The New Stour & Avon Magazine 27/01/2023

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The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is fast approaching its 15th anniversary and the first event to mark the occasion will be a Vintage Afternoon Tea at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown on Saturday, April 22.

Guests will enjoy dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cakes and little sweet treats, together with unlimited tea.

A scrumptious afternoon tea is not all that is on offer, guests will also be treated to a nostalgic trip down memory with the fabulous Land Girls. This talented duo is sure to get everyone singing along as they provide an uplifting 1940s experience with songs from the Andrews Sisters to Vera Lynn and lots in between.

This is an event not to be missed.

Tickets are just £12.50 per person and available direct from the Barrington Centre barringtoncentre.co.uk/ events.

All proceeds will be supporting local young

Leggy Land Girls line up for charity

people, providing them with the financial help they need to achieve their ambitions and really develop as individuals.

Grab a good buy and help a good cause at the same time at the special Coffee Morning & Tabletop Sale in aid of the Ukraine Disaster Fund.

It’s going to be held at the Gussage St Michael Hall tomorrow, Saturday, January 28, from 10.30am until noon.

More information from Helen Hatton on 01258 840671 or email helenand vichatton@hotmail.co.uk.

A good date for bargains galore Smashing appeal

It’s a few months off yet but High Mead Farm near Ferndown is calling for unwanted crockery for the crockery smash stall at its Open Day on May 20 2023. The farm is also looking for Morris dancers and jugglers to perform, as well as goodquality bric-a-brac it can sell.

More information from info@highmeadfarm.org.uk.

Enjoy a fabulous Vintage Afternoon Tea and support a great local charity in the process.

OO-ER: The saucy Land Girls will be appearing in a fundraiser at Ferndown’s Barrington Centre Picture:

Fascinating story of high-flying cameraman

by Faith Eckersall

Showing off your work, either in print or to an admiring audience in a gallery, is one of the pleasures of being a photographer.

But, for Ringwood man Robbie Forrester-Addie, none of this was allowed – as his photographs were all taken for the Ministry of Defence.

As an MoD cameraman at what was known as the Aircraft and Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down airfield, it was Robbie’s job to photograph ‘almost anything aircraft and armament-wise’ being used by UK forces.

“I started aged 17 and joined the Ministry of Supply as it was known than in 1958,” says Robbie, who is now 83. “You had to pass exams and get to a high professional status for the kind of work required,” he explains

“This meant everything, from learning all the processing techniques used in the on-site film lab, to shooting 1,000 pictures a second cine footage from jets.

Other work included setting up filming on the ground, as well as going up in aircraft to film their – or the weapon’s –performance.

The complicated work often involved the use of four-foot long lenses and kinetheodolites – equipment for capturing trajectory data.

“If, for instance, they are dropping a bomb or firing a rocket, a trials officer wants to see exactly what’s happened as it leaves the airplane in all

kind of conditions, from snow and ice, to heat, wet, and at different heights and with different G-force,” he says.

Robbie’s job was to accurately capture this first time, then process the film immediately afterwards, readying it for inspection by military staff.

“It gave me some marvellous experiences; I flew in the Victor bomber, we went to Canada to film cold-weather performance, and I even went

parachuting,” he says. Of all his amazing experiences, he cites the flight he took in a two-seater Harrier jump-jet, at Catania airbase in Sicily, as it tested the aircraft’s performance in hot weather. “I really enjoyed that one, it was an extraordinary thing to be part of,” he says.

After his retirement in 1997, Robbie pursued an active life – he even ran the Race for Life ‘against’ his son, in 2021

and now gives talks about his former work to raise money for Cancer Research.

He’ll be giving a talk to Fordingbridge u3a on Wednesday, February 15, in the Avonway Centre, starting at 2pm.

Along with his photography talk, Robbie speaks on his RNLI fundraiser: ‘Paddling Round the Isle of Wight in an inflatable canoe’ which he completed in 1980 and his tandem parachute jump, completed when he was 79.

More details from rforresteraddie@btinternet. com.

EJECTION: Capturing the moment a pilot ejects from a Canberra bomber and, below, cameraman Robbie at work over the years

Now you can borrow an iPad from the library

Along with books, magazines and family history tracing, Dorset’s libraries are now offering the chance to borrow an iPad.

A pilot scheme involving five libraries, including Blandford and Ferndown, will let people borrow the tablets for up to six weeks, free of charge.

Dorset Council libraries are working with Citizen’s Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions to help people search and apply for jobs online. The borrowed iPads can also be used to access online training to gain skills and knowledge.

Library staff will show people how to use them and there is no need for broadband as the tablets have free data and are fully loaded with information about looking for work and learning new skills.

If the pilot is successful Dorset Council will investigate extending the number of libraries able to offer this service.

Details of the scheme can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ borrow-an-ipad.

Community in shop launch

Avon Valley Community Matters is opening a new charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street next month.

The church-backed organisation, which helps people in the local area, hopes to sell recycled items to generate income for its work. However, AVCM says it also wants to create a ‘safe and welcoming space for the cold and lonely and help nurture young people with Special Educational Needs and others in need of support by offering them retail experience.’

The shop is now seeking volunteers as well as a new store manager.

Find out more at avcommunitymatters@gmail. com or call 01425 540669.

Little respite for helpers at foodbank

The hardy Wimborne Foodbank volunteers continued putting out a vast amount of items, from toiletries to food, over the Christmas and New Year period. Some are pictured here working their way through January

Words and picture by TOM SCRASE

Locations for gritting bins

Alderholt Parish Council have given a list of public gritting bins – where people can collect grit to spread on slopes, corners and footpaths not on the main gritting routes.

A spokesman said: “Even though Dorset Council gritters have been out several times they only do certain routes, but there are a few slopes and corners in residential areas that are outside the lorries’ route.”

Gritting bins can be found at: Post Box Cottages Crendell, Alderholt Mill, Manor Farm Sandleheath Road, Park Lane opposite the school, Ringwood Rd/Earlswood junction and Birchwood opposite Broomfield and Beech Close.

Sale tomorrow

There will be a jumble and nearly new sale tomorrow, Saturday, January 28, at Damerham Village Hall, SP6 3HD.

Admission costs 50p and there will be refreshments and a raffle.

It’s top of the mops at the mill!

Walford Mill trustees dashed with mops to Wimborne’s Grade II-listed mill building as exceptional rainfall saw water seeping through the floor’s ancient flagstones from the mill race below.

Although the ground floor was briefly immersed, swift action and the drop in water levels meant the charity-run attraction has been able to reopen to the public as planned after the New Year break.

“What a baptism we’ve had for the new season, but visitors can now expect a dry welcome,” said trustee Greg Hoar.

The Mill Studios and Gallery, open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday every week, are a home to Dorset craft makers, artists and visiting exhibitors.

February features a photographic display by The Long Exposure Collective.

CLEAR UP: Terry Wheeler, above, and John Allen get to work

Club organised by its own members

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? If not, it’s still not too late so how about ‘Get out more, find new interests and make new friends’.

If you are fully or semi-retired and live in or around Ringwood you could do just that by joining the u3a (previously known as the University of the Third Age).

For the modest annual subscription of £25 we enjoy a monthly meeting with a speaker on a variety of topics and a dozen different interest groups including crafts, book clubs, walks, pub lunches, coffee mornings, games, petanque, mah-jong, singing, family history, canasta, healthy living and local outings.

We also have an excellent section catering for men’s interests.

The more members we have the more groups we can form as the club is organised by the members themselves with a view to enjoying educational, creative and leisure pursuits in a friendly, sociable environment.

The club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm in Greyfriars Community Centre.

Why not come along for a free introductory meeting to see what we can offer.

For more information take a look at our website: ringwoodu3a.org.uk

Hazel Taylor Ringwood

Corfe Castle is subject of talk

Details of Wimborne Minster WI’s next meeting are as follows:

On Monday, February 6, Gill Hayes is our speaker and her subject is Corfe Castle. We will also have our usual business ,raffle and refreshments.

Visitors are always very

Have a Flamin’ good time!

welcome.

Our meetings are held at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane, Wimborne and start at 10.15 am.

For further information please call Jill Haywood 01202 888194.

Jill

Haywood, President Wimborne Minster WI

Change of date for quiz night

Wimborne Community Theatre has unfotunately had to rearrange our fundraising Quiz Night.

This will now be held on Wednesday, February 22, to support the development of

WCT’s future community theatre projects.

More information is available here: wimborne communitytheatre.co.uk.

Barbara Hart Wimborne

Ringwood’s Flamin’ Ukes are returning to Godshill Village Hall.

The band will be playing back home again, on Saturday, April 22, after a break of nearly two years. This annual concert, always a sell-out, is back by popular request. The band will be playing

their eclectic mix of old and new songs, with jollity, fun and laughter.

Put the date in your diaries. Tickets are available from Marlene Williams on 01425 650845 and Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or 07798 555500.

Derek Ayling Ringwood

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

by Faith Eckersall

Rare greater horseshoe bats are just one of the species which will benefit from a new wildlife haven being created near Blandford.

Dorset Council has purchased 13 acres of land adjoining Milldown Nature Reserve and is looking for volunteers to help plant trees and hedges.

The land, which is currently arable fields and woodland, adjoins the Green Flag award-winning Milldown Nature Reserve and North Dorset Trailway near Blandford. The aim of the land purchase is to create new habitat and wildlife corridors to support the survival of one of the rarest bats in Europe, the greater horseshoe, said the council.

The project will see hedgerow restoration, the creation of a wildflower meadow and additional tree-planting.

The purchase money came from the council’s Habitat Compensation Fund, using money secured through developer contributions. Additional cash also came from Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.

The new reserve will provide crucial habitat for adults and juvenile bats from the nearby Bryanston Site of Special Scientific Interest roost, whilst also supporting other bat species and a host of other wildlife. Dorset’s portfolio holder for the

Bats to benefit at wildlife haven

environment, Ray Bryan, said: “This recent land purchase is an excellent opportunity to create much-needed habitat for Dorset’s wildlife, whilst providing more access to the countryside for residents.

“We are determined to work with partners to promote the recovery of nature and tackle the ecological emergency.” However, some residents took to social media to complain that developers had

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

‘exploited’ the opportunity to build on green land.

“Thirteen acres of ‘transformed’ land is an insignificant area compared to the land that has been taken for development over the past three years in Blandford Forum alone,” said one.

Donations of £40 (+vat) for the 70 trees being planted are being taken by Blandford Forum Town Council.

“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

Appeal for witnesses after post office raid

Two people have been arrested after an alleged armed raid at a post office in Wimborne - which saw cash taken from a safe. The incident occurred at Furzehill Post Office, in Smugglers’ Lane, between 6pm and 6.10pm on Tuesday, January 10.

Dorset Police detectives are now appealing for any witnesses - or anyone with relevant dashcam footage - to come forward.

Police said three offenders are reported to have entered the post office and made off with a quantity of cash from a safe. One of the men was reportedly in possession of a firearm, they said.

A full investigation was launched by detectives from Dorset County CID and following extensive enquiries, two men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 43-year-old man from Wimborne and a 32-year-old man from Christchurch have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and possessing a firearm while committing a schedule one offence.

Detective Inspector Rhys Griffiths, of Dorset County CID, said: “Our investigation into this incident remains ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the relevant timeframe to please contact us. “I would also urge any motorists who were driving in the vicinity to please check any dashcam footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.

“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area as our investigation continues.

“Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www. dorset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230005000. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

£9000 raised by collection service and recycling

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, the charity that supports around 600 local people facing life-limiting illnesses across East Dorset and Purbeck, is delighted to report that its Christmas Tree collection and recycling service was a ‘mammoth’ success.

Nearly 600 trees were collected across BH1 to BH23 and were then recycled by Eco Sustainable Solutions, JSR Tree Care in Swanage or James Dean Garden Maintenance.

Area fundraiser Ruth Wright said: “We have raised an incredible £9,000 for our wonderful charity which could pay for 30 days of running our

Breathlessness service.

“We are to be able to continue offering this brilliant ecofriendly service to our local community and are so grateful to our loyal supporters who keep coming back to register their trees for collection.

“A special thanks to Katie Fox Estate Agents for sponsoring our campaign again this year and huge thanks to so many other local businesses and volunteers who have continued to help us, from donating vans and people power, to providing space to chip trees.”

For more information visit lewis-manning.org.uk.

The roll-call of thanks goes to:

Abacus Vehicle Hire –Ferndown

Breeze – Poole

Poole Yacht Club (PYC)

Eco Sustainable Solutions

James Dean Garden Maintenance

JSR Tree Care and Garden Maintenance

Peter Harding Wealth Management

We Move

Easy Storage

TWK Scaffolding

Hill Osborne Accounting Mauveworx

Compton Acres

Your Man with a Van –Poole

Five Star Man and Van Lewis-Manning volunteers and staff.

Harry Redknapp –Hospice Patron

Photo ID is now required to vote

Voters in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will need to show an accepted form of photographic identification at this year’s local elections.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new condition, introduced under the UK Government’s Elections Act, which comes into effect for the first time this May.

BCP Council is urging Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents to check now that they have an accepted form of ID to bring to the polling station in May.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If voters don’t have accepted photo ID, they can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ later this month.

It’s sofa, so good!

New laws concerning the disposal of old sofas at recycling area will affect Dorset residents.

Environment Agency guidance means that the council must treat upholstered furniture differently by placing it in a separate skip.

The reason is because furniture and fabric may have been treated with fire-retardant chemicals called Persistent Organic Pollutants. These have not been used since 2019 but can remain in the environment and need to be incinerated safely.

Dorset Council said: “The basic principles remain the same: If your old furniture cannot be reused, please bring it to a household recycling where it will be safely disposed of free of charge.”

