The New Stour & Avon Magazine

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the team

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Faith Eckersall Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Lorraine Gibson Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Perfect

More than 200 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from Broadstone Scout Group, with their Leaders, have been busy recycling plastic bottles into poppies for a massive display outside Broadstone Methodist Church in the village centre. Inspired by other displays, the group made it as a tribute to the Royal British Legion for the work they do supporting veterans

poppy project

and currently serving personnel who have given so much for their country. The display is on show until tomorrow, Saturday, November 19 and the Scout Group hope it will encourage donations to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts also collected for the Poppy Appeal outside Broadstone Methodist Church last Saturday.

Date is set for town’s parade

You know that Santa Claus is coming to town when the Save The Children Christmas Parade makes its way through the streets of Wimborne. In the morning, there will be entertainment in the square, including fairground rides and from 2.15pm, the parade will pass through the centre to its destination of the East Dorset Museum where Father Christmas will be waiting for the children... and parents get a treat, too, as it’s for free!

This year’s parade, on December 10, is in memory of founder Margery Ryan who started the tradition, organising it for more than 33 years.

Big bang for GLOW!

St John’s Church held a special event to celebrate light in the darkness. Families gathered for fun activities, inflatable runs, pumpkin bowling, glow in the dark hoopla, a pumpkin shy, lantern making, candle creating and more! Food and hot drinks followed outside around fires. The event was capped off with fireworks. One girl said afterwards: ‘It was the best thing we did all half term!’

End in sight for major roadworks

by Faith Eckersall

The end is in sight for the A31 roadworks, which have been a feature of the carriageway past Ringwood over the past year. National Highways says it’s planning to have the works finished by 6am tomorrow, Saturday, November 19.

The agency said that following the full opening, they would be returning their compound on the Somerley Industrial Estate to its former condition in early December and would be making a contribution to Ringwood Against Climate Extinction towards future tree-planting.

A spokesman said: “We apologise for any inconvenience while we’ve been widening the A31 and replacing the two bridges.

“However, we’re grateful to the people of Ringwood who have helped make this project feel like part of the community.”

Art imitates life on the square

by Lorraine Gibson

It’s a small world indeed as miniaturist Andrea Hook has been at it again, creating yet another of her mini-masterpieces that celebrate everyday life in Wimborne. Not content with painting the town red - as well as orange, blue green and everything in between - the award-winning artist set her sights, and brushes, on the square this time, capturing it as an evocative, wintery scene in the latest in her series of small but perfectly-formed paintings. Full of vibrancy and with bags of detail, from familiar architecture and cheerful café signs to the lights on the public Christmas tree towering over

bundled-up shoppers hurrying past a glowing shop doorway, it captures the hustle and bustle of the festive season with great charm.

“I painted Wimborne Square from a reference photo I took last December in the Square,” says Andrea.

“It’s oil on panel and twelve by approximately eight inches.

“I’m calling it A Wimborne Minster Christmas and putting it to print as my first local Christmas card.

“The cards will be A5 size, on premium stock, and both East Dorset Museum/Tourist Information Centre and Gulliver’s Bookshop have asked me to supply them with stock.”

Season schedule at town museum

Winter has arrived at the Museum of East Dorset, and there is a jam-packed schedule of events to help make your Christmas magical.

On Thursday, November, 24, the third Christmas Shopping Night will be held in the historic museum building from 5pm to 8pm. It’s the perfect start to the festive season with local food and drink samples to try, a complementary mulled wine in the Victorian Kitchen, music by Just Sing Adult Choir, and an indoor Makers Market.

Tickets are £3.

And new for this year, Santa will be visiting the museum on regular dates throughout December. Tickets are £15 per child and are very limited.

The Great Christmas Pudding Stir takes place on Saturday, December, 10, from 10am to 4pm.

Included with normal Museum admission, free for annual pass holders and members.

These events support fundraising efforts, with profits going towards the running of the museum.

The museum and Tea Room will be open throughout November and December from 10am to 4pm. museumofeastdorset.co.uk.

Having your say on minerals plan

A Hampshire County Council consultation on a partial update to the draft Minerals and Waste Plan runs until January 31, 2023.

Fordingbridge Town Council says HCC have considered three sites in its area, including Midgham Farm, Cobley Wood and Hamer Warren.

Plans such as this affect the extraction of sand and gravel and possible uses for those sites once they are exhausted, which can mean waste landfill.

HCC says its partially updated plan: “Aims to establish the future levels of provision required to meet national and regional policy targets and objectives.”

To have your say, visit hants. gov.uk/landplanningand environment/strategic-planning/ hampshire-minerals-waste-plan.

Come

RNLI’s Rookie the reindeer

The RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew are organising a Christmas Fayre at Mudeford Wood Community Centre on Saturday, December 3, from 11am to 3pm.

Bring the kids along to meet Rookie the Reindeer, pictured left.

There is a Teddy and Bottle Tombola, Children’s Tombola and Lucky Dip.

Bargain Christmas decorations, cakes, books and crafts will also be on sale.

Celebrate the season with a masterpiece

by Lorraine Gibson

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Messiah, so good to hear that the Wimborne Choral Society will be bringing Handel’s masterpiece to life in what promises to be a stirring festive treat at the Minster Church this December.

Conductor Christopher Dowie will be leading the choir and soloists - soprano Jacqueline Foan, contralto Elizabeth Denham, tenor Phillip Bell, and bass Hugh Sutton, accompanied by the Wimborne Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are priced at £15 (central nave), £12 (side aisles with screen view), £6 (under 18s) and are available from 01202 603569, or Square Records on Wimborne’s High St, or on the door.

Saturday, December 3, starting at 7.30pm. wimbornechoralsociety.org.uk.

Return of annual living advent calendar

The Rotary Club of Christchurch, organisers of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, have started revealing what people can expect to see.

The event will take place between December 1 and 24, with the final event starting at 2pm.

The Rotary Club launched the calendar last year, raising more than £20,000 for local

charities. Each evening at 6.15pm a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ at a town centre venue will be opened to reveal a 30-minute performance. Performances may include choirs, singers or theatrical groups – but you’ll have to be there on the night to see who is performing. Learn more at christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk.

Santa Claus is running through town

by Lorraine Gibson

Ho-ho-hold on to your hats because a crowd of speedy Santas are heading for Wimborne once again to take part in the annual Santa-Stour River Fun Run.

The event, on the first Sunday of December, is organised by Wimborne Rotary and aims, as always, to raise funds for local children’s charities.

The run starts at 10am on December 4 from Wimborne Football Club, on Ainsley Road, where parking will be free, and entrants can choose between a 2.5K or 5K course with both routes running alongside the River Stour.

Entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s with all

proceeds going to local charity, Julia’s House.

Entrants get a free Santa suit and a mince pie and runnersindividuals or in groups - are also encouraged to fundraise for their own favourite charities by seeking sponsorship.

Wimborne Rotary president, Ron Franks, says: “With an

interesting new route for runners this year, we hope that runners will enjoy this event while supporting our fundraising for Julia’s House.” Runners should pre-book at wimbornerotary.org/giving though there will be limited places for those turning up on the day.

It’s time we had a general election

At last we have something politicians from opposing parties can agree on, along with two-thirds of the public according to recent polls: the urgent need for a general election.

Dorset Labour’s Greg Williams put the case for this in last week’s Stour and Avon, and Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope has expressed the same view elsewhere.

Yes, they have different reasons and hope for different results from an election, but isn’t that how democracy works?

Everyone knows that we don’t

have a presidential system, ie we elect a party not a leader, but everyone also knows that our system was never meant to produce three leaders in as many months, constant turmoil and endless U-turns, all with no opportunity whatsoever for the public to give their verdict.

An election held next year would give the current government enough time to show us, the electorate, what their new policies are, and go some way towards restoring the global reputation we once had for democracy and fairness.

Lucy Nankivell Ferndown

Memorial bench replaced

OFF THE WALL...

During the summer, a bench was removed at a favourite beauty spot along the river Allan opposite the school playing fields.

My guess is that it was removed by the council due to the erosion of the bank.

No notice was given or whether the bench was going to be replaced.

This was a particularly popular spot for the elder folk who liked resting in the sunshine watching the river and wildlife.

So a Just Giving page was set up to raise funds for a new bench.

In less than two months, a total of £1,093 was raised.

A new bench made of recycled

material was installed, the new area was given some new grass, and the river bank was cleared to give an uninterrupted view of the river.

Primroses were also planted so that once again, visitors of the river and sit and watch the wild life and enjoy this beautiful river.

A huge thank-you must go to the people of Wimborne who so generously donated and to the volunteers for managing and installing this project.

The inscription on the bench is: ‘The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Bench Donated by the kind people of Wimborne Minster’

David Emes

Travel back to concert

Broadstone Music Series continues with A Time Traveller’s Christmas Concert on Monday, December 19, at 7pm.

Talented local young musicians will join forces with professionals in ensembles and our popular Christmas orchestra.

Mulled wine and non-alcoholic punch and mince pies will be served.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £3 for people up to age 18, from broadstonemusicseries. info.

A limited number of tickets will be available on the door at St Nicholas’ Church, 30 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen.

David Atkins

Our annual parade’s back!

Broadstone Christmas Parade is back on Saturday, December 3, from 10am-3pm

After two years of Covid-19 and unfortunately having to cancel our much-loved community tradition, we can finally gather for a well overdue celebration. Join us for singing, dancing and being merry while we collect food for this year’s charity Corfe Mullen Food Bank.

Musical Markets 10am-1.30pm. Markets 10am-3pm. Parade at 1.30pm from Story Lane. Also, we are looking for a photographer for parade day. Please email: broadstone xmasparade@gmail.com, if you can help. Thank you.

Sophie

Broadstone

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Model stalwarts say farewell

Two members of the Wimborne Model Town management committee have stood down as the attraction’s season draws to a close. Chairman Iain Stevenson and marketing services provider Greg Hoar are stepping down after the completion of the charity’s 70th year of events. Both joined as trustees in 2012 with Iain later becoming chairman, overseeing financial improvements leading to reinvestment in infrastructure and new exhibits, including the Wareham Bears. He remains as a volunteer.

Greg became general manager in 2015 and latterly marketing services provider, bringing the 1/10th scale 1950s diorama and the new 1/100 scale Model of the Model to the attention of a wider audience.

“What a superb platinum season this year has been, ably supported by the Model Town’s brilliant volunteer force,” Greg said.

“For me it’s time to move forward to assist other organisations with new full-size heritage opportunities.”

Police recover £80,000 stolen machinery

More than £80,000-worth of plant believed to have been stolen from the Wimborne area has been recovered by police. Officers are still hunting those behind the thefts, which they believe occurred in the Cranborne area.

Dorset Police said they received a report at 8.35am on November 8 relating to the theft of plant machinery and power tools that were stored in a shipping container at a rural location in Cranborne.

“Following detailed enquiries, officers located two vans –which were also believed to have been stolen and on false plates,” a spokesperson said.

“Inside the vans officers located a number of items of plant machinery including two rideon mowers and a utility vehicle. Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk/contact, or on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

n Greg Hoar with ‘Pub Landlord’ Al Murray and, right, Iain Stevenson with TV presenter Tim Dunn

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

Ralph, 98, returns to his roots

Last week’s Remembrance commemorations will have brought back memories for many a veteran.

They certainly conjured up recollections of a hair-raising incident for one, who has put pen to paper.

Sprightly and eloquent 98-year-old Ralph Ruby wistfully writes:

‘The coast has an evocative appeal to the romantic as expressed in art, literature and song, such as Come Back to Sorrento. To many ex -soldiers it commands a more emotive compulsion to realism/return as epitomised a while back by the D- Day commemorations.

Kimmeridge Bay is surrounded by cliffs forming a natural barrier – at least for the troops heavily loaded with arms and ammunition.

A modest lance-corporal would have no trouble in identifying where to lay out the minefields and it seems as evident to me today as it was long ago.

The largest area under the cliff face, sporting the Clavell tower and bordering the slip way had an area above the high water level which sported several small boat huts. This area could serve as a muster point and for stacking ammunition,

The access to the slipway also needed separate consideration as did a number of small gullies in the cliff-face discharging water from the fields onto the beaches

The Kimmeridge minefields consisted of one large field containing 100 beach-type C mines and a number of isolated smaller ones with just a handful of mines apiece.

