The New Stour & Avon Magazine by The Blackmore Vale Limited

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The New Stour & Avon

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Friday, December 17, 2021

M ayhem, m agical m oments a nd Mayhem, magical moments and s eason’s g reetings ffrom rom H igh M ead season’s greetings High Mead p 32 p32

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CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM! Local, Loyal & Trusted Please call for FREE valuation of your home Wimborne Off ice 01202 842922 | Ferndown Off ice 01202 890890

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2 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Inside... Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectibles Business Farming & Environment Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Gardens Letters Local Services Motoring MPs’ Round-Up Pets Property Puzzles Recruitment Sport

38-43 30-31 44-51 32-33 27-29 24-26 34-35 8 58-59 52-53 14 36-37 60-64 18-19 54-56 56-57

Classified ads: classified@stourandavon.net, 01963 400186 or online at stourandavon.net Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU

DEADLINES Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

n Advent calendar doors open p4 n Meet Sunny the sandman p17 n Get snap happy p42 Cover picture: Fun and games at High Mead Farm

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

Debi Thorne Ad manager debi.thorne@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289409

Jane Toomer Senior account manager jane.toomer@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289411

Meet the Team

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Lorraine Gibson Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Steve Belasco Editor newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Rusty Harness Account manager rusty.harness@ stourandavon.net Tel: 07714 289412

Faith Eckersall Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Fresh. Free Range. Local Milk from Allen Valley Allen Valley Milk is produced in the Allen Valley surrounding Wimborne and Pamphill. We were awarded Best Dairy producer 2018 at The Taste of Dorset awards. We were again finalists in 2019 and were highly commended in The Dorset Magazine, Food, Drink and Farming Awards 2020. We are a traditional family farm based on The National Trusts Kingston Lacy estate. Our free range herd of Friesian cows graze lush pastures surrounding our farm for as many months of the year as possible. Our meadows have been untouched for many years which enhances the flavour of our milk whilst also benefiting nature. All calves are reared by ourselves. We aim to produce a product that tastes as milk should, it is fresh every day, it is pasteurised but otherwise untouched. It is not homogenised. There are 0 food miles in this product! Our milk is available to purchase from our vending machines at The Allendale Centre, Wimborne; Damory Vets, Blandford and Pamphill Farm Shop, Wimborne, Vines Close Farm Shop, Sturminster Marshall and The Milk Huts, Ashley Cross, Poole. On your first visit you can purchase your own reusable glass bottle.

www.allenvalleymilk.com allenvalleyfarming@gmail.com

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 3

Town to lose yet another bank By Faith Eckersall The TSB bank has axed its Wimborne operation after discovering that only five customers were using the branch regularly. “In the last two years we’ve seen a 43 per cent decrease in transactions at this branch, with only five customers visiting regularly, four of which use the branch and no other channel,” it said. The bank claimed it had ‘looked carefully’ at the way its branch in The Square, pictured right, was used and discovered that 75 per cent of its personal, and 83 per cent of its business customers use another branch or means of banking, such as online. Wimborne TSB will shut its doors on April 13 next year and news of its closure came one week after the town learned it was losing its branch of NatWest.

The news leaves TSB customers with Boscombe as their nearest walk-in branch. TSB said: “The way customers bank with us is changing with the vast majority of everyday transactions now being made digitally. Over 2.2 million of our customers now choose to bank online, and more than 1.6million use our Mobile Banking App.

Fashion boost is blooming great for town

On the eve of Wimborne in Bloom’s 29th anniversary, town store M &Co staged two fashion shows to raise funds towards planting up the town next year. Two seatings accommodated lower numbers due to Covid restrictions still in force. More than 30 people attended the two events last month and just over £270 was raised for Wimborne in Bloom funds. “Even before covid-19, Store manager Marta customers were choosing Longmire speaking after the other ways to bank with us, event said: “We enjoy with 44 per cent using services at our cash machines working with Wimborne in Bloom so having a fashion and 24 per cent using a Post show is an easy option, Office. and it was a great success”. “We have supported over 1.1million customers through Richard Nunn of Wimborne in Bloom thanked M & Co, the our online chat service and models for giving up their time our customers continue to use our telephone and video and all those who supported banking services.” the occasions.

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Doors opening in Christchurch living

FIRST NIGHT: From left, Rotary’s Vince Banks, mace-bearer Brenda Traylen, Mayor of Christchurch Sue Bungey, mayor’s consort Michael Trowman and Clac organiser Jan Banks. Right, the Autism Unlimited choir performing at Priory Church

An especially moving performance on guitar and vocal from Portfield School student Leon was the highlight of the first evening of the start of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (Clac), with staff and students from Autism Unlimited giving a memorable pop-up performance in the North Porch of Priory Church. A crowd of more than 200 supported the event. Organised by Christchurch Rotary, Clac is staging events in aid of different charities every evening until December 24, in a range of town centre locations. Each performance is supported by a local organisation, but the identity of the performer(s) is not

revealed until a door or window opens at 6.15pm – mirroring the surprise element of a conventional Advent Calendar. The opening event was in aid of the charity Autism Unlimited (formerly Autism Wessex) – and the surprise performers turned out to be also from that charity, and from its Portfield School. Rotary president-elect Vince Banks invited the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Bungey, to open the very first session of Clac, and her address was followed by Malcolm Farrell, chairman of trustees at Autism Unlimited, who spoke about their vital work before introducing the surprise performers. Concluding the event, Vince

thanked all the people and organisations who had made Clac possible. Clac performances will continue to run every evening at 6.15pm until December 23. Public support for Clac has already been impressive, with typical attendances at

events so far of more than 100 – reaching well over 400 on one occasion. There have been fine performances from singers, musicians and others, and excellent public contributions to charity fundraising. From today, December 17,

County launches its Volunteer Hero Awards Do you know someone who made a big difference during the covid pandemic? Dorset Council wants to hear about them as part of its Dorset Volunteer Heroes Awards. More than 3,000 volunteers have played an essential part in helping people stay safe and have kept their communities going.

“We want to celebrate all those who have made a difference, and formally recognise their efforts and achievements,” said the council. “If someone made a difference to you during the pandemic, or if there’s someone close to you who you think should be recognised, the Dorset

Volunteer Heroes Awards is your chance to thank them.” To help volunteers further, Dorset council says it is now offering free parking at its car parks for all staff and volunteers when working in covid vaccination clinics. Participants need to provide their vehicle registration details to their clinic manager, who will pass the

information to the parking team. Volunteers’ vehicles will be added to a database, which officers can access to ensure they are not issued with a fine if they do not purchase a parking ticket. More details on both these schemes at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk or call 01305 221048.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 5

advent calendar Clac enters its final week. Supported by more than 120 local businesses, an impressive £12,000 for local charities has already been raised, with more being contributed by the public until December 24. Organiser Jan Banks said: “The response has really surpassed our expectations – well done, Christchurch and district! Many thanks to all our performers, sponsors, helpers and supporters – and do join us for the remaining events!” Today, December 17, the Primrose Charitable Trust sponsors an event at the Regent Centre, which is also the beneficiary, and tomorrow, Saturday, Clac is at Saxon Square for a show sponsored by Christchurch Care in support of Christchurch Community Partnership and Christchurch Angels. On Sunday the Bandstand on the Quomps

will feature a presentation sponsored by the Christchurch Charitable Trust in aid of the local Marie Curie charity, and on Monday the Boat House welcomes a performance sponsored by Kamm Civil Engineering, in aid of the National Coastguard Institution at Hengistbury Head. On Tuesday, December 21, spectators are invited to the Conservative Club in Bargates for a show sponsored by the Primrose Charitable Trust, for the Friends of the Red House Museum, and on Wednesday, Saxon Square hosts a performance sponsored by the Primrose Charitable Trust for Rotary charities. Thursday sees Tony Hairdressing sponsoring a show at the Baptist Church in Bargates, in support of the Bournemouth Blind Society, and the programme ends on Christmas Eve at 2pm with a

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2020 We have recently been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Carol service for shoppers

FOREVER BLOWING: The Lovely Bubble Show at the Fleur de Lis

performance in Saxon Square sponsored by the Primrose Charitable Trust in support of Ashley’s Birthday Bank. For more information visit Christchurchlivingadvent calendar.org.uk or look at Facebook: @Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, Instagram: @Christchurch_ living_advent.

The annual Shoppers Carol Service will take place in the Minster Church at Wimborne tomorrow, Saturday, December 18, at 11am and will last for half an hour. It will be conducted by the Revd Canon Andrew Rowland. This will be the seventh year for the Service, which is growing in popularity. Hear the story, sing your favourite carols and enjoy this opportunity to help Wimborne celebrate Christmas. All are welcome.

Police surgery Dorset Police says that PCSO 7133 Pepper and PCSO 8194 Flanagan will be available to answer any queries and to offer crime prevention advice at Verwood Police Station on Wednesday, December 22, from 11am-noon.

“The staff here are quite simply wonderful, they can’t do enough for you. The food is excellent with plenty of variety and my quality of life has improved since moving here. I only wish I made the decision sooner.” Current resident

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6 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

is ready Top awards for a family firm Regent for dream panto Independent electronic retailer Dacombes of Wimborne is definitely plugged in to success. The family-run business, established in 1920, saw off stiff competition at the national ERT Awards to win two prestigious categories. The awards celebrate the best and brightest from the UK’s electrical retail sector. For the third time in three years, Dacombes, specialists in domestic appliances, TVs and state-of-the-art home cinemas picked up the award for Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer. Managing director Matt Renaut said: “We’re delighted the hard work of our staff has been rewarded. It’s a terrific way to kick off our centenary celebrations in Wimborne in 2022. He added: “This accolade shows that customers want the expertise and personal service which we offer free along with

competitive prices that match or are even lower than online.” Julie Gray, who has worked for Dacombes for five years, scooped the Sales Excellence Award. She said: “I was thrilled to win this category – especially as it was the first time we’ve entered it. “I’m so passionate about this business. Great customer service is at the core of our ethos. There’s no robotic, hardto-reach call centre – we provide everything in person.” And this multi-award-winning local business is not resting on

n The victorious Dacombes crew and the ERT awards

its laurels. Looking to expansion, it has recently purchased a 4500sq ft warehouse on the outskirts of Wimborne for storage. The team, comprising kitchen fitters, TV installers and sales colleagues, are also regularly vetted by mystery shoppers to maintain the highest standards of customer care.

The Highcliffe Charity Players return to the Regent Centre with a special take on Sleeping Beauty, a ‘one-act pantomime of your dreams’ by Tom Whalley. It runs from Thursday, December 27 to Sunday, January 30, 2022, and in the true spirit of Christmas, profits go to local charities. Director Matthew Smith, says: “Charity Players has clocked up 50 years and I feel so proud that the company, co-founded by my father, has continued to delight pantogoers while raising thousands of pounds for charity. “Sleeping Beauty is one of the classics and our panto as ever, is packed with songs, laughter and romance. “We also have a great cast, so this should be a treat for the whole family,” he adds. Tickets are £15, from regentcentre.co.uk, or the box office on 601202 499199.

GO PLASTIC-FREE Verwood Town Council offices hours over Christmas: Christmas Eve ....................... 9.00am-12 noon Christmas Day ....................................... Closed Boxing Day .............................................. Closed 27th December ....................................... Closed 28th December ........................................ Closed 29th December ...................... 9.00am-12 Noon 30th December ...................... 9.00am-12 Noon 31st December ...................... 9.00am-12 Noon 3rd January ............................................... Closed 4th January .............................. 9.00am-1.00pm

Wishing all our residents a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year!

in Wimborne! Plastic-free grocery shopping Bring your own container or use one of our biodegradable paper bags and purchase as much or as little as you like. Large range of plastic-free loose foods and drinks plus cruelty-free cleaning and laundry products and eco-friendly swaps for everyday household items.

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8 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Your letters

email: newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Guidelines for safer feeding of our birds At this time of year many will have already put food onto their bird tables and filled up their peanut holders and drinkers in preparation of the added pleasure of watching migratory birds. Many of the experienced bird feeding fans will not need advice on how important hygiene is on preventing diseases spreading, which actually do more harm than good because simple guidelines were not adhered to. So the British Trust for Ornithology has set out some guidelines to help the less experienced or complete novice at feeding wild birds. Providing a variety of goodquality fresh food will attract an even greater variety of birds, avoid over-filling feeders to ensure they are emptied every few days prior to refilling with fresh food. Old bird food will spread all manner of ailments. Avoid placing feeders under garden features where birds perch or roost; this will prevent contamination from droppings. Provide clean drinking water on a daily basis and be mindful of predators when

placing a bird table. We owe a lot to charities like the RSPB and BTO for many cruel practices being consigned to the history books. A nursery rhyme called Sing A Song Of Sixpence was named after one such practice. In the 16th century French cuisine for the nobility and upper class involved the catching of Blackbirds including other species of songbirds. They were placed into a precooked pastry bottom alive and covered with a pastry crust. The creation was carried to the table, the crust was opened and to the delight of the assembled guests the birds flew out calling in distress as they attempted to make their escape. I realise my conservation efforts may appear to be futile given the number of birds in Britain. But it’s when I am joined by millions of others who are also doing their bit, that we collectively become very relevant in protecting wildlife. Mike Fry Upton

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

MP’s ‘round up’ offensive

Am I alone in finding Christopher Chope MP’s ‘round-up’ against ‘illegal immigrants’ offensive (‘It’s time to stop current surge of immigrants, Letters, December 3, 2021)? Maybe it’s because I am the son of a Czech refugee who escaped from the Nazis in implement them accordingly. 1939 and thankfully found Over to you Dorset Council! decent people in the United However, because the town Kingdom prepared to offer council has already initiated him sanctuary. and resourced a Community For the rest of his life he Speed Watch project for lauded the UK as a model of areas around the town, social democracy with respect including the road leading to for human rights; he was the First School, they did not totally committed to its values. feel it appropriate to support I daren’t think if he were still the installation of a speed alive what he would make of indicator device. Chope’s simplistic description We wait to see what happens. of a ‘surge of immigrants’. DS Biddle In many parts of the world (such as Syria, Afghanistan, Wimborne

Council responds to concerns As reported in your previous edition, Wimborne Town Council were asked to support three road safety measures concerning the new Wimborne First School, that is traffic calming measures, the extension of double yellow lines and the installation of speed indicator devices. I am pleased and relieved to say that the first two of these were supported and Dorset Council will be requested to

OFF THE WALL...

Iraq and southern Sudan), civil wars have made life unendurable for many. In other parts of the world, severe climate change is rendering traditional agricultural life impossible, forcing people off the land into overcrowded cities with poor resources. These are the reasons people risk life and limb to get here, hoping as my father did before them that the UK is a decent country who care about people as individuals rather than dismissing them with language more akin to describing a plague or pandemic. Frankly, it makes me ashamed of what has happened to this country. Tony Horitz Wimborne

Your email comments are very welcome, however we cannot publish them anonymously and we reserve the right to edit them as deemed necessary

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 9

The very modern model of the major model

SEEING DOUBLE: The model of Wimborne Model Town and, right, Penri Jones and Becky Campbell

Plans are well under way for the construction of a new ‘Model of the Model’ at Wimborne Model Town to celebrate the charity attraction’s 70th anniversary season in 2022. The model, which true to scale is 1/0th the size of the existing miniature buildings, will be laid out behind the Cornmarket area, representing the original location of the Model Town from 1952-1983. The new model, which consists of more than 100

shops, banks, pubs, the Minster and the King’s Head Hotel, is being produced from 3D printed polylactide derived from plant-based renewable resources. The new project answers the perennial question posed by visitors, ‘where is the model of the model town?’ and with the digital technology employed, could lead to the development of an even smaller 1,000th scale replica. Penri Jones, project leader and Model Town trustee said: “It is

very enjoyable to be taking Wimborne Model Town forward with this new platinum anniversary undertaking. “It has only been made possible by utilising the many talents of our volunteer team.” Heading up the painting is Becky Campbell from the charity attraction’s winter workshop group with onsite groundwork being undertaken by Model Town volunteers with assistance from contractor Jay Angus.

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Loved Louis’ foundation tops £100,000 By Lorraine Gibson

CELEBRATION: From top, Max at the festival with the Hollywood-style letters he created, young people enjoying the festival and dad John completing the RAB cycle ride

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

When 17-year-old Louis Ross from Tarrant Keyneston tragically died in a skiing accident in December 2015, his family was devastated. To console themselves in the face of deep despair, they reflected on the things that had made Louis so popular among his peers. They concluded that it was his kindness, friendliness and empathy towards those experiencing challenges in their lives and so, they decided to carry the kindness on in Louis’s name. The Louis Ross Foundation charity was established in 2016 with the simple mission statement, ‘helping young people facing difficulty’, aimed at under 25s in a catchment area that includes Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Over the past six years the charity’s fundraising, the knowledge that its mission is valued and that it has lent a helping hand to so many people has brought some comfort to Louis’ family. The Foundation is run by Louis’ parents, Penny and John Ross, along with trustees and friends. People have completed marathons, cycled, kayaked,

skydived, taken part in Tough Mudders, grown moustaches and had haircuts – all to boost Louis’ remarkable charity. Others have got involved in golf days, quiz nights, Burns nights, a celebrity football match and more. This year, two people who were particularly close to Louis made huge efforts for the Foundation. In July, Max Tipping, his friend from preschool days, staged the Louis Ross Festival music weekender near Sturminster Marshall. More than 400 young people came, many of whom knew Louis and Max, and they raised a colossal £15,000!

