15 minute read
Letters
Conservatives are no longer a political party
Boris Johnson’s Conservative party is like a re-enactment of poor Julius Caesar. Both were immensely popular with the people. And just as members of the Senate group of appointed (not elected) political ministers who resented Johnson’s popularity, they decided, over many months, that they wouldn’t carry out
the jobs entrusted to them but instead spend the time all the while plotting against their leader. Which just goes to prove, when the going gets tough the Tories fight amongst themselves. That’s not a political party, its a shambolic mess.
Mike Fry Upton
Visit art society exhibition
The Ringwood Art Society annual summer exhibition will be held from August 11 to 29. It will be open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 4.45pmand Sundays 1to 5pm at Greyfriars Community Centre, Christchurch Road, Ringwood. Entry is free and there is wheelchair access. More than 200 items, including paintings, ceramics and cards willbe on show and there will be a raffle with prizes of original artworks by professional artists Maxine Marsh, Sarah Humby and Suzette Knight, plus a £50 Hobbycraft voucher.
Sally Rowland Ringwood Art Society
OFF THE WALL...
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk
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Enjoy the meteors: no telescope needed
Night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society
On August 11th -13th, wrap up warm and stay out late. Set up a deckchair or spread the recliner, lie back and watch for the Perseid meteors, ancient comet debris falling through Earth’s atmosphere. Every year on the same dates the Earth encounters these debris trails, and as the comet fragments barrel through the air they burn, forming bright streaks which seem to radiate from a point in the sky. This month they appear in the constellation of Perseus. Don’t expect fireworks – in some years rapid rates might produce two or three a minute, and in others you might wait 20 minutes or more. Sometimes they leave sparkling trails in their wake.
Charity looking for team members
Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, is expanding its children’s team due to an increase in demand for its respite services. There is a long waiting list for families waiting to use the service provided at Lily’s Place, Lawford Lodge, and in the community. Claire Stacey, children’s team manager, commented: “We’re looking for a selection of new faces to join our amazing staff working together to meet the needs of the young people we support. “No two days are ever the same. It’s really rewarding, and as well as working hard, there’s always lots of fun to be had.” The roles will be based in the charity’s two respite homes for children and young people at Lily’s Place and Lawford Lodge in Poole. As well as within the Shapes domiciliary care service which provides support in the child’s home in locations across the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole conurbation. Lily’s Place is Diverse Abilities’ short break children’s home, which is fully equipped to provide overnight respite care for up to four children and young people with complex physical and/or learning difficulties. In addition to those coming for overnight visits, the charity is also able to provide day care sessions at weekends and during school holidays, as well as visits after school in term time. Lawford Lodge is part of Diverse Abilities’ Transitions team and is a respite home that caters 18 to 25-year-olds who have profound disabilities and complex medical needs. If you think you’ve got what it takes and would love to make a difference to children and families in the local area, visit diverseabilities. org.uk/careers to find out more about the roles available. Alternatively send an email to recruitment@diverseabilities.org.uk to have a chat or ask any questions.
Creatures of the night
Summer’s the best time to experience Dorset’s creatures of the night! But don’t worry, there are no vampires involved – just a host of rare, shy animals that are rarely seen before dusk. Tonight, July 29 and on Friday, August 12, a two-hour meander at Avon Heath Country Park will hope to encounter nightjars, bats, moths, woodcock, roe deer, owls and more. The meander will be led by members of Dorset Bat Group and others. All children should be accompanied by an adult and everyone will need to bring a torch. The walk costs £4.50 per person and booking is essential. Details at: dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/countryside-coast-parks/ country-parks-and-visitorcentres/avon-heath-countrypark/events-at-avon-heathcountry-park.
What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why do I need one?
Like Wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPA’s) are an essential part of estate planning. Why? While wills only come into effect once a person has died, LPAs are effective if someone is still alive but no longer able to function normally. LPAs allow you to nominate a trusted person called an attorney. They can make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so. An LPA gives the attorney the authority to act on your behalf. Both financially and with matters pertaining to your health and care. It goes without saying that attorneys must be people you trust. But what happens if someone “Without a ‘lasting power of doesn’t have an LPA? If you attorney’ document created in advance, families can find themselves locked out of an ailing loved one’s finances lose mental capacity a bank would freeze all accounts – including any in joint names. Even family members would not be able to access them at and facing a complicated first. court process to be Obtaining access to the appointed their ‘deputy’, accounts requires a long, with fees running into many thousands of pounds.” drawn-out application to the Court of Protection, and this is a far more expensive process Chris Tennant than getting an LPA in the first place. There are two types of LPA document – one that covers financial matters and the other health. You should get both types of LPA drawn up as soon as possible, well in advance of when – or if – they might be needed.
