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Lorraine Gibson Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Christmas Services in Knowlton Circle Benefice are as follows: Sunday, December 18: 4pm Carols & Nativity Narrative at Gussage St Michael; 6pm Benefice Carol Service at Wimborne St Giles.

Christmas Eve: 4pm Crib Service at Edmondsham: 4pm Crib Service at Gussage All Saints; 11.30pm Midnight Mass at Cranborne; 11.30pm Midnight Mass at Gussage St Michael.

Christmas Day: 8am Holy Communion at Edmondsham; 9.30am Family Communion

Cemetery closed to new burials after ‘error’

by Faith Eckersall

BCP Council has closed Christchurch Cemetery to new burials after what has been described as a ‘historic records error’ and the discovery of a burial ‘accidentally placed’ in another family’s plot.

Further investigatory work has identified six other plots with potential record anomalies although no burials have been undertaken within these plots, said the council.

In a statement, BCP Council says it took over the management of Christchurch

Cemetery from Christchurch Borough Council in 2019 alongside services in Bournemouth and Poole. The council said:

“At the end of 2021 we were made aware of an historic records error that preceded BCP, and further checks raised concerns about other records back to at least the 1990s. “To address this, we immediately closed the site to new burials and began a thorough investigation of our records and the history of burials in Christchurch, including the use of ground-penetrating radar.

“We have very regrettably discovered one burial which has been accidentally placed within a plot that had been purchased by another family as a result of historic inaccurate records,” said the council.

“We are working with the families involved to achieve the best possible solution.

“Christchurch Cemetery remains open to families with the only service currently suspended being the provision of new grave purchases for point-of-need burials. All other services remain unaffected.”

SEASON’S GREETINGS: There was plenty of colour and spectacle at this year’s Broadstone Christmas parade as captured here by photographer TOM SCRASE

Fare play for these festive travel offers

by Lorraine Gibson

Shopping for presents and meeting friends and family are among the main highlights of Christmas for many people - but when trying to keep spending down, travelling becomes yet another expense to be considered.

Good news then that BCP has come up with a couple of cracking festive travel offers for over the holiday period, including special bus tickets and discounted bike rides. “It’s all part of our commitment to encourage people to shop locally during the festive period,” they say, so why not factor some into your plans?

As well as the discounted bike prices, the cheaper bus fares can be a way of ensuring no one has to drive at a time when seasonal cheer of the liquid variety can be flowing.

Bus bonus: Morebus is offering a Fiver for a Fiver Group Ticket, a £5

group ticket for up to five people (adults and children) travelling together. It gives you freedom to hop on and off buses as you please in the Zone A area, including the three town centres.

Buy it from the driver of the first bus you board and off you go. It’s available anytime on Saturdays and Sundays to 24 December, and after 6pm on Thursdays.

Beryl Bikes bargain: Beryl’s offering half price on pedal bike hire to and from the town centres in the run up to the big day. Check the Beryl App for more information.

Kelly Webb, last year’s Mayor of Wimborne, is pictured taking part in this year’s Save the Children Parade In Wimborne with her pet ‘K9’. With many very colourful floats involving so many people from charities and groups across the region the parade started at Cobhams and

Kelly & K9 on parade!

made its way through a very lively and very well-attended Wimborne.

The parade offered a great day out for all the family to enjoy, with stalls, costumes, music and floats and this seasonal treat, just like previous years, was a wonderful event.

Report & picture: TOM SCRASE

Awards galore for caring community

Lytchett and Upton Town Council says it is fortunate to have a pool of public-spirited volunteers who give freely of their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of the wider community.

But their work often goes unnoticed, under the radar and is not always appreciated. However, they were very much under the spotlight at the Volunteer Celebration Evening in Dorchester last month at a well-attended county-wide event organised by the Dorset Volunteer Centre.

It not only rewarded them but helped to put the town firmly on the map with a slew of awards. A citation was read out for each, either individuals or groups, followed by the award of a special certificate and, in one instance, the only trophy of the evening.

This was presented to the town council for the work done by its employees over and beyond their paid duties outside office hours.

Also honoured were: Upton in Bloom (Annual Horticultural Show, Annual Schools Poetry Competition, 5 Gold Awards in South and South East in Bloom)

Friends of Upton Library (Talks Programme; twice monthly coffee morning and assisting the librarians)

Cllr S McKell

(Collecting prescriptions, repairing equipment, Easter Egg Cllr B Pipe (delivering 600 cream teas and 80 Christmas presents)

Upton Together (during the lockdown, running a food bank)

Sarah Fudge (Initiating and hosting the original Ukraine Appeal. Work with Lewis Dean Estate and for the Army Cadet Force Agents

Congratulations to all concerned and those other individuals and organisations who likewise help to create such a vibrant community.

The friendly Seated Fitness Group at the Barrington Centre in Ferndown aims to improve overall energy, core stability and muscular strength.

And you can meet up with new friends after your exercise session over a cup of tea and light refreshments.

Visit ferndownfitness.co.uk for more information Pictures: TOM SCRASE

Time to book up for lectures

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

Novelists Joanna Quinn and best-selling 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 World War II and was dubbed ‘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/

Christmas opening hours for bookworms

by

Lorraine Gibson

Bookworms and students take note: libraries across the BCP area will be open during their usual hours over the festive period other than those below: Christmas and New Year opening hours:

Saturday, December 24: close at 1pm Monday /Tuesday, December 26/27: closed Monday, January 2, 2023: closed.

Normal hours resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. You can access free online

information resources, eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers and magazines, view the catalogue and renew books via online libraries services at any time. The out of hours services remain the same during Christmas.

Oompah band here for the bier

BIER NECESSITIES: The fun-loving Bierfass Band were back in Wimborne Square recently, playing to a ‘boompah’ crowd of revellers in the run-up to Christmas

Picture: TOM SCRASE

Politicians ignore the bigger picture

Christopher Chope MP (New S&A, November 18) writes about ‘vast numbers’ of people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

Just like every other politician, the fact that rising sea levels will, within the next 20 years or so, increasingly displace literally millions of people in Bangladesh, etc, is of no apparent concern.

Just how will we in the West deal with this when we finally have to face up to the facts of climate change?

By then of course many UK coastal regions including

London will be badly affected - is anyone in Government considering that maybe now is the time to start recognising this is the near future?

Certainly not Mr Chope or our esteemed Home Secretary - she cannot answer the simplest questions on immigration matters let alone come up with any positive and productive answers like allowing these migrants to begin work straightaway as in Germany for example.

Roland Britain Gillingham

Come follow the band

Canzona Brass Quintet will tour cafes and pubs around Wimborne performing carols and festive music, with a final performance around the Christmas tree in The Square at 6.15pm. There will be a bucket collection for DEBRA, raising funds to support people living with the painful genetic skin blistering condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). With my daughter being a paediatric nurse and caring for a child with EB, I had the idea of a Brass-a-thon fundraiser in 2020, but Covid put paid to that. This year, however, pubs and cafes have signed up and we are extremely grateful to them.

The members of the quintet, like me, are extras with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and have held posts with the BBC Radio Orchestra,

the LPO, and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. They are giving up their time for this, in return for a half pint of beer or coffee in each venue. We perform on the hour at each venue for 45 minutes before moving on to the next one.

The public are welcome to join us as well at the Christmas Tree on the Square at 6.15pm.

The town crier, Chris Brown, will announce the Brass-a-thon on the Minster Green at 10.45 prior to us starting.

Wednesday, December 21 at: 11am - No.9 on the Green 12pm - The White Hart 1pm - The Kings Head 2pm - The Olive Branch 3pm - Le Petit Prince 4pm - The Rising Sun 6.15pm - The Square

Tony Waller

Canzona Brass Quintet

OFF THE WALL...

Make tracs for parade

As in previous years, the East Dorset Trac Pack, the local group for vintage tractor enthusiasts, will be taking part in the Save the Children Christmas Parade, in Wimborne, on Saturday, December 10.

This year, they are making more of a day of it by meeting and showing off the tractors at the Coach and Horses pub, between 11am

and we

and 1pm, before they set off for the parade.

If any youngsters, (or adults), would like to see the tractors or ‘talk tractors’ with their owners, take photos or ask questions, please feel free to come along and say ‘hello’.

There will be the full service and facilities of the Coach and Horses available.

Joe Paine

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

reserve the right to edit them as deemed

Harry’s hospice thanks

Dear Stour & Avon readers, We write to you as Patrons of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, and wish to offer a huge thank-you to everyone who has supported this wonderful charity over the past year.

Whether you’ve donated to the shops, attended a fundraising event, donated, or volunteered your time – you are amazing! You may not know how much of a difference you’re making to local people... it could be a friend, family member, neighbour or work colleague who needs help. Thank you for helping us ensure we can help those in need.

This has been a huge year for Lewis-Manning, as they have been celebrating 30 years of extraordinary hospice care. And what a year it’s been!

The charity has launched its breathlessness service, day hospice and complementary therapy sessions in Purbeck, helping more people closer to

their homes. This has been so well received, with one patient in Swanage saying, ‘Thank you so much, Lewis-Manning is like part of my family.’

There have also been fantastic fundraising events, from Christmas Wreath workshops to Candles on the Lake and the ‘Simply Fabulous’ 30th ball. Two new charity shops have opened in Swanage and Winton offering our community a supersustainable shopping haven where you can bag a bargain. You might even spot one of my shirts - I’m always donating my clothes to the Westbourne shop! So, thank you again and well done to all the Lewis-Manning staff for their dedication, kindness and determination to ensure that local people in East Dorset and Purbeck get the care their need and deserve. What a great way to end the year!

All best wishes, Harry & Sandra Redknapp

Sing out at services

The annual shoppers’ carol service will take place this year in Wimborne Minster on Saturday, December 17, at 11.00am, writes Anthony Oliver. It will last for half an hour and will be led by the Reverend Nick Wells. This will be the eighth year for the service. Take a half-hour break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping to rest and reflect on what Christmas is all about. Hear the story, sing your favourite carols and enjoy this special opportunity - adults and children together, all very welcome.

On Sunday, December 18, the traditional Carols by

Candlelight Service will take place in the Minster at 6.30pm. Carols in the Cornmarket will be held on Friday, December 23, at 6.00pm when singing will be accompanied by members of the Broadstone Community Concert Band and Choristers from Wimborne Minster. A collection will be taken for the Mayor of Wimborne’s Charities On Christmas Eve the Crib Service will be held at 3.00pm and Midnight Communion at 11.00pm. On Christmas Morning there will be a Service of Holy Communion at 8.00am followed by the Parish Eucharist at 9.30am. All will be welcome at the services.

Call in for a library cuppa

New ‘Cuppa and Company’ sessions are set to start in Dorset Libraries. Come along for this 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.

The sessions are at Wimborne Library on Mondays from 10.30am to 12.30pm and at Corfe Mullen Library on Wednesdays, 2.30 to 4.30pm.

Unmasked - heroes revealed

by Lorraine Gibson

It seems fitting that Unmasked, a stunning project paying homage to the work of NHS staff in the depth of the covid pandemic, should have been created during - and despite of - the restrictions it caused.

A local independent undertaking, Unmasked began in the dark days of March 2020, when the previously-unheard of disease literally stopped the world as we knew it, and was inspired by the fact that, to fight this invisible enemy, our healthcare workers had made themselves invisible, too, in a way.

We clapped for them every Thursday but we never saw their faces. At work, their identities were hidden behind masks and gowns and gloves.

At the heart of Unmasked is a series of striking portraits by photographer Andy Scaysbrook, which reveals and celebrates the faces of some of Dorset’s NHS front line workers.

to travel too far from their homes. The project grew quickly – from Andy photographing friends who are key

Andy, Emma and John originally met at the start of their careers 30 years ago while working for the Bournemouth Echo newspaper.

All three took on Unmasked without payment, while juggling other jobs and responsibilities.

Their first Unmasked show appeared on the walls of Dorset County Hospital in November 2020, with the help of Suzy Rushbrook, Arts in Hospital Manager at DCH, who then organised displays at Durlston Castle in Swanage and at Lighthouse in Poole.

Suzy said: “Arts in Hospital has been proud to work with Andy, Emma and John on this project and were delighted when they contacted us in the middle of the first lockdown.

n Follow ‘Unmasked’ on Facebook for updates

Together with journalist Emma Pittard and graphic designer John Nesbitt, Andy shines a light on many of the men and women behind the masks.

Three previous Unmasked exhibitions won critical acclaim in both the local and national press, and this fourth show coincides with the forthcoming launch of a beautiful fundraising book, which will also serve as an historic document.