Then in September, Louis’s dad, John, completed Ride Across Britain, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in nine days. A heroic effort requiring much training, it raised more than £4,000 and took Louis’ name to the far corners of our island. The ongoing support and fundraising by the community at Canford School, where Louis was a student, has meant a great deal to his family, too. From incredibly difficult beginnings, Louis’ Foundation has now proudly announced that outgoing donations have totalled more than £100,000 and applications for funding are warmly invited to be considered by the trustees. Those who’ve benefited have faced challenges like poverty, homelessness, illness, bereavement and physical and mental

disabilities and the fact that all of this giving is carriedout in Louis’ name has helped his family drive the continuation of his evergreen Foundation. Support is always welcome and to make contact, email penny@louisross.org. Penny, John and the family say that it’s hard to believe that six years have passed since such a vibrant and loved young man lost his life – but it is wonderful that his legacy lives on.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 11

‘New chapter’ for Wimborne Town FC Three south coast businessmen are promising fresh investment ‘on and off the pitch’ after acquiring a majority stake in football club Wimborne Town. Martin Higgins, Adam Tovey and Lee Merrifield, pictured from left to right, reached agreement on their takeover at a meeting with the club’s current board on November 29. As well as being longstanding fans of the Southern League Premier South club, the three are senior level colleagues at a Dorset-based property finance company. While the purchase price is undisclosed, the new owners say it is ‘a sizeable sum backed with a long-term commitment to do the best for the club’. Adam, who is taking the role of vice chairman, said: “This is all about writing an exciting new chapter for Wimborne Town. “We are committing ourselves to improve the

playing squad and progress the profile of the Magpies with new community initiatives. “We will be announcing more details in due course and we would like to attract new supporters and further investment including from potential sponsors. “Our message to the business community in and around Wimborne is that our door is open and we are more than happy to talk to you.” Adam is valuation director at 40-year-old property finance specialist MSP Capital, where Martin is managing

director and Lee is underwriting & credit manager. Both passionate about football, Martin and Adam are the driving forces behind MSP Capital’s shirt sponsorship deal with AFC Bournemouth, yet they are keen to stress their Wimborne Town purchase is by three individuals rather than the company for whom they work. Adam said: “The majority stake is something we are doing personally.” Lee, taking an enhanced role as finance director, added:

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“This next chapter is an evolution not a revolution and the current board have undertaken some outstanding work. They will be maintaining their presence as shareholders and board members. “This is really important, as we value the history and provenance of the club and those that have steered the club to where it is today.” Magpies’ current chairman Tony Grant welcomed the deal, saying: “We all want to see Wimborne Town go from strength to strength, especially so since we moved to New Cuthbury. “The time is right to pass the baton of ownership on and I wish Adam, Martin and Lee all the very best with taking the club forward.” Wimborne Town was founded in 1878 and, until this season’s stadium move, had played at the Cuthbury ground for more than a century.

12 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Leave your messages for loved ones Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors have again been inviting people to leave messages on Christmas trees in memory of lost loved ones. Trees of Remembrance are now standing at its branches Douch & Small in Wimborne, AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown, Lesley Shand in Corfe Mullen and Blandford, Ives and Shand in Parkstone and Albert Marsh in Wareham. Anyone from the community is invited to pop into a branch and write a message for a

loved one then hang it from the tree. It is anticipated that by Christmas the trees will be adorned with moving messages. The company is also raising awareness and funds for its new charity of the year, Will Does – dedicated to the memory of William Paddy whose life sadly ended early at the age of 14. The charity helps young people through the promotion of education, physical health, mental health and social inclusion. Melissa Keen from the

group’s Lesley Shand n Melissa Keen and Shane branch in Corfe Mullen Watson in Corfe Mullen with said: “We have done this their tree of remembrance for a number of years and it really helps people. “Anyone can pop into a branch, write a message and hang it from the tree – it doesn’t matter how long ago the loved one passed away. “For many it will be the first Christmas without a wife, husband, mother or father and the words are very moving. “A tree of remembrance is a wonderful way to capture special memories and to celebrate a life.”

Boost for Tubs of toys for children’s charity broadband training Dorset’s broadband future has been given a £20,000 boost by the council to help get more fibre engineers trained to speed up its rollout. Nationally, 63 per cent of premises now have gigabit capable broadband, whereas in Dorset the figure is just 15 per cent. One of the factors affecting this is a lack of fully-trained fibre engineers, says Dorset Council, which estimates the county needs around 300 to fulfil the government’s fullfibre roll out ambitions. The £20,000 will fund a pilot fibre engineer training programme with a consortium of stakeholders from the private, public, and voluntary sector working together to develop the plans and attract further investment. Email the following address for more information: connectingdorset@dorset council.gov.uk

Every Christmas for the last four years, MPH Plumbing, Heating & Bathrooms, which has branches in Ferndown, Blandford and Poole, has helped the Amelia’s Rainbow charity with its Christmas Toy Appeal at the company’s showroom in Moordown. Toys and gifts are collected for children with severe disabilities and illnesses and their families. The impact of the event is huge and the charity will be visiting more than 200 families in Dorset tomorrow, December 18.

This and last Christmas has been especially tough for many families, so MPH has welcomed the help and support of staff and customers to make this year the best one yet, filling three bathtubs with presents for the Amelia’s Rainbow team to hand out. The charity takes new, unused, and unwrapped presents and they gift up to the age of 21. They also gift to children who only respond to sounds or lights rather than play.

There is a Just Giving page to contribute to buying vouchers for the older teens who love reading or gaming which can be found at: justgiving.com/campaign/toy appeal21?invite=true. This year’s deadline to donate toys has now passed, however the charity is still able to accept monetary donations via their Just Giving page. Find out more about Amelia’s Rainbow and their Toy Appeal at amelias rainbow.com/toy-appeal

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 13

Family pulls together to support others By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Welcome to the world of Woogie Big Pants, children’s story books that use art therapy to help children cope with experiences such as divorce, bereavement and homelessness. Woogie’s Wibbly Wobbly Worry Pack creates a safe space for children to express their emotions with words, scribbles and stickers. The books use creative techniques and life hacks to encourage children to open up and engage in the difficult conversations we sometimes have to have. Dorset author Jenna Whyman began creating the characters in the Woogie Big Pants universe after leaving her marriage. “When my kids were little we were going through tough stuff that was not reflected in the mainstream. “I created characters as I ad libbed stories to them. I wanted us to explore things in a relaxing, uplifting way. I wanted to give my kids a voice because I never had that.” With support from Inspire Dorset, a charity based in the Community Learning and Resource Centre (CLaRC) in the heart of Wimborne, she gained enough confidence and skills to take Woogie Big Pants from comforting concept to successful startup. In turn, Jenna sells her books at Wimborne makers markets, craft events and online, giving families and carers useful tools with which to help people, especially youngsters, with

WOOGIES: Jenna and her family and, inset, their book

mental health, confidence, or extra needs issues. Inspired Dorset offers support to unemployed people all around the county. The mission is to inspire people to develop community-based ’solutions' through 1:1 advice, consultancy and training, networking and peer support. Jenna’s books take a holistic approach to mental wellbeing, promoting empowerment and feminist values, and reflect her experiences as a single parent of three. The Woogie character was inspired by her eldest son Reece, now 22, and her creative director. The books’ strategies for kids with additional needs are drawn from training and

research Jenna has done to support Reece, who has Down Syndrome and her youngest, Theo, 12, who is undergoing a diagnosis for ADHD. Her daughter Grace, 17, is studying courses at college so she can join the little family business, too. “I got told so many things that Reece wasn’t going to do. So I’ve made sure he can achieve as much as he can in life,” says Jenna. “All my children have had very different needs and raising a daughter to be strong and independent when my own experiences were different has been a challenge.” In the Pandemic she used the hiatus to gain qualifications in SEN and various

therapeutic techniques. Jenna and Reece have been invited to audition for Dragon’s Den this spring... they are developing an app and there are plans for an animated Woogie series. “I want to find ways for Woogie Big Pants to support non-traditional communities and care homes that lack funding, and to reach children and young people that find it hard to express themselves. “My books are aimed at any young person who feels like they haven’t got a voice. Woogie gives them a safe space to create and helps them work it out for themselves, which empowers them to make choices.” n woogiebigpants.com/ bookstore

Open invitation to celebrate Christmas at St John’s church St John’s Church in Wimborne has organised a series of services for all ages this Christmas Vicar Peter Breckwoldt says there is a warm welcome

awaiting everyone, adults and children alike. Services include: Sunday, December 19, at 4.30pm: Outdoor All Age Carols.

Sunday or Monday, December 19 or 20 at 7pm: Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve Holy Communion at 11pm Christmas Day Celebration

at 9.30am or 11am Watch the indoor services online via St John’s website, Facebook or YouTube. Visit stjohnswimborne.org. uk for further information.

14 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

MPs’ round-up

No rationale for the latest Covid regulations As Parliament rose for the Christmas Recess, it was preoccupied with how to address the challenge of the Omicron variant. The good news is that those infected with the latest strain suffer milder symptoms with an extremely small chance of requiring hospital treatment. But there is disappointment for those who have already been double jabbed. They are now as vulnerable to infection from Omicron as the unvaccinated. This shows that there is no justification for the divisive policy of requiring vaccine passports as a precondition for entry to venues. It also negates the case for requiring double vaccination as a condition of employment. Restrictions upon individual liberty should not be imposed without the strongest evidence in support. It was because of the lack of such evidence that I joined so many colleagues in voting

against the latest regulations. The collateral damage already caused by Covid-19 restrictions remains of a particular concern. One in ten hospital beds are now occupied by patients who are ready to be discharged but for whom a care home vacancy cannot be found. The crisis in care homes where there are reported to be up to 60,000 staffing vacancies has been exacerbated by the requirement that everyone working in a care home, even if not in direct contact with a resident, must be double vaccinated. We are now faced with a similar perverse consequence flowing from the requirement that those working in the NHS will need to be double vaccinated as a condition of employment from April. One of my constituents who is a senior clinician locally has reported to me that, while he

Christchurch & East Dorset: Chris Chope has recovered from Covid which he caught while unvaccinated and, therefore, has significant antibodies, he will be discriminated against in comparison with another colleague who caught Covid despite having been double vaccinated. What can be the rationale for that? Further collateral damage is being caused to young people by inhibiting the

normal social engagement which should be fundamental in their development. Working from home is often neither practical nor desirable, especially for younger employees as it also prevents them from being able to learn on the job. At the time of writing, the World Health Organisation has not reported any deaths from Omicron in the 38 countries where it is in evidence. Let us hope that that situation continues and encourages us all to put Covid-19 into perspective. We must learn to live with it and make such minimal adjustments to our own lives as are warranted by individual circumstance. It should not be the role of Government to terrorise the population by fear of unsubstantiated risks. n May I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy 2022.

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 15

The shooting stars of winter Night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society In mid-December, the meteors of the annual Geminid stream streak across the night sky. They appear to radiate from a point near the head of Castor, the upper bright star at the left of the constellation; its twin is Pollux. These twins were, in Greek mythology, brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, commander of the Greeks in the Trojan War. The Moon is at its gibbous phase, a little larger than half-Moon, as the meteors

New president for Rotary club reach maximum; its light may blot out fainter members. Bright Geminids often leave sparkling trails as they burn their way through the upper atmosphere at altitudes between 60 and 100 kilometres, so keep binoculars at hand to see

how these gas trails snake around after the meteor has apparently disappeared. The reliable Geminids can include very bright fireballs. These represent bigger chunks of debris, left behind millennia ago by the crumbling asteroid Phaethon. Clear skies!

Adding to Bags of Kindness Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes and for LewisManning’s Hospice Care patients, it’s bag-shaped. Inspired by a bright idea from one of the charity’s fundraising team to cheer-up patients after the rigours of lockdown, it devised ‘Bags of Kindness’, an initiative to deliver comforting treats in a handy shopper,

straight to people’s doors. On hearing the suggestion, Lewis-Manning’s director of clinical services, Ruth Burnhill, was eager for it to go ahead. She said: “We know how difficult Lockdown has been for so many of our patients. It’s been a very isolating experience for them.

Announcements DEATHS KELLY Hubert (known as John) Passed peacefully away at home on 3rd December 2021, aged 89 years. Much-loved Fiancé of Anne. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral Service to be held at St Nicholas’ Church, Corfe Mullen on Wednesday, 22nd December 2021, at 1.30pm followed by interment in Corfe Mullen Cemetery. All family and friends welcome. Family flowers only please but donations, if desired, for The Salvation Army. Personal messages, memories and donations may be made online at www.oharafunerals.co.uk Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors Tel: 01202 882134

“Not only are they living with the challenges of a life-limiting illness but many are living alone and have hugely missed the social interaction and care that they usually receive by coming in to Day Care at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. “We wanted to spread some happiness, cheer them up and offer a distraction to their days,” she said. Lewis-Manning arts coordinator, Karen England came up trumps with a selection of poems and tongue-twisters to add to the bags. A copy of the New Stour & Avon magazine will be popped into each bag. Other local businesses have got behind the endeavour with donations from the likes of the Chocolate Boutique Hotel, Dorset Tea, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, the Dorset Ginger Company, Cherry Tree Preserves, Moores Biscuits and pampering treats from Lush cosmetics. CEO, Clare Gallie, said: “To get involved, please contact 01202 708470 or fundraising team@lewis-manning.org.uk”

President of Christchurch Rotary, Marianne Abley, has installed the club’s new President-elect, Vince Banks, pictured above. Marianne said: “Vince has been a club member since 2017 and has most recently chaired the membership and PR Committee. “Currently, he is also highly active in the development of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, focusing especially on gaining sponsorship commitments. “He brings a wealth of organisational experience to the Club, and I am delighted that he will in due course be succeeding me as president.” The installation took place at the Kings Arms Hotel.

Festive fun for ladies

Members of Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild enjoyed an afternoon of festive entertainment at the recent Christmas meeting, singing and dancing along to the music of Barry Manley on his guitar, writes Linda Pearson. Sherry and nibbles were served and a thoroughly good time was had by all. A raffle was held and four new members were introduced to the Guild. Two visitors from Dorset Federation were welcomed by the group. Tickets were also available for the New Year January coffee morning.

16 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 The Museum of East Dorset is inviting people to celebrate Christmas with a visit from Monday to Saturday between now and 1pm on Christmas Eve. Discover how the festive season was celebrated in the past by taking a look at the Victorian Christmas card collection, and discover the fascinating stories of the people that lived and worked here over the centuries. Be sure to make time to stroll through the beautiful and peaceful walled garden and pop into the Tea Room to treat yourself to a warming bowl of soup, or perhaps a hot drink and seasonal mince pie. If you like to shop local there are some wonderful gifts in the Museum Shop and Information Centre. Whether it is stocking fillers, craft workshops or unique pieces made by local artisans, the museum staff say they have something for everyone.

UNIQUE: Beautiful pieces by local artisans to admire... and purchase

Celebrate Christmas at museum For further information, contact the museum on 01202 886116 or visit museumofeastdorset.co.uk. The Museum will be closed from 1pm on December 24 and will re-open on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Upcoming events and workshops

include a Silver Clay Jewellery workshop on Thursday, January 13, and a Mosaic workshop on – Saturday, January 29. You can book a workshop place by visiting: museumofeastdorset.co.uk/ events.

Chorister thanked for 60 years’ singing By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Jonathan Hiscock’s 60 years of singing at Wimborne Minster were recognised at a family Eucharist Service on Remembrance Sunday. Wimborne-born Jonathan, who is also a bell-ringer, was publicly thanked for his dedication over the years and presented with a speciallydesigned certificate recording his six decades of service to the choir by the rector, the Revd Canon Andrew Rowland. Churchwarden, Peter Cook, presented him with an engraved decanter and a card signed by colleagues, past and present. This was followed by a salute by the Gentlemen of the Choir with a touching tribute set to the tune of Three Kings From Persian Lands Afar. When Jonathan first joined the choir, in November 1961, it comprised 20 boys and 10 men. The Choirmaster/ Organist was David Blott and the vicar was the Revd. Stanley Epps.

Weekday rehearsals took place by tea and Choral Evensong. after school in Church House Jonathan has served under two followed by a full choir vicars, five rectors, six practice inside the Minster on choirmasters and a similar Friday evenings. They sang in number of assistants and was three choral services every head chorister for two or three Sunday with the boys let out years before moving into the before the sermon at Mattins. back row as a bass, then a Jonathan recalls that the main tenor. organ was out of use, so a He recalls attending the small chamber pipe organ was opening recital by Francis used in its place. Jackson (York Minster) on the The boys, who were paid new 1965 organ – he has his according to seniority, signature on the attendance and behaviour, programme – and had just four Sundays off, in taking part in two live August, singing throughout broadcasts, including the rest of the year, Christmas Day 1973 including, of course, on and BBC Songs of Good Friday and Praise in 1990. Christmas Day. He said that the Perks included an experience at annual trip to the Minster has the brought him Bournemouth many panto at the opportunities Pavilion and elsewhere with the odd other choirs football and and that his cricket match training had against helped him Sherborne develop his Abbey love of music, ON SONG: musical ability choristers Jonathan Hiscock followed and a good ear. Picture: BEATRICE DOPITA

Jonathan is still passionate about what he does and already has plans for his next experience. Having sung several times at Westminster Abbey and at 17 different cathedrals, including St Paul’s, York Minster and Westminster Cathedral, he hopes to sing at an 18th cathedral next summer. He said: “Singing at the Minster has been an important part of my life over the years which have passed all too quickly. Whilst the physical attributes of the presentation are greatly valued and appreciated, the greatest thing for me was that the anniversary was marked and the time I have given acknowledged. That people wanted to celebrate the occasion gave me a warm glow and made me feel that my small contribution to the life of the Minster throughout that time has been valued. Thank you to all involved.” Married to Di, they have two equally-musical daughters, one a woodwind player, the other a woodwind service and repair technician.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 17

Forget Frosty the snowman... here’s Sunny the sandman! Who needs snow when you can make a sandman? Jolly Dipper Swimming Club members, Zoe Oreilly and Debbie Stacey, pictured above, made this cool little guy out of Avon Beach’s golden sand, proving you don’t need snow to have fun when it’s cold! Avon the Sandman has shells for eyes, driftwood arms, pebble buttons and wears a jaunty bobble hat and matching scarf in the season’s must-have pastel shades.

