The New Stour & Avon Magazine by The Blackmore Vale Limited

Edition 17

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

The New Stour & Avon

Friday, December 3, 2021

❆ on at’s

Wh und aro tmas s Chri

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Messiah at the Minster

Leading S ociety sstalwart talwart Society choir ’s new S heila ssteps teps d own Sheila down venue for p 36 p36 Handel’s masterpiece p43

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2 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

What’s inside this week Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectibles Business Farming & Environment Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing Home & Gardens Letters Local Services Motoring MPs’ Round-Up Pets Property Puzzles Recruitment Christmas ideas Sport

38-43 30-31 44-51 32-33 27-29 22-26 34-36 6 58-59 54-55 14 37 60-64 18-19 52-53 10-11 56-57

Cover picture: Bournemouth Bach Choir in concert. See page 43

n Candlestick queen p4 n Who wants to be a milliner? p16 n Don’t tell him... pike p57

Meet the Team Lloyd Armishaw

Steve Belasco

Lorraine Drake

Publisher

Editor

Distributor

newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Debi Thorne

Jane Toomer

Advertising sales manager

Senior account manager

Classified ads

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

Classified adverts

Rusty Harness

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.

Faith Eckersall

Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

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

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Reporter newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 3

Town to lose another bank

CLOSING: The NatWest Bank in West Borough, Wimborne

by Faith Eckersall Wimborne is to lose another bank as NatWest has announced it will be closing its doors after in-person customer visits dropped by nearly a quarter in two years. The bank said NatWest Wimborne would close on April 6, 2022, leaving customers to travel to Broadstone for their nearest branch. A spokesman for the bank, which reported pre-tax profits of

£2.5billion in the first six months of 2021, said that only 30 personal customers used the bank regularly in 2019. Nearly 60 per cent of those customers using the branch also used online or mobile app banking, it said. However, it was a different story for business, with 162 business customers using the bank in 2019. A NatWest spokesman said: “The way people bank has changed dramatically in recent

years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. “With the ease of mobile banking, fewer people are coming into the bank. “We’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open so we want to make sure that we keep the branches people are using most.” n What do you think? Email: newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Councillor crosses the floor Corfe Mullen Councillor Mike Barron has crossed the n Cllr Mike political Barron floor and left the Liberal Democrat group in favour of the Conservatives. This follows recent discussions with the other Dorset Council ward member for Corfe Mullen, Cllr Paul Harrison, Who commented: “I’m delighted Mike has made the decision to cross the floor and join the Conservative Group.” In a statement, Conservative Group leader Cllr Spencer Flower said he is ‘delighted that Mike Barron has joined the group.’

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The Co-op is looking out for the siblings The Co-op Local Community Fund has chosen Diverse Abilities’ STARs service as one of the beneficiaries in six Co-op Stores and Funeral homes around Poole. STARs is the charity’s support and advice service for siblings of children with special education needs. It’s a 12-week programme for children aged eight to 16, meeting on Thursday evenings between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. The charity aims to reduce pressure for siblings by providing an environment where they can access support and advice and take part in fun activities, make

SUPPORT: Siblings at STARs

friends, and be themselves. Clare Rochford, manager of STARs, commented: “It’s tough being an SEN sibling, as well as the usual challenges of growing up, they often receive less

attention from parents and have more worries and responsibilities than their peers.” From now until October 22, 2022, 2p in every £1.00 spent by Co-op members is deposited

into an account split equally between the Local Community Fund and the Partnerships Fund. More than £84million has been raised for more than 25,000 causes since 2016. Co-op members can visit membership.coop.co.uk/causes/ 59371 to select Diverse Abilities as their chosen cause. The branches supporting STARs are Poole Ashley Road, Parkstone, Good Road, Petrol Lilliput, Ashley Cross, and the Funeralcare branch in Parkstone. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk for more details about the charity.