The minefield chart clearly showed the overall layout and actual positioning of individual mines.

The mines had been laid uniformly and should have

provided no problem to lift. However a dog got on to the minefield and triggered off one mine, whereby sympathetic detonation fired others in a random fashion.

No one knew how many mines went up and the rest were covered in fall-out and cliff falls to depths outside the limits of are detectors.

Worse still, the minefield was now peppered was now with metallic debris whilst some active mines were now probably ‘oversensitive’.

A recent visit, organised by my niece Jane, depicted a Kimmeridge which had ‘changed’ and ‘not changed’.

The ‘Nodding Donkey’ still greeted the visitors, but the Clavell Tower had clearly moved.

To its aficionados - the cliff walkers, unpretentious sailing enthusiasts, bird watchers and geologists Kimmeridge is still – at least to me – a jewel in the Jurassic Coast which has been enhanced by the improved tourists facilities and its recent museum.

Whatever thoughts and emotions

Kimmeridge conjures up with its many diverse visitors, my thoughts and those of others who cleared its mine fields must be quite unique.’

R.M Ruby

A time of poppies, parades and prayers

by Lorraine Gibson

‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’

Thomas Campbell

‘Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?’

Terry Pratchett

Remembering someone who has died is our way of keeping their spirit alive. Not only is it how we honour them but it’s how we cope with our own grief, which never goes away, just gradually becomes a part of what we, who remain, become.

And commemorating those who die in the service of protecting us, our countries, indeed, our way of life, it is the ultimate demonstration not just of our gratitude but of our humanity.

Last week, in line with the rest of the country, Dorset’s towns fell silent and still to mark Armistice Day and to, in various ways, show respect for the fallen.

Ferndown U3A, top, displayed the stunning results of their community Poppy Cascade project. The endeavour brought together members who knitted, crocheted, painted and felted a veritable garden of poppies. U3A’s Anne Hutton said: “A huge thank-you to everyone who supported our Community Poppy Cascade by contributing around 1500 items.”

The exhibits can be seen again at U3A’s 25th Anniversary Afternoon Tea at the Barrington Centre, November 26.

n In Ferndown: Two Ferndown stalwart veterans in full regalia proudly stood to attention by the splendid 3rd Dorset Home Guard Auxiliary Bomb Disposal display by Ferndown Royal British Legion for their Remembrance Service.

And residents at Amberwood House care home in Ferndown, main picture, spent two months preparing an exterior floral ‘waterfall’ made entirely from the ends of recycled plastic bottles, main picture.

Companionship team leader Kirsty Richmond-Cole said: “It soon became apparent that the residents were addicted to creating the poppies.

“The finished result was worth it and amazing.”

n In Poole, the mayor observed the twominute silence with a short service outside Beales in the Dolphin Shopping Centre with a Poole Sea Cadets bugler in attendance. The service of remembrance and parade were at the War Memorial, Poole Park and led by Poole Sea Cadets Marching Band. The Service was led by Reverend Reg Baldock, with music by the Poole Borough Band.

n In Christchurch, Remembrance Services began with an early service at Purewell Cross War Memorial, then a procession, to the Priory Church.

A wreath-laying ceremony followed at the Garden of Remembrance, prior to the main Remembrance Service and two-minute silence. Afterwards, the procession moved along the High Street, past the Old Town Hall, where the High Sheriff of Dorset and Mayor of Christchurch received the salute. n Blandford Forum’s homage started with local school pupils gathering in the parish church to write down the names of family members or names from local war memorials before heading to St Peter and St Paul’s Church for the laying of crosses and two minutes’ silence.

n In Wimborne, above, a crowd of around 200 gathered for a service conducted by the Rector of Wimborne Minster, The Revd Canon Andrew Rowland. Prayers were read by churchwarden Peter Cook and bugler Mark Adams sounded a poignant Last Post.

Two wreaths were laid, one by the Royal British Legion, the other by town mayor, Carol Butter and the exhortation was delivered by Mike Young of Wimborne’s RBL.

A silence was also observed by Blandford Town Council and members of the public at the Corn Exchange where the parade and church service also saw people gather to watch the wreath laying at the war memorials with music from the Blandford Stour Valley Band.

n Bournemouth’s annual service and parade at the War Memorial in the Central Gardens was led by the Salvation Army Band with the bugle playing alongside the Field Gun Display Team. It was led by Rev Dr Ian Terry, with music by the Salvation Army Boscombe and Bournemouth Combined Cadet Force Bands.

n Residents from Brook View care home joined their community’s Remembrance parade.

Pamela and Trevor Clark and David Vincent, left, represented Colten Care’s Brook View home at the event in West Moors.

David, who served in the Navy as an engineer, said he was thrilled to be invited to attend the parade down to the Petwyn war memorial.

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

Anger at lack of action on immigration

Anger, resentment and frustration at the failure of the Government to take effective action against the vast numbers of people crossing the Channel in small boats from France continues unabated.

I asked two oral questions on this subject in the House of Commons.

The new Immigration Minister refused to answer my question as to ‘what is the target date for ending this farce?’.

Nor did he accept my invitation to agree that ‘Conditions in Manston, although far from ideal, are a heck of a sight better than conditions in squatter camps in Calais or on those overcrowded, dangerous boats crossing the Channel’.

It was encouraging, therefore, to hear the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, answering directly my point about the large number of asylum seekers from Albania who are exploiting our laws against

modern slavery. She replied by saying: ‘There is absolutely no reason why an Albanian cannot claim modern slavery protection in Albania as it is a signatory to the originating international convention which underlines modern slavery laws’.

In the light of that response, I am confident that the Home Secretary is going to address the

modern slavery loophole. Let us hope it is soon.

n I also asked two oral questions about the Cop27 conference.

I received no response to my question as to why ‘the United Kingdom is still importing vast quantities of liquified natural gas from the United States, especially when two thirds of that gas is produced by fracking’.

Nor did I receive a response to my suggestion that ‘When Ministers go to the Cop27 conference, will they give the cold shoulder to Germany to show our country’s disapproval and disgust at it continuing a massive expansion in its use of lignite, which is the dirtiest way of generating electricity’. It is a great disappointment that the Government seems unwilling to call out the humbug and hypocrisy which is evident in so much of the

climate change debate. China and Germany are rapidly expanding coal production while we are nervous about even producing coal for steam trains!

We seem happy to allow the United States to use fracking for the gas which we use but are unwilling to countenance it as a method of exploiting our own natural resource.

n Although my Anonymity of Suspects Bill could only be debated for about 15 minutes, I hope I will be able to meet the Minister to discuss it.

The Bill would prevent people giving publicity to accusations against individuals prior to those individuals being charged. Too many , including Sir Cliff Richard and Paul Gambaccini, have been falsely accused, found innocent and yet had their lives completely wrecked as a result of the publicity given to their case.

This round of austerity will be much harder

The news is full of proposed tax increases.

The Government does this to spook you, before then making you feel grateful when not all of the tax increases come to pass. Hunt will have to have followed through on some of the Treasury ‘leaks’ by the time his budget is published.

The Tories were running an ‘underlying’ budget deficit of approximately £15bn prior to ‘Kami-Kwasi’ Kwarteng.

Once he’d collapsed the UK’s credibility in the bond markets, borrowing costs soared and now Hunt contemplates nearly £40bn of cuts in order to return borrowing to a level consistent with debt falling as a share of GDP in the medium term.

To put that figure into perspective, the NHS’s yearly budget is £176bn; Defence is £48bn.

The magnitude of George Osborne’s austerity program was £110bn.

What we are about to go

through is a sequel to the Cameron/Osborne era. The cuts required may look lower, but bear in mind that pubic services were relatively well funded under Brown, and inflation was low.

Another round of Tory austerity will be much harder than the first.

Attention inevitably moves to tax rises instead. The Conservatives have already pushed taxes to their highest level since the Second World War.

Their decade of mismanagement means they have put them up even further, because they cannot risk the NHS and other public services collapsing.

Their calculus is the public would never forgive them for that, but with tax rises, the public believe Labour would put them up too.

Indeed, a trap can be created for Labour.

If Labour opposes tax rises, the

Tories will say Labour voted against funding for the NHS – like they did with the now scrapped NI increase.

Labour shouldn’t have to play this game.

The reason taxes have to go up is because the Tories have tanked the economy.

But that causality will get lost in reporters’ desire to whittle every issue down to a binary question.

Labour should differentiate by which taxes it would raise instead.

It has been mooted for years now that the taxes on capital should be equalised with those levied on work.

Aligning Capital Gains Tax with Income Tax would bring in £14bn for the Treasury. A further £6bn per year would be raised if dividend income were taxed at the same rate as employment income.

The UK could follow the US and introduce taxes on share buy-backs.

FTSE 100 companies –particularly oil and gas ones – are generating so much cash from trading and other nonwindfall tax revenues.

A 1% tax wouldn’t raise much, but would help incentive companies to invest their profits instead of handing it to shareholders, thereby helping with the UK’s productivity problem.

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS

STOUR GATE – THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR LUXURY RETIREMENT LIVING IN BLANDFORD

McCarthy Stone’s forthcoming Stour Gate Retirement Living development on Barley Place in Blandford Forum is set to offer a unique brand of living for over 60s who are seeking a fulfilling and independent retirement. Construction work on the old brewery site is well under way, where, once complete, 45 luxurious one and twobedroom, luxurious, low-maintenance apartments will be available. The development will also have plenty to offer the most discerning retirees, with stylish fixtures and fittings, including top of the range built-in appliances, set to be in every apartment. A House Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the development, with a 24-hour emergency call system providing added peace of mind. A communal lounge will host regular events, ideal for forging new friendships, and homeowners will also be able to enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens. Local retirees are now being given the exciting opportunity to find out more about the forthcoming Stour Gate development at an exclusive Discovery Day at Crown Hotel on West Street,

Blandford, which is taking place on Wednesday 30th November between 11am and 4pm. Retirees who attend the event will be able to find out more about the development, look at plans and apartment specifications, as well as discover more about the range of flexible purchasing opportunities which will be available. Local retirees can also book in to speak to the experienced sales team and ask any questions about living at Stour Gate.

For further information or to book a place at the Discovery Day, call 0800 153 3076 or visit: www. mccarthystone.co.uk/stour-gate.

0800 310 0668

A collection of medals and militaria from Devon is going under the Charterhouse gavel in their December 1 and 2 two-day Collectors auction.

“I have known the Devon collector for over 20 years as he regularly bought from our auctions.” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse. “He is looking to retire in the next couple of years and has decided now is the right time for him to dispose of his entire collection and contacted us in Sherborne to arrange this auction.”

Items in the collection date from over the past 200 years of military history. There are helmets, swords, badges bayonets, and trench art.

In addition, there are a group of First World War bronze death plaques including one to a soldier who was killed in

action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

However, it was medals which were the Devon collector’s main passion.

In the collection there is a Waterloo medal estimated at £1,500-£2,000, a Crimean medal awarded to a soldier who took part in the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade £4,000-£6,000 and a Distinguished Conduct Medal group at £1,000£1,500.

Overall, the collection is estimated to sell for £25,000£35,000.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this two day auction with coins, medals, militaria, stamps, model cars, trains and toys.

They are also taking entries for their January specialist auctions of pictures and

books, Beswick & Doulton, along with Decorative Arts and Mid-Century Modern.

For valuations, help and advice on these auctions contact Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset on 01935 812277 or via info@ charterhouse-auction.com.

pay. Tel Mr Jones on 01202 733550.

Countdown to Christmas in Wimborne

STAGECOACH WIMBORNE AND RINGWOOD Students at Stagecoach Performing Arts Wimborne and Ringwood are gearing up for Christmas as they prepare for not one, but three community performances this Christmas! Principal Emily Edwards said ‘We love this time of year, it is the perfect time to build our students con dence by singing at some lovely local events, spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear!’ You can catch the students singing at St Ives Primary School at 7pm on the 25th November, e Allendale Centre Christmas Fayre at 2.30pm on the 26th November, or the Ringwood Furlong Centre at 10am on the 10th December!

Contact Emily now to ask about their 2 week free trials this January!