Queen’s Award is presented to centre These are exciting times for the Ancient Technology Centre, star of one of our front-page stories back in June and who regular readers may recall had just been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Groups. Fast forward to last month and the Lord Lieutenant for Dorset, Angus Campbell, joined the volunteers and staff, past and present, at the centre in Cranborne to officially present the prestigious award. The Ancient Technology Centre houses recreated historic buildings from the Stone Age to the Viking period – all built with the support of volunteers over the past 30 years – and is a superb educational facility. As the earthouse open fire

PRESTIGIOUS: Angus Campbell presents the Queen’s Award to Colin Alborough at the Ancient Technology Centre

glowed to great effect, images taken during the construction of the forge, the earthouse and the longhouse were shown, all of which

evoked memories for those involved. Mr Campbell met more than 50 guests, followed by a presentation and lunch in the

longhouse. After reading out a citation he presented vice-chairman of the Centre Volunteers Association, Colin Alborough, with the glass award and a copy of the citation from the Queen. A delicious fruit cake made by one of the volunteers and adorned with the ATC logo, was cut by Mr Campbell using his sword and Colin Alborough gave a speech in which he expressed his appreciation to staff for preparing the venue and cooking the food and spoke of how proud the volunteers were to receive such a prestigious award. If you are interested in volunteering at ATC, contact Anita Rigler on 01725 517618.

18 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Puzzles Arrow words Believes in

Patron

Crossword

Drunken woodland god

Uterus

Numerical fact

Follow orders

Qualification document

Ales

Test version, in software

Sailor

That man

Felines

Phone ID card (inits)

16 17

Fix

18 21

20 22

Selfcontained units

Internal PC expansion connector (inits)

1 5 8 9 11 12 15 16 19 21 23 25 26 27

Book-layout software (inits)

‘South Park’ baby

Sprites

Wander

Frilled

23 Camera opening

Major California airport (inits)

Hazardous

Winter time plus one hour (inits)

Before now

Pig’s house

Purposes

Wordsearch

Across Educates (7) Cross-dressing (4) Discharged (5) Segment (7) It may be multiple-choice? (4) Plant specialist (8) Massage (5) Chairs and benches (5) Natural illumination (8) Genuine (4) ‘Right answer’ (7) Written sets of items (5) Meander (4) Succinct (7)

2 3 4 5 6 7 10 13 14 17 18 20 22 24

Down For sure (9) Chances (4) Teaching unit (6) Half a colon? (3) Nuclei and electrons (5) Later in time (5) Pursues (6) Hobbies (9) Lampoon (6) Depressed area (6) Fewest (5) Battery terminal (5) Group of countries (4) Radiation exposure unit (3)

Candy Crush Saga

I L O L L I P O P H A M M E R

P O B E T I F F I F L C A E R

L A R M D I F N N I N R T R H

T R F W O A C E G D C O S C I

E I N A R B C K R A P N T R L

A D R D E A E B E G T I R T O

CHOCOLATE FREE SWITCH INGREDIENT LEVEL LIFE LOCKED CANDY LOLLIPOP HAMMER MARMALADE

M R A R H Y P M D T W T I A C

F R L L P W A P I S N A P T K

F E T C A N M M E T R A E H E

K E M O R M I E N D O P D I D

C E M O F L R Y T D C E C F C

R C N D E F V A T R P A A I A

T D R M S B E E M T O I N F N

MR TOFFEE POPCORN STRIPED CANDY TICKET TIFFI TIME BOMB TIME LIMIT WRAPPED CANDY

F E I I L E V E L L P R D D D

E T A L O C O H C R K A Y M Y

Sudoku

5 1

4 3

8 For the solutions turn to page 20-21

4 2 5 8 1 4 7 3 8

9 5

1 4

Brain chain RESULT

+22

-33

÷2

×3

-43

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 19

Puzzles (for cleverclogs) Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 1

7 4 7

3 9

2 2

5 8

1 2 3

9 6

2 4 2 5 4 8 7 9 8 7 6 4 6 3

3 5

9 3

5 7

18×

7÷

14+

32×

20+

18+

1÷

630×

16+

26+

120×

960×

288×

3÷

21×

4×

22+

Across 1 Eccentric came in place for film buffs (6) 5 Run over pair of firms in a colourful style (6) 8 Put burden on independent source of rides? (4) 9 Political group in part of a musical work (8) 10 Mentor that’s set off British comedian (6) 11 Brazil includes this e-commerce company (6) 12 Some man tenders stake (4) 14 First trophy recalled (3) 15 Punkish figure irritated hotel (4) 16 More substantial politician taken into real ground (6) 18 Home by French river reportedly? That’s crazy (6) 20 Councillor, one I rate possibly for standards for judging (8) 22 Unattractive guy looking unkempt about 50 (4) 23 A long-running US TV series about Frenchman nearly (6) 24 Type of maid, affectedly pretty by Northern yard (6)

Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and each dashed-line cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage.

2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 15 17 19

Brain chain (Hard version) RESULT

×8

÷7

×9/16

Place 1 to 9 once each into every black-bordered 3×3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines. 60×

7 4

2 6

6 8 3 5 4

2 6 9 8

1 5 9

8 1 48

13+

756×

+76

+50% )

Can you solve these brain chains entirely in your head? Start with the bold value on the left of a chain, then follow the arrows and apply each operation in turn. Write the result in the box.

Down Angry judge following first sign of illegality (5) Lie? Step that’s improvised in letter (7) A cross and church shown in carpet (9) Turn priest (3) Order missing last two characters and punctuation mark (5) Devise study on Colorado and Connecticut (7) Place kept by captain at work for candidate for post? (9) Rule man formulated for figure (7) Guest is uneasy about act of courtesy? (7) Release game after permission (3,2) Synthetic material only manufactured by Norway (5) Half-hearted start? That’s nonsense (3)

20 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 The Cambridge Society of Dorset’s AGM was held recently at Bryanston School, to the pleasure of all members who attended, reports John Riley. The formal part was, as usual, kept to a minimum. The talk by Major Gen. Peter Williams on his role in Berlin in the Cold War was entertaining and informative and the lunch, with wine, provided by the

School was up to its usual high standard. Post Pandemic, the Society is resuming its usual programme of monthly talks and visits, where the social element is always seen as an equally

important part of the morning. At the next meeting, scheduled for February 26, 2022, John Gimlette will give a talk based on his book, Gardens of Mars: Madagascar, an Island Story. Further events

are in the pipeline for each month until the next AGM. The Society is open to all alumni of Cambridge University based in Dorset, though it liaises with similar societies in adjoining counties and with the Cambridge Alumni Office. It currently has 115 members. If you are interested, contact the chairman, John Riley, at j.riley100@btinternet.com.

How to deal with waste this Christmas By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Dorset Council has issued a string of hints and tips to help residents recycle more and deal with their festive waste over the Christmas season. Because Christmas 2021 falls over the weekend, the council says regular rubbish and recycling collections won’t be disrupted or changed. However, there will be no garden waste collections taking place from Christmas Day until Monday, January 10, although it will be collecting two extra sacks of rubbish beside people’s bins on their first rubbish collection day after December 25. Household recycling centres

are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and, provided it has been separated correctly, extra recycling – including glass and food – will be taken away on regular recycling days. The council is also asking householders to put their glass out for collection before Christmas, even if boxes aren’t full, to help ease the strain of the additional glass collected over Christmas. The council doesn’t collect Christmas trees but says they can be cut up and put in garden waste bins – and several charities will take them away for a donation fee. Cooked and uncooked food can be placed in food waste

bins and non foil or glittery wrapping paper, Christmas cards and envelopes can be recycled too. New Forest District Council has announced some changes to recycling and rubbish collections over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Black rubbish sacks and clear recycling sacks due on Monday, December 27, will be collected on Monday January 3, 2022. Glass box collections due on Monday, December 27, will be collected on Saturday January 8, 2022. There will be no garden waste collections between Monday, December 27 and Friday, January 7. n Dorset residents now have the chance to win prizes and

jackpots as part of a new antilitter campaign. LitterLotto is a global initiative funded by cleaner environment brands – entrants are asked to snap pictures of themselves putting litter in a bin. Every piece of litter placed in a bin means another entry into, effectively, a free prize draw. If you want to join, you’ll need to download the LitterLotto app and then follow the instructions – including the safety hints and tips – to take the pictures which must include your hand, the product you’re binning and the mouth of the litter bin you’re posting the litter into. More information from litterlotto.com

Puzzle solutions (from pages 18-19) Sudoku

2 4 6 1 5 9 8 7 3

9 8 3 6 7 2 4 5 1

Crossword

5 1 7 8 3 4 2 9 6

3 6 1 4 8 5 7 2 9

8 9 4 2 6 7 1 3 5

7 5 2 9 1 3 6 4 8

6 7 9 5 2 8 3 1 4

1 3 5 7 4 6 9 8 2

4 2 8 3 9 1 5 6 7

S C H O A E D F I R E D T T S E X A M R I S K N E A L T D A Y L I N R C O R R E D A W E N D

Brain chain 49

O L E S S B O N D G G H E C T T C O

S E T S T

D R A G O T C T I O N H M A N I S T S N E A T S S E L T R U E B E A L I S T S O T T C I S E

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net Arrow words T R C U S T D S

S W A O B S T O M E T Y B E A R R T H S I R I S S I M P C A T S R O I K E D L A C Y U S

C E R T I F I C A T E

Y A G O I M P S

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 21 An army of Christmas elves at Colten Care homes have been pricking up their pointy ears and jingling from head to toe to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Team members – including, of course, ‘elfcare’ assistants – dressed up as Santa’s helpers for a day of fun with the serious aim of helping people and families affected by dementia. Residents were invited to go festive too with activities such as visiting a ‘cheeky elves’ market, taking part in quizzes and games, sampling ‘elf cakes’ and designing an elf hat to wear. At Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford, Dorset, residents enjoyed inputting their real names into an ‘elf name generator’, which returned an elf-style moniker based on a spelling combination. The outcome was residents being renamed as such bizarre characters as ‘Snowflake Sledingham’, ‘Sugarkin Frostington’ and ‘Twinkle Winterville’. Among those unleashing their ‘inner elf’ at Avon Reach was resident Margaret Johnson, who said: “The staff were amazing in putting all this on. “It was a jolly good idea.” Chloe Akam, the home’s

FUN AND GAMES: Staff and residents at Avon Reach

‘Inner elves’ seen at care homes companionship team leader, said: “It was a great way to spread some festive cheer while supporting the essential work of the Alzheimer’s Society.” Other Colten Care homes staging elf days included Amberwood House in Ferndown and Fernhill in Longham.

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Killer Sudoku Pro 756×

9 7

2 18×

1 6

6 13+

26+

288×

2 3

8 4×

60×

5 4

1÷

20+

3 9

2 7 6 1

3 14+

6 2 1 7 5

8 4

7÷

1 4

4 120×

3÷

21×

32×

2 1

3 8

9 630×

16+

1 6

6 5+

18+

1 7 9 2 960×

22+

Brain chain (Hard) 28

224

7 5 9 2 8 1 4 9 5 8 6 6 1 3 8 7 2 1 2 3 5 2 4 9 4 4 5 8 2 4 9 1 6 7 3 6 3 7 6 1 4 8 7 7 5 9 5 6 6 8 6 7 3 4 6 4 1 1 8 1 9 3 8 2 2 3 5 9 7 2 5 9 7 1 3 74 1 9 9 1 95 8 3 8 6 3 2 4 6 4 2 5 4 2 5 8 3 8 6 5 2 5 9 2 7 8 1 3 9 7 9 1 6 7 2 3 2 4 7 1 5 4 1 6 4 6 3 7 8 9 8 5 2 4 6 7 9 7 2 6 8 6 5 3 9 3 1 1 9 3 5 4 1 2 8 1 8 7 5 3 2 8 4 5 4 6 4 9 7 8 1 9 3 2 4 6 9 2 6 2 6 4 7 5 9 3 7 1 5 2 5 8 5 7 9 8 1 3 8 7 1 8 7 3 4 9 68 3 1 3 4 19 5 7 5 6 2 7 2 9 1 6 8 5 4 7 2 4 6 3 5 3 4 1 6 8 9 2

Any problems with these puzzles? Email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

141

Cryptic Crossword C I N E M R P T A X I T S M E R T O L A N T E U A M P L E E E C R I T E A G A L M O S

A R O X E M O V E I N A M S P T O P E L R I N C R I A O N T T W

C O C O O O M E N T M C A Z O N C G O T H E S A N E T Y U G L Y R O E E N Y

22 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Facing up to

skincare...

Jemma Sandell is an Advanced Massage & Beauty Therapist and owner of Relax & Remedy, Ferndown. Visit: relaxandremedy.co.uk When I’m doing a skincare consultation, I tend to work backwards. Although I’ll be looking at your skin and making notes of your concerns, the most important question I ask is ‘what do you want to change or improve?’ From here, we can start to look at what the skin needs to reach your end goal. If your goal is to improve acne, I would look at your skin and see if it’s oily or if it has large pores. If you’re wanting to smooth out lines and wrinkles, is the skin dehydrated or dull? There’s also your current skincare regime and lifestyle factors to consider. Our lifestyle has a huge impact on our skin. Take a reactive, sensitive skin for example – are you eating hot, spicy foods, are you out in the elements, are you protecting your skin? In the case of mature skin with lines and wrinkles – how often

are you drinking water or dehydrating alcohol? Are you a sun worshipper, are you using SPF? The most basic skincare regime should consist of a cleanser, toner/conditioner, exfoliant, moisturiser and an SPF. Remember SPF is your best friend when it comes to anti-ageing! It’s best to try and stick to one skincare brand rather than combining lots of different ones. I know we all have our favourites but the products within a range will be designed specifically to work together to give best results. It takes about 30 days for your skin to go through desquamation – the natural process in which skin cells are created, sloughed away and

A walk around...

then replaced. When trying out a new skincare product, this is the minimum time you need to try something to really see a result. Your skin may also go through a transitional phase while adjusting to your new skincare regime – this is perfectly normal and should settle within a couple of weeks. Get your regime right... cleanse morning and night. At night, you may need to double cleanse to ensure all make-up is removed. Why the need to cleanse in the morning if done before going to bed? At night your skin is at its most active, it’s working to repair and renew. By the morning, our skin has been secreting sebum (oil), we may have been sweating, we’ve rubbed our

face on our pillowcase where our hair has also been. Our face still picks up dirt and grime while we sleep. Cleansing in the morning removes any impurities accumulated on our skin during the night and leaves it fresh, ready for the day ahead. A toner/conditioner should be used after cleansing to ensure the skin is fully free from grime. Exfoliants can come in all sorts of types and textures. Enzyme based exfoliants will remove dead skin cells without being abrasive to the skin, especially important for sensitive or mature, thinning skin. How often you exfoliate will depend on the product and your skin type, but generally once or twice a week is a good discipline. Finish off with a good day and night moisturiser. And SPF – the best one is one you bother to use daily – even in winter! The best way to find out your skin type and what your skin needs is to visit a reputable salon or qualified skin therapist for a consultation.

with retired Dorset rights of way

SHAPWICK Start at the Church, which is alongside the River Stour, and make your way north eastwards for about a mile and a half along the old Roman road, which is nowadays under Tarmac. Was it by accident or by design that it just missed Badbury Rings? When you cross over the avenue on the main road you can climb over a stile and continue along a footpath on the old line or else go up the adjacent track to the car park. Enter and explore the rings

and try to work out how they managed to build them in the days before JCBs. You’ll find a couple of dew ponds on the top, which were probably the residents’ water supply. There must be plenty

of clay around, which explains why nearly every building you’ll see, except the church, is built of brick. Leave the Rings by their eastern side and make your way across to join a

bridleway which takes you downhill southwards along the parish boundary until you reach the avenue again. Cross over and continue south south west along the road that strays briefly into

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 23

Health & Wellbeing

Strike a pose and boost your confidence Meetings. Interviews. Presentations. First dates. Networking. Social events. Conflict. Travel. To-do lists. What do all these things have in common? These things can often make us feel nervous, under-confident, anxious, stressed, maybe even fearful of being able to get through them. We’re highly likely to find that we are using a lot of negative words in our heads when we think about ourselves doing these things. In fact, we’re probably unkinder to ourselves than most other people could be to us. And it’s so frustrating because we really want to do well. We want to make a good impression. We want people to remain attentive and engaged. We want to blast through our action list. We want to be able to maintain decorum, calm and control in conflict. And deep down inside ourselves we know we can do all these, and yet... Thanks to that bullying voice

officer Chris Slade Pamphill. After about a mile, mostly downhill, you come to a junction near White Mill. Turn right and make your way west north west along the road that is next to the River Stour at first and then smaller tributaries. After about a mile you’ll be back at the village cross where, besides the ancient base of the cross, which appears to have been renewed, there is a plaque listing the names of all the parishioners in the year 2000. The pub, the Anchor, is close by and also a former Chapel which is now a private residence. The church where you parked is just down the road.

in our heads we can find that our confidence, self-belief and/or esteem dwindles, diminishes or just downright disappears as we tell ourselves that, ‘we probably won’t be any good at these things and everyone is better and what’s the point in bothering anyway.’ There are many things we can do to help boost or maintain confidence and self-belief, but I’m just going to focus on one small thing that you can do without stepping away from your desk, and it might well make a difference. It’s all about striking the right pose; and the technical term? ‘Physiology of Excellence.’ Believe it or not, how we hold and move our physical body can have a huge impact on our emotional state and inner strength. If we act as if we feel more energy, more confidence, more positivity and power, then we begin to become that way. So next time you hear your inner voice belittling your confidence and belief or you

find yourself procrastinating over your to-do list or whether to apply for that new job – change your posture. Stand up tall and straight as if your spine is made of steel. Pull your shoulders back as if they are being pulled together by a piece of thread. Lift your chin slightly, but not so much that your head tips off its axis! Ground your feet on the floor. Breathe in and out deeply three or four times. Imagine yourself smoothly delivering that presentation, confidently answering questions in that interview, holding your own in that meeting, being warm and engaging whilst networking. Clear your mind, sharpen your focus, tell yourself that you are in control of your

state, you are confident and capable. No one can change how you feel except you, for you are the only one that controls your feelings. And remember to be careful with how you talk to yourself, only you are listening!

nVictoria Arnold is a life coach from Wimborne Victoriaarnold.co.uk

GOT A STORY? Send your news to newsdesk@ stourand avon.net

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24 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Familiar worries that pop up at Christmas By Susie Carver, consulting hypnotherapist with Sea Change Hypnotherapy in Wimborne seachangehypno.com According to the song, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. And yet for all its tinsel and glitter, the festive season can bring an array of worries and stresses. If you are feeling the strain this Christmas you are not alone. I notice some familiar themes cropping up in my therapy room at this time of year.

relationships are strained. Anxiety, resentment and anger may rear their heads.

