground21@gmail.com www.wimbornefairtradeshop.co.uk shopappy.com/wimborne/fair-ground

01202 849898

43

Motoring

Slow and steady The East Dorset Trac(tor) Pack will be enjoying one of their regular runs in the Wimborne and surrounding areas on Saturday, June 5.

The pack is made up of vintage tractors, mostly built between 1950 and 1975. Some of the popular makes include Ferguson, Fordson, David Brown, Nuffield, Massey Ferguson, Ford, International and BMC. This is the first run since their Christmas-themed run in December.

Here’s a breakdown of the route…

9.45 -10am Gather at Barley Mow, Colehill 10.15am Leave Barley Mow 11.00 am arrive at the Witchampton Club 11.30am Leave the Witchampton Club Off-Road section from Witchampton to Chilbridge Hillbutts

Wanted 4x4 pre-2008 Toyota/Honda/Volvo etc. been standing can repair and MOT 07740 378644

Pamphill Church Pamphill Avenue Vine Hill Cowgrove Road to Wimborne Victoria Road, West Street, The Square, West Boro, Priors Walk, East Boro, The Square, High Street, King Street, West Street, The Square, West Boro, Priors Walk, Hanham Road, Rowlands Hill, Park Lane, East Street, Poole Road, New Boro, Avenue Road, St John’s Hill. Rowlands Hill, Wimborne Road, Colehill Co-Op, Smuggler’s Lane, Colehill Lane returning to the Barley Mow at about 1.30pm.

Storage for caravans, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford.

01258 450050 / 07704 813025

MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

Austin 7 Ruby.

Good condition.

07956 000580

CARAVAN FOR SALE 1998 Swift Silhouette.

2 berth. Very good condition. Porch awning, electric hook up & extras. £2,500 or vno 01258 880804

Mercedes 212 swb 5 cylinder Diesel van 145,000 mls mot July all up together £1,650 more info tell 07860 840377

We buy low mileage cars with service history You need your trucks and vans on the road

If you are looking to sell, we will give you an honest and itemised summary and a genuine valuation of your car, with a guaranteed fair cash offer.

We’re here to keep them there

DORSET’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICE

Commercial vehicle repair and maintenance MOT preparation and presentation On-site tachograph centre to install and calibrate Servicing for all makes and models of commercial vehicles

ETS TRUCK&VAN 6 Witney Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0GH Tel: 01202 669339 Email: service@etstrucks.co.uk and Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, Dorset DT11 7FB Tel: 01258 480404 Email: blandford@etstrucks.co.uk

44

Contact us now on for a no obligation valuation.

(01202) 902566 (01202) 902387

Open: 9.30am – 4pm Monday – Friday, Saturday and Sunday appointment only 187 Leigh Road, Wimborne BH21 2BT

www.johnbennsmotorcompany.co.uk June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Pets

Waggy Tails rescue update This year has been a very strange one for us as a rescue. The number of dogs has dropped dramatically and we are not alone in this, as all rescue charities are the same.

So many dogs have been bought during lockdown, whether from breeders or people passing them on, that we are now expecting an influx of poorly socialised and trained dogs, as people realise that they cannot return to normality and assume that the dog will adjust to the changes. We will continue to help as many dogs as we can and offer help and advice.

We reopened our Ferndown shop at the beginning of April but unfortunately have decided to close the Parkstone shop

permanently. This has not been due entirely to covid, but obviously the situation over the last year has not helped. Happily, the Turbary Road shop seems to be thriving, bringing in much-needed funds since reopening.

Donations and legacies have been our main source of income this year and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us keep the

charity running during these unprecedented months.

Later in the year we are hoping to be able to hold some fundraising events so please keep an eye out for these on the website and social media. As soon as the venues start to reopen we will try to get some dates in place.

We are running a Dog Show as part of the Family Fest in Wimborne on July

24-25, and all the proceeds will come directly to us so please come along and support us on either of the days if you are able to. You will need to buy a ticket in advance, and details are on familyfestdorset.co.uk Thank you all for your continued support. Take care and stay safe.

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset. We rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home. We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care, so to find out more you can contact us on 01202 875000 or www.waggytails.org.uk Words: The Waggy Tails team

Local charity continues to support animals The veterinary profession has played a vital role in responding to the impact of the pandemic on people and animals, and Dorsetbased animal welfare charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) has been at the forefront.

The global pandemic slowed down human activity worldwide, but it also left many animals without food, shelter or veterinary care.

The veterinary teams at WVS stepped in to provide emergency support across its project sites in India, Thailand, and Malawi, as well as supporting other projects in countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

In 2020, the charity treated over 20,000 animals (compared to just 13,000 in 2019), set up feeding programmes to support

starving animals on the empty streets, and launched online training courses to upskill veterinary students, graduates and professionals – no matter where they were in the world.

Deemed essential by local government partners, WVS centres and mobile teams have operated throughout the pandemic, covering for other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who were unable to.

In Goa, India, our facility was the only NGO to remain open across the entire state in 2020, ensuring that animals were not left to suffer.

Luke Gamble, the founder and CEO of WVS is thankful that despite the challenges

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

presented by the pandemic, his teams have been able to carry on in some capacity.

Luke said: “In 2020 we adapted our surgical training courses and launched accredited Distance Learning courses, allowing us to train almost 700 vets, veterinary nurses, and para-vets virtually and in the clinic.

“While in the field, we still managed to reach our life-saving targets to help animals worldwide, sterilising more than 16,000 animals and vaccinating over 222,000

dogs against rabies.”

Coming into 2021, the teams are still facing very difficult circumstances. With two International Training Centres in India – hubs for expert veterinary training and care – the outbreak of covid had led to an incredibly challenging period ahead.

Like much of 2020, the charity continues to adapt, put stringent preventive measures in place, work in new shift patterns and follow local Government guidelines to carry on helping animals in need.

To learn more about the work of WVS worldwide, and to find out how to donate to support their valuable work, go to wvs.org.uk/news 45

Local Services

heating and plumbing services

01202 612179

COMPUTER SERVICES 01202 814081

Work is carried out at your home or business (no call out charge) or in our workshops.

Apple Mac & Windows Laptops Towers Monitors Gaming PCs and laptops Printers Phone Lines New Equipment and Repairs Broadband and Networking iPhone & iPad SET-UP ANTI VIRUS AND INTERNET SECURITY All things computers... well almost!