Taking care not to trip over the lights fantastic! by Lorraine Gibson ‘Twas the lead up to Christmas and all through the house, everything was stirring, apart from a mouse.’ Decorating a home for the festive season can take hours. When the home happens to be Kingston Lacy, it takes an entire week! A hive of activity has been going on behind closed doors as staff work to transform it into a shimmering family residence, opulent enough to impress even its original ‘reimaginer’, the late John Bankes who based its decor on the splendid palaces of Vienna. When I arrive, boxes bulge with baubles, ribbons spill from pots and step-ladders stand to attention by halfdressed trees. Staff in Christmas hats move as though choreographed, adding greenery here, twinkling lights there. “It’s a case of all hands on deck,” says Clare Gascoigne, senior marketing and communications officer, before pointing to a quivering conifer in the room and adding, “when else would you see the general manager on his hands and knees like that?” Turns out Tim Turner’s not the

LIGHTING UP: The stunning library and, above, Clare Gascoigne lights a staircase

only Santa’s little helper, as Rob Watts, collections and house officer, pops his head out next and says “Hi”. Putting up a tree takes a fair bit of work, so imagine doing 10 – most 14ft tall – and placed amid collections of antique – and fragile porcelain as well as priceless paintings. When asked if this week of festive frenzy will put him off decorating his own tree, Rob says: “No... for a start you don’t have to work around a couple of Reubens.” Then there’s the 40 feet of mantlepieces to bedeck and the 50 battery-operated candles up the sides of each staircase to be lit. At least 600 batteries are needed, more than a thousand

bulbs and about 50 metres of deep-red organza is required for the ambitious swags on the ceiling of the saloon room. The colour is to tie-in with the curtain in Reuben’s famous 1606 masterpiece, Marchesa Maria Grimaldi and Attendant. This will be the first time in many years that the whole State Floor will be festooned. “In fact,” says Clare, “it is the first time that our beautiful Library will be open and decorated for Christmas.” Elena Greer, property curator, says: “It’s a big process, but it’s worth it. Every year there’s a different theme, this year’s is a sort of welcoming back.” As was the tradition in grand houses, the staff were not

forgotten and so it remains as the servants’ dining room is decorated by local artist, Harriet Wallis with elements of the autumnal landscape. Kingston Lacy house is open up to Christmas Eve, and on Boxing Day. Entry is free for Trust members. One of the rooms is styled as a family room at Christmas, with games and puzzles that children can play with and from tomorrow, December 4, for £2, little ones walking Percy The Park Keeper’s winter wander trail – devised by author Nick Butterworth – get a goodie bag that includes a Percy hat.nationaltrust.org. uk/kingston-lacy.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 5

Harry has a treemendous plan! Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has launched its Christmas tree collection service and is backed by patron Harry Redknapp and supported by local estate agents Leader Fox. The popular service is in its fourth year and the community are urged to support the hospice once again by registering for their real Christmas tree collection online. All Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole postcodes are covered, from BH1-BH23, and collections will take place between January 8 and 14, 2022. Area fundraiser Ruth Wright said: “Remember to book early as there are only a set number of places available to ensure you’re not left with a car boot full of needles and

twigs! Bookings close on January 8. “We are delighted to be able to help the community again, as well as doing our bit for the environment by running the service. Make a donation to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on our website and then leave your tree outside the front

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of your home on the day of collection and we will take care of the rest!” Lewis-Manning Patron Harry Redknapp said: “Sarn and I know what we’re doing with our Christmas tree this year thanks to Lewis-Manning. “I hope lots of other people in the local community also make a donation for their tree to be collected too! “They’re such a worthy cause that help so many people in Dorset. “It’s fantastic to know that after Boxing Day we don’t have to worry about what to do with the tree.”

Warm welcome awaits at church Not all churches are cold and that’s certainly the case at Colehill Methodist chapel in Lonnen Road where the new central heating will ensure a warm welcome for its December coffee morning. Church members will be offering tea, coffee and homemade cakes – and the chance to take a break from preChristmas shopping – tomorrow, Saturday December 4, from 10am to noon.