SALAMANDER COOKSHOP

Salamander Cookshop is o ering two special early evening shopping events when the shop will be open from 5 – 7pm with some great o ers and free gi s from top brands including Le Creuset and KitchenAid plus refreshments, food tasting and prize draws. e rst, supported by the Le Creuset, is on ursday 24 November. ere will be some great o ers during the day and then from 5 – 7pm they are hosting a special event with a welcome cocktail, food tasting, recipes and lots of suggestions for Christmas gi s. e second event is on urs 8 December with an evening version of the popular Wimborne food walk giving participants a chance to taste food and meet the owners of some of Wimborne’s great artisan food and drink businesses. Tickets for the “food walk” are £10 per person or £15 for 2. Please email o ce@salamandercookshop.com or call in the shop for further details and let them know if you would like to attend.

Countdown to Christmas in Wimborne

Salamander’s products of the month are a range of colourful stoneware tagines from French producer Emile Henry for use in the oven. On o er at 50% o RRP they are available in red, yellow, green or black. Also available combined stovetop and oven Tagines from Scanpan and Le Creuset. e Traditional Tagine with its distinctive conical stoneware lid lets you create a taste of Morocco at home.

Cooking a tagine is really easy, you simply ll the base of tagine with vegetable and / or meat, preserved lemons, spices and a small amount of water and leave to slow cook, e result is a delicious, tender, melt in the mouth fragrant and intense tasting stew. You can make tagines with lamb, chicken or simply vegetables . ere are a selection of recipes on the Salamander website and there will be chance to taste our tagine at both events.

FAIRGROUND

‘We’ve lived in Wimborne for 14 years but never knew you were here!’ is something we o en hear as passers-by pop in, and become customers and friends of the shop! Local residents and visitors to Wimborne can nd us in the tranquil Cornmarket, where we have a treasure trove of gorgeous gi s, beautiful cra s and delicious food items from around the world.

e Fair Ground shop has in fact been in the Cornmarket, near to the White Hart Pub, for many years, but, as we are o the main high street, we sometimes feel a little ‘out of the way’. e shop

proudly sells Fair Trade products, such as food, tea and co ee, cards, jewellery, and household items, ensuring that producers and farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their goods. Fair Ground is also becoming a ‘hub’ where local people can share information to support us all to become more sustainable and ethical in our daily lives. So, if you want to know more about Repair Cafe dates, local recycling or the Green Festival have a browse of the community noticeboard.

In partnership with Wimborne War on Waste the shop lends litter picking equipment, handmade upcycled fabric bunting, cups and crockery for free, to encourage everyone to reuse rather than throw things away! For more information email fairground21@ googlemail.com, we are open 10-4pm Monday to Saturday. We look forward to seeing you.

KnitWits is the inspirational one stop Wimborne wool shop for all of your knitting, felting and crochet and needs. O ering a range of yarns from the very special to everyday, together with gifts and accessories, wreath bases and crafting bits and pieces. We also have Gift vouchers available.

Please see our Facebook page for opening times

FAIR GROUND

Wimborne’s

Countdown to Christmas in Wimborne

When a restaurant’s been feeding customers for 40 years, it’s usually a sign of great food.

And when the customers appreciate the staff as much as the menu, it explains why they keep going back.

Since opening Piccolo Mondo - Wimborne’s first Italian restaurant - in 1982, Maurizio Savoca and family have been serving authentic dishes inspired by their Sicilian heritage, to generations. Many regulars first ate there as youngsters and it’s the go-to place for gettogethers and celebrations.

“We’re pleased so many customers still visit us now,” says Maurizio, “some were children and now they bring their own children. We look forward to seeing the children’s children’s children!”

Outgrowing their original eight-table premises, they moved into the old Vineyard Wine Bar; it’s bigger yet still intimate with a contemporary dining room where there’s not a straw-clad Chianti bottle in sight.

Chefs use locally-sourced ingredients in Sicilian-influenced (hints of North African, Greek and Italian cooking) ‘specials’ and menu favourites. Think traditional fluffy pizzas with secret-recipe dough and pastas with a choice of hand-mixed sauces and dressings. Even the mayonnaise is from scratch.

Staff have been there so long that they’re considered ‘family’. Dan, 35, started at 16 and Chefs Jim and Jeremy have been there for 20 and five years respectively. Maurizio is still a big feature of the restaurant, alongside daughter Alessandra and son-in-law, Wes.

“We’re a family more than a team, a genuine support network,” says Alessandra. “There’s a synergy to us, if dishes need washing, we do it, if help’s needed we all muck in.

“The customers like the familiarity and our food is consistently good. Now, it’s comfort dishes, wholesome, with natural ingredients. People come for company, too. We’re like a social club. We have a chap who comes for lunch every day.”

With a lunchtime special of half pizza or small pasta with a salad or garlic bread for £6.25 and a side of heating, lighting, cooking and banter, it’s probably cheaper than staying home!

Famous faces from the Tivoli and from book signings at Gulliver’s pop in, too. “Last year we had Michael Portillo. I was so busy I didn’t realise until someone told me,” says Alessandra.

“Wimborne is a special community. We thank all our customers for the love and support over forty years. There have been tough times for all but we’re still here and we wish them all a Merry Christmas.”

40 Years of Happy Customers

2022 is our 40th anniversary year! We're proud to be the first Italian restaurant in Wimborne and to still be a part of the town after all this time, with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of the original 'Piccolo Mondo family' both as members of our team and as customers.

5 Kings Court, High Street, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1HS Tel: 01202 880932

Web: www.piccolomondoristorante.co.uk

PICCOLO MONDO

Un affare di famiglia - Sicilian heritage behind Piccolo Mondo

Piccolo Mondo means Small World - sums it up perfectly.

Countdown to Christmas in Wimborne

EAST DORSET HERITAGE

Get busy for Christmas at Allendale House! Come and enjoy the fun of creating something for Christmas with our series of exciting workshops. ere is nothing quite like a handmade gi so why not try your hand at Pottery or Macrame? Print your own Christmas cards or make a striking Santa or Angel from clay?

BOOK YOUR FESTIVE LUNCH WITH US

Available between 1st and 23rd December

2 courses £21.95 (kids £11.95)

3 courses £25.95 (kids £13.95)

NYE party with DJ. Free Entry.

1 Victoria Road, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1EN 01202 881 021 / www.greenmanwimborne.com

Let this be the year that you decorate your home with your very own Christmas Wreath and dangle your own felt baubles from your tree. How about your own Christmas Robin to take pride of place in your festive display?

So why not call into Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, ring 01202 888992 or email info@edht.org.uk to book your places today! We really do have something for everyone to enjoy! Special Xmas events at Salamander

THE RISING SUN andRefurbished under NewManagement

Live Music Early doors Saturday (check social media for times)

Evening meals every Thursday 5.30-9pm

Roast every Sunday 12 -5pm

Food served Mon-Thurs 12 – 3.30pm, Fri & Sat 12 – 6.30pm

THE RISING SUN

38 East Street, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1DX

Call us: 01202 942964

For all your Christmas needs including:

Large range of titled cards.

Wrapping paper & gifting accessories. Boxes & charity packs of cards. Gifts, novelties & balloons.

Countdown to Christmas in Wimborne

BE THOUGHTFUL WITH FOOD THIS CHRISTMAS

Why not create an amazing bespoke gift this Christmas for loved ones and friends. A gift you know they’ll enjoy and use!

At Fluffetts HOME, we have hampers and gift bags of all different colours and sizes waiting to be filled with delicious local produce.

Who wouldn’t want a gift bag or hamper filled with jams, chutneys, cheeses, meats, oils, honey, balsamic vinegars and our award winning eggs, all carefully chosen by you and produced in the local counties?

There is something to suit everyone and every budget.

Presents already taken care of? Then come and browse our shelves and fridges to makes your Christmas spread even more special.

By shopping at Fluffetts HOME, you are supporting local farmers and local producers.

FLUFFETTS FARM

Flu etts Farm produces some of the best free range eggs in the country and sells them alongside delicious local produce in their shop Flu etts HOME in Quarterjack Mews. Fast approaching its’ 5th Birthday, Flu etts HOME remains an essential part of the Wimborne shopping experience. is lovely little shop brings a selection of the nest produce from an array of incredibly talented producers and hardworking farmers to the heart of this vibrant Dorset market town. eir fridges are full of award winning local cheeses, meats, milk and seasonal vegetables whilst their shelves are stocked with outstanding local honeys, jams, marmalades, pickles, chutneys, oils and vinegars. De nitely worth a visit.

BEAU BIJOU

Having recently returned to their original shop on the High street a er 13 years in Westbourne, Beau Bijou o er a stunning and eclectic selection of original Vintage and contemporary costume jewellery and accessories. Annabelle and Frankie have a huge amount of knowledge, experience and skills and undertake a vast range of costume jewellery repairs from crystal replacements to traditional pearl stringing and knotting. As well as selling fabulous pieces they also buy vintage costume jewellery too, so pop in and see them for a chat!

MP opens eco nursery

Michael Tomlinson MP met with local childcare provider Tops Day Nurseries at Tops Bearwood on Magna Road, to pledge his commitment to support local childcare providers, parents and children. Mr Tomlinson joined Cheryl Hadland, nanaging director of Tops Day Nurseries to officially open Tops Bearwood. He revealed a plaque commemorating the opening and planted a new red falstaff apple tree, in the nurseries garden, to mark the occasion. The children helped dig the hole and bury the roots of the

new tree and Mr Tomlinson helped the children use the watering can. The tree will be planted with a mixture of allium bulbs, including nigrum and oreophilum from Brackendale Nurseries in Wimborne. These flowers were chosen specifically because they are known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/ moths and other pollinators. During the visit, Cheryl and Michael discussed the underfunding of early years provision and parents by the Government, which has failed to keep up again this year

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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Cooking... with Martha Legg

Black Forest Gateau (with a nod to Mary Berry)

So, back to the Seventies, and I decided to make a black forest gateau. I have never made one before, and I am not known for my sponge cakes!

I used cherry pie filling and mixed the cornflower in it, which may have been a mistake when it came to assembly!

I was in my teens in the Seventies and got married in ’78. If you went out for a meal then, it was always melon or prawn cocktail for starters and a black forest gateau for dessert.

We used to go to what was the Dormers in Wimborne, (the Olive Branch) and often had gammon steak or scampi as a main. We thought we were so posh!!

So, this didn’t turn out quite like I expected. To quote a certain Paul Hollywood. The texture of the sponge is good, but needs to have risen a bit higher.

The layers are not well defined and all in all it’s a bit messy!

So, not star baker this week!!

Ingredients

6 large free-range eggs

150g caster sugar

100g self-raising flour, sifted

50g cocoa powder, sifted For the filling and topping 500g black cherries tinned and add brandy 2 heaped tbsp cornflour 750ml whipped

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 Grease two 23cm round baking trays and line the bases

Break the eggs into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and whisk until the mixture is pale

and thick enough to leave a trail. Carefully fold in the sifted flour and cocoa powder. Put mixture into the prepared tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, the sponges should be risen and beginning to shrink away from the sides of the tin. Leave to cool Drain the cherries, reserving the juice. Chop the cherries roughly into quarters. Measure the cornflour into a small saucepan, make a paste with a small amount of the reserved juice, then stir in the remaining juice.

Place over a medium heat and bring slowly to the boil, stirring until thickened, then simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cherries and leave to cool.

Refrigerate until quite firm.

Whip the cream to soft peaks. Divide the cream in half, setting aside one half for the sides and top of the cake.

Cut each sponge into 2 layers using a long sharp knife. Divide the cherry mixture into thirds. Spread one third of the cherry mix over the sliced sponge.

Divide one half of the cream into thirds and spread one third over the cherry mix. Top with another sponge layer and continue until you have three layers of cherries and cream.

Top with the final sponge layer. Decorate as you choose.

Group sets out to support caring parents

by Faith Eckersall

Every day, Andy’s son wakes up at 7am and walks into his room where he’ll stay until an alarm goes off at 7.27am; his cue to go down for breakfast.

He eats the same breakfast each day, gets dressed and ready for his primary school before - on hearing another alarm at 8.25am precisely - going up to clean his teeth and put on his shoes.

“If I try and change any of that I haven’t got a hope,” says Andy, who lives in Corfe Mullen.

“There’s no rhyme or reason for those exact times, it’s the way his brain processes what he needs to do.”