‘Landmark’ store goes on the market

A landmark, award-winning ‘lifestyle’ shop in Blandford has been put up for sale.

The Hambledon Gallery, in Salisbury Street, first opened its doors in 1962 and has been a popular retail destination for more than 60 years.

The venue first opened as an artists’ meeting place, before being converted into an art gallery run by the artist Katharine Church, known as Kitty West.

Originally, the upstairs of the building was dedicated to exhibitions of artwork by local and well-known artists, including Keith Vaughn, Mary Fedden, Elizabeth Frink and Richard Batterham.

Downstairs focused on women and children’s clothes and homeware.

Wendy Suffield joined Kitty and the successful partnership continued.

“Exhibitions ended in the 1990s and the shop is largely due to the vision of Wendy, who has turned it into the much loved shop it is today,” a spokesman for the store said. “The shop is a beautifully-curated collection of women’s wear and accessories along with children’s clothes, books and toys as well as jewellery, perfume, homewares and toiletries.

“Despite the challenges of the last few years, the Hambledon Gallery saw an increase in turnover in 2022 and a very successful run up to Christmas.

“The current owners are eager to sell the building with the business as a going concern and they strongly believe the current turnover can be increased with improvements to their already successful online shop.”

The Hambledon Gallery is for sale through property agent, Goadsby. The listing says it is a ‘spacious,

beautifully-fitted destination store arranged over two floors’, with a ‘loyal, established clientele’ and ‘substantial business goodwill’.

A one-bedroom, self-contained flat is also included, currently let.

The business transfer is listed for sale at a price of £385,000. For more details, visit goadsby.com.

A wine old time was had by all!

The Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association enjoyed their regular Christmas wine tasting evening at Merley Community Centre for the first time, writes Graham Richards. After a sparkling wine reception, guests were introduced to wines from a variety of countries, presented by their president David Emes, who accompanied the evening with a light-hearted quiz on the wines tasted.

A continental supper was provided, and the evening was rounded off by a ‘Secret Santa’ raffle.

This event marked the end of a very successful year for the association, including the restoration of the exchange visit in June after its enforced break, and the committee thanked all the members for their support and look forward to their continued support in 2023.

Boutique wins display comp with Grace

Congratulations and certificates of achievement were presented to winners of the Ringwood Christmas Window Competition by town mayor Gareth DeBoos.

The overall winner was ‘With Grace’, a home décor boutique that beat stiff competition from more than 30 local shops, businesses and community organisations to be voted the winner by members of the public.

Greyfriars Community Centre wowed the youngest members of the community with a wonderful Minions-themed display and were voted as the favourite community organisation.

Champions Barbers and Foris (Friends of Ringwood Infants School) were very worthy runners up.

The competition was organised by Ringwood Town Council as part of their Ringwood Winter Wanderland initiative, which aims to encourage people

into Ringwood town centre to see the popular town lights, Christmas tree and support local shops, businesses and community organisations. More than 1,000 votes were cast in the competition.

Cllr DeBoos said: “The Winter Wanderland has been a huge success this year in supporting our High Street, especially after a difficult year with extensive

roadworks around the town. “Huge congratulations to the winners With Grace, who only moved to the town a few weeks prior to Christmas.”

Emma Betsy, owner of With

Grace said, “We are utterly thrilled and thank you to all who voted for us.

“All the shops in Ringwood made such an effort and it was wonderful looking at them all.”

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS: Ringwood mayor Gareth DeBoos with winners With Grace, right, Greyfriars Community Centre, above and Champions Barbers

Come and see if you’re the boss pancake tosser

The Wimborne Minster Pancake Race is all set to run again this year, writes Anthony Oliver.

It will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 21.

The venue is as always, outside the main north porch entrance to the Minster and the first race will commence at 11.00am as the Pancake Bell is tolled.

Competitors will be required to run round the Minster tossing their pancakes at the four corners of the church. In the event of wet weather the races will take place inside the Minster as they did last year.

All competitors should report to the north porch by 10.30am to enrol, complete with frying pan and ready-cooked pancake. Anyone can enter, male or female, young or old, individuals, schools, groups and organisations.

All are most welcome. So have we some challengers (over 18) to win the ‘John Loader Memorial Cup’, presented by Martyn and Kathy Curtler and become the Minster Pancake Champion 2023?

There will also be races for the under-18s and, depending on the number of entries

Neve’s small steps make a big difference

these will again be spilt into three age ranges, 4-9, 9-13 and 13-18.

Likewise, there will be races for pre-schools and toddlers and those using wheelchairs. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category.

No. 9 On the Green will have pancakes to purchase for everyone to enjoy both before and after the races.

So come on, get yourself into training for the big day and pick up an entry form from the Minster or the parish office in Church House, (next to the Minster) or just turn up on the day and have some fun!

by Lorraine Gibson

When seven-year-old Neve Farrell heard about Emily Collins, a young aid worker who, despite being ill, cared for impoverished children in Africa, she wanted to help children, too.

It was while visiting Jill Mumford, Neve’s mum’s former teacher and headteacher of Hampreston School, who was fundraising for Emily’s Ugandan orphans charity, that Neve learned the full story.

Emily, also a Hampreston pupil, was diagnosed with bone cancer at 16 yet still journeyed to Africa to support abandoned street children; she also raised funds to help build a school for the orphaned children that bears her name today.

Neve, a Year 3 pupil at Hayeswood School and a shining example of Emily’s

inspiration, told her mum Ellie: “I thought about people in Africa not surviving, and babies being unwell without fresh water.”

Aware of the danger of unclean water and the needy African street children, she wanted to raise money to donate to both Oxfam and the Emily Collins’ Ugandan School.

Pointing out that: “Children in poor villages in Africa have to walk a long way for fresh water,” she vowed to walk two miles a day for two weeks, come rain or shine, to raise money.

And she did. Along Pamphill, By The Way, Sandbanks, the New Forest, Baiter and Poole Quay.

“Her favourite walks were the beach ones,” says Ellie, “with plenty of stone skimming and shell collecting.

“One walk was two miles of dribbling her 12-year-old brother George’s football!”

And she did it.

Neve, a keen ballet dancer and animal lover, raised more than £250 - £173 for Oxfam and £85 for the Emily Collins school - and says: “I feel really happy and so excited. I felt proud to finish - and wet. I hope this makes it easier to get water in a village and equipment for the school.”

Her parents said: “She’s so happy to have smashed her target and hopes to make a little difference. It’s a little amount, but a lot of love.”

Neve says that her next fundraiser might be a cake sale for the RSPCA. Watch this space.

Political round-up

Abolish stamp duty to help first-time buyers

It is always gratifying in the House of Commons to have one’s ideas greeted by colleagues with ‘Hear, hear’. That was the response to my suggestion that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Stamp Duty should be abolished altogether, reflecting that it is an issue on which ‘real Conservatives who believe in a home-owning democracy should be able to agree’. Constituents often ask me about the disillusionment of young people from politics. One answer is that the current generation of politicians has failed to match the aspirations of young people for home ownership and the ability thereby to take more responsibility for their own lives.

In 1989, 51% of 25 to 34-yearolds owned their own home. Now only about half that number do.

Twenty five years ago, a first time buyer’s house would

cost an average of 2.1 times earnings. Now the multiple is 5.5 times.

The consequence is that 1.3 million young people who would have owned a home in 1989 are not able to own one today and the average age of a first time buyer has risen to an all-time high of 34. Recent significant increases

in mortgage borrowing costs coupled with the squeeze on incomes and higher personal taxes are making this worse. Lack of affordability in the Christchurch constituency is even more of an issue.

The average house price is £405,000, 11.8 times earnings, compared with the national average of eight times earnings. Ironically, the higher prices attract higher SDLT which is based on the false assumption that the price of a house is related to ability to pay.

In Christchurch SDLT can add an additional £10,000 to the cost of an average-priced house.

The Truss Government in September recognised these problems and introduced changes to SDLT which would take 200,000 home buyers, including 60,000 first-time buyers, out of SDLT entirely. Inexplicably, that reduction has now been made temporary

and when it is reversed in 2025 will add at least £1billion to the overall tax burden which is already at a 70-year high.

This is despite the Prime Minister having said, in his New Year message, that he wishes to reduce taxes.

The link between the burden of housing transaction taxes and home ownership is well evidenced.

Prior to 1997, it was a maximum of 1%. It is now as high as 12%.

The Sunak government now has the chance to implement radical policies to expand home ownership, particularly among young people.

Abolishing Stamp Duty would be a great start and make up for the absence of any reference by the Prime Minister to either housing or home ownership in his speech of January 4 about the people’s priorities.

Shapps’ anti-strike bill inflaming situation

The Grant Shapps’ anti-strikes bill published this week sets out to establish minimum service levels to be maintained during future strikes in the public sector.

It does nothing to soothe the current terrible industrial relations situation but totally inflames it; setting the Tory Government at war with the working people of the UK.

The Government hopes it will win over the traditional Tory voters by portraying the current strike leaders Messrs Whelan and Lynch as the modern-day Scargill and McGahey. It vainly hope doing so will bolster its currently low poll ratings.

In addition it will hope that the present sympathy for the prevailing health workers and ambulance strikers plus the reasonable degree of support for the rail workers and drivers will be dissipated as the disputes become ever more

acute and entrenched. However, if we look at the areas of economic activity to be included in the Bill we will see they are: health services, fire and rescue, education services, transport services, border security and radio-active waste. These areas of activity will inevitably bring the Government into conflict with a whole host of outsourced service companies from the private sector over which it has no direct control.

Whilst the unions will undoubtedly end up taking the Government to Court over the matter, the outcome is bound to be a long drawn-out and messy affair.

Witness the situation with the Government’s attempt to deport immigrants to Rwanda – a policy designed to provide dividing lines and traps for Labour, with little chance of implementation in our country,

which still has regard for human rights.

Although the anti-strike bill appears to me to be a deliberate policy of a greater clampdown on anti-government protest, strikes and the freedom to protest generally, this administration is heading for a rough ride as the deplorable

economic situation gets ever worse with the cost of living tightening its grip on the population.

Not a problem for the plutocrats and fund-managers of the Tories who will continue to ride rough-shod over us until they are hopefully ousted at the next general election. Nor a problem for one of the recent disgraced Tory prime ministers Boris Johnson. In the last four months, he has received more than £2.5m in earnings from speeches, hospitality, gifts and donations.

He’s also benefitting from rent-free accommodation in both a London town house and a village in the Cotswolds courtesy of a wealthy Tory donor.

Maybe he should spend more time in his constituency, connecting with real people. A connection his party is sorely missing.

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour ALAN CROSS

Opinions

expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

Unfair for workers to shoulder burden

I was delighted to represent the Liberal Democrats on ITV’s The Last Word during January where one of the topics was public sector strikes.

Rail workers, border officials, lecturers, barristers, ambulance workers and nurses have all withdrawn their labour in recent months and the one common denominator is a reluctance on the part of the Government to sit down and negotiate with their representatives.

Ministers – and indeed the Conservative MP with whom I shared the sofa on the TV –maintain that salary increases drive inflation but they fail to accept that wages in the private sector are going up as companies recognise the need to help employees cope with the rising cost of living.

It is wholly unfair to expect public sector workers to shoulder the burden when they have little opportunity to change employer.

Public sector workers have

had more than a decade of austerity with a two-year pay freeze followed by another five with a pay cap of just 1%. Some sectors have also seen dramatic reductions in staffing, as a combination of Brexit and Covid have reduce the workforce, and other budget restraints that have worsened working conditions.

I completely support the right of workers to withdraw their labour and we should not forget that those workers will lose pay for their actions. Whilst some of the pay demands are above inflation and unlikely to be affordable, they do represent a starting point for negotiations.

Liberal Democrats believe that workers deserve wage increases that are as close to inflation as possible – otherwise they are looking at pay cuts – so to see ministers fail to sit down with unions for months on end is unhelpful.

Liberal Democrats are proud to have introduced the triple

lock pension which ensures that state pensions keep pace with both salaries and inflation, and we are relieved that the Government has agreed to restore the inflationary link for those on other state benefits. Now it is time to protect the incomes of those people who we clapped during Covid, and it is wrong to use this cost-ofliving crisis to force through strike-busting legislation. Minimum service levels won’t

avert disruption. There will still be huge overcrowding and delays, which is no good to people in an emergency. The best way to avoid disruption is to prevent strikes in the first place, which means getting round the table with staff and employers to find a solution. This is a desperate effort to distract from the mismanagement of the country by a dysfunctional government

- Rishi Sunak is completely out of touch and has no idea how to fix these problems.

When you have talks collapsing and workers resorting to strikes, it’s the public that are left to deal with the consequences, which is unfair to the general public.

Regardless of minimum service levels, under the Conservatives, people are waiting hours for ambulances, schools are restricting their timetables and staff are leaving jobs in the NHS - that has nothing to do with strikes.

Schools set to be transformed with new funding

by Lorraine Gibson

Five schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be transformed as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) School Rebuilding Programme. Following investment secured by BCP Council, Winchelsea Special School and Somerford Primary have been prioritised to receive investment in their buildings.

Highcliffe School, Corfe Hills School and Heathlands Primary Academy have also secured funding through their respective trusts.

The School Rebuilding Programme carries out major reconstruction and refurbishment projects across England, with buildings prioritised according to condition. The 400 schools now in the programme were identified by the DfE from more than 1000 nominations received from councils and trusts across England.

Cllr Nicola Greene, portfolio holder for council priorities and delivery said: “We strive to ensure that every pupil enjoys going to school and experiences the best setting for their learning.

