The New Stour & Avon Magazine

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Lorraine Gibson Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Blooming good time had by all

There was a double celebration for Wimborne in Bloom last weekend.

On the Saturday, just prior to the switching on of the Town Lights and Christmas Tree in The Square, the Mayor Carol Butter announced Wimborne in Bloom as the winner of the Town Council ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’. The Prize was £100 and the honour of helping the Mayor switch on the Lights.

Second was Leigh Park Food Bank and third was Avril a volunteer at the Lewis Manning Charity Shop.

The Mayor said that: ‘it had been her privilege

to meet so many inspirational people who have given their time selflessly and without hesitation for the benefit of the Town and its Residents.’

On Sunday, Wimborne in Bloom celebrated its 30th anniversary.

It was on November 27, 1992, that the then Mayor Anthony Oliver organised an open meeting the result of which was the founding of Wimborne in Bloom. In the intervening years many awards have been won including the overall winner of the Small Town Category in Britain in Bloom in 2012.

Free parking for Christmas shoppers will be available at some Dorset Council car parks, the authority has announced. It is in part to encourage local shopping on December 3, Small Business Saturday.

Wimborne will see free parking on December 2 and 3 at town centre car-parks including King St, Old Road and Pye Corner.

For more details visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/christmasinformation/free-parking-incouncil-car-parks-this-christmas

Free parking for shoppers Book a cuppa

New Cuppa and Company sessions are starting in Dorset Libraries.

Go along for the weekly drop-in event where you can get out of the cold and enjoy free tea, coffee, and biscuits, while also enjoying a chat.

There’s no need to book, just drop in for a warm welcome and a free cuppa.

Wimborne: Mondays, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Corfe Mullen: Wednesdays, 2:30pm - 4:30pm.

CELEBRATIONS: Wimborne mayor Carol Butter present prizes to Martin and Thomas for their best Christmas lights switch-on posters. Right, Anthony Oliver founding chairman of Wimborne in Bloom with town crier Chris Brown and Richard Nunn, the current chairman

Help save our band hall!

fair raises £3,000

Nineteen local charities and organisations, manning 30 tables, took part in the Grand Charities Fair organised by Wimborne in Bloom and held in the Allendale Centre. Between them they raised more than £3,000 for the various causes they represented.

Stalls included those raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, High Mead Farm, Little Angels Knitting Group and Forest Holme Hospice.

Wimborne in Bloom also had a successful table with three hampers as prizes.

Entrance was free, courtesy of Wimborne in Bloom, but the public generously donated more than £170 on the door.

Verwood Concert Brass (VCB) has been at the heart of Verwood community since 1864 but its future is in jeopardy because their band hall has major subsidence. A builder is ready to start in May, but first they need to raise £250,000!

VCB is a registered charity and has four bands, ranging from a new starter group through to a championship band competing at national level.

Several VCB youngsters have gone on to take up musical careers. They support many community

events in Verwood as well as gigs like Ferndown Carnival, school fetesand concerts in care homes.

VCB plans to establish a youth academy for young brass band players. Their band hall is an essential rehearsal space plus music and equipment store.

People are being urged to attend concerts support fundraising activities or host a fundraising event

– see facebook.com/VerwoodConcertBrass or contact Janet at publicityvcb@gmail.com.

APPEALING: Verwood Concert Brass

Community movie to premier in town

by Lorraine Gibson

Two Wimborne schoolboys, a stolen art treasure, a severed head and a barn housing a secret are all part of the plot of a locally-produced, full-length feature film having its premiere at the Tivoli Theatre - with all proceeds going to the venue. Never Think Twice!, a true community project filmed on locations throughout Wimborne and Poole and sporting a local cast of familiar faces, was written and filmed by Wimborne performer, Andy Oldfield and has been described as ‘a rip-roaring race against time and the Devil’. Seats are selling well and if all are sold, will raise £4,800. Andy, a stove fitter by day and a pub performer by night said: “I think what we’re doing is a first. I’ve never come across anyone attempting this before.”

He explains: “Two Wimborne schoolboys discover a festival stage at their uncle’s farm. Being entrepreneurial, they realise that they have everything to stage their own festival - apart from £30,000. “They unwittingly sell their souls to the Devil. Meanwhile, a London art dealer resells a stolen rare painting only to have it re-stolen to be sold again.”

As the burglars return to collect it - it’s now in the hands of the two boys...”

Andy self-funded the film and recruited the cast from friends and acquaintances including John Bell, aka John the Fish. Andy said: “It’s been so much fun. Wehad some really talented people helping us, including a Bournemouth University student who came up with some amazing creations, including a severed head in a box.”

The film has been certified 12 by Dorset Council’s licensing department.

“It’s been a real community project and I don’t think there are many other places that could do such a thing. Now we need to pack out the Tivoli Theatre.”

Catch Never Think Twice!, a Green Socks Production supported by Radio Wimborne at the Tivoli, this Sunday, December 4, at 12.30pm. Tickets £10 from tivoli wimborne.co.uk/event/neverthink-twice.

Grabbed bag sparks search

Police are hunting for the person who broke into a car parked on the driveway of Royston Close, Canford Heath, on Sunday, November 13.

The thief stole a handbag and made an untidy search of the car between 4.30am5am.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Broadstone, also on Sunday, November 13, a male of slim build and dark hair, wearing a hoodie and carrying a shoulder bag, was seen trying the door handles of vehicles parked at several properties in Lychett Drive. This incident took place at around 1.07am. Anyone with information about either of these incidents is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/do-itonline.

Councillor tells tales to nursery children

Tops Day Nurseries Pokesdown has been working to promote the importance of reading in Early Years Education during the recent Children’s Book Week.

Councillor Andy Jones, ward member for Boscombe East and Pokesdown, was more than happy to support the event by reading stories to the children.

Councillor Andy Jones read The Gruffalo, one

of the childrens favourite. The Pre-Schoolers showed such joy as they listened to Andy read and did a great job at helping to tell the story and make noises/copy words when challenged!

Cllr Andy Jones said: “It was great to visit Tops Pokesdown and meet the children and childcare team. I was impressed to see all the work the staff put in to give the children the best possible start in life.”

Brian is sole of shoebox appeal

The Rotary Shoebox Scheme has been boosted by 65 Christmas shoeboxes thanks to the efforts of Wimborne Rotarian, Brian Dryden. With the support of his wife Pat and their family, Brian produced 14 boxes, supplemented by 39 boxes filled by Wimborne Rotary members, with a further 12 boxes filled by Rotarians cash donations.

The Shoebox Scheme, whose mission is to spread a little happiness to disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe, sees thousands distributed each year to children in Moldova and Romania and including refugee

children from Ukraine. Brian said: “I’m delighted that Wimborne Rotary has responded so well to this year’s

appeal and thank our members and my family and friends for their support in achieving this great result.”

LOADING: Wimborne Rotary president, Ron Franks, left, with Brian Dryden and Charity chairman, Sue Young

Support urged for our town society

The Wimborne Horticultural Society needs your support. An urgent appeal is being made to all those interested in horticulture and gardening. The Wimborne Horticultural Society has been running in one form or another since the 1850’s and for many years now has run both a successful spring and summer/ autumn show. Monthly meetings are held with interesting speakers and outings have been arranged to places of interest.

At the recent AGM, the chairman reported on the success of the two shows held this year but he also reported on a dwindling membership; so for this reason an urgent appeal is being made for new members in order for the society to continue into 2023 and beyond. With an increase in new housing all around the town and with at least half a dozen allotment areas, there must be

mnore people interested in all things horticulture.

The annual shows have always incorporated arts, crafts and flower arranging as well as horticulture, flowers and vegetables, cookery and even photography.

Other categories can be included, such as exhibitions of arts and crafts made by local people. So please consider this matter so that we can be ready to put on shows in 2023.

The next two meetings both taking place in the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road at 7.30pm, on Monday, December 12 and Monday, January 9. Why not come along and find out what it’s all about?

Further details can be obtained from the show manager, Tony Beard on 01202 880116.

Anthony Oliver Wimborne

OFF THE WALL...

Have a coffee! A jolly good job

Members of Colehill Methodist Church are busy collecting food to make up Christmas Parcels for the Blandford Food Bank. But we take a break tomorrow morning, Saturday, December 3, to welcome visitors for our Christmas Coffee Morning. Tea, coffee and the alwayspopular home-made cakes will be on offer at the Lonnen Road church from 10am to 11.30am.

On Friday, December 9, at 7pm for 7.30pm, there will be a festive edition of ‘Scattergories’ at Godshill Village Hall. Scattergories is a team word game which is fun, fast and this time, festive!

It is suitable for all ages and abilities, so everyone can join in. (Teams of 6 - mix and match!)

Tickets, at £10 each, include a homemade pudding at the interval as well as lots of fun and laughter!

There will be a licensed bar and a seasonal raffle.

Don’t miss this highly entertaining event - see you there!

For tickets and information

contact Alison on 01425 650770 or Anne on 01425 657664 or email hippotrain@btinternet. com.

All proceeds will support the village hall (Registered Charity No 301830. See more at godshillvillagehall.co.uk.

Derek Ayling Godshill

Paul Allen

Colehill

In Jolly Good Company is a Community Interest Company and since 2019 we have been working to alleviate loneliness and isolation for older people. We do this through our creative and engaging dementia friendly ‘Jolly Days’ and ‘Step Outside’ groups. There is a steep rise in demand for our services and we’re delighted to have funding from Comic Relief and the National Lottery for an additional team member. See page 56 in this magazine or visit injollygoodcompany.com.

Get ‘scatter’ brains ready Oops! Society contact details

Thank you for publishing my article in this week’s magazine. I cannot believe it but I made an error in my article!

Of course, our winter programme can be viewed on the society’s website: dorsetcricketsociety.co.uk and not the website of the Dorset Cricket Centre!

We recently had an excellent speaker in Bargain Hunt and Indian Premier League auctioneer Richard Madley.

Paul Pearson Dorset Cricket Society

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival is back

After an enforced delay of two years, St Mary’s Church , Sturminster Marshall will be holding our 12th Christmas Tree Festival. It is on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, from 10am-4pm. The festival features beautifully decorated trees entered by groups and individuals in the community, each tree dedicated to a local or national charity to whom donations will be invited.

St Mary’s Annual Toy Service will be held on the Sunday at 9.15am with the toys being donated to the Salvation Army.

Refreshments and children’s activities feature with Carol singing on Sunday afternoon. Entry is free.

Sue Crowfoot Sturminster Marshall

Help us relieve burden A season of services at town church

This December, on top of the devastating reality of facing cancer at Christmas, families of children and young people going through treatment have increasing costs to get to hospital as well as a devastating rise in energy bills at home, when they need to keep their child warm. For families supported by Young Lives vs Cancer, life is getting even harder with the pressures of the cost of living. As the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, we are seeing families we support in Dorset having to deal with uncontrollable costs.

Young Lives vs Cancer has launched a Crisis Fund appeal to offer families grants to help lessen the burden of bills this winter.

There are still families and young people out there who haven’t received the relief of a grant. We can’t support them without your help. Readers can visit younglivesvs cancer.org.uk to donate today. As well as donating, there are other ways the community in Dorset can support Young Lives vs Cancer’s vital work this Christmas.