Traditional Hereford bull, pedigree proven, ideal native breeds, not Holsteins or Continental.

01747 830335

SPIERSEstablished ELECTRONICS 1989

Call 01202 814081 or email sales@spiers-electronics.co.uk 3 Woodlinken Drive, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6BN

EE

TI

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Seasoned Hardwood Cut and Split, Half or Full Load, Free Delivery

DY

STI K

PIN

AI G BRIT

THE LOG SHED

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01202 914182 07947 093681 07754 876575

HOUSE CLEARANCE PROFESSIONALS Including sheds, Lofts and Garages.

01202 855 349 - Discounts for saleable items -

PLUMBER

www.allcleanwaste.co.uk Registered with Dorset County Councils Trading Standards, licences with The Environment Agency.

ROOFING SYSTEMS & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An established family business for over 100 years Local Authority & National Trust Contractor Flat Roofing Specialists with High Performance Polyester and Elastomeric Systems All Other Roofing Repairs Carried Out Insurance Backed Guarantees

Roofing tel: 01202 882777

Free estimates.

No call-out charges 0747-512-8249

All ironwork

Handrails, Gates, Railings, Repairs, Restoration 01258 880301

www.davidsroofing.co.uk info@davididsofwimborne.co.uk

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

Sinks

Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge

01747 640188 07587 238563 46

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

Variety of POL hybrid pullets now available.

07545 468700

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER & BARBER covering the Stour and Avon area, good rates.

07795 263840

WANTED! Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975 BILL HUSSEY TELECOM

Telephone Extensions, Routers Relocated.

Broadband problems.

56 years experience. www.billhussey.com 07736642733

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS

For cow tracks / retaining walls.

Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited 01258 830324 www.liquiline.co.uk

OLD BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES Rural, garden & agricultural items bought & sold

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301 KDL Plumbing and Heating All work undertaken Free Estimates.

No call-out charges.

0747-512-8249 (01202) 805650 (01258) 490265

NE PLUMBING For all your plumbing needs

17 South Rd, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3HY

24/7 No Call Out Fee

01202 699912 07414 897888

Nick Evans

www.neplumbing | email neplumbing@hotmail.co.uk June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Local Services ENFORD FARM SHOP

Recruitment

Home-reared lamb along with locally produced meat, veg, fruit, deli and game.

Also poultry and pet feeds.

Independent Day Day School School Independent for Girls and Boys from for Girls and Boys from 22 to to 13 13 years years

Follow us on Facebook for all of our latest deals and offers including weekly meat pack deals HALF PIG APPROXIMATELY £100 (depending on weight)

Grounds/General Maintenance Person To maintain and develop all open areas and playing fields Grounds/General Maintenance Person on campus, with additional general maintenance duties For an application further To maintain and develop all form openand areas anddetails, playing fields on please visit www.dumpton.com/vacancies campus, with additional general maintenance duties Closing Date for Applications 9am on Monday 14 June For an application form and further details, Dumpton School, Deans Grove House, please visit www.dumpton.com/vacancies Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AF Telephone 01202 883818 Closing Date for Applications Dumpton School is committed to safeguarding 9am on Monday 14ofJune and promoting the welfare children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Dumpton School,toDeans Grove House, This post is subject an enhanced DBS check.

Open Wed – Sat, 8:30am – 4pm.

Out of hours outside shop 8am – 8pm self service, also Arts display.

Durweston, near Blandform

01258 450050

Announcements

Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AF www.dumpton.com Telephone 01202 883818 Registered Charity No 306222

mpton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

WANTED

FT OR PT HARVEST HELP SALES PERSON www.dumpton.com REQUIRED

GARDENER & CLEANER

for ice cream van, for general tractor and Registered Charity No 306222 for 2 hours, twice a over 25, good rate of farm work in Sixpenny week each. Blandford pay. Full training given.

Handley area. Please St Mary area.

Call 07966 276612 call 07836 665725 01258 453702

Items for sale 2 electric strimmers, 2 electric hedge cutters, 1 electric chainsaw £10 each 01747 861044 Small garden roller £20, half a roll of sheet netting £20 01747 861044 Small dog cage, £10.

Dog grooming table, £25ono. Two single blow-up beds and pump, £15ono 01747 861044

Single adjustable bed with grab rails, cost over £1,000.

FREE 01258 472534 Royal Doulton China, vgc, matching dinner, tea and coffee services, £100 01258 861032 Robust 18inch circular wicker pet basket, £12 01258 861032 Avery for sale 6ft x 3ft as new, £100 01258 268810

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Royal Doulton China Excellent Condition Matching Dinner Tea and Coffee Services £100 01258 861032 Large stainless steel push top bin. 80cm high 38cm diameter. £25 01258 840824 Black Giant 6000 ALUXX Bike Shimano 16 gears rock shox front suspension, £40

01258 840824 Box trailer, 5ft x 3ft fully enclosed.

Lighting set and spare wheel, good condition £99. 07974 082293 / 01258 808313 Wardrobe, pine, good condition £35 01258 808313 Leather attache case, poss. military or official govt.

40s-50s? Good condition £20 01258

818219 Leather briefcase clasp top, poss.

40s-60s, good condition £20 01258 818219 Cast iron parasol base, good condition £20 01258 451507 Cobra Rotary Mower, 4 stroke engine, 18 inch cut, little use, excellent condition £100 01258 453301 47

Homes & Gardens

Duchess de Nemours – a splendid cut flower

Inspecteur Lavergne drooping deliciously in early June

Lactiflora Sarah Bernhardt

‘The Queen of flowers: Peonies I remember slumbering among my Grandmother’s tree peonies; they were a buttery, sweet yellow.

Overtaken by the sleepiness after a summer’s romp, I curled, like a dormouse, in the reprieve of the shade.

As they shed flaxen leaves, I held a hand out to catch them.

Tree peonies have stayed with me. I have just bought yet another five – Paeonia Suffruticosa Double Pink, a scented Japanese variety, for our new garden. Peony scents tend to be sweet, almost rose-like, with a hint of spice. Grow them next to a window, or door, so the scent wafts in.

Eventually 1.2-1.5m in height, while they may take a 48

while to flower – up to three years sometimes – it is worth the wait. If you need to, they prefer a little light pruning to shape in February when you can see the branches swelling with the new year.

