Letters

Many thanks for funds from fayre

Verwood Rotary Club were delighted to host a presentation evening at The Hub in Verwood in November. This was to hand out donations to 25 local organisations, charities and groups from the funds raised at the Rustic Fayre in August. The evening was hosted by Rotarian Vern Harris (Rustic chairman) and the presentations were made by president Clive Grove. Rotarian Louisa Hiscock said: “It was wonderful to bring together so many community groups to celebrate not only the success of the Rustic Fayre but also all the amazing work so many do in our community - much of it voluntary and supporting a wide range of needs and age groups. “All our club members were thrilled we could help to do our bit too and proud to hear so much was going on in Verwood.” All who received a donation spoke about what they did, the challenges they face and how the donation would support their work. Many are volunteers and give their time willingly because they care about those they are helping and want to do their bit to make a difference. This ranged from offering support and friendship groups for vulnerable, elderly and those with health conditions, to running sports activities and clubs. Others worked hard to raise funds for their chosen charities or community events for all ages.

Louisa Hiscock

Verwood Rotary Club

Warm Space awards available

Places in Fordingbridge and Milford are among 16 venues across the New Forest which have received the disrict council’s one-off funding to become Warm Spaces. We have so far handed out grants between £200 and £1,000 to contribute towards running costs. The spaces have to commit to being open to the community for a minimum of four hours a week until March 2023. We’re delighted to have already supported 16 organisations, with grants totalling £13,220, but we still have funding available to help create more Warm Spaces. I would encourage any community groups or charities who are considering opening as a Warm Space to get in touch. Residents can find a full list of warm spaces across the New Forest here: facebook.com/ newforestgov.

Ryan Stevens Service manager for Revenues and Benefits

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Plenty to sing about

We were delighted with the article in the New Stour & Avon magazine. Thank you. We are so pleased to tell you that our concert raised £1,000 for the charity, Mosaic, and our grand total is now £4,750. The other thing I’d like to mention to you is that in 2023 the choir celebrates its 10th anniversary. We will be performing in Wimborne Minster on June 3. In the meantime, may I take this opportunity in thanking you again for your support over the years and wish you and all your readers a very Happy New Year.

Sheila Dursley Vivamente Voices

Dorset could see a whole slew of additional 20mph zones spring up, thanks to a new move by Dorset Council to consider applications over the coming months. The authority’s Road Safety Team will work with town and parish councils to complete an assessment once an application is submitted, with each application being assessed against a set of requirements. Schemes deemed to be high priority would be funded although town and parish councils will have the opportunity to self-fund lower priority schemes. However, to secure the limits, the council warns that schemes must offer the maximum benefit for the affected communities. This includes quality of life, healthier lifestyles, sustainability and environmental benefits, alongside other considerations such as reduction of collisions. Residents interested in acquiring a 20mph limit in their area should contact their parish council and couty councillor. More details at www.dorset council.gov.uk/w/20mph-limitsand-zones.

Bridleway closure extended

A bridleway in East Dorset has been temporarily closed to allow emergency repairs to a bridge. The temporary closure order affects a 440-metre stretch of Bridleway 13 from the Solar Farm area near Verwood going towards Moors Valley Country Park. The notice had lasted for 21 days from December 6, 2022. However, said Dorset Council, it is anticipated the notice will be superseded to a six-month order to allow for the repairs. The council says there is no alternative route deemed suitable for equestrian use. More details are available from the Greenspaces Team on 01425 483809.

Teen hit by truck mirror

A teenager suffered a broken nose after being hit by the wing mirror of a passing lorry. Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened at around 3.30pm on December 6 in Wimborne. Officers said the boy was standing at the pedestrian crossing on Stone Lane, near to the junction with Knobcrook Road, pictured above when he was struck in the face by the wing mirror of a passing lorry, suffering a broken nose. A Dorset Police spokesman added it was reported the vehicle involved – described as a white, rigid-body flatbed lorry – did not stop at the scene. PC Matt Shewbridge added: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened. “I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area to check any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything that might help our investigation. “Finally, I understand several members of the public came to the aid of the injured boy following the collision. “I would like to speak to these people as they may have information that will assist us.” Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220197149. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

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

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

Loyal staff

Stunning views

Exceptional Care in Stunning Surroundings

Live life better... every day at Spetisbury Manor Bright, airy spaces

Why not arrange a visit to see for yourself 01258 857378 | www.spetisburymanor.co.uk | info@spetisburymanor.co.uk