Family Relationships Spending quality time with family is a welcome prospect for most of us. But for some, Christmas is a reminder of painful family memories, or perhaps the loss of a loved one. Loneliness and depression can set in. Sometimes, it may become intolerable to be in close proximity with relatives if

Financial Pressure Overspending is common at this time of year. There is a huge amount of pressure on us to deliver a picture-perfect Christmas celebration, and getting into debt is one way we can achieve this. Debt creates tensions within close relationships and people often harbour feelings of guilt and shame.

Over-Indulging Christmas is the ultimate temptation, leading to excesses in eating and drinking. Afterwards we may feel guilt-ridden and lacking in strength as we notice the calories that have piled on. All the additional opportunities to socialise can result in us feeling tired and run-down, which in turn exacerbates any pre-existing mental health symptoms. Overwhelm Christmas is a lot to deal with. As a mother I know that I am juggling shopping, wrapping gifts, writing cards, putting up decorations, social and school requests alongside all the usual household chores and my job. It’s enough to make anyone feel the strain, and can give rise to all sorts of unhealthy coping strategies.

Social Anxiety The pressure to enjoy ourselves is enormous. But if parties and crowds and noise make you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, then your experience of Christmas is likely to be far from enjoyable. If you are under pressure this Christmas please remember to take time out for yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup! Whether it’s making time for a relaxing bath, a walk in the fresh air or doing self-hypnosis or meditation, it will be time well spent and will allow you to come back feeling stronger. Tomorrow is another chance to start afresh. Set your intentions and emotions for the day when you first wake up, and let go of the need for perfectionism or people pleasing... you deserve an amazing Christmas too!

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Health & Wellbeing

26 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Aim for improvement, not perfection... With Christmas coming up, there’s lots of food as well as some evenings out and socialising to do. At this time of year, our regular diet seems to go out the window. If this is something you find slightly stressful, here are some things I wish I’d known years ago about nutrition that I hope will help you enjoy the festive season. There is no such thing as ‘empty calories’. Food (and drink) gives us (in varying amounts) energy, nutrition and joy. Rather than thinking or describing food as ‘good or bad’ or ‘healthy/ unhealthy’, think of it in terms of the benefits we gain from food. Some foods will be more energy dense or nutrient dense. Sometimes the most joyous foods aren’t always

the most nutritional but they are still valid foods to have in your diet. If they provide you with joy and energy, they’re not ‘empty’ at all. All your food should give you some joy! A balanced, healthy diet is one where we enjoy a wide variety of foods, prioritise nutritionally-dense foods (most of the time, when we can), fuel ourselves adequately (energy) and have a relaxed approach to enjoying food. There’s nothing worse than entertaining and accommodating fussy eaters, so unless you have a medical (or ethical) reason to eliminate foods, you can probably afford to relax a little. We don’t need strict rules around food; general guidelines are fine and

Katrina Keeling is a Wimborne based personal trainer. kkfitness.co.uk Email: kkeelingfitness@ gmail.com variety is really important. For broad nutritional exposure – eat wide to eat well. Getting different things into our diet is good. Food should be enjoyed and a shared experience. Finally, you don’t need a new diet as you already have

one... it’s what you currently eat. Sure, most likely you can improve it and that’s exactly what you should aim for rather than starting again. Improvement, not perfection is always the aim. Please bear this in mind come January. Worrying about having a healthy diet and stressing over food choices is, paradoxically, not good for our health. If you enjoy mince pies, please don’t feel guilty about eating them or anything else for that matter. I hope some of this makes Christmas a little less stressful for you. If we’re lucky enough to have food choices and food availability, we’re of course some of the lucky ones, so let’s try and enjoy this.

Improve happiness and volunteer in the New Year! By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but they can be so hard to keep. Even with the best intentions to improve your life and up your happiness levels, turning over a new leaf for the New Year can fall flat, so if you’re not in the mood for cutting out food or not cut out to run a marathon, why not do something you actually enjoy that could help you and others, too? According to Age UK Dorset, volunteering is a great way of improving your happiness and wellbeing by using your personal skills and interests to support people. The organisation, which covers East Dorset and other areas of the county, exists to promote the health and well-

being of people in later life by providing useful services, identifying gaps in provision and by influencing policy and decision-makers. While they have 30 dedicated staff and more than 140 volunteers helping them deliver these services and activities they are currently in need of more helpers. From ‘Befrienders’, who can share their skills and knowledge with older people to help them live fuller lives and drivers to ferry them to day care and lunch clubs, to information providers and ‘Better Balance’ class assistants who can support low-impact exercise classes, there is something for almost everyone who’d like to help. If you can help, call 01202 530530 or visit www.ageuk. org.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 27

Food & Drink

Queen of Christmas sarnies... Sadie Smith is an award winning cake designer and baker from Cake by Sadie Smith, Wimborne The Ultimate Christmas Club Sandwich I’m bringing you a different recipe than normal as I couldn’t not share my all-time favourite Christmas treat with you to also enjoy over the festive period. The following ingredients are what I like to put in my sandwich, but any leftover meats and sauces work well. Ingredients to make one sandwich: 3 slices of bread Turkey 2 pigs in blankets Grated cheese Avocado

Cranberry jelly Stuffing Butter Method Prepare all the filling items first. Over the Christmas period,

when I am making stuffing, I always freeze a little bit, so it’s always at hand to make sandwiches without the need to make a batch. Shred the turkey, grate your cheese, cook the pigs in blankets,

Sadie Smith smash the avocado until slightly lumpy and prepare or defrost your stuffing Lightly toast your bread Spread with a very thin layer of butter On the first slice of bread layer turkey, stuffing and cranberry jelly Top with the second slice of bread Layer with avocado, grated cheese, turkey, and more cranberry jelly Place the third layer of bread on the top and cut diagonally from corner to corner Using a cocktail stick place a pig in blanket on the top of each triangle. I hope you enjoy this sandwich over the festive period as much as my family. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

’Tis the season to be jelly! by Lorraine Gibson Here’s an easy recipe for fun passion-flower and rum desserts. Having a bit of a wobble? Need a recipe to impress? Try my cocktail-andpudding-in-one stripy jellies. They’re festive, fun and totally chilled. All you need to make these layered lovelies is six clear glasses, two packs of different coloured/flavoured block jellies, two of your favourite clear tipples (optional) and a little patience. I used Hartley’s lime and raspberry flavours with passion-flower liqueur and white rum. Divide each jelly block into

four equal portions and add one portion to a jug to make the first layer. You’re making the contrasting ‘stripes’ one at a time, so only need a QUARTER of the amount of liquid recommended on the pack. It’s quicker than it sounds. For the boozy version, ensure a small quantity of the liquid is from your bottle. I added the rum to the lime

and the passion-flower to the raspberry, but use anything you like. Once dissolved, divide equally between the glasses and you have your first layer. Pop them in the fridge to set and while they do, make up a portion of the other flavour jelly, using a splash from the other bottle as part of your liquid. Allow to cool, remove the

glasses from the fridge and pour equally over the first (set) layer to create the second. Pop back in the fridge to set, then just repeat the process, allowing each stripe to set before pouring the next (cooled) layer, until you use up all your jelly. Leave in the fridge then serve to a series of ‘oohs’ and aahs’!

28 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Food & Drink

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 29

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Martha Legg

Jam Tarts This is probably one of the easiest recipes to make and you may wonder why I have included it in this column. The reason is simple, it brings back memories of when I learnt to cook with my mum and grandma, and now I am making new memories cooking with my granddaughter. (It’s especially precious to me, as readers will remember, that I couldn’t have children of my own, and never thought I would have grandchildren. I always say that having step-children is a double blessing, you miss out on all the teenage anxt, and gain friends as well as relatives.) Readers of my column will know that, as children, my sister and I spent many happy weekends staying with my grandma. She taught us the rudiments of cooking and these tarts were a simple way of getting us to make pastry. With Ellie, we made the pastry first. Ellie likes weighing the flour and margarine out. She’s not so good yet at the mixing of flour and margarine, but likes adding the water. We have to have large amounts of flour for the rolling out bit. Ellie’s idea of cutting out the shapes is to

tarts, and after allowing grandad to sample one, she proudly took the rest home for her mum and dad. Lizzie, Ellie’s little sister is too young to eat them yet but I am looking forward to teaching her how to make tarts as well. It mirrors my childhood when we used to take our tarts home to my mum and dad, holding them as if they were precious diamonds on the bus on the way home. Ingredients: 4oz Plain Flour 2 oz Margarine Water to mix Bun tins Filling: Any jam, marmalade, lemon curd.

put the cutter, bang slap in the middle of the rolled out pastry! (Whereas most of us would try and get as many cuts out of the first roll!). I am sure that she does this so that she can use more

flour to roll it out again!! When it comes to the filling, I am not sure how much went in the tarts and how much went in Ellie’s mouth! I am sure that it was at least equal amounts! She was very proud of her

Method: Heat oven to 180C Rub margarine into flour until it resembles bread crumbs Add enough water to make a dough. Roll out onto a flour surface Using a round cutter, cut out 12 cases and put in bun tin. Then, using a teaspoon, add jam/lemon curd as required. Cook in oven until the pastry is brown and the jam is melted. Leave to cool. Merry Christmas!

Stir crazy at museum It was the most wonderful time of the year, as the Museum of East Dorset welcomed visitors back for the Great Pudding Stir on Parade Day. The event was officially opened by the mayor and town crier, who both made their Christmas wishes before sampling Mrs Beeton’s pudding. Christmas traditions

from the Victorian and Georgian times were revealed throughout the museum, and the fantastic Victoria Christmas card collection was on display in the stationer’s shop for everyone to enjoy. The museum closes on Christmas Eve and will re-open on Saturday, BOWLED OVER: The Great Pudding is stirred by the Mayor at the Museum of East Dorset Picture: TOM SCRASE January 8.

30 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Antiques & Collectibles

Fine old furniture for the new year

Antiques are back in fashion and furnishings from a former rectory will be going head to head with decorative arts to mid-century modern in Charterhouse’s large twoday January auction. “The auction has caused quite a stir at home with me extoling the virtues of the antiques whilst the next

generation of Bromell’s are really keen on the midcentury modern look for their homes,” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse. The old rectory dates back to the 17th century and has been in the same family for more than 40 years. Full of period features in the property, such as a wig

closet, it has been furnished with traditional furniture, Persian carpets, ceramics and pictures dating from the 18th century onwards. Charterhouse have been instructed to auction the contentsf rom post-war properties which include a great selection of midcentury furnishings.

There are Ercol, G-Plan, Danish and other retro dining room suites, occasional tables and cocktail cabinets along with decorative ceramics and glass. First up at Charterhouse, on Thursday, January 6, there is the auction dedicated to decorative arts to midcentury modern with

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 31

Antiques & Collectibles UNDER THE HAMMER: A selection of antiques and interiors from the 17th-century rectory and mid-century modern furnishings from post-war properties

hundreds of lots going under the auctioneer’s gavel. This is followed the next day with a great selection of traditional antiques and interiors, including the contents of the old rectory on Friday, January 7. Viewing for the two-day auction, subject to any Government restrictions, is on Tuesday to Thursday, January 4 to 6.

The catalogue – with live internet bidding – will be available on charterhouseauction.com Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for these auctions in January. They are also taking entries for their February specialist auctions of silver, jewellery and watches, followed by classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, both being held

in the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum. Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for advice and valuations or to arrange a free home visit at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277, or

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32 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

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 cofarmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth that many have never experienced before’. I cannot believe that Christmas is almost upon us! The slow, almost leisurely, months of Lockdown have been left in the slipstream of our daily dash since spring. Time has flown past with a tempo challenged only by the force of Storm Arwen. November certainly left her mark as she exited, and High Mead, like so many others throughout the UK, felt the impact of her visit. Whilst our team of stoic staff and volunteers battled the bitter winds, to collect donations as part of Wimborne’s Christmas lights switch on (High Mead Farm being one of Mayor Webb’s chosen charities), Arwen was rearranging the farm and, in particular, our stables. Luckily, the ponies, whilst shocked, were unharmed. While the loss of the stables was a blow (no pun intended), we are fortunate that November had been a super month in terms of

donations, thanks to some extraordinarily kind individuals and organisations without whom we would be lost. Visits from the University of the Third Age, an

organisation for the retired or mature with a passion for learning, resulted in a very generous personal donation, Asda awarded the farm a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of a week of Christmas celebrations, the planning of which has been very enthusiastically embraced by

the Co-Farmers, and a representative from Farrow & Ball visited to purchase some kindling and left the promise of a pallet full of paint which duly arrived a week later. December is also shaping up to be a marvellous month – a Christmas Fayre hosted by the Ladies’ Section of Ferndown Golf Club looks to have raised more than

£3,500! There are still challenges ahead; the threat of Avian flu hangs over the area and means that, sadly, we are unable to welcome visitors beyond the Farm Shop, the animal team continue to treat little Domino, our poorly pony, and we are still extremely cautious about the continued threat of Covid. But on a more positive note

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 33

Farming & Environment

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY: Clockwise from above, joy as the paint arrives from Farrow & Ball, pass the parcel time, the wrecked stables thanks to Storm Arwen, festive products on sale, Wimborne Bid collecting in style and, inset, a visit to Ferndown Golf Club Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

we were also able to welcome our highest ever number of Co-Farmers to the farm during November. Thanks to the amazing team of volunteers and sensational

staff at High Mead, 67 CoFarmers were given the chance to grow last month – what a fantastic way to mark the end of the year. It is largely thanks to you,

our readers and supporters, and others like you, that High Mead is able to do the wonderful work that it does. Merry Christmas! www.highmeadfarm.org.uk

n We are seeking a full-time Head of Horticulture to join the team at High Mead Farm – if you’d like to know more about this very exciting role, please give us a call!

Proposals for Corfe Mullen homes refused by Nicci Brown Outline proposals for up to 43 dwellings on land south of Lambs Green Lane, Corfe Mullen, have been refused planning permission by Dorset Council. The application by Dorset Country Homes, to determine only the access to the development which included 15 affordable homes, followed an application made last year for 69 homes with 24 affordable which was withdrawn in November. The new application attracted dozens of objections, including those of Historic England, whose inspector of ancient monuments Sasha Chapman said: “The resubmission has resulted in a reduction of dwellings from 69 to 43, however our concerns remain regarding the proposed housing development within an area of high archaeological potential. “The site here on the edge of the Stour Valley has been

recognised as an important archaeological Roman military site since the late 1950s, and it is now known to be a site of considerable international significance. “At the core is a uniquely important and intact legionary campaign fortress, a key base for the Roman Army during their conquest of western Britain in the mid-40s AD.” Corfe Mullen Parish Council said that in addition to it being inappropriate development in the Green Belt, the traffic assessment was carried out during a period of lockdown which did not provide an accurate level of traffic, but there was no objection from the Highway Authority. Grounds for objection from the planning authority include that the site is within the Muck Away Services, Site clearances, Digger & Driver hire, Tractor & Dump Trailer 07711 980871

South East Dorset Green Belt, where no new housing is permitted without very special circumstances. They also say the application failed to make provision for a policy complaint level of affordable housing, and was considered likely to have a negative impact on the character of the surrounding area which includes a number of designated and nondesignated heritage assets, including the Roman Camp, Forts and Vexillation Fortress

and the Grade II-listed High House. The refusal notice states that in the event of a resubmission or appeal, the failure to supply sufficient detail on archaeological interest, water runoff, biodiversity and trees could be overcome by the submission of further reports, but also highlights insufficient consideration of the impact on public rights of way and a lack of proposals for mitigation for nearby Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

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34 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Home & Garden

Gardening... The winter gloom seems to creep up gradually, until suddenly we realise how short the days have become and how low the Sun rises overhead. Over the next couple of months, the Sun won’t get any higher in the sky than it does at 7am on Midsummer’s Day, so no surprise that many plants retreat below ground until the conditions become more favourable. Maximising the reduced available light is important, especially if you, like me, grow plants in the greenhouse over winter. Glass can become very grubby during the summer and if you have been growing tomatoes then it is likely the glass will be coated by their green sap. Cleaning this off makes a huge transformation to light levels, making the difference between a cloudy and a sunny day.

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

ALL THE WHILE: A vertical farm in the UAE

Bring me sunshine!