Herbaceous peonies evoke our bucolic May wedding, 11 gardening springs ago. We had the wedding breakfast in our garden and the Inspecteur Lavergne were expectant in their green-cupped embrace, waiting to burgeon the herbaceous border.

Peonies are the flower to celebrate one’s twelfth wedding anniversary, so I am exploring scented varieties to bejewel our patch. They are gorgeous in any garden and majestic

in the home; I cannot wait to have them again.

Herbaceous peonies do not need pruning as they die back to the ground, but should be cut back in late autumn. Dead heading them will encourage stronger root growth and the petals are lovely in your bath.

The inflorescence of the Lactiflora Sarah Bernhardt, beloved to me due to its link with that most effervescent, resilient and beauteous of actors, is legendary.

The scented, blush hues and sheer abundance of the blooms encapsulate the vivacity of the actor herself.

Similarly, the Lactiflora Candy Stripe is resonant of the striped tents of Summer Country Shows that exude

All photos by Emma Harris-Curtis-Monahan

exquisite scents. To extend the season choose early, mid and late season varieties in one border.

All peonies prefer a southern aspect and inertia: moving them distresses them greatly! Avoid over watering, especially when in their infant glory. Mulching them in autumn ensures strong blooming the next May. They are surprisingly low maintenance and consistent when in the right conditions, rewarding you each year.

Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty was accurate when she christened them ‘The Queen of Flowers’.

Words: Emma HarrisCurtis-Monahan

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Homes & Gardens

Garden to open for charity We have lived at Brackenwood near Stewarts Garden Centre at Broomhill for 12 years, and have hosted a garden party for the past 10 years.

The Nations Garden Scheme has invited us to join but we prefer to raise money for specific local charities such as the MS Centre at West Parley, Wimborne Hospital and Dorset Cancer Care at Poole Hospital. In total, we have raised over £20,000.

Our openings are more like a fete since we always have cream teas, stalls and a brass band – for several years entertainment has been provided by the wonderful Bierfass Band and the equally wonderful Christchurch & District Concert Band.

Last year, of course, we were unable to open normally but group visits were arranged and we managed to raise £800 for a specific piece of equipment

GREENHOUSES Supplied/Erected Alloy/Ten Colours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258 452632

GARAGE TO RENT in Sturminster Newton.

Suitable for storage/ car. £100 per month 01258 475674

GRASS CUTTING AND HEDGE CUTTING Malcolm Kelly. All garden maintenance.

01258817541.

07717368134

GUTTERS CLEARED WINDOWS fascias, soffits, Gutters cleaned, Repairs, Free Estimates 07788 376752

Over Over Over 3030 30 years years years experience experience experience

Best Best Best prices prices prices paid paid paid please please please call: call: call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk

to treat breast cancer.

There was no garden here when we moved in.

In fact, Brackenwood was once a brickworks and the ruins of the kiln remain.

The first year was spent digging out docks and stinging nettles! Since then the garden has evolved rather than being designed and we have small lakes, a fernery, herbacious borders, over 20 different acers and a collection of stone dragons.

My favourite plants display colourful foliage throughout the year and oak trees provide plentiful shade.

This year we plan to open once again for group visits by appointment and we hope to also hold one open day in the garden (BH21 7DD) on 25th July.

Words: Fay Glifford

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

SCREENED TOP SOIL FOR SALE DELIVERED - TEL NO: 01258 861046 49

Antiques & Collectables

Time is money The Charterhouse June 10-11 two-day auction includes a super selection of clocks.

“Generally, wherever you are today you will easily be able to see what the time is.

Whether in the car, sitting at your desk or watching the telly, there will be a wristwatch, clock or mobile phone, all of which will give you the accurate time,” commented Richard Bromell of Charterhouse.

He continued: “While we take this all for granted today, for centuries if you wanted to know what the time was, you relied on the village or town clock.”

Clocks in the auction range from the mid-17th century through to the mid20th century, and come in all

5th & 6th November Thursday 10th June

shapes and sizes.

Dating to circa 1660, just a few years before the Great Fire of London, is a fine longcase clock. Of small and slender proportions, the dial is signed Fabian Robin Londini Fecit. Fitted with a sophisticated eight day, five-pillar movement striking the hours on a bell, it is in a walnut case with floral marquetry inlaid decoration and is estimated at £3,000£5,000.

Another fine clock, dating to the end of the 19th century, is the carriage clock pictured on the opposite page. Made in Paris circa 1870, this was an expensive travelling clock and remains so today with an unusual bird-mounted carrying

28th October Wednesday 30th June

5th & 6th November Friday 11th June

Specialist Free Valuation Days

Coins, Stamps, Militaria, Model Cars, Toys Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards & Clock Auction Thursday 10th Tuesday 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Clocks Antiques & Interiors Auction Friday 11th

German Imperial Navy First World War ships clock – £400-£600

handle. It is estimated at £800-£1,200.

However, moving into the 20th century are two clocks from opposing sides of two World Wars.

From the First World War is an Imperial German Navy ships bulkhead clock fitted in vessel V46. Launched in 1914, V46 was a high seas torpedo boat at 261 feet and capable of 34.5 knots.

At the end of hostilities, V46 was interned at Scapa Flow where attempts to scuttle her along with the rest of the German fleet were made but failed.

The clock is now mounted in a walnut case, with a plaque ‘Salved from V46.

Scuttled at Scapa June 21 1919’. This piece of First World War history is estimated at £400-£600.

Moving forward to the Second World War, and it is the turn of the British to issue a clock. In a somewhat utilitarian oak case made to MOD specification is an RAF clock.

Issued in 1941, the clock probably spent the duration of the War in an officer’s mess, although it is not known where. Fitted with

Wednesday 14th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys

Full details on www.charterhouse-auction.com Thursday 15th Medals, Militaria, Coins & Stamps

Specialist Free June Valuation Days Friday 16th Asian Ceramics & Works of Art Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 7th Classic Motorcycle Auction 28th8th October Silver, Jewellery & Watches Pictures, Books, Maps11th & Postcards 9th Classic Car Auction November June Further 30th Classic Vintage entries&now being Motorcycles accepted JulyStreet 15th Classic & Vintage Cars The Long Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS Further entries now being accepted r XXX DIBSUFSIPVTF BVDUJPO DPN The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

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We are back

Just like the Old Days

PASTIMES of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and collectible toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Stars Wars, Scalextric.

