Letters

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

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 implement them accordingly. Over to you Dorset Council! However, because the town council has already initiated and resourced a Community Speed Watch project for areas around the town, including the road leading to the First School, they did not feel it appropriate to support the installation of a speed indicator device. We wait to see what happens. DS Biddle Wimborne 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 1939 and thankfully found decent people in the United Kingdom prepared to offer him sanctuary. For the rest of his life he lauded the UK as a model of social democracy with respect for human rights; he was totally committed to its values. I daren’t think if he were still alive what he would make of Chope’s simplistic description of a ‘surge of immigrants’. In many parts of the world (such as Syria, Afghanistan, 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

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

MP’s ‘round up’ offensive

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.

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

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Design and Planning

Loved Louis’ foundation tops £100,000

By Lorraine Gibson

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.

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

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: “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.

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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 branch in Corfe Mullen said: “We have done this 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.”

n Melissa Keen and Shane Watson in Corfe Mullen with their tree of remembrance

Boost for 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

Tubs of toys for children’s charity

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

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 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

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

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.