You can also visit our online shop to buy Christmas cards and gifts at: younglivesvscancer.org. uk/join-our-fight/get-shopping

We also have a range of festive pin badges with various designs available online and at JDWetherspoon for a suggested £1 donation.

Liz Blunt Young Lives vs Cancer

St John’s Church in Wimborne has an exciting series of services for all ages this season. Vicar Peter Breckwoldt said: “There’s a warm welcome waiting for you at St John’s again this year!

“Join us for our Christmas Events and Services.”

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

These are: Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 19, 7.30pm: Carols by Candlelight – with coffee and mince pies Friday, December 23, 4.30pm: Outdoor Nativity Carols – with refreshments

Christmas Eve Holy Communion at 11pm

Christmas Day Celebration at 9.30am and 11am Visit stjohnswimborne.org.uk.

Home tackles

loneliness in the community

Care home Kings Park in Ferndown will be opening its doors to a number of people from the area to help tackle loneliness in their local community over the coming months.

Award-winning ambulance crew are flying high

Open for elderly people who might usually eat alone, they are invited to join the residents and teams at the home on Wednesdays for a three-course meal. Booking and dietary needs are required prior to attendance by calling 01202 863630.

Diners will be treated to a tasty lunch in the home’s luxury dining room. Guests will have a chance to chat to the home’s residents and staff while enjoying their food, and will be able to partake in an activity with those at the home after their meal.

The home’s head chef will be producing a range of dishes to cover varied individual dietary needs and preferences, so diners will be able to eat to their fill accompanied with a wide selection of beverages.

Kings Park is run by Barchester Healthcare, which is also behind Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a registered charity that gives grants to older people and other adults with a disability to help combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged in the communities where the Barchester care homes operate.

Rachel Smith-Harrison, general manager at Kings Park, said: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, especially as the weather gets colder. Our doors are always open to new friends of the home.”

To book your reservation, call Kings Park Care Home on 01202 863630.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance had a successful night during a national awards event. The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence took place on November 14, with the Dorset and Somerset service seeing winners in two categories and highly commended in another.

Organised by Air Ambulances UK and sponsored by Airbus, the annual awards celebrate and recognise the specialist life-saving skills and commitments of those within the air ambulance community.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance winners included Dr Ian Mew, who was named Doctor of the Year.

An intensive care and anaesthesia consultant and an air ambulance doctor, Dr Mew has worked with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for nine years.

A spokesman said: ‘he always goes above and beyond for patients and their families in all his professional domains’.

He said: “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award,.

“There are so many people going above and beyond in our society, this award is a recognition of everyone who works for the benefit of others.

“I’d particularly like to thank the DocBike volunteers and trustees, my colleagues on the air ambulance and at Dorset County Hospital.”

Wayne Busby, who has been the charity’s aircraft maintenance engineer for the past eight years, was a winner in the Operations Support Staff of

the Year category for his dedication to his role. He said: “We all have the same goal, to provide an outstanding critical care air ambulance service for the people of Dorset and Somerset. For me, I love fixing helicopters and feel proud to be able to play my part in helping to save lives.”

And Pete Appleby was highly commended in the Critical Care Practitioner of the Year category.

“Pete has taken on a multitude of projects over the past year, alongside his expected responsibilities as a specialist practitioner in critical care,” the spokesman added.

“He has devoted significant time, often on a voluntary basis, to enhancing operations, while acting as deputy air operations officer.”.

“Pete is a superb practitioner and an extraordinary patient advocate.”

Pete said: “To even be nominated for an award was an honour, however to be recognised on the night was really special.

“I want to say thank you to all my colleagues and friends at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and beyond.”

n Clockwise from top, Dr Ian Mew, Pete Appleby and Wayne Busby

Political round-up Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

Sunak could weaken Truss’s strong line

My Private Member’s Bill to reduce the maximum annual increase in pitch fees for park home residents from RPI to CPI passed all its stages in the House of Commons on Friday, November 18.

It is the first time since 1998 that a Backbencher has achieved this which is some consolation that it took me several attempts in earlier years to persuade the Government to agree.

The Bill will now be considered in the House of Lords and, hopefully, will become law in the New Year.

This is good news for thousands of park home residents across Dorset. As Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Park Homes, I recognise that there is still much work to do on their behalf because Government still treats them as a forgotten minority.

nListening to the Autumn Statement setting out the

Government’s latest plans for taxes and spending was a grim experience.

The extent of the Chancellor’s attack on the living standards of almost everyone was highlighted by the fact that MPs were left cheering the retention of the triple lock despite both the current Prime Minister and his predecessor having publicly

affirmed their commitment to honouring that pledge in the Conservative 2019 General Election manifesto. Earlier, the Government had inexplicably asked Conservative MPs to abstain on a motion in the House of Commons to honour the Government’s own pledge. As the only Conservative MP who supported that motion, it was gratifying to receive a congratulatory email from a constituent in the following terms: ‘I do like the fact that you are prepared to take a stand for what you believe in. I love a rebel – that is what democracy is all about and it obviously went just a small way towards the Chancellor’s decision. Well done’.

nThe strong line which Liz Truss rightly took against China is in danger of being weakened by Rishi Sunak. I, therefore, asked him whether he agreed that: ‘Putin was

emboldened to attack Ukraine by the continual appeasement from west democracies over many years’.

I enquired as to why he doesn’t think that a similar appeasement of the Chinese dictatorship will result in a similar disaster.

The Prime Minister’s response was: ‘Our approach to China is in complete alignment with the United States, Canada and Australia.

‘It is one that is clear-eyed about the challenges that China poses to our values, interests and economic security, which is why it is right that we take robust action to defend ourselves against that, as we saw with the recent decision on Chinese investment in a sensitive industry in this country’.

Please let me have your assessment on whether you are reassured by the Prime Minister’s response.

It’s hello to austerity, and goodbye from me

On first glance, the budget (AKA Autumn Statement) wasn’t as bad as many people feared.

As I wrote in my previous column, the Government scares us all through threatening to sacrifice sacred cows like the triple lock on pensions or Sizewell C, but in the event deploys an intricate set of smoke and mirrors to hide the real pain.

On income, whilst the 20% and 40% headline rates may have not been increased, the thresholds at which people start paying them have been frozen in cash terms.

Yes, I know Gordon Brown used similar ‘stealth tax’ raises but, under him, people’s incomes and our public services were indisputably in a better state.

Conversely, with this Conservative government, we are all poorer.

We are set to experience the

largest fall in disposable income since the late 1940s.

The UK is the only country with an economy smaller than before Covid-19.

Despite the rhetoric of a ‘recession made in Russia’, the fact is other G7 nations that are more dependent on imported Russian gas are still doing better than the UK.

On public spending, the Government has broken its commitment in its 2019 manifesto and will run a budget deficit for day to day spending (rather than only borrowing for capital investment).

It’s also shunted the bulk of spending cuts to – you guessed it! – after the next election.

The Autumn Statement wasn’t good news for local authorities either.

A 5% tax rise in Dorset seems inevitable, especially since Dorset receives no central government funding. Whilst the reduction in

business rates for small retailers confirmed in the Autumn Statement is welcome, that will also (unless I am misunderstanding something) reduce the amount of business rates Dorset gets to keep as its share.

So expect a further squeeze on local authority-delivered public services.

Expect more of what Dorset Council are trying to do on

library services.

As Shaftesbury town councillor Andy Hollingshead had pointed out, their consultation on library opening hours doesn’t even allow you to say you want the library to open the same times as it does currently.

Instead, you’re presented with a cut of 25-50% in opening hours, and you can merely tick a box for when it remains open.

n Finally, a little announcement. I have taken up a different job that requires me to be rather more circumspect politically. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view...) this means I won’t be able to write a column on national or party political issues any more.

So, most of the Labour columns will be written by Alan Cross going forward.

Thanks for reading my wittering, and I’m sure you’ll hear from me again on my local hobby horses from time to time.

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS

Harry’s bid to promote charity auction

by Lorraine Gibson

As the latest series of I’m a Celebrity ends , one of its most popular previous winners, Harry Redknapp, swung into Christchurch with his wife Sandra to launch an online art auction in support of Macmillan’s new Mac Unit hospice.

Called Canvas for the Mac, the auction, features dozens of signed canvas artworks, doodles, sketches and lyrics by well-known names from the worlds of TV, sport, art and music, all of which has been ‘brought to life’ by artists and is availablke by online until Thursday, December 8.

All money raised goes straight to Macmillan Caring Locally which is raising funds to create a modern Macmillan unit in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital, which already provides palliative care and support for more than 1,600 people and their families a year.

Harry and Sandra attended a preview of some of the canvases at the Captain’s Club, Christchurch, which sponsored the event and Harry chatted to supporters, nursing staff from the unit, and several of the artists who turned the celeb’s works into desirable auction lots.

Posing in front of some sports-themed canvases, which include Marcus Rashford, Leah Williamson, Gareth Southgate and Eddie Howe, Harry urged fans to bid for a

by Lorraine Gibson

A schoolgirl has pledged to clean a mile of Dorset beach every week of the year to raise vital funds for rural Cambodian communities.

Scarlet Sutcliffe has taken on a challenge to clean 60 miles of South West coastline to raise money for the trip abroad to help with charity projects, including community development and wildlife and environmental conservation.

“Picking up litter is easy but it has such a big impact,” says the 15-year-old Queen Elizabeth School pupil.

“I want to help people and when Camps International came and talked about going to Cambodia to make a difference by volunteering within rural communities I had to take it!”

“It’s a huge undertaking. I have to raise £4,500 to get there which is why I am doing the beach clean in hope that people will sponsor me.”

“I really care about the environment and helping others less fortunate than me so I chose to do this trip but also to do my bit for the local area.

memento of their favourite famous person. “I’m in great company here!” he joked, “There are some fabulous canvases featuring some really famous people. “I hope fans will go online and bag themselves a unique piece of memorabilia whilst also helping the Mac Unit, which provides such outstanding care to so many patients and their families each year.”

Other celebrities who’ve signed canvases include Ricky Gervais, Martin Clunes, Sir

David Jason, Howard, Gary and Mark from Take That and Queen guitarist, Brian May. Artworks carry a certificate of authenticity and where possible, a photo of their wellknown creators.

The Canvas For The Mac auction is online until Thursday, December 8, at: the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auctioncatalogues/excaliburauctions/catalogue-idexcali10074.

Cleaning up for Cambodia

and Hengistbury Head.”

I point out that picking up other people’s trash is a rubbish - and potentially hazardous - job. She agrees but she’s determined and, importantly, well prepared.

“It’s upsetting that people have such little regard for our planet - not just those who leave litter but also those who walk past it without picking it up.

“I’m grateful to Wimborne War on Waste who’ve kindly loaned me gloves, a litter picker and robust bags made of recycled tents.”

She will spend four weeks in Cambodia in 2024, supporting the expedition’s core objectives to raise the educational and living standards of developing communities and assist with ongoing conservation programs.

and Durdle Door, filling bin liners with rubbish and rating each location’s cleanliness on an Instagram journal.