“We’ve worked with the schools and DfE to identify accommodation most in need of

replacement or major refurbishment.

“Somerford Primary and Winchelsea are important in BCP’s schools offering, so I’m thrilled that the children learning at these can experience their sites transforming over the next few years.

“Hundreds of children and young people attending the successful academies will benefit from additional investment that further enhances the quality of their teaching and learning environments. I look forward to seeing all these exciting changes take place.”

Geoff Cherril, headteacher at Winchelsea added: “The whole school community is delighted.

“The children at Winchelsea School have significant SEND needs and we are looking forward to meeting these needs in a more appropriate environment. We are excited that the inclusion of therapeutic facilities, Post-16 accommodation and more flexible teaching spaces will allow us to continue to develop our school provision.

“As a community, we are extremely pleased that children with SEND will benefit from this project.”

Helen Frampton, headteacher at Somerford said: “We are delighted to have been successful.

“Our children deserve the best learning environment we can offer, and this rebuild project will help us to deliver this. We are excited to work with the DfE to bring our primary school together in one building and offer additional learning experiences for all pupils.”

Schools are provisionally allocated a place on the programme, subject to further due diligence, with projects planned for a delivery rate of approximately 50 a year.

Dorset Lib-Dems VIKKI SLADE

INVESTMENT: Corfe Hills School

special gift to get for Valentine’s Day,” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse.

The pendant, estimated at £400-£600, has a miniature watercolour of an eye inset in a frame of paste set in a yellow coloured metal mount.

Whilst we will never know the identity of the sitter, the eye would have been a gift from the sitter to a secret lover.

The pendant, with other fantastic jewellery, watches and silver, will be sold on Thursday, February 2, followed by a single owner collection of dolls, antiques and interiors on Friday, February 3.

All the lots and viewing details, is available at charterhouseauction.com where live online internet bidding is also available. Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their busy programme of auctions including coins, medals, stamps and collectors in March along with classic cars followed by classic motorbikes also in March.

The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset are available for help and valuations on 01935 812277 or via info@charterhouse-auction. com

Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse,

Debut release for rising star Eliza

Eliza Hope Cowdery, a 16-year-old from the New Forest, has just released her debut single Limbo.

Written during lockdown when she was 13, Eliza wrote the song to help deal with the emotional impact of being stuck inside during the Pandemic. Many other songs soon followed. She recently fulfilled a long-term dream to record her music with the help of Harrison Perks at HP Music in Ringwood.

She said: “I am so pleased to finally release my first song and am excited to share it with the world.”

Eliza started learning the violin at the age age of five.

Since then, she has learned to play the bass guitar, guitar and ukulele and discovered a passion for singing.

Lockdown offered her the time and space to pursue songwriting which she discovered was a positive creative outlet for her emotions:

“I think many people my age feel judged for being who they are and retreat into themselves... writing music makes me feel like myself and is my favourite way to creatively outlet my emotions.”

Limbo is a catchy acoustic song which evokes the strange limbo-world we all experienced in lockdown as well as the

battleground between adolescence and adulthood.

Eliza plays all of the instruments on the track (bass, ukulele and violin) and sang and arranged all the vocals and harmonies. The song can be downloaded from Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music and other music

Police appeal after £120k theft

Dorset Police are appealing for information after the theft of high-value machinery from a works site in Morden Road near Wareham. The items, pictured above, were stolen between noon on Saturday, January 14, and Monday morning, January 16.

Machines stolen include a Keto 150 HD harvester head, an Indeco IMH8 forestry mulcher, an Intermercato TG25 grab with CPR8 rotator, a TMK300 tree shear, a cone splitter, a hydraulic cone splitter, a fuel pump and hand tools.

Police community support investigator Chris Hardy said: “This incident, has resulted in the loss of more than £120,000-worth of equipment. “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please get in contact with us.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who comes across machinery similar to that described being offered for sale in unusual circumstances.”

Contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55230007748.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at Crimestoppers-uk.org or on Freephone 0800 555 111.

retail outlets, or from elizahopemusic.com/ singles.

The teenager’s second single, called Motionless Emotions, will be released soon. For more information visit elizahopemusic.com or email elizahopemusic@yahoo.com.

291 stone lost so far this year in Wimborne, North Dorset and Blandford Slimming World Team!

Yes! You can lose weight and eat rice, pasta and potatoes!

Tracey Oldfield a Slimming World consultant and team developer says: “While many people wishing to lose weight believe they need to cut out carbohydrate foods from their diet - like pasta, rice, potatoes and bread - in fact members of Slimming World groups eat these regularly and lose weight!

“We hear conflicting confusing messages about the best way to lose weight, especially this time of year “At Slimming World we know that carbohydrates play such an important role in both a healthy diet and sustainable weight loss.

“So far this January alone, members across the team in Wimborne, Blandford and North Dorset have lost an incredible 239 stone 1.5lb!! Why not join us?

Local Group information can be found on the Slimming World website.

STARDOM BECKONS: Multi-skilled musician Eliza Hope Cowdery

Picture: DORIANA RE

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Wimborne Community Learning and Resources Centre

Kings Street (entrance in Kings Street car park)

Tuesdays 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm Louise 07902 566149

Colehill

St Michael’s Church The Church Centre Thursdays 6pm Lucy 07749 983274

Colehill The Reef (next to St Michaels School) Saturdays 9.30am Lucy 07749 983274

Corfe Mullen

The Royal British Legion 80 Blandford Road Wednesdays 9am, 11am, 3.30pm, 5.15pm & 7pm Sadie 07545 379045

Broadstone Broadstone Conservative Club Tudor Road Friday 9.30am Lucy 07749 983274

Ferndown Ferndown Village Hall Church Road Tuesdays 5.45pm & 7.30pm Thursdays at 7.30am, 9am & 11am Zoe 07964 887581

Ferndown Ferndown Scout Hut Cherry Grove Friday 9.30am Sophie 07818 506511

West Moors

Pinehurst Community Church 90 Pinehurst Road

Wednesday 4pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Thursday 9am & 10:30am Karen 07795 820310

St Leonard’s & St Ives Ex-Services Club 12 School Lane, St Ives BH24 2PF Mondays 7 30pm

Blandford Methodist Church The Close Thursday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tracey 07776 309982

Blandford Corn Exchange Market place Wednesday 8.30am 10am 11.30am 5.30pm 7pm Tracey 07776 309982

Verwood

Verwood Memorial Hall Ringwood Road Wednesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Danni 07753 312454

**New Consultant from 23rd January**

Bearwood Bearwood Primary School Barons Road Monday 5.30pm & 7pm Debbie 07715 357853

Winton - Bournemouth

St.Luke’s Church Hall St.Luke’s Road Fridays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Saturdays 8am & 10am Susie 07794 994014

Charminster - Bournemouth St.Francis of Assisi Church Hall 480 Charminster Road Wednesdays 9.30am & 11.30am Susie 07794 994014

Boscombe East, Bournemouth

Ilford United Reformed Church Ropley Road Wednesday’s 9am Thursday’s 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7pm Charlotte 07954 237438

Boscombe - Bournemouth

Boscombe Baptist Church 26 Palmerstone Road Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.00pm Gary 07733 131277

Christchurch Twynham Church 99 Barrack Road Mondays 5.00pm & 6.30pm Gary on 07733 131277

Bananas, bombs and a bath to remember!

by Lorraine Gibson

Barbara Rawlin is 108, making her one of the oldest people in the country.

She was born in 1914, the year the First World War broke out and when suffragette demonstrations were widespread with one protester, Mary Richardson, vandalising a Velasquez with a meat cleaver in London’s National Gallery.

It was the year when Ernest Shackleton set sail for Antarctica on the Endurance, the Times newspaper cost a penny, a new car cost £700 and a pint was thruppence.

Barbara’s longevity in itself is reason for celebration, however, what’s more remarkable is that she lives independently in her Wimborne home, with minimal extra care, walks regularly and gets her own lunch.

When her daughter, Joy told her that I wanted to chat to her, she said: “Oh, I don’t think I’ve got anything interesting to talk about.”

So we began with how she was born in 1914 in Vancouver to an aristocratic Irish family then came to England as a toddler, where she was cared for by nannies; her earliest memories far from signify a long life ahead.

“As a child, I was very ill with tuberculosis and had a terrible accident. I fell into a bath of hot water. We were all in the nursery and the nanny had filled it with very hot water. “We were told to sit quietly and have our supper but we didn’t. It was naughty of me, I was very disobedient. My brother gave me a tickle, then a push and into the bath I went.”

Thankfully, Barbara survived the dastardly dip, but caught measles, whooping cough and TB.

“I was away from school for two years. I was sent to the north for better air. I was absolutely isolated. Nobody wanted to see me, they thought it was catching. I was only 10 and I wasn’t given any books to read or anything. I had a nurse who looked after me, then I lived with an uncle and his wife who were not frightened.”

Again, Barbara, who has a strong faith, lived to tell the tale and returned to her family in Tonbridge Wells.

“It was there that I found the lord; my father asked if I’d like to go to a bible class and I said ‘yes’.

“I remember I saw, over the door, the words ‘go forward’, so I did. I was sixteen.”

The articulate centenarian says she later went to Switzerland for her wellbeing but had to leave in a hurry.

“It was 1939, two weeks before the war started. I was lucky to get out but was the

only person on the train, apart from a man walking up and down with a gun.

“I felt like a spy. I think I caught one of the last ferries back.”

Arriving in London with a pound Barbara, now in her twenties, had a choice: Go to Cornwall where her family now lived, or stay and get a job. She chose the latter.

“I worked in St. Mary’s Hospital and was making beds when the first air raid sounded.”

From her bedroom in St. Mary’s, she witnessed aerial Spitfire dogfights overhead and casualties being brought in below.

“It was very frightening,” she says. Made head of the hospital kitchens, she frequently saw the Queen Mother.

“She came often. We’d pass her going up and down the passages. She used to bring the princesses.

“She brought the Queen of Greece once and asked if they could have some cake. We’d made Victoria sponge in large quantities, so we gave them some. The Queen of Greece wanted to know how it was made and came down to the kitchen.

“They (the royal family) would come for musical evenings at the hospital. And at the end of the war, we had a celebratory dinner for them.

“Bananas were just coming back in so we decided to give them those. They started to turn brown, so we hid them by making banana custard.”

The woman with ‘nothing interesting to talk about’ also mentions watching from the medical students’ viewing gallery above the operating theatre as Alexander Fleming - whose lab was in St. Mary’s - was presented to the Queen Mother.

Later she ran a B&B and married widower Athol Rawlin making her mum to two stepchildren, one just a baby.

“A lovely man. It was difficult at the time, and through that, I got Joy.”

Athol was a sergeant major in the Marines and they lived in Malta and Singapore before returning to England.

When asked for her tip for a long and happy life, she says “Read your Bible and come to know the lord.”

n Barbara in her 30s, as a baby and as she is now and taking a walk at Pamphill

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Bread Pudding

My husband loves bread pudding. He will have it as a dessert with custard or cream but will also eat it as a cake.

I looked into the origins of bread pudding and according to the internet, it used to be called Wet Nelly, and is a dish born out of poverty.

During the bombing raids of the Second World War, Liverpool was devastated. The years following were stricken with poverty and food rations. When people have very little, they make the best they can out of that very little. And Wet Nelly, is just that, a delicious bread pudding made with very little.

My grandma used to make it with stale bread, and lots of fruit. These days, bread seems to last longer and stale bread can always be used for toast. I go to the ‘reduced to kill’ section of the supermarket, where there is often loaves of bread past their sell by date.

This is such an easy, no frills, recipe. By the time the bread has soaked the milk up, the other ingredients can be weighted out, and its just a matter of mashing it all together. It’s very filling. I would like to say it’s

nutrious, with all that fruit, but given the quantity of bread and sugar, I am not sure.

I tend to leave out the suet as it seems to stick together quite well, and I often forget to put the sugar on top after it’s been cooked.

To make it really decadent, you could use brioche buns or chocolate brioche buns!

I hope that you enjoy it!!

Ingredients

8oz old bread, brown or white, crusts removed

1/2-pint milk

4oz dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, currants)

2oz suet

2-3tbspn mixed spice

2oz soft brown sugar, you can use ordinary caster sugar

1 beaten egg

Grated nutmeg (optional)

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

Method

Break the bread into small pieces and put into a bowl

Pour over the milk and leave for 30 minutes

Heat the oven to 180C Beat the bread and milk mixture together with a fork

Grease a 7” tin sandwich tin

Add all the fruit , brown sugar , suet ,egg and spice to the bread and mix really well to combine (you may need to get your hands in!)

Pour into the prepared tin and flatten the top Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the top Bake in centre of the oven for 1-1.5 hours Take out of oven and sprinkle over the granulated sugar

Leave to cool in the tin.

How to stop your cheese going off!

The most important day of the year for cheese-lovers poses a question for anybody who appreciates the popular dairy product: “Do you know where your cheese is?”

Far too often, says one waste and recycling company, the answer is ‘going mouldy in your fridge’.

And for Divert.co.uk – the UK’s waste company that hates waste – the amount of cheese wasted by the British public is a scandal of national proportions.

“We, as a nation, throw thousands of tonnes of cheese in the bin every year,” says Divert. co.uk spokesman Mark Hall.

“And it’s ironic that National Cheese Lovers Day, which was last week, is the annual peak for cheese wastage.”

So how can we show our love for the greatness that is the varied world of cheese? It’s simple: Remember to eat it. The sordid truth about bad cheese

According to recent surveys by the Government’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign, as well as one of our fellow waste companies, people in the UK waste hundreds of tonnes of cheese every day, largely because it has been left to go mouldy or dry out.