The book will bring pictures and stories together in one permanent record of those times, with profits going to Dorset NHS charities, and will be a tribute to all healthsector superheroes.

In addition, it will be held by The British Library to support its ‘NHS Voices of Covid-19’ archive, part of the NHS 70th Birthday celebrations.

The Dorset Museum exhibition is a sample of the work achieved by Andy and Emma during the lockdowns while respecting social-distancing rules and without having

workers to it being featured in The Times and The Sunday Times - and it was soon necessary to bring in John to prepare the work for exhibitions.

“Art has an enormous impact on health and wellbeing and this is something people are becoming increasingly aware of, making collaborative projects like this invaluable.” With its ‘we see you’ message, the project has proved to be an exercise in wellbeing and a morale booster for staff working all over the Dorset health sector; showing them that they are truly appreciated, their stories are being told and people are listening.

Christmas Countdown to

Political round-up

The Bank of England sabotaged Liz Truss

The United Nations spectacularly failed to prevent Russia invading Ukraine.

Since then Russia, as a member of the Security Council, has vetoed every attempt to hold it to account for its flagrant breach of the UN Charter.

Against this background - on a recent visit to the United Nations in New York - I raised the questions on the minds of many constituents as to whether the UN is now just an expensive, irrelevant talking shop or whether it still deserves our support.

The response to my question from the Secretary General of the General Assembly of the UN gives me some hope.

He said that as Russia had betrayed the trust which all nations had given it when making Russia a member of the Security Council, it was the responsibility of all the members of the General

Assembly to now take over the role of the Security Council which had been made impotent by Russia’s veto power.

The General Assembly has adapted to the new situation by passing several motions condemning Russia and now requiring any country exercising a veto in the Security Council to justify itself to the

General Assembly.

The aim is to give the General Assembly renewed credibility as the international court of public opinion and thereby put pressure upon rogue states. Thankfully, the UN now seems to be trying to do something to uphold its values.

n Many borrowers have been caught off guard by recent rapid rises in interest rates.

The crippling burden which this places on so many with mortgages is unacceptable as are the consequences for everyone of inflation at 11%.

This is more than five times the target given by the Government to the independent Bank of England.

The Bank’s failure to meet its target was caused by the Bank’s policy of driving down interest rates between March 2020 and the end of 2021.

It should have acted earlier to curb inflation.

It then panicked and decided to push interest rates higher.

On 19th September the Bank of England raised 10-year interest rates from 3.1%.

Two days later on the eve of Liz Truss’ mini-Budget the Bank announced its intention of selling £80billion of bonds over the next year, thereby forcing interest rates even higher and destabilising pension funds. The 10-year interest rate hit 4.5%.

The Bank then had second thoughts and suspended bond sales and entered the market to buy bonds instead with the result that the rate fell back to 3.1%.

This illustrates how manipulating interest rates to the detriment of the economy enabled the Bank of England to achieve its aim of sabotaging the mandate given to Liz Truss for a low-tax, high-growth economy.

Tory government breaking the NHS

The phrase ‘winter of discontent’ is often overused in our politics.

Previous years has seen it rolled out for flight cancellations to winter getaways or the roads not being gritted.

This winter, the phrase couldn’t be more apt.

The strikes on the railways have been well covered.

Readers may not be aware that on December 14, PCS members at both the DVLA and the Rural Payments Agency were set to be out for a week.

The latter will be of particular concern to farmers across Dorset, with the spectre of delays to the Basic Payment Scheme (the state support to farmers).

Some strikes have been averted. GMB members at ‘G4S Cash’ who physically move money to and from banks and supermarkets were due to walk out this month.

Their threat of industrial action secured an increase from the original G4S offer of 4% to land an 8.5% settlement for 2023, with certainty of an inflationary increase for 2024. The rate of inflation this year still stands at near to 10%, so this remains a belowinflationary increase and only starts to claw back the reductions in wages during Covid.

Why is this relevant? Reporting of the strikes going on this winter would lead you to believe ‘union barons’ are out of control, hell-bent on some ideological battle to ruin Christmas. This isn’t a balanced view.

Public sector employers like Network Rail have offered 8% over two years to their employees.

This is far below what the fully private sector employers like G4S are offering.

Trade unions are just trying to secure for their members

a wage settlement that goes merely some of the way to addressing the cost of living crisis.

These transport strikes could have been avoided if train operators and Network Rail were allowed by the Tories to settle industrial disputes earlier in the year.

Instead we have a decaying

government that is eager for ‘wedge issues’ or dividing lines to retain the right-wing media’s support and put pressure on the Labour party.

These are desperate tactics from a party that has run out of ideas and steam.

And it’s blue collar workers that are paying the price.

Now we face the impending tragedy of strikes in the National Health Service, including the first-ever by nurses.

The NHS is already at the point of breaking, and the Government chooses to risk pushing it over the edge by not settling wage disputes; this after all the nurses went through during Covid.

We shouldn’t accept Sunak’s argument that the country can’t afford to give its nurses a fair pay rise.

Rather, the country can’t afford further years of Tory government.

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour ALAN CROSS

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

Food banks - a sign of hope or decay?

During recent visits to food banks in Dorset I shared my own food parcel story from 1977 when my dad was on the firefighters’ strike. I’d assumed we received support from a food bank, so was shocked to learn that Trussell Trust only started operating in 2000. Our parcels actually came from people directly supporting striking firefighters.

In the last five years, the number of people using Trussell trust food banks has increased from 1.2million to 2.1million - this does not include groups like Faithworks that run Wimborne and Blandford food banks, or those run by churches.

It is a really humbling experience visiting a food bank. Turning up with my box of supplies I felt utterly inadequate and while it is heartening that people are willing to donate food, money, and time it is outrageous that such facilities are now needed in the UK. Poverty is not new, but the Welfare State as imagined and

designed by great Liberal leaders Beveridge and Keynes was supposed to ensure that no one would be short of food or shelter. Thankfully the recent autumn statement reinstated the link with inflation to both pensions and means-tested benefits and it’s crucial that this keeps pace with the cost of living going forward. However, Conservative policies are leading to increased childhood poverty.

According to House of Commons data, the levels of child poverty across both Mid and North Dorset is increasing, although it had not quite reached 2015 levels. The trajectory suggests that when they are next published, around 10% of local children will be living in absolute poverty. In parts of Three Legged Cross this figure is already more than 25% and in Canford Heath more than 200 children live in relative poverty. Perverse rules affecting the link between housing benefit and work are leading to families

having to reduce working hours to be able to get help with rent. The two-child policy which affects new Universal Credit (UC) claims is also hitting young children hard, this is a cruel policy which takes no account of changes that can take place during the course of a childhood. The Liberal Democrats stopped this from being introduced during the coalition, and in the most recent manifesto in 2019 they

committed to scrap this policy. The public sector pay freeze has led to the sight of nurses, carers and other working people visiting a food bank for the first time.

Liberal Democrats would overhaul free childcare, make it more difficult for parents to seek extra work outside school hours and bring more parents back into the workforce and would extend free school meals provision to all primary pupils and secondary pupils whose families claim UC. We know that the country has to tighten its belt and accept that some of the problems have been created by Covid and Putin’s war. But the Conservatives must accept that Brexit and their policies, which seek to protect the rich, have led to communities that have been forgotten, and generations that are being let down. It’s time for change, we need to remove this self-serving Conservative government, give everyone the opportunity to thrive and eradicate poverty in society.

Citizens Advice raising funds for new bus

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck are raising funds for a Crisis Support Bus which will provide vulnerable Dorset residents with access to free advice and support.

The cost of living crisis has meant that many more people are in need of advice with some unable to access current services due to rural isolation, restricted mobility, cost of fuel or limited access to public transport.

The mobile advice unit will deliver a service to rural areas and for those who cannot easily access outreaches, local libraries or are digitally excluded.

Katrina Ford, business development manager, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “We have seen a big increase in the number of people turning to us for advice and they are struggling to afford heating and pay bills. We are most worried about those on the lowest incomes including the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged. Many of whom have the additional barrier of being rurally and socially isolated.

“The Crisis Support Bus will be an easyto-access, one stop shop for these residents, whilst ensuring accessibility to a diverse range of people, including those at a greater risk of disadvantage, detriment or harm.”

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck

is an independent charity and relies upon grants and donations to fund their service. They are looking for donations to help fund the Crisis Support Bus.

Katrina added: “We are hoping to have the bus in the local community early in 2023.

“To help achieve this, we are looking for support from local businesses and individuals to help fund the on-going running costs of the bus.

“There are lots of opportunities for local

businesses to get involved, including having a logo on our bus in return for a donation.

“If anyone is willing to help, we’d love to hear from you!”

Donations to the Crisis Support Bus can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund page avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/cost-ofliving-crisis-support-bus.

Aviva will match fund the amount raised.

Alternatively, visit edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or email giving@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

Dorset Lib-Dems

VIKKI SLADE

Cool heroes raise a beary good £451

by Lorraine Gibson

Over the course of a week, children attending Play Sportz classes in and around the Wimborne area dressed up in their coolest superheroes outfits to raise money for a good cause.

Super by name, super by nature, they raised an amazing £451 for Macmillan’s Cancer Support, a charity close to the heart of Play Sportz’s owner and coach, David Emes.

“I have been only too aware of how many people have been affected by this dreadful disease,” says David.

“As an ex-cancer patient, I’ve had first-hand experience of just how helpful and supportive Macmillan nurses are.

“Over the last few years, a number of mums, dads and

grandparents who I have got to know, through our classes, have suffered in various ways.

“Most have come out the other side but, unfortunately, we lost a mum to breast cancer last year, so the money raised is for those who have gone through this ordeal and also to remember those who have sadly left us.”

David, who joined in the fun fundraising mission by donning his own special outfit, added: “The children had a fabulous time, and a massive thankyou must go to the parents for supporting this vital cause.”

David and his very ‘deer’ friend will be back in the New Year to help raise more money for more good causes, so watch this space.

Treemendous plan for future generations

Words and pics by Lorraine Gibson ‘How great would it be to take shade with your family or friends in your local park under a tree you remember planting as a child?’

The words of The Parks Foundation Nature Recovery Project manager, Stephen Concar. The charity needs people to help them with a local tree-planting scheme that aims not just to boost nature in communities but to enable people to enjoy it more.

This winter, the Foundation, working with BCP Council, will be planting 170 mature trees - including fruit trees - and some 4,000 hedging whips and are asking for individuals, local clubs, groups and organisations to volunteer with the planting which is taking place in 11 Nature Recovery Project parks across Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole.

Stephen said: “This planting has a focus on flowering and fruiting trees, which are great for pollinators and other wildlife. They also give park visitors the opportunity to explore new activities such as urban foraging.

“We hope these trees will continue to benefit wildlife and people for decades.”

Parks receiving the trees are Alexandra Park, Branksome Recreation Ground, Haskells Recreation Ground, Jumpers Common, Kinson Manor Playing Fields, Muscliff Park, Pelhams Park, Slades Farm, Strouden Park, Watermans Park and

Winton Recreation Ground.

Community planting days have begun but there are more at: Muscliff Park on Saturday, December 3, Slades Farm on December 7, 8, and 10 and Winton Recreation Ground on December 10, 12, 13 and 14. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the new year.

Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place, said:

“We hope these trees and hedging whips will help boost biodiversity and provide vital food and habitats for mammals, birds, and insects.”

If your group would like to plant a tree, contact info@parksfoundation.org.uk

Information about planting days can be found at parksfoundation.org.uk/events/ and on the charity’s social media.

Giving a lift to care group

Two Bridges is a care group that helps infirm, disabled and aged people to get to doctors, dentists and other medical appointments.

The community served by Two Bridges consists of Fordingbridge, Sandleheath, Alderholt and Godshill and has recently been extended to include Rockbourne and Martin. Destinations include Fordingbridge, Salisbury, Southampton,

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Lymington.

The need for volunteer drivers is fast increasing, due to continuing effects of Covid, and to the wider areas in which the group operates. The group would like to hear from anyone who could join the team to help to meet the needs of our clients who are always very appreciative of the service provided.

Elizabeth, pictured far left, is one such client who is always happy to praise the work that this group does. Because of her disability, Elizabeth had to give up driving, and then rely on taxis to attend her continuing medical appointments. Unfortunately, at the same time, both Fordingbridge taxi firms stopped trading. Therefore, Elizabeth was forced into using transport from Ringwood and/or Salisbury, at relatively high expense. Two Bridges came to the rescue! Elizabeth says that all the drivers that she has met are kind and considerate, were great conversationalists, all with very interesting stories to tell. She describes their ability to put her at ease when travelling to a medical appointment which can be quite stressful and that all the drivers seem to enjoy the work. Clients are asked for a voluntary anonymous donation for the transport provided, and drivers are paid fuel costs.