Scarlet’s take on Greta Thunberg? “I admire anyone who is passionate about doing good things and is willing to speak up for what they believe in, so she’s a good role model.”

To help, visit gofund. me/8da523f7

So far, Scarlet has completed eight miles along Sandbanks

“The plan is to cover as much of the Dorset coastline as possible. Next on my list are Mudeford

And you can follow her beach clean journey on Instagram at Challenge_Cambodia_2024 campsinternational.com.

“Every pound I raise is going to a good cause and I’ve already recycled two thirds of the litter - mostly plastic or glass bottles, cans and coffee cups.’’

START THE BIDDING: Harry Redknapp and wife Sandra at the auction launch in aid of the Mac Unit at Christchurch Hospital

Picture: DEEP SOUTH MEDIA

Six classic motorbikes have been discovered in a shed in Surrey by a Dorset-based auctioneers.

“Whilst we do like messing about in barns and garages, we are also often found in sheds pulling out classic and vintage

bikes of all shapes, sizes, condition and values,” said George Beale of Charterhouse. The six bikes had been collected by the owner’s late father over a few decades. He had hoped to restore them in retirement but, as is often the case, other

interests took up his time and he never managed to get around to sorting any of them out. The earliest bikes in the collection are a 1953 Vincent Rapide Model C which is also the same year of manufacture for a BSA A10.

There is also a brace of bikes from 1959 being a Triumph 6T Thunderbird and a Velocette Venom. Moving to the 1970’s there is a Honda 400-4 Super Sport.

All the bikes, which are expected to sell for more than

Who will look after our children if we pass away?

Most people choose to make a Will to deal with what happens to their assets if they pass away.

However, whether there are significant assets or not, Wills are also important in dealing with the care of minor children.

Through a Will, it is possible to make an appointment of Guardians to take care of any children under the age of 18.

In most cases, an appointment of Guardianship usually takes effect on the death of all parents holding Parental Responsibility.

If there is no appointment of Guardianship, then the courts will have to decide who will look after the children.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an appropriate Guardian. Their age; will the Guardian be able to care for the children until they are 18? Where they live; will the

children or guardian need to relocate?

Whether they have children of their own; will they be able to accommodate further children?

Ultimately, the right choice will be the one in the best interests of the children.

It is important to discuss the appointment with your chosen Guardian to ensure that they will be willing to act in the event of your death.

It is also a good idea to consider making a reserve appointment, just in case your first choice is, for any reason, unable to act at the time of your death.

If you want to decide who looks after minor children if you die, then you should consider putting a Will into place to appoint them as Guardians.

Katherine Grantham-Balchin Private Client Executive

The wonderful tree that keeps on giving

Olive trees are so generous... bearing fruit year after year – and they’ve done it for aeons. Fossils from cultivated trees could be 50 to 60 thousand years old!

Through the centuries, the olive tree, olives and olive oil have been central to the march of history, powering ancient civilisations and empires. They are incredibly versatile – far more interesting than if you only know olive oil as a cooking fat: The iron-hard wood made tools and machines, its high heat fired up furnaces, mixing oil with herbs to make unguents and perfumes. Even the simple soap recipe is thousands of years old.

The culture-wide symbolism of olive oil is very telling: Of life, of divine blessing, of so many special gifts. And then cooking. Take no notice of food writers; peoples have been cooking with olive oil for centuries: Archeological finds also prove that.

But what kind of oil would that have been?

Alas, not what you find in a

supermarket, mixed from multiple sources and ‘blended’ to make a uniformly constant ‘taste’ for the shopper.

The small farmer takes home from the oil mill only the best of the crop for the family and to give to special friends, to wish them health and prosperity and certainly to remember the giver.

When we restored our ancient mountain groves the new growth emerged from the perimeter of tree trunks, so old that

some are even a metre across!

The trees soon bounced back into fruitful life, giving us top quality fruit –and oil.

So while we are harvesting, we can’t help imagining the ancients doing the very same thing in the very same place - that they are now still giving us the fruits of their expertise.

Ancient gifts which we like to think we also capture in our bottles and soaps!

Following the successful return of the Extravaganza in 2021, residents of Verwood will be treated to a bigger and better event in 2022.

The organisers say that there will be plenty to entertain everyone and look forward to people coming along to enjoy themselves and get into the Christmas Spirit.

There will be music by the Verwood Concert Brass Band, Carol singers, lots of food and Mulled Wine, the Elf in the Window Competition, a children’s treasure hunt, The Fire Service Brazier and Land Rover and of course you can Meet Santa courtesy of the Verwood Rotary Club and it all starts with the Christmas Tree Light switch on at 5pm.

Verwood Town Clerk, Carrie Lloyd, We are looking forward to this years Christmas Extravaganza following on from the successful return last year after Covid, there will be plenty for people to enjoy and we hope that lots of people come and join us in our celebrations.

Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling

Remember:

1) Up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin will be collected on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.

2) No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday 9 January.

3) Household recycling centres are open from 9am - 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

4) Extra recycling – including glass and food – will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person.

5) Please help collection crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers.

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

Save £50 this Christmas!

These tips can help you make savings on your Christmas food budget. It can save you time as well!

• Plan your meals over Christmas fortnight - make a shopping list and stick to it

• Check your food cupboards before shopping

• Use the portion calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com/ portion-planner

• Use up foods in your freezer beforehand to make room for Christmas leftovers

• Store food correctly – check pack instructions

• Keep an eye on “use by” dates

• Use up leftovers in delicious recipes

• Freeze leftovers that can’t be eaten

Find more top tips and recipes at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lovefoodhatewaste

Recycle more

This Christmas, don’t let all your waste go to landfill. If you live in Dorset*, you can recycle:

• All cooked and uncooked food waste

• Wrapping paper**, cardboard and Christmas cards (no glitter)

• Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

• Glass bottles and jars (Please keep glass separate)

* Doesn’t include Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. Check your council website for details.

** Scrunch your wrapping paper! If it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t, or it’s foil-based or glittery, it should go in the rubbish bin.

Book now for Christmas at Stourhead, a winter wonderland with new installations for 2022!

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of the glittering trail between 25 November 2022 and 1 January 2023. This family-friendly magical festive trail in Stourhead’s unique gardens will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We were thrilled with the

fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparation for 2022 is already well underway. Look out for some new surprises this year.” Be transported into a winter wonderland in this unique landscape. Discover the iconic Christmas Cathedral created with more than a thousand pea lights woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘sea of light’, neon stars wrapping trees and stunning Super Nova. Pause to reflect at the mesmerising, flickering flames in the fire garden, enjoy the

larger-than-life light installations and don’t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way.

Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition. Christmas at Stourhead provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for all ages and is accessible for all to enjoy.

Christmas at Stourhead

The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens from 25 November 2022 to 1 January 2023. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm, closes at 10pm. Closed 28/29 Nov, 05/06/24//25 Dec.

Advanced tickets from: Adult £21.50, Child £15.00 (Age 3-16), Family £71.00 (2 adults + 2 children).

Parking £8 per car, free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com

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Society resumes programme

The Cambridge Society has resumed its usual programme of regular talks and visits, where the social element is always seen as an equally important part of the morning. Talks during the year have been on as diverse topics as the historical journey of Madagascar, explorers of the River Nile, Arthur Ransome’s travels in Russia before the First

World War, and understanding opera.

The society is open to all alumni of Cambridge University based in Dorset, though it liaises with similar societies in adjoining counties and with the Cambridge Alumni Office. It currently has about 108 members. Contact chairman John Riley, at j.riley100@ btinternet.com for details.

Inspiring charity worker Susan lives to help others

by Lorraine Gibson

After 15 years of dedication, the inspiring and compassionate project manager of Ferndown’s Bus Stop Club charity, that sits behind Hope Church on Heatherlands Estate, Susan Sutherland, is retiring to seek pastures new.

Over the past year, Susan has successfully completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy and aims to employ her skills in this new area of ministry.

Motivated by her Christian faith, a wish to care and using a wide range of relevant life skills, she has worked tirelessly for the Ferndown community and throughout East Dorset. Trained as a mental health first aid trainer, a CAP money coach and the originator of small group courses and one-to-one support sessions aimed at dealing with historical abuse and trauma, Susan has helped many people to deal with the past, improve their lives in the present day and have hope for the future.

As she moves on, the Bus Stop

Club charity will close at the end of the year.

However, all is not lost, as the East Dorset CAP Debt Centre has transferred from the charity to being the responsibility of its partner, Hope Church, Ferndown, so under the auspices of Pam Ansell and administrator

Traceyanne Lambert, its debt coach activities can continue to free people with unmanageable finances from debt.

The charity’s red building, aka the Turbary Resource Centre, will transfer to the church and the Store Cupboard which provides needy families with donations of food, toiletries and household items from church blessing bins and the public donation boxes at Sainsbury’s and Lidl will continue under church management.

Susan will be greatly missed by the people of Ferndown, especially those on the Heatherlands Estate whose lives she has touched and they and her friends wish her well in her new ventures.

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Carrot and Coriander Soup

Well, its that time of year again, when soups replace sandwiches for lunch!

I have talked about my sister, Jackie, before. She cooks in the style of our grandma in that she doesn’t always measure things. She is also a very talented seamstress - as was my grandma - and artist. She handmade quilts for her grandchildren when they were born, and is now making quilts for the Linus Charity. Before that, she knitted blankets and scarfs for the homeless.

Jackie used to be teacher. I say ‘used to’ as she still teaches her grandchildren how to cook and sew, as well as helping them with their school work.

She teaches me as well, although she probably doesn’t realise it. Not having had children myself, but having been firmly involved with her brood of four, I found the prospect of grandchildren a bit daunting. Jackie gave me the confidence to enjoy them. She talked about games she played with her grandchildren,

baking, etc, and so I followed her lead.

She also taught me about having the children so mum and dad could have a bit of a rest or just having one child, so the other one could have some mum time. (This did backfire recently, as we had our youngest granddaughter to stay over, so mum could have a treat night with Ellie, I even supplied the hot chocolate and marshmallows, only for Ellie to

go down with chickenpox!!)

What does this have to do with tomato soup? Well Jackie taught me how to make it and advised me to put a potato in it, so the starch would thicken the soup up.

You can make lots of different soups using other veg, and they are good to freeze.

So, thank you Jackie for all that you have taught me and for being a lovely sister.

Ingredients

1 Kilo of carrots peeled and cut into chunks

1 Large potato peeled and cut into chunks

1 onion Coriander chopped Seasoning to taste

Method

Fry the onion in a little bit of oil in a large saucepan

Add the carrots and potato and then top the pan up with water until it covers the veg. (You can use vegetable stock if you prefer)

Season

Bring to the boil and simmer until the potato and carrots are soft.

Leave to cool

When cool, add the coriander and using a hand blender, blend until smooth.

If it’s too thick for you taste, then you can add some more water. Keep in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave as required.

Food for thought... with Barbara Cossins

Doing our bit to fight illegal imports and protect British food as Christmas comes closer.

I have to share with you the content of an article in a recent Farmer’s Weekly on the grim discovery at the port of Dover.

Twenty-two lorries, originating from Eastern Europe, were found with illegal meat imports in 21 of the vehicles entering the UK. Now you might think what is wrong with that?