Washing glass need not be a burden, I use a soft-headed kitchen broom dipped into water with a dash of washing-up liquid. The broom is then carefully manoeuvred over the panes. Once done, and before the

solution dries, spray the glass with clean water from a hosepipe to reveal a sparkling finish. Do this on both sides of the glass to maximise light penetration. Maximising the available light is easy but increasing the day length will make languishing plants flourish. Staggeringly, the difference in day length between midwinter’s and midsummer’s day is almost nine hours, so it is no wonder deciduous leaves are shed in autumn. Some years ago, supplementing light in a greenhouse would have been expensive. Recent advances in technology, however, have reduced running costs allowing this luxury to be

obtainable for keen amateur gardeners and exhibition vegetable growers wanting to get ahead of the game. T5 fluorescent grow lights are the least expensive and are especially good for propagation and plant growth. LED lights are more costly but super cheap to run. They can be used in places with no natural daylight. When I worked in the United Arab Emirates, I was invited to view a setup known as a vertical farm. This comprised a large, windowless warehouse on a dusty industrial estate in Dubai. This space was full of young potted herbs at various stages of growth destined for restaurants in the Emirates. Plants grew on multiple levels under LEDs. While our intentions are less grand, our rewards will be greatly enhanced simply by applying soapy water and a little elbow grease to greenhouse glass. n soilvalues.com

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 35

Home & Garden

Magical levels laying beneath a wreath Jo Green is a former allotmenteer, forager, amateur herbalist, pickler and jam maker who squeezed her allotment greenery into her tiny garden I have ventured beyond Home & Garden in my project today – I know, what a rebel I am! After eyeing the gifted Poinsettia plant on the mantelpiece and the Honesty I had picked from the garden – I just had to put them together in a Christmas wreath. As I had already decided on this cannabalistic course of action, it didn’t seem too bad if I raided my stash of keepsakes from past floral gifts. First I pruned a few leggy tendrils of Boston Ivy wrapping itself each year further round the house. Next, I stripped the side shoots off and wound them one by one into a circle to whatever size wreath you choose. I tied them a little with cord to keep them under control and then wove the last few tendrils around, binding them together. Adding some bouquet leftover Eucalyptus I just poked the pieces in where they looked right. If I was going

for the ‘less is more’ look, that would have been that but hey it is Christmas! Now that I had the bare bones of the wreath I felt confident to have a photo shoot in the woods and add more foliage as I went. I knew I would find some windfall pine cones and needles which would add some festive bulk. Possibly it wasn’t very sensible to take a flimsy hand-made wreath for a dog walk in the windy woods but what I lost

in pristine petal I made up for in fun. I was going for a Christmas portal look with the sun streaming through the aperture of the wreath but inspiration didnt quite reach application! Once home I added some holly and ivy from the garden and Bob’s your uncle. Season’s greetings!

36 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Pets

The tales

of Flo & Trojan

by Lorraine Gibson When staff at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue first saw lifeless-looking Florence, they admit that they doubted she’d survive. Discarded on the side of the road, it was only by chance that someone spotted her and took her to the pet charity. Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw. “I have worked here for over 19 years and I have never seen such an emaciated dog,” said Helen, the centre manager at Lincoln Farm. “She urgently needed our help – who knows what could have happened to her. “We were shocked that she was alive, she was in such a bad way. “Her vital organs were by Faith Eckersall A 10-year-old dog that weighed the same as a baby elephant has been branded ‘Slimmer of the year’ after shedding half his weight in just 12 months. Alaskan malamute Trojan arrived at the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre in November 2020 weighing in at 101kg – around the same as a baby elephant – according to the charity. Kennel supervisor Nicola Anthony, whose colleagues have been caring for the dog, said: “Poor Trojan was in a terrible way when he arrived here a

n Florence

shutting down, her eyes were sunken into her head due to lack of fat, her ribs and spine were protruding and she was hardly able to stand.” It was clear that Florence had been suffering for a long year ago. He was dirty, matted and unbelievably obese. “It’s taken a year, a very special diet and an exercise regime to help him

lose the weight slowly and safely and he’s now almost half of his original weight. Thankfully, he hasn’t lost his big character!” Trojan now weighs in at a much healthier 60.1kg and needs a home that can keep

time so they quickly got to work. First, they made her a cosy bed with blankets to make her feel safe and warm; it was imperative that she have fluids and food so they gave her small amounts every two hours to prevent her digestive system from failing.

Despite weighing a measly 10.4kg on arrival and facing a raft of other debilitating issues, not only has she survived – she’s thrived. Florence’s courage and determination has captivated all the staff who have found it heart-warming watching her improve daily, obviously with very slow steps. “She is such a sweetheart and has been through so much,” says Helen. “She had the biggest fight of her life and the last thing we all wanted was for her not to make it.” As Florence has proven, the centre has to be prepared for anything and that costs money. If you can help them, visit: margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk

n Trojan

his previous health and age in mind when taking him on, said Nicola. “He is arthritic and has thyroid problems so will need ongoing treatment in his new home. These conditions won’t be covered by any insurance so his new owners will need to be prepared to cover these costs.” However, she said that whilst the dog was in his twilight years, he had ‘no intention of retiring’. “He is still strong and likes to go for short walks, plod around the garden and have a good sniff,” she said. “He gets on really well with other dogs but doesn’t like

being jumped all over so he’s best around calm, respectful doggy friends. “We think he’d be best as the only dog in his new home so he can have all of the attention and affection; and he really deserves it!” Trojan’s new home should be one where he can be regularly groomed and lots of company. “He’s looking for somewhere with someone who will be around for most of the time and, once he’s settled in his new home and routine, may be able to be left for short periods of time.” n If you’re interested in caring for Trojan or in donating to help the £4,000 a day running costs of the animal centre, contact Ashley Heath at ashleyheath@rspca.org.uk.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 37

The signs of Alabama rot in dogs Alabama rot or Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) was first identified in the UK in 2012. There have been more than 290 confirmed cases, with nine out of 10 dogs infected dying as a result. What is Alabama rot? This is a nasty disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. It causes tiny blood clots to form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can ultimately lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration. However, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure) and even result in death. This disease is still rare, with gun dogs and sight hounds most commonly affected, eg, labradors, whippets, spaniels and vizslas. How will I know if my dog has Alabama Rot? Signs typically include skin

sores on the feet, between the toes/pads or around the face. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by Alabama rot. The skin lesions in Alabama Rot can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites. Signs of kidney failure can unfortunately start after three days. Sadly the survival rate of dogs fully affected is only around 10%. There have been cases of dogs that only show skin symptoms

and in these cases they have a much greater survival rate. They respond well with antibiotics and go on to make a full recovery. What causes Alabama rot? Unfortunately, the cause is still unknown, but investigations are ongoing with veterinary specialists Anderson Moores taking the lead on this disease. How do I stop my dog from getting this disease? As the cause of Alabama Rot is still unknown, it’s difficult to say what to avoid, but we do

recommend thorough washing down of your dog after walks to wash off mud and debris. Concentrate on paws, the under-carriage and face in particular. How is it treated? There is no specific blood test to confirm the disease nor any specific treatment. Tissue samples, alongside symptoms and blood tests will confirm a high index of suspicion. The use of antibiotics with dogs showing skin symptoms have helped with full recoveries in most cases. The key message It’s important to remember, that although Alabama rot can be extremely serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low in comparison to the number of dogs in the UK. However, if you are ever concerned or suspicious that your dog may have Alabama rot we advise contacting your vet immediately for advice. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

Pets for sale/wanted F1 cockapoo puppies gold and blacks,dogs and bitches,ready from 4/1/2022. Phone 07976 904175 Jack Russell puppies, 10 weeks old 4th January, brown & tan girl £900, black & tan boy and tan boy £750 each, chip and first jab for more information Call 07779 124711 Gorgeous Cockapoo Puppies For Sale Ready 12/12/21 Please call for more details 07949 212210 2 green male budgies. about 2 years old. Wanted female spangle budgie. 07902 815851

Gorgeous KC registered Golden retriever puppies. Litter born 19 Nov. Ready to leave mid January with 5 generation pedigree, health certificates and microchipped. They come with a lifetime of support. contact AnnMarie on 07714 423247. Texts will not be replied to. Beautiful KC reg labrador retriever puppies. Good pedigree. 2 yellow boys, 1 black boy, 1 yellow girl. Microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and ready 20th December. Puppy pack, well socialised £1800 per puppy. Call 07717 216794. View with Mum in family home.

Lurcher pups Smith coated both parents can be seen microchipped and flead sturminster newton £350 07710 795806 Kittens for sale, very friendly, well handled £50 each Male guinea pigs at £10 & females at £20 Tel 01963 458199 Kcreg Black labrador puppies. Ready 22nd December. Brought up in family home. Please call 07512 079972. Dobermann puppies. 1 girl, 1 boy. 1st vaccination and microchipped Can be seen with mum at home. £1,300 each. Tel: 07896 173336

Labrador pups for sale, wormed up to date, both parents hip, eye and elbow tested and can be seen,parents both kc registered and have lovely temperaments 07800 755862 £800 Black lab boy puppies, 2 only. Kennel Club registered, parents working gun dog pedigrees, mother family pet, father Drakeshead stud dog. Both parents good hips, eyes, clear of hereditary conditions. Microchipped, 1st vaccination, health checked. Ready for new homes from Mon 13th December (8 weeks).

38 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Two attend abbey carols By Faith Eckersall Representatives of two Fordingbridge organisations were invited to attend the Duchess of Cambridge’s carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, December 8. People from Fordingbridge Greener Living and The Branch (New Life Community Church) were invited to the festive event, after being nominated by the Co-op due to the level of support offered to people in need over the last year. The service was hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge and supported by the Royal Foundation to recognise and celebrate the work of ‘individuals and organisations across the nation who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic’.

BSO promises a couple of crackers The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is presenting a Christmas treat for the ears – two concerts at Poole Lighthouse Theatre to celebrate the festive season. Tomorrow, Saturday December 18, at 7.30pm, the BSO presents Christmas Crackers 2021, with a

programme of festive favourites with a distinct twist of Sinatra! The programme includes Come Fly with Me, Luck Be a Lady, Santa’s Sleigh Ride and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Things turn more traditional still on Thursday, December

23, with a Celebration of Christmas Carols. The audience will be treated to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and many other favourites, starting at 7.30pm. For more details, visit bsolive.com/events/christmas -crackers-2021.

It is now a legal requirement to wear a face covering when visiting and attending the theatre, to reduce the risk both to yourself and to others and we respectfully request that customers continue to use the hand sanitisers provided, and to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app.

SLEEPING BEAUTY 17th December to 2nd January

A COUNTRY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

(various times)

Tickets Adults £17.50 U16s £14

1 in 10 free available via Box Office

Plus Adults only (age 16+) performances on 30th Dec, 1st & 3rd Jan 7.30pm (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Thursday 6th January 7.30pm Tickets £28

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OUR NG WEBS ITE

MOTHERING SUNDAY (15) 7th, 10th, 11th & 12th January 7.30pm Matinee 13th January 1pm Tickets Adult: £8 eves Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

MONEY FOR NOTHING “Undoubtedly the best Dire Straits tribute in Europe”

Saturday 8th January 7.30pm Tickets £20

BLAKE IN CONCERT

Thursday 13th January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

KEEPING BAD COMPANY

FROM GOLD TO RIO Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran

THE FRENCH DISPATCH (15)

ADULT PANTO: LITTLE RED RIDING…!

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

The best of Free & Bad Company

Wednesday 19th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

Friday 21st January 7.30pm Tickets £26

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

Friday 14th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Saturday 15th January 7.30pm Tickets £21 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

17th & 18th January 7.30pm Matinee 18th January 2pm Tickets Adult: £8 eve Matinee: £7 U16s: £6 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

Suitable for ages 16+

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 39

Arts & Entertainment

Help the show go on for others Laughter is by Faith Eckersall East Dorset theatre lovers are being urged to dig deep to help Poole Lighthouse’s annual Christmas Appeal, which provides free tickets for people and families to see shows. The theatre has revealed that its generous supporter, Lynn Glass, who has donated more than £10,000 to the Christmas Appeal over the years, has offered to match any funds given for the 2021 appeal. This means that if a donor funds two tickets, a family of four would be able to see one of the Lighthouse’s popular shows. A spokesman for Lighthouse said: “In 2019, when we last

ran the appeal, people’s generosity meant that we exceeded our target. Even though we have been forced to close for large parts of 2020 and 2021, we have still been able to use that money to give the gift of a live show to a wide range of local charities and groups.”

One of the many groups that have benefited has been Mytime Young Carers – a charity that supports children who have to provide care for a parent or relative at home. “Thanks to the support of donors, Mytime will be bringing 50 young people to see the Lighthouse’s pantomime, Beauty And The Beast, this Christmas. “A night of relaxation, entertainment and culture can help to reduce stress levels, broaden horizons, and raise aspirations for these children, and can support their development into wellrounded, happy adults.” Visit: lighthousepoole.co.uk/ support-lighthouse/bigchristmas-appeal.

Lions roaring back with quiz night

guaranteed

If you’re in need of a good laugh, then Forest Arts has plenty to keep you amused in 2022. January 2022 sees Lucy Porter of QI fame on stage with her stand-up show: Be Prepared. Top podcaster, Spitting Image writer – and voice of Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump – Matt Forde, appears on Thursday, January 27. Comedy Kerfuffle returns on February 2 and nine days later, on February 11, Shazia Mirza brings her stand-up tour, Coconut, nominated as best stand-up tour show in the Channel 4 National Comedy Awards, to Forest Arts. Jonny Donahoe’s Forgiveness, described as ‘warm and uplifting’, takes to the stage on February 18 and Mash Report’s Catherine Bohart brings her show on Sunday, February 20. Visit forest-arts.co.uk.

On song for Christmas

The Allendale Centre was full when around 120 players turned up to compete in the Wimborne and Ferndown Lions first quiz in 18 months since the Pandemic struck, writes Ron Neave. Thanks are due firstly, to the Allendale staff who were generally very helpful and squeezed all the tables and chairs evenly over the available space.

Secondly to all the Lions who provided all the food, the raffle, distributed the scripts etc and did the scoring and of course the questions – a great team effort. The questions this time were tough, one or two people thought that they were too tough, but most enjoyed the challenge and there were some high scores.

They might be easier next time! Finally our thanks to the players who combined to raise a net profit of over £700 which will go to selected Lions charities. Our next quiz is scheduled to take place at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown in March/April 2022, date to be finalised.

Viva Voce is performing a concert of Christmas songs and carols at the Broadstone War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road, on Sunday, December 19, at 2.15. Songs include Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, O Holy Night, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and many other old favourites as well as some traditional carols. Tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/ viva-voce or on the door (cash only), £6 for adults and £3 for children. Seats will be sociallydistanced with a maximum number of 70 people allowed in the hall.

40 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Time to register for Following on from 2021’s revised event, Dorset Art Weeks will return from May 14-22, 2022. Organisers say that, after a challenging few months, it will again provide artists and audiences with another opportunity to celebrate the county’s creativity. Many of the venues taking part in 2021 will feature

ANNOUNCEMENTS & PUBLIC NOTICES Life Models required for a life drawing evening class in Wimborne. Starting in the Spring 22. sarah.pizzey13@gmail.com The Cricketers Wimborne is open and doing food again Please join us for our Sunday roast but make sure you book first. Bookings can be made on 01202 121387. Our kitchen will be open from Tuesday 12pm to Sunday 18:00

again, with new and recent work, alongside brand new venues joining in. A fresh new Directory (in print) builds on the magazine format of 2021 and includes full venue details, regional maps and an index to complement the Dorset Art Weeks App, enabling audiences to plan their visits. Copies of the

Services at the Quintet Group Christmas Services in the Quintet Group of Churches are as follows: Sunday, December 19, 6pm, Carol Service at Cranborne. Christmas Eve, 4pm, Crib Service at Edmondsham, 11.30pm, Midnight Mass at Wimborne St Giles Christmas Day, 8am, Holy Communion at Edmondsham. 10am, Family Service at Cranborne followed by shortened Holy Communion. Sunday, December 26, 10.00am Benefice Service at Woodlands followed by shortened Holy Communion.

directory will be available from April in cultural centres across the whole of the Wessex region. From individual studios to galleries, workshops to collectives, pop-ups to projects, the event caters for all tastes and interests in the visual arts, covering a wide variety of art forms including ceramics,

jewellery, film, installation, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, woodwork and more. It’s a great opportunity to see artists’ ideas at their source, ambitious group shows, and to appreciate the breadth and depth of creative talent in the county. The event provides a great

Catch up on the movies If you’ve missed out of any of the recent movie blockbusters don’t worry – there’s a chance to catch up with them in the Art Deco splendour of Fordingbridge’s Regent cinema in the New Year. On January 5, the cinema is screening Respect, the film of soul and gospel queen, Aretha Franklin’s life, from 7pm. Meanwhile Daniel Craig’s final James Bond outing, No Time To Die is being screened on January 7 and 8 at 7pm. The cinema advises people to pre-book and check availability as priority is given to members of Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club.

Tickets to all screenings, from films to live satellite opera, theatre and ballet, are first released to full annual members who get priority booking and discounted tickets as part of their membership package. The cinema then releases the remaining tickets, which include a day membership, which can be bought by members of the public. Membership is open to anyone aged over 16 and costs between £15 and £42 with a joint membership at £72. More details are available from theregal cinema.org/join-us.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 41

Arts & Entertainment GENRES: A broad selection of works like these by Liz Somerville, Helen Millard, Isla Cheney and Sue Lanbury will be on show during Dorset Art Weeks

Dorset Art Weeks way to make the most of Dorset’s stunning countryside and coast and what it has to offer, to plan a great day out and to discover the unexpected – with so much to see and do, it’s the perfect blend of art, food and travel. For artists thinking of taking part or needing to reregister, details are now

available on the Dorset Art Weeks website, and registrations are open until January 14. You can find out more by contacting producer@dorset artweeks.co.uk or by calling 07598 138295. Follow Dorset Art Weeks on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Varied menu at Red House Christchurch’s Red House Museum is holding an exhibition on all things panto. Putting On A Show helps visitors to see behind the magic of the theatre in a free, family-friendly exhibition. Putting On A Show kicks off tomorrow, December 18 with a meet and greet with members of Highcliffe Charity Players in full panto gear. The exhibition continues until January 23. From January 14, the museum is running a five-session course on Women Writing in the 1960s. The selection of novels explored presents different

versions of female identity and engages with a variety of themes. It highlights the importance of earlier writers, including Muriel Spark who created The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, Margaret Drabble’s 1965 novel, The Millstone and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. The course takes place from 10.30am-12.30pm on Fridays from January 14. On January 16, is Goldilocks! The Adventures Of A Porridge Thief, which is suitable for families. Visit: hampshire culture.org.uk/red-housemuseum-and-gardens or call 01202 482860.