Andy is a parent-carer as his son has high-functioning autism. In reality, this means a life of specific challenges and allowance-making which can sometimes feel exhausting.

So much so that many parents like him, he believes, don’t have the time to discover there are groups and organisations out there to help them.

“Parent-carers are the quietest people,” he says.

“They don’t shout, they get on and we do what we need to do.”

Over the years he’s often wanted to talk to others in the same situation: “People who understand what you’re talking about because they have gone through it too and who won’t make judgements.”

But he only found those groups relatively recently, after his son, bereft of his regular routines and lifestyle, went through a low period during Lockdown.

“I just happened to be on Facebook one day when I saw a group for people like me,” he says.

“It was two bus rides and a long walk away and I wondered why we didn’t have one nearer.”

After researching a bit more, he decided to start a parents’ support group, and Corfe Mullen Baptist Church agreed to provide a meeting room.

He also obtained funding from the Leonardo Trust, which is a charity that looks after the interests of carers.

“They gave us some initial funding, to pay for publicity and coffee and tea and we kicked off in March this year.”

The Time Out Carer Parent Support group meetings are safe spaces for local parents of children with special educational needs to let off steam, find out what’s going on and

generally support each other.

“We can have as many as 20, or even just one person can show up,” he says.

“I will be here for anyone who wants to come and have a chat.”

There is also a private Facebook support group which parents can join. “Online and in the meetings it’s essentially a safe place where people can chat to likeminded people and pass on information.”

Neither he nor the group offer legal or other advice, although he can signpost parents to groups and organisations who can help in this way.

He can also point parents towards groups in their area of Dorset which might be more convenient to get to.

“The group is great for picking up information; for instance, I didn’t know that as a family in receipt of disability living allowance, I could get a reduction in my council tax as a parent carer,” he says.

Best of all, he says, Time Out helps parents not to feel so alone.

Time Out meets at Corfe Mullen Baptist Church in Newtown Lane, bi-monthly on Fridays from 10am-12pm.

More details from timeout.dorset@gmail. com.

Car share scheme for county’s NHS staff

NHS staff in Dorset are being encouraged to share cars for their commutes - and are being offered priority parking in return. Three organisations across the county have partnered to launch ‘Dorset NHS Liftshare’, a new service for workers.

The joint initiative aims to reduce single occupancy commutes to and from the hospitals and other sites that make up University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare. The programme is accessible to more than 19,000 staff, supporting them to reduce travel costs while making a positive contribution to the NHS’s sustainability targets.

Stuart Lane, sustainability and carbon manager for University Hospitals Dorset, said: “We in the NHS already support and prioritise more traditional ‘green travel’, such as cycling, walking and public transport.

“However, for some in more rural areas or with family commitments, car travel is currently their only practical mode of travel, so we had to think differently.”

Staff using Liftshare can access the system

online and are partnered up with people on similar commuter routes. They are then given priority parking on the various sites. Commenting on the project, Julie Furnell, managing director of Liftshare Group, said: “Staff commuting within England’s NHS are responsible for more than a million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. “This is a great opportunity to work in partnership across Dorset and for NHS

Helping county’s young people find a happy home

People in Dorset are being encouraged to help children find a happy home through fostering. England faces a shortage of foster carers, with an estimated shortfall of some 9,000. Now independent Dorset-based agency Footprints is calling on kind-hearted families to consider the role.

Fostering can yield a raft of benefits for the families - and children - involved.

Whether you have considered fostering before, or it is a new idea, becoming a foster carer can yield many benefits financially, but also with the intrinsic reward of seeing a young person grow and develop in your care.

Sometimes, birth families are unable to provide a safe home for their children and through no fault of their own, these young people will fall into the care system, where they receive some safety and security. Once becoming a carer, the rewards are plenty. Carers often feel

a great sense of pride and reward seeing a young person develop, overcoming certain milestones. This could include achieving a high percentage of school attendance, which they may have always struggled to achieve, or seeing a child follow a routine of regular mealtimes and bedtimes, all things that may not have been possible in their previous living situations.

Carers can bring a lot of joy to a child’s life, giving them a whole new life experience. For some, this may be as simple as a trip to the beach to feel the sand between their toes and smell the blustering sea breeze for the very first time.

Footprints provides the highest level of care to young people by providing carers with the highest level of training and an excellent support package. There is always someone to talk to at Footprints. Find out more by contacting us on 01202 573408.

staff to have a positive impact on the environment.”

Dorset NHS Liftshare follows the launch of the ‘EcoEarn’ app, another sustainability project in partnership across Dorset trusts. The app encourages and rewards sustainable behaviour at work and home in the areas of energy saving, sustainable travel, health and wellbeing and waste reduction.

POLE POSITION: NHS staff are being encouraged to share cars on their journeys to work

Health & Wellbeing

Time running out for tickets to have a ball

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, returns to Poole’s Lighthouse with its popular Gala Ball next week. The event will raise money to make a difference to children and adults with disabilities in the county by raising vital funds throughout the night. There’s still a chance to get your ticket for the charity’s sixth Gala Ball which will be held on Saturday, November 26. Tickets are available to purchase for both groups and individuals, with funds raised helping the 1,500 children and adults supported by the charity across Dorset every year. Tickets for the Gala Ball are £85 per person or £800 for a table of 10.

Sponsored by Franses Jewellers of Bournemouth, the event offers a glittering drinks reception from 6pm ahead of a spectacular night of fine dining, live music and DJ which promises to keep everyone dancing until late.

Lucy Rowley, events fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “It’s without a doubt one of the highlights

of the year. It’s a great opportunity for a glamourous night out, with glitz, fantastic dining, and a chance to get up on the dance floor.

“By attending our event you will be doing something amazing for extraordinary children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.

“A big thank-you goes to our generous sponsors Franses Jewellers of

Bournemouth. We would not be able to host this event without their support.”

The evening also includes other surprise entertainment, a live auction, and the opportunity to win great prizes throughout the night.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/gala to find out more and book online, or call 01202 711502.

Spooktacular fun at Hallowe’en party

Residents and staff at a Dorset care home brewed up a wicked Hallowe’en treat to welcome a party of visiting children.

The spooky goings-on at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors featured ghostly games, dressing up and scary cupcakes.

The youngsters, aged up to 10 and all children of team members at the home, had great fun meeting residents.

And in games devised by companionship team member Jo Vardy, they played along in mixed teams with residents.

The most popular proved to be ‘Pass The Eyeball’ and ‘Eyeball Pong’, in which competitors had to bounce ping pong balls along a table and into fake skulls.

In the midst of all the fun, chef Isabella Corbo brought out some homemade cupcakes adorned with delights such as ‘Jelly Eyeballs’ and ‘Brains’.

Jo said: “Everybody had a fantastic time. The interaction between the residents and the children was brilliant. The children were amazed at our decorations, spooky

Help to stop drinking with no waiting lists or referrals

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been helping alcoholics worldwide to recover from alcoholism since 1935.

In 2022, AA Great Britain will celebrate its 75-year anniversary. During that time, AA has supported thousands of people to re-establish relationships with themselves and others.

The theme of Alcohol Awareness Week 2022 is ‘Change’.

AA’s 2020 membership survey found that there are more than 4.2 million attendances at AA meetings each year in the UK.

For the first time, the majority of AA members (55%), have been in the fellowship for more than 10 years and current membership is 53% male and 47% female. The majority of AA members, (58%), are in full-time employment with 26% retired. The 2020 survey results support the findings of the Cochrane Report that AA is as effective - if not more so - than other

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established treatments.

AA is free, confidential and available to anyone who is worried about their drinking.

Crucially, there are no waiting lists or referrals and meetings take place daily in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, as well as across Dorset and the rest of the UK.

Using a proven recovery programme and the support of others who have stayed sober, AA is ready to help you or someone you may know who is experiencing problems with alcohol.

They can contact Alcoholics Anonymous today and speak to someone who has been where they are and is ready to help locally on 01202 296000 or the national helpline on 0800 917 7650. Or visit the AA website: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk for more details about AA, the Chat Now service and meetings.

lights and Harry Potter-style floating candles, 40 of them, in our cauldron.

“Each child left with a Hallowe’en bauble filled with sweets and a big smile.”

Earlier Hallowe’en, Brook View residents enjoyed meeting an assortment of animals including a snake and an owl brought along on a visit by Creature Teachers.

Jo added: “Our lounge was full to the brim with residents keen to be involved. I was impressed that so many of them were brave enough to hold the snake.”

Health & Wellbeing

Charity to host diverse range of events

Disability charity, is looking forward to hosting a number of Christmas events this year.

The festive event schedule kicks off with a Wreath Making Workshop hosted by Edwards Florist at The Beehive in Poole on Wednesday, November 23. This is a fantastic opportunity to create a beautiful wreath ready to decorate your door at Christmas, with expert tuition and a seasonal atmosphere. Tickets are £55 per person and include all materials to make the wreath.

On Wednesday, December 7, the 2021 Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie the Seaside Baker, will be sharing her tips for making the perfect Christmas pudding whilst you mix along with her and the rest of the group. Tickets are £30 per person and include all the

Special images

Did you do anything special to commemorate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth?

Dorset Records Office aims to collate images of ceremonies, events, or tributes from the period of national mourning.

Contact Dorset History Centre on archives@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

ingredients to make a delicious Christmas Pudding.

Just a few days before Christmas, the charity will be hosting its annual Carol Concert in the spectacular surroundings of Wimborne Minster.

The concert takes place on Wednesday, December 21, from 6pm, and entertainment will come from Razzamataz Bournemouth, Sound of Soul and Lucy Donovan. The concert will be hosted by Blair

Crawford, the founder and president of Hope FM, with readings from Christine Bueno, former deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Maggie the Seaside Baker, and John Smith, chairman of Diverse Abilities. Lucy Rowley, events fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “We’re really getting into the festive spirit and are looking forward to the two Christmas Workshops at the Beehive.

“It’s great for those who want to get creative and make something special in the run up to Christmas.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout for our Carol Concert, we’d love people to come along with their friends and family for a fantastic evening while supporting children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ events for more information and to book tickets.

Free MOTs for humans Warmer ways

It’s always a good idea to make sure your car’s winter ready. But what about you? How’s your engine running?

It’s the time of year for niggles and sniffles, twinges and aches, so why not assess how wellequipped you are for facing the colder weather by chatting to one of the LiveWell Dorset team who’ll be offering free health MOTs at Corfe Mullen

Library on Monday, November 21?

All it takes is a 20-minute session with one of their members to discover how making even small changes to how you live can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

10.30am – 1pm, there’s no need to book. Visit livewelldorset.co.uk.

Verwood Town Council, at 28 Vicarage Road will be opening up their council chamber as a warm space with a hot drink every Wednesday from 10.30am12.30pm.

More information is available from verwood. gov.uk/

In association with...

Home scores platinum for end-of-life care

A Dorset care home has been awarded the highest possible Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for its outstanding delivery of palliative and end of life care during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Care Dorset’s Streets Meadow in Hanham Road, Wimborne, was one of just 75 care homes, hospitals, hospices, primary care practices, retirement villages, and domiciliary care agencies across the country to receive accreditation at the GSF Conference and Awards ceremony in London.

The Gold Standards Framework Centre provides expert training for frontline staff in health and social care, to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for people nearing end of life.

Streets Meadow, which provides care and support for older people and for those with memory loss and dementia, received the centre’s highest level of accreditation, the Platinum hallmark.

Streets Meadows’ GSF action group oversees the management of end of life care at the home and consists of family liaison co-ordinator Julie-Anne Ricketts, out of hours administrator Hannah Baxter, administrator of GSF matrix updates Sara Boddington and quality assurance

administrator Tanya Pollock.

Tanya said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious accreditation.

“At Streets Meadow we believe end of life planning shouldn’t be a taboo topic and we actively promote advanced care planning with our residents and their loved ones.

“This is fantastic recognition for the GSF team and the whole of Streets Meadow, which has actively contributed towards our success.

“The pandemic was an extremely challenging time. But we are delighted that things are returning to normal and during the summer we were able to re-start our grief support group, the Butterfly Café, which provides solace to friends and

families of residents whose loved ones have passed away.

“The Café meets at Streets Meadow every four months for refreshments, reminiscing and a warm friendly chat and has been a tremendous source of comfort to many.