Meccano, unmade Airfix kits etc. Those magical names: Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-on, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus...

Telephone: 01935 816072 Mobile: 07527 074343 Covid safe for house visits, please call to arrange an appointment

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Antiques & Collectables an Elliott single fusee movement, it is also estimated at £400-£600 Viewing for the auctions on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th June is at Charterhouse,

The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th June 9am-5pm.

Alternatively you can see awll the lots and follow the auction

live on www.charter house-auction.com Charterhouse are now accepting entries for their specialist auctions of classic motorcycles on June 30, pictures and books (July 8), mid-century modern and decorative arts (July 9), and for their auction of classic and vintage cars on July 15.

Richard Bromell and the team of experts at Charterhouse can be contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277, info@charterhouseauction.com or via www.charterhouseauction.com

Late 19th century French carriage clock £800-£1,200

New emporium open in Blandford The Old Grainstore Emporium is a new and exciting antiques emporium on the newly developed Grainstore site situated behind Mark Robbins Carpets off Shaftesbury Lane in Blandford.

It has actually been open for over a year now but obviously has been closed more than it has been open.

Now it has come back bigger and better!

There’s a wide range of antique, retro, vintage and mid-century collectibles, along with locally produced artisan

items, eco products and greeting cards from local artists. It’s a great place to find unique and locally made gifts for all prices and tastes.

There’s also a quirky tea room too, serving teas, coffee, and delicious homemade cakes.

Later this summer a furniture emporium will

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

also be opening, so please follow them on Facebook and Instagram @The Old Grainstore Emporium for the latest updates.

If you’re interested in renting space to trade, please send them an email at theold grainstoreemporium@ outlook.com or phone Sarah on 07745 477795.

POSTCARDS WANTED All types. Pre-1950 Best prices paid 01202 743860 Or 07922 069270

Vintage, antique, retro, upcycled, artisan & tearoom OPEN Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm & 1st Sunday of month 10am to 4pm

Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford DT11 7EG Tel: 07745 477 795 theoldgrainstoreemporium@outlook.com

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Puzzles Bridges

Crossword

Join circled numbers with horizontal or vertical lines, so that each number has as many lines connected to it as specified by its value.

No more than two lines may join any pair of numbers, and no lines may cross. The finished layout must allow you to travel from any number to any other number just by following one or more lines.

3

3

2

1 3

4

3

10

12

11

13

14

15 16

17

3

18 21

20

2

3

5

7

9

1

2

4

8

3

1

2

6

1

4 3

1

3

19

22

23

24

2 1

2

1

2

1

3

6 7 9 10 11 13 15 16 17 20 22 23 24

2

Word Search Monsters

O I O G R E B I G F O O T T N

A M I O I P M F G E T R Y E P

E C R O P E R R U T D P E S C

E G O Z O M B I E E H N Y N N

BIGFOOT CHIMERA CYCLOPS DEMON GORGON MANTICORE MEDUSA MINOTAUR

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I I G G E O E I M O O E F O H

O C T S I T T O N A S L S T P

D H W P Z D N E R E O G I O E

E I R O M U N E R W R A A C O

M M H L D O R E E I R I L L R

E E G C G O W R W W P G S R T

D R C Y B G E E R S D M O E L

OGRE SIREN TYPHON VAMPIRE WENDIGO WEREWOLF WRAITH ZOMBIE

U A I C N W I A R R D H A P A

S R I I E R O C I T N A M V Z

A R V R R M A G O R G O N D P

E T R I T O I M I N O T A U R

Across Small, fragrant shrub (5) Exaggerate (6) Never dating (7) Old communications service (5) Always (4) Motor (6) Flaming (5) Mars (6) Round, griddled bread (4) A picture within a picture, eg (5) Confidential (7) Blame (6) Slumbered (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 12 13 14 15 18 19 21

Down Second personality (5,3) Pimpled (5) Really bad (5) Fate (7) Graven image (4) Captaincy (10) Scientific test (10) Female sibling (3) Aeon (3) Separates (8) At top speed (4,3) Make someone unhappy (5) Initial (5) Ill (4)

Sudoku

7 3

6 2 4 7 5 1

5 8 2 6 9 3 7 5

1 9 For the solutions turn to pages 56-57

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

5 3

Brain Chain 9

RESULT

×6

÷9

+45

-12

Puzzles Hard 1

Brain Chain – Hard 123

1

RESULT

+122

÷7

+12

+60%

÷2

2

3

2

3 4 Cryptic Crossword 5

4

6

8

7

8

9 9

Arrow Word

10 10

Solve this crossword where all the clues are given within the grid.

A state of inactivity

Sulky

Clothed

Deliberate damage

In reverse

Put down

11

‘That was easy’ (5,2,4)

Spy

12

12

13

14

14

1

2

Have

3

16

13

5 17 166

4

18

15

17

7

18

8 1920s art style

Unhappy

9

Ordinary man?

Wintry

19

20

21

Fleece product

Meeting places

Literary greeting

Statute

14 16 Toboggan runner

19

Enemies

Down Across 2 Level with the Spanish football side (6) 1 Wordy work over BSE (7) Across Do 3 Woman in US gone, it’s said, for 5 Second instant for criticism (5) 12 13 1 Wordy BSE (7) (5,4) 2 Le 9 One advocating complete overhaul in a work over vegetable 5 Second instant 4for criticism (5) in small book showing 3W Question I found roundabout way? (13) 9 Oneinadvocating complete ve journalistic piece (5) in a 10 Like a standard book about expert drink (8) 15 overhaul 6 Large 11 A largely authentic region (4) roundabout way?

(13) weight from the south presumably 4Q 7book Predicament in secret 12 Policeman losing time for fellow that’s not 10 18 Like a standard about expert in place drink(6) (8) jo 17 8 Unambiguous order (6) working (9) 11 A largely authentic region (4) 6 La 11 Saying about leading group with time br 16 Loathe new fences at that time (4) 12 Policeman losing time for fellow that’s not 7 Pr benefit (9) 17 Criminal declines to be officially approved (8) working (9) 19 Bug on Cuba I spread around place close to 13 English comedienne in city haunt (6)8 Un 16 Loathe new fences at thatignoring time (4) 14 Finished rule however (6) 11 Sa shore? A major contagion (7,6) 20 17 Criminal to be seed officially approved (8) writerbe( 15 Edible pod left say by posh 21 Thick piece in front of cafeteria taken by declines Manage to takeplace in sunclose in small attractive man (5) 19 Bug on Cuba I18 spread around to wood 13 (5) En 20contagion Possess some 22 Young hare always in rental property (7)A major shore?