by Lorraine Gibson
A shocking 76 per cent of people in the South West have been targeted by a scammer so far this year, according to new research by Citizens Advice Dorset. If you’ve ever been scammed, you’ll know how awful it feels. Many people blame themselves or feel stupid for being taken in, but they shouldn’t - today’s con men are so convincing that they can deceive even the most cautious, quick-thinker. They don’t care that we’re struggling through a cost-of-living crisis, in fact they use the situation to their advantage, playing on our money concerns and, Citizen’s Advice says, could use it as a new scamming method. So, be extra wary of anyone calling, emailing or texting you with ‘amazing’ fuel or other utilities deals. Let the old saying: ‘If it seems too good to be true, it usually is’ be your guide and decline. Even if they use a familiar company name, say no and then contact the firm direct to ask if it’s genuine. So how else are we being duped? Of those targeted, the most common scams in our area were fake deliveries and courier services, Government or HMRC scams, banking shams, rebates and refunds cons and dishonest investment or financial offers. For genuine information on the help available if you’re overwhelmed with bills go to the ‘If you’re struggling with living costs’ and ‘Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills’ sections on the Citizens Advice website. Rovarn Wickremasinghe, a chief officer at Citizens Advice in Dorset, said: “We know scammers prey on our worries and fears, sadly, the cost-of-living crisis is no exception. “Anyone can be targeted, and as the financial pressures pile on, it’s important we work together to protect ourselves.” To help more people avoid falling victim to these scams, they offer these tips: If you suspect you’re not dealing with a genuine email or person, hang up/log-off Never respond to pressure to transfer money quickly. A reputable organisation would not ask you to do that Don’t pay in an unusual way. That sort of request is a red flag! It’s been said before, but never, ever give away personal information like passwords, PINs or verification codes
If you do get scammed: Talk to your bank or card company immediately, especially if you’ve handed over financial and sensitive information or made a payment Report it to Citizens Advice. Offline scams, by telephone, post or coming to your door, should be reported to their website or on 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the Scams Action service online or on 0808 250 5050 Text scams can be reported to your phone provider by forwarding it to 7726 Also report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Citizens Advice Central Dorset: centraldorsetca.org.uk 0800 144 8848. Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck: edpcitizensadvice.org.uk 0800 144 8848.
END OF SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO
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MUST END SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST
Aces high, locals low over history of
by Lorraine Gibson
A block of flats is being built on Wimborne Road near Hurn at the spot where the Horse & Jockey pub once stood. The development marks the end of an era for the 1841 red-brick local that also served as an aide memoire of the longgone local racecourse and controversial Ensbury Park Aerodrome. While our airport enjoys international status today, its air festival attracting huge crowds and residents living in relative harmony with its associated airborne comings and goings, ‘t’was not always so. Rewind to 1917, aviation was in its infancy and residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the greater environs were bristling with indignation at the proposal of Yorkshireman Frederick Etches, to create a racecourse and aerodrome complex around Kinson, Parley and Hurn. As well as equine meetings, his intention was to stage ‘spectaculars’ in which planes would race at break-neck speed over rooftops; as if that weren’t enough, some would take place on Sundays! The clergy was outraged; sermons decrying the evils of the wanton frivolity and gambling that would ensue on the Lord’s Day thundered from pulpits and the council tried to block the scheme. Some locals relished the idea of thundering hooves and flying contraptions, however, the majority feared it could undermine their properties and be downright dangerous. Etches, a flight pioneer, lived in Winton and had his own Monsanto-G aircraft. He’d already formed the Bournemouth Aviation Company flying school near Talbot Woods which trained pilots for the Royal Flying Corps, later the RAF. He masterminded the first ever plane landing in Poole in aid of Poole Soldiers’ Home and Cornelia Hospital, a haven for war casualties founded by Lady Cornelia Spencer-Churchill, wife of Ivor Bertie Guest, 1st Baron Wimborne, and aunt of Winston. Etches’ school thrived, with the era’s aviation big hitters, including Sir Alan Cobham, going through their paces there until 1917 when it moved to 88-acres of land in Ensbury Park. It was requisitioned by the Royal Flying Corps and at the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, became RAF Winton. Airmen were trained in aerial warfare and new communication devices at its Wireless Telephony School. By then, the perils of early flight were highlighted by endless ‘prangs.’ One air ace circling low to wave to his girlfriend hit a tree and was killed.