“In 2023 we also plan to open the Butterfly Café to the wider community, to support many more people who have lost someone special in their lives.”

Patricia Tate’s husband Alan, a Royal Navy veteran who was later diagnosed with dementia, received nursing care and eventually end of life care at Streets Meadow.

Patricia, from Wimborne, said: “Alan was at Streets Meadow for 16 months until he passed away last year and I can’t fault the care he received there in any way.

“The staff are exceptionally caring and genuinely interested in the people they are caring for.

“Alan enjoyed the art classes and other activities and I am glad the home has received this recognition which is richly deserved.

“Even though Alan has now passed away, I return to Streets Meadow for the Butterfly Café and enjoy seeing the staff who helped us so much.”

St Ives House celebrates with Autumn Food Festival

Residents and staff at St Ives House recently celebrated autumn by taking part in their own Autumn Food Festival with various activities including creating a delicious seasonal fruit pie as part of a Care South wide competition.

St Ives House residents and staff handpicked apples from an apple tree on a woodland walk within the grounds of their home. Afterwards, residents came together to help bake their delicious apple and blackberry pie with the help of kitchen staff. The Autumn Food Festival was a wonderful activity where Food, Fun and Friendship was at the very heart, with residents from across Care South taking part.

Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England. St Ives House is situated in a delightful location near Ringwood, and offers residential, respite and dementia care in a safe, home-from-home environment, providing peace of mind for loved ones.

highly recommend St Ives House, as Mum feels safe, secure and very well cared for. The food is very nice and the staff provide truly personal support. ”

highly recommend St Ives House, as Mum feels safe, secure and very well cared for. The food is very nice and the staff provide truly personal support. ”

warm, safe and cared for this winter “ I would highly recommend St Ives House, as Mum feels safe, secure and very well cared for. The food is very nice and the staff provide truly personal support. ”

A real review taken from carehome.co.uk

real review taken from carehome.co.uk

Contact us today to see how we can help create a new home for you or a loved one at St Ives House – a Care South home for residential and dementia care.

STREETS AHEAD: Sara Boddington and Julie-Anne Ricketts of the Streets Meadow GSF team

Health & Wellbeing WE CARE FOR YOU

Shoulder pain and how we can help In association with...

Shoulders are one of those joints that you don’t realise you use so much until they start to hurt! They are one of the most complex joints of the body, with many intricate muscles and a vast degree of movement through the ball and socket joint. We also must use the shoulder for a variety of complex movements, so really, it’s no wonder that certain things can cause aches and pains!

Here are several shoulder conditions: Shoulder impingement: The shoulder has an extrusion of bone called the acromion which forms the acromioclavicular joint and helps the movement of the shoulder with the collarbone. There are also a couple of muscles that lie underneath the acromion process which should glide past each other to allow open movement of the shoulder. These muscles can become tight and inflamed through postural changes and repetitive movement. When they inflame, they narrow the space beneath the acromion which means when you move your arm the muscles become pinched, even more inflamed, and thus causes pain.

Frozen shoulder

This is a term that is often thrown around when the problem is actually a shoulder

impingement as above. True frozen shoulder is termed ‘adhesive capsulitis’ which is where the actual capsule of the shoulder which lies around the bone of the ball and socket joint becomes essentially ‘sticky’ and glues itself to the muscles around the shoulder.

This can feel like a deep ache and worse in the cold and damp, and sometimes movement can be affected too.

Rotator cuff dysfunction

The rotator cuff are the four muscles that allow the shoulder to rotate up and down. They include three muscles around the back of the scapula and one on the inside. They are complex structures and like many other shoulder conditions are affected by postural changes and repetitive movement. They are

CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS

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

also commonly affected by sports. How can chiropractic help?

Following a consultation and examination, our chiropractors will be able to diagnose you and form a treatment plan with an aim to diminish your pain and prevent the pain returning in the future.

With shoulder impingement and rotator cuff dysfunction – the treatment is normally focused around mobilising the shoulder joint, reducing muscle tension by dry needling and sports massage, and strengthening the shoulder joint effectively. With wear and tear, the focus is also reducing muscle tension, improving posture, and increasing shoulder mobility. Finally, with frozen shoulder, we use a specific technique named Spencers Technique, to break up the adhesion between the muscle and the capsule in every range of motion. The treatment plan for frozen shoulder is normally the longest and most intense, to speed up the healing process and get you to the thawing phase as soon as possible.

Each condition needs different types of care, and our chiropractors are excellent at establishing the plan to help you.

Give us a call to enquire about booking your new patient consultation with us today.

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Hannah’s horticulture

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

Autumn has roared in, and we are looking towards the approaching cooler months, where gardens sleep more and rest, but you have found me a few queries to answer none the less!

I have a few cuttings and tender plants that I want to overwinter in the greenhouse, but I’m concerned if left unheated they won’t survive, help!

I hear you – with the energy costs and environmental concerns as they are, no one wants to spend extra to heat their greenhouse if they can help it! We’ve never heated the greenhouse here, and it’s only a 6x4 and not sheltered by neighbouring houses where it would be more likely to have a warmer microclimate. There are gas, paraffin and electric heaters available, and really all that any heater needs to do is keep the temperature steady and above frost level.

However! Being in the south, with winters generally more mild now, the night chills are less severe. Therefore you may find that heating isn’t required at all depending on the plants involved. Indeed quite often I have had to open the greenhouse door a bit on warmer sunny days as its heating up too much! It’s the even temperatures that are what you need, plants do not

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like to yoyo quickly between temperature extremes. Grab yourself a quantity of fleece or bubble wrap, insulate the worst corners and edges where cold creeps in, huddle the plants together a bit for collective warmth, cover them overnight, and, if it’s really cold, light a couple of candles in there. Make sure they are away from any flammable materials obviously. I’ve used candles incredibly successfully on very cold nights before – they give off just enough warmth. I’ve even managed to keep an indoor cyclamen in bloom that way.

My veg plot is looking bare, is there anything I can put in for the winter?

Absolutely there is! November is a perfect time to sow broad beans, and they will reward you with an early crop of deliciousness, avoid the worst of the blackfly that adore them, and be over in time to re-plant in the late spring/early summer with summer crops. Even if you don’t like broad beans, I’m sure your neighbours or the FCS Community Larder would be very glad of them! And, if I may sing their praises even more,

TREES R US

Get your garden ready for winter.

Trees, hedges, patios, turf and fencing. Call Peter 07976 667130

because beans are part of the legume family, they nourish the soil as they grow by enriching it with ammonia. Legumes form beneficial relationships (!) with bacteria, and are the only plant family to do so in this way. Legumes give nitrogen-fixing

bacteria a home in nodules in their roots. These bacteria can fix nitrogen from the air, turning it into ammonia, a key nutrient for plants. In return, the plants provide sugars and oxygen to feed the bacteria.

We’ve just replaced a fence, but what do we preserve it with?

Personally, from a design point of view, I prefer dark colours such as dark brown or black. Paradoxically, instead of making the space look smaller as it would if you painted the inside house walls with black, it makes the space look bigger. The key is the colour contrast between the fence backdrop and the green foliage. A dark background makes the plants ‘pop’ and the whole area seem more lush. Our brains like this as they are hardwired to subconsciously love lush foliage.

I usually look at the cost per litre, and the coverage, and find the best value one, but also consider longevity.

The stars in the east

The cold nights of winter can bring good stargazing, as the air is often still and transparent. Dress warmly and look east and south, depending on the time of the evening, for the dominant constellation of the season, the large grouping of Orion the Hunter, with his brilliant shoulder, belt and leg stars. Can you see the difference in colour of Betelgeuse (642 light years), a cool (3000 degrees) ageing red giant in the latest stages of its career, with the steely electric blue of Rigel, a younger

and much hotter supergiant star 860 light years away. Find with optical aid the misty Orion Nebula below the three stars of the belt. This region is a nursery of stars, and your binoculars will reveal clusters and multiple stars in this area rivalling the best of our seasonal decorations. The silvery stream of the Milky way, our galaxy seen from within, passes to the left of the Hunter and arches away through the star-strewn winter constellations. Clear skies!

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

Need help with your plumbing & heating?

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Since Pinevale’s inception in 2003, much has changed in the world of plumbing and heating. It has become far more technical, with ever-more complicated legislation. Pinevale’s MD, Ian Brazier, says he needs to learn even faster than his team to keep him at the forefront of technology within the industry! Indeed, every home improver or self builder requires these technical skills today. Early involvement is key to any successful home project and now, more than ever, plumbing and heating takes a major role. Separating the various elements that make up a new installation will help with your planning and Pinevale can guide you through this process. So what decisions do you need to make?

The heat source is a good starting point (gas/electric/oil/ biomass) and the heat emitters (radiators/underfloor, etc). Next, the piping system. This could be copper, multi-layer pipe or push fit - they all have

their merits. Your choice of hot water system is very importantthink combination boiler/system boiler and cylinder/heat pump/ solar thermal or even a hybrid! Think carefully about renewable energy sources – are they a practical as well as ecological solution for you? We can help you decide. Pinevale can also help you consider bathroom sanitaryware and kitchen appliances to ensure you end up with a cohesive finished product. By carefully considering all of these elements at the start of your project, you will have a solid infrastructure plan. This will help avoid issues later on, not just during the build but also after completion - think warranties and future service maintenance.

Our apple tree is just bare bones now. The apples are cooked and frozen or made into apple jams and jellies.

Doesn’t stop me looking at other apple trees though!

I spied a gorgeous tree in a village nearby with hundreds of tiny glossy red fruits.

As it was a variety unknown to me I shared all the details of the tree on various Facebook groups such as The UK Wild Food Larder - which identifies and discusses found foods.

I was told it is Malus crab apple called a Red Sentinel.

I took further advice and halved a fruit horizontally to check there was the tell-tale pentagram pattern of seeds. The pentagram was evident and also there was a lovely cider apple smell.

The Red Sentinel apples were too tiny to core so I just added them whole to some pumpkin soup I was making with chorizo sausage.

As our sons have now passed the age of getting excited at sculpting pumpkins I felt it fell to me to do something arty with the orange skins.

I remembered seeing a pumpkin sliced into the shape of a turtle so excitedly researched mock turtle soup.

This was a massive food craze in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, especially after royalty got a taste for it. Green turtles were driven to the edge of extinction and so various offal and seafood were substituted.

Think I ‘ll stick to chorizo sausage in my version of mock turtle soup thank you very much!

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

Helping the world to see more clearly

by Lorraine Gibson

Do you have a stash of useless items malingering in a drawer or cupboard?

Most of us have that one place for things we no longer use but don’t want to throw away, just in case they ‘come in useful’.

Truth is, they rarely do. So why not gird your loins, have a clear out and free up space for the stuff you actually need?

First, be brutal. Bin the bits that serve no purpose. Broken, outmoded or defunct items, like ‘old keys’ without a door, let alone a lock to fit in, are as useful as a chocolate fireguard.

Do not, however, throw away old specsmore of which later.

Next, assess the remaining unwanted things. Might they benefit a charity shop? Find organisations that recycle old phones, PCs and chargers, etc, and donate them.

Regarding the aforementioned old specs, while as prevalent as old keys, they’re extremely recyclable and badly needed. Check out your local Lions’ specs recycling scheme.

Horticulture show good, despite the hot weather

Wimborne Horticultural Society’s 73rd Autumn Show was a good one although we were down on entries, writes Tony Beard This was understandable with the hot weather as vegetables just did not have enough water to grow. But the exhibits that we did have were very good quality.

The display of floral art was excellent. The society is very grateful to Brian and Sue at the Allendale for helping us find volunteers to help at the show... without them we may not have had a show.

Our October meeting was a Gardeners Question Time which went very well, many thanks to Chris for stepping up to answer questions.

December’s meeting, on Tuesday 8th at 7.30pm, is a Christmas special so bring some food for a shared supper and quiz night.

They can reuse your old glasses and ship them to third-world countries, where eye care is often unavailable and lens manufacture non-existent.

Children’s glasses are especially needed but they’ll take prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic or metal frames.

The process involves collection, sorting, checking for scratches and cracks, washing and grading and, finally, distribution.

Garden charity’s focus on nature

Did you know that Britain’s gardens occupy more space than all our nature reserves put together?