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21

Word Square How many words can you find in this square? Make a word by starting on any letter and then tracing a path to adjacent letters, moving only to touching squares, excluding diagonally-touching squares. Every word must be at least three letters in length, and a letter square can’t be used more than once in a given word.

E N T A

M A P R

22

A R S I

I L N A

Across 1 Wordy work over BSE (7) 5 Second instant for criticism (5) 9 One advocating complete overhaul in a roundabout way? (13) 10 Like a standard book about expert in drink (8) 11 A largely authentic region (4) 12 Policeman losing time for fellow that’s not working (9) 16 Loathe new fences at that time (4) 17 Criminal declines to be officially approved (8) 19 Bug on Cuba I spread around place close to shore? A major contagion (7,6) 21 Thick piece in front of cafeteria taken by attractive man (5) 22 Young hare always in rental property (7)

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

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Not that, but ___

Too

Computer book-layout (inits)

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2111

10

A hundred

Bunkum

Jar for holding flowers

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Fresh

Egg-shaped

Query

19

21 Thick piece in front of cafeteria taken by attractive man (5) 22 Young hare always in rental property (7)

15 Ed 18 M 20 Po

Down 2 Level with the Spanish football side (6) 3 Woman in US gone, it’s said, for vegetable (5,4) 4 Question I found in small book showing witty journalistic piece (5) 6 Large weight from the south presumably? (3) 7 Predicament in secret place (6) 8 Unambiguous order (6) 11 Saying about leading group with time brings benefit (9) 13 English comedienne in city haunt (6) 14 Finished ignoring rule however (6) 15 Edible seed pod left say by posh writer (6) 18 Manage to take in sun in small wood (5) 20 Possess some material in gowns (3)

53

Your MP

Veterans benefit from scholarship fund Coming from a family of teachers, I have always had an interest in education, and from 2016-2020, I was chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Employment. This group looked at a variety of ways in helping young people into training and employment.

My interest in education and helping people into employment continues, so I was delighted by the plans announced in the Queen’s speech about the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. New laws will create a post-16 and adult education and training system that is fit for the future, providing the skills that people need for well-paid jobs and opportunities to train throughout their lifetime.

For veterans, one way to develop to further their education might be through the Open University (OU) Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund. This fund provides scholarships for up to 50 disabled veterans to build on their unique military skills and experiences by studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level for free.

The OU has awarded 160 scholarships so far, helping individuals from a variety of

service backgrounds with a range of physical disabilities and mental health conditions.

Each scholarship is tailored to support disabled veterans, injured during or due to their service, as they transition to civilian life, providing a free OU education and wraparound disability and careers service support.

The application deadline is midnight on July 9 2021, and you can find information online at open.ac.uk/ courses/choose/veterans The Queen’s speech announced the Government’s new legislative program for this Parliament, and other measures included the plans to continue the work in establishing an advanced research agency. This work will build on the success of the vaccination program, to lead work in life sciences,

MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole Michael Tomlinson Bill started in the last Parliament, and part of my recent work has been scrutinising the Bill line by line in the committee stages. These committees are a vital part of the work in Parliament, as each Bill is thoroughly scrutinised

“Many of you have been in touch to express concerns about storm overflows in Dorset” and conducting ambitious scientific research.

This will be developed through the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) Bill. This

and debated by a cross-party group of MPs. The committee may call expert witnesses as part of the evidence gathering for each clause. Oral and written

evidence can be submitted, and all proceedings are recorded in Hansard, so you can read them online. Some shorter Bills need only one meeting, and others can stretch into many hours of scrutiny and discussion.

So far we have had six sessions on the ARIA Bill, and it is now with the House of Lords.

Also announced was the Environment Bill, which will include new legal duties to tackle sewage discharges into rivers and help protect our waterways. Many of you have been in touch to express concerns about storm overflows in Dorset, and these changes are planned to be implemented by the end of this year.

It will be another busy session of Parliament in Westminster, but as always I am continuing my surgeries, so please do get in touch if you need support.

You can contact me via email michael.tomlinson. mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01202 624216.

I send out a regular email update – you can sign up at michaeltomlinson.org.uk where you can also find links to the very latest coronavirus advice.

Community fridge aims to combat food waste Blandford’s Community Fridge opened on Wednesday, May 19 with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

The fridge is located at Blandford Youth and Community Centre (next to the Leisure Centre), and will be initially open on Wednesday mornings 54

between 9am and 11am for anyone to help themselves to quality food from Tesco that would otherwise be wasted.

The aim is to reduce food waste – a big issue in the UK where, the average household throws away £700 worth of food a year at a time when four million people are living in food poverty.

Funding for the fridge has come from Dorset Council

and Blandford Forum Town Council, with commitments from the Georgian Fayre, the Carnival Committee and Sandisons Ltd (an accountancy firm), and is one of a growing number operating across the UK. Work on the Blandford project started in September 2020 and online meetings have been held since then with volunteers and

representatives from Blandford Forum Town Council, the Blandford Group Practice, Blandford Youth and Community Centre and Public Health Dorset.

To find out more about the Blandford Community Fridge and how to donate or volunteer, see their Facebook page or email blandfordcommunityfridge @outlook.com

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Sport

Fly fishers struggle at Sutton Bingham

Women’s Cricket rising in popularity Women’s cricket is growing fast across Dorset, with both softball and hardball leagues now up and running.

The teams in the South and East Dorset Softball league are Swanage, Broadstone, Verwood, Winton, Ferndown, Parley, Poole, Bournemouth and Bournemouth University.

Meanwhile, the Hardball League has the following six teams playing in it: Broadstone, Shillingstone, Winton, Poole, Parley and Puddleton.

The surge of interest is testament to the hard work put by Katrina Cole, Women and Girls Cricket Development Officer at the Dorset Cricket Board.

