Letters

Business as usual at former train station

The Spetisbury Station Project Group has recently been dissolved. We simply did not have the required number of people willing or able to fill the vacant officers’ roles, so we were not able to continue operating as a group. Happily though, it is still very much business as usual up at this former Somerset & Dorset railway station that closed in 1956. The few remaining volunteers have come to an agreement with Spetisbury Parish Council to continue work under their supervision, something we are all very pleased about. After ten years’ hard work creating this pleasant landscaped setting on the North Dorset Trailway, and uncovering the station’s history, the last thing we wanted was for our efforts to go to waste. However, there remains much work to do and additional help, particularly from the local community, is always appreciated. More details can be found at spetisburystationproject. co.uk. We would like to record a big thank-you to our former project manager Dean Cockwell, who since 2012 has done so much hard work, both on and off site, to get the project off the ground. Dean has sadly now had to stand down due to ill health but his efforts continue to be appreciated by the many visitors who enjoy this tranquil spot overlooking the Stour Valley.

Kevin Mitchell spetisburystationproject.

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Nonsense to blame staff

Well, it’s a long time since I read such nonsense as blaming NHS staff ‘underperforming’ for patients waiting to leave hospital causing bed blocking (Christopher Chope MP, New Stour & Avon, July 29). The desperate lack of government funds for facilities in social care in the community is the reason that hospitals cannot discharge patients.

Gillian Dawson Corfe Mullen

Enjoy our ‘quingo’ evening Thanks for voting for me

We are holding a Quingo evening with a fish and chip or sausage and chip meal at St Michaels Parish Centre, Verwood on Saturday, September 17, at 6.30pm. This is a fundraising event for St Michael’s Church in the town. Tickets are £10-00 each, bring your own drinks and glasses... and a pen! Tickets are available from St Michael’s Church office between 9am and noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thusdays and Fridays or by telephoningus on 01202 824885. The closing date for booking is Monday, September 12. (Quingo = Quiz & Bingo!)

Brian & Lesley Cox Verwood

Thank you very much to the 563 people who voted for me in last week’s Wimborne Town Council elections and thereby elected me onto the Council. We have much to do: the infrastructure and traffic need addressing; the environment is worth preserving; we need to keep adding attractions and events; leisure and sporting facilities need to be locally provided. Several voters raised issues during canvassing – do make contact if you want me to help via: jeffhart@ bestpracticenet.co.uk or 07825 226837. Thanks again.

Councillor Jeff Hart Wimborne

Residents walk to Windsor

Residents of a care home strode the equivalent distance from Poole to Windsor Castle to raise money for a local hospice. Colten Care dedicated dementia home the Aldbury launched the fundraiser to support Forest Holme Hospice in Poole. Melissa Siat of the home’s companionship team explained: “Forest Holme Hospice is our charity of the year and the residents wanted to raise some money for its amazing work whilst also enjoying some quality time outside together. So, we set ourselves a walking challenge to try to walk the 93.25 miles to Windsor Castle.” The month-long challenge entailed companions and residents walking for 30 minutes each day. Melissa said: “We’re all feeling fitter, certainly. “Most of our residents had a pedometer and loved being able to proudly track how many steps they did each day.” Resident Abdul ‘Hobi’ Sabih said: “I love walking and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. Especially with Melissa and the others because we look at the flowers and chat as we go.” The Aldbury raised a total of £160 for their efforts and companions and residents have already started thinking about their next challenge. Melissa added: “It’s lovely to know we have helped the hospice in its work and it has also given us the impetus to keep up our daily walking throughout the summer and beyond.”

Laudemus in church concert

The acclaimed Choir Laudemus under their MD Jeremy Jackman will be singing evensong at Wimborne St Giles as part of their annual tour of Dorset churches. Ancient words, timeless music and prayers for today will be performed. Organist will be Sam Hanson. The church’s Martyn Cubitt said: “All visitors are most welcome to join us on Tuesday, August 16, at 6pm. “Please call 01202 828797 for more information.”

Wedding fair

If you’ve ever fancied getting married in the Victorian splendour of Dorset Museum, now’s your chance to find out more. The museum is holding a Wedding Fair on October 2 from 11am-3pm, showcasing 25 suppliers: dorsetmuseum. org/event/wedding-fair/

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

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

“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 Comfort &elegance

Loyal staff

Stunning views

Exceptional Care in Stunning Surroundings

Live life better... every day at Spetisbury Manor Bright, airy spaces

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