Letters

We must do more to help Afghan friends

It is one year on since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. One year since we witnessed those horrific scenes of people desperately trying to flee Kabul, right. For some Afghans, it’s one year since reaching safety in the UK. But for others, it’s one year of hiding in Afghanistan from the wrath of the regime, one year of fearing for their lives as they desperately try to reach family members already here. But there is almost no way for Afghans to reach safety - there are virtually no routes to reach the UK. Since the evacuations last year, the UK Government has repeatedly broken promises to Afghans, including those who helped the British mission. Many of those who were evacuated are still stuck in hotels, unable to reunite with loved ones still in Afghanistan or to move on with their lives here. In BCP area we have several Afghan families in hotels and some who have family who cannot get out of Afghanistan. The promised safe routes have not materialised, and those that do exist are inadequate for people trapped in the region. Afghans are forced to take dangerous journeys instead and then are cruelly threatened with banishment to Rwanda. Without action now, more lives will be lost. The Government must urgently do more to help Afghans safely reach the UK and family here, as it has rightly done with Ukrainian refugees.

Judith Williams Safe Passage Dorset & BCP

I read the details of the walk suggested by Chris Slade in the New Stour & Avon dated August 12 and followed the route on a large-scale map. There is one long section of the route which is positively dangerous. We are told to turn south at the High Lea Farm/Witchampton crossroads, continue as far as Stanbridge, and then turn back up the same road to High Lea Farm. The road concerned is the B3078 which runs between Cranborne and Wimborne, and although it is a “B” road it carries a lot of traffic, much of which is moving at very fast speeds. It is notorious for accidents, particularly involving motorbikes. I think it would be foolhardy to attempt to walk along this road, with very limited escape onto verges. Please warn readers to avoid those two miles of the route; it could save their lives.

J Howes

New WI members welcome

I am on the committee of Absolutely WI based in Ferndown. We are trying to increase our member base and are the largest WI in Dorset and have been for a while. Our membership has dropped a little as has also happened with many other WIs since the lockdowns. In May we received a Big Thank You from the National

Federation Of Women’s Institutes after a new member had written a letter saying how welcome she felt having joined Absolutely WI. You can find out more at: absolutelyWI.co.uk. The others is from Facebook of the National WI and their thank you to us for being a friendly and welcoming WI

Sue Frampton Ferndown Rockbourne Roman villa

In our piece about Rockbourne Roman Villa, we stated that it was thought it could have been a country home for Publius Helvius Pertinax, governor of Britain in AD 185-186, and his family. This is incorrect as Pertinax never lived in Rockbourne.

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Road too dangerous to walk

Chris Slade comments: I agree that the route down the B3078 is far from ideal for pedestrians, but currently, there’s no practical alternative for them, as the western 2/3 of the joint parish of Hinton is almost devoid of public rights of way. Perhaps the Parish Council - possibly assisted by Dorset Council - could negotiate with the local landowners to provide suitable rights of way or permissive ways. The large scale map shows that there are already some paths but they’re not (yet!) recorded as public.

Words and picture: TOM SCRASE Scoots prove a hoot

The ‘Grumpy Granddads Having Fun’ group passed through Wimborne with their Lambrettas in Minster Square. They enjoyed a great time with cups of coffee and a snack whilst talking to lots of interested passers-by. Many folk people gathered around admiring the machines that they themselves used to own and enjoy.

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

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

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

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Stunning views

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