She joined in 2019 and organised softball cricket festivals to attract new women to the game – and more than 400 women took part.

“In 2019, a lot of the players were new to cricket,” said Katrina. She believes the festivals were a catalyst for the creation of the leagues.

“We were set up to go in 2020 but it didn’t happen.

The leagues have developed because people want to be more competitive.”

The fact that schools now choose cricket as a girls summer sport, rather than rounders, has furthered interest, along with increased England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) funding of the women’s game.

“There are about 25 clubs that play Women’s Softball Cricket which would welcome new members.”

For more info, go to www.dorsetcricketboard. co.uk and look for the ‘Women/Girls’ section.

If all this has whetted your appetite then June is officially the ECB Women’s Big Cricket Month, and there is a series of events happening all over the country.

Head to ecb.co.uk/play/ women-and-girls/womensbig-cricket-month to find an event near you.

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishing Club is a friendly and welcoming society of enthusiastic and knowledgeable anglers who meet regularly to fish for trout tie flies and swap tales of the one who got away.

Each month the club visits a different venue for a friendly competition.

In May we paid a visit to Sutton Bingham which is a reservoir on the Somerset Dorset border. This venue is operated by Wessex Water, who offer anglers the dual benefit of bank or boat fishing.

The reservoir itself is enormous, and although the water is stocked regularly with fish, your angling needs to be on point to achieve success.

This May has been the coldest and wettest since 1996 and our trip was made

in testing conditions. It’s said that low barometric pressure affects fish activity and the fish at Sutton Bingham were definitely not playing ball.

20 anglers made the trip and only five fish were caught. The only angler to catch a brace was junior member Leo Hoyle who’s two fish bag weighed in at just under 5lbs.

Leo tried a variety of fly patterns before achieving success and it is testament to his skill and patience that he managed to overcome the challenging weather conditions which many felt were largely to blame for the poor catch return.

Excuses for not catching fish is, as you can imagine, a regular topic of clubhouse conversation.

Tight Lines ’til next time.

Words: Gordon Wray

55

Our friends in Europe The Wimborne-Valognes twinning Association will be celebrating its 53rd year in 2021. Much has changed over this half century, not least the political map in Europe. This has not diminished the enthusiasm, energy, and, more importantly, the friendship that still exists between our two towns.

The Wimborne side offers a number of social events during the year, from quiz nights, wine tasting and BBQs to help bring the members and friends together, as well as raising money in order to entertain our French friends on their biannual visits.

We in turn go and visit them, with each family hosting a member or two.

It is a chance to exchange and learn from each other’s cultures and to visit amazing places from around the area.

From Cherbourg at night, with its music festival and famous umbrellas, to the Normandy landing beaches, to Barfleur, where William the Conqueror set off to… well, the rest as they say is history.

Lifetime friendships are made, and the bonds between our two countries are made even stronger.

The next 50 years

As we embark on the next 50 years, the association is keen to embrace a wider audience.

We would like to engage with our local schools and give them contacts in Valognes so that children can exchange stories and experiences. We would like to engage with music clubs, cycle clubs, walking clubs, sport clubs, again helping facilitate their connections to France.

Cherbourg has a wonderful music festival every year, there is a huge cycle event that covers the whole area, and there are great historical sites to visit and wonderful countryside to explore. There are wonderful people to meet too, and let us not forget the food and wine – we never return with empty stomachs.

So if you are at all interested in any way, then please do contact our Secretary Mike Shapcott mike.shapcott@gmail.com Or contact myself, David

Barfleur – where it all started for William the Conqueror

A music festival in Cherbourg

Emes, President, on demes@ live.co.uk 07885 791368 We look forward to

welcoming you soon.

Words: David Emes

Puzzle solutions From pages 52-53 Sudoku 8 3 6 5 4 9 2 7 1

7 1 9 8 2 3 4 6 5

5 2 4 7 6 1 8 3 9

Crossword 6 4 3 9 7 8 5 1 2

9 7 1 2 3 5 6 4 8

2 5 8 4 1 6 3 9 7

3 6 5 1 9 2 7 8 4

1 8 7 6 5 4 9 2 3

4 9 2 3 8 7 1 5 6

L E A D E R S H I P

Brain Chain 9

56

3

18

2

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I G V P

A L T E R E G O

N S I A C K

A L A C O N U L E S S D Y R S F I E I L S A U E T P O S C U S E T T

D I V E R D O S O E T E L E X I P E N G I N E R Y S R A R O T I F L M R I V A T E R T N S L E P T T S

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Bridges 3

3 1

3

2 4

3

1 4

1

3 1 3

2 3

2 3 2

1 2

2

1 3

1 2

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Points of View

Tone deaf TeeBee’s back, and this time she’s turning her gaze to that most bizarre of annual events, the Eurovision Song Contest Eurovision! I know, this is a family magazine, so I shouldn’t use such words.

But did you watch it, read about it, wallow in the unbearable embarrassment of being an UK citizen during the singing, or at least the scoring?

Eurovision! It has become a parody of its nostalgic, kitsch, guilty pleasure self. More politics than a partisan newspapercertainly more than goes on in the House of Commons on even a busy day – think more than 20 MPs in a sitting, pre-covid of course).

Eurovision! The one day per year that we are rudely reminded that we as a nation, sovereign state, member of the UN in our own right are more hated than Smallpox, the Black Death, the Spanish Flu and possibly every narcissistic despot tyrant that ever attempted to become

President, Prime Minister, World Leader or World Ruler.

Eurovision! Where we have been handed the null points crown of questionable heritage from those duffers that held it before. This time, however, we hold it not because the singer representing us can’t sing, or because the song

ail, air, amen, ant, apt, aria, email, liar, liars, mail, man, mane, map, maps, mar, mars, men, name, nap, naps, pan, pane, pant, par, parliament, parliamentarian, parliamentarians, rail, ram, ran, rant, rap, raps, rapt, rat, sir, spa, span, spar, sprat, tar

Brain Chain – Hard 245

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New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Cryptic Crossword V E R B O S E L R Q D R E V O L U T I V A I R R E A D A B L E N B C D E F E C T T A C T H E N L I C O A O B U B O N I C P G W R S C H U N K L E

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RESULT

behind the delicious irony curtain of it’s so wrong it must be right. I admit I half-watched six songs from behind my knitting and felt so much like a tricoteuse that I had to retire early. But for what it’s worth, Malta did okay. She sang well, she danced well, and she worked that stage.