“And the peak time for this is the second half of January,” says Hall.

“That’s when people remember they bought a Christmas cheese board selection in December, and only become aware of it when it begins to stink their fridge out.”

That’s when the British nation collectively turns up their nose at bad cheese, and throws around 2,000 tonnes of the stuff in the bin. Ironically, that time coincides with National Cheese Lovers Day, which is nothing to be proud of.

“These cheeses died for nothing!” roars Mark.

“And it didn’t have to be that way.”

The sad truth is that people tend to buy fancy cheeses without trying them, find out it’s not to their taste, and then forget about it.

Coupled with the fact that most people don’t know how to store their cheese correctly, it’s not long before they dry out or go mouldy.

Save the cheeses!

Cheese dates back to a period before human history, so nobody really knows how it came about. But in those thousands of years humanity has learned a thing or two about storage.

And the number one way to prevent your cheese from going off is ‘eat it’.

“I actually feel a bit daft having to say this,” says Hall.

“The best way to prevent food wastage is not to waste food, primarily, by putting it in your face. Astonishing, really.”

We’ve even created a handy flow diagram to illustrate this jaw-dropping food-based tip, which can be separately applied to foods which are not cheese.

You might be astonished to learn that the concept of ‘eating cheese’ is not confined only to having it in a sandwich, or with a nice pickle and crackers.

The world is your cheesy oyster

when it comes to cheese-based recipes, and you don’t need to be Jamie Oliver to turn out un pièce de résistance en fromage (‘A masterpiece in cheese’). Easy recipes include: Cheesy mashed potatoes Exotic macaroni cheese with the remnants of your Christmas cheeseboard And the classic cheese on toast. If, for some reason which escapes us, you are not in the mood to eat your cheese, then its life can be extended by proper cheese storage. Most people get this horribly wrong by simply wrapping it in clingfilm, but this is Route One

to early cheese spoilage and the recycling bin.

Instead, put it, in its own wrapper, if possible, inside a sealed container in your fridge. That way it won’t dry out, and is less likely to go mouldy.

Praying to Saint Lucius, patron saint of cheeses and cheesemakers (feast day: 12th July), may also bring results, depending on your level of belief.

“Follow these simple steps, and National Cheese Lovers Day can be every day of the year,” says Mark Hall.

Food for thought... with Barbara Cossins

Mis-labelling of food is an important issue for all of us to tackle Another week and another food scandal. This time it’s apples. German ones labelled up by a major supermarket chain as British. A mistake they say, this doesn’t normally happen they say.

Sorry folks, we have seen this too many times to believe it anymore. Spotted by a British farmer, he posted it onto a farming forum and the story was quickly picked up by Farmer’s Weekly as it is far from the first time that this has happened and the British farming community have had enough and want answers.

The apples were part of the Red Tractor scheme that has also been in trouble before over this issue.

Part of the reason we set up Love Local Trust Local back in 2018 was precisely because so many Open Farm Sunday

visitors that year, told us they had lost faith in the Red Tractor label. So what can we do to help stop this happening and support our British farmers better?

Firstly, look at the labels properly

before we buy items that are already packaged; secondly, take photos of any items that are wrongly labelled and send them to someone like NFU or Farmer`s Weekly or to us here at LLTL and we can take it up and thirdly, when at all possible, buy unpacked fruit and vegetables from our local farm shops and small, independent businesses as then you know where they are coming from. We all need to do our best to buy British as much as possible.

Supporting our home economy, our local farmers and food producers can only be a good thing.

Barbara Cossins

Love Local Trust Local

Health & Wellbeing

Nicki Edwards: The Cambridge Lady 07904 331589 www.one2onediet.com/NickiE

When it comes to Foster Caring what makes Footprints different?

Small, independent and trustworthy with high-quality support to all foster carers. That is the Footprints ethos. We are a strong and friendly team with outstanding values, where everyone strives to achieve the best for Foster Carers and children in care with specialist social workers on duty 24/7 to help carers in all situations, so it is effortless to pick up the phone to talk to one of the team.

Footprints was started 10 years ago by two highly experienced social workers, Vanda and Stephanie, who set out with one aim in mind, ‘to make a difference to children’s lives’. Having specialised in Fostering services for many years, the two knew that they could push boundaries to provide even higher levels of support to carers and children. It is safe to say after 10 years the two continue to stay true to their aim and ambitions having helped change the lives of over 150 children and young people by providing safety and security in the homes of Footprints Foster Carers. But don’t take our word for it! Stay tuned for some insights directly from the carers at Footprints, across a series of articles where we will delve into hot topics such as why our carers chose Footprints, the fostering community, and the following article exploring “the rewarding days as a Foster Carer”.

Care team leader Ita going strong at 80

Ita Graven, from Elizabeth House care home in Parkstone, enjoyed a double celebration recently when she not only turned 80 but was surprised with a special afternoon tea to commemorate her amazing 48 years of continuous service.

Care South’s chief executive, Simon Bird joined the team to celebrate the occasion and personally thank Ita for her dedication to Care South and all the residents she has cared for over nearly half a century, with Ita currently even caring for residents younger than herself.

Young at heart, Ita started her care career in 1974 at Draper House, a residential care home, when it was owned by Dorset County Council. Ita chose to continue working for the service when the hospital transferred over to the Dorset Trust and Care South, until Draper House closed. Ita then transferred to another Care South care home, Queensmead, before finally moving to Elizabeth House. She is now a care team leader, which she marks as the most rewarding period of her career. She said: “Being promoted to care

team leader was a real highlight for me and something I worked hard to achieve. The memory will always stick with me.

“The 48 years have gone by in a flash! I love the work; every day is unique, and I’ve made a good living out of doing something I enjoy.

“I have always said you don’t know your home until you know the residents and that when you know your residents, you know your home.

“Elizabeth House is a home-fromhome for me, and I really appreciate all the effort that has been made to make today’s celebrations so special.”

Simon Bird, chief executive at Care South, added: “We are lucky to have lots of long-term team members who have stayed with us well in excess of 25 years, but Ita’s 48 years is really quite incredible, and there certainly seems to be no stopping her with her energy and enthusiasm.

“Ita has cared for hundreds of residents in our care and really is the perfect example of someone that was made for a career in care with absolute empathy and devotion to caring for everyone she meets.”

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Picture posed by models

Exploring Stour & Avon...

with retired Dorset rights of way officer CHRIS SLADE

Park near the Church, which may be open now, then, a short way past it, join a bridleway on your right, leading first south west then, after a zig zag, continues in that direction through a steep coombe full of anthills.

The soil here has never been cultivated so, at the right time of year, it’ll be worth taking a flora with you that might help you identify rare species.

At the top of the slope there are good views of the distant village. Join a farm track that takes you through Websley Farm and continues south west for half a mile to join a road at the Travellers’ Rest.

Turn right and head north west for a

furlong then right again, north east, for half a mile until, at a bend, you join a footpath on your left heading north north west which meets the Jubilee Trail at The Folly.

This leads you eastwards, downhill, for a mile back to the village. Turn left and you’ll soon be at the main road, the A357, which you cross to join a bridleway to the old mill with hatches and a large pond.

Continue as far as the bridge over the Stour, the parish boundary, then, having looked for minnows, etc, turn back and join a footpath by the mill heading south east.

This leads you to a short road which takes you back to the main road across which you will be in sight of your car. You’ll have walked about four miles.

New Year volunteering is good for you

by Lorraine Gibson

It’s generally agreed that volunteering is good for you.

Helping people or causes, having a sense of purpose and generally just being around others can make us happier, healthier and feel more fulfilled.

And the beauty of volunteering is that how, where and when you help is up to you, as there are endless organisations crying out for willing supporters. You can get involved in stuff that interests you - like fundraising, caring for people or animals, helping the planet, historic preservation, skills or crafts teaching, counselling, sport, cooking - the list is endless.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at something completely new - who knows, you might just surprise yourself. Finding information is easy online, but community gathering spots like local libraries, town halls, clubs, museums and shops are often good places to find out what’s needed nearby.

Organisations really value their volunteers.

At the Dorset History Centre they say: “They help us to raise awareness of our work and improve access to our collections so we offer a range of roles across the Centre that need different levels of skills and experience.”

They might be for you if you’ve a passion for history or want to improve your personal knowledge and skills while doing something worthwhile.

“Volunteers are recruited to specific projects and positions are advertised on their website as they become available but opportunities include: Packaging documents for storage, indexing and transcribing, research, collecting oral histories and supporting people with additional needs. Contact: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ libraries-history-culture/dorset-historycentre/get-involved/volunteer

n At the Water Lily Project, founded in 2011 by a group of local Christians who recognised a need to help women affected by either domestic violence and abuse, addiction, sex trade, financial difficulty or homelessness, they have several volunteering roles available. These include café volunteer, fundraiser or befriender (for this, you must be a practising Christian).

They say: “We are always grateful to those wishing to do something as a means of raising much-needed funds. “In the past people have run a marathon,

held quiz nights, organised a frock swap and an auction. If you would like to help us by holding a fundraising event, we would love to hear from you.”

If you are interested in a befriending role, email Bev McKay on: deputy@ waterlilyproject.org.uk.

nAt the Dorset Children’s Foundation, set up to improve and enrich the lives of children with disabilities and their families, they need people to help out at their shops and events or to lend a hand with administration.

“Every little bit you do will help us to change lives,” they say.

“You can be part of the Dorset Children’s Foundation family. We embrace diversity.” They also champion younger volunteers.

“We support both the work experience initiative and the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.”

Contact: Rhian@thedcf.org or pop into one of their shops for an application form and friendly chat. thedcf.org/volunteer.

Mikemaintainshis amazingweight loss

breathinginand approaching mirrorsfaceon tryingtocon myselfthatI wasn’tinfact overweight.It wasn’thardto reachthatweight butIknewitwould behardtogetit backoffagain!

InAprilof2021,andwithsome shock,Idiscoveredmyweighthad finallyreached17st10lbsandI was,accordingtotheNHS,obese! Tomakeitworse,myXXLt-shirts andsize36jeanswerepractically paintedon,theyweresotight.

ThenIsawaphotoofmewithmy daughterplayingintheparkand suddenlyrealisedIhadtodo somethingaboutit.Icouldn’tkeep

Luckily,afriend hadjuststarted The1:1DietbyCambridgeWeight Plan,sowithsometrepidationI askedforthedetailsandtookthe plunge!Iwasluckyenoughtofind myselfwithNickiEdwardsasmy weightlossconsultant.

Withtheperfectamountofstern words,cajoling,humourand encouragementfromNicki,I commencedmyweightloss journeyatthebeginningofMay 2021.Wecontinuedtomeet weekly(usingon-linevideocalls) andmyweightstartedtofalloff.

BytheendofJulyIfoundmyself5 Stonelighter,fittingcomfortably intosize32”jeansand,Medium sizet-shirts.

Forme,thefirst2-3weekswere prettytough,buttheresultswere nearinstantandIfoundmyself consistentlylosing4/5lbeach week.Theweeklyresultsreally keptmemotivated,alongwiththe extraencouragementfromNicki.

Sincethattimein2021,looking backIcansaythatlosingthe weightwithThe1:1Dietwaseasy, especiallywithNicki’shelpand guidance.Keepingtheweightoff hasbeenachallengebutonethat The1:1Dietpreparesyouforand Nickiistheretohelpatanypoint.

Myrelationshipwithfoodhasnow changedandIammuchmore awareofwhatIamconsumingand it’simpact,whichisalldowntomy

timeonthediet.Istillhaveand refertothe1:1StepsBookandit hasbecomemybible.Iamstill abletoenjoyfoodandhavetreats, butInowknowwhatIneedtodo toenablethatandensureIdon’t gooverboard.

SincethedietIfeelalothealthier andammoreactiveandableto spendmoretimewithmyyoung familyandactuallykeepupwith them!!Ievengotmarriedtoo!

Ifyouwanttoloseweight,for whateverreason,Icanthoroughly andwholeheartedlyrecommend The1:1DietbyCambridgeWeight Planand,inparticular,Nicki Edwards-TheCambridgeLady.

NickiEdwards,TheCambridgeLady isnowlivinginWimborne

New ‘Brunch club’ for under-16s

Ferndown Community Support, known for providing community support and the food bank+ and community Larder in Ferndown and beyond, is launching one of its first new 2023 initiatives to further support the East Dorset area.

Our Saturday Brunch Club for under 16s and their families will provide a warm and welcoming space with tea and toast, snacks, activities including arts and crafts, construction, dolls, cars and dinosaurs, sensory play, baby and toddler area, board games, homework club, nature table, and special guest visitors such as benefits advisers, police, fire etc.

From Saturday 21st, young people and their parents/carers will be able to come to the Ferndown Day Centre between 9.30-11.30am. There is a suggested donation of £1 per young person to put in the tin, but if you can’t afford this please come, no questions

asked,no one is excluded on the basis of affordability.

Currently there is no need to book, but depending on popularity and manageability we may need to look at this in the future!

If you have some free time and would like to volunteer with us, then please do get in touch as we’d love to have more playmates! You can email us at info@ ferndowncommunitysupport. org.uk , go to our website ferndowncommunitysupport.org. uk or phone us on 01202 936121 for more information.

Get yourself set up for a great day ahead Health & Wellbeing

Five ways to ready your body for the day ahead!

Okay so it’s pretty miserable out thereit’s dark and cold!

When the weather is like this it’s tempting to do nothing and just stay inside, however this isn’t really the best for us and our bodies.

Here are some simple tips to help warm you up and get your body ready for the day!

Get a Morning Routine

A routine is described as a set of habits that you create on a regular basis. If you do this every day for several weeks it becomes part of your routine, and helps to shape the day ahead.