Santa on his way

Ringwood Round Table has announced that Santa Claus is coming to town this year – in fact, at least four towns! Dates and timings are yet to be announced but Santa is expected to visit Ringwood and Verwood, as well as Bransgore and Fordingbridge in the week of December 13, to bring festive cheer and collect foodbank supplies. To make an early donation, visit: bit.ly/3qwYZmP

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New Stour & Avon, November 5, 2021

Your letters

email: newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Time to demolish old police station

Edition 15 of the New Stour & Avon magazine contained a letter by Mrs Shepherd of West Moors who commented on Wimborne’s old police station and its potential use as a site for housing, which I thought was most valid. In addition, your article on page 49 regarding the eyesore known as Pippins was excellent. I thought it appropriate to write to the council on the matter and their reply and my original email to them are shown below. I suspect many readers would appreciate the points raised and the authority’s response. Here is my letter: Two articles have appeared in the New Stour & Avon magazine, covering the above referenced properties. Pippins is due for demolition which quite correctly is referred to as an eyesore. Good. The old police station is also referred to in the Letters section, asking why it hasn’t been used for housing and adding it’s been empty for quite a long time and it’s a crying shame that it’s standing empty knowing that there is an ongoing housing crisis. Whatever its occupancy has been, this building falls into

the same definition as Pippins, ie is a complete eyesore, has become enveloped in a mass of unkept bushes and weeds, hasn’t been painted in years and is generally in a right state. It was a cheap low cost building from day one, of absolutely no architectural merit whatsoever – not the sort of building suitable for a town like Wimborne. Eye Sore is the operative phrase. This building is long overdue for demolition and is a great potential site for appropriate housing/flats. Maybe you can reflect on this, as I’d be interested to hear your formal response. Reply: Thank you for your recent email regarding Pippins and the Police Station. We have today received the Application for the Demolition of Pippins. As of yet, we have not received any application relating to the Police Station, therefore we are unable to comment on this. Kind regards, EasternTeam BusinessSupportforPlace DorsetCouncil David Bourne Wimborne

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Another hedgerow gone Cycling past the house building on the fields near Parley Cross, I noticed the entire length of mature hedgerow had been ripped out and destroyed. This has been here at least 40 years and supported a rich diversity of birds, insects and small mammals. Also several cherry blossom trees have been removed, these are covered in bees in the summer.

I cannot understand why these huge building companies seem to have very little regard for the environment. Their carbon footprint is increased everytime they destroy another tree. I am sure the people buying those houses would prefer to see a wonderful hedgerow rather than a very busy polluting road. Susan Williams Ferndown

What a beauty, beauty, beauty! It’s great to see theatres and entertainment venues reopen. We like to support local places, but there’s only so much beauty one can take in. Three local theatrical groups are putting on the same panto.

That’s without the expensive professional theatres. Come on get organised... I know we have missed you but one beauty in the area is surely enough! Brian Cox Verwood

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 3, 2021 7

Your letters

Poppy Appeal’s £30,000 ‘The rose looks fair but May I offer my sincere mental and physical health fairer it we deem’... (Bard) thanks to everyone for their needs are recognised and support for the Poppy Appeal during Remembrance fortnight. I am delighted and humbled to report that the current figure for our area is £30,238.24. This is a truly magnificent gesture to the past and present members of our Armed Services and their dependants. It shows that their service and present and future

supported by Wimborne and the surrounding villages. My grateful thanks to all of the volunteers who helped man the gazebos in Wimborne, to all of the establishments that willingly took in a collecting tin and box, and to everyone who donated to this very worthy cause. Thank you. Dave Keig Poppy Appeal Organiser

Band creating a Stur Thank you so much for the editorial on the Sturminstrels, in the Stour & Avon magazine... the article was great and very much appreciated. However, the photo was of the old band members, which does not represent the band as the set up now! Please would it be possible to publish the one attached in the Stour & Avon Magazine again, as we are reformed

and would wish to have the current band members portrayed. Thank you. Lyn Wilton Band Manager