Well firstly, the raw meat was in carrier bags, holdalls and second-hand cardboard boxes, with no temperature control or labelling of contents. It was also being stored in the same area as ready to eat produce - destined to be sold at markets and independent stores in Britain; dangerous doesn’t even cover it.

What I find so infuriating is that if we, as British farmers or caterers, did

Health & Wellbeing

anything like that we would be prosecuted and plastered all over the news!

We have strict rules in our catering kitchens, butcheries and on farms here in England, so why are our border controls and customs not properly checking more of what is coming into our country?

Our British pork producers have had a terrible time, not only with soaring production costs and a severe lack of abattoirs, but also the threats of the deadly African Swine fever coming in with all this imported meat.

The UK pig industry has a huge problem with the lack of abattoirs, especially here in the South West. Labour costs are higher here than in Europe and our animal welfare standards are much higher so we can’t produce food as cheaply as other

countries either on our farms or in our restaurants, but we know what we are eating has good provenance. We are up against barriers at all turns and the Government are doing nothing to help and letting dangerous food into our country all at the same time.

I certainly don’t want to eat or serve anything but English meat and once again this story highlights the need for us all to read the labels and look at the origin of our food.

These are just some of the reasons that we set up Love Local Trust Local. We need to trust the food we eat and support the people providing it here in our own communities and counties, it’s so essential to protect the future of British food.

Barbara Cossins

Love

Local Trust Local

What are the reasons I decided on Footprints?

What made you choose Footprints ?

I choose Footprints as they were a smaller agency, and their website drew me in to wanting to find out more about fostering.

After a visit from Vanda, who I found warm and friendly, I felt that this was the agency that of which I wanted to be a part.

I am so glad that I did, as you become a part of the Footprints family - you’re not just a number who has a room and a bed for a child, you and the child are valued equally, and they will always do their best to match you and the child.

How did you find the process of becoming a foster carer? The process of becoming

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a foster carer was a little daunting to begin with but with the help and advice from Vanda and the team, they explained everything that I needed to know which made the process easier.

How do Footprints meet your ongoing goals and needs?

Footprints provide excellent support for mine and the child’s goals and needs. There are monthly meetings with your Supporting Social Worker, monthly support groups and constant ongoing training with great days out for the children.

They are a wonderful team who are on hand at any time, and they are people who listen to you.

Free coats for folk struggling with the cold

by Faith Eckersall

Dorset Council is handing out free, pre-loved coats, for children and babies aged up to 16 years, to families who are struggling with the cost of living.

Following an appeal, the council says that people can drop into Blandford’s Children’s Centre in Black Lane, between 8.30am and noon on Tuesdays, term times only.

People in Shaftesbury can visit the Children’s Centre in Wincombe Lane, from 9am4pm on Tuesdays to try on coats.

For more information, including visiting at a different time, contact Dorset Council North Locality northlocality@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Tim joins Lewis-Manning

Tim Goodson has joined Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as a Trustee to the Board.

CEO Clare Gallie said: “It’s an incredible honour to have Tim join us and we are so pleased that he has chosen our charity to come to as a volunteer and sit on the board.

“He has a vast depth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector in Dorset, working with the commissioning bodies and local GPs.

“We feel that his guidance and support will be invaluable to our delivery of exceptional hospice care in our community, for years to come.”

Tim added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Lewis-Manning; it’s such a great charity and a very worthy cause, which touches on all of us in some way or another.

“The hospice provides such invaluable support and

comfort at difficult times in peoples’ lives. I’m hoping that I can bring my experience to the table and further the services that it provides.”

Tim has a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector. He is an experienced NHS Board Member, System Leader, Company Director and qualified CCAB Accountant, with a proven track record of supporting and advising Boards.

He has led a transformational

clinical service review attracting capital investment, was accountable for £1.6bn health delivery budget. He is a respected Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance and is currently Executive Officer at the Dorset GP Alliance, having been CEO at Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group for nine years and System leader at Dorset Integrated Care System for four years.

SIGNED UP: Lewis-Manning chairman Jeremy Allin, CEO Clare Gallie and Tim Goodson

Supported by

Strengthening the future

A Dorset-based programme aimed at helping autistic young people and those with learning disabilities enter employment, has seen its numbers more than quadruple in a year.

Futures, based in Manor Road, Christchurch, seeks to enable young people aged 18-25 to realise their full potential and to become active members of their local communities by offering them bespoke learning opportunities, work placements, employability skills and supported housing practice. The programme is funded by BCP Council and operated by Dorset-based Autism Unlimited.

Lynn Reddick of Futures said: “Futures started with four young people last November and this September we had 17 learners.

“Seven of our earliest students are now in successful work placements with one having secured a permanent job.

“Unfortunately, there is currently a huge hole in the education system to support

young people with additional needs to transition into adulthood safely.”

Every Futures learner has a person-centred plan that addresses their needs and aspirations. This ensures their targets are relevant, considered and met.

Futures works closely with employers to ensure success and Futures Coaches serve as enablers, supporting the young people to make their own decisions.

For more information, visit: autism-unlimited.org/education/ futures-team.

Stay warm, safe and cared for this Christmas

During Christmas and the cold winter months, our care homes are warmly welcoming new residents. We can provide the right care to meet you or a loved one’s individual needs, whether for a short or long-term stay. Residents and staff at St Ives House Country House Care home recently celebrated autumn by taking part in its own Autumn Food Festival with a competitive pie making competition across all of Care South’s homes. Even more Food, Fun and Friendship is promised across the winter months with Christmas always providing plenty of activities and events to celebrate the festive period and make it a special time for residents in our care. Our in-house chefs at St Ives House will also be pulling out all the stops to put on a delicious spread over the Christmas period. St Ives House care home is situated near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest National Park and offers residential, respite and dementia care in a safe, home-from-home environment. Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England. Care South is proud to have been awarded the National Top 20 Large Care Home Group 2022 by carehome.co.uk as voted for by residents, families and friends.

To find out more about St Ives House call 01425 209464

visit www.care-south.co.uk.

A brew ha-ha for residents

by Lorraine Gibson

Christmas cheer came early for residents of a trio of Dorset care homes when they visited Poole Hill Brewery to taste a beer they’d named in a competition.

Over the summer, residents at Avon Reach, Mudeford, Amberwood House, Ferndown and The Aldbury, Poole participated in a tasting session with beers from brewer Southbourne Ales.

It was part of a wider project by Colten Care that saw residents from all of their care homes take part with the aim to collectively choose a great-tasting tipple

that would become the Colten Beer. Three versions were sampled and scored for taste and appearance and residents, no doubt feeling ale and hearty, then suggested names for them.

Elaine Farrer of Colten Care said: “We had so many to choose from, we went with three: The Crafty Colten, Avon Reach; Frothy Pop from specialist dementia home The Aldbury and the ominously-named Residents’ Revenge, Amberwood House.”

The beer was brewed at Poole Hill Brewery in Bournemouth who hosted representatives from the three homes. Brewery owner

Jennifer Tingay gave them a tour of and a final tasting of their newly-bottled beers, labelled with the winning names.

Jim Smith, resident of Amberwood House said: “ Jennifer’s a very good host and tasting our Residents’ Revenge was a highlight!”

Jennifer said: “It was lovely to host the Colten residents.”

Signs that you need to see a chiropractor

Chiropractic is a well-established profession, and you may hear your friend or family member casually drop into conversation that they’re ‘off to see the chiropractor’, but unless they’ve obviously crippled by pain, why would they go to see one, right? Well, chiropractic has a reputable role in a person’s overall wellbeing, posture, health and of course, prevention of pain. It is often seen as a vital part of a person’s lifestyle, and we do far more than just ‘clicking joints’ – read on more to see what we help with and maybe how we can help you!

Pain management: This is the obvious one, but chiropractic is very effective at treating:

Low back pain

Neck pain

Headaches

Migraine

Joint pain

Tennis elbow

Sciatica

We use a variety of treatments and techniques to help with your condition,

and we do this following an extensive consultation and examination.

Posture:

Posture is one of the biggest reasons a person would come to see us. Our head weighs about the weight of a bowling ball and every inch forward makes the effective weight of the head 10x heavier. This can cause headaches and neck pain, affect our self-esteem, and body image, and have a knock-on effect with movements which can affect other areas of the spine. Chiropractic helps with the mobility of the spinal joints and prescribes exercises to strengthen the mid-back and help with better posture.

CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS

We strive to give every patient the absolute best chiropractic and massage care , as well as providing outstanding customer service. We are a motivated team passionate about getting you better and enabling you to live a pain free life, getting you the best version for you !

Conditions we can treat:

• Migraines

• Lower Back Pain

• Joint Pain

• Frozen Shoulder

Prevention of pain:

Once you finish a course of care with us for your pain management and strengthening and rehabilitation –your body is in a much better space to prevent pain returning in the future, as not only are your joints moving better and muscles are released, but you’ve done exercises to prevent the pain returning. We also recommend maintenance appointments to keep you feeling good.

Better performance at work and sports: Once you’re out of pain, what’s next? A lot of the time we seek care because it is stopping us from doing what we love. Once pain is gone, we want to help you perform optimally. This could be things like being able to work more efficiently, or be able to improve your time on a 5km run? The goals are endless!

So, whether you’re in pain, looking to improve your posture, prevent pain returning or improving at work or sports, then enquire to see if we can support you! It’s never too late to start and we can’t wait to help.

December gardening jobs. It’s okay, I’ll forgive you for not planning to spend as much time in the garden in December! With unpredictable weather that is often cold, windy or wet, and with the early darkness, and the busyness of Christmas and all the festivities, it can be hard to venture out there. When the weather is fine, and you have a spare hour or so, it’s actually a real tonic to get outside and get some fresh air though. For me, it’s exactly what I need, and the complete antidote to the highlystrung human based Christmas frenzy!

The garden is in slumber, just resting and recouping in readiness for the next season of riotous colour and growth. The insects are either gone, or hibernating, the birds have moved to their winter abodes (some arrived, some gone, others stay all year with us), and all is calm. When I’m out there, I make a point to take note of the ripe red berries that will feed our cheery robins, blackbirds, sparrows, etc, to enjoy the bare naked form of the trees and twigs, and admire the heroic efforts of the worms as they drag any leaf litter into the ground to munch. The strength of these critters is quite astonishing. To move through the earth, they burrow by forcefully enlarging tiny crevices and cracks in the soil. This can take an enormous amount of pressure and strength – experiments have shown they can push 10 times their own body weight. That’s the equivalent of a human pushing a large polar bear out of his or her way. What’s even more extraordinary is that tiny hatchlings – baby earthworms – can push 500 times their own body weight – that’s the same as a person casually shoving a humpback whale to one side!

Phew!

Anyway here’s a little collection of jobs to keep you warm:

GUTTERS CLEARED

windows, fascias, soffits. Gutters cleaned, repairs. Free estimates.

Hannah’s horticulture

Watch out for mice

Winter cold will entice mice into seed and fruit stores. Put seeds in tins with tight fitting lids and ensure that your fruit and veg are protected.