A person’s morning routine will be different person to person - it could be that you do a gym class early, or you meditate or do some yoga.

Whatever it is, make sure that you enjoy it, and it will really help to shape your day.

It’s important to remember that an active or self reflective morning routine is generally better than a sedentary one!

Eat well

Getting your five a day is more simple than you think.

The vitamins, minerals and general benefits that we get from our greens are paramount to our general wellbeing. If you start your day eating healthy - then it will help shape the rest of your day.

Avoid coffee on an empty stomach!

Wow this is a big one and only one I’ve discovered recently!

Coffee increases acidity in the stomach and can cause indigestion, bloating and increased cortisol (the stress hormone) release.

CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS

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

Conditions we can treat:

• Migraines

• Lower Back Pain

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I’m not saying to not have your coffee, but just have a glass of water or a bit of breakfast first!

Get a good sleep!

This is an obvious one, but a vital one. How often do you have a bad night’s sleep and you wake up and the rest of the day is difficult and challenging?

Sometimes we can’t avoid a bad nights sleep, but getting yourself a light alarm or getting yourself to bed early will maximise your chance of feeling good once you wake up!

Seek help if you need it

If you’re in pain, this will be the biggest mood killer of them all.

In that case - seek help.

Chiropractic, sports therapy and sports massage is a vital part of a person’s lifestyle, and not only do we reduce pain, but we can help increase mobility, improve your posture, and patient’s report better sleep and digestion too!

If you need us, call 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre. co.uk to see how we can help you!

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

‘Exceptional care’

How can GoodOaks Homecare help you stay living independently at home?

Homecare comes in many forms and areas of expertise. Having a paid care professional move into your home can make a huge difference to your life, giving you the ability to stay living independently at home. Live-in care professionals can assist with all aspects of running a home. They can help with personal care, companionship, housework, cooking and even trips out into the community. We have built strong relationships with our clients and the positive feedback we receive is wonderful. Knowing that a loved one is safe and cared for in their home is hugely comforting for family members and clients.

“Both my parents have lived safely, happily and well cared for in their own home. This could not have been achieved without the exceptional care they have been given by GoodOaks.

“Words cannot adequately convey how grateful I am for the dedication and professionalism of the carers, not to mention those most critical qualities that cannot really be taught and must rely on good personnel selection: kindness and unlimited patience”

Call us today on 01202 065261 or email eastdorset@ goodoakshomecare.co.uk to request a brochure.

Bake Off winner hugs

by Lorraine Gibson

Great British Bake Off winner, Syabira Yusoff has revealed that she’s a tank fanatic and is visiting Dorset’s Tank Museum to get up close and personal to a few of their exhibits.

Last year’s winner of the hit TV show, who will join in the awardwinning attraction’s centenary celebrations, also disclosed that she plays computer games about tanks to relax and that on a previous visit to the museum she got to hug her favourite type, the Panther.

The Sunday, February 26, celebration event is called The Tank Museum’s 100th Birthday Baking Battle, and Syabira will meet fans and judge a cake competition. Anyone can enter and participants get free admission to the museum. One of the prizes up for grabs is a half-day cookery experience at the five-star Chewton Glen Hotel near

Homecare you can rely on

New Milton, a favourite hideaway of celebrities.

The now-famous baker, originally from Malaysia and who is cardiovascular research associate at King’s College in London, wowed the telly show’s judges with her baking skills.

So much so that she was named Star Baker three times and received a Hollywood handshake during Hallowe’en week.

Judge Paul Hollywood described her red velvet cake as: ‘perfect, and better than my cake.’

Fellow judge, Prue Leith said: “She is creative... she practises like anything and she is imaginative; she just has the lot... a very skilful baker.”

Syabira said: “My interest in tanks was inspired by an online WWII simulation game, which I play to relax.

hugs a panther in Dorset!

“It enables me to operate tanks so I just had to go and see them in real life and was amazed at how big they are.

“I even hugged my favourite, the Panther, but I didn’t get to see the famous Tiger 131, as it must have been in for repairs but hopefully I’ll see it in February.

“I didn’t expect the museum to be so vast and to have such a huge collection of armour. It really was a great day out and I can’t wait to go back again. I watched TANKFEST on YouTube and am looking forward to attending the live event in the summer.”

Visitor experience general manager, Rosanna Dean, from the museum in Bovington, said: “Learning that Syabira was a tank fan came as a surprise but we’re chuffed she’s agreed to return to

help us celebrate.

“Syabira will judge our baking fair and competition and we’re asking entrants to send in pictures of their cakes.

“We’re hoping those on the shortlist will re-bake their cakes to bring to the museum for Syabira to see in person.”

To enter, find out more about the 100th birthday Baking Battle, or to apply for a trade stand, visit tankmuseum.org/events/100thbirthday-baking-battle

My story so far...

Hello everyone I am Lisa, proud owner of my very own small business Gifts from the Boat House. I am married, a step mum, and a Westie owner to two cuties…My Work Westies!

In 2014, we moved from New Milton back to the Bournemouth area and in with my dear Dad, into what was once my childhood home from the age of just 7! With a beach themed front garden and an old rowing boat filled with lavender, we all agreed it needed a name… The Boat House.

My mum sadly passed away in January 2008, and Dad just missed and needed… understandably love, companionship and family around him. The mutual plan was for me to be on hand to assist him during his later years, whilst still allowing him the comfort of his own surroundings.

In 2018, it was noticeable that my dad care was becoming more demanding, so I made the decision to give up work and care for

him full time. Even through the care years I felt truly blessed to be able to be with my Dad, but I wanted some normality too.

‘Gifts from the Boat House’ just seemed to be the perfect mini hobby to start up. I made personalised art frames from home, and attended various events selling preloved items. It gave me the chance to meet people once again but most importantly, I still remained at home for the majority of the time. This allowed dad his wishes of having his final years in his own home, surrounded in love.

In October 2021, my dad sadly passed away and a huge gap has left us in body, but both of my parents live on in this wonderful home ‘The Boat House’

My little business means the world to me, and has developed so much from the early days of once selling preloved, I started it from scratch all on my own and I have built it up to what it is today with the love and support from my own family, friends and wonderful Dad.

It is now a gorgeous little gift shop based just inside Baskets and Blooms Garden Centre, West Parley, offering something a little different, everywhere you look!

We have the ideal selection of gifts for both Valentines and Mothers Day so come in and find something for that loved one in your life.

Please support SMALL and support LOCAL! It means the world to me each time I see someone new!

The days are getting longer, January’s gloom is lifting, and we are starting to see early signs of life in the garden.

The daffodils and crocus are well on their way reaching for the sunshine.

There is hope and life to be found.

As we go into February, there is still time to continue to take stock for the year ahead, do a little ‘spring clean’ if you haven’t already, as well as tending a few plants which would love attention now to perform their best.

Here are a few things to be doing in the next month:

Apple and pear tree pruning

Now is your last chance! Take off no more than 20% and aim to keep an open structure to allow lots of light and air and encourage blossom and fruit rather than leafy growth. Remove dead, diseased and damaged branches, and any that are crossed and rubbing on another.

See my January Jobs for more detailed help!

Spring clean the greenhouse

A good tidy up and wash inside and out to get rid of lingering pests and diseases and let as much light through as possible in the coming season with clean glass.

In the veg plot…

Sow some early crops of salad leaves and spring onions for planting in the greenhouse at the end of February.

Keep an eye on any emerging broad beans, don’t let those pesky mice or pigeons have a feast from your hard work. Start chitting any potatoes you plan to grow too.

Prune away!

Coppice hazel, buddleia, sambucus etc, and do any remaining formative tree pruning on everything but cherry’s, plums, apples, almonds, apricots, and their

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

moisture, adding nutrients, and promoting a really healthy soil structure for healthier plants.

I unapologetically promote this at every possible opportunity!

It was a joy to fork through my own soil in early January, having used mulch for several years, and not have it stick to the fork and pull me in as I attempted to turn the soil over. And the worms are in abundance too.

I prefer to put down mulch in early spring, rather than in autumn as was traditional.

I want the mulch’s summer drought protecting qualities, and then the following autumn it can be incorporated by light hand forking and worms who will happily do a lot of the work for us!

Watch out for late frosts

relatives as they are prone to silver leaf if pruned at this time of year.

Similarly rhododendrons, alders and laburnum are also prone, but you don’t see the effect of this on the leaves with these. Acers can be pruned now too, try to do it earlier in the month rather than later, as they can bleed heavily from cuts if left too late.

Similarly, bush roses are perfect for pruning now.

You can be very thorough with this – I have more than 80 cultivars (yes, a little bit of an addictive collection in the front

garden!), and I prune down to an outward facing bud about 15-30cm from the ground every year.

Remember, prune to a bud that’s pointing in the direction you want it to grow a branch!

Put down mulch before the perennials emerge Mulch is brilliant for retaining

Plants are particularly vulnerable now, as they have started to wake up.

Some are keener than others to emerge, and get caught out. I particularly have to watch peonies, pieris, azaleas (the developing blossoms can easily be caught), and, in the greenhouse, overwintered half hardy plants.

Planting the seed Medicine

Now pain killers are rationedit’s time to start thinking about making our own medicines. Are you going to be driving down your road and see me scraping the bark off white willow trees to brew my own aspirin? - no!

But in recent years I have started growing mullein in my garden as every year I buy mullein oil for ear aches or glue ear.

I noticed some growing in the wild and took some seeds so that now I have my own patch for our own family’s use. From the garden to the kitchen and then the flower heads are stewed in warm vegetable oil for 5 or 6 hours, strained and decanted into little bottles with pipettes. Witch hazel is another staple in my medicine cabinet and all you have to do is boil some twigs up, then sieve when cooled, to replicate what you can buy. With many items becoming harder to get its just gives a person a feeling of security to know we can partially go back to making our own!

n Before the 1940s, most families kept what medicines they had in the kitchen but that all changed. Medicines became things we bought and then stored in a cabinet in the bathroom. The connection between kitchen, garden and medicine was, if not quite severed, greatly reduced.

LANGTON NURSERIES

(C W Abbott & Son)

Seed potatoes, Onion Sets and Shallots, Wild Bird food, Perennials & Shrubs. Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Large selection of pots. Open daily 10am– 3 pm.

Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

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

We still make honey and lemon for a sore throat and chicken soup for someone recuperating but its maybe time to extend the repertoire!

Self-build specialists

Since Pinevale’s inception in 2003, much has changed in the world of plumbing and heating. Specialising in working with self builders, here’s what one of Pinevale’s customer’s has to say... “I would highly recommend Pinevale who worked with us on our new build home. They offered an excellent, straightforward, professional, reliable service with good engagement from Ian and the team both during and after the build, which we found invaluable in guiding us through the process as first time self-builders.”

Plumbing and heating has become far more technical, with evermore complicated legislation. Pinevale’s managing director, Ian Brazier, says he needs to learn faster than his team to keep him at the forefront of technology within the industry. Early involvement from trades is key to any successful home project and now, more than ever, plumbing and heating is taking a major role. Self-build customers are looking

for a cohesive finished product but are unsure how to plan for it. They often want to integrate renewable energy sources into their home but the myriad options can be confusing and sometimes not practical or cost effective.

Pinevale can help separate out the various elements that make up a new installation, which helps the client’s decision making process.

Key decisions include the heat source, the heat emitters, the piping system, the hot water system and renewable energy sources.

When considering bathroom sanitary ware and kitchen appliances, Pinevale’s input will help ensure a cohesive finished product every customer needs. Considering all of these elements at the start of a project, will ensure 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.

Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

with Tiffany Fleming

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

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

One of the things I love about the New Year, is the opportunity to reflect on what has gone before, gather all that knowledge and experience, and use it to inform our plans for the future.

Having the ability to apply the principle of ‘continuous improvement’ to make our endeavours and events an even greater success, made for a very positive first Farm Volunteer

meeting of the year.

With three Farm Open Days, the first of which is Sunday, March 12, and a Spring Country Fair on Saturday, May 20, in the diary, we have a great deal to look forward to. However, a more pressing issue was how best to deal with the relentless weather, which was starting to have a real impact on life at the Farm.

The persistent precipitation

Situations vacant

Pets

Both black and tan, and brown and tan brought up around children and other animals.

Lovely, strong, outgoing puppies

Wormed, de-flead, dewclawes removed, vet checked, chipped.

Both parents are family pets. Must be sold ASAP due to owner going into hospital 07731 043367/01258 473673

was really beginning to cause concern and gave further momentum to our proposals to improve the Farm’s accessibility.

It is hard enough to get around the Farm at the best of times, but for those Co-Farmers who experience additional mobility challenges (we all suffer stuck-welly and slipperymud moments!) the ground conditions became a genuine risk. Not only are the conditions difficult, but the weather makes their work twice as arduous, as everything becomes heavy when saturated and cold. It also makes the tasks considerably less appealing! We always know when the CoFarmers are really struggling to cope with the conditions, as the Farm Shop becomes their destination of choice in an effort to escape the weather.

In these first few weeks of the year, the shop has been its busiest ever! The climate has even been reflected in some of the sensory items placed around the Farm – with boats becoming a regular theme.

Local flooding made access

to High Mead a particular trial as roads were closed and alternative routes were required. Some of the Farm’s die-hard staff resorted to walking in from Colehill to ensure they made it in on time. However, when the day came to welcome Mollie the horse home, the weather broke and the sun shone.

With a cold snap forecast, indoor projects became the focus for January. We’ve had a super start to the year with the arrival of our next deconstruction project, a marvellous Mini Cooper donated to the Farm which will be carefully dismantled giving the Co-Farmers super insight into the workings of the vehicle and hours of contemplative concentration, and best of all it’s under cover!