If you feel you would find this work enjoyable and rewarding, do contact Valerie Allpress, chairman, on Valerie@ Allpress.org or Derek Ayling on 01425 650770.

A 1936 Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle, estimated at more than £250,000, has been entered into the Charterhouse specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles next March.

“Brough Superior was one of the finest bike manufacturers and were dubbed the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles.” said George Beale. “Expensive new, they have always been held in high regard by collectors and today this fine machine is estimated at £260,000-£280,000.”

This motorcycle was originally supplied to well- known racer Eric Fernihough in 1937. It was fitted with a Brough ‘petrol in frame’ Alpine Grand Sports sidecar with a Cruiser body before it left the factory.

Having only had a few owners this Brough Superior not only resided in England, but also spent time in an American collection and comes to Charterhouse in Sherborne from a collector in Japan. Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this March 30, 2023, auction of classic and vintage motorcycles being held at the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum. George Beale and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset are available for help and valuation on 01935 812277 or via bikes@charterhouse-auction. com.

Finalists announced for tourism awards

The finalists have been announced for the 10th year of the Dorset Tourism Awards which will be presented at the Tank Museum on January 26, 2023.

After four months of judging, 51 finalists have been announced for this year’s awards.

All will be in suspense until the ceremony when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. A further five will receive Commended status.

The annual competition is now in its 10th year, with plenty of changes along the way as the awards have evolved in parallel to the industry itself. This year’s awards have taken ever greater account of entrants’ commitment to the environment and community, as well as displaying an exemplary digital presence.

The awards organisers have evolved too, this year winning their own ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in the Awards TrustMark scheme.

Winners will be announced in The Tank Museum Cathedral, with successful businesses in many categories fast-tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March, 2023, and possibly invited to represent Dorset in the 2023 national VisitEngland Awards, in which Dorset has had many winners.

Deborah Heather, director

of headline sponsor Quality in Tourism, says: “We are delighted once again to be headline sponsor of the awards.

“The participants are truly inspiring, innovative and some of the most professional and customer experience-orientated operators we have met.

“We look forward to celebrating with all the finalists and wish everyone the best of luck.”

Organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism said: “In what is a tough environment for everyone, it is heart-warming to read of these fabulous businesses who have continued to innovate and excel.

“My heartfelt congratulations to them all.”

The 19 award categories cover everything from dog friendly, experiences and cafes to glamping, hotels and attractions.

A Winner of Winners title, a Future of Hospitality award and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will also be presented on the night.

For a full list of finalists visit dorsettourismawards.org.uk

STRIKING: Dorset’s wonderful coastline is a magnet for tourists

Picture: STEVEBELASCO.NET

Co-op’s £4500 for special needs playgroup

The Superstars playgroup in Fordingbridge is the happy recipient of £4,500 thanks to donations to the Local Community Fund scheme from customers of the Fordingbridge branch of Co-op. Revd Kate Wilson of Avon Valley Churches and its associated charity, Avon Valley Community Matters, collected the giant cheque at the recent celebration event held at the Fordingbridge Store.

She said: “I am so pleased to collect these generous funds on behalf of Superstars. Thank you so much to all those who donated and to the Co-op team for supporting our charity. The funds will be put to very good use providing support and sensory toys for children with special needs to use at our weekly sessions.”

The campaign was set up to help promote inclusion by integrating pre-school aged children with special educational needs or disabilities, with those who are able bodied, by providing access to developmentally-appropriate activities. The funds will support Avon Valley Community Matters’ weekly sensory-based playgroups for 0-5-year-olds and their siblings and carers in the Fordingbridge area; Little

Acorns is at 9.30am on Thursdays in Hale Village Hall and Superstars is at 9.30am on Fridays at St Mary’s Hall in Fordingbridge. Each week there are seasonal crafts, sensory activities and toys, as well as storytime, songs and snacks.

Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) was set up with the vision of strengthening

the community by empowering local people of all ages to flourish in their emotional, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing. As well as the two playgroups, the charity runs a monthly Friendship Group, for the lonely and bereaved, on the first Tuesday of every month at the Ship Inn in Fordingbridge. Avon Valley Community Matters’ Friendship Group has been chosen as a sponsored charity next year too! To make a donation please sign up to the donation scheme at coop.co.uk/communities and select cause 68718 when using your clubcard. The direct link to our cause is: membership.coop.co.uk/causes/68718

To date the charity have also organised activity bags for children during lockdown, cupcakes and hot-cross buns for young people and the elderly on Valentine’s Day and at Easter, a Den Building Day, hot meals and activities at Messy Church, with much more planned, including a Miscarriage Support Group.

To join one of our groups, become a volunteer or fundraiser, or to find more information about Avon Valley Community Matters, please visit avonvalleychurches. org.uk/avcmatters.

Scholarship funding for nursing students

Five Adult Nursing students at Bournemouth University (BU) who applied for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s end-of-life care scholarship scheme will receive £3,000 of funding each for the next academic year.

The students not only receive the financial support but also a range of support from Lewis-Manning, which includes online learning, conference opportunities and the opportunity to shadow a member of the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care clinical team, and mentorship from Lewis-Manning’s Academic Advisor, Dr Linda Thompson and Bournemouth University’s, Dr Sue Baron, Senior Lecturer

Dr Sue Baron, senior lecturer in adult nursing at BU said: “This is an amazing development opportunity for our nursing students and we are extremely grateful to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, and the Burdett Trust for Nursing for making this possible.

“I am looking forward to supporting our five awardees this year who are passionate about making the most of this opportunity as they also prepare for completing their degrees and qualifying as Registered Nurses in September 2023.”

Dr Linda Thompson of Lewis-Manning said: “We were very pleased that the

scholarship scheme, now in its second year, is growing evermore popular and I’m extremely impressed by the talent and tenacity shown by applicants.”

Lewis-Manning’s director of clinical services, Hayley Bonner, added: “We are delighted to welcome on board Tyler, Grace, Katie, Maria-Gorati and Millie and offer huge congratulations on their success in being accepted onto this scheme which

is kindly supported by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

“It’s great to have our fantastic partnership with Bournemouth University and we see the huge value of investing in student nurses to encourage their interest in palliative and end-of-life care. We look forward to nurturing this new talent from Bournemouth University.”

n Revd Kate Wilson with manager Philip Watson at the Co-op in Fordingbridge

SCHOLARSHIP: Front from left, Millie Gray BSc, Maria-Gorati Okeke MSc, Katie Butler BSc, Tyler Trifari MSc. Back from left, Dr Linda Thompson, Grace Lawrence BSc, Dr Sue Baron and Hayley Bonner

Oly rushes in with environmental message

Human fish Oly Rush has taken his environmental messages to a number of schools including Hayeswood and Colehill first schools in Dorset.

The world record-breaking swimmer and anti-plastic campaigner gave inspirational talks to inspire the youngsters.

He spoke about his crusade to rid beaches of plastics and explained what the children can do to make a better environment.

The youngsters were already on board with his message thanks to the work done in the schools, but enjoyed the talk and fired lots of questions at Oly.

Kim Hodder, eco lead at Hayeswood, said: “The children were fully engaged and really enjoyed the talk.

“Oly has done so much to raise awareness and he certainly inspired them to help improve the environment.

“We are taking the children on a beach litter pick so they will be able to do what Oly spends his life doing.”

Oly said: “The children have great awareness about pollution and it’s great to know we have a generation coming through which understands the problems we face –and is determined to do something about it.

“It’s also great to know that schools are not only teaching about pollution but taking the children outside to help clean it up.”

This year Oly became the first person ever to swim non-stop around Grand Cayman in the Caribbean.

It took him 37 hours. He also broke the

world record for swimming around the Isle of Wight.

Hayeswood and Colehill first schools are part of Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT) whose chief executive Liz West said:

“Having guests into our schools to give talks is really important.

“A character such as Oly is capable of helping inspire our children to do more for their communities.”

Reading and behaviour behind good report

by Lorraine Gibson

Good news for Lockyer’s Middle School in Corfe Mullen as Ofsted rates it as being ‘good’ in all areas.

Among the things that inspectors praised were pupils’ pride in belonging to the school, their punctuality and their understanding of how the six values of the school are relevant to tier lives.

They added that ‘leaders have high expectations of pupils’ learning, including those who have special educational needs’ and that ‘most pupils live up to these expectations, are keen to learn and are proud of the work they produce.’

It also found that ‘Pupils behave sensibly and enjoy social times’, and that they know the rules and understand the consequences of breaking them.

Headteacher Antonia Dufek said: “The report is extremely positive. It is testament to all the hardworking staff who have created a wonderful learning environment for all the pupils.

“I was pleased that (it) recognised the importance we place on reading and that pupils know how crucial it is. It also recognises how we teach the pupils to be

healthy, both mentally and physically.

“There is some guidance about how we can improve things further and this is already under way.”

RUSH HOUR: Kim Hodder, left, Oly Rush and Sarah Wise from Wimborne War on Waste, with members of the school’s Eco Club and a shark made from washed-up plastic

Timely tree trail effort by group

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell was asked to nominate a small number of groups within Dorset to receive a special tree given under Her Late Majesty’s initiative, the Queen’s Green Canopy.

The trees would be planted in the communities. The Lord-Lieutenant nominated Wimborne in Bloom as one of the groups having a high regard for the work the group has undertaken over the last 30 years.

The tree, a Multistem Hazel was planted by the Lord Lieutenant in Redcotts Recreation Ground last week.

Friday afternoon saw another tree being planted, adding to Wimborne’s growing Tree Trail; this time at the Victoria Road end of the entrance to Wimborne Cemetery.

The Magnolia brooklynensis ‘Elizabeth’, was planted by Cllr Nigel Bridle of Colehill, who is also chairman of the Cemetery Joint

Cherry is icing on the cake

Merley Townswomen’s Guild bought a flowering cherry tree to commemorate both the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and its own 20th birthday.

The tree was planted by guild members at Merley Community Centre, where they hold their meetings, and they’re looking forward to tending and watering it throughout the summer.

CHERRY GOOD SHOW: Kathy Haddock, chairman of Merley Guild, right, and Sally Funnell, chairman of Dorset Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds, with the cherry tree at Merley

Management Committee. He was joined by Cllr Louise Hinks, Jane Stevens (Cemetery Clerk), Craig Hilton (Grounds-man), Mrs Alison Bridle, Cllr Ann Roberts and Cllr Bill Richmond, pictured below.

Pictures: TOM SCRASE

Why not ‘Waste not want not’

Words and pic by Lorraine Gibson

Make your New Year resolution as green as the new leaf you turn over by reducing your food waste and recycling as much as you can.

In the UK, we throw away a staggering one third of all the food that we buy every year.

Let that sink in for a minute and then consider making this year different by using up leftovers, including by freezing them for use another time. As well as being good for the planet, it’s an easy thing to do and will save you money, so what’s not to love?

Did you know, for example, that you can freeze eggs, dairy and milk? Grate cheddar cheese and freeze it to use as pizza or shepherd’s pie toppings. Stilton can be frozen and defrosts as though fresh. All sorts of leftover meat can be frozen, too. Wrap it up in portion-sized amounts, label it and then thaw in the fridge to use in risottos or curries. Make more of potatoes. Boil for about five minutes, freeze them and thaw overnight when ready to roast.

Add a pinch of turmeric during the boiling then make Bombay potatoes when defrosted by roasting in a little oil and spices. Mashed potato also freezes well.

More inspiration at: lovefoodhatewaste.com/.

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Fairy Cakes

Faily cakes, the easiest thing to make, what could possibly go wrong?!!

The cakes were easy to make, I love putting everything in a bowl and then just mixing it all up.

Into the oven and they came out just as they should.

I let them cool and made up the buttercream icing. So, far, so good.

I have never managed the art of icing. I watch the Bake Off with envy, how do they get their icing so smooth or in such intricate patterns? In the past, I have used the oldfashioned piping kit. You know the one, with a container and two handles you could put your thumb in. I never seemed to get enough cream in the nozzle. This time, after a trip to IKEA, I brought a proper icing kit with a bag, connector and nozzle.

I excitedly spooned my mixture in, squeezed it down and poised myself ready to ice.

First cake, squeezed the icing out slowly, swirled it perfectly on the cake, then topped with the wings.

Second cake, started off smoothly, then I seem to have lost a bit of pressure.

Third cake, squeezed the bag down, nothing comes out the nozzle. I look down, to see all the icing over my hand and on the board!