Community Coach Tours Day Trips & Short Breaks with pickups in Blandford, Wimborne, Ferndown, Kinson, Poole, Bournemouth and Ringwood

This is an example of some of our trips... please visit www.dorsetcoachtours.com We would like to wish all our past and present customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

SHORT HOLIDAY BREAKS Christmas Break Ashley Court Hotel Torquay. FULL BOARD ........... ................................................................ Thursday 23rd – Monday 27th Dec, £599pp, no single supp

SHORT HOLIDAY BREAKS 2022 London Best Western Hotel, opposite Hyde Park ....................................... .................................. Friday 7th – Sunday 9th Jan, £225pp, no single supp Jersey Apollo Hotel, St Helier. Dinner B & B .................................................. ........................ Monday 21st – Friday 25th Mar, £525pp (No Singles left) London, Knightsbridge Museums ................................ Saturday 16th Apr £30 Adults, £20 u16 Andre Rieu – NEC Birmingham ...................................... Saturday 30th Apr £135 per ticket Exmouth and Boat Trip and Cream Tea ......................... Monday 2nd May £42.40 Adults, £25.00 u16

SOLD OUT

Contact Jon White: 07760 225520 or 01202 032151

42 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Would-be snappers invited to visit club By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

If you fancy yourself as the next Lord Lichfield or David Bailey, then Richard Soley at Ringwood Camera Club is inviting you to come along to a couple of free photographic taster sessions. According to Richard, a pointand-shoot camera is perfectly fine for taking photos, however, if you want to be up there with the pros, you should read on. “Today’s cameras are wonderful pieces of technological wizardry that enable almost anyone to take reasonable photographs with minimum mental input,” he says. “They don’t call them ‘point and shoot’ for nothing.” And yet, he says that taking more professional-looking photographs isn’t overly difficult and certainly needn’t cost you a fortune in camera equipment.

NICE ONE: A squirrel pictured by Richard Soley

While most ‘point and shoots’ work well, Richard points out that the settings are decided in the factory and designed to respond to all lighting conditions and whatever abuse new owners might throw at them. “The answer is to look at all the other markings on the camera dial and set up your camera for the conditions that you find yourself in,” he says.

“This isn’t as difficult as it seems, although it does help to have a mentor to guide you through the first attempts at overriding the Auto setting. “My personal advice would be to either approach a photographically-savvy friend or, if you don’t have one, join a camera club. Mine is Ringwood Camera Club.” On the first Tuesday of each month, the Club holds a

beginners’ class for those who have the desire but lack the knowledge to become the next Lichfield or Bailey. “The class is very laid back,” says Richard, “and you learn at your own speed. “Although there is a set programme each week, there are invariably other odd club members there who can help on a one-to-one basis if you’re struggling or want advice on how to tackle a particularly baffling scenario. “As the first few lessons are free, you lose nothing by giving it a go and should you be of a more competent standard or just want a chat for advice on anything photographic, then try our normal club nights.” Like the beginners club, the first couple of visits are also free – so, what are you waiting for? For information visit ringwoodcameraclub.co.uk or call 07534 416882.

Wood engravers society celebrates centenary TH THE

EXCHANGE

Live a more eventful life

Friday 21st January

My Mountain Life by Simon Yates 7:30pm Tickets £16/£15

–––––––– Saturday 22nd January

Greatest Songs of the Movies 7:30pm Tickets £17/£16

–––––––– Thursday 27th January

Touching the Void (15) 7pm Tickets £5

–––––––– Saturday 29th January

Radio GaGa 7:30pm Tickets £21.50 ––––––––

01258 475137

info@stur-exchange.co.uk Find us on Facebook

www.stur-exchange.co.uk

by Faith Eckersall It sounds like an ancient craft but the art of wood engraving only really got started in the 18th century. To celebrate the centenary of the Society of Wood Engravers, Salisbury Museum has gathered together some top-class examples of the craft, as part of its Cutting It Fine Exhibition. Drawn almost entirely from a private Dorset collection, the exhibition showcases more than 120 original prints – as well as many rare original illustrated books – by 20 of the leading British wood engravers. Works by Gwen Raverat, Eric Ravilious, John and Paul Nash, Leon Underwood, Rachel Reckitt, Gertrude Hermes, Monica Poole, Anne Desmet and Neil Bousfield are included in the show.

An accompanying exhibition explores the work of Wiltshire wood engraver, Howard Phipps, RWA, ARE. Born in Wales in 1954 his work is deeply rooted in the beautiful downland landscape of Wiltshire and Dorset. Both exhibitions are accompanied by lectures, and engraving demonstrations led by Howard Phipps. The exhibition was postponed from October 2020 and is due to run until Sunday, January 16. There’s still also time to catch the museum’s Art Of Stonehenge’exhibition, of works inspired by the ancient monument. The show features just over 20 works by artists such as David Loggan, Thomas Rowlandson, William Overend Geller, David Lucas, William Heath

Robinson, Gertrude Hermes and Howard Phipps. It reflects the different attitudes and approaches to Stonehenge over the past 400 years, reflected in art. In the 17th century the first attempts were first made to analyse the momument. By linking Stonehenge with historic records it was associated with the Druids, mainly due to the work of antiquarian William Stukeley. The best paintings are from the early 19th century, when landscape artists such as John Constable visited the site. More recent work is characterised by the use of different printing techniques such as wood cut, wood-engraving, etching and linocut. Visit: salisburymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/exhibitions.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 43

Arts & Entertainment

BEST-SELLER: The Downton premiere, 2019 and, right, Fairbanks and Pickford in Taming Of The Shrew, 1931

Cinema’s kept on giving since 1931 By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

In the true Boxing Day tradition of gifting, when the Regent Centre opened its doors for the very first time on December 26, 1931 admission was free. Residents were asked only to donate to the Mayor’s ‘Christmas Cheer and Distress Fund’ and, thereafter, ticket prices would start at 6d with children paying half price. The festive-opening announcement in the Christchurch Times was a cause for great excitement among the townsfolk, as not only would they be the first to visit the new 650-seat entertainment venue, built in just five months by visionary entrepreneur, TJ Rowley, but they’d get to watch the latest ‘blockbuster’, The Taming Of The Shrew, starring Hollywood dream couple, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. TJ Rowley had a knack of envisaging venues in unlikely locations and this new Christchurch ‘super cinema’, constructed in the narrow, elongated plot on the high street at a cost of

WHO ARE THEY? Regent ushers in 1938. If you can name them, contact newsdesk@stourandavon.net

£25,000 (that’s more than £1.8million in today’s money) was no exception; nor was it his first picture house project. It came on the back of building Boscombe’s Carlton and Winton’s Victoria cinemas and countless other local developments. Small in stature but big on drive and ambition, mildmannered Rowley had a reputation for getting things done and as per the announcement, the Regent opened bang on schedule. At the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor JW Tucker expressed his hope that everyone had had a pleasant

and happy Christmas and told them that he personally was looking forward to ‘things bucking up before the year 1932 was out.’ At the time, competition was rife between the surrounding towns, as they vied to offer the best entertainment. In a nod – some might say dig – to this, it was also announced that amazing strides had been made in cinema construction over recent months and that Rowley had ‘marshalled the ‘...latest devices in this new Christchurch cinema which is the best-equipped theatre of its size in Hampshire and is certainly more up-to-date

and comfortable than many larger buildings.’ Civic pride had rarely been so high and locals have continued to treasure the place, even in its less glitzy guises of a bingo hall in the 1970s and ’80s and an arts centre in the ’90s. After surviving a world war, a global pandemic and even a near-disastrous fire in 2010, the Regent’s proud cinematic heritage, like its interior, is fully-restored and celebrated. To mark the 90th anniversary, a host of events is planned, many inspired by the past, including backstage tours – normally out-of-bounds to the public – and vintage cinema museum viewings, exclusive film screenings, a musical variety show, a re-screening of the 2019 Downton Abbey film (the Regent’s best-selling film ever) and even a game of bingo as a nostalgic throwback to its Mecca days. A full house in every sense of the word! For the full programme of 90th birthday celebrations visit: regentcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 499199.

44 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Business

Andrew Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk, the No.1 business website in the county with more than 25,000 unique users An estate agency which has notched up £13million-worth of property sales in its first 17 months has officially opened its new shop in Verwood. Mayor Cllr Matthew Parker carried out the traditional ribbon-cutting at Castleman Estate Agents, watched by two of the founding partners and invited guests. “It’s really good to see new businesses coming to Verwood and I’m particularly impressed at how community-minded the agency is,” said Cllr Parker. Castleman Estate Agents was founded by partners Andy Tibbles, Nick Richards and Joe Merrifield in July 2020. It’s named after the Castleman Trailway, the popular walking, cycling and horse-riding route. The 16.5-mile trailway which, follows much of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line,

CUTTING EDGE: Mayor of Verwood Matthew Parker cuts the ribbon at Castleman Estate Agents watched by founding partners Andy Tibbles, Nick Richards and guests Picture: DORSET BIZ NEWS

Estate agent opens in Verwood weaves its way through many of the key areas served by the business. Previously based in West Moors, the agency’s new home at 7 Station Road, Verwood, has put the emphasis on comfort and relaxation. It includes an informal customer seating area as well as a kids’ play section. Three local artists – Nathan Lock, Hattie Jane Photography and Lindsay Chapman – have been invited to display their work on the walls. The office will also be available for community use at weekends.

Andy said the £13m property sales had been about double what they’d expected. “It’s been very busy and we’re very pleased. “We plan to open another shop in the next 12 months, preferably in West Moors again,” he said. About 30 good causes have been helped to date through the Castleman Community Foundation, which supports local projects. Andy said: “We feel that supporting the local community, especially during these difficult and challenging times, is vitally important. “The community foundation

is an integral part of our business.” Apart from the founders, the agency has three selfemployed agents – Dean, Hannah and Janine – and an apprentice, Danielle. Adam Benham, of Adam’s Mortgage Group, is also based in the office. Andy said: “Our sales have ranged from a £100,000 garage to a £1.3million property. “We’re getting a lot of repeat business as neighbours see what we can do. “We’re confident of a busy future.” Visit: castlemanestateagents. co.uk.

Chamber comments on Covid ‘Plan B’

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “This is a bitter pill to swallow for many businesses who have only recently begun to get back on their feet. “The Prime Minister painted a bleak picture about the threat of the new omicron variant, and the Plan B restrictions will undoubtedly have an economic impact

and damage business and consumer confidence. “Many employers who have struggled to get their people back into the workplace are now being asked to make more changes at the last minute with very little notice. “Employers should be socially responsible and ask their staff to work from home if they can but if

employees are needed for the functioning of a business then they can continue to go into the workplace.

Employers will need to ensure all the necessary measures are in place to protect their staff. “We are all going to have to live with Covid for some time. A strong and working economy is crucial to building our resilience as a community and to bolstering our ability to overcome challenges as they arise on our journey to recovery.”

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 45

with dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Store reopening toasts pet food ‘rawvolution’ Her vision and hard work led to a raw feeding ‘revolution’ as well as the creation of a business with annual sales of £2million+ and employing more than 30 people. So, when it came to choosing a VIP to stage the grand reopening of its original store in West Moors after a facelift, there was only one name in the frame. Nettie Platt, founder of Nurturing by Nature, the fast-growing supplier of raw pet food. Describing the company’s development to date as ‘amazing’ the 67-year-old cut a ribbon at the Pinehurst Road store and declared herself ‘very, very proud’ of the business and the team behind it. She added: “There are so many people, not least our amazing customers, who’ve got us to where we are today and I’m just very thankful to them all.” Nurturing by Nature began life in Nettie’s kitchen in 2004. It was founded after her red boxer, Fred, developed cancer. The answer was a raw food diet with Fred’s quality of life showing a visible improvement. The business moved from Nettie’s kitchen to a conservatory and then garage before the opening of the West Moors store in 2006. It was the country’s first dedicated raw pet food shop. Nurturing by Nature now has another retail shop in Upton, two factory units in Upton and a nationwide, next-day delivery service as well as a thriving online business. Last year it opened a 38,000kg capacity meat freezer, increasing the capacity of the business by up to 50 per cent. Nurturing by Nature aims to

PROUS: Nettie Platt, centre, with family and staff Picture: DORSET BIZ NEWS

give domestic pets – both cats and dogs – a diet which is more akin to what they would eat if they were fending for themselves in the wild. It works with farmers and suppliers to ensure meat products are the best quality, using human-grade ingredients, sourced from trusted farms in the UK. The range of meats available to Nurturing by Nature’s raw feeding community evolves naturally with the seasons, as it would in the wild. The West Moors store had takings of £360 in its first week 15 years ago. This year it has served 20,500 customers and sold 180 tonnes of raw pet food plus enough natural treats to fill 45 wheelbarrows. Marking the shop’s 15th anniversary, and revamp, Nettie was presented with a glass lamp in her favourite purple which was specially commissioned from Stuart Wiltshire Glass in Weymouth. Adam Morris, managing director, said: “There is a

very strong argument that if it wasn’t for Nettie, the raw feeding revolution within the local area wouldn’t be what it is today. “In the process of thinking of who should open our store it seemed only right that the most important person in the raw feeding world locally should re-open the revamped shop. “The shop, and Nettie, has become a community hub, a knowledge support hub and more.” Nettie, who lives in Verwood, still works in the store. Adam, who is married to Nettie’s daughter, Emma, a fellow director, said the hallmarks of Nurturing by Nature’s business were heritage, ethics,

attentiveness, unity and integrity. “We are a family-run business who guarantee an exceptional service and nothing less,” he added. Among the customers popping in on the shop’s 15th anniversary celebration was Steve Loe, owner of Hodor, a caucasian shepherd dog. He said: “I’ve been coming here for about 12 years. “I love it. “The food is really fresh and the staff are excellent. “I wish them every success for the future.” The opening hours of the West Moors store have been extended. It’s now open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm (5pm on a Saturday). n nurturingbynature.co.uk.

46 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Business

with dorsetbiznews.co.uk

E3 boost for UK’s greenest surgery A Ferndown-based property tax specialist has helped deliver significant savings in the construction of the ‘greenest healthcare building’ in the UK. E3 Consulting, with offices at the Pear Tree Centre, has supported the development of the multi-awardwinning Foleshill Health Centre in Coventry. The £3.3m GP surgery includes solar power, hitech sensors to monitor performance and usage, triple glazing, air source heat recovery pumps, energy-efficient LED

lighting and is highly insulated. E3 undertook capital allowances analysis of the project to identify qualifying expenditure under governmentapproved tax relief. Alun Oliver, managing director of E3 Consulting, said: “This innovative health centre really does set the standard for energy efficiency in the UK. “Our role was to ensure it was also as tax efficient as possible to ensure the investment was seen to be financially sound, creating n Alun Oliver, MD at E3 Consulting

GREENEST: Foleshill Health Centre in Coventry is the UK’s greenest healthcare building and, above, the centre’s heat recovery unit Pictures: BETH WALSH

a truly ground-breaking building with unparalleled green credentials and utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). “It was a pleasure to work with CHP on this exceptional project, which shows that properties can be designed, built and managed in a highly sustainable and efficient way.” With an EPC A rating (12), close to net zero CO2 with very low energy use, the centre is the first health building in the UK to gain exacting Passivhaus

certification for low energy design. It is also built to meet the ‘excellent’ rating under the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method for sustainability. Its insulation exceeds building regulations by about 40 per cent. As well as Ferndown, E3 Consulting has offices in Southampton and London. It provides specialist property tax advice to owners, investors and occupiers throughout the UK real estate.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 47 Light industrial unit, 45 x 30ft, Bowridge Hill, Gillingham, 07974 034439

Office/storage units to let, from £26 per week, work unit approx 1250 sq ft. £57 per week. Tel 07811 837061

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Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building Traditional Building Specialist inc All Building WorkGAll aspects of Lime External and Internal Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

DORSET LIME Specialists in all external and internal lime work. Lime crete flooring. All aspects of traditional building.