The timing could not have been better as we are all now looking for ways to keep out of the cold. I think the warmth of the Wood Bay will also prove popular, which is great news as kindling is one of the most popular purchases in the Farm Shop this month!

Doberman dog and bitch puppies for sale

Stockman / General Farm Worker required full time on modern dairy / arable farm near Shaftesbury. Phone 07711 281703

Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

Farming & Environment

Bring on spring at year’s first country show

Get yourself through the post-Christmas blues with something to look forward to. How about a visit to Dorset’s first country show of the 2023 rural calendar?

The Spring Countryside Show is back for the second year and will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23, at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe. Tickets for this two-day event are on sale now with early bird prices of £10 a ticket for adults - children go free.

A perfect gift for a loved one or why not treat yourself and get something in your 2023 diary now to look forward to.

The first show, last year, was a huge success with more than 10,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

The 2023 show, organised by the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, promises even more rural activities and events.

Giles Simpson, show chairman said: “The Spring Countryside Show is all about bringing spring in the countryside to life. “The focus it on it being family friendly with a chance to get close-up with a whole host of animals and learn more about rural

Being the earliest countryside show in Dorset, it’s also a great way of celebrating the arrival of spring, which we all look forward to after a long, drab winter.”

The theme of this show is ‘Bring Spring to Life’ with an amazing showcase of rural crafts including wood carving, farrier, heavy-horse logging, gun dog displays and terrier racing plus a dedicated Farm Yard Area, full of animals to meet.

There promises to be ‘Strictly Come Dancing’style sheep at The Sheep Show - would you give them

In the Rural Ring, be prepared to be stunned by the star attraction - the famous Lloyds Bank black horse, Amadeus, in a breath-taking horseback falconry display. Green-fingered fans will love the innovative show gardens, full of blooming

good ideas you can try in your own green space. From the garden to the kitchen, if you’re a keen cook, you won’t want to miss the Cookery Theatre with delicious demonstrations by local leading chefs. And it wouldn’t be spring without a bit of retail therapy - a shopping village with gifts, clothing, homeware and local produce awaits.

If that’s not enough to ‘bring on the spring’, there’s a fun fair with bouncy castles, working steam engines and the classic cars. And if you’ve still got energy left, a funky festival area with live music, food and a bar featuring local ales, gin and cider will be open until 10pm on the Saturday evening. The organisers are always on the lookout for more exhibitors so if you have a country craft or tradition you can demonstrate or want to try your luck at a Show Garden or floral display – there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

For details on how to exhibit or to buy your early bird ticket to visit the show, go to springcountrysideshow.co.uk or telephone 01747 823955.

by Lorraine Gibson

As a musician, when you’re supporting big-hitting performers like Van Morrison, Ringo Starr and Buddy Guy, you’ve got to be at the top of your game.

Which is where Laurence Jones, one the UK’s hottest guitar players, happens to be right now. His passionate riffs, classic guitar solos, catchy songs and distinctive crossover sound have seen him voted Young Artist Of The Year in the British Blues Awards three years running and got him into the British Blues Hall Of Fame.

An amazing achievement for Jones and his band who have also supported Status Quo, the late Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, Walter Trout and many more. Having graced the stages of some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York, it will be a rare treat indeed to see them in action at the Tivoli Wimborne this month.

‘the future of the blues’ – Classic Rock Magazine.

‘in the TOP 10 best blues guitar players in the world today’ – Music Radar

Guitar man who sure can... play the blues

BLUE FOR YOU: Laurence Jones and, inset, Blue Nation

Laurence Jones plus support: Blue Nation, Saturday, February 11, 7.30pm. Online ticket £22.00; box office ticket £20 tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Celebration of Kate’s sounds of love

“I could have been listening to Kate herself.”

The words of British drummer, Preston Heyman describing the Kate Bush celebration act, Cloudbusting. And he should know, he played drums for the real Kate, famous for unforgettable hits like Wuthering Heights, Hounds of Love, Babooshka and Running Up That Hill, which unexpectedly won a whole new generation of fans when it was used to great effect in series 4 of the hit TV show, Stranger Things.

Cloudbusting formed in 2012 - long before any suggestion that Bush herself would ever perform again - to present her songs as faithfully to the original recordings as possible.

They stage an impressively authentic live experience featuring all the hits and, interestingly, some of the talented musician’s lesser-known songs, some of which have never been heard live before. Naturally, they do all the chart hits, ideal for those who missed her live 1979 and 2014 shows.

The band isn’t a ‘tribute’ in conventional

terms, as no one’s pretending to be Kate nor impersonating her.

Instead the focus is all about the authenticity of the music.

Testament to this is that many of Kate’s original collaborators from stage and studio have joined the band for performances.

It’s a kind of magic

by Lorraine Gibson

Now one of the most recognisable tribute bands, Supreme Queen take things to a whole different level with their homage to the halcyon days of Queen. Since forming in the Nineties, they’ve played to hundreds of thousands of Queen fans across the world, headlining at major events including St Tropez’s International Queen Convention, where they played to 10,000 people.

Scott Maley’s vocal and visual resemblance to Freddie Mercury, fronting the remarkable musicians has seen Supreme Queen become one of the most respected bands of their genre around the world.

Following the ethos of the original band, they strive to create the original Queen live experience.

As part of the Brian Shaw stable of acts, that presents groundbreaking arena events such as the Elvis World Tour, it’s a new

era for Supreme Queen as their new presentation benefits from stunning production values, sound and lighting effects that transport the audience to the glory days of their heroes.

A must-see memorable evening for any Queen fan.

Saturday, February 4, 7.30pm. Online ticket £30.25; box office Ticket £27.50. tivoli.co.uk 01202 886655.

For tour dates and announcements visit cloudbusting.uk.

‘If you missed seeing Kate herself, Cloudbusting are the next best thing.’ Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2. Online ticket £23.10; box office ticket £21 tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG)

WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (12A) Mon 30 & Tue 31 Jan: 13:30 | Wed 1 Feb: 12:30 | Thu 2 Feb: 20:00 A joyous, emotional, heart-breaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston. TILL (12A)

Mon 30 Jan: 17:00 | Tue 31 Jan: 20:00 | Thu 2 Feb: 17:00

The true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son who was brutally lynched in 1955.

A MAN CALLED OTTO (15)

Mon 30 Jan: 20:00 | Tue 31 Jan: 17:00 | Wed 1 Feb: 15:45 | Thu 2 Feb: 14:00

Tom Hanks stars in this heart-warming tale of unlikely friendships.

NT LIVE: THE CRUCIBLE (RATING TBC)

Wed 1 Feb: 19:00

A witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty and Brendan Cowell.

THE WORLD-FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Sun 5 Feb: 14:30

The world’s most popular big band directed by Ray McVay.

TÁR (15)

Sun 5

Fri

Fri 10 Feb: 15:30 | Mon 13 Feb: 19:30 | Tue 14 Feb: 12:15 | Thu 16 Feb: 12:15 | Mon 20 Feb: 16:00 | Wed 22 Feb: 19:30 | Thu 23 Feb: 16:00

Arts & Entertainments

A cold look at 18th-century wreck horror

by Faith Eckersall

A Freezing Horror is the dramatic name for a talk by Dorset writer, Philip Browne, on the wreck of the Halsewell, which took place off Purbeck in the 18th century.

Drawing on his book The Unfortunate Captain Peirce and the Wreck of the Halsewell, Philip will describe the event that shocked the nation when a huge East India Company ship was wrecked off Worth Matravers on an early January night in 1786.

Described as one of the most dramatic shipwrecks on an English shore, it later became the subject of a painting by Turner and short story by Charles Dickens.

The Zoom event is £6 and takes place on Thursday, February 16. More details from: eventbrite. co.uk/e/a-freezing-horror-thewreck-of-the-halsewell-1786tickets-473187595837.

by Lorraine Gibson

A profane ‘Peter’ panto!

The adult-themed panto ‘Peter Pansy’ at the Barrington Theatre proved to be camp, outrageous and a remedy for the January blues. Fans welcomed back favourites Sam Callahan, Lea Martin, Jax Walker and Jason Burch. They were joined by Nicole Faraday, Mrs Moore, Dandy Issues and Lady Alan who all performed on Bourne Free’s Main Stage in 2022, as they battled against legendary panto villain Captain Fooker with a ‘Bourne Free twist’ Words and pics: TOM SCRASE

‘Crystal clear voices, great musicianship, and a deep love of the tradition.’

Mike Harding

Following the release of their debut album last autumn, folk duo Janice Burns & Jon Doran will perform three concerts in Dorset as part of a spring programme of shows by Artsreach, Dorset’s rural arts charity.

Janice and Jon, an Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music, find their material in archives that span the depths of our music history then breathe life into them in the modern world in what’s described as a spellbinding way. The songs are vivid stories of the nature of life and our place in the world told through tight vocal harmonies, mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar.

According to Artsreach, the arrangements have an understated energy that transports the songs from the pages of old books and manuscripts into the listener’s imagination. Since meeting in 2017, Janice and Jon have performed at the likes of Sage Gateshead, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Edinburgh Tradfest.

Their self-titled 2020 EP garnered outstanding feedback, including airplay on BBC Radio 2 and No More the Green

Rising stars spring into county

Hills, their debut album, from last October 2022 brings together unique songs that have survived through the ages. Thursday, February 9, 7:30pm. Shipton Gorge Village Hall. Tickets - 01308 897407 Saturday, February 11, 7:30pm. Ibberton

Village Hall. Tickets - 01258 817269 Sunday, February 12, 7:30pm. Langton Matravers Village Hall. Tickets - 01929 423834

Further information and tickets online at artsreach.co.uk.

Now you can really feel good with Jamie

Michael Bublé, one of the 21st century’s most successful artists and multi Grammy award winner, can’t be everywhere, so if you fancy a night of crooning, a new tribute show is coming to town.

Good Evening Mr. Bublé, starring Jamie Flanagan, will feature all Bublé’s hits, including Home, Feeling Good, Haven’t Met You Yet, Crazy Love, Cry Me A River and more accompanied by a live orchestra.

Online ticket £30.80, box office ticket £28.

Visit tivoli.co.uk.

Arts & Entertainments

n The ever-popular Godshill quiz night is back on Friday, February, 10. Teams of six are needed and there will be a variety of questions with the double-act of two quiz mistresses in charge of the evening.

The £12.00 tickets include a hot, home-cooked supper. Tickets for both events are available from Marlene Williams on 01425 650845 and Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or 07798 555500.

Tug-of-War

Teams of 8 are invited to take part in a new competition.

At The Wessex Heavy Horse Show SP7 9PL on Sunday 24th September 2023

Prize Pot, Trophy & Prestige to the winners.

For further information wessexheavyhorsesociety.co.uk

Feast of enter tainment for all the senses

by Lorraine Gibson

Not one but two unique shows come to Blandford this month with a joyful love story told through traditional dance and a concert of evocative songs sourced from Dorset’s musical heritage archives. Both come via Artsreach, the local charity that brings quality cultural experiences to communities in rural and outlying places in the county.

First up is the Balbir Singh Dance Company which will be performing in the Corn Exchange, followed by Dorset’s Ridgeway Singers and Band who will be serenading folk in the Parish Church.

Balbir Singh’s Love and Spice combines food and romance - always a winning combination. It tells the touching tale of an elderly couple, still very much in love, who look back on their life together through memories of the meals they’ve shared. As they reminisce, their younger selves appear and enact their recollections in an atmosphere designed to portray a richlyspiced life.

Not only does the show use different art forms and cultural traditions in surprising ways, blending Kathak dance and live music, but there is even a chef cooking live on stage! Sounds tasty.

7.30pm, Friday, February 24, Blandford Corn Exchange.

Tickets £10, £5 (U-18), Family £25, from artsreach.co.uk.

A week later comes Dorset Music Unboxed!, featuring The Ridgeway Singers & Band.

As previously reported in this very magazine, the Dorset music group, Led by Phil Humphries and Tim Laycock, has collaborated with the Dorset History Centre to breathe life into to traditional music, folksongs and carols from collections recently rediscovered in its archives.

This special concert channels gems such as the musical manuscripts of William Knapp, an important 18th-century Dorset musician who composed the famous hymn, Wareham. One of the pieces being performed is

Knapp’s composition dedicated to Blandford after the devastating fire of 1731, which destroyed much of the town.

The collaboration has unearthed interesting new discoveries, and the group are excited about sharing them.

Dorset Music Unboxed! The Ridgeway Singers and Band, 4.00pm Saturday, March 4, Blandford Parish Church.

Tickets £8, £4 (u18), Family £20 from artsreach.co.uk.

Arts & Entertainments

Fundraising night of very diverse comedy

A night of comedy is being held at the Black Cherry in Bournemouth in aid of Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities.

The new event is to be held on Thursday, February 16, and will be hosted by resident master of ceremonies Andrew White as he guides you through a night of awesome stand-up with McClaine Beirne, Graham Whistler and Steve Day as the headliner.

The Line-Up… Andrew White is flamboyantly repressed and optimistically cynical. Fast rising through the comedy ranks with an act that’s not to be missed, and has been described by Joe Lycett as ‘very exciting and very funny’. Mclaine Beirne has been described as one of the most exciting new comedians on the circuit, with a ‘unique voice and surprising comedic twist’. He likes to share a few weird thoughts and embarrassing stories, mixed in with a few jokes.

Graham Whistler is an internationallyacclaimed stand-up comedian, performing since 2010 in venues all over the UK, as well as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the USA. As well as using very personal material about living with cerebral palsy, Graham is well known for his ‘candor and unique perspective’.