I saw UK. Nothing to write home about, despite him being a decent chap.

And then it became a blur…

Russia, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Serbia. Then some cartoon guy saying he doesn’t hate anyone and then Destiny’s Child’s Inappropriate Aunties. Remember when there was uproar when Buck’s Fizz lost their skirts?

Well, spoiler alert if you haven’t watched it yet, but DCIA hadn’t even bothered to put them on.

Eurovision! What a lot of pants!

TeeBee

Italy – the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest ‘winners’

Word Square

123

was naff – although it was – but because every single country in Europe and beyond hate our guts.

Australia, Israel are not in Europe but are so confident of their own place with the popular kids that they choose to join in. What must it be like to be them?

Eurovision! Whose supporters are able to hide

Arrow Word S T I C K O O O N A R Y N A R E A D R I V E A L E N S E D T G L A G U E G M V E R E T

S T S A S I A S

M C O L A B O T A G A D D E C Y N K J T W O O L A V E A F O R A B L D T P S V A S E F O

P I E C E O F C A K E

D O W N T H I S 57

Property

CORFE MULLEN | PRICE: OIEO £650,000 South facing four bedroom chalet house • Two reception rooms • Three bathrooms • Sun terrace on elevated plot • Garage and off road parking

WIMBORNE | PRICE GUIDE: £550,000 Well presented four bedroom chalet bungalow • Stunning kitchen/lifestyle room • Master bedroom with en suite • Enclosed rear garden • Popular cul de sac location

COLEHILL | GUIDE PRICE: £350,000 Two double bedroom detached bungalow • NO FORWARD CHAIN • Quiet cul de sac location • Rear garden with patio and lawn • Off road parking and garage

WIMBORNE | PRICE: £500,000 Semi detached Victorian home • Three bedrooms plus loft room • Immaculately presented throughout • Stunning kitchen/lifestyle room • Walking distance of town centre

WIMBORNE | PRICE: £350,000 Spacious three bedroom town house • VENDOR SUITED • Cul de sac development • Modern kitchen/breakfast room • Two allocated parking spaces

NEAR WIMBORNE | PRICE: £370,000 Two bedroom linked detached home • Immaculately presented • Private development • Stunning kitchen • Beautiful courtyard garden

COLEHILL | PRICE: £475,000 Three double bedroom detached family home • Well presented throughout • Cosy sitting room • Superb kitchen/lifestyle room • Landscaped gardens

WIMBORNE | PRICE: £420,000 Two luxury two bedroom apartments • For independent people over 60 • Riverside development • Short level walk to town centre • High specification throughout

Wimborne off ice, 6 Cook Row, Wimborne, BH21 1LB 01202 842922 | wimborne@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

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June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Property

WEST PARLEY | £1,150,000 Lovingly refurbished arts and crafts style home • 22ft Impressive reception hall • 21ft Open plan kitchen/breakfast room • Four bedrooms with en-suites • Rear garden measures approx. 85ft x 80ft • Off road parking and double garage

WEST MOORS | £550,000 Superbly appointed new detached family home • Impressive entrance hall • Stunning open plan 28ft x 18ft kitchen/breakfast/dining room • Ground floor study & cloakroom • Master bed with en-suite & dressing room • 45ft x 20ft Rear garden & garage

FERNDOWN | OIRO £525,000 Deceptively spacious and superbly presented • 29ft Entrance hall • 24ft Dual aspect lounge/dining room • 16ft Kitchen/breakfast room • Three double bedrooms • Southerly facing rear garden & garage

WIMBORNE | GUIDE PRICE £500,000 Recently modernised and superbly positioned • Spacious entrance hall • Refitted, modern kitchen • Fully double glazed conservatory • Two double bedrooms • Rear garden approx. 110ft x60ft

FERNDOWN | £485,000 Modernised and extended detached bungalow • 21ft Entrance hall & cloakroom • 21ft Lounge/dining room • Lovely 21ft garden room • 16ft Kitchen/breakfast room • 80ft Rear garden & garage

KINSON | £400,000 Recently extended detached bungalow • Lounge overlooking rear garden • Three bedrooms & stylish bathroom • Light and bright kitchen • Bedroom four/garden room & wet room • 15ft Summer house/office

FERNDOWN | £325,000 Recently modernised & immaculately presented • Three bedroom semi-det house • En-suite to master bedroom • Family bathroom & g/f cloakroom • Stunning, modern kitchen • Secure allocated parking

FERNDOWN | £275,000 Well presented and discretely positioned • Two bedroom semi-det house • 18ft Lounge • Good size kitchen/dining room • Family bathroom • 35ft Rear garden and single garage

Ferndown Off ice, 6 – 8 Victoria Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HZ 01202 890890 | ferndown@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

59

Property

Records smashed at property auction Symonds & Sampson has held many very successful auctions in the past, but the livestream sale on May 21 set new highs.

Auctioneer Mark Lewis said: “It was a perfect storm of having the right lots at the right time, and everybody now seems to be well versed with the livestream system.

“We were delighted to welcome Graham Barton of Homes under the Hammer fame to the auction. He joins the firm bringing great experience and will be running our Devon and Cornwall auctions in the future.

“At its peak today, over 600 people were viewing the livestream, with huge interest in the variety of lots

and seeing over 4,500 legal documents downloaded prior to the sale.”

Notable results include: 9 acres of land at Cucklington sold at £15,000 p/acre, 71% above guide 13 acres of land at Melplash sold at £21,000 p/ acre, 136% above guide 30 acres of land at Maiden Newton sold at £10,000 p/ acre, 33% above guide 11 acres of land at Fiddleford sold at £16,800 p/ acre, 30% above guide 127 acres of moorland on Dartmoor, including Sheep’s Tor, sold for £150,000 following international publicity 7 acres of land at Osmington sold at £42,000 p/acre, 141% above guide

A building plot at Stoborough near Wareham sold for £344,000, 53% above guide Pink Cottage, a twobedroom cottage in Sturminster Newton sold for £138,000, 38% above guide Gable Cottage, a lovely Grade II listed cottage in Fontmell Magna sold for £389,000, 30% above guide Park View, a semi-detached cottage at Woolland sold for £243,00, 40% above guide A character cottage in the heart of Axminster sold for £130,000 A commercial opportunity in Yeovil sold at 5% above guide

The most excitement however, was for the final lot of the day, 4.68 acres at Horton near Wimborne.