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Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

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The New Stour & Avon It’s fortnightly and it’s FREE! Pick up your copy here... ALDERHOLT Wolvercroft Garden Centre Co-op Southern ASHLEY WOOD Caravan Park Golf Course

High Mead Farm Ferndown Library FORDINGBRIDGE Londis Petrol Station FURZEHILL Village Stores

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VERWOOD Verwood Heritage GUSSAGE ALL SAINTS Centre BROADSTONE Phone Box Candy Chocs Verwood Library M & S Food Hall GUSSAGE ST MICHAEL Verwood Pet Supplies Tesco Express Andrews Butchers Edward ARG Works Café Gardenia Co -op Southern Broadstone Library HINTON MARTEL Tesco Express Phone Box BROOM HILL WEST MOORS Stewarts Garden Centre HORTON Spar/Post Office Horton Inn BEAR CROSS Webbs Butchers Co-op Southern LYTCHETT MATRAVERS Library Library BLANDFORD Plants Direct WEST PARLEY Damory Garage Tescos Basket and Blooms James Newsagent In Excess Post Office LYTCHETT MINSTER Lidl Courtyard Craft Centre WIMBORNE Bartletts County Wise MERLEY McColls Spar Shop Allendale House Gorge Café T & S News Morrisons PAMPHILL Co-op Petrol Station Farm Shop CANFORD MAGNA Southern Canford Magna Garden RINGWOOD Keating Butchers Centre WH Smith Greyfriars Community Hi Tec Solutions Centre Allendale Centre Hearns CHARLTON MARSHALL Lunns of Ringwood WH Smith Green Man Parish Rooms Crow Farm shop Wimborne Minster McColls CHRISTCHURCH Porch Texaco Petrol Station Library Waitrose In Excess Regent Centre Coach & Horses Tesco V&A Store COLEHILL Tourist Information/ SANDLEHEATH Co-op Musuem Sandleheath Village One Stop Fair Ground Fair Trade Stores Colehill Library Shop St Michaels Church Hall SHAPWICK Davids Shirley CORFE MULLEN Gullivers Book Shop Naked Cross Nurseries Spar SPETISBURY Co-op Fluffetts Farm Village Hall Box Candy’s Farm Shop Wimborne Market Clampets Farm Library Walford Mill STAPEHILL Dacombes CRANBORNE Spar WOW Fitness Cranborne Stores Wimborne Garden Wimborne Library Centre Wimborne Community CRITCHEL Centre Bus Shelter STURMINSTER MARSHALL EDMONDSHAM WIMBORNE ST GILES Nisa Local Bus Shelter Post Office Vines Close Farm Shop FERNDOWN TARRANT KEYNESTON WITCHAMPTON McColls Club/Shop Bus Shelter Spar Ferndown Post Office TARRANT WOODLANDS Iceland LAUNCESTON The Egg Shed Sams Newsagent The Shed Hearns Estate Agent STANBRIDGE Hungry One TARRANT RAWSTON M & S Food Hall Aunt Fannys Farm Shop Cart Shed

48 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Business Advertising Feature

GIVE A PRESENT YOUR FAMILY WILL REMEMBER FOREVER As Peter Harding, Dorset expert 昀nancial adviser explains, at this time of year our thoughts turn to our families at Christmas... With families in mind there is a major arrangement in our lives, which is often put off until it’s too late or completely forgotten. This important arrangement involves reducing your Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability. In this article Peter highlights 昀ve options you can consider and discuss with your family at a time when you are all together.

1. Give now (to your family) Giving away money and assets while you’re alive is perhaps the most rewarding way to reduce a future IHT bill. You can give away up to £3,000 a year, as well as make any number of small gifts up to £250. The value of those gifts will fall outside your estate immediately. It is also possible to utilise any unused gifting allowance from the previous tax year. By combining individual contributions, couples can potentially gift up to £12,000 by 5 April.

2. Give away income you don’t need There’s no limit on the number of regular gifts you can make out of your income, provided these don’t affect your standard of living. Keeping a record will speed up checks made later by HMRC – something you should remember for any gifts you make.

3. Save more into a pension Money saved into a pension is not normally subject to IHT. Should you die before you’re 75, the proceeds from your pension can be paid as a lump sum or income to any bene昀ciary free from tax. After 75, bene昀ciaries will only need to pay tax at their marginal rate on withdrawals.

4. Review your Will* The surest way to make sure that your intentions are carried out after your death is to draw up a Will. Most couples who are either married or in a civil partnership leave everything to each other, since this doesn’t usually attract IHT. But if you have a partner who falls outside this category, they could lose out to parents or children.

5. Buy life assurance in a Trust* Sometimes, it isn’t viable to fully mitigate a future IHT bill. Taking out a life assurance policy where the sum assured covers the likely IHT bill, and placing it in a trust, could save your family from having to sell any of your assets to meet the liability. The trust ensures that the value of the policy falls outside your estate. It also means your executors will have the funds available when they need them, to settle your estate. If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of being prepared. None of us knows where the next global or personal crisis will come from, only that we can help mitigate any impacts through effective planning. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. *Will writing involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. Wills and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Peter Harding Wealth Management on 01202 830730 or email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 49

Business

Protect your family from Inheritance Tax... ...We’re Here to Help The amount families paying Inheritance Tax is predicted to rise, largely as a result of soaring house prices. The treasury is set to collect £7.6 billion a year from Inheritance Tax revenue by 2026/27 compared to £5.1 billion in 2019/20. (Source: Office for Budget Responsibility, Oct 2021.) Peter Harding Wealth Management with over 25 year’s experience has a team of advisers, across Dorset and surrounding counties, to help you protect your legacy.

Contact us today for an initial, no obligation consultation: Tel: 01757 855554 Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Call in: Have a coffee and a chat at one of our ofﬁces in Shaftesbury, Sherborne or Canford Cliffs... we would be delighted to see you. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and Partner Practice are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd

50 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Business

Awards are launched at business breakfast And entries are now…open! The inaugural Wimborne Business Awards got off to a flying start when business leaders attended a breakfast launch at the Allendale Centre. Wimborne is the latest location chosen for the fastgrowing, and grassroots, business awards scheme. The awards, organised by Marketing West Events, will focus on promoting the range OPEN FOR ENTRIES: Guests at the official breakfast launch of and quality of local the Wimborne business awards businesses. Entry is free and open for all to enter. judging process, category “Also, category sponsors are Speakers at the launch event sponsorship opportunities already on board including included: and the awards ceremony Yellow Buses and the NFU. Nigel Reeve, of Marketing scheduled for late April “We are expecting a high West Events 2022. number of entries and I’ve Cllr Jeff Hart of Wimborne Nigel said: “The response so predicted the number we will Minster Town Council far has been exceptional. have, written it in a sealed Tammy Sleet of Wimborne “I’d like to thank Wimborne envelope and locked it away. BID BID for their great support in “It will be opened at the Tracie Beardsley, PR and getting these awards up and April awards ceremony in marketing expert running. front of the attendees and Subjects covered included “Entries are now open via those watching the live the chance for local the awards website and the streaming. businesses to promote first entry was in by late “Let’s see how close I am.” themselves, the awards morning. The award categories are: website, how to enter, the

Best Place to Work Best Use of Innovation Cafe, Pub, Casual Dining Excellence in Customer Service Family Business of the Year Green/Eco-Business of the Year Health, Beauty and Fitness Independent Business of the Year Local Artisans and Local Producers New Business of the Year Outstanding Community Support Professional Services Business Retail Business of the Year Young Entrepreneur/Rising Star The Dorset Mind Excellence in the Community Award Overall Business of the Year. Closing date for entries is March 7, 2022. Customer, as well as business, nominations are very welcome. The judging is independent and online with no outside influence. Visit wimborne businessawards.co.uk.

Items for sale Bib and Brace Stihl chainsaw forestry safety clothing size large. Unwanted present still in original packaging unused bargain at £49.00. 100% perfect Tel 07999450348 Small dk oak kneehole desk 9 drawers 122cmw 74cmh £40 .cream chest 3 drawers 78cmw 74cm t £35 tel 07971 902353. Table Tennis Table Folding table tennis table, 9ft x 5ft. £50 Buyer collects from Sherborne. Tel 07890451996 Fireplace Hamper £20 (it's full of goodies): fire-rope, stove-thermometer, Glasscleaner, fire-cement and lots more

Phone 07393 573241 (Wincanton-area) Skamolex (Stove-Bricks) Fire-boards for sale £15 High density or Medium £10, Call-07393 573241 (Wincanton,Area) great for fire-bricks or heat-shielding. (Edges, not-perfect) Royal Doulton Greenbriar dinner and tea service . 68 pieces including coffee pot. £35.00 01258 821301. Dusty pink two seater sofa bed 50.00 ono Please phone 07710 226286 Drapers sheepskin gents slippers dark brown size 10 Never worn boxed £28 tel 01258 861032 Medium sized, pair of beige upholstered arm chairs,

good condition, free to collect 07555 524290 Flymo Lawnrake Compact. £30. 07580 510021 Oak Writing Bureau. £50. 07580 510021 Smart kitchen chairs x 4 £50 – 01258 458484 Men’s evening suit, waist 36”, very good condition £20 Tel 01202 677607 Kids Pedal Pals Galaxia Bike 14 inch wheel Size, excellent condition, with new stabilisers. £50 Bruton 07707 845732 Stereo set with jpw speakers in working order rather dusty been well loved in good Flugelhorn with case, vgc, hardly ever used. £175 ono 07964 307869

condition. £45ono Contact Cameron 07549 112851 Hohner 12 openings Chromatic Harmonica Boxed No 270. £25. Hohner Acoustic Guitar Vienna 820 model. £45. Tel 01258 861032 White baby bath (little used) £4. plz call 07843 725938. Futon sofa bed frame. converts to double bed. Excellent condition (no mattress) Ideal for spare £25ono 07843 725938 Zest Starlight Arch 1.34mx0.72mx2.23m unused (wrong size) £100 ono. Buyer to collect. Tel. 01935 872353

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 51

Business

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Chris and Sam Devlin with Kipster, their border terrier Picture: IAN J WELDON

Vets celebrate their successful first year What a first 12 months. A year ago, Chris and Sam Devlin launched their new independent vets in Wimborne. A long-held vision became reality when the doors of Vetsmiths were opened to the first clients. As with starting any business it was something of a gamble – and an expensive one. A total refurbishment of their Grade II-listed West Borough premises, in the heart of Wimborne, cost £600,000. It included state of the art equipment, a boutique hotel style reception area and luxury accommodation with individual heat pads and mood lighting for pets having to stay with Vetsmiths for the day. And now, a year later? There are nearly 1,000 registered clients with some coming from as far afield as Swanage – based purely on recommendation – and a team of 11. The company is exceeding its financial projections at this stage and the practice

has received its first award – Best Independent Vets in Dorset in the Southern Enterprise Awards 2021. Sam, 53, said: “Being independent is what it’s all about to us. “It’s the only way we can meet our client’s incredibly high expectations of us. “We’re not tied to a bigger group and told what drugs we should or shouldn’t use. “This gives us the autonomy to tailor the treatment we give to each pet individually, rather than a one size fits all approach.” Chris, 50, who qualified as a veterinary surgeon at Bristol University in 1994, said: “We were always about the ‘Wow’ factor – you know, a bit like if Carlsberg did veterinary centres! “We wanted to create a safe space where owners and their pets felt comfortable, stress free and enjoyed coming to visit the vets. “We think we’ve got it spot on.” Chris and Sam are owners and directors of Vetsmiths. They funded the surgery

through a combination of their own funds from the sale of a previous business and a business loan with Lloyds Bank. Vetsmiths now has more than 2,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while the 60+ reviews on Google give the practice five stars. Comments include: “One of the best vets around, always so caring, knowledgeable and helpful.” “A fantastic practice, everything you want and would hope for from a vet. “So lucky to have this practice in Wimborne.” “I have never been to such a welcoming and professional vets in my life. I was very impressed. Nothing was too much trouble.” “Very impressed, what a lovely caring and knowledgeable modern vets practice.” The past 12 months has also seen Vetsmiths became a Silver status accredited Cat Friendly Clinic with the International Society of Feline Medicine.

The accolade was awarded within four months of opening. The practice has a separate cat waiting area and kennels while the team understand how stressful it can be for cats visiting the vets. Baskets can be covered over and cats given a spritz of Feliway (a calming pheromone) to help with stress if needed. Vet Lorna Kavanagh, Vetsmith’s cat advocate, strives to ensure the experience for cats and their owners is maintained to the highest level at all times. Of the hundreds of cases successfully handled in the past year, the team said one, in particular, stood out. Despite losing his leg, and having a difficult recovery, Boo never once stopped enjoying his visit to the practice with his tail always wagging. Chris said: “This is why we do this job.” Asked how quickly the past year had gone, Chris added: “Quicker than a rat up a drainpipe!”

52 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Motoring SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

DORSET’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICE

Full dealer service for all makes of commercial vehicle Brake testing Tachograph service MOT preparation etc.

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome. MOTS – class 4,5 and 7 MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7 Diagnostics Diagnostics Air Conditioning Valets Air conditioning Courtesy Cars Valets Collections within a 5-mile radius Courtesy Cars Concessions for Pensioners, Collections within a 5 mile radius Armed Forces and Emergency Services Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services We require the following staff:

VEHICLE TECHNICIAN/ MOT TESTER

ETS TRUCK&VAN 6 Witney Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0GH Tel: 01202 669339 Email: service@etstrucks.co.uk and Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, Dorset DT11 7FB Tel: 01258 480404 Email: blandford@etstrucks.co.uk

CAR SALES

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk

2013 (13) Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0TDi S-Line Convertible 2dr. 140bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, heated seats, partial leather, electric soft top roof, reverse camera, only £30 a year road tax, upto 61mpg economy, 95,900 miles ..........................................................................................................£8250 2010 (60) BMW 1 Series 116i SE 2.0 Automatic 5dr. 122bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, front & rear parking sensors, sunroof, climate control, auto activation lights & wipers, full service history with 11 stamps, 97,100 miles ..........................................................................................................£4750 2015 (15) Fiat 500 0.9 Twin-Air Lounge 3dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, Free yearly road tax, 67mpg, park sensors, sunroof, bluetooth, hill start assist, air con & alloys, lovely looking retro car, only 19,200 miles .....................................................................................£6950 2015 (15) Ford EcoSport 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, leather seats, high seating position, tip & tumble rear seats, parking sensors, cruise control, auto activation lights & wipers, bluetooth, multi award winning engine, exceptional performance & economy, 53,900 miles.............................................................................£8350 2009 (09) Ford Fusion 1.6 Plus Estate 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, large boot with a low loading edge, flat folding seats, auto activation lights & wipers, heated front screen, air con, alloys, only 51,300 miles..............................................................................................£3650 2013 (13) Mini Hatch 1.6 Cooper Sport Chili 3dr. 122bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, air conditioning, alloy wheels, auto activation lights & wipers, hill start assist, bluetooth, 92,100 miles. .................................£6250

WANTED

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

We buy cars for cash so if you have something to sell, give us a call, we pay good prices & consider most vehicles.

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2014 (14) Nissan X-Trail 2.0DCi Tekna 4x4 Station Wagon 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, large boot, leather, heated seats, sat nav, auto activation lights & wipers, 360 degree reverse camera, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth, sunroof, tough & sturdy 4 wheel drive, 96,000 miles.....................................................DUE SOON 2017 (17) Toyota Auris 1.6D-4D Design 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 65mpg, reversing camera, panoramic roof with electric blind, auto activation lights wipers & auto main beam, speed sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, bluetooth, touch screen, cruise control, precollision assist, 16,800 miles...................................................................£11450 2015 (15) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv SUV 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, large boot, parking sensors, auto activation lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, bluetooth, 57,900 miles ................................................................................................................£8450

COMMERCIAL’S 2016 (16) Ford Ranger 3.2TDCi Limited Double Cab 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 200bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, rear canopy, leather, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth, switchable 2 / 4 wheel drive, high & low ratios, hill descent control, auto lights & wipers, heated front screen, NO VAT to pay, 68,300 miles.............................................£19500 2015 (15) Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 1.6TDi Highline C20 LWB Van. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, full bulkhead, lined & carpeted in the rear, touch screen, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, air con, alloy wheels, bluetooth, cambelt kit replaced, very clean & tidy van with NO VAT to pay, 49,600 miles..............................................................................................£14500

WANTED

We are looking for 1970's, 80's & 90's Ford's that we can bring back to life, please call with any information.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 53

Christmas traffic By Steve Belasco

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

The AA is predicting prepandemic levels of traffic over the Christmas period with 17.8million cars expected to travel on December 23 and Christmas Eve, causing lengthy jams at traffic hotspots. A survey of more than 15,000 drivers found that more than two fifths (44%) have already made plans to drive this Christmas, with a further 17% yet to decide. Of those that are driving, almost a third plan to do so for work on Thursday, December 16, (31%) and Friday, December 17, (28%), after which business-based travel drops until the New Year. More than a quarter (27%) say they are driving to do their Christmas shopping on

Saturday, December 18. As the last Saturday before Christmas, many High Streets, retail outlets and shopping centres will be hopeful of a festive selling spree before the big day. For many it will be a case of making up for a cancelled Christmas last year. This year the main days for celebrating with friends and family will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. December 25 will be one of the quietest days on the road.

VEHICLES FOR SALE FIAT PANDA 2007 1100cc Black 5 Door Hatchback MOT end Feb 82K Very Reliable Ideal First Car £550 01747 812364

●Unwanted vehicles bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ● Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ● minimum of £150 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Old, interesting & Classic Cars wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

2002 Landrover Freelander. New MOT 150,000 miles. £970 ono. Call 07928 455761 Wanted all types of car trailers, tipper -plant cattle box & flat Tel 07736 871092

Over 30 years experience

Best prices paid please call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

Motorcycle MOTs

now £27.50 Car & Van* MOTs

£39.95

(*Vans up to 3000kg)

MOTs Diagnostics Repairs Servicing Air Con service £39.95+vat 01202 911960

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AIR CONDITIONING MOT REPAIRS SERVICING

REPAIRS SERVICING DIAGNOSTICS

MOT REPAIRS SERVICING DIAGNOSTICS

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LOCAL FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS, CATERING FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS, SPECIALISTS IN 4X4s Full autologic diagnostics & coding TDV8 turbo changes & body-offs for Discovery 3 & 4s Defender galvanised chassis changes Full re-build services & MOT work All welding & chassis repairs undertaken

Horse box/trailer repairs & servicing Auto electrical repairs Classic car restoration Advice always available from our friendly knowledgable staff Free vehicle collection & delivery to your home & business (locally)

NEW FOREST GARAGE SERVICES 023 8081 1973 info@nf4x4.co.uk New Forest Garage Services,The Yews Workshops, Southampton Road, Cadnam SO40 2NG

54 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Recruitment The New Blackmore Vale

FULL-TIME EMPLOYED POSITION General property maintenance person required by independent Letting Agent in Sherborne. Ideally with own van and tools. Experience required. please call Joe Meier on 01935 816209 to discuss

The New Stour & Avon magazine requires Door to Door Distributors for the areas of Merley, Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood & Ringwood. Flexible hours. For further details please email Lorraine_drake@icloud.com

The New Stour & Avon

Based in Wincanton, we have the following vacancies:

Good old fashioned HOUSEKEEPER wanted to run a beautiful house for an elderly couple near Sherborne. Tasks include cleaning, cooking, tidying, running errands, laundry, ironing, changing beds. Experience necessary, references, clean driving licence. Must be discreet and kind, with attention to detail and initiative. 15-20 hours/week Ring 07429 117479

Drivers wanted full & part-time, car provided, paid holidays, pension scheme, further details 07813 209841

NIGHTS WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE We are looking for a keen, hard-working person to prepare orders for loading onto vans and assisting in the warehouse with associated tasks. The position involves some work in fridges and freezer as well as an ambient warehouse. Sunday – Friday Appx 20 hours per week.