There are many things we should be glad to see pass from the Victorian times such as the workhouse being replaced with today’s welfare state and today’s advancement in medical treatments. But one thing the Victorians were very good at was their knowledge and cultivation of roses. The Victorians assigned symbolic meanings to flowers, with many having been in knowledge from ancient times. The Victorians would consult dictionaries to choose and interpret the appropriate flower to send, wear and display. Different rose colours provided different meanings. That mania for flower dictionaries may have also passed but the fascination with flower symbolism, and the rose in particular, remains. The red rose is one everyone knows and is regarded to mean passion and desire for us incurable romantics. A white rose stands for a fascination and new beginning that is often found at weddings and funerals. A yellow rose stands for

platonic friendship, to cheer up or congratulate a close friend. A pink rose is more versatile, they can be used on almost every occasion. A pale pink rose is a good choice for the beginning of a romance while becoming a darker shade as a romance becomes more established. Historically, the red rose was associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Myth holds that when her lover, Adonis, was wounded, she pricked her foot on the thorns of a white rose in her haste to run to him. Her blood stained the roses red, turning the red rose into a symbol of incredible passion and romantic devotion. Mike Fry Upton

Why there was no Remembrance parade Statement by the Branch Chairman of Wimborne Royal British Legion Since Remembrance Sunday there have been a few people querying why there wasn’t a parade. As you know the branch is run by volunteers and the planning of all activities for November start in the previous January. This includes contacting over 20 local organisations, meetings with the town council, risk assessment and

liaising with the Minster regarding the service – the list is endless. On Remembrance Sunday, the branch then provides guidance and stewarding of the parade, church service and wreath laying on Minster Green. Unfortunately, we were unable to start our planning this year until June and at that time the capacity in the Minster was reduced from the usual 600+ to 120. We agreed with the town council to therefore have a

smaller, but still proper, Remembrance Sunday and we can confirm that the town council did not ban or cancel the parade. We, like many charities, have suffered, not only financially, but with the number of members and in particular with volunteers to assist with the large amount of planning for both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. As a rough calculation about 300 hours of meetings and work is needed. So we need more people to

come forward to help, in particular those who were very vocal in complaining there was no parade. We will be approaching those first to help. Without new volunteers for our branch committee it is unlikely there will be a parade next year. We need you to help! Please contact the branch by visiting the RBL Club. Mark Lee Branch Chairman Wimborne Royal British Legion

8 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Twinners twin with Rotary Fordingbridge Rotary and the Fordingbridge Twinning Association have amalgamated. The event manifested itself as a joint meeting, with Alison Ayling, chairman of Fordingbridge Twinning Association, giving a talk about twinning and Vimoutiers (Fordingbridge’s twin town in Normandy), all culminating with a formal invitation from Camembert Rotary (a suburb of Vimoutiers) to join the town’s celebrations next July, of the 40th anniversary between the joining of Fordingbridge and Vimoutiers. The evening was introduced by president Will Peak and David Hales, followed by Alison. Rotary was honoured by the attendance of Helen Tague (recently voted Citizen Of The Year), who is now president of Fordingbridge Twinning Association. For further details of both Fordingbridge Rotary and Fordingbridge Twinning, contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770, or email: Hippotrain@ BTInternet.com

There’s room in Broadstone

The next family Pop-in at Broadstone United Reformed Church will be held on Saturday, December 11, with the theme ‘No Room at the Inn’. Activities will include making a Christmas wreath, snowmen out of marshmallows and Christingles which will be lit at the Christingle celebration at 12.15pm. All are welcome to drop in from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The church is located at 1, Higher Blandford Road, Broadstone. Details from minister Rev Andy Hall on 01202 698638.