Graham has taken two solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, Leicester Comedy, and Ram Comedy festivals, as well as successes in several

competitions over the years.

Steve Day is remarkably funny, with a light-hearted and self-effacing style which helps him form an instantaneous connection with his audience.

A familiar voice on BBC Radio 4, Steve has appeared many times on You And Yours, was a ‘token man’ on Woman’s Hour, and has appeared in two radio dramas, All Fingers and Thumbs with Bill Nighy.

Mariana Swain, events fundraising officer, commented: “We are really excited to launch this new event.

It will be a fantastic way to spend an evening in February, with entertainment from four hilarious comedians.

“We hope to be able to reach a new audience, who will be able to support our work with children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in Dorset.”

Rachel, one of the three owners of the Black Cherry, commented: “We are really keen to support the work of Diverse Abilities, as we strongly believe theatre and comedy are for everyone.

“It’s great to be able to do this in such a positive and upbeat way, introducing people to great up-andcoming professional comedians, in our wonderful creative space.”

Tickets are £15 per person, or £25 to include a pizza and drink.

Find out more and get your tickets at diverseabilities.org.uk/comedy.

n Steve Day

n Mclaine Beirne

n Andrew White

n Graham Whistler

Coming up at the museum

Half-term is just around the corner so bring your Little Explorers to a morning of Valentine-themed crafts, stories and garden trail for only £3.50 on Tuesday, February 14... and why not stay and visit the museum after?

Each gallery boasts hands-on interactives and activities to keep everyone entertained for hours.

At 2pm on Monday, March 6, published author, Neil McLocklin will be giving a fascinating talk about ‘The English Civil War – People and Places in Dorset’. This is one not to be missed at £7 per person.

Family history is fascinating and increasingly popular, and thanks to the many records available, it’s a thoughtprovoking and enjoyable hobby. With knowledgeable support and advice from local members of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society, you can expand the historic details of your own family.

Bring along your own research and laptop or tablet and join us on Saturday, March 18, between 1pm and 4pm, £5.

The museum and Tea Room are open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

For further details, visit museumofeastdorset.co.uk.

Recruitment

Stockman/General Farm Worker with a passion for livestock, required on a progressive mixed dairy farm at Ludwell. Come and work as part of a team with a good variety of jobs and involvement in most aspects of the business.

Phone evenings Peckons Hill Farm. 01747 828832

Full time general worker tractor/ driver wanted. Shaftesbury area. Helping in workshops, mechanically minded, must be able to work in a team. Needs some experience but training will be given. 07860 236545

Assistant Gardener: Full time position available, 08.30-16.30, for a large country estate on the Wiltshire/Dorset border. You will be working under the guidance of the Head gardener. Experience an advantage but training will be provided for the right person who is hard working, flexible and willing to learn.

Salary D.O.E

Send cover letter and CV to: countryhousewiltshire@ gmail.com

Assistant herdsperson fulltime required 450 cows, 60 point rotary, must be reliable, hard working and have sense humour to work in a 3 man team. Good stockman skills, general farm work, calf feeding, good salary with good accommodation. Regular time off for right person

Contact Paul 07775 431835

Near Castle Cary

Ashcombe

We are recruiting for the following roles: Deputy Café Manager & Operations Assistant. Deputy Café manager must have restaurant and/or café experience and Operations Assistant will ideally have ight experience (not essential). Both individuals must have the following attributes: Applications close 14th February 2023

Housekeepers Required. Must Drive due to rural locations. For more information, email laura.housekeepingkam@gmail.com

MERE SURGERY

DISPENSER

16 hours per week

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our dispensing team. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of all aspects of dispensing, stock control, ordering and re -stocking of the dispensary.

Ideally the candidate will hold an NVQ 2 Pharmacy Services qualification or equivalent and able to work the hours ov er 3 days. Flexibility for additional hours to cover holiday and other absences is essential. Training will be provided.

To see the job description and person specification please visit the vacancies section on www.meresurgery.co.uk

To apply please send a CV and covering letter to: Michele Mason, Practice Manager, Mere Surgery, Dark Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DT or alternatively email: michelemason@nhs.net

Telephone: 01747 860001

Applications to be received by: 6 February 2023 Interview date: 8 February 2023

St. Gregory’s Church Marnhull

Seek to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic organist and choir director to develop our strong church musical tradition and our small, enthusiastic and able SATB choir for today and for the next generation.

The focus is on church worship on Sundays and key festivals, together with opportunities for community -wide recitals.

Top RSCM rates are given.

Post to start by Easter 2023.

For further information please contact the parish priest Revd Gaenor Hockey gaenor@protonmail.com 01258 821605.

SKILLED GROUNDS MAINTENANCE/GARDENER REQUIRED

Due to additional regular contracts Hanard Contract Ser vices Ltd requires a grounds maintenance/gardener to join us for a variety of sites in the Dorset/Hampshire area.

Applicants must be:

• Competent in horticulture and have a good working knowledge of plants, shrubs and trees, or be prepared to learn.

• Competent and preferably trained in, the use of garden machiner y, strimmers, hedge cutters, lawn mowers, pole saws, and most importantly a brush!

• PA1/PA6 trained in the safe use of pesticide/herbicide spraying.

• Able to work alone, or, as part of a small team.

• Versatile, punctual, polite and respectful.

• steps per day

• B e familiar with Health & Safety regulations and paper work.

• Able to participate in, or already have a DBS check.

• Full clean UK Driving licence.

• Available full or part time

skills are essential, both with customers and also bringing customers happiness and wellbeing.

Ready, aim, hire, as Matt joins C3IA Business

The leading cyber security company C3IA Solutions has recruited another former Army specialist to its ranks.

Matt Bosworth served for 23 years with the Royals Corps of Signals, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has joined the company, which is headquartered in Poole, Dorset, as a principal consultant and will concentrate on working within government agencies and departments.

C3IA Solutions has more than 120 personnel directly employed or on contract work, in the UK and abroad. It operates in the private as well as public sector and covers all types of cybersecurity and information assurance.

Matt, a married father-of-two from Salisbury who enjoys running marathons, said: “Within the Royal Signals C3IA

Solutions is well known, not least because it employs many veterans.

“It has a superb reputation and applies the best of what the military offers to its clients, whether they be in the public or private sector.

“I will be working within government departments and agencies, using what I have learned during my career.

“Leaving the military after more than 20 years is daunting but the environment within C3IA Solutions is familiar.”

Steve Brown from the company said: “We are delighted that Matt is joining our team.

“Matt is highly experienced and adds to our increasing number of staff who work across the country and abroad supporting our public and private sector clients.” c3ia.co.uk

Promotion for ‘fab four’ at MSP Capital

Property finance specialist MSP Capital has promoted four long-standing team members to newly-created associate director roles. As well as recognising the commitment of the individuals, the move is designed to strengthen the 42-year-old lender’s strategic goals and enhance its flexibility, responsiveness and entrepreneurship in the market.

The four appointees have extensive experience across the firm’s activities in finance, credit, underwriting and valuation.

Chartered accountant Nicky Hollamby, associate director of finance, was previously an auditor at Grant Thornton where she worked with clients ranging from small owner-managed businesses to PLCs.

Since joining MSP Capital in 2017, she has grown the finance department’s ability to provide real time data and analysis to inform decision making.

In her new role, Nicky will oversee the firm’s financial operations including a strategic enhancement of the capital structure that provides certainty of funds for lending activities.

Also stepping up are chartered bankers Lee Merrifield and Chris Sheppard, who previously spent 28 and 22 years respectively at NatWest.

Both worked extensively with real estate clients of the bank, gaining in-depth experience of both the residential and commercial property sectors.

Lee, who like Nicky joined MSP Capital in 2017, focused largely on funding, risk assessment and credit control for clients in Bournemouth and Southampton.

He now moves from the post of underwriting and credit manager to become associate director of credit.

Chris, a member of MSP Capital’s underwriting and business development team since 2016, is the firm’s new associate director of underwriting.

Offering a more strategic remit, the new role will enable Chris to continue to apply his industry knowledge in response to the needs of current and prospective clients.

A chartered surveyor since 2010, Chris Wright becomes associate director of valuation, tasked with identifying growth areas in the property industry.

He joined MSP Capital in 2018 with career experience in providing secured lending valuations on behalf of all major UK banks. He also advised many commercial and residential developers who have gone on to

become clients of the firm.

In his new role, Chris will build strategically on his successful track record in managing valuer relationships and providing internal consultancy advice and quality assurance reviews ahead of lending.

MSP Capital’s managing director Martin Higgins said: “Many congratulations to all four of our new associate directors.

“Each of them is an experienced, talented and dedicated professional who has proven their ability to achieve the best outcomes for our clients time and time again.

“Their appointments and enhanced leadership responsibilities reflect our desire to drive the business forward strategically and strengthen our position as the lender of choice for development and bridging finance.”

FOUR TOPS: At MSP Capital’s Poole head office are new associate directors, from left, Chris Wright, Lee Merrifield, Chris Sheppard and Nicky Hollamby

New Year heralds changes at law firm

Ellis Jones Solicitors is leading the way by becoming one of the first law firms in the Wimborne area to adopt a groundbreaking business structure.

The firm – with offices in East Street – has stepped up its ambitious growth plans with the innovative new approach.

The move has seen it licensed as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). It gives Ellis Jones greater freedom, access to more external funding and the ability to appoint non-lawyers as partners.

The firm has seized the opportunity to promote private client consultant Andy Kirby to partner – becoming the first nonlawyer partner in Ellis Jones’ history.

Dual-qualified Andy, who specialises in wills, trust and probate, is a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

He becomes Ellis Jones’ record 22nd partner after six years with the firm and 25 years in the legal sector overall.

Nigel Smith, managing partner at Ellis Jones, said: “These are exciting times.

“We are one of the few law firms in the area to have obtained ABS status, which will allow us to seize more opportunities and continue to grow the firm.

“The immediate promotion of Andy as our first non-lawyer partner is a proud moment and puts a marker down for our future ambitions under our ABS status.

“It also reflects the status and esteem in which Andy is held with a richly-deserved

n Ellis Jones has also strengthened its senior team and rewarded rising stars with five other promotions.

The firm has announced the appointments as it continues to develop talent from within for leadership roles.

The promotions are for Jennie Hedges to senior associate and associate positions for highflyers Conor Maher, Georgina Emmerson, Rosemary Drew and Tim McMahon.

Jennie Hedges, who has more than 20 years’ conveyancing experience with particular expertise in shared ownership and Help to Buy, has become a senior associate. She is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Conor, Georgina and Rosemary all trained at Ellis Jones, while Tim joined in 2021. Conor specialises in dispute resolution, Georgina in family law and Tim in litigation.

All are qualified solicitors.

Rosemary qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in May 2020 and works in Ellis Jones’ wills, trust and probate team.

reputation for excellence among financial advisors and chartered accountants, especially in regard to his expertise in tax and trusts.”

Nigel added: “Ellis Jones has a long trackrecord of embracing innovation while staying true to its core values.

“As well as allowing us to continue to grow, our new ABS status will help us deliver a greater service for our many valued clients.”

Andy’s areas of expertise include trusts and estates, inheritance tax, income and capital gains tax, deeds of variation and will planning.

Andy said: “It’s a privilege to be the first non-lawyer partner at Ellis Jones.

“It’s a great way to start the new year and mark our new ABS licensing.”

The licensing took effect at Ellis Jones on January 1, 2023.

The Legal Services Act 2007 paved the way for ABSs, and from 2012 onwards, they came under the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) regulatory remit.

The SRA latest annual report showed there were 1,040 ABS firms, 10.5% of the total of 9,860 that it regulates.

Ellis Jones has more than 170 staff in offices in Bournemouth, Poole (Canford Cliffs), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Warmest congratulations to all on their richly deserved promotions.

“Jennie’s promotion is another example of the fact that you don’t have to be a solicitor to progress at the firm.

“Our new associates are among the standard bearers for the next generation of

committed and talented lawyers, and I am excited to see how their careers progress with the firm.”

Nigel added: “Our commitment to promoting from within with equal opportunities for all continues to bear fruit. “These promotions herald another great year for Ellis Jones.”

MOVING UP: From left are new partner Andy Kirby, new associate Georgina Emmerson, managing partner Nigel Smith, new associate Tim McMahon and new associate Conor Maher. Not pictured is new senior associate Jennie Hedges

FIRST: Nigel Smith, left, with Andy Kirby

£1m investment means clean future

At Dorset based Barker, the largest domestic laundry in the UK and a leading specialists Dry Cleaner, there is optimism in the air.

During the latter part of 2022 the business invested nearly £1m in new plant and machinery, with works having recently reached completion. The investment has led to significantly increased efficiencies and sustainability goals being achieved within the business.

The extensive refit commenced during the summer of 2022 and included the creation of a new plant room with a new boiler and water treatment plant and upgrades to other machinery. The wash house was moved and extended, increasing wash capacity and new dryers were installed. A new ironer line completed the transformation of the Barker factory that now boasts 20% more working space, achieved through a clever redesign of the workflow and repositioning of the machinery, which has resulted in an increased capacity of some 50%.

This in turn reduces handling time.

MD Matthew Barker said: “As we emerged from Covid, there was a natural wariness by businesses when it came

to investment. An oncoming downturn towards recession was inevitable following the growth spurt of opening the country up, the fallout of high government spending leading to tax hikes was also expected.

“At Barker, a strong balance sheet meant an opportunity to get in shape ready for the future.”

He added: “No recession lasts forever and we needed to be ready for any growth opportunities that may arise.

“This is not so much an upgrade of aging plant as an investment in reducing our energy and

employment costs: Labour costs accounted for nearly 50% of our total revenue.