Paths and steps

Cold, wet weather can make surfaces treacherous. Use a wire brush, jet wash or path cleaner to clean them. Wooden steps are particularly tricky. A good tip is to staple down a layer of galvanized wire mesh to provide better grip, or you can buy grip tape to apply too. Also worth noting when you choose new paving and surfaces if slip is an issue, test it out, and ask for the R value if it’s a critical area or being applied to slopes. The ‘R’ value is an industry standard and goes from R9R13, with the higher number being the most slip resistant. Bare-rooted trees, fruit and shrubs

Winter is a good time for planting bare-roots. And also for moving trees and shrubs though with Christmas looming it may make sense to order now and plant in the New Year (fab Christmas present idea right there – you can have that one for free!). Just avoid planting when the ground is waterlogged or freezing.

TREES R US Get your garden ready for winter. Trees, hedges, patios, turf and fencing. Call Peter 07976 667130

In the borders

Leave seed heads for birds and insects to feed on and hibernate in. Any foliage that has been wasted to black slime by frost, or has signs of fungal disease, should be cleared and removed. If you want to remember where plants are, put down markers

Hannah Hobbs-Chell is a horticulturist and garden designer/consultant. If you have a question for her, email:hannah. hobbschell@outlook. com including a picture if relevant

now before they completely disappear.

Exotics and tender plants

Tree ferns, bananas and palms need insulating from the worst weather. Wrap in a fleece jacket or with a sandwich of straw and fleece. You can also do this around the more tender shrubs and perennials. Do peg down or tie the protection though, as those fierce winter winds can undo your hard work and deliver it to the neighbours!

Winter’s shooting stars

In mid-December, peaking around the 12th to the 14th, the meteors of the annual Geminid stream will streak across the night sky.

They appear to radiate from a point near the head of Castor, the upper bright star at the left of the constellation; its twin is Pollux. These twins were, in Greek mythology, brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, commander of the Greeks in the Trojan War. The Moon is at its gibbous phase, a little larger than halfMoon, as the meteors reach

maximum; its light may blot out fainter members. Bright Geminids often leave sparkling trails as they burn their way through the upper atmosphere at altitudes between 60 and 100 kilometres, so keep binoculars at hand to see how these gas trails snake around after the me teor has apparently disappeared. The reliable Geminids can include very bright fireballs. These represent bigger chunks of debris, left behind millennia ago by the crumbling asteroid Phaethon. Clear skies!

Starwatch night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society

What a treemendous

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Christmas tree collection and recycling service is back by popular demand and has been given the big thumbs-up from patron Harry Redknapp Lewis-Manning has launched its Christmas tree collection service supported by Katie Fox Estate Agents. The successful and popular service is in its 5th year and the community are urged to support the hospice once again by registering for their real Christmas tree collection online.

All Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch postcodes are covered, from BH1 to BH23, and collections will take place between Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7, 2023.

Area fundraiser Ruth Wright said: “We’re delighted to be able to help the local community again and offer this fantastic service that helps so many people avoid the faff of getting rid of their tree after Christmas. Registering your

tree

“Book early as spaces go fast. Bookings close on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.”

Harry said: “Sarn and I know what we’re doing with our Christmas tree this year, thanks to Lewis-Manning. I hope lots of other people in the local community also make

a donation for their tree to be collected too! They’re such a worthy cause that help so many people in Dorset.”

Katie Fox said: “Not only is it about raising money to aid this wonderful charity but we love that it was community based, which is where, as a business, our hearts lie.

“My team and I can’t wait to be part of it again this year”

To register your tree, visit lewismanning.org.uk/christmas-treecollection.

fresh herbs are not as strong as dried herbs. I used to think that fresh equals vitality therefore they would be stronger but I was wrong.

In this case it’s great being wrong as I often forget to pick my herbs when they are young. Luckily, although a few like the lemon balm look a bit ropey, what there is of them will be potent for the tinctures I am going to make.

The key word on my column introduction with regard to herbs is that I am an AMATEUR herbalist.

I only make tinctures for me and mine. I only use ingredients which I am familiar with and have consumed in the past. I strongly advise you to do the same.

Mugwort - I use to help me sleep better and for lucid dreams. During the early autumn it is plentiful but about now it is dying off and so I hurry to the bottom of the garden to gather the dried leaves. Wash it and cut it up then straight into a glass jar and cover with alcohol – vodka in this case.

Make sure you cover the plant mass. Shake two or three times a day. In about six weeks the tincture should be ready to sieve with a muslin bag and then decant into the tiny bottles as you only want to take a few drops at a time.

I have used cobalt glass bottle with droppers for this purpose. The dark blue helps the tincture last longer by blocking out the sun plus the colour is just so pretty!

Tincture this,folks

Words and pics by JO GREEN, a former allotmenteer, forager, amateur herbalist, pickler and jam maker who squeezed her allotment greenery into her tiny garden

Can you help with ‘voluntree’ recycling?

Volunteers and vans are required to join Diverse Abilities’ efforts for a sustainable Christmas as part of its Treecycling fundraising initiative.

The Treecycling weekend takes place from Friday until Monday, January 6 to 9, and the charity will be collecting Christchurch, East Dorset, Poole, Bournemouth, and Ringwood’s Christmas trees for recycling following the festive period.

Volunteers are required for driving vans and wayfinding, as well as dropping off the trees at nominated recycling points across the conurbation and beyond.

Claire Cooper, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “Treecycling is a great way to get out in the fresh air and blow away the cobwebs following the Christmas period. It’s one of our most important fundraisers of the year and allows us to raise vital money for the children and adults we support.

This year, 2022, has been a record-breaking year for the collection, and we’re hoping to increase the number of trees collected next year.”

Vans, of Transit size or larger, are required to help the collection and business, families,

or community groups with access to these are encouraged to get in touch and provide support over the weekend.

Claire added: “There’s no need to give up your whole weekend, just providing a day or even a few hours will help to make

a huge difference to collect all the trees booked over the festive period.

“It’s always a really fun weekend, and we look forward to welcoming more volunteers onboard this year.”

Those interested in being part of the collections can email treecycling@ diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 711507 to find out more.

Alternatively, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ trees for a full list of locations that trees can be collected from, and to book your tree collection for a suggested £10 donation.

Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

with Tiffany Fleming

Tiffany Fleming is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown.

High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our cofarmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of wellbeing and self-worth that many have never experienced before’.

It has been a very trying couple of weeks at the farm. Not only has there been much to do to complete the office expansion and prepare for the Pig & Pumpkin event held for friends and family, but the team have also had to deal with some devastating news.

The loss of Mollie, the farm’s much-loved therapy horse. Any loss at High Mead is keenly felt, but to lose such a big character as Mollie really takes its toll, not only on the Co-Farmers but on the staff too, as they must break the sad news to all of the farm’s regular attendees and then help each and every one to manage their thoughts and feelings.

For many, Mollie was more than just a friendly face, she was a best friend.

For all that the farm does, helping to navigate through life’s tough times is probably its most important job of all. Any change at the farm, no matter how small, has an impact. Even necessary adjustments (such as the office

expansion) can upset the equilibrium.

Maintaining a calm and happy environment is a skill, so being faced with the difficult job of helping to make sense of an unexpected event that has no purpose, tests and challenges everyone.

Fundraising to bring her ashes back to the farm offers the Co-Farmers a way of helping Mollie, allowing them to still care for her even though they can no longer see her.

Ensuring Mollie is talked about and not forgotten helps with their grief too.

In the meantime, life goes on and the jobs are still queuing to be done, so the mundane tasks and day-to-day toil continues.

Winter is a good time to get on top of some of the larger projects.

One such plan is to raise the height of the beds in the poly tunnel, so those with mobility issues can have better access to maintain them more easily.

The horticultural team is still very busy, even at this time of

year, planting broad beans, kohl rabi and winter salads such as mizuna.

Outside, the ground is supersoggy from all the recent rain, making it very difficult to manage, so the green manure and no-dig method of ground preparation has proven very successful!

The Co-Farmers are busy harvesting too, whilst trying to

avoid the mud where possible, as it is unbelievably slippery!

Rainbow chard, parsnips, leeks, chilli, kale, spinach, rocket, cavelo nero and spring onions are all still in season.

Fingers crossed the rain abates a little now, otherwise the woodcraft team might have to divert from creating the Wimborne Save the Children carnival float in favour of building an ark!

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Adopt an animal and help our wildlife

Anyone looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover in their life can now help them adopt an animal.

This Christmas, the Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering red squirrel, seahorse, and barn owl adoptions.

The organisation says adopting an animal is the perfect choice for an environmentallyfriendly Christmas.

Exclusive adoptions include a digital adoption certificate and a selection of fascinating facts about the chosen animal. And 100% of the adoption fee goes into vital work protecting species and their habitats in Dorset.

For example, there are only around 200 red squirrels currently living on Brownsea

Island in Poole Harbour. Funds from these adoptions will contribute towards maintaining their habitat on the island, while proceeds from barn owl adoptions will contribute to conservation work on nature reserves including Lorton Meadows, in Weymouth, where a popular barn owl webcam has kept track of barn owls nesting, breeding, and fledging for several years.

Meanwhile, proceeds from seahorse adoptions will support the incredible work of the Dorset Marine Conservation Fund to help safeguard our beautiful coastlines and the marine wildlife that lives there. Imogen Davenport, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s conservation director, said: “I can’t think

of a better gift than protecting Dorset’s wildlife this Christmas.

“Proceeds from email adoption sales go directly into the trust’s hard work across the county, maintaining and protecting habitats for these iconic species in Dorset.

“This work is especially important as the UK has become one of the most naturedepleted countries in the world.

“To tackle the ecological and climate crises we face, we must come together, and adoptions provide a great way to do this by sharing a love of wildlife with family and friends.”

Find out more about how adoptions help wildlife, and choose your gift, at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/adoptions.

Popular show to become two-day event

Dorset’s annual Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show is to become a two-day event in 2023.

A decision to extend the renowned agricultural show has been taken by the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society to ensure the continued success of this rural event.

The show, which takes place at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe will run on Wednesday and Thursday, August 16 and 17, 2023.

This year’s show saw a record number of visitors attend with more than 25,000 on one day enjoying the livestock parades, agricultural and countryside exhibits, equestrian events, vintage machinery and cars, live bands, parachute team, motorbike stunt displays along with many other exciting attractions.

As well as a great day out for the public, the show is an important date in the calendar for farmers and those in the agricultural industry to come together for networking and business opportunities. More than 85 agricultural businesses took part this year with a dedicated agricultural and rural section of the show created for the first time on all four sides of the main show ring.

Like many other rural events, the Show was struck by ever-increasing logistical costs and turning the greenfield Showground into a large-scale event is no easy operation. Record numbers also meant demand for extra car parking, incurring additional

costs created by sourcing space from local landowners.

Show chairman Giles Simpson, pictured, local farmer and agronomist said: “Despite the challenges of an incredibly dry and hot summer, the Show was a huge success this year on all levels. However, running a oneday Show is a risk and bringing all of this together for a single day is costly and even more so if it rains on that day.

“The two- day Show will see us take the Show to a new and even more exciting level in our region.”

“We’ve done the maths and our decision to make the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show a two-day event will help us make it more cost-effective and even more financially viable by spreading the running costs over two days.