I thought, how can this happen, what have I done or not done?

Then I realise that the bag has split, brand new and the bag had split!! I was not amused!! So, my technical challenge has all gone wrong.

I contacted IKEA and I have had one response and am still waiting for the solution.

I will try again; I will not be beaten by icing!!

Ingredients

175g butter (room temperature), cut into

large pieces

175g self-raising flour

175g caster sugar

0.5tsp baking powder

3 large eggs

0.5tsp vanilla extract

For the icing:

175g butter (room temperature), cut into large pieces

0.5tsp vanilla extract

2 –3tbsp milk

350g icing sugar, sifted 1 –3 drops pink edible colouring

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C Put paper cupcake cases in 12-hole muffin tin

Put all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat with an electric hand whisk until smooth and evenly mixed. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cakes are well risen and firm on top. Cool.

Make buttercream icing.

As I was making fairy cakes, I took the top off the cake, squirted some icing on and then cut the top piece in two to make wings but you could decorate in any way you choose.

Food for thought... with Barbara Cossins

We all need an egg What can I say, there is a huge egg shortage. It’s a fact.

We all need to look after our farmers, as the supermarkets are not doing anything to support them.

It’s better to keep egg production going and help our egg farmers survive, here in England, rather than importing cheap eggs from abroad simply to meet customer demand.

We must pay a fair price for them to be able to do that.

Our farmers just can’t produce cheap food that’s real.

The prices have gone bonkers because of the rising cost of production due to electricity, gas, grain prices, climate change, the war in Ukraine and Avian flu, which has not gone away and is still a huge problem for all poultry farmers worldwide.

Supermarkets want to keep costs low and don’t want to pay our farmers enough to keep production going.

They would rather import cheap eggs and let our own farmers go to the wall.

This is not the answer or a sustainable long-term solution, it’s simply the big boys being greedy and forgetting about the real people behind the food on our plates.

Our egg farmers get 78 pence per dozen (12), which means only 6 ½ pence per egg.

So, when you are buying your eggs, from wherever, it’s simply not enough to cover the costs.

The margins are just too low for it to work. In the UK countryside, the farm shops are not as expensive as you think. The gap has closed dramatically.

Yes, we are the equivalent of their finest ranges, because we deal with fresh, quality produce and it’s all locally sourced, but if we want to support our hard-working communities then this is where we need to shop.

These farm shops and independent producers are trying to support your

families, offer you fresh, healthy food for your tables and keep their own businesses going.

The latest food trends for pub and bar operators of the future is the power of a plant.

Well, as a farmer’s wife and daughter, I don’t want to see eggs made from plants.

I don’t want to see vegan seafood and meat. I don’t want to see fish and dairy alternatives.

I want real food from real birds, fish and animals that’s full of minerals and protein and vitamins because it’s had a healthy life itself.

I don’t want to see our farmers disappear and to help make that happen, we need to grow and produce food to feed our country. So please support your local farm shops and look at the labels of the food you buy and choose British.

Let’s keep loving local.

Barbara Cossins

Love Local Trust Local

Log on to this Christmas dessert recipe

by Lorraine Gibson

Need to whip up a quick festive dessert?

My go-to option is my old-school yule log, it’s really simple and quick to make, yet it looks and tastes divine. There’s no baking required, so it’s perfect for when you’re busy... and at this time of year, who isn’t? Decadent, indulgent and booze infused, just like the perfect Christmas.

10 servings, 10 minutes (ish)

You’ll need two bowls, a whish and a long, flat plate or board.

Ingredients

50ml medium white wine

50g caster sugar

50ml brandy (or alcohol-free alternative such as apple juice)

200ml extra thick double cream

1 pack of ginger nut biscuits

50ml fresh orange juice

Icing sugar (for decorating)

Method

Take a bowl and mix together the wine, sugar and half the brandy. Gradually whisk in the cream until it looks like fluffy, snowy peaks (festive, eh?).

Pour the remaining brandy into a separate bowl and add the orange juice. Mix. This is your biscuit dip.

Next, construct the log. You’ll only need a small amount of the whipped cream for this, the rest will smother the log like snow. Take your plate/board and run a smear of

cream along the centre, this is the ‘glue’ that helps your log stay put.

Dunk a biscuit, very briefly or it will disintegrate, into the brandy and orange mixture, add a smear of cream to one side and place (cream-side up) at the start of the ‘glue’ strip.

Take another biscuit and repeat the process, sandwiching it with the first, then take another and dip, cream and repeat to build

an upright tower about half the length of the plate/board.

Gently lower your ‘tower’ on its side onto the ‘glued’ plate, then continue to add more soaked and creamed biscuits all along until you have the right length log - or run out of biscuits!

If you do have any leftover cream/biscuitscreate a second, small log to jut out the side.

Log built, take the remaining cream and smother the entire thing, roughing it up a bit to give a bark-like appearance. Pop in an airtight tub and leave in the fridge for a couple of hours/overnight, by which time the brandy-soaked gingernuts will have turned to a moist sponge and the cream will have set.

When ready to serve, add a garnish of chocolate curls, raspberries, a simple sprig of holly, or whatever floats your boat.

To serve, cut on a slant for a lovely stripy pattern, then stand back and take a bow!

Annual swim is not for

Donation brings ‘huge’ boost

by Lorraine

Gibson Planning on braving an icy swim this Christmas, New Year’s or Boxing Day?

You may be interested to learn that the festive fad for splashing into a shiver-inducing sea or diving into a frosty lake is largely credited with starting in Hyde Park, at Christmas 1864. It was so much fun, that it became an annual event with the nippy dip traditionally toasted with a ceremonial cup for the fastest swimmer. Donated by the children’s author and playwright, J.M Barry, the vessel is known as the Peter Pan Cup and is still awarded.

Our hardy local souls need no trophy, just the claps and cheers of friends and family. But be warned, the shock of the very cold water can be dangerous to some people, so do make sure that you’re up to it.

A £10,000 donation from the Talbot Village Trust, a local grant-giving charity that supports worthy causes in south east Dorset, will ensure a specialist school sixth form’s students are soon making and enjoying music.

The leading regional charity Autism Unlimited opened the first phase of its new Sixth Form building in Airfield Road, Christchurch in September.

Autism Unlimited provides

specialist education, care and support to autistic children and adults and also operates Portfield School for primary and secondary school students aged 4-15 in Parley and Futures for young people, aged 19-25 in Christchurch.

The charity is leasing a warehouse in Airfield Road to redevelop after outgrowing its previous premises. A major refurbishment is now under way to install classrooms, workshop areas, a kitchen and

dining area and outdoor space. The £10k donation from the Talbot Village Trust will enable Autism Unlimited to start work on a music room and recording studio.

Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “Music plays a huge part in the lives and studies of our Sixth Form students and the news that Talbot Village Trust is able to donate such a sizeable gift to our project to install a music room and recording studio

County siblings supported by STARs

Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities, has expanded its service for siblings of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

STARs, standing for Supportive, Thoughtful, And Resilient, is a 12-week programme of support, advice, and activities for those aged eight to 16.

It aims to reduce the pressure they are under by providing an environment where they can access support and advice, but also take part in activities, make friends, and just be themselves. The programme has been running in West Moors for 18-months and has now expanded to support siblings in the BCP area with regular weekly sessions held in Parkstone, Poole.

Clare Rochford, children’s team manager at Diverse

Abilities, said: “There’s a big gap in provision for siblings. Our STARs provision has been well received, and we are really proud of the support we’ve been able to give to siblings over the last 18 months.

“We are excited to be able to reach more siblings and to be able to support more families in the local area.”

The service has been

expanded this autumn following funding from Children in Need. Clare has been leading the development of the service from her experience growing up with her sister who has a rare genetic condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Clare added: “It’s important to give these children and young people a chance to build a support network, and

realise they are not alone in the challenges they face. “The chance to build this network means the benefit continues long after the 12 sessions have ended.”

One parent of the STARs service said: “I am really relieved that there was finally a special place for siblings, I have been looking for years.

“It has been life-changing for Matilda. She had a lovely bond with some of the adults and the support she needed was there for her. School commented that Matilda would practically bounce into school the morning after her STARs session. For the first time, Matilda had something special to be part of, where her thoughts and feelings where recognised and supported.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ stars to register and find out more about the service.

n The envisaged studio and, right, Siún Cranny

the feint-hearted

to specialist school

£10million to charities and good causes in the area in the past 10 years alone.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, chairman of the Trust, said: “The Trust is committed to supporting important causes across south east Dorset, especially those that meet the needs of children and young people.

is just fantastic.

“We want to ensure our students have the very best opportunities to realise their full potential, both in the workplace and in developing hobbies and interests as they enter adulthood.

“This huge boost from the Talbot Village Trust will help us to get our music provisions up and running.”

The Talbot Village Trust, which was set up by sisters Georgina and Mary Anne Talbot in the 1850s, has awarded more than

“We’re thrilled to grant Autism Unlimited with funds to support them with the development of a new music room and recording studio for their Sixth Form students.

“Music can play such a pivotal role in helping children to increase social skills and boost confidence, and we’re excited to see the benefits this new musical facility will bring to the young people Autism Unlimited supports.”

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved or donate to the work of Autism Unlimited please email Carol Borwick at: Carol. Borwick@autism-unlimited.org

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• Advanced skin surgery and reconstruction

Creative way to help young folk

by Faith Eckersall

More than 34,000 young people in Hampshire are thought to be living with mental health difficulties, with assessments for help taking anything up to 25 weeks or more. That’s why, during the Covid pandemic, Hampshire Cultural Trust started its Creative Box scheme, gifting vulnerable young people in the county a box of art supplies to help boost wellbeing through creativity.

Designed in conjunction with art practitioners, the boxes aimed to give young carers, people with mental health difficulties, young offenders and others a chance to take time out for themselves, help develop coping skills and build confidence. One social worker said: “If it gives them 45 minutes to just relax and be kids, that’s enough to make a difference”.

Since 2020, 300 Creative Boxes have been given out and this Christmas, Hampshire Cultural Trust wants to boost that, through sponsorship from individuals and companies. Boxes include a sketch pad, colouring pens, modelling clay, paint, paintbrushes, drawing pencils, glue, origami paper, an eraser, sharpener and activity booklet available in four languages. Each box costs £30 to donate and you can do this at: shop.hampshireculture.org.uk/collections/giftbox/products/creativeboxforayoungperson.

Farewell to advice stalwarts

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck said goodbye to two longserving volunteers who retired following a combined service of over 40 years.

Rosemary Lunt, Research and Campaigns Coordinator, has been volunteering and working with Citizens Advice for over 20 years. Rosemary joined in 1991 as a Volunteer Adviser at Wimborne Citizens Advice.

She was then employed at Dorchester where she was a Deputy Manager and Tutor for 15 years.

Rosemary then started at East Dorset Citizens Advice in 2015 where she worked in Research & Campaigns.

Rosemary said: “I’ve loved being part of Citizens Advice - a hub of knowledge and friendship. My work was campaigning nationally and locally, for changes to unfair policies and practices, trying to prevent problems occurring in the future, but the real heroes are the advisers who calmly and expertly support people facing problems now.

“So I’ll be keeping the Adviceline number in case I need it in the future!”

Diann March has been the chairman of East Dorset Friends Fundraising Committee since 2005 and has been

involved with Citizens Advice in different ways since 1984.

Diann said: “My most recent time was as the Chairman of Friends Fundraising Committee where we were involved with some fabulous events which have raised much needed funds for the service.

“I now feel it’s time to hand over the fundraising reins to someone else.”

Helen Goldsack, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck said: “We are very sorry to see two of our long-serving volunteers leave. Their commitment and dedication has been very much appreciated by all of our staff, volunteers and trustees. We would like to wish them both all the best.”

For more information about volunteering with Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, visit edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/volunteer

For general advice and support call freephone 0800 144 8848 (Textphone: 0800 144 8884), 10am-4pm weekdays or visit edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

Those misconceptions about arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition, affecting 520 million people around the world. It most commonly affects the knees, hips and hands, but can affect any joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. The odds of having osteoarthritis increase with age, but it’s a myth the condition is an inevitable part of ageing. It’s also a myth only older people experience symptoms. To help you understand osteoarthritis and manage its symptoms more effectively, let’s bust four common myths: Arthritis is purely due to wear and tear The exact cause of osteoarthritis is still unclear, but it’s certainly more than just wear and tear. It’s common to think our joints are like cars - the more we use them, the quicker they wear out. Joints are human tissue and much more complicated. A disease process that involves inflammation interferes with how the cartilage repairs itself, but the joint may still be able to work normally, without any symptoms. There may be risk factors that you can influence. Being overweight increases inflammation. This is thought to contribute to joint changes as well as putting more strain on affected joints. Losing as little as

6% of body weight has been shown to result in reduction in pain and improved function. A 25% weight loss has been shown to improve outcomes by 50%.