“Energy costs are rising steeply, and we need to extract all the efficiencies we can, not just for the environment but for our survival also.

“Included in our upgraded machinery, we have an increased capacity boiler which is so much more efficient in its use of energy, providing better quality steam while using less fuel per kilo of laundry than the previous system.

“We have increased insulation of the pipework which has

minimised heat loss. The summer months will also be improved as we’re generating less heat.

“We have also installed a new system to monitor our water which manages how it’s pumped around the building, directing it to exactly where it is needed – this pump efficiency has led to a reduction in electricity too.

“The events of the last three years caused turmoil within the commercial laundry industry and various closures and amalgamations of larger industrial laundries have left many of their clients in the hospitality sector desperate for good quality laundry services.

“Whilst Barker’s investment has reduced operating hours and energy use it has provided capacity for growth of a further 50% that Barker plans to fill over the next 24 months.

“The work was undertaken by R. Brown Specialist Laundry Engineering Ltd, who were brilliant, from start to finish.”

Matthew concluded: “We are looking forward to the months ahead, continuing to grow the business and looking to maximise on the increased efficiencies that we have achieved within the business, with a great team behind us.”

A way to

Are you looking to meet new people, learn new skills and give back to your local community?

Community Action Network can help you find the perfect volunteer role. With volunteering one of the best ways of tapping into the New Year feel-good factor, there are roles available for everyone, whether you can contribute a couple of hours a month or more depending on the time you have available.

Whatever you can give, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome, training and a new world of connections with other volunteers.

Working across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, CAN’s volunteer hub is where organisations and charities advertise, offering a one stop shop for anyone looking for a role locally.

From drivers to social media and website support, gardening and retail or providing a much-needed phone call to an isolated older person - as highlighted by Good Morning Britain - there’s a diverse range of opportunities available.

Pete Unsworth, from Bournemouth, said: “I started volunteering during the pandemic at the vaccination centre and enjoyed it so much that I’ve since then have gone on to volunteer with Diverse Abilities, Christchurch Community Partnership,

“Volunteering has led to some amazing experiences and great new friendships, I would encourage anyone to get involved.”

Volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds and all stages of their lives from students to people looking to change their career.

Liz Soffe our volunteer co-ordinator said: “Making a difference to your local community, helping people and working with others is incredibly fulfilling.

“Not only is it enjoyable and rewarding, it offers the chance to learn new skills or try out new roles. Finding something that’s close to your heart and local to you means you can offer time, the most precious gift of all.”

And there’s more support out there for anyone looking to take the first step at one of our regular volunteer drop-in events where you can meet with one of our team and talk through roles one-to-one:

Boscombe Library, Wednesday, February 22, 10am-noon

Southbourne Library, Thursday, March 16, 10am-noon

To find out more, email Liz Soffe: liz. soffe@can100.org or call 01202 466130 / 07966 742935.

Julia’s House and the Ukrainian Appeal Centre.

GIVING BACK: Left, Pete Unsworth with CAN CEO Karen Loftus and, above, Liz Soffe

Public Notices

Goods Vehicle Oper ators Licence

V P Lewis Groundworks of 4 Dud sbury Court, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9FJ is applying for a licen ce to use y ard rear of 107 to 109 Ringwood Road, BH22 9AA as a n operating centre for 1 x Goods Vehicles and 0 Trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) nea r the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioners office.

Free adverts! Email classified@ stourandavon.net or visit www. stouravonmagazine.co.uk/free-ads/

2 ladies velvet skirts, 1 Black 1 Maroon. Size 20, Length 27 inches. As New £5 each 01202 861588

£103.84+vat

Pyrex Carousal Dish, Yellow snowflake pattern, collectable 1960’s in 2 sections. Excellent condition £12 01202 681588

Situations wanted

Live-in companion/carer available. Excellent references DBS checked 07867 978558

Public pressure saves village cricket

by Faith Eckersall

A Dorset sports club which made national headlines after adult cricket was suspended following complaints about safety is now hoping to reverse its decision after more than £30,000 was raised in less than a week for new netting.

The crowdfunder was launched by Colehill Cricket Club captain George Taylor after his petition to save adult cricket at the Wimborne Road ground, where it has been played for more than 100 years, gained more than 30,000 signatures in seven days. The campaign also won support from England cricket stars Ben Stokes and Michael Vaughan, and TV personality Piers Morgan.

The crowdfunder appeal says: “As a result of the changing nature of cricket, spiralling costs of insurance and repairs of neighbouring properties, an idyllic and historical cricket ground was beginning to become too small for adult cricket.

“Costs were drawn up for extensive netting around the ground to ensure the safety of adult cricket but as a result of listed oak trees and the restrictions imposed upon netting in the proximity to them; this option came to in excess of £35,000.

“Simply unfeasible for a local social club run by volunteers to cover; it was decided adult cricket was to end at the ground.

“Upset at the decision, members of the team set up a petition to raise awareness of the plight of the cricket ground in the hope that the community may rally in support and

change the position of the committee.” Colehill Sports and Social Club, which runs the ground used by Colehill Cricket Club, said that the petition, plus crowd funding and offers of support: “Makes the resumption of adult cricket a realistic proposition.

“A significant number of these supporters are neighbours new and old along with cricketers past and present,” said the sports and social club.

“Combined with offers of support from both the ECB, the local parish council, and equipment providers makes the resumption of adult cricket a realistic proposition.”

It said that completion of the extended work would require further planning permission from the local authority, which both the

committee and representatives from the adult playing sections were working together to achieve.

Mr Taylor said the petition had ‘exceeded all expectations’.

“The local community rallied together and demonstrated what adult cricket in the village meant to them.

“Neighbours previously unaware of just how valuable the cricket heritage of the village was to the community were given a clear insight into how much it meant. As a result, some have now come forward with sizeable offers to cover a portion of the cost of netting.”

crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-adult-cricket-atcolehill.

Finding the Greeks’ famous ‘evening star’

Starwatch night sky events

Ancient peoples wondered why an extraordinarily bright star appeared sometimes in the west, following the Sun down, and sometimes in the east before sunrise.

Many thought that these were two different objects and called them the Evening Star and the Morning Star. Much later was it realised that this brilliant ‘star’ is in fact the planet Venus, and what we are seeing is a lot of sunlight reflected from its cloudy atmosphere, a toxic combination of acids and carbon dioxide. A goddess of love to the Romans because of its pure white light, it is now known to be a hellish planet whose enormous surface temperature of about

500 degrees has destroyed spaceprobes and ruled out visits by astronauts. Watch for it in the last week of January and

in early February low in the west after sunset.

No, it’s not a UFO. Clear skies!

with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society

THREE LEGGED CROSS

Woolsbridge Farm Feeds Hillier Garden Centre Londis

UPTON Lytchett & Upton Council Library

VERWOOD

Verwood Heritage Centre

Verwood Library Andrews Butchers Co -op Southern Tesco Express Hubb Library Morrisons

WEST MOORS Spar/ Post Office Library

WEST PARLEY Basket and Blooms In Excess Herbies Fish and Chips

WIMBORNE McColls

Allendale House T & S News

Long Johns Fish and Chips

Co-op Petrol Station Southern Keating Butchers W. H. Smith Allendale Centre Hearnes Green Man

Wimborne Minster Porch Coach & Horses V & A Store

Tourist Information/ Museum

Fair Ground Fair Trade Shop

Gullivers Book Shop

Spar

Fluffetts Farm

Dacombes

WOW Fitness

David’s of Wimborne

Wimborne Library

Wimborne Community Centre

Cricketers Arms

WIMBORNE ST GILES Post Office WINTERBORNE

Station

WITCHAMPTON Club/Shop

WOODLANDS

The Egg Shed

Motoring

More top advice on

How can I protect my car from being stolen?

Here are more of Confused.com’s top tips to help protect your car from being stolen:

• Lock your vehicle – it sounds obvious but double checking that your car is locked could save you time and money. Also, your car insurance policy may not pay out if your car was left unlocked when it was stolen.

• Invest in multiple layers of security – having a steering wheel lock or handbrake lock helps to secure your car and act as a visual deterrent for thieves.

• If you have keyless entry software, invest in a Faraday pouch to help protect your car against keyless hackers.

• Park somewhere secure. If you don't have secure parking, aim for a well-lit street.

For more ways to secure your car, and for answers to more common car security questions, take a look at our guide on protecting your car from theft.

Fit a car immobiliser

Most cars on the road have immobilisers fitted to them. Immobilisers have been required by law since 1998. But if your car is older, possibly a classic car, then consider having them professionally fitted.

Before immobilisers became commonplace, some cars could

be ‘hot-wired’ to start without a key. An immobiliser’s job is to stop an engine being run unless the correct key is used. A car engine only starts if a code inside the key’s transponder chip matches the code planted in the immobiliser, which is usually factory-fitted. While an immobiliser won’t stop determined thieves from

how to prevent your motor getting nicked

stealing your car, it certainly slows down a car criminal’s progress.

And the more secure your car is, the lower your insurance costs could be. So they’re good news.

If you’re having an immobiliser fitted by an aftermarket installer, make sure the device is Thatcham-approved.

Park in a secure or well-lit location

Choosing where to park could have a dramatic impact on how easy or difficult your vehicle is to steal.

Car thieves don’t like well-lit public roads as they’re easily seen. So, side roads or dimly-lit alleys aren’t sensible to park your car.

That’s common sense, of course. But areas of high crime can be easily avoided, even if you don’t know an area well. Websites like ParkMark, identify well-maintained and

run public car parks.

Smartphone parking apps also make secure parking easier to find. Most have easy-to-use interfaces with on and offstreet parking options, plus live availability in some cases. Some even allow you to track down private rented driveways as an alternative.

Several supermarkets –

Morrisons and Tesco are good examples – now rent out parking spaces to noncustomers.

There are plenty of tools and solutions to help you keep your vehicle secure and your noclaims bonus intact.

But wherever you park, make sure you park close to other people’s cars. If your car’s a bit

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

isolated, it’s easier to be preyed on.

CCTV cameras add another layer of security, of course.

Buy a car with better security as standard

Thatcham Research suggests consumers look at its own car security ratings when choosing their next car.

While premium models often have better security than cheaper cars, it’s not a certainty. And some ‘premium’ vehicles, by their very desirability, are more vulnerable to being stolen.

Thatcham Research recommends asking a dealer if a keyless fob can be turned off overnight – or if it has an automatic ‘sleep’ function. The good news is that some car makers are now switching to better wireless technology such as Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). These are thought to be more tamper-proof.

2015 (65) Kia Optima 3, 1.7CRDi Saloon 4dr. 139bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Sat Nav, reverse

multi award winning engine with outstanding performance & economy, Sat Nav, parking sensors, sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, Bluetooth, auto lights, heated front screen, 16,500 miles...................£13650

2017 (67) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Nav 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, new shape, Sat Nav, cruise control, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, lane keeping aid, sign recognition, heated front screen, Bluetooth, award winning engine, great performance & upto 65mpg, 30,500 miles.................£11450

2013 (62) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, heated front screen, air con, Bluetooth, hill start assist, Free road tax, 65mpg, new cambelt kit just done by Ford, 54,700 miles ..........................£6450

2018 (18) Ford C-Max 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Navigation MPV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, large boot with a low loading edge, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, parking sensors, sign recognition, multi award winning engine, 21,500 miles .......................................................................................................£13250

2015 (65) Hyundai i30 1.6 SE Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, Sat Nav, reverse camera & parking sensors, touch screen, cruise control, hill start assist, Bluetooth, 31,200 miles ...........................£10750

COMMERCIALS

2017 (17) Nissan Navara 2.3DCi Visia 4x4 King Cab Pickup 4dr. 158bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 seats, 4 doors, switchable 4 wheel drive, hill start & hill descent control, cruise control, auto activation lights, Bluetooth, air con, bed liner, 52,500 miles ...............Available soon £12000 +VAT = £14400

2012 (62) Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 Bi-TDi T32 Kombi Van SWB 5dr. 180bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, tailgate, twin side doors, 5 seats, bulkhead behind rear seats, 83,000 miles, NO VAT to pay ............Available soon

Better than (1,3,5)

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In general (2,1,5)

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Jupiter or Mars (6)

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Similarity (8)

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Uncle’s wife (4)

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Information on therapy getting taint (6)

Powder put in experimental container (4)

Rule with system of signs lacking new turn (8)

One providing drink and ripe bananas around lake (8)

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it, inactive star (4)

Down 2 Ornamental slab left out in Oregon? That’s less clear (7)

Down 2 Ornamental slab left out in Oregon? That’s less clear (7) 3 Summary about limit on numbers (5)

3 Summary about limit on numbers (5)

4 Encased light from rich plum arena reviewed (9,4)

Encased light from rich plum arena reviewed (9,4)

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5 Retraining too provoked grilling (13)

Flag and a lot of overalls for the military (7)

US actress is nearby (5)

6 Flag and a lot of overalls for the military 7 US actress is nearby (5)

Brave sound cut short by worker (7)

Release at hearing East European fool (3,2,2)

Cover with cloth medic on an exercise (5)

13 Brave sound cut short by worker (7)

Fellow in military group is out of condition (5)

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After retirement, an amateur managed island for high-ranking Indian woman (8)

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Judge and stir value tea (8)

Disturb patrol at college (4,2)

15 Release at hearing East European fool (3,2,2) 17 Cover with cloth medic on an exercise 19 Fellow in military group is out of condition

After retirement, an amateur managed island for high-ranking Indian woman (8)

Inform state about religious books and poem (6)

Swelling or depression in a brick (4)

Disturb patrol at college (4,2)

Inform state about religious books and poem (6)