So how can we best share our gardens with nature, and how can you help? Being thoughtful about how we design and maintain our gardenswith wildlife in mind - is one of the key aims of the Knoll Gardens Foundation, the charitable arm of Knoll Gardens, near Wimborne.

Through its lively and committed team of volunteers, the charity helps support the care of Knoll Gardens, offers educational activities and events to the local community and also undertakes regular wildlife surveys. Engaging with local community groups is a priority for the Foundation, and over the summer they have offered free garden access to a number of local art and photography groups. An exhibition of some of the amazing photographic work to come out of this collaboration, was displayed as part of the Foundation’s recent open day.

Lauren King from bh photography club captured the winning image and was presented with two annual passes for the gardens, enabling her to visit the gardens - and continue to be inspired by the wonderful wildlife.

In the case of the Ferndown and Wimborne Lions clubs, unwanted glasses go to Chichester Lions for processing, then on to Medico France for grading before being sent to eye camps in poorer communities of places like Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

At said eye camps, often run by organisations like Sightsavers, local people get tested and given appropriate ‘new’ glasses.

n Global vision

Local Lions Clubs are part of a global Lions network that recycles worldwide.

Glasses collected in New Zealand go to those with poor eyesight in the Pacific Islands.

Through the UK’s 100 or so clubs, about 300,000 pairs a year are sent abroad. You can deposit yours in bins at local opticians or doctors surgeries.

In Wimborne and Ferndown alone, there are 20 bin locations and there’s a full list of sites at lionsclubs.co/Public. Also visit wimborneandferndownlions.org.uk.

The charity also has big plans for the future, with projects to better help visitors understand and learn from their wildlife-friendly approach and to inspire more people to adopt sustainable gardening practices at home.

The foundation is seeking a new trustee, with a background in ecology, to advise on survey/ research methodology.

If you would like join the foundation team as a trustee or volunteer, contact foundation@ knollgardens.co.uk. knollgardensfoundation.org.

LENSING A HAND: Glasses collected in boxes of 100 ready to be sent for

Three generations of history, craft and love, woven in

Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental hand-knotted carpet trade. Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, he and his son Koroush continue to carve a new path for the industry bringing the historic beauty of Persia to homes around the world.

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. As an authoritative figure within the industry, Masoud is often invited to share his expertise and insider knowledge with media outlets such as the BBC to discuss the ever-changing market. He also advises auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value Persian rugs and carpets. But we would be remiss to say that is

all we do, we carry out general carpet repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.

At Bakhtiyar we believe that no carpet is ever a lost ruin, beyond repair. As the Persian Poet Rumi once said “where

there is ruin, there is hope for treasure”. Our team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers, based in our London Warehouse, carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

We invite you to join us at our winter exhibition in the beautiful Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset.

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of November 2022 Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

We will be showing a large selection from our extensive stock of hand woven Persian carpets, runners and kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces.

Persian food will be served daily with all proceeds raised being donated to Alzheimer’s charity.

MINTERN BARN, LUCCOMBE FARM, MILTON ABBAS,

FORUM, DORSET, DT11 0BE

Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the signed Milton Abbas Road. Ample parking is available and Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.

BLANDFORD

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.” Rumi

WEST PARLEY

Park towards the southern end of Dudsbury Road and from there walk the short distance to the B3073, Christchurch Road.

Turn right, and in a short while join a footpath leading south west towards a Guides camp. After a while you might notice on your left a ditch and embankment, part of the Iron Age defences of Dudsbury Hill Fort. Continue along the path through the Fort as it weaves its way south east where you’ll see a massive drop down to the Stour.

Join the Stour Valley Way, leading north eastwards back to Christchurch Road, go east along it for 100 yards then turn right and head southwards along a path for about 600 yards then left, south eastwards to meet the A347.

Turn left and head north for a furlong, then join a footpath taking you eastward to join

Church Lane which takes you south to All Saints Church, above, built on Saxon foundations close to the Stour.

After visiting the church ,return northwards along Church Lane, passing where you

joined it for another furlong then turn right along a footpath that leads you east, then north, passing a couple of ponds.

Soon you’ll be back on Christchurch Road again. Turn right and you’ll see a garden centre. Enter Barrack Road, the bridleway (which looks like a road) which leads past the garden centre then swings north. After nearly half a mile, leave it to join a bridleway that enters the Access Land of Parley Common, a very large area of flat heathland.

The bridleway veers north for half a mile across the open country then swings to the right to rejoin Barrack Road that takes you south for a mile back to Christchurch Road.

Turn right and follow the road for a mile back to your car, taking care when negotiating Parley Cross.

You’ll have walked nearly seven miles.

Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

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’.

I can hardly believe how quickly the year is disappearing, it’s as if our recent blustery winds carried Hallowe’en away, Wizard of Oz style, and plonked us down in the middle of November without any real sense as to how we got here! No sooner had the last pumpkin been carved, the decorations were down and packed away, and our thoughts turned to the next big event. For those who think I am referring to Christmas, not so!

High Mead has at least two notable dates to celebrate before we can fully immerse ourselves in the preparation for the big day. Firstly, there is the Pig & Pumpkin nighta private social event for the Co-Farmers, Carers, Volunteers and Staff. Well – no one wants to see all those pumpkins go to waste, not that the farm ever needs an excuse to throw a party! Then, of course, there is the next public Open Day on Sunday, December 18, when we are open to the public from 10 until 4.

A chance to meet Louise the goat and her herd, Gilly and Tallulah the pigs, and Mark and the team too! If that is not enough to prepare for, those brave souls have finally decided to bite the bullet and expand the farm office. For those of you familiar with those little plastic puzzles that involve moving one piece to make room for the next piece and, moving countless pieces before you can work out what the pattern is, you’ll understand how the farm office used to work.

Any more than three people in the office required someone to leave before anyone else could enter. Add to the mix cats, dogs, incubating eggs and the occasional rat (pet, of course) and you can understand how it was, at times, almost impossible to get any work done. The team won’t know themselves in their new HQ!

With winter fast approaching, ground prep has been the order of the day; the tomatoes, beetroot, mange tout, peas and raspberry canes having now

been cleared to make way for the next crops.

Meanwhile, the Co-Farming Catering Team has been causing a real stir with Christmas puds galore. Chef Nik introduced the team to making Pumpkin Risotto (can you see a theme here?!) The Christmas puddings followed in short order along with the chutney and condiments the Co-Farmers

have been making to stock the farm shop.

I can barely remember the time before the farm kitchen was up and running. I think part of the reason the year has passed so quickly is down to the fact that there has been so much to do, so much achieved and best of all, so many new friends to welcome to the farm.

with Tiffany Fleming

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Farming & Environment

Bird flu sparks housing order from Defra

All birds must be kept indoors until further notice, as efforts to curb the spread of bird flu continue.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, ordered mandatory housing measures for the whole of England, legally requiring all bird keepers to keep their animals indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures, regardless of type or size.

The order extended mandatory housing measures already in force in the hot spot areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex following an increase in the national risk of bird flu in wild birds to ‘very high’.

“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 chief vet said.

“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.”

Over the last year, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza, with more than 200 cases confirmed since late October 2021.

The introduction of the housing measures comes after the disease was detected at

more than 70 premises since the beginning of October, as well as multiple reports in wild birds.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence,” Ms Middlemiss said.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you must keep yours indoors.

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

“Evidence shows that housing birds reduces the risk of kept birds being infected with bird flu.

“However, housing alone will not protect birds and all keepers must still follow the other enhanced biosecurity measures mandated by the AIPZ at all times to protect their flocks and prevent the risk of future outbreaks which is circulating in wild birds.

“Housing combined with stringent biosecurity measures can provide even greater reduction in risk.”

The UK Health Security Agency continues to advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged: that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

NFU Poultry Board chair, James Mottershead, said: “As poultry producers, the health and welfare of our birds is our number one priority, and these housing measures alongside the existing additional biosecurity requirements will help minimise the impact of avian influenza on the poultry sector.

“These measures apply to all poultry keepers, whether you have one hen in the garden or a large poultry business, and I urge everyone to remain vigilant.

“This is a really challenging time for the British poultry sector but producers are doing all they can to protect their birds and to maintain production of poultry meat and eggs, especially as we approach Christmas.

“The NFU will continue to work with the government and the wider supply chain to minimise the impacts of avian influenza, both now and in the future.”

Arts & Entertainments

Crafts weekend

The ever-popular Christmas Arts and Crafts weekend at Pamphill Village Hall will be held on Friday, December 2, from 1pm-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, from 10am-4pm.

The show features paintings, greetings cards and handmade craft items all made by industrious and talented members of Wimborne Art Club. The proceeds of a raffle and donations will be given to Wimborne Community Foodbank Supply.

Hot drinks and seasonal warm mince pies are on offer The painting above is Christmas Robin by Jan Wall.

Bah! A Christmas Carol story

by Lorraine Gibson

It’s 1843 and with Christmas looming, Mr. Dickens is about to publish his latest instalment of the cautionary yuletide tale.

Meanwhile, Mr Scrooge is at his desk, working desperately to tell his side of the story.

This is the premise of an innovative, one-man show that aims to put the record straight on the truth behind A Christmas Carol...

Ebeneezer Scrooge opens his diary to expose the awful truth about Tiny Tim, the Fezziwigs, Jacob Marley and the disgustingly-jolly, gluttonous, consumer-driven Ghost of Christmas Present, as he calls out Dickens, the ‘vengeful,

slanderous, upstart author’ of said novel...

At the suggestion that Marley was dead to begin with, Scrooge retorts:

“Humbug, Mr.Dickens! Dead? Marley was not dead but rather sitting on some sun-soaked, off-shore beach squandering all the hard-earned money that he had so fraudulently embezzled from my firm over the years!

“You know nothing Mr.Dickens! You are a fraud sir – an embezzler of the truth! Bah!...”.

The Scrooge Diaries: Saturday, Dec 17, 7.30pm, Hinton Martell Village Hall. (01258 840066).

Sunday, Dec 18, 4pm. Studland Village Hall. (01929 450587). Tickets online at artsreach.co.uk.

A wonderful arrival!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Dorset’s top family theme park! The magic returns with even more to enjoy this year! The team at Adventure Wonderland are busy getting ready for the arrival of Father Christmas! Santa really is coming to town!

Enjoy a visit to Santa in his snowy log cabin and receive a souvenir gift plus appearances from Rudolph and the elves. A visit also includes unlimited use of Wild Thing, the huge Aztec-themed indoor play centre. But that’s not all! You can also enjoy a game of crazy golf and, back by popular demand this year, The Christmas Craft Cabin!

Then take your seats for the festive family pantomime, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs! Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to Adventure Wonderland we go this Christmas!

There is also an afternoon of SEN Santa sessions on Monday, December 19. These will have a reduced capacity to ensure that guests get a slightly longer visit to Father Christmas. The afternoon performances of Snow White will also be amended for SEN guests. “Our Christmas event is always a sell-out success but that means it’s often too busy and too noisy for guests who may have additional needs and sensory processing disorders,” says Andy Brennan of Adventure Wonderland, “Which is why we’re introducing some amendments to the experience.”

These incredible value Christmas experience tickets are on sale now so early booking is recommended! Book now online at adventurewonderland.co.uk.

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Arts & Entertainments

by Lorraine Gibson

As is now a winter tradition, when night falls at Kingston Lacy, lights transform the historic house and grounds into an ethereal wonderland. Trees are thrown into colourful relief or stark silhouette and objects take on a magical quality as visitors ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ along the customary pathway into a dreamlike landscape. This year, two new installations are planned for the event which runs up until Christmas Eve, adding to the spectacle. A laser garden will immerse crowds in thousands of slowlyrotating coloured beams in atmospheric fog.

‘Street traders’ will sell food, you can grab a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate and a marshmallow stall will be offering the sweet treats. The trail is designed for all ages.

Book in advance to secure your choice of date and time.

Christmas at Kingston Lacy, from December 2 to 24, (closed December 5 & 6).

From 4.30pm, last entry 8pm.

Lights fantastic at Kingston Lacy

Seasonal feast

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Fordingbridge’s Regal Cinema, which has a feast of seasonal movies to book. You can see Elf on Saturday, December 3 and Friday, December 23, Arthur Christmas on November 26, Home Alone and Bridget Jones’s Diary on December 10, The Polar Express on Saturday, December 17 and White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve.