Over 250 people showed interest in the legal pack, 70 people registered to bid at the auction, and following frenetic bidding the hammer fell at £68,000 p/acre – a record 255% above guide.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of disappointed bidders with finance arranged or cash to spend, so if you have any property suitable for our next livestream auction on July 23, please contact Mark Lewis 01258 473766 or Meredith Holmes 01202 843190.

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Cable Cottage sold for £389,000

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13 acres of land at Melpash went for £21,000 per acre

June 4, 2021 New Stour and Avon

Planning Plans have been approved for the retention of the change of use of 57 square metres of public paved area in The Square, Wimborne, as an external seating area to serve Costa Coffee, with moveable seating, tables and umbrellas.

Dorset Council has also approved replacement vehicle, pedestrian access gates and a 2.4-metre high fence to the front (west) entrance of Allenbourn Middle School in East Borough.

Detailed plans for nine two-storey detached dwellings at Casa Velha in Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross which were given outline approval in 2019 have been accepted, as has a full application for two three-bedroomed detached bungalows with garages and parking on land to the rear of properties in Woodlinken Drive, Verwood.

Other applications submitted recently in East Dorset include…

1 Jessica Avenue, Verwood BH31 6LH Non material amendment to approved P/A 3/17/2065/ HOU (single-storey flat roof extension) to bring the flat roof extension in line with the original bungalow facing Pineview Road.

3/21/0276/CONDR 18 Queens Road, Ferndown BH22 9RT Replace conservatory, demolish existing and extend garden cabin.

3/21/0361/HOU 159 Golf Links Road, Ferndown BH22 8BX Single-storey extensions to east and west elevations Re-roofing existing property, erection of double garage. Creation of new

vehicular access, dropped kerb and pavement crossing.

3/21/0492/HOU

1 Oak Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge SP6 3BL Two storey side extension.

3/21/0472/HOU

5 Larch Way, Ferndown BH22 9SS Single storey rear extension.

3/21/0322/HOU

6 Avon Road, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0EG Sever plot and erect bungalow with associated parking following the demolition of garage and create new vehicular access to existing dwelling.

3/21/0507/FUL

3 South Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3HY Single-storey rear extension.

3/21/0512/HOU

23 Ivor Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3QF Single-storey side and rear extension and raise ridge height to create first floor habitable accommodation with dormer to both side elevations.

3/21/0328/HOU

11 Woodside Road, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0LY Extension to rear and loft conversion.

3/21/0383/HOU The Bothey, Clayford, Wimborne BH21 7BJ Material change of use of building to a residential dwelling.

3/21/0464/CLE The Mobile Home, Clayford Farm, Uddens Drive, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 7BJ Use of land for siting a mobile home which has been used as a residential dwelling for more than 10 years.

3/21/0465/CLE 34 Hadrian Way, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3XF Demolish existing conservatory and erect new ground floor extension and internal alterations.

3/21/0544/CLP 21 Mags Barrow, West Parley, Ferndown BH22 8PB Raise roof height to create habitable first floor accommodation with rear dormer and roof lights, extensions to front and side, internal alterations and replacement integral garage.

3/21/0351/HOU

New Stour and Avon June 4, 2021

Michaelmas House, 28 Grange Farm, Wimborne BH21 4HX Single-storey rear extension.

3/21/0310/CLP 20 Bushmead Drive, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2HU Extensions to existing chalet bungalow to form additional bedrooms in roof space with dormer windows. Side extension to create living room and new feature entrance lobby to front elevation.

Sever land and erect two bungalows with garages to the rear.

3/21/0445/FUL 44 Blythe Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3LR Rear extension and raise roof to form first floor accommodation 3/21/0470/HOU 19 Corfe Lodge Road, Corfe Mullen, Broadstone BH18 9NF Composite decking to the rear, glass balustrade and associated alterations.

3/21/0481/HOU The Gables, Ringwood Road, Verwood BH31 6AN Gazebo to south-east front elevation.

3/21/0305/FUL

10 Green Drive, Alderholt, Fordingbridge SP6 3HF First floor side extensions above existing single-storey habitable space and partial two-storey rear/side infill extension.

3/21/0455/HOU 41 Elmhurst Road, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0DJ Single-storey rear extension and alterations.

3/21/0556/HOU 9 Beechwood Road, West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0BN Creation of side doublestorey extension and creation of single-storey, double-storey rear extension and loft conversion following demolition of garage, including internal alterations.

3/21/0467/HOU 10 Hillside Road, Verwood BH31 7HE Creation of two-storey extension following the demolition of conservatory and loft conversion.

3/21/0508/HOU

Planning correction We would like to apologise to Simon Roberts of Holt for an error in the Planning listings in our May 21 edition.

We incorrectly listed a planning application as being attached to his property, rather than one of an identical name in Holtwood.

61

Property

Time for the viewing The house is on the market, the agent has photographed and prepared the brochure, it’s listed on the internet – Stand by!

The agent phones with your first viewing this afternoon, so what should you do?

It’s important to stay calm and quietly prepare; do the basic things properly.

Tidy up, make the beds, make sure that the washing machine/dishwasher cycle has finished before they arrive. If you have a dog, check the lawn – you don’t want a minefield. Ventilate the rooms to avoid any condensation or cooking smells. Remember that everything is on view, even the inside of cupboards.

Pay extra attention to your entrance hall or porch. As the

viewer walks in they will form an immediate feeling for the house, and you want that to be a positive one. Every agent has seen viewers ‘switch off’ within 30 seconds of entering a property and it’s very difficult to turn that round.

Each property is different but the entrance should as uncluttered as possible, a simple route to the main rooms.

Many vendors wonder what they West Moors, guide £850,000. Call Hearnes on 01202 890890 should do when the always say ‘do whatever themselves with your viewing is taking place. you are comfortable with’ property and will promote Stay in or go out?

If you stay, remain in the to its best advantage. That’s Some agents prefer you background. If you have their job! to go out while others chosen your agent well are happy for you to be Words: Andrew Kelley they will have familiarised there. It is your home so I

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Property

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