BUMPY LANDINGS: Ensbury Park Aerodrome and, above, Augustus John
Pictures: hampshireairfields.co.uk/airfields/ben.html Another, 2nd Lt Edward Rebbeck, son of a former Bournemouth mayor, died when his aircraft plunged to the ground, and a biplane just missed crashing into Bournemouth town centre after suffering engine failure while looping over the Square. In 1919 the RAF left and the aerodrome owners celebrated with an inaugural flight by a Handley Page bomber (0/400 D8350) with by legendary fighter pilot, Lt Col William Sholto Douglas at the controls. Douglas, famous for his tenacious dogfights, including an intense plane-toplane battle with Goering over France joined the RAF as head of Fighter Command after the Battle of Britain. So, while aerial action became a familiar sight, residents remained divided over Etches’ flying circus-cumracetrack plans. Undeterred, he developed the site - roughly where Leybourne Avenue is now and established air services with occasional air shows thrown in. In the early 1920s a racecourse with two grandstands and stabling for 100 horses was built at a cost of £100,000 and suddenly Etches was manager of the Ensbury Park Racecourse Company; the first horse-race meeting in 1925 was a runaway success, attracting 12,000 people on opening day. Etches owned the complex with a syndicate, one being Sir Henry John ‘Jock’ Delves Broughton, after whom Broughton Avenue is named. A controversial figure, he was tried for murder in Kenya’s Happy Valley in 1941. It was alleged that he shot dead the Earl of Erroll, who’d been having an affair with his wife. Broughton was
acquitted through lack of evidence and was played by Joss Ackland in the film of the story, White Mischief. For a while, meetings at the two-mile, figure-of-eight course were the place to be seen and it was tipped to become ‘the Ascot of the South’, however a lack of enthusiasm for betting and high ticket prices, meant it lasted just 11 months. Unfazed, Etches used the arena for showcasing flight developments and, despite continued protests, the first public air-race meeting was held in August 1926, with townsfolk witnessing aircraft tearing along a course marked by pylons. It was foolhardy by today’s standards, but these were the heady, embryonic days of flight and nothing could stop the daredevil pilots. At the ‘Bournemouth Summer Aviation Race’, entry cost 10 shillings, with prize money £100 for the main event, the Bournemouth Summer Handicap. Race turning points were over Kinson Farm and Parley Green and it wasn’t the magnificent and their flying machines but a local farmer who stole the headlines on the historic day. Trelawney Reed was so incensed by them unsettling his herd and his poorly mother, that he let off both barrels of his shotgun at a low-flying biplane, narrowly missing the pilot. Reed was arrested and taken to court, where he told the magistrate that the planes flew so low they took the heads off his red-hot pokers. He was supported by the artist Augustus John, who lived at nearby Alderney Manor. His testimony clearly held weight as the farmer was found not guilty. The Bournemouth Times & Directory correspondent opined that, ‘Whilst shooting at planes is to be deprecated... any vulgar-minded aeronaut is now suffered to fly his noisy, menacing machine over the town.’ Shortly afterwards, Augustus John moved to Fordingbridge. Plane races wrought more accidents and the dangers were brought home during a meeting, at Whitsun 1927. It began badly when a DH37, G-EBDO, piloted by Major H Hemming, hit the scoreboard on take-off and crashed into the enclosures. He was severely injured and his passenger, Mr St John-Plevins, died. Astonishingly, the event still went ahead; more tragedy followed on June 6 when two planes collided near West Parley, killing both pilots. Ironically, one was the pilot previously shot at by Trelawney Reed. This meeting was the largest of its kind in Britain, but the tragedies spelled the end and Ensbury Park Racecourse Ltd went into liquidation in 1928. By 1930, much of the land was a housing development with Leybourne Road and Western Avenue built over where the main grandstand had stood. The final part was built over near Gillam Road and a new road created. Its name? Etches Close. For more aviation history, visit: hampshireairfields.co.uk.
n Marianne Abley with Vince Banks and
Kelvin Medley-Jones
Presidential changeover
The Christchurch Rotary Club formally welcomed its new president earlier this month. Vince Banks takes over from Marianne Abley for 2022-23. Addressing fellow Rotarians at the King’s Arms Hotel, Vince looked ahead to an important year for Rotary in the town. He prioritised the recruitment of new members and aspired to a particular focus on activities to support young people in the year ahead. Vince also expressed his hope that the club would develop a new major fundraiser during the year, in addition to continuing with the very successful Christchurch Living Advent Calendar in December. Outgoing president Marianne Abley reflected on a very positive year for the club, despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Pandemic. She thanked all Rotarians for their support. The club also chose Kelvin MedleyJones as its new president-elect, to become president for 2023-24. Muddy Stilettos award for popular town bookshop
Gulliver’s Bookshop, the longserving, family-owned firm in Wimborne has received a Muddy Stilettos award. The citation says: ‘The ethos of Muddy Stilettos is celebrating and supporting the most unique, interesting, brilliant local businesses, and we hope that your award will give your business a real boost.’ The award was presented at a ceremony this month and the staff say they see it as a validation that their customers appreciate them and the service that they offer.