“It will also allow us to implement risk management strategies and fulfil our commitment to secure the future of this much-loved annual event.”

The society plans to keep the show entry price competitive with the assurance that daily ticket prices will remain under £20 per person and early-bird discounts available for £13.

Visit gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk.

Delightful time to visit garden

The Christmas Garden of Delights craft event is taking place at Springhead, Fontmell Magna near Shaftesbury, from today, Friday December 2, until Sunday, December 4.

The event is celebrating its 20th year of offering beautiful, handmade gifts from local artists.

Entry is free, doors from 10am-4pm each day.

It’s panto all year

by Lorraine Gibson

Most of us try to not think about Christmas until at least December, but Christchurchbased Carry on Costumes has been knee-deep in sequins and tulle since February!

Behind the door of an unremarkable industrial unit, lies a small family business that’s an Aladdin’s Cave of costumes designed for some of the best-loved pantomimes and West End musicals.

Among the dazzling outfits they’ve created are an outrageous panto dame ensemble for comedian Paul O’Grady as Window Twanky, show-stopping costumes for Cinderella with Christopher Biggins and Return Of Santa with Roy Barraclough at

Kids price includes a visit to

Father Christmas’ grotto!

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre. A recent highlight was the stunning costumes for Bournemouth-based Michael Rose’s production of Elf at London’s Dominion Theatre, which saw Carry on Costumes make its West End debut.

Founder Sue Simmerling has more than 40 years’ experience as a costumier.

Now 65, she went to fashion college straight from school, despite a teacher telling her she’d be ‘married by the time she was 17, so a career choice didn’t matter.’

Sue explains: “I studied for five years for a degree in Fashion and Design but the real apprenticeship begins when you start in a workroom, working from the bottom up.

“I couldn’t afford to live in London so I started my own fashion clothing brand with a fellow student and we sold into small, independent boutiques in Dorset and Hampshire.”

A chance conversation led to Sue meeting the cruise director of P&O’s Canberra who was launching on-board shows.

At 21, she packed her sewing machine and went to sea as one of the first-ever cruise costumiers.

Sue recalls: “I had no workroom. I had to cut out cloth on the floor of my cabin, sometimes in a force 10 gale.”

The small-scale soiree of songs from My Fair Lady featured Sue’s beautiful Ascot gavotte costumes and was an instant hit. She found herself in great demand and the productions evolved into full-scale shows across the fleet.

round for Sue, oh yes it is!

Thirty-eight years later and back on dry land, Sue still designs for cruise companies. Daughters Ellie and Carly work alongside her and friend Kate Richards runs the admin side. They also work for the BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney and music channels, making costumes for pop videos, game shows and adverts. They produce hire attire for amateur theatre

groups, including the incredible outfits featured in Priscilla Queen of the Desert by BBLOC (Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Operatic).

On top of all that, they founded and run the Glad Rags Production Company. Launched in 2012, it produces an annual Christmas Spectacular at Christchurch’s Regent Centre. The script, choreography,

You can bank on this lecture Book up for discussion

He’s more usually associated with Bristol than Bournemouth and its surrounding area, but the artist Banksy has more local connections than fans may be aware of.

Banksy In Dorset is the title of Dorset Museum’s lecture on January 19, 2023. Delivered by Professor Paul Gough, vicechancellor of Arts University Bournemouth, the 1.5-hour illustrated talk will cover Banksy’s stencil technique, his many changes of style and his fabled anonymity.

Prof Gough will draw specific references to Dorset through his examination of the artists’ work over the past three decades. He’ll also share fascinating insights into working with Banksy and his people, since writing his first book in 2012. Along with insights on working with international media and a vast swathe of the public, he will reflect on what can be learned by business and industry from the artistic phenomenon.

Book at dorsetmuseum.org/ event/2571/

You can now book up to attend one of the fascinating lectures being given at Dorchester Museum in the first half of 2023.

Novelists Joanna Quinn and best-selling author Tracy Chevalier will discuss Quinn’s debut novel, The Whalebone Theatre, on March 23, from 7pm-8.30pm.

The book is a coming-of-age story set in Dorset before and during the Second World War and was dubbed ‘the Book of the Summer’ by the Sunday Times in 2022.

In complete contrast, The Secret Lives Of Plants will be revealed in the lecture on April 20, 2023, by Professor Jonathan Drori.

He’ll bring to life the science, history, culture and folklore of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own.

More details of these and all the lectures in the series at dorsetmuseum.org.

musical direction and, of course, the costumes are created by Sue and her daughters, who also appear in the show. “We started 10 years ago because we wanted to do a project that we have control over. We’re lucky to work for glamorous shows with big stars but I’m most proud of the Spectaculars which feature local performers.

“Families come year after year and it’s lovely that the they have become part of their festive traditions. It’s a crazy time but we love it and have so much fun.’’

Christmas Spectacular Return Of The Frost runs from December 17 to 24 at the Regent Centre, Christchurch Visit regentcentre.co.uk/ whatson.

Stagecoach Wimborne & Ringwood

Stagecoach Performing Arts Wimborne and Ringwood provide quality part-time training in the Performing Arts for children aged 4-18 years. Our aim is to nurture and develop young people’s potential through singing, acting and dance classes. Stretching young imaginations and building confidence, giving all our students creative courage for life! All the students are busy singing in local Christmas themed performances for their friends, family and the local community and are looking forward to performing in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ at the Verwood Hub in March next year! There are still a couple of spaces remaining to sign your child up for a two week free trial in January, contact Emily now at wimborne@stagecoach.co.uk or 01202 238810.

Don’t forget that Stagecoach Wimborne and Ringwood are Ofsted registered and accept both childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare. Sibling discount is also available.

Classic ballet is a cracker

Classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, is coming to Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, January 7 and 8, 2023.

A feast for the senses; the enchanting tale of Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker Prince, is full of magic and wonder for audiences of all ages. Performed by the International Classic Ballet Theatre, the dancers come to the UK direct from the United States, where they have toured extensively in 2022 to great acclaim. More details are available from: lighthousepoole. co.uk/event/the-nutcracker.

Christmas workshop is a wrap

Wrap up Christmas in style and be a little kinder to the planet, by making your own personalised gift wrap.

Forest Arts in New Milton is holding a one-day workshop on Saturday, December 10, from 10am-4.30pm where participants can learn how to create beautiful and stylish individual wrap.

Tickets are £35 and those taking part are asked to bring an A5 size lino and some design references for simple imagery such as trees or stars.

All other materials will be provided by the tutor.

Visit: forest-arts.co.uk/ event/christmas-wrappingpaper-printing? for more information.

The White way to enjoy Bublé

by Lorraine Gibson

If the Bublé can’t go to the Highcliffe Hall, then the Highcliffe Hall can welcome Liam White.

To his fans, Michael Bublé is Christmas but making up for the absence of the king of the crooners, there’s Liam White, who will be channelling him in the Great Hall at the castle in a tribute show called the Bublé Experience.

Including the very best hits from the guy who is one of today’s most successful male artists, Liam will be singing all his much-loved classics from Bublé’s albums, such as Feeling Good, You Make Me Feel So Young, Me And Mrs Jones, and many, many more. December 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets, at £15, are available from highcliffecastle.co.uk/ events or by calling 01202 093377.

Celebrate the season with the Dorset Chamber Choir

Dorset Chamber Choir is holding its Christmas concert at Merley House on Monday, December 19, at 7.00pm. It will also celebrate the 10th anniversary since it was formed in 2012. The Christmas Concert is always popular and early booking is advised. In addition to celebrating its anniversary, this year will be rather special as the programme of popular carols includes Geoffrey Bush’s Christmas Cantata, which was nominated for inclusion by the late and much-respected member Jack Collings. He sang bass for many years and was an enthusiastic supporter and contributor at all stages of the choir’s development. A comment overheard at his funeral sums up his legacy: ‘From all that was said and celebrated, he was clearly a man loved by all who knew him’. There will be carols for choir

and audience.

The choir will be led by music director John Watkins, accompanied on piano by Chris Dowie with additional performance by Hannah Watkins on oboe.

Tickets are £12 (£5 students/ children) available from choir members and on the doorsubject to availability.

To reserve a seat call 01305 848053 or email dorsetchamber choir@gmail.com

Free parking. For more details visit dorsetchamberchoir.com.

Dorset Chamber Choir Christmas Concert Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, BH21 3AA

Arts & Entertainments

Festival of writing

A new festival of writing has been announced for Bournemouth. Dominic Wong, the organiser, says the three-day event will be ‘an extravaganza of talks, walks, seminars, panels, performances and workshops’. It will take place from April 21-23. bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk.

BSO lovers will be

by Faith Eckersall Music lovers will be spoiled for choice this festive season as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra prepares to play 20 concerts across its home region. There’s plenty to look forward to, from traditional choral classics and film music, to smaller-scale performances in rural spaces. With concessionary tickets starting at £6 there are experiences to suit a range of budgets to bring all ages together.

Orchestra chief executive Dougie Scarfe said: “We can’t wait to help people find those few hours of escapism and mark the start of a fresh new year. “There’s something for everyone, we’re even bringing a quiz to our rural concerts.”

For those who fancy a traditional festive singalong, the Celebration of Christmas Carols at Lighthouse, Poole, on Friday, December 23 will fit the bill. Featuring enduring classics,

it’ll exercise those vocal chords ahead of Christmas Day. Handel’s Messiah is an enduring favourite and baroque specialist Laurence Cummings makes an anticipated return to Lighthouse on December 14, with singers Anna Devin, Jake Arditti, Sam Furness and Ashley Riches, along with the mighty Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.

Actor Ben Forster, best known for West End lead performances of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Phantom Of The Opera joins the orchestra for Last Night Of The

Louise Dearman

spoiled for choice

Christmas Proms — in Poole on Saturday, December 17. Southampton-based community choir BSO Voices returns for a night of Silver Screen Showstoppers at Southampton’s O2 Guildhall on December 4, featuring classics from West Side Story to Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Meanwhile, you can herald 2023 in with the BSO’s Viennese Gala on January 1, in Poole, as the orchestra welcomes special guests, violinist Lajos Sárközy Jr and cimbalom player Jenő Lisztes, for a New Year Viennese

Gala with a Hungarian twist. There will be a Dementia Friendly festive ‘Cake Concert’ at The Spire, Poole, on Thursday, December 15, with a trio of BSO musicians playing for those who are living in community or in care and residential settings. And on December 9, in Lychett Matravers Village Hall, there will be a BSO On Your Doorstep concert featuring festive works including The Nutcracker and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. For tickets and further information, see bsolive.com.

Out Now! A New Spring Programme Packed Full of Things to Do

East Dorset Heritage Trust have just put the finishing touches to their new programme of events and courses and would love you to get involved!

Do you fancy doing something different this Spring? We have lots of interesting things to do, so why not give us a try?

There is a programme of talks which include ‘Romance and Scandal in Bournemouth’, ‘The History of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’ or how about ‘Surviving Extreme Cold’? Plus, there are visits to Warminster School, Warmwell House or Bindon Mill.

If you love being out in the fresh air, then why not join a guided walk around Portland or Westbourne, through the stunning countryside of West and North Dorset or how about the New Forest or even through the heart of Hardy Country? There really is something of interest for everyone!