FERNDOWN FUN: Part of last year’s Front Garden competition and, inset, preparing the Santa Sacks

Community support at Christmas Ferndown Community Support CIC is once again spreading the Christmas cheer. Following the great success of last year’s efforts, FCS has launched its Christmas 2021 activities. One of these is to deliver 90 ‘Santa Sacks’ to deserving children from the schools in Ferndown and West Parley, and secondly the ‘Great Christmas Front Garden Competition’, sponsored by Meyers Estates Ferndown. Hannah Hobbs-Chell of FCS said: “Having delivered 90 Santa Sacks last year, we realise the importance and obvious

need to support those less fortunate, and our sacks contain essentials such as stationary and toiletries, as well as toys and educational items such as board games and books.” For a donation of £20, you can secure a sack for a young person, or you can donate an amount of your choosing. Visit: ferndown communitysupport.org.uk. Business sponsorship is also being sought, with support so far from Meyers and Tesco. The Great Christmas Front Garden Competition invites all residents to enter their decoration and illuminating efforts into the friendly

competition, with first, second and third prizes equivalent to £65, £40 and £20 respectively. Judges will be looking for creativity, fun, ingenuity and overall wow factor! So there’s opportunity whatever the budget and style. There were some cracking entries last year, with stiff competition, so the organisers and judges look forward to seeing what people come up with this year! If you see a great display in the area on your travels, you are welcome to enter them in the competition too.

Charity seeks more youth workers Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, is looking for new youth support workers and night support workers due to an increased demand for its respite services across the county. Applicants will be working at Lily’s Place, a respite home in Poole for children with physical and learning disabilities, Lawford Lodge, based in Hamworthy to provide respite care for teenagers and young adults moving to the adult social care system, and Shapes, providing domiciliary care in

the home across the Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole conurbation. Claire Stacey, Children’s Full and part time roles are available across the Children’s Team and all necessary training is paid for,

so no previous experience is necessary. Staff at Diverse Abilities also benefit from a cycle to work scheme and access to hundreds of high street, restaurant, and travel discounts through its employee benefits programme. The team has seen an increased request for its services since the beginning of the pandemic and it has continued to rise with the easing of lockdown. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ careers for further details.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 9

Parking boost for Forest shoppers Four days of free parking in town and village car parks have been announced by New Forest District Council. It kicks off on Saturday December 4, as part of the support for Small Business Saturday, and continues on Saturday and Sunday,

December 18 and 19. Councils can also request one other free day’s parking to coincide with local events. For instance, parking in Fordingbridge will be free on Saturday, December 11, to support the Christmas Glow event at Roundhill.

NFDC has also announced that its new ‘Parking clocks’ have gone on sale. A clock for short-stay car-parks is £30, the Long Stay Annual is £140 and the Quarter Long Stay Clocks are priced £40. Contact the council at newforest.gov.uk/ parking

Calendar of carols at the Minster Following on from last weekend and the Advent Service by Candlelight, the Minster will be hosting a number of Schools and Organisations Carol Services throughout December: Friday 3rd Dorset Women’s Institute Service Saturday 4th the Wimborne Choral Society Concert takes place Sunday 5th The Hurn Court Opera presenting “Christmas Box Of Delights” in Church House Hall

Saturday 11th the Bournemouth and District Concert Band are staging a concert Monday 13th Dorset Police Carol Service which is followed by the ever-popular Broadstone Community Concert Band giving a concert Friday 17th Carols in the Cornmarket Saturday 18th The Minster’s Carol Service for Shoppers at 11.00am

Sunday 19th the Minster’s own Carol Service by Candlelight at 6.30pm Christmas Eve The Crib Service at 3.00pm with Midnight Mass at 11.00pm Christmas Day there are two services, 8.00am Holy Communion and at 9.30am a Family Celebration with Holy Communion Full details of all Events and Services in the Minster can be found at wimborne minster.org.uk.

Busy return for craft fair The return of the Wimborne Craft Fair, organised by Wimborne Rotary, was welcomed by crafters and the public alike. This year’s fair, held at the Allendale Centre, was very quickly fully subscribed by crafters and the Minster Hall filled with stalls greeted visitors to the fair. There was a steady flow of visitors all day and with free entry, a collection of donations from members of the public, together with other funds raised from the day, resulted in a total of nearly £650 being raised for Rotary charities.