FULL TIME WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR The position involves assisting in the warehouse with unloading deliveries and associated tasks. Working in an ambient warehouse, plus some work in fridges and freezer. Forklift licence would be beneficial. Monday – Saturday Appx 40 hours per week. To apply please email your CV

careers@finefoodco.co.uk

Receptionist required Friendly and professional receptionist required at our smaller complementary health clinic near Shaftesbury, on Mondays and Wednesdays, and for occasional cover on other days. Computer literacy essential. For further details, please contact Margo Liddle margoliddle@glencairn house.co.uk or 01935 817442

R E M O VA L S

S T O R A G E

THE ARMISHAWS REMOVAL GROUP HAVE AN IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR AN

Assistant Transport Manager To join our busy head office. Duties would include customs, bookings and general operational paperwork, dealing with customers and staff. Needs good general knowledge of the transport industry, a transport CPC would be an advantage. Must have a positive and good humoured personality. Role is located at our Wincanton head office. Please send CV and covering letter to Lloyd@armishaws.com

Teaching Assistant

Midday Supervisor

Feb 2022 start Mon - Fri 8.30am - 3:30pm Term time only Salary £12,365 - £12,865

Jan 2022 start Mon - Fri 11:45am - 1:15pm Term time only £9.25 per hour

Nursery Room Leader

Feb 2022 start 1 Year Temporary Contract Mon - Fri 9am - 5:30pm Term time plus 4 weeks holiday cover Salary £18,493 - £19,624 Contact us by email: hr@wimbornefirst.dorset.sch.uk CLOSING DATE MIDDAY 4TH Jan 2022

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 55

Recruitment General Assistant To join small friendly team supporting 15 elderly residents in our sheltered house in Shaftesbury. We are an independent charity managed by trustees. Duties include cleaning, laundry, preparing meals, but not personal care. Support offered, training given. Enhanced DBS check required. 30 hours per week, currently @ £9.30 per hour, to include some early evenings and weekends. For enquiries/application form/visit please contact Rachel Maskell 01747 854922 info@pepperellbv.org.uk

The Coffee Hub Group are looking for multiple persons to join their award winning team. Current roles available include: Production & Dispatch Operative Stock Control & Warehouse Supervisor Sales Office Administration Assistant Please email your CV to: enquiries@ coffeehubgroup.com

Flexible part-琀me posi琀on available for an organised, outgoing individual The Fonthill Estate is looking for an energe琀c person with excellent communica琀on and organisa琀onal skills who would be able to dedicate 16-20 hours per week to the promo琀on and sales of our venues for weddings and events. We can be 昀exible o昀ering home or o ce working but the right person would need to liaise closely with the Estate o ce on a regular basis. The posi琀on will involve some weekend and evening working, to meet couples on site and to handle enquiries promptly. There is the opportunity for the right candidate to take on our marke琀ng and social media campaign and to grow the role. Compe琀琀ve hourly rate. Driving licence & own car essen琀al. All enquiries please email vm@fonthill.co.uk with CV.

Wessex Vehicle Services Ltd Compton Mills SP3 5DW Commercial Body Builders Fancy a change? If you can work with your hands, read a tape measure come and visit us. In House Training will be provided for the ideal candidate. We require Full time Skilled & Semi-Skilled Commercial Vehicle Body Builders Knowledge of working with commercial vehicle bodies would be an advantage but not essential. The ability to problem solve, work to completion deadlines, within a team, while maintaining a high standard of build quality are key attributes within the role. You must be able to work on your own and as part of a team and communicate well with others. Full UK Driving license required. Friendly working environment, company pension scheme after probationary period. Good rates of pay. Please contact Nigel Mustill for more information on 01722 714545 or send CV to nigel@wessexvehicles.co.uk Reference ID: WVS-03

Five Bees Limited linda@michaelbromfield.com

Executive Assistant and Property Manager This is a position that offers a variety of tasks and invites applicants who can offer a variety of skills including IT, sound administration, strong self-management, flexibility and long term vision and commitment. Sherborne, Dorset based. Salary range £23000 - £30000. For full Job Description please email linda@michaelbromfield.com

Assistant Administrator for Executive PA and Property Manager Challenging and interesting position with a variety of tasks. Keyboard, IT and Computer skills essential. Sherborne based. Salary £16000 -20000. For Job Description please email linda@michaelbromfield.com

56 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Recruitment

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QP

https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,760 on roll including 370 in the Sixth Form

SENIOR I.T. TECHNICIAN (full-time) £22,183 – £25,991 per annum depending upon experience Required to start as soon as possible, an IT Technician to join the team providing crucial IT support, maintenance and development planning across our large, vibrant and supportive school. We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced person who has plenty of IT knowledge and is comfortable with a variety of hardware and software to ensure the smooth running of our IT systems and services. This role is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of tasks alongside general IT support for students and staff. This could include areas such as hardware maintenance, network management, website development, software deployment and audio-visual support. The successful candidate will also understand the need to continually develop and update their knowledge and skills. Gillingham is an ambitious and happy school which offers excellent resources, outstanding facilities and a special ethos both amongst students and staff. Closing date 4th January 2022. Please apply on line via the school web-site (https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk). We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions. We look forward to receiving an application from you.

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QP

https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,760 on roll including 370 in the Sixth Form

FRONTLINE I.T. TECHNICIAN (full-time) £19,698 – £20,903 per annum depending upon experience Required to start as soon as possible, a Frontline IT Technician to join the team providing crucial IT support and maintenance across our large, vibrant and supportive school. We are seeking an enthusiastic, person who has a keen interest in IT and is looking to gain experience with a variety of hardware and software to ensure the smooth running of our IT systems and services. This role is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and training in a wide variety of tasks alongside general IT support for students and staff. This could include areas such as hardware maintenance, network management, website development, software deployment and audio-visual support. Whilst no technical qualifications will be required these will be advantageous. The successful candidate will be passionate about IT and be looking to learn and develop within this sector. Gillingham is an ambitious and happy school which offers excellent resources, outstanding facilities and a special ethos both amongst students and staff. Closing date 4th January 2022. Please apply on line via the school web-site (https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk). We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions. We look forward to receiving an application from you.

New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 57

Sport

Send your sports news to newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Cricket society back at wicket

The Dorset Cricket Society has re-commrnced its weekly winter meetings after a 19month enforced break through Covid-19 writes Paul Pearson. The Society is unique in being the only one in the UK which meets through the winter months on a weekly basis. Meetings are held on Thursday afternoons commencing at 1.45pm at the Hurn Bridge Sports Club, adjacent to the Dorset Cricket Centre Hurn Christchurch Recently 53 members, friends and family gathered to remember and honour Alan Rayment, Hampshire County Cricket Club professional cricketer, dance teacher, father of six and great friend of the Dorset Cricket Society. Alan passed away in October 2020 aged 92 and the meeting was the International book launch by the renowned cricket author, Stephen Chalke, who has produced his book, Punchy’s Hampshire Years – Cricket and Dancing from a wide assortment of material that Alan left; chapters already written, audio tapes of conversations for the book, photographs galore and notes for chapters uncompleted or never started. Punchy was Alan’s Hampshire nickname and after his retirement he ran a dancing school in Southampton. We heard from Stephen Chalke, Revd Canon Tim Biles, Chris Finch, Richard Griffiths and two of Alan’s sons, Denis (Den-ray) and Stephen. Because of Covid restrictions many of Alan’s friends had been unable to attend his funeral so this meeting was also a belated celebration of Alan’s life. The fact that Stephen Chalke

has managed to bring this book to print within a year of Alan’s death is truly remarkable. Tim Biles has written the forword to the book and was the first to speak. He first met Alan while on a holiday course for schoolboys at Northlands Road in 1949, Alan was batting in the adjacent net and became Tim’s hero. From that start became a lifelong friendship. Stephen recalled a few stories from the book and there were tributes from two of Alan’s

Vic was keen on this occasion to avoid his name being part of the title (like a previous book – Full Marks) and so he came up with Late Cuts, named after one of his favourite shots, though not always a successful one! After his career with Somerset and England, Vic worked for the Guardian for 30 years and The Observer for 12 before turning freelance last year. He still works for Test Match Special when invited, but was telling us of some of the difficulties faced when

CRICKET LEGENDS: Vic Marks, left, and the late Alan Rayment

sons plus Richard Griffiths, Hampshire Cricket archivist. Tribute was paid to Alan’s partner, Elizabeth Lloyd for her work in accumulating all the material from which the book was written and for organising the cricket tea which brought the afternoon to a conclusion. It was a very special afternoon The following week, Vic Marks made his fourth visit to the Society and we were very pleased to induct him as a Life Vice-President. The format was an interview between our master of ceremonies, Chris Finch and Vic. We learned a bit about how titles for new books are devised.

performing these duties with Covid restrictions. He covered two Test matches from his sofa, writing for The Guardian. Broadcasting was strange with perspex divisions, headsets which were exclusively yours during the Test match. Vic thought that TV worked better, as they could avoid shots of the vast empty grounds. Radio commentary usually works off the things going on around the ground, which of course wasn’t happening. At the end Chris summed-up the afternoon, as an example of “Pure Marksism’! Details of the Society’s winter programme can be obtained at dorsetcricket society.co.uk/.

n Gordon Wray with a splendid pair of Manningford brownies

Fast, furious & fabulous fly fishing for fighters Near perfect conditions greeted the Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishers Club as they wound their merry way to Manningford Trout Fishery in Wiltshire. It’s always a treat to fish here, the lakes are beautifully kept and there’s a cosy lodge where anglers can relax and exchange stories of the one that got away. It didn’t disappoint. The fishing was fast and furious with trout going for smaller imitative lures rather than the usual winter flies. Many anglers bagged up quickly but others preferred a steadier approach trying to target the larger fish hiding nearer the far banks. Manningford boasts a good number of brown trout known for their fighting spirit, larger size and excellent eating. Gordon Wray made the most of this by bringing two brownies to the net which contributed to his winning bag of over 14lb. Runners-up were Neil O’Shea with the top rainbow of 5lb 2oz and Mike Slater took the biggest brownie. Well done all three.

58 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Local Services PLUMBING & HEATING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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24/7 No Call Out Fee

01202 699912 07414 897888 Nick Evans www.neplumbing | email neplumbing@hotmail.co.uk

Barn Stored Seasoned Firewood Fibre Cement, Boxed Pro昀le and Corrugated Metal Roo昀ng Sheets available from our depots in Yeovil and Dorchester. www.roo昀nggear.co.uk YEOVL DEPOT 01935 700425

DORCHESTER DEPOT 01305 257828

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KDL PLUMBING & HEATING. ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN. FREE ESTIMATES. CALL KEVIN. MOBILE 07475 128249, 01202 805650, 01425 490216

ABBEY DRAINAGE No call out charge Unblocking drains Sinks Toilets Gutters and downpipes Investigating nasty smells High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No-dig relining

Call 01202 748523 | Mobile 07587 238563

checkatrade.com

£70 per bag Free delivery, any area Contact Phil 07903 535 745 BUILDING & ARCHITECTURAL WANTED Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

BOILER CALL Service - Repair Mobile

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heating and plumbing services

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Period and listed Property Specialists See our main advertisement in the Property section

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 59

Local Services GARDENING & LANDSCAPING

MINI DIGGER

FOR HIRE

with experienced operator

Garden and Driveway 30 years Experience Fully insured

Call Mike Card

The New Blackmore Vale

OUTDOOR LIVING

Our Christmas Advertising deadlines New Blackmore Vale, edition of 24th December, booking and copy deadline is Monday 13th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising New Stour and Avon, edition of 31st December, booking and copy deadline is Friday 17th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising

Mobile: 07892787871

www.msclandscapes.co.uk

The New Stour & Avon

EVANS ABOVE Tree Care Ltd All aspects of tree care, hedge maintenance and stump removal

01258 840044 07763 018101 www.evansabovetreecare.co.uk COMPUTERS & PHONES

COMPUTER SERVICES 01202 814081

Work is carried out at your home or business (no call out charge) or in our workshops. Apple Mac & Windows Laptops Towers Monitors Gaming PCs and laptops Printers Phone Lines New Equipment and Repairs Broadband and Networking iPhone & iPad SET-UP ANTI VIRUS AND INTERNET SECURITY All things computers... well almost!

SPIERS ELECTRONICS

Established 1989 Call 01202 814081 or email sales@spiers-electronics.co.uk 3 Woodlinken Drive, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6BN

ROOFING SYSTEMS & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An established family business for over 100 years

Local Authority & National Trust Contractor Flat Roo昀ng Specialists with High Performance Polyester and Elastomeric Systems All Other Roo昀ng Repairs Carried Out Insurance Backed Guarantees Roo昀ng tel: 01202 882777 www.davidsroo昀ng.co.uk info@davididsofwimborne.co.uk

FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING CALL JANE ON 07714 289411 CLASSIFIEDS: 01963 400186

BUILDERS

THE LOG SHED Seasoned Hardwood Cut and Split, Half or Full Load, Free Delivery

01202 848582

DOORS AND GATES

OLD BYGONES COLLECTIBLES

Rural, garden & agricultural items bought & sold

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301 • Felt Rooﬁng Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesrooﬁng.co.uk

GUTTERS CLEARED Windows, fascias, soffits, gutters cleaned, Repairs, Free estimates 07788 376752

ELECTRICAL

BOURNEMOUTH GUIDE PRICE £525,000 Immaculately presented home • Four bedrooms • Two shower rooms, one bathroom • Two reception rooms • Double glazed conservatory • Tandem garage and off-road parking

BOURNEMOUTH OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £475,000 Recently modernised & stylish bungalow • Three double bedrooms • Superb 80ft private enclosed garden • 32ft x 20ft Stunning open plan living area • Hillview School catchment • Peaceful cul-de-sac

BOURNEMOUTH GUIDE PRICE £375,000 A charming character cottage • Private, south westerly facing garden • Direct access to Nature Reserve • Spacious double bedroom • Car port and off road parking

FERNDOWN £495,000 Immaculately presented home • Four bedrooms • 19ft Sitting room • Separate dining room • Kitchen overlooking private garden • Parking & garage

BOURNEMOUTH £425,000 Extended detached home • Three bedrooms • Secluded corner plot • Modern kitchen • Dining room & garden room • Off road parking

BOURNEMOUTH £400,000 Spacious and immaculately presented home • Two double bedrooms • 18ft kitchen/dining room • 10ft Master bedroom & en-suite • Stylish shower room • Approx. 30ft x 30ft rear garden

FERNDOWN GUIDE PRICE - £550,000 Immaculately presented detached bungalow • Four bedrooms all with ﬁtted wardrobes • 22ft lounge/dining room • Impressive, modern ﬁtted kitchen • Secluded westerly facing garden • Detached garage

FERNDOWN GUIDE PRICE £300,000 Semi-detached bungalow • Two bedrooms • 16ft Lounge/dining room • Approx. 45ft x 35ft west facing garden • Newly ﬁtted shower room • Offered with no onward chain

Ferndown Off ice, 6 – 8 Victoria Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HZ 01202 890890 | ferndown@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

WIMBORNE PRICE GUIDE: £950,000 - £975,000 Substantial detached four bedroom family home • Three reception rooms • Two bathrooms • Mature rear garden • Close proximity of the town centre

WIMBORNE PRICE GUIDE: £875,000 - £900,000 Modern ﬁve bedroom family house built in Victorian style • Sought after location • Kitchen/lifestyle room • Sitting room with dual aspect • Enclosed rear garden with terrace and lawn

WIMBORNE PRICE GUIDE: £559,900 Brand new four bedroom detached family home • Popular location • Spacious open plan living area • Well appointed kitchen with integrated appliances • Enclosed rear garden and off road parking

COWGROVE PRICE: £475,000 Three bedroom semi detached home in need of some modernisation • RARELY AVAILABLE PROPERTY • Idyllic rural hamlet • Open views to the front and rear • Large enclosed rear garden

MERLEY PRICE GUIDE: £450,000 Spacious three double bedroom detached family home • Generous size sitting/dining room • Conservatory • Well stocked rear garden • Approximately 1.5 miles from Wimborne

MERLEY PRICE: £285,000 Well presented two double bedroom townhouse • Spacious sitting room • Well appointed kitchen • Sun conservatory • Garage in nearby block

Wimborne off ice, 6 Cook Row, Wimborne, BH21 1LB 01202 842922 | wimborne@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

62 New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021

Property

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New Stour & Avon, December 17, 2021 63

Property

TRADITIONAL BUILDING SPECIALISING IN STRUCTURAL WORKS AND FINE FINISHING • Lime Works • Masonry and Cob

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