For more details visit theregalcinema.org

Christmas fair

The event closes daily at 10pm.

Admission: Advanced from: Adult £19.50, Child £14, Family £65 (2 adults & 2 children).

Free entry for carers and

Cox at Carl’s Comedy Club

Ferndown-raised Carl Filer is bringing Carl’s Comedy Club to the Barrington Centre for the first time on Friday, December 2.

The debut show will see Carl himself introduce five acts from across the UK including two from the local area.

Opening the show will be Ben Harrington whose wry outlook at the world, ability to interact with the audience and funny anecdotes centred around his family, ageing body and bizarre encounters make him an enjoyable act to watch.

Poole-based Lee Smith is up next as he paints a vivid picture of his anxiety attacks through self-deprecating humour that will have the audience chuckling the night away.

Bournemouth-based duo, Plastic Jeezus have hilarious lyrics covering everything from the mundane to the surreal. Their genuine musical talent will keep their deadpan, up-tempo wryness in your head for days. Expect stupidity and

nonchalance in equal measure with Wayne The Weird’s ‘Magical’ comedy a sight to behold.

Headlining will be the hilarious Mike Cox, pictured above.

Mike’s sharp-witted observational comedy saw him crowned 2014 South Coast Comedian Of The Year and was a finalist in the prestigious Amused Moose Laugh Off in 2016.

Tickets are available from the Barrington ticket office or fromcarlscomedyclub.com.

children aged two and under. Parking £8 per car (free for National Trust members when booked in advance). Website: christmasatkingstonlacy. seetickets.com

Shaftesbury Town Hall will be hosting three events for small local businesses that will be selling beautiful items to make perfect gifts for Christmas. Supporting Weldmar Hospice and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, they take place on Saturday, November 19, 9-5pm, and on Sundays, November 20 and 27, 10-4pm.

HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199 www.theregent.co.uk

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15)

Fri 18 Nov: 17:15 | Sat 19 Nov: 20:30 | Mon 21 Nov: 17:15 | Tue 22 Nov: 20:00 | Wed 23 Nov: 17:15 | Thu 24 Nov: 17:15

AMSTERDAM (15)

Fri 18 Nov: 20:00 | Mon 21 Nov: 20:00 | Tue 22 Nov: 17:00 | Wed 23 Nov: 14:00 | Thu 24 Nov: 20:00

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) Sat 19, Sat 26, Sun 27 Nov: 10:00 (KID’S CLUB)

ROYAL BALLET: A DIAMOND CELEBRATION (12A) Sat 19 Nov: 14:00 Celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Friends of Covent Garden RHYTHM OF THE DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (LIVE) Sun 20

ICED

BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER (12A) Thu 8 Dec: 19:15 (LIVE) | Sun 11 Dec: 14:00 (ENCORE)

Have a wizard of a time at the town’s theatre

There’s guaranteed heartwarming festive family fun this Christmas with the Wizard of Oz at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown.

Join the beloved Dorothy as she ventures over the rainbow, follows the Yellow Brick Road, gaining new friends along the way including a Silly Scarecrow, Heartless Tinman and a Cowardly Lion.

But will her quest to find the Wizard and make it home to Kansas be straightforward or will the Wicked Witch have other plans?

Stars include the ever-popular, incredibly silly and local entertainer ‘Krazy Kev’ as Scarecrow, Britain’s Got Talent finalist and Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer Act - Sammy (The Wicked Witch), Honey (Glinda the Good Witch), panto legend ‘Lucy Rose Rollason’ as the beloved Dorothy, BBC’s ‘All Together Now ‘Steven Yallop’ as the Tinman, Theo Bazeley-Smith as the lovable Cowardly Lion and Samuel Wolstenholme as the Wizard.

Plus the fabulous junior dancers of AK academy of dance.

Performances run from Thursday to Saturday, December 15-24.

Running time 2 hours 20 minutes (approx.) including a 20 minute interval and tickets cost from just £12!

Thursday and Friday December 15 and 16, 6pm.

Saturday, December 17, shows at 10.30am (relaxed performance), 2pm and 6pm. Sunday, December 18, 2pm and 6pm.

Monday, December 19 to Friday, December 23, shows at 2pm and 6pm.

Saturday, December 24, 10.00am, 1.30pm and 5pm. Tickets available in person from the Barrington Theatre Box Office, by phoning the Box Office on 01202 894858 or visiting BarringtonCentre.co.uk.

Crafty Christmas shopping

A group of local, amateur artists who call themselves Twenty 4 Art, will be selling their work to raise money for local charities, the Samaratins and Poole Refuge (Helping Hands). The eclectic range of their bespoke pieces includes charmingly wistful watercolours, brooding seascapes and unique jewellery items - all of which will be on display at the Holt Village Hall Christmas Art & Craft Exhibition.

If you’re looking for a gift with a difference or even a treat for yourself, the Twenty 4 Art group will be delighted to show you their latest works. There’s free entry and parking and refreshments and home-made cakes will be on sale. Saturday and Sunday November 26 & 27. 10am to 3.30pm, next to the Old Inn.

Celine My Heart Will Go On

Experience the ultimate Celine Dion tribute Concert as it tours across the UK. My Heart Will Go On is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time.

Vocalize Choir at Christmas

Vocalize are a local community choir from Verwood and the surrounding area. Specialising in a range of musical genres, they have sold out every show they have put on at The Verwood Hub.

Therefore, we felt they would be perfect to be our 2022 Christmas show.

BSO soloists on superb form for birthday concert

Ralph Vaughan William’s (VW) Phantasy Quintet was flanked by a Beethoven Quartet and a Mozart quintet in this well-attended concert at the Methodist Church in Broadstone in the final celebration of VW’s150th birthday, writes Rex Bale

There was a short and witty introduction from Simon Coombes, chairman of the Vaughan Williams Society which sponsored the event. The revival of the ‘phantasy’ was due to a competition which VW won in 1912.

BSO Principal Cellist Jesper Svedberg introduced the Beethoven quartet (Op 18, No2) saying that the composer ‘set the bar high’ for what was a fairly new format at the time. After the interval Mozart quintet (No 3 in C, K515) was introduced by principal violist Tom Beer, the final movement of which sent the audience away in a happy, exhilarated mood.

Take a trip down memory lane

by Faith Eckersall

If you’ve ever heard the questions: ‘What was it like before the internet?’ and ‘What do you mean, there wasn’t an X-Box?’ it’s time to take the young questioner for a trip down your particular memory lane, to Dorset Museum’s newest exhibition.

The answer to the above inquiries and many others can be found at the new I Grew Up 80s exhibition, which is stuffed with 200 treasures of the era, from Atari computer consoles to Rubik Cubes.

Along with the answer to many a mystery; including why people of a certain age still call Starburst ‘Opal Fruits’ there will also be a beautifully-preserved 1981 Mark 1 model Golf GTI, on loan from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Dorset Museum will be the first to have this iconic car displayed within this touring exhibition.

The displays have been curated by collector and social commentator Matt Fox, whose

passion for the era he grew up in remains undimmed.

“Those that grew up 30-40 years ago, before the internet, can genuinely state that life was very different then,” he says.

“In my view, the 80s were a remarkable time to be a child.” He says the exhibition contains things that children owned

or would have wanted to own, such as Dunlop Green Flash trainers alongside some achingly cool Adidas High Tops.

“There’ll be toys and electronic games you once dreamed about on shop shelves or in the Argos catalogue, and iconic albums you played to death on vinyl and cassette,” he says.

There will also be examples of vanished goodies, such as Peanut Treets and Sweet Cigarettes, along with boom boxes, Swatch watches and purple shell suits.

Exhibitions manager at Dorset Museum Lucy Johnston said: “This exhibition promises to be big, bright and loud. It will bring the new as well as the nostalgic to our exhibition programme, enabling visitors to experience the ‘I remember that’ moment.”

I Grew Up 80s runs from December 3 to February 26, 2023.

More details, including prices, at dorsetmuseum.org.

A rather macabre Christmas drama

Dorset’s rural arts charity Artsreach is welcoming ‘Owdyado Theatre back to the county this December with yet more dark and twisted drama in Twisted Christmas, a deliciously depraved take on the holiday season!

With brand-new stories by writers from Cornwall and across the UK, Twisted Christmas features a macabre combination of

seven original micro-plays including tales of how to buy the perfect gift for your unloved ones, the dark side of Christmas cracker jokes, and one woman’s maniacal plot to murder Santa Claus! Winterborne Stickland Hall (01258 880920) on December 2, and Portland Royal Manor Theatre (03336 663366) on December 3. Visit artsreach.co.uk.

Museum boost for kids

Broke parents now have the chance to take their kids to explore more than 250 million years of Dorset history for free.

To help families find affordable things to do, Dorset Museum says it will allow children to enter free every weekend over the winter months, when accompanied by a full-paying adult or annual pass holder.

Dorset Museum’s interactive galleries include the prehistoric marine reptiles of the Jurassic Coast.

The museum regularly holds family-friendly events such as their Sunday or half-term art and craft activities, ArtyFacts, which are included with admission.

Visitors of all ages can also explore popular culture of 1980s Britain through the eyes of a child in the upcoming exhibition I Grew Up 80s.

Part person, part fish (7)

Perform a magic trick (7)

Stalks (5)

Cocktail (9)

Plastic ball-support (3)

Elegance (5)

Flower wreath (7)

Hospital check-up, maybe (4)

Long-legged wading bird (6)

Energy (6)

Final (8)

Classic children’s game (1,3)

Recalling (11)

Atypical (8)

Goes down (8)

Habitual practices (6)

Flight of steps (6)

Robs in a public place (4)

Train that runs along roads (4)

Across 1 Former female tennis player with change of direction gets to lose vitality (7)

A hotel resident overlooking street is fit (4)

Noted US general holding line for crowd (7)

Note largely sumptuous characteristic of old architectural order? (5)

Loosen a French piece of neckwear (5)

Become comfortable in finest leather (6)

Warm again backward woman’s brewed tea (6)

woman enthralled by Arab island and Asian sheep (6)

A rising movement in the sea too (2,4)

Young woman enthralled by Arab island and Asian sheep (6)

More secure having dispelled fears (5)

Greek that is beginning to feel aspect of bereavement (5)

A rising movement in the sea too (2,4)

More secure having dispelled fears (5)

Leading description of revolutionary activist? (2,5)

Greek that is beginning to feel aspect of bereavement (5)

I’m surprised by first sign of knowledge in tech obsessive (4)

Contain at home tip about daughter (7)

Leading description of revolutionary activist? (2,5)

I’m surprised by first sign of knowledge in tech obsessive (4)

Contain at home tip about daughter (7)

Down

Pursuit to entertain a frequented joint (5)

Down 2 Pursuit to entertain a frequented joint (5) 3 After getting converted own mostly keen faith (2,3,4,2)

After getting converted own mostly keen faith (2,3,4,2) 4 Slip by group ignoring book on mission (6)

4 Slip by group ignoring book on mission 6 Heavily built thug bringing men trouble Georgia (7)

7 Cut piece of brisket cheerfully (4)

8 Get a load of papers for hearing (7)

10 Fluid rests uneasily around top of shoulder giving pain (11)

13 Fighter with speed gets to change abode 15 Inhospitable house with set of steps in 17 A hero transfixing Britain – and the Britain old (6)

Heavily built thug bringing men trouble in Georgia (7) 7 Cut piece of brisket cheerfully (4) 8 Get a load of papers for hearing (7) 10 Fluid rests uneasily around top of shoulder giving pain (11) 13 Fighter with speed gets to change abode (7) 15 Inhospitable house with set of steps in wall (7) 17 A hero transfixing Britain – and the Britain of old (6) 20 Supply excessively nosh to cover lunch’s opening (5) 21 A medal wanting name gets one eagerly excited (4)

20 Supply excessively nosh to cover lunch’s opening (5) 21 A medal wanting name gets one eagerly excited (4)

Cricket society celebrates 20th anniversary

A milestone was reached by Dorset Cricket Society with the start of their 20th season, writes Lewis Davies.

The society is the only cricket society in the UK which meets on a weekly basis from October to March.

It was formed in October 2002 by Richard Mockridge for the social benefit of his team who were running the Dorset Cricket Centre at Hurn Bridge, Christchurch.

From humble beginnings with an initial membership of seven, the society now boasts more than 70 members.