Exercise will make it worse

This is potentially the most damaging myth; regulatory bodies say exercise is one of the three core treatments for osteoarthritis. This should involve both strengthening around the affected joint, which can improve symptoms, and general cardiovascular exercise can also reduce inflammation. If you’re a runner, osteoarthritis is no reason to stop. A recent study including runners and non-runners concluded that runners were no more likely to experience symptoms. In fact, runners had more cartilage and less symptoms than non-

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 !

runners, thought to be due to them stimulating the joint to respond to load.

Pain equals damage

Evidence has shown there’s no correlation between the changes that naturally occur in osteoarthritis and the symptoms experienced. If you feel pain, there’s still a huge opportunity for you to control it. And you can be assured these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate further damage. Pain is a complicated sensation not directly related to the structural changes in your joint.

Surgery is the only way

This stems from the belief that no matter what you do, osteoarthritis will get worse. Only about a third of people get worse and some do see improvements. Rehabilitation and exercise prescription is one of the recommended first-line treatments to advise on the right forms of exercise and ways to manage your pain. Chiropractic care is also an essential part of pain management as we can mobilise your joints and encourage fluid to move and lubricate your joints. We can’t reverse osteoarthritis, but we can reduce the symptoms and prevent wear and tear acceleration.

Give us a call on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk to see how we can help you!

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Health & Wellbeing WE CARE FOR YOU

£14k grant for hospice

A grant of nearly £14,000 has helped Forest Holme Hospice in Poole secure specialist therapy equipment for cancer patients with lymphoedema that is believed to be the first of its kind in Dorset.

The money, which was awarded by the Morrisons Foundation, has helped fund a new piece of equipment, made by Thor Laser, to administer a treatment known as photobiomodulation, which applies light to tissues to reduce inflammation and improve healing,

While Forest Holme’s Lymphoedema Service already has a photobiomodulation device, the latest version is shaped like a lollipop, making it much more versatile, which means that it can be used not just in the mouth but on other parts of body such as under arms, around ears and breasts. Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.

The treatment is totally safe, with each session lasting about 20 minutes, and Forest Holme has begun using it on their lymphoedema patients with a particular focus on those who have had head and

neck cancer, especially as it can help post-surgery lymphoedema and reduce the effects of radiotherapy damage.

Belinda Knott, senior lymphoedema nurse specialist, based at Forest Holme, said: “This equipment will make a huge

Could you make a difference at Christmas?

With Christmas approaching it can be a busy time for Foster Carers and an ever so exciting time for the children and young people in care.

Yet, we must also consider the challenges that come with such festivities at this time of the year when most so heavily rely on families and friends, rejoicing in their presence.

For a child in care, it can be an emotional and challenging time, not being able to spend such a special time with their birth families.

However, a welcoming Foster home has the potential to make their day equally as special by providing them the safety and security to make their day a different sort of special to what they may be used to.

Do you think you could make a difference to a child’s life?

Are you a welcoming household with space to care for someone in need?

If so, give us a call here at Footprints (01202 573408).

difference to the lives of cancer patients in Dorset as it will help reduce some of the side-effects following cancer treatment. “From a patient’s perspective, it would make an incredibly difficult time far more comfortable and pleasant.”

DIFFERENCE: Divina Lasco and Belinda Knott at the lymphoedema clinic

A New Care Home in Ferndown HEATHLAND HOUSE

Heathland House care home has recently opened and welcomed their very first residents transforming a site that has been many months in development into a state-of-theart care home oozing warmth, hospitality and exceptional care.

Heathland House provides residential and respite care alongside support for people living with dementia offering a real ‘home from home’ experience. The people living and working at Heathland House enjoy exceptional facilities with a chance to be involved in a variety of social activities which mirror their interests and hobbies. There is also the opportunity to watch a nostalgic movie in the cinema, be pampered in the hair and beauty salon or simply to relax in a variety of comfortable lounges or the café bar. Each bedroom is comfortable, light and spacious with a walk-in shower room and thoughtfully furnished with older people in mind. There are also a limited number of care suites each with an en-suite bedroom and separate lounge with compact kitchenette – ideal for couples or singles looking for extra space and independence.

The Chef and team pride themselves on providing a superb dining experience and mealtimes which is one of the highlights of the day – a time when people come together to socialise and enjoy dishes that are a match

for any high-class restaurant. The team thrives on creating delicious and nutritionally balanced menus to reflect the preferences of the people who live at Heathland House and include some more adventurous recipes alongside more traditional fare. Homemade bakes are always on offer – Paul Hollywood would be extremely impressed! For special occasions and celebrations there is an elegant private dining room for our residents to enjoy with their family and friends.

As well as residential care and the opportunity for short stays, Heathland House has a community dedicated to the care of people living with dementia – the single aim is to build on people’s abilities and life experience to help them live active and fulfilled lives.

Heathland House is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection which has recently been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 20 Large Care Home Groups by Carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home reviews website.

The Carehome.co.uk awards are based on reviews from care home residents as well as their friends and relatives. There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK caring for around half a million people so being selected by Carehome.co.uk as a Top 20 Care Home Group is a significant accolade.

For further details and to find out more about our limited Opening Promotion at Heathland House or to book a tour of our home, call Alison on 01202 139 735 or email heathland.enquiries@cinnamoncc.com

Health & Wellbeing

X-tra facilities at hospital in New Year

A major revamp of the radiology department at Wimborne’s Victoria Hospital will take place after Christmas, bringing a host of benefits for local patients.

Thanks to £255,000 of charitable funding from the Friends of Victoria Hospital, the Dorset HealthCare-run site will be refurbishing two x-ray rooms to deliver improved imaging and increased capacity. Work will begin on Tuesday, January 3, and involve adjustments to radiology services at the hospital for around 13 weeks. A temporary facility will continue to provide x-rays on site, though there may be a few exceptions.

Where appropriate, some patients may be booked in at Poole Hospital, or offered the option of appointments at Swanage

Hospital. Ultrasound services will continue to be provided from Victoria Hospital during this time.

The project is due to be completed by March 31.

Brad Rootes, Dorset HealthCare’s

Dorset and Purbeck Locality Manager, said: “I’d like to say a big thank-you to the Friends for this generous charitable donation. These improvements will make a huge difference to the radiology department and the facilities it can offer.”

Anne Salter, Friends of Victoria Hospital chairman, added: “The Wimborne community takes great pride in its wonderful hospital and hardworking staff and continually supports the Friends with donations and legacies which, in turn, allows us to fund these major projects. “We are absolutely delighted with the changes being made and how this will improve the service for the future.”

East

For further information about Victoria Hospital visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

Help combat Christmas homelessness

For £3, less than the cost of a pack of festive chocs, you can help transform the life of a homeless person this Christmas. Helping vulnerable people off the streets, however, is just the start. Support services need funding for essentials that will put them on the road to recovery. But as temperatures drop, the Local Strategic Partnership is facing extreme pressure and has delivered an urgent appeal for Christmas donations.

Chairman Alistair Doxat-Purse r said: “Traditionally, during

the countdown to Christmas, the nation’s thoughts turn to helping those who face a bleak midwinter without a home.

“Organisations face immense financial challenges when it comes to providing basic items for people who were formerly rough sleeping, when they go into safe accommodation.

“Money donated via the Change for Good contactless giving points and our JustGiving page goes directly to charities and organisations that help those recovering from the trauma of

rough sleeping into safe, secure homes. ”

To help , it costs around £250 for a bed and mattress; £150 for a washing machine and £200 for a fridge.

To donate, visit justgiving. com/campaign/changeforgood Bournemouth or to find a Change for Good contactless giving point click on homelessnesspartnershipbcp. org/dl/giving-points Grants from Change for Good donations are managed by the Dorset Community Foundation.

New bid to tackle NHS winter pressures

Special ‘control centres’ have gone live in the south west to manage the NHS as winter pressures grow - including in Dorset. The centres aim to help getting patients into beds more quickly and ease winter pressures using data to identify where people would be best treated.

They are able to divert ambulances to another nearby hospital with more capacity or identify hospitals that need extra support. The healthcare control centres are among measures announced as part of the NHS winter planning in October alongside falls response teams, additional bed capacity and new hubs dedicated to serious respiratory infections.

Across the south west, each of the seven integrated care systems has a dedicated 24/7

operation where teams, including senior clinicians, can track data in real time to help them make quick decisions in the face of emerging challenges.

It is hoped working this way will mean sites are able to respond to live issues and plan for pressures over weekends, bank holidays and other wider public events or dates that can affect services.

Martin Wilkinson, director of performance and improvement for the NHS in the south west of England, said: “Everyone who works across the NHS and social care wants to provide quality and timely treatment every time.

“They work tirelessly to do this and the healthcare control centres are among a range of initiatives being rolled out this

winter to support them in their excellent efforts.

“These data-driven centres are now helping us monitor pressures and manage resource across the south west of England, with NHS staff working around the clock, from Dorset to Cornwall, to make the best possible decisions for both staff and patients.

“With the NHS working hard to cope with the Covid and flu cases this winter, on top of the expected winter pressures, it has never been more important for the NHS to introduce these important planning measures ahead of what is likely to be one of our most challenging winters yet.” Recent statistics show more than 19 out of 20 adult general and acute beds in the south west were occupied in the week to

Hospice lights up centre

New inititiative for the community targets businesses

Community Action Network is launching its new ‘Business Supporter’ membership for businesses in the Dorset area.

The charity invites businesses with a ‘social conscience’ to connect with like-minded businesses, charities/community groups, along with council and NHS colleagues, who share a vision for Dorset to be a place where strong, healthy, diverse and vibrant communities flourish

The initiative will enable local businesses to:

• Find out more about the local voluntary and community sector and benefits to their business

by Lorraine Gibson

Shoppers in Poole can take time out of their busy schedules to dedicate a Light up a Life star on Forest Holme’s iconic Tree of Remembrance in memory of a loved one, whether they were cared for by the local hospice or not, in exchange for a donation towards the charity.

Forest Holme Hospice charity’s tree is outside the former Marks & Spencer store and, up until Saturday, December 17, a dedicated stall alongside it will be selling Christmas merchandise.

All proceeds go towards ensuring that everyone in the community affected by life-

limiting illness or bereavement gets the care and support they need, either at home or in the charity’s dedicated hospice facility.

Kirsty Perks, fundraiser at Forest Holme, said: “We are delighted to have our tree returning and we are so grateful to the Dolphin Shopping Centre for their continued support.

“Like many charities, 2022 has been a very challenging year for fundraising, so we’re so grateful to have this opportunity and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces visiting us to remember a lovedone.”

Visit forestholmehospice.org.uk.

Boost for caring landlords

by Faith Eckersall

Private landlords who rent to young care leavers can benefit from a new Dorset Council scheme.

The initiative will guarantee a deposit, rent in advance and regular, guaranteed rental payment for the first 12 months if a tenant is a care leaver. It is being funded by a 2019 Government handout of £71,000 to improve outcomes for this type of tenant. There are 526 care leavers in the Dorset Council area and many are looking to set up their first independent home, with practical and financial support, and moving-in kits provided by the authority.

Each tenant also has a dedicated worker, who will liaise with the landlord to ensure the tenancy is a success and they will have received training in essential life skills such as tenancy readiness, being a good

neighbour and budgeting.

Care leavers receive statutory support until they are 21 and this can be increased to 25 depending on their circumstances, said the council.

Portfolio holder for housing, Graham CarrJones said: “We know one of the biggest barriers for young people leaving our care is accessing good quality, affordable, longterm accommodation.

“There is a general shortage of rental properties in Dorset, which contributes to the overall number of people on the housing register.”

He said the council hoped its scheme would reduce homelessness levels in the county. Landlords can find out more by contacting the Care Leavers Team on 01202 868257 or email clopportunities@dorsetcouncil.gov. uk for a no-obligation chat.

• Support corporate social responsibility goals; More easily support local communities if they wish to donate goods or services; Enable staff to volunteer purposefully through access to the CAN Volunteering Hub and Employer Assisted Volunteering offer; Partner successfully with local small and micro community groups, rather than a large national charity with limited local impact; Inform community support and development.