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10 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

It’s feeling a lot like Christmas in... ❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆ Broadstone

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The chef at The 29029 Broadstone, known for his trademark dishes based on regional Indian and Nepalese cuisines, has come up with three alternative festive menus reflecting his fusion cooking style. Think mint and lemongrass salad and

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Christchurch High Street is adorned with festive illuminations and a large tree brings Christmas cheer to the precinct. Much of the town is aglow, with lights twinkling against the backdrop of historic stone and wooden beams. Among the pantos is The Glad Rag Production Company, back with its Christmas Spectacular from 18-24 December , in which Santa and his elves realise that there’s not enough Christmas Spirit to fly the sleigh. They take a trip to Christchurch to spread Christmas

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Shimmering stars and twinkling light canopies are just part of the festive cheer as the shops and the Ferndown Centre light up for the Christmas season. At Lakes Bakery they’re getting into the spirit with a range of yummy creations, including iced and decorated whole Terry’s Chocolate Oranges – one’s a sweet polar bear resting on a giant chocolate coin – and batches of six fun Elf-on-the-Shelf, Santa Clause

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Fordingbridge, where a number of seasonal events are about to take place in the town. On Saturday, December 11 there will be Fordingbridge Events Group’s Christmas Glow Afternoon. The event takes place at Roundhill, from 2.30pm7pm and is perfect for families, with stalls, food and drink and activities, including an appearance from Santa. Roundhill will be closed from 10.30am

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There’s still a festive feast of things to do in the coming weeks in Ringwood. Sunday, December 5 (and also on December 12) sees a Christmas Reindeer Workshop at Moors Valley Country Park. The sessions run from 1.30pm-2.30pm and tickets can be booked at moorsvalley.co.uk/event/ christmas-reindeer-workshop. On Friday, December 10, look out for the Christmas Fair at The Stables, Bisterne, which supports adults with learning disabilities.

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Goan Beef; Nepali-style cod and cinnamon poached pear; tandoor grilled salmon or Gurkhali lamb. There’s even turkey with stuffing, but it’s not just any turkey, this version’s

Christchurch

cheer but a mix up results in the town’s Scrooges ending up in Christmastown. It promises to be a cracker of a family show. 2pm. Tickets £18 www.regentcentre.co.uk 01202 499199 That other Christmas favourite, The Snowman, will see eyes wide with wonder at the Priory as a massive backprojection screens the much-loved animated story with a live orchestra, a superb narrator and of course, Walking In The Air performed by a Chorister.

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the Movie and Father Christmas’s Gonk cupcakes. Kids will love them and they’ll even personalise them, if you ask nicely. Fun is on offer at Ferndown Post Office as they invite children to post their letters to Santa at the North Pole. As well as telling the jolly old man in red how good they’ve been all year and wishing for that special gift, perhaps

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Ringwood

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The three-hour event kicks off at 1.30pm and stalls will include artisan crafts and gifts, handmade sock toys, a tombola raffle and plenty of yummy fare. At 2.30pm Poppy Neame will be leading carols in the courtyard. Later that day, at the Forest Forge Theatre building in Crow Arch Lane, there will be a wreath-making masterclass from 7pm9pm. Lead by artist and maker Jemma Corbin,

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Laurence church, in nearby Downton, is staging its Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday and Sunday December 11 and 12, starting at 10am on both days. Fordingbridge Scouts have also restarted their Christmas Post service, with a postbox at the town’s Information Office where you can also buy the 30p stamps. Christmas cards can be sent to all the areas listed on the box and last day of posting is Wednesday, December 8.

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on the morning of the event. On the same day there will be Carols at Fordingbridge Farm Shop with the Mighty Hyde Band, from 2.30pm3.30pm where they will also be firing up the grill for sausages, burgers and mulled cider. Forres Sandle Manor School are holding their Christmas Market tomorrow, December 4, and St

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they could do him a drawing or ask how Mrs Clause is keeping or whether the elves are helping? If you enclose a stamped and addressed envelope, you’ll also get a reply, so get your child to pop their Christmas correspondence in the special post box inside the branch and then just wait for the postman. Last posting day to Santa is Friday, 10 December because after that he’ll be far too busy sorting out presents!!