If that’s not your thing, then what about trying your hand at Macrame or Lino printing? We also have Pottery throwing courses or Life Drawing courses both starting in January.

There are Floristry workshops for beautiful Easter displays or Aromatherapy in January, February, and March too.

Such a choice of things to keep you busy!

This programme is chock-full of things to do to suit everyone –Modern languages, such as Italian, French and Spanish, Art History or Creative Writing and even Archaeology. We also have 1-2-1 IT sessions for all those niggling things that drive us to distraction!

So please call in and pick up a copy to kick start your Spring with us!

Email: info@edht.org.uk Website: www.edht.org.uk Or call 01202 888992

Lajos Sarkozy Jr

Anna Devin

Fourth Greek letter (5)

Repeated musical phrase (4)

Computer programs (8)

Ambitious and go-getting (4-9)

Option (11)

Decline (3)

Extremely thorough (8)

Scanty (6)

Thai currency unit (4)

Large musical group (9)

Keep; put aside (5)

In a deceitful way (5)

Collected body of work (9)

Fiesta (8)

Rainbow-forming glass (5)

Spa bath (3,3)

Guides (5)

Flightless Australian birds (4)

Add, with ‘up’ (3)

Across 1 Start to display with endless abundance scrawled drawing (6)

Part of wintry landscape in Arctic I cleared (6)

On reflection, clear figure (3)

Support classic Jaguar, a perfect model? (9)

Check edge on pavement reportedly (4)

Cure for poison toted in a jungle (8)

Popular section of Greece? (3,6)

Dismay about return of very old Republican for endorsement (8)

Criticism when time’s run out for being ill (4)

Good man stuck in fence is a legal professional (9)

European mountain among phenomenal peaks (3)

My robe is fashioned as a natural starting point? (6)

Most advanced set sold out lacking bit of scruple (6)

Down

1 Separate awkward date and companion

2 Posh wine that’s drunk about right for proprietor’s outfit (9)

Nervous bride left in Anglican church – worthy of belief? (8)

Shout gets to carry oddly (3)

3 Staffordshire town reported unauthorized disclosure of information (4) 5 Nervous bride left in Anglican church –of belief? (8)

6 Shout gets to carry oddly (3)

It puts on an equal basis still British monarch (6)

Harmonious type of character (9)

Start alcoholic drink imbibed by a trio getting tipsy close to home (9)

7 It puts on an equal basis still British monarch (6)

10 Harmonious type of character (9)

Youngsters are in this party after an electoral defeat? (8)

13 Start alcoholic drink imbibed by a trio getting tipsy close to home (9)

Talk with bad temper I rejected, incoherent talk (6)

14 Youngsters are in this party after an electoral defeat? (8)

Take part in winter sport above untidy place –or omit this? (4,2)

Some for a longer exam (4)

Lift gown mostly (3)

16 Talk with bad temper I rejected, incoherent talk (6) 17 Take part in winter sport above untidy place or omit this? (4,2)

20 Some for a longer exam (4) 22 Lift gown mostly (3)

Sport Awards night for South West champions

South West Athletic League Champions

Wimborne Athletic Club showed off their trophies at the annual Presentation Evening held at Wimborne Town FC’s New Cuthbury last month.

Chairman Jason Hall highlighted this success and also told about 150 members and guests of the club’s success in gaining fifth place in the 24-team Wessex Young Athletes League and their contribution to winning the Southern Division UK Young Athletes League as part of the combined Team Dorset. There was special mention for the club’s Under 11 Quadkids squads where the girls squad were third overall in the Wessex League.

Biggest cheers of the evening were reserved for Coach of the Year Dave Pearson who also won the Senior Mens Cup and for Paula Hine the under 11s coach and Team Manager who won the Senior Womens Cup. Age group cups were won by Bethany Cassidy and Louis Manning in the under 11s, by Olivia Jones and Rory Connolly in the under 13s, by Lucy Lucas who also won the Female sprint title and Harry Jones in the under 15s, by Amy Darragh who also won the Clare Bailey Trophy for Commitment and Harry Bunting in the under 17s and Ollie Rawles in the under 20s.

The best newcomer trophies went to Sam

John and Mila Desborough.

Will Langridge won the Jonathan Edwards triple jump trophy and in an outstanding first season in the event won silver in the National Championships and was ranked third in the UK. Will was also awarded the Male Outstanding Performance trophy. Emily Shaw won the Female Outstanding Peformance Award after gaining her junior international vest for 3000 metres but was unable to collect her trophy as she is currently mentoring young athletes in Nepal in her gap year. Lucas Jolliffe and Elliott Trickey shared the award for long jump. Harry Ryan was the top hurdler at the club having won the National Prep schools title and every one of his races over the distance. Harry Cleall and Josh Fricker shared the male sprint trophy in an exceptional field of athletes. They were also included in the under 13 boys relay team which broke a club record and were presented with the

Hill Ford Team Trophy.

Kayla Robbins won best high jumper and Daisy Tyndall best pole vaulter. Leilani Roberts won the Female Throws trophy competing in each of the four throws disciplines with senior Daniel Connolly winning the male trophy in his first season with the club.

Tom Jackson, again a relative newcomer to the club won the male middle distance and steeplechase titles while Millie Haynes won the Female Middle Distance trophy. Jakob Roberts has had an outstanding season winning the South West Octathlon and taking the club’s Multi Events trophy. He has now qualified for the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme.

A special feature of this year’s awards was the first presentation of the Catherine Rawles Trophy for Under 11, 600 metre running.

Catherine is a much missed coach of younger athletes and this award was made to Rosie Gollings who broke the club record for the distance.

Relatively new blood for the club was recognised in the work of Emma Plimmer who won the Robin Blackburn Trophy for all round support with officiating and team management and Phil York who won the prestigious Les Phillips Trophy for his major role in the life of the club.

Communities connect through Cricket League sponsor deal

by Lorraine Gibson

After the absence of a sponsor for the Dorset Cricket League during the 2022 season, a new three-year deal has been struck with one of the county’s fastest growing companies.

From next April, 76 teams from 40 clubs will play in the Wessex Internet Dorset Cricket League after the Shroton-based firm agreed a deal which will support the league in various ways, benefiting umpires as well as players and clubs.

The deal also includes sponsorship of the T20 Cup Competitions, the League Representative XI and the Women’s Leagues within the county.

Some of the money will be used to help reduce clubs’ costs and some is earmarked to help encourage and train new umpires.

League chairman, Peter Constable said: “We are delighted to be forging a partnership with Wessex Internet, particularly at a time when more and more digital technology is coming into

the game at grassroots level.

“Some clubs already use a phone app or laptop for scoring matches, some of which can be followed live online from all over the world.

“It’s possible for clubs to stream matches live over the internet and

we may even see some of the other technology used in the professional game filter down to club cricket.

“Wessex Internet, by bringing fibre connections to rural areas of Dorset, are the ideal company to with at this time and we look forward to working with them over the next three years.”

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said: “We’re excited to enter this three-year agreement to sponsor the Dorset Cricket League.

“A local internet service provider, we work with communities to connect them to ultrafast full fibre broadband.

“We recognise the vital role that local sports clubs play in community life and are delighted to be able support cricket clubs across the county.”

Based near Blandford, the company’s mission is to build a full fibre network connecting even the most remote countryside neighbourhoods - from Cranborne Chase to the Dorset coastline, and out to rural South Somerset.

OWZAT: DCL chairman Peter Constable with Sally Sommers of Wessex Internet

More trial days at popular bowls club

East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club is extending its invitation for trial open days until January 2023. You can go along on the 28th or 29th for a free session with coaching and equipment provided. With six well-maintained rinks and electronic score boards they promise that you will have fun and be made welcome.

Bowling offers mental as well as physical stimulation, particularly during the winter

months, and on a recent visit to the club at TwoRiversmeet in Christchurch, BBC TV highlighted the sport’s Covid-related benefits. Recent events such as a quiz night and fancy dress evenings were well attended and they intend to arrange more events for 2023. There is easy parking and bus services are on the doorstep. Call 01202 483317, email frontoffice@eastdorset ibc.org.uk or visit eastdorsetibc.org.uk.

Legend Phil has guests in a spin

Cricket legend Phil Tufnell had guests in a spin at the Dorset’s Sporting Club’s autumn lunch.

He turned back the clock with favourite memories and hilarious anecdotes from his time in the game as well as colourful tales from his TV and media career following retirement from the sport.

The charismatic spin bowler – who took 121 test match wickets for England – was guest speaker at the latest lunch sponsored by law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors and supported by Julius Baer International Limited.

Nigel Smith, managing partner at Ellis Jones, said: “Phil was brilliant company.

“It was a privilege to have such a legend of the game and born raconteur with us for a very enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

“Phil was incredibly generous with his time and memories, sharing his thoughts on the some of the great players he faced during his career as well as insights into the modern game and his life as a TV personality.

“Our sporting lunches have gone from strength to strength following their return after the Pandemic, and welcoming Phil was one of the highlights so far.”

Ellis Jones has offices in East Street, in Wimborne town centre.

The lunch was held at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Sandbanks.

Alan Hooks, head of private clients, Julius Baer International Ltd, added: “Phil had endless stories and insights during a superb afternoon.

“It was a pleasure to support the latest sporting lunch with Ellis Jones Solicitors.”

Phil – nicknamed ‘the cat’ –played 42 test match and 20 one-day internationals for England.

He represented Middlesex County Cricket Club from 1986 to 2002, and took a total of 1,057 first class wickets in the English game.

A couple of wily old trout get the fish!

The intrepid Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishers made their way over the Wiltshire border to Avon Springs Trout Fishery, writes Gordon Wray It’s a favourite of the Fly Fishers, always loads of action from fast and furious fish. But not this time! We think it might have had something to do with the hot weather... 21C in the sunshine must have persuaded the fish to take an Indian summer holiday. That’s our excuse anyway... They were elusive and stubborn and refused to be caught. Only the most wily of our anglers managed to attract a full bag of four trout.

Heaviest bag went to Steve Hemmingway who is certainly a wily old trout himself. His bag tipped the scale at an impressive 13lb 6oz which was enough to take the prize.

Pictured above is Steve with our chairman Mike Slater who also achieved his bag of four. Congratulations Steve!

BOWLED OVER: Phil, centre, with, from left, Nigel Smith of Ellis Jones Solicitors, and Rowen Pestana, Matt Lee and Alan Hooks of Julius Baer International Limited

Pets

We all tend to over-indulge over the Christmas period and for some of us, it’s started already... but it’s important to be aware of certain foods that can be harmful to our pets. These foods should be kept out of reach from your pets:

Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs! It contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Grapes, raisins and sultanas – a trio of toxic treats, all of which can cause fatal kidney failure, particularly for pets with underlying health problems.

Keep Christmas pudding and mince-pies well out of the way. Macadamia nuts – all nuts should be avoided but macadamia nuts are the most toxic.

If ingested they can potentially be fatal.

Caffeine and fizzy drinks –coffee beans, teabags and fizzy drinks should be kept out of reach as they can cause rapid breathing and heart palpitations.