Karen Loftus, chief executive of CAN said: “It’s so important businesses, charities and community organisations, along with our council and NHS colleagues work in partnership with each other and the community to flourish fairly. Our new membership offers that opportunity and for only £25 a year to join.”

For more information go to can100.org.

Fuel theft alert

Police are warning people in rural areas who use heating oil and diesel for energy to take extra precautions to guard against thefts.

Dorset Police say that where possible, fuel tanks should be locked up, alarmed and kept within a secure building or cage.

“If it’s not possible to keep your tank inside a building, consider planting spiky shrubs and fencing to hide your tank and surround the area around the tank with gravel,” said a spokesman. Other advice is to install an anti-syphon device and motion-sensing CCTV and lighting.

“CCTV can now be linked to your phone, giving you piece of mind and real time alerts at any time of the day or night,” said the spokesman. More details at dorset.police.uk/ruralcrime.

Home & Garden

We are almost through the Christmas mayhem, the lights are up, the tree decorated, and now it’s the final countdown with food prep, last-minute presents and excited children to contend with! Perhaps pertinent to this month’s questions which came in for me:

Can I keep a poinsettia and will it turn red again next Christmas?

Poinsettias, along with hippeastrum and indoor cyclamen are stalwarts of Christmas plants! Pointsettias come originally from Mexico, where they are classed as weeds! They are technically perennials, so can indeed be kept from year to year in the right conditions. However getting them to rebloom again requires careful and timely manipulation. The red on poinsettias is not actually the flower, but colourful bracts (modified leaves), which surround insignificant blossoms. When March rolls around (and yellow buds of daffodils are starting to appear), be brave and cut your poinsettia’s stems under the first leaf node, just below the bracts. Repot and place it outside for the summer, returning it in in late August. Helpfully, the treatment to encourage re-bloom falls directly at the start of the new school year, slightly easier to remember! Put the plant in a pitch black room (or cover it with a bucket if black-out curtains aren’t your thing) from 5pm until 8am for a few weeks/ months (15hrs darkness). This will give you the best chance of blooming. They like to be moist, so don’t allow it to dry out too much (but don’t drown it!).

I want to get my son some gardening tools for his new garden, particularly some secateurs, what are the best to choose?

GUTTERS

Hannah’s horticulture

Before I answer this question, please let me tell you that I am not affiliated nor earn a commission from anything I mention here! (though perhaps I should look at this, hmm!). Tools are quite personal, and depend on your gardening style, size and budget vs time spent gardening. I have a mix of both budget and high-end tools, despite doing a lot of gardening. Often, more expensive does not equal better. My basic set of tools are: secateurs, hand fork, hand trowel, fork (antique –from a car boot, by far the best I’ve ever had), border spade, loppers, kneeling pad, and an old plastic bucket for prunings (in my case, my Great Nan’s old one)! For things like pricking out and potting on, an old kitchen fork and knife are the best tools I have in my arsenal! You need to be comfortable when using the tools, so try a few different brands and styles in the shop, and pay close attention to the weight, angle and size. For instance, a lot of the hand forks for me are either too big on the head, or completely the wrong angle and would cause severe wrist ache and joint stress. The one thing I don’t compromise on is secateurs and loppers, and boy

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does it make a difference. Felco and Niwaki are considered the industry-best secateurs, with Felco being more popular and widespread. They are not cheap, but Felco’s come with a lifetime guarantee and all parts are replaceable. They will also service them and they come in

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

several different styles and sizes to suit, including left-handed versions.

And all that’s left for me to say is, Happy Christmas! If you celebrate the season, I hope that whatever you do, whatever your situation, you are able to enjoy the festivities and find comfort, peace and joy in traditions old and new.

Let me know how you get on with those new garden presents you get!

A red Christmas duo in the sky

If the clouds part on dates around Christmas this year, look south-east in the evenings to find two festive baubles shining together in the winter sky.

The planet Mars has been slowly moving up from the eastern horizon and has now found its way into the foreground of the stars of Taurus the Bull.

The traditional red eye of the Bull (which, according to a Neolithic cave painting in SW France, has been a constellation since the Stone

Age) is bright Aldebaran, an ageing, bloated red giant star that forms a neat comparison to the ruddy hue of nearby Mars.

The two are in a busy part of the sky: The V-shaped cluster of the Hyades, in the area, is glorious in binoculars; and above glistens the tight triangular group of the Pleiades, hot, blue young stars just over 400 light years away.

That cave painter of 20,000 years ago captured them too. Clear skies!

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

Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

I was hunting for the Christmas tree lights in the attic. Naturally, I kept finding other things of interest which slowed me down. One was an old convex mirror - the memories flooded back! An attentive boyfriend had given me the mirror while I was writing a particularly difficult essay about Jan Van Eycks painting, The Arnolfini Wedding (1434) which famously has a convex mirror in the background. The picture commemorates a wedding and that’s about all I can say about it with certainty as the painting is a visual rabbit hole! Years later I married someone else and it seemed a little insensitive to hang the mirror in our ‘newlywed house’ so it disappeared into the attic.

Cut to 25 years later! In the winter with drab, no let me say refined, green walls in the living room it can look a bit dull. Inspired by the round convex mirror I decided to take the pictures down and brighten the corner up. Mirrors create an illusion of a larger space and create more light, especially if positioned near a window or other light source.

Apparently, round mirrors can soften an area which is decorated with hard edges.

The convex mirror distorts reflections and I rather like that as it appeals to the Science Fantasy side of me, seems like an object Philip Pullman would write about.

Turns out my sons and husband love it too as it reminds them of the portholes from our long-ago cruises!

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)

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

Bare root hedging, Wild bird food 20kg £14.50, Spring Flowering Bulbs, IOW Garlic Pansies & Polyanthus Roses, Perennials & Shrubs. Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Large selection of pots. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

Tree collection

Householders can book to have their Christmas trees collected in January and raise muchneeded funds for the Mac Unit hospice.

Christchurch Round Table volunteers will be carrying out two days of collections, taking away trees from £10, and donating proceeds to the palliative care unit in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital, which cares for 1,600 patients each year.

Nigel Jarvis of Christchurch Round Table said: “We are delighted to announce that Macmillan Caring Locally will receive half of all money raised by this year’s tree-cycle, with the other 50 per cent going to other local charities.

“The Mac Unit and its staff provide invaluable care and support to a growing number of terminally-ill people and their families each year and it is great to know our efforts will be helping them to carry on their work in 2023.”

People wishing to have their trees taken away can book a collection slot on either January 2 or 8, then simply leave their tree* out on their driveway the night before.

Nigel and his fellow volunteers will arrive early in the morning to take it away.

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TREEMENDOUS - Nigel Jarvis, right, and his fellow volunteers at Christchurch Round Table

all BH23, BH25 & BH5, BH6, BH7

Barry Wilson, events and media manager at Macmillan Caring Locally said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Christchurch Round Table has chosen us to benefit for this year’s

this opportunity to get rid of their trees easily and cheaply, knowing they are also helping the Mac Unit.”

To book your Christmas tree collection, visit: tinyurl.com/ mpwzau5e, email: trees@ christchurchroundtable.co.uk or visit: christchurchroundtable. co.uk.

Tree size is limited to 6ft or by prior arrangement. If your tree will be much taller than 6ft please let Nigel and his team know.

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’.

A year on from storm Arwen, which destroyed our stables and forced us to ‘temporarily’ relocate our ponies, we have finally been able to welcome the farm’s miniatures back on site. The stables have been repaired and the much longed-for hardstanding has been added after a generous donation from the Ladies’ Section of Ferndown Golf Club.

Thanks to the love and support of many of High Mead’s friends, who very kindly gave to the ‘Bring Mollie Home’ appeal, she too has returned to the farm. Her ashes will be buried under the tree planted to mark the Farm’s 10th anniversary. A bench will also be placed under the tree, so the Co-Farmers can sit and remember all their happy times with Mollie.

Our plea for a little less rain was finally answered, the cold snap providing a respite from the mud, allowing the horticultural team to really get stuck in

ahead of our final Open Day of the year, which takes place on Sunday, December 18. Entry is free and open to all. There will be a chance to meet the animals, meet the team, to explore the farm, and enjoy burgers and soup, tea and cake, as well as an opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto for our younger visitors. For those with Christmas shopping left to do, a quick visit to the Farm Shop is just what’s needed for last minute pressie purchases. Our last volunteers’ meeting of the year took place at the beginning of the month; a super gathering hosted in the White Hart, Longham, by staunch supporters Paul and Carol who put on a lovely spread, including a cracking buffet courtesy of their customers – what a treat! It was so lovely to see so many of the farm’s friends gathered.

Friendship has been a regular topic of conversation this month. One of the mainstay subjects on our meeting agenda

is safeguarding. The reminder that our role, be that staffmember, carer, or volunteer, is to ensure High Mead’s CoFarmers enjoy the very best experience possible, safely, each and every time they visit. We do our best to make sure our visitors have that same enjoyable experience too. Many of our farm-shop customers are regulars, whose trip to our store is more than a quick visit to top-up on fruit and veg. They have their regular visiting days and look forward to catching up with their favourite volunteer;

their visit is as much about socialising and support as it is about stocking up. We love their visits and hearing all about their week.

Not all our visitors are quite so chatty... some are simply catty (in a feline sense - thanks to Tina and her kitty treats).

There is never a dull moment when the kittens visit, chasing one another round and round, in one door and out the other. Who knew when the shop first opened, what a wonderful source of enjoyment it would become for so many?

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Farmers devastated by largest-ever bird flu outbreak

Farming & Environment

Mr Kelly also called for the Government to overhaul the compensation scheme for farmers hit by an outbreak.

Currently, they are compensated for the number of fit and healthy birds after an outbreak. However, the committee was told entire flocks can have died before officials arrive to carry out a cull - meaning they receive no compensation.

Since November 7, flocks in England have legally had to be kept indoors in a bid to prevent the spread of bird flu in what the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said was the ‘largest ever outbreak of avian influenza’.

Supplies of free-range birds - including Christmas turkeys - have been hit ‘very, very hard’ by the bird flu epidemic that has hit the UK, MPs have been told.

Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee that up to half of free-range poultry grown for Christmas in the UK has died or been culled.

Of the total 8.5 million to 9 million turkeys produced - not just those for Christmasabout 1.6 million had already died or been culled, he added.

Mr Griffiths was one of the industry experts interviewed by the committee, as it seeks to

report on why this year’s outbreak has been ‘so serious and prolonged’.

Paul Kelly, of Kelly Turkeys, based in Essex, said there would be a shortage of free-range birds on shelves this Christmas. Since October 2021, England has seen more than 250 confirmed cases of bird flu, and Mr Kelly said his business had lost around £1.2m after three outbreaks.

“For farmers it has been devastating,” he said.

He added: “The challenge for lot of smaller seasonal producers that produce Christmas poultry, they have their flock on their farm and when it is infected, those turkeys will die within four days.”

Announcing the measures, UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “We are now facing this year, the largest ever outbreak of bird flu and are seeing rapid escalation in the number of cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across England.

“The risk of kept birds being exposed to disease has reached a point where it is now necessary for all birds to be housed until further notice.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands ... you must keep (them) indoors.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

Exploring Stour & Avon...

with retired Dorset rights of way officer

Because of the lack of daylight at this time of year, this walk is shorter than it would be in summer, less than five miles. Park near the school and make your way past the Almshouses to the Church, which will probably be the only building you’ll see not built of brick, giving you a clue of the local geology.

The Church is worth visiting as it has a smart font, magnificent stained glass and a massive gallery.

Just past the Church is a gateway giving access to a footpath heading a short way eastwards to join a road leading a short distance north westwards to a T junction where you turn left, south west, passing the school and crossing over the River Allen, a tributary of the Stour.

There’s lots of mistletoe in the nearby trees.

At a junction, turn right and head north west along the road which runs parallel

CHRIS SLADE

to the Allen for about half a mile to All Hallows Farm where, at a bend, you leave the road and continue westwards for half a mile uphill along a bridleway/farm track.

At the top, having passed a wood, turn right and head north east along the parish boundary with Gussage All Saints down to Monkton Up Wimborne, where you cross the Allen, not far from its source.

Join the road, turn right and head south east alongside the river.

Look out for birds as I saw a pair of kites along this section and a barn owl further down.

After about half a mile the road, having curved to the right, reaches All Hallows Farm where you turn left and follow your footprints back to your car, passing the Bull Inn which might not be open.

PIXABAY

WIMBORNE ST GILES

Arts & Entertainments

Grace Jones & Christmas in July

by Lorraine Gibson

Big names to go with the big balloons and birthday cakes as queen of all the divas Grace Jones, indie favourites

The Kooks and almost-local lad Craig David headline yet another unfailingly eccentric line-up at next year’s Camp Bestival.