It was Richard, a qualified ECB cricket coach in his role as the Borough Engineer of Christchurch, who had the

vision of establishing a Dorset Cricket Centre, initially in the old Borough Engineer’s Depot buildings at Stanpit before the current purpose-built centre was created at Hurn Bridge.

The first meeting of the Dorset Cricket Society’s 20th season saw Richard Mockridge cut a birthday cake with this

year’s chairman, Derek Hopkins and members looking on.

The society’s meetings are held from October to the end of March on Thursday afternoons from 1.45pm at the Hurn Bridge Sports Club adjacent to the Dorset Cricket Centre. The venue is a mile east of Bournemouth Airport sat nav BH23 6DY. Annual subscription is £10.00 with a weekly fee for members of £5.00 or £7.00 for non-members. Admission includes tea/coffee and biscuits plus use of the Cricket Centre afterwards. New members are most welcome. The winter programme can be found at www.dorsetcricketcentre. co.uk

Graeme saddles up for 10-hour fundraiser

Graeme Souness, the well-known football analyst and patron of the Bournemouth Heart Club has teamed up with 30 heart club members for a sponsored 10-hour non-stop cycle ride. The Heart to Heart ride aims to fund 20 places at the BHC Keep Well Hub for people on low income who must to exercise to improve their health conditions but cannot afford a regular gym membership due to the cost of living crisis.

Graeme, who himself underwent open heart by-pass surgery in 1992 at the age of 38 whilst managing Liverpool FC, said: “Regular exercise provides both immediate and long-lasting benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. “It also reduces the risk of developing other serious health conditions like diabetes and can help with dementia and depression”.

Originally established for cardiac rehabilitation, today the Bournemouth Heart Club welcomes patients with other conditions such as diabetes, stroke (TIA), COPD and, more recently, long covid. It is currently running specialist classes for patients with intermittent claudication, which occurs when blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs.

And new execrcie classes for diabetes rehabilitation are commencing at the heart club.

Patients can be referred to the Bournemouth Heart Club by their

doctor, Health Care practitioner, or social prescriber. Also, patients can self-refer subject to meeting the relevant health criteria.

Sam Panton, the exercise manager at the Bournemouth Heart Club, has devised much of the Keep Well programme, which includes an upfront clinical assessment; a 20-session course and an end of course review. On completion, patients are encouraged to become full members of the Bournemouth Heart Club and continue to improve their health.

BHC has two fully equipped gymnasiums and a staff of highlytrained exercise instructors, all of

whom hold the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Level 4 accreditation. This ensures members of all abilities are able to exercise at their own level in a very safe environment.

There is a choice of classes throughout the day from Monday to Saturday ranging from circuits and group exercise to open gym sessions, seated classes for people with mobility issues and online Zoom classes.

The heart club is located on the site of Royal Bournemouth Hospital and has its own members car park.

Call the club on 0300 019 4522.

bournemouth-heart-club.org.uk/thekeep-well-scheme.

PEDAL POWER: Graeme Souness with Bournemouth Heart Club instructors Sarah Tinsley and Victoria Crawford

First match of a new season and the eager Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishers made the short hop over to Damerham Fishery near Fordingbridge, writes Gordon Wray.

The October weather was particularly mild and fish were clearly visible. Due to a major refurbishment at Damerham there was only one lake available to fish but this did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm.

Gary Austin quickly bagged up his four fish, followed by Geoff Bacon, and then... nothing!

The fish just seemed to switch off. Anglers tried just about everything to tempt these famous Damerham trout but they didn’t want to know. The action picked up a little after lunch with some anglers managing a four-fish total, but most of us were left disappointed; not by the fishery, but by our inability to get our four fish.

Gary Austin and Bradley Slater took first place in the pairs competition and the admiration of their fellow anglers who can’t wait to get back to Damerham to have another go.

Surprise start for fly fishers

Pets Hoobie & Pip hoping for a new home

Hello, we are Pip and Hoobie. We are both Podenco Crosses - Pip is 13 years old and Hobbee is 11. We have a gentle nature, very much enjoy our cuddles and are good with other dogs.

We would suit a family home with older children.

We cannot be let off the lead on our walks as we are natural hunters and will chase; so no cats or small furries at home.

We are looking for a home together, where we can have space to run around.

If you are able to offer us or one of our 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. We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes.

n 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.

For more information, call 01202 875000 or waggytails.org.uk.

HIGH FLIERS: Bradley Slater and Gary Austin receive prizes from Chris Morgan, centre

PetsWinter is nearly here and hedgehogs will be starting to think about hibernation.

Hedgehogs are one of the few mammals that are true hibernators. During hibernation hedgehogs aren’t asleep; instead they drop their body temperature to match their surroundings and enter a state of torpor (a state of physical or mental inactivity). This allows them to save energy and slow down other bodily functions making normal activity impossible.

Over the next month, hedgehog visitors to your garden will be trying to get as much body fat built up as possible so they can be ready to hibernate. Keep putting food out until you notice the food stops being taken, or less and less is being eaten. You can then gradually stop putting food out. Leave water out for them in a shallow dish yearround, but not milk as this can make them ill as they’re lactose intolerant.

‘Hogs will love a combination of meat-based wet dog or

Hedgehog hibernation

cat food as a supplement to their natural diet of earwigs, earthworms, beetles, etc. They’ll hibernate anywhere; a log pile, under the shed, in a compost heap or you could make your own hedgehog house to give them a safe place to nest.

During milder days over the

winter period, you may notice ‘hog activity in your garden, so you could put some food out for a short period until it gets cold again. Sometimes they wake early and look for a quick bite to eat before returning to slumber. Take care not to disturb a nesting hedgehog, so avoid

opening up the ‘hog house, clearing leaves or log piles as this might be where they’ve made their home for those cold winter months.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can be contacted on 01584 890801 if you have concerns about a ‘hog.

HINDON COMMUNITY SHOP

Is our shop in the heart of the village, and we are wanting to recruit an additional paid staff member. The successful candidate will be working with the sub–PostMistress and will also help in the day-to-day operations of the shop. Previous experience of Post Office procedures will clearly be an advantage, but all necessary training will be made available. Flexibility will be a key need but the role is estimated to require around 22 hours over 3 days per week, with an occasional weekend shift.

To apply or enquire about this position, please contact; Mrs Sue Warren on 01747 820321 or by email; suzywarren@aol.com

Trainee Landscaper

Your chance to join an award-winning landscaping team and learn all aspects of the industry. We are based near Sherborne. A full driving licence is essential, as is a willingness to work hard in a sometimes challenging environment. Email to tell us why you would fit this role. paul@originallandscapes.co.uk

Jobbing Builder. Required for Stalbridge based company. Must be used to groundworks. Full driving licence. Call Peter on 07971 007551.

LOVELY CLEANER WANTED. 3 hours weekly, barn conversion near Horsington. Please text brief details 07973 346747.

‘LIVE-IN’ DEMENTIA CARER needed. Job-sharing. Sitting room. TV. Separate bathroom. 07772 086099.

Driver Required

Full time & part time For further details telephone 07813 209841

FULL TIME OR 2 X PART TIME GOAT KID REARERS REQUIRED. FLEXIBILITY ESSENTIAL. PAY DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE. NORTH DORSET. NO ACCOMMODATION. CONTACT ANDY 07966 291394 NO TEXTS

Gardener required three days a week to help maintain greenhouse and gardens in the Shaftesbury area. Email CV and cover letter to GardensbyMR@ outlook.com

Administration Job. Part Time 2 days/week. 07908 787105

Christmas poultry processors needs for first 3 weeks of December,to help with plucking and evisceration jobs, good rates of pay, friendly family farm between Wincanton and Bruton. 07812 009364

Dairy farm near Sherborne requires help 5 afternoons per week 4-6pm. Working with cows and scrapping out. No milking. Tel 07854 033290

Evening cleaner required Monday to Friday 3 hours a night 6 till 9pm term time only Milborne St Andrew £10 an hour Mileage may be considered phone John 01305261624

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

DRIVER & PORTER REQUIRED

Rural roads deteriorating

Data released by the Department for Transport shows that a third of all local B and C roads in England are in desperate need of maintenance and repair, analysis by the AA shows.

Derbyshire Council has the worst B and C roads, with a quarter (24%) in need of repair. A fifth of B and C roads in Southend-on-Sea (18%) should be considered for repair, with Shropshire and Derby tied for third place with 13%.

Unclassified roads make up three fifths of roads maintained by councils but are the most overlooked.

AA analysis has found that 15% of unclassified roads are considered ‘Red’ category, the

worst ranking available.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Our local roads cannot take another round of cuts.”

Half of unclassified roads in Hammersmith and Fulham are in need of repair, while more than a third of unclassified roads in Bury and Wolverhampton need resurfacing.

The data comes with the Prime Minister and Chancellor due to announce their fiscal statement later this month, but with rumours swirling about public spending cuts.

The AA is warning the Government that cutting funding for roads maintenance would be detrimental for everyone.

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS, SERVICING AND

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Diagnostics

Air conditioning Valets

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST

Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

bluetooth, heated front screen, award winning engine, 50mpg, 31,500 miles

2015 (15) Ford Transit Courier 1.6TDCi Trend Van 5dr. 95bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 2 seats, very well kept van with NO VAT to pay, bulkhead, air con, alloys, heated front screen, hill start assist, bluetooth, roof rails, side door, double rear doors, 76,500 miles, No VAT to pay ...........................................................DUE SOON £8650

2019 (19) Mazda3 2.0

RURAL: Roads need maintenance

Picture: STEVE BELASCO

On top of the world with national award

A ‘super-hangar’ built by Christchurch-based REIDsteel (John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd) has won a prestigious national award for design excellence.

The cutting-edge development – the largest and most advanced dual cantilever hangar in the UK today – claimed top honours in the 2022 Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA). REIDsteel provided the design, drawing, fabrication and installation of the complete steel frame, electrically-operated hangar doors and underslung cranes as well as the floor decking, cladding and glazing elements.

The company worked with main contractor Tonbridgebased Civils Contracting Ltd on the maintenance hangar for occupation by global aerospace giant Bombardier.

A delegation from REIDsteel – selected from all areas of the business – attended the awards ceremony in London.

Simon Boyd, managing director,

said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this prestigious award.

“The awards are a hallmark of excellence as the foremost awards in our industry and act as a real showcase for the exceptional capabilities of British design, engineering, manufacturing and construction. “Our success is down to the whole team and is a testament to the talent and commitment of every single person in the business without whom this award would not have been possible.”

Simon added: “We are proud to have worked to closely together and to see this landmark project win the recognition it so richly deserves.”

The super-hangar received an award in the competition, which is the top accolade.

It was one of just five award winners out of 21 finalists shortlisted from entries nationwide in the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) organised contest. PICTURES:

POND CLEANER - Pondovac 2. In good working order - £25 ono - 01202 883888

RENAULT Scenic MK11 2008

Windscreen Motor with Arms £35 Tel 01202 895398

Double strip light inspection table lamp. £30 phone 01202 883347. Bench drill hardly used. £50. Phone 01202 883347.

Nintendo Wii console Excellent condition with Wii-fit sports & balance board.

All games & full instructions £20 ono 01258 720101

Greenhouse 6ft by 8ft. Good condition. Buyer to collect. £20ono. 01202 989475.

Girls small bicycle. Suitable 5-7years.

www.stouravonmagazine.co.uk/free-ads/

Perfect condition. £25. 01202 989475.

18 hard back books. the history of films, cinema, films stars and silent films

Tel 01202 886054 - £50

Child car seat for sale in excellent condition as bought for when Grandchildren visited - £10. 07746 571088

JAYBE FOLDING BED SINGLE WITH COVER, AS NEW CONDITION £55 Tel. 07766 354176

CHILD’S BUGGY

Mamas & Papas 03 Sport Stroller One owner Nice condition £15 01258 860553.

Halfords 470 ltr lockable car top box. £30 Tel. 07988 42161

CHAIR, vintage, wooden upright

lounge chair, circa 1940-1950s, needs re-upholstering; £10 cash, mob: 07774 628641.

Volt Burlington Electric Bike

Very good condition. Large lock, carrier. Bargain £595. 01747 838788.

Pets

Staffy Pups KC reg. Chipped and jabbed. Ready now £1350. 07706 874466.