Dairy products – most pets unfortunately find it difficult to digest the lactose in milk and cheese, so it’s a good idea to avoid these where possible.

Onions, garlic and chives – if fed to your pet raw, cooked or dehydrated they can affect their red blood cells and cause anaemia.

Xylitol artificial sweetener – found in lots of sugar-free sweets and cakes, this can trigger sudden releases of insulin that can cause seizures

and damage to the liver. The good news is, your cats and dogs can be treated to a little skin and boneless white meat, like Christmas turkey and for dogs a small side of vegetables. If you suspect your pet of ingesting any of the above contact your vet immediately for their advice. Prompt action could be lifesaving.

Santa Paws is coming to Animal Rescue

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is incredibly excited to be hosting Santa Paws Grotto for the first time at the Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre in Wareham.

The event will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 10am-3pm and it will be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to have a professional photo of their pet taken with Santa.

There will be various photo sizes available, priced at just £12 and £15, which will be printed then and there and ready to take home on the day.

Not only will this be a great way to share a special Christmas memory with your pets, but those involved will also be helping to raise money for rescue animals in need. There will be a selection of hot drinks available, as well as Winter Grand Draw tickets, goodies for your furry friends and plenty of festive cheer to go around! Supporters will also have the chance to make this magical time extra special, by making a wish or leaving a tribute to a loved one on the charity’s Celebration Christmas Tree, which will be proudly displayed by the main reception at Church

Knowle for all to admire throughout December.

The event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season and to support a local charity.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue would like to say thank you to Steve Cole

Photography for supporting the event by being their photographer on the day. Free parking will be available on site and the team look forward to welcoming all attendees and their four-legged friends to Santa Paws Grotto.

Recruitment

Christmas poultry processors needs for first 3 weeks of December, to help with plucking and evisceration jobs, good rates of pay, friendly family farm between Wincanton and Bruton. 07812009364

HOUSEKEEPER wanted near Cranborne Dorset, general domestic duties, dog sitting. No cooking. 3 bedroom cottage rent free. Beautiful but remote surroundings. Start January. salary negotiable. Apply to lts@ lts-uk.com

Cleaner required for two houses , total of 5 hours weekly. Hourly rate to be agreed. References essential. 07939569880

Sheet Metal Worker

Vacancy – Press Brake Operator experience preferred but not essential. Keen eye for detail required. Full time position at small friendly company in Semley, near Shaftesbury. Tel: 01747 851060

HGV Livestock lorry driver wanted Frizzle Livestock Haulage

Enquiries phone Andrew 07977 136863

Shaftesbury This position consists of:

Organiser.

HGV CLASS 1 DRIVER

This role involves:

• Hauling non-hazardous liquid waste in one of our eet of artic lorries

• This role involves nights out, minimum of two per week and working every other Saturday

• There will be reactive callouts and unplanned emergency work

• Communicating e ectively with clients and the o ce team

• Accurately completing waste transfer notes and tickets

• Ensuring works are correct and fully compliant, with a high regard for correct working practises and health and safety

• Responsible for daily vehicle checks, defect reporting and completing of vehicle logs

• Company uniform, workwear and PPE is provided.

Key requirements:

• Must be experienced in driving an HGV vehicle

• Hold full and valid UK driving license and HGV C+E License

• CPC Certi cate is essential

• Can provide proof of right to work in the UK

To apply please call Philip Trim on 07971 005579

Or Email your CV to info@philiptrimcontractors.com

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP h�ps://www.gillingham dorset.co.uk/ CLEANERS (part �me, permanent & casual)

Cleaners required working from 0600-0800 and 1545-1745. For further details and an applica�on form, please ring 01747 822222 and ask for Tina Hull. We are commi�ed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convic�ons

An opportunity has arisen to join our busy team; we are looking for

Mosaic – Supporting Bereaved Children

Administrative Assistant - Referrals

Hours 10-15 hours

Salary £5,200£8,580 (£19,500-21,450 fte)

Base: Milborne St Andrew, Blandford, DT11

Would you like to join an enthusiastic, friendly team, working for a children’s charity in Dorset?

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Referral Team, dealing with schools, local authorities, parents and counsellors.

Processing referrals and reports.

Requirements: Minimum 1yr administration experience

Excellent communication, telephone and networking skills.

Excellent organisational skills and time management.

Ability to work as part of a team

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office

Closing date: 9th December 2022

Further details and application form available from: cathy@ mosaicfamilysupport.org http://www. mosaicfamilysupport.org

Evening cleaner required Monday to Friday 3 hours a night 6 till 9pm term time only

Milborne St Andrew from £10 an hour.

Mileage may be considered phone John 01305261624

PART-TIME CARER / PA East of Shaftesbury

For busy mother in wheelchair. Cheerfulness, kindness and flexibility more important than qualifications.

Varied role as part of small team, with housekeeping, admin, personal care, meal prep, dog walks included.

Strictly no smokers. 07790 524 241

PART TIME MILK RECORDER wanted in the Shaftesbury area, must have own transport and enjoy outdoor life. Closing date 5th Dec. piplo@nmrp.com

Cleaner wanted for a family home 4-5 hours p/w Stour Row call 07962160523

Recruitment Secretary Wanted

For The Mere Forest & Allotment charities to start in 2023. This is a part time, self employed administrative position that comes with a generous annual payment.

Applicant skills required: Computer literate. Able to use online banking Knowledge of Microsoft Office including how to mail merge. Have a basic underst anding of bookkeeping

If you’re interested in applying, please send over a CV and /or covering letter to mereforest@gmail.com

Part-time Housekeeper

Shaftesbury area.

Includes large social area, kitchen and offices. High standards of cleaning/presentation required with the ability to work independently.

Hours Monday 9am 1pm. Friday 12 4pm. Some flexibility with working hours is possible. Please email ashofficesp5@gmail.com

Experienced/qualified Bench Joiner required for our high qualit y bespoke joinery workshop. Interesting & varied work. Must be able to work on own initiative. Immediate start. Competitive salary. For further details and an application form please contact: 0 01963 23219 or david@fcuffandsons.co.u k

Portmore Electrical Limited are looking to recruit 18th Edition Qualified Electricians to join our family business.

All aspects of electrical installations undertaken in the Domestic, Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial sectors. The successful applicants will have good communication skills, be able to work using own initiative and to tight deadlines, confident in working independently and as part of a team where necessary.

Candidates must hold ECS Gold Cards, C&G 2391 test and inspect qualifications or equivalent and a full clean driving licence.

Salary is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications, opportunities for additional hours are always available.

Benefits Include: Company Vehicle (business use only), Uniform, Telephone, iPad, Company Work Place Pension and 30 Days Annual Leave.

Full time, Permanent Positions. Please send CV’s to admin@portmoreelectrical.co.uk or call 01258 458794 for an informal chat.

petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, speed sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, bluetooth, auto activation lights, heated front screen, stunning looking ST Line with the award winning 125bhp EcoBoost engine, only 16,500 miles ............£14250

2018 (18) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Estate 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, climate control, heated front screen, hill start assist, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth, active city stop, great performance & economy, 39,500 miles .........................................................£12250

2012 (12) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, appearance pack, partial leather seats, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, split opening tailgate, large boot, high seating position, cambelt replaced, only 68,200 miles .....................£7850

2015 (15) Ford Transit Courier 1.6TDCi Trend Van 5dr. 95bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 2 seats, very well kept van with NO VAT to pay, bulkhead, lots of extras, air con, alloys, heated front screen, hill start assist, bluetooth, roof rails, side door, double rear doors, 76,500 miles, No VAT to pay

Analysis of 2021 Crown and Magistrates Court data by the AA has found that both drug driving and speeding cases are at record highs.

As drivers returned to the roads in 2021 following a year of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the number of drug-driving cases increased by 54% to 21,411. Speeding cases rose to 208,496 compared with 167,596 the year before.

Three other offences reached record highs last year: Causing serious injury through dangerous driving (793)

Dangerous driving (7,605)

Drivers failing to supply information when required (96,801).

Meanwhile, more than 32,500 drivers were in the dock for drinking and driving, but just 6,169 people were taken to court for using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel.

A total of 638,044 motoring cases were taken to court last year with 565,440 people found guilty, showing that 85.5% of motoring related court cases end with a conviction.

While some of the increases

can be attributed to the suspension in court sitting days during the Pandemic, the AA is worried that the standard of driving fell as people got behind the wheel again as restrictions eased.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Our analysis shows a shocking return to the roads after the Pandemic.

“With record highs of dangerous driving, drug driving and speeding, it is a timely reminder to every driver that being behind the wheel is a serious responsibility and that poor driving can have serious consequences.

“Drug driving has increased year-on-year since records began and while more police forces are carrying out roadside tests, it seems some people are willing to try and chance it. We need to put more focus on this issue and eliminate it completely from our roads.”

A £30million investment by Giganet will see 28,000 homes in Ferndown and Wimborne have access to hyperfast broadband.

Work has begun on installing the full fibre network with Giganet, one of the country’s fastest growing internet service providers, warning of shortterm disruption.

It is working closely with local authorities and community groups – including Dorset Council, Ferndown Town Council and Wimborne Minster Town Council – to provide residents with the most up-to-

Firm’s fourth generation

We have welcomed our fourth generation into the family business in recent times, James and Robert Head, with Robert, right, passing his exams in October receiving his certificate to become a qualified Funeral Arranger (DipFAA) .

This is the forerunner to the Funeral Directing Diploma which he will start in March next year.

Robert & his wife Megan attended the National Association of Funeral Directors awards ceremony in Birmingham where they met various figureheads driving the industry to fulfil and maintain its important role in supporting and advising their local communities.

The NAFD’s qualifications are the leading courses to become a qualified funeral director. Head & Wheble have always ensured we are a member of the association to maintain high standards within our day to day work practice and it shines

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Hyperfast on the way

date information on the status of the build and any potential roadworks.

Giganet’s build plans have been backed by £250million of private investment, £30million of which has been earmarked specifically for Dorset.

It will bring superfast to areas that, until now, have not benefited from having access to a full fibre network.

GE Services will be the build partner in Ferndown while 4 Site Fibre will be Wimborne. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2024 but the first services will go live much sooner.

Kevin Barry, chief network build officer at Giganet, said: “This is an exciting chapter for Giganet as we bring Dorset’s smaller communities up to speed with full fibre services.

“Over the last few years there’s been a surge in demand for faster, more reliable broadband. “While there will be some short-term disruption from the build, this will benefit the local area tremendously in the longterm.”

Full fibre networks use 100 per cent fibre optic cables to carry data all the way from the exchange to the home, which differs from most digital infrastructure today.

Only about a third of UK premises can currently connect to it.

To see if your postcode can get connected to full fibre, visit giganet.uk.

Xero, Sage and Quickbooks training on site, at home or via Zoom. Visit xerotrainingcourses.com. Telephone 07926 499295.

HEAD & WHEBLE

through to the professional service given to all our families. We look forward to entering our 98th year next month and are very honoured to have the opportunity to serve the local community at a time when families need support and guidance most.

We are an independent, family-run business that can accommodate and facilitate everyone’s needs, offering free help and advice from a wealth of experience and knowledge.

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