The eclectic cast is there to celebrate the 15th birthday of Dorset’s much-loved family festival as it returns to Lulworth Castle promising a bash to remember.

Current music scene big hitters, Confidence Man, will also bring uniquely feel-good party anthems to the proceedings,

Melanie C, or Sporty Spice depending on your age, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be spreading the 90s vibes and vocal powerhouses Sam Ryder and Ella Henderson will belt out a tune or two.

Stalwarts Dick & Dom and Mr Tumble will of course be there - not just for the ice-cream and

jelly but to entertain families of all ages.

Camp Bestival curators, Josie and Rob da Bank said: “Just look at what we’ve got for you happy campers - something for everyone at our 15th birthday party!

“Prepare to make some seriously strong memories at our beautiful castle by the sea from Grace Jones and party starter Craig David to Horrible Histories and pulling a cracker at East 17’s Christmas Party.”

A wildly extravagant set with a performance to match are guaranteed from the pioneering, handbag-wielding chameleon of pop, Jones who’ll showcase what’s driven her decadespanning career with ten studio albums and unforgettable hits like Slave to the Rhythm and Pull Up to the Bumper.

R&B star David brings his TS5 set, combing big old school anthems with chart house hits and The Kooks complete the trio, bringing on the fun with the likes of She Moves In Her Own Way and Naïve.

Delivering the most surreal moment will be East 17 who are bringing Christmas late - or perhaps early - in July

- now that’s quite a party!

with a festive, yes festive, set. Obviously been searching for a reason to dust the snow off those Top of the Pops white, fur-lined parkas once more. The band said: “Who says you can’t start the Christmas spirit in summer? We can’t

wait to bring an East 17 festive extravaganza to Dorset for our Camp Bestival debut. Pull out the white puffer jackets and see you on the fields.”

Camp Bestival Dorset Lulworth Castle, July 27 to 30, 2023.

Visit: dorset.campbestival.net.

Picture: ANDREA KLARIN

A brand New Year... and all that jazz!

by Lorraine Gibson

Here’s a special date for your 2023 diary as the Wimborne Rotary announces the next in its successful series of Jazz at the Allendale concerts.

As the name suggests, the venue will again be the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne and entertaining the audience once more will be the South Coast’s foremost 17-piece big band, Swing Unlimited Big Band. The programme will include a broad repertoire of swing, jazz, and contemporary music, from the golden age of swing through to the present day.

Admission is free - yes, free - with tickets available on the doors.

There will, however, be a retiring collection to raise funds in support of Youth Music Wessex and Rotary charities and it is hoped that, in this difficult year for charitable organisations, it will be generously supported.

Concert organiser, Rotarian Bob McCarthy said: “This latest charity jazz performance marks the 11th anniversary of these concerts.

“Thanks to the outstanding generosity

of our audiences in the past, we have been able to raise more than £16,000 for worthy causes.”

The concert will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm.

£500,000 arts boost Christmas concert

The charity which oversees 20 cultural organisations in Hampshire, including Rockbourne Roman Villa, Forest Arts and Christchurch’s Red House museum, has received a £500k ‘Christmas present’ from the Arts Council. The money will be given to the Hampshire Cultural Trust charity, which made the Forest Arts centre in New Milton one of its priority places in its grant application.

The Trust’s chief executive, Paul Sapwell, said: “We are thrilled to have received this offer of £500,000 as a National Portfolio Organisation from Arts Council England. With this we can not only focus on the three priority places in Hampshire but can also continue to deliver cultural experiences, fulfilling our purpose of helping to change lives through culture.”

Fordingbridge Choral Society’s Christmas Concert starts at 7.00pm on Saturday, December 17, at St Mary’s Church. There will be seasonal refreshments after and ticket price are £10 in advance or £12 at the door, under-18’s free.

Carols for all are accompanied by Chris Sparkhall at the organ and readings by members of Redlynch Players. Tickets can be obtained from the Fordingbridge Bookshop, through the secretary on 01425 656348 or via ticketsource.co.uk/ fordingbridgechoral. Come along and listen to and join in with some wonderful Christmas carols. They’d love to see you there!

Arts & Entertainments

Party time at town’s guild

Live entertainment, Bucks Fizz and plenty of nibbles ensured Verwood’s Guild women had lots of fun at their Christmas party.

Gathered around festive tables, they were entertained by husband and wife duo, Barry and Chris Manly, he on guitar and both duetting on songs that soon had members and guests from the Dorset Federation committee up dancing and singing along.

Still time to visit museum

by Faith Eckersall

There’s still time to make the most of Poole Museum before it closes on New Year’s Eve for an 18-month facelift.

The popular venue will be upgrading its facilities to lower its carbon footprint, as well as creating new galleries and revamping existing ones, reopening in the spring or summer of 2024.

The museum says its new look will deliver better access for all visitors, the opportunity to display more of its collection, on top of being able to stage more of the national

touring exhibitions.

A highlight of the new museum will be its Shipwreck! Gallery, showcasing the finds recovered by Bournemouth University from a Medieval ship discovered in the waters off Poole, by local charter boat skipper, Trevor Small. The new gallery will display finds from the 15-metre-long ship including copper cooking vessels and stone mortars, as well as a cargo of readyproduced carved gravestones. The new galleries are currently under development as part of the £4.3million Our Museum

About Banksy in Dorset

by Faith Eckersall

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, Vice Chancellor 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.

Booking details here: dorsetmuseum.org/event/2571/

Project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Townswomens Guild extends best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all its members.

Their next event is a coffee morning in January.

For information call Judi: 01202 053264.

Showtime for Showaddywaddy

by Lorraine Gibson

“We love Showaddywaddy here at the Tivoli and they return in January 2023!” says the theatre’s manager, Charlie North Lewis.

The band will be rocking crepe soles and drape jackets in a riot of rainbow colours when they take to the stage to celebrate 50 years in the music business.

The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World tour may be an audacious title but Showaddywaddy, having survived and thrived for five decades and sold more than 20 million records, reckon they’ve earned it, and so do their fans! Formed in 1973 in Leicester, they’ve toured every corner of the world and this anniversary gig, flagged up as a dynamic and uplifting show, will feature all the greatest hits that have helped keep them in the lime (not to mention lemon, pink and purple)light all this time. Many of those hits reached number one in the European charts - Under The Moon of

Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes - the list goes on.

So if You’ve Got What It Takes, just go for a little walk to the Tivoli and join them on Saturday, January 21, at 7.30pm.

Online tickets£30.25/£27.50. Box office tickets £27.50/£25. tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Unlocking fascinating particulars of Thomas Hardy’s life

by Lorraine Gibson

Julian Fellows, prolific writer, historian, actor, creator of such films as Gosford Park and, of course, the hugely popular TV period drama, Downton Abbey has got behind a project to unlock the Dorset History Centre’s Thomas Hardy collection.

“The Hardy Archive on deposit at the Centre is the biggest and most important collection of material by and about Thomas Hardy in the world,” he says. “It is a treasure trove of 150 boxes containing thousands of items, books, diaries, notes, paintings, even his mother’s kettle.”

Not quite everything but the kitchen sink, but you get his drift.

Dorset Archives Trust (DAT) is leading a fundraising effort to permanently unlock the internationally significant, UNESCO-listed archive of author Thomas Hardy. At present, the collection, which consists of more than 150 boxes of materialy, is almost invisible to the wider world.

The Centre wants to undertake a project, led by an archivist working with volunteers, which will unlock this fantastic resource by creating a free online catalogue for all to access.

It estimates that it will take around 18 months to complete the task but that once done, Hardy’s archives, the bedrock of any research into the author, his life and work will be permanently discoverable.

The project will require £60,000 and there’s a crowdfunding campaign in support of this. To contribute, or find out more about the project, visit dorsetarchivestrust.org.

Christmas charisma

It was an absolute delight to hear the great sound from Canzona Brass playing in Wimborne Minster Square. The sound of a brass band always makes Christmas complete, playing classic Christmas songs and carols under the tree with this charismatic quintet. Report & pic: TOM SCRASE

Type of couch (5)

‘I’ve got it!’ (3)

say, non-news component in paper (7)

Eastern lake is frightening (5)

Show observation (4)

Old woman and married chap restricted type of creature (6)

Turn out former lecturer holding exercise (5)

Grapple with aspect of football (6)

Fearsome creature in crate, we hear (4)

Secure almost with hesitant expression reserve doctor (5)

Pasta making fine American sick on island (7)

A colour about college immediately (2,4)

Digested report of posh school (5)

1 Posh woman with turn in charge of a starry group? (8) 2 Good man disclosed alcoholic beverage

Sees heritage in part in Surrey town (5) 4 Difficulty say over a line that’s not permitted (7)

Work finely in IT in inexhaustible fashion (10)

Republican fellow amid vote produces contemplative thought (10)

Dismiss a cross close to house (3)

Sound of feline in shed (3)

Ethics in Malta or Italy of a dubious nature (8)

Key part of cooker and tin, say (7)

One awkwardly holding newspaper on a regular basis (5)

Flower in past eradicated (5)

Pleasing stimulus when touring Thailand (4)

5 By the sound of it, detected rise (4) 6 Work finely in IT in inexhaustible fashion 8 Republican fellow amid vote produces contemplative thought (10) 12 Dismiss a cross close to house (3) 13 Sound of feline in shed (3) 14 Ethics in Malta or Italy of a dubious nature 15 Key part of cooker and tin, say (7) 18 One awkwardly holding newspaper on regular basis (5)

Flower in past eradicated (5)

Pleasing stimulus when touring Thailand

Pets

With the colder weather, it’s a good idea to let your dog’s fur grow longer.

This gives them a bit of added protection and for the shorthaired breeds and puppies, let them wear a coat to keep them snug.

Your dog should be wearing a collar and ID tag and be microchipped – it’s important to ensure your personal details are up-to-date on the database. Visibility – for both you and your dog during the cold dark months is important.

If it’s snowing keep your dog on a lead – there could be deep patches or holes, or the snow may cover areas that aren’t safe. Wipe after walks – make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and tummy after a walk.

Grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin and cause problems.

Don’t leave your dog in the car – whether it’s a hot or cold day outside, leaving your dog in a car is dangerous due to

temperatures rising and falling rapidly.

Frozen ponds – don’t let you dog onto frozen ponds as the ice may not be thick enough to take their weight.

If your dog does fall through ice, don’t be tempted to go in after them.

Try encouraging them back

to you and call the emergency services.

Antifreeze – this is highly toxic and poisonous to pets, but unfortunately they are tempted by the sweet smell/taste. Keep antifreeze and other chemicals well out of reach and always mop up any spillages. Regularly check your dog’s

leads, collars and harnesses – check these are functioning safely and don’t get damaged by winter weather. Wet weather can cause metal clips to rust. Always do up lead clips and carabiners and attach to collars/ harnesses before leaving the house as they can be tricky to do up in the cold.

£150k fine for puppy farmers

A judge has given a pair of convicted illegal puppy sellers three months to pay more than £150,000 - or face up to 18 months in prison.

William Derrick Perriton and Rebecca Heath, of Three Legged Cross, appeared in court in January following several years of investigation by Dorset Council officers regarding animal welfare offences and unlicensed breeding at an illegal puppy farm.

The pair pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, failing to take steps to ensure the needs of

animals were met and carrying out a dog breeding and selling business for 14 months without a licence.

All puppies seized during the investigation were nursed back to full health and successfully rehomed.

Last month, Perriton and Heath were each sentenced to 200 hours of community service. However, the confiscation order and court costs faced by the pair were only confirmed by a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 25.

For the confiscation order, Perriton was ordered to pay £115,000 or risk 18 months

in prison. Heath was ordered to pay £34,840 or risk nine months in prison. Both will also need to pay £4,500 each in prosecution costs, with a victim surcharge of £85 each.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: “This is a landmark case for Dorset Council, involving an enormous amount of work from officers in our Environmental Health, Legal and Trading Standards teams.

“Anyone who truly loves dogs – or animals generally – needs to understand that using an unlicensed breeder to purchase a pet is effectively supporting an illegal business, often without any consideration of the welfare and environmental needs of the animals being sold.”

Delightful Duke is in search of a home

Hello, I am Duke.

I am a large very friendly mastiff cross boxer and I am about two years old. I arrived at Waggy Tails from the pound and have not been able to give them my full background but they say it is very evident I came from a home.

I am clean in the house and know lots of commands like sit and paw. I love treats and I take them very gently.

I love people and I am friendly with other dogs.

If you are able to offer me or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@ waggytails.org.uk or visit our website at waggytails.org.uk. We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes.

Waggy Tails Rescue are in need of more foster homes.

If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden and experienced with dogs then please give us a ring and discuss fostering for us.

It is a very rewarding experience and enables us to continue helping these dogs (no children under 10 in the house please).

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset, we rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home.

We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care.

Recruitment

Experienced Vehicle Technician - Full time Monday-Friday- Classic cars- engine rebuilding etc. - Gillingham Email: info@ sigmadorset.co.uk

P/T Administrative Assistant required to join small busy team for varied office tasks supporting property managers and family business situated close to Gillingham, flexible working hours. Please apply with covering letter and CV to: rwarddevelopmentsltd@ gmail.com

HGV Livestock lorry driver wanted Frizzle Livestock Haulage Enquiries phone Andrew 07977 136863

WAITRESS REQUIRED

At Hays Park Retirement Apartments, near Shaftesbury. Alternate weekends and Mondays & Tuesdays. For further details please contact us on: 01747 830349 or email: hays.park@googlemail.com

OFFICE HELP NEEDED - Part-time general office and shop help required, able to use Ebay, including selling on Ebay too. Please call 07856707050 for more information.

Light pruning work in young plantations £12.50 ph no ladder work

Ashmore Charlie 07584 017602

DRAMA AND ENGLISH TEACHER S REQUIRED

The Artori Academy are looking for Drama, LAMDA & confidence building/public speaking teachers - lesson outlines provided.

Working days: Wednesday - Friday and some weekends. Dorchester and Blandford based. Driver essential. DBS checks will be mandatory on successful applicants. Contact info@theartoriacademy.com with your CV to apply

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

The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society is hiring for a Show Secretary & Events’ Organiser.

of:

For the full job description and to apply e-mail chairman@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk or ring 01747 823955. This position consists

Recruitment

Kavanagh Roofing Ltd, Shaftesbury currently have the following vacancies:-

Contracts Manager

Experienced Roofers

Experienced/Trainee

Lead worker

Immediate start available

For more information or to apply, please email your CV to lisa@ kavanagh-roofing. co.uk

School run drivers requird for OAKWOOD TAXIS.

Must be over 25 years of age.

Could suit semi-retired person.

All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only.

For more details ring Andy on 01258 455555 between 10am and 2pm or email: oakwoodtaxis@ aol.com

Skilled Tractor Driver

Broadchalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Competitive Salary / No Accommodation

We are seeking a flexible, enthusiastic person to be a key worker in our well diversified, well equipped Arable & Livestock business.

Duties will include: All aspects of Combinable Crop Growing. Routine feeding, bedding & mucking out of beef enterprise.

Helping with estate work, sheep enterprise & diversifications

Ideally you will have: Experience in farm work. Flexible / adaptable approach. PA1 & PA2 Sprayer license. Telehandler certificate.

Please apply by email to: stoke.farms@farmline.com

Applications close on: 23rd December 2022

Complete care solutions

Assistant Bookkeeper

Part-time - 25 hours per week - £15 per hour

Bramley Care are currently seeking an Assistant Bookkeeper to join our team.

Flexibility around hours of work can be offered to suit the successful candidate.

Raising and sending customer invoices

Communicating with our customers and accountant

Maintaining an accurate record of financial transactions

Updating and maintaining the general ledger in Sage Bank account reconciliation to assert the accuracy of transactions

Qualifications and experience

2 years basic accounting experience with an understanding of accounting best practices

Knowledge of Sage-50 computer-based accounting systems and procedures

Advanced use of MS Office, especially Excel and Word Skills

Excellent communication, organisational and numerical skills

Excellent customer service skills

Self-motivated and pro-active, approachable, dependable, tenacious and confidential

Produce work with a high level of accuracy

If this is a role that sounds of interest to you then please get in touch. Further information and an application form can be found on our website.

bramleycare.co.uk 01747 855844

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

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

Previous sales experience

Hungry for success

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

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

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th December.

ALDERHOLT Wolvercroft

ASHLEY

Sam’s

BROOM

CANFORD

CANFORD

CORFE

SHAPWICK Shirley

SPETISBURY

CRANBORNE Cranborne

Building sporting links in community

Dexter Sports Walking Football team were looking to replace the match day kit they had been using for a few years.

They were contacted by Simon Bennett from the local family-owned property company Coyson Marlin who generously offered to supply kits for both their over 50 and over 60s teams.

The Dexter Sport teams play in the Dorset FA Walking Football League and both sides have made a great start

to the new season wearing their new kit. Coyson Marlin combine high

Top award for Emma

Verwood-based Emma Plimmer of Wimborne Athletic Club has been presented with the South West Athletics Newcomer Volunteer of the Year Award.

The presentation was made by Olympic athlete Jo Pavey at the South West Region Athletics Presentation Evening at Exeter on November 29, right.

Volunteer help is critical to the operation of most sports at a grass roots level particularly in athletics which demands a high volunteer input from coaches, officials and team managers.

Emma, partly in response to the involvement of her daughter Sophie, went straight in to qualifying as an official and had to do most of it online because of Covid restrictions.

She quickly established herself as a very confident and well organised event leader.

Emma then took that organising ability to managing cross-country teams and assisting with the team management of the composite Team Dorset squad which won its division of the UK Young Athletics League.

Emma and the club’s other volunteers were major contributors to Wimborne AC’s winning of the 13-team South West Athletics League in the 2022 season.

The club is always in need of new volunteer help and contact can be made through the club’s website wimborneac.co.uk.

the club’s new kit, bearing the company logo reflects this attention to detail.

Simon came along to one of the club training sessions at Hamworthy to present the kit to the players who were delighted to receive it on behalf of the club.

quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in all of their building projects and

Older players interested in getting back into playing the beautiful game or requiring more information about walking football can contact the club at dextersportsyfc. org.uk/contact-us/.

Big bonus from the bowls club

The president of Wimborne Bowls Club, Mike Skipp, presented a cheque for £1,070 to Rae Cotton and Carol Head, fundraisers from Victoria Hospital, Wimborne.

Great training is recipe for success

Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk

An independent cookware business has beaten off competition from seven other finalists – including Harrods and John Lewis – to scoop a national award.

Salamander Cookshop in Wimborne won the Excellence in Retail Training category at the annual Excellence in Housewares Awards, held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Delighted owners David and Ione Crossley, who took over the shop in 2019, attributed the success to their commitment to training.

David said: “We came to the retail sector from education and ran our own training consultancy helping to develop school leaders and teachers to raise achievement.

“Quite simply as lifelong

learners, great training is part of our DNA.

“With this background, a focus on learning about the cookware industry and its products was a natural for us and it still is.”

Described as an ‘emporium’, Salamander, in Wimborne’s High Street, stocks more than 5,000 different cookware products.

Ione said: “We believe we best

serve our customers by offering genuine product knowledge and expertise as well as great customer service.

“We’ve developed an induction manual and take every member of staff through the shop in sections so they can really get under the skin of what we sell, how it works, where it comes from, its benefits and features.”

Staff also undergo online training with suppliers and leading cookware specialists as well as attending workshops and visits to places such as the Le Crueset demonstration kitchen in Andover.

If one top award wasn’t enough, Salamander was also a finalist in the Retail Initiative Category for its innovative approach in bringing cookware to life.

It also won the category for Best Use of Innovation, sponsored by Wimborne BID, at this year’s inaugural Wimborne Business Awards and a Good Retailing Award in 2021 for its website.

County funeral group adds new staff

Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors has welcomed new staff while others have been promoted within the business.

The group has seven branches across east Dorset and runs the multi award-winning Dorset Funeral Plan.

The team at its Lesley Shand branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford has been bolstered by the arrivals of Tim Randle, Peter Short and Melissa Harper.

Tim is a funeral director and also a trained celebrant who conducts services.

Peter has moved from within the group to become a funeral director and Melissa has returned to the business after time out to have a family.

Also recently recruited is Josh Caldicott who is working at the AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown.

Nick Douch, managing director, said: “We have recruited some excellent staff and others within the group continue to develop their careers.

“Peter, for example, has previously worked in customer service and has been fully trained while working for us and has qualified as a funeral director.

“Melissa has returned after having a family and understands how the

public-facing side of the company is so important, and we are pleased to have promoted her to office manager.

“In Tim we also have a celebrant, and we are seeing more families asking for this service, so we can now provide it from

one of our own staff, making funerals easier and more cost-effective.

“Josh has eight years’ experience in the industry and we will train him further and plan to put him through his qualifications.”

Andrew

NEW: From left,Tim Rendle, Melissa Harper, Nick Douch, MD, Jonathan Stretch, director, Peter Short, Josh Caldicott

EXCELLENT: David and Ione Crossley of Salamander receive their award from host and comedienne Sara Barron and Simon Oliver of category sponsor Tower

by Andrew Diprose

A business which supplies climbing, pruning and protective equipment for the arboriculture sector is set to scale new heights after being acquired by an American company.

Tree Kit Limited, based at Three Legged Cross, has been bought by Vertical Supply Group (VSG) for an undisclosed sum.

Together with Guildford-based Honey Brothers – also acquired by VSG – it will be part of a newly established VSG-UK operation.

In a statement, VSG said it was proud to acquire the two respected arborist retail and product development businesses.

Tripp Wyckoff, CEO, added: “When identifying partnership prospects in the UK, two companies quickly rose to the top.

“I am beyond excited to welcome Tree Kit and Honey Brothers to the VSG team as our first two acquisitions outside of North America.”

Tree Kit, which employs eight people and has a £1millionplus turnover, was founded by brothers Mike and Max Storey in 2012.

Both brought up and educated in Dorset, Mike, 49, had a passion for all things trees and more than 20 years of industry experience as an arborist and product designer.

Max, 43, was from a business background, working in hospitality, retail and property.

Tree Kit Limited was incorporated in 2013.

The company now sells more than 3,000 products for the arboriculture sector covering rigging, climbing, leisure, pruning and safety and clothing.

But Max, Managing Director, said it was Tree Kit’s development of two new innovative products which acted as the catalyst for VSG’s interest in the company.

Both were unveiled at a trade show in Germany earlier this year.

He said: “They saw them and

recognised our potential. “We’re excited at the possibilities that lie ahead in the future.”

All current employees are being retained at both Tree Kit and Honey Brothers which was founded in 1955.

It has since become one of the most prominent arborist equipment specialists in the tree care industry and ships worldwide.

Mike and Max stay in their roles together with Martyn Day, managing director of Honey Brothers.

Tree Kit moved to its new 5,000sq ft showroom, warehouse and distribution HQ in Three Legged Cross last year.

Uniquely, its ground floor features an eight metre (26 ft) oak tree which was donated by a local landowner and is used for demonstrations and training.

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

CLIMBING HIGH: Max and Mike Storey, co-founders of Tree Kit Limited, which has been acquired by US-based Vertical Supply Group

Dorset drivers with a blue badge can now apply for a special permit allowing them to park in council-run car parks for free. Drivers who meet certain criteria will be able to park in Dorset Council car parks for up to three hours, free of charge, if they are awarded a new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP).

The permit will need to be displayed alongside their Blue Badge and aims to gives holders more time to complete their shopping and tasks in Dorset towns.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “Some people, because of their mobility, need a little longer to carry out their tasks so our new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit will give them three hours free parking and more peace of mind when out and about.”

Blue Badge holders who don’t qualify for the RMCPP have also seen a change to their parking, with the introduction of a free one hour’s parking in Dorset Council car parks on top of that purchased.

They will need to purchase a valid parking ticket to qualify so, for example, if they buy 30 minutes’ parking, they can stay for an hour and a half.

Cllr Bryan added: “This change makes parking across our car parks consistent. Previously there were different rules for towns in the former district and borough councils that existed before Dorset Council was formed, and this sometimes caused confusion.

“The free hour for Blue Badge holders on top of their purchased parking offers consistency and fairness across our car parks, and takes into account the extra time an individual may need when shopping or visiting our towns.”

Blue Badge holders can apply for the RMCPP if they receive one of the following:

Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

10 points or more on the ‘Moving around’ section in the ‘Mobility component’ of Personal Independence payment (PIP)

Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement Armed Forces Independence Payment

Alternatively, they will need to provide evidence that the vehicle registered in the name

of the person with a disability or their nominated driver’s name is tax exempt.

They can apply online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Anyone who needs assistance applying can call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The RMCPP costs £15 and will expire at the same time as the permit holder’s Blue Badge. Drivers who live outside the Dorset Council area who meet the criteria can also apply for the RMCPP for use in Dorset Council car parks.

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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