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Fordingbridge

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Mulled wine, popcorn and other festive treats will add to the festive feel. 23 December, 2.30, 4.30 & 6.30pm. Tickets from £6-£10 adults and £4-£6 under 16s. www.christchurchpriory.org 01202 485804 (ext.4) We all love an advent calendar – so, how about a living, breathing one? The Christchurch Living Advent Calendar opens to a new entertainment surprise every day. Open the windows online and discover what pop-up gig is being held where each night until 24 December.

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Ferndown

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stuffed breast with kidney beans and fried African green bananas, ‘dazzled’ with a red wine and cranberry sauce and Nepali spices and served with a side of Darjeeling egg-fried rice. And not a Brussels sprout in sight. the29029broadstone.co.uk

the class costs £20 per person which includes materials. Visit forestforge theatre.co.uk or call 01425 470188. And the biggest event of all is Christmas Eve in The Market Place. The beloved event – which has been going since the 1950s – is back! Run by Ringwood Rotary, the event starts with Carols at 6pm and then the arrival of Santa in his horse-drawn vehicle. As is the custom, children give him a present, to distribute to children less fortunate.

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New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 11 A warming winter welcome awaits in Wimborne. Here are just some of the things going on this month:

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Light fantastic Wimborne becomes a winter wonderland after dark, as Christmas lights light up. Along with twinkling festive street lights, landmarks like Wimborne Minster and Kingston Lacy are ablaze with colour as the Minster is a stunning canvas for an exciting, uplifting and free light show while Kingston Lacy’s grounds turn into a fairy-tale landscape where ethereal lighting guides visitors along an enchanting trail (tickets: children £14 and adults £26/£18 for National Trust members). Get Kingston Lacy info from the National Trust website or call 01202 883402

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Wimborne

A crafty Christmas The town’s shops are full of goodies and if a bit of crafty gift shopping’s your bag, check out the free, two-day Dorset Team Christmas Fair at the Allendale Centre (Saturday/Sunday, December 4 and 5, 104pm) where designer-makers, vintage sellers and craft suppliers will be showing their wares.

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The big parade The Save the Children Christmas parade – started by Margery Ryan when she was mayor in 1989 – is back on December 11. Much missed last year, it will once again start from Cobham’s in Brook Road at around 2-2.15pm. Alison Preston, who organises the team of helpers said: “It probably won’t be quite as big as previous years, but we are encouraged by the response so far.”

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There will, however, be steam vehicles floats and walking groups. “A fun fair, a ukulele band and dance groups are organised for entertainment in the square,” says Alison, who’s been organising the event for around 15 years.

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theallendale.org or 01202 887247 Walford Mill’s staging craft/festive evenings with food, live music and a market to get you in the festive spirit. Fridays from 6-9pm. walfordmillcrafts.co.uk 01202 841400

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And if you prefer to do your own crafting, head for the Museum of East Dorset, for a whole programme of festive-themed activities such as making your own Christmas decorations. museumofeastdorset.co.uk 01202 882533

Christmas crafting supplies now in Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 am – 3.30pm Your local wool and crafts supply shop Unit 1, Jessopp House, Mill Lane, Wimborne BH21 1JQ 01202 889620, knitwits22@gmail.com, Follow us on Facebook

OUT NOW! Our brand new programme of events and courses packed full of interesting things to do! Pick up a copy to find out more!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and inspiring New Year... See you after the holidays!

Santa’s story Santa’s bringing his big, red sleigh to the Coventry Arms this month to tell his story of the village of Yole followed by photos with the children and a special memory keeper and audio book for them to can enjoy their story over and over again. £5 per Child 01258 858704 Fancy a family panto? ‘Oh yes we do!’ It’s time for wands, villains and tiaras as Sleeping Beauty shimmers into town, accompanied by Prince Louis of Lytchett. Princess Briar Rose (aka Sleeping Beauty) is cursed at her christening by the evil Carabosse who foretells that before the princess’ 18th birthday, she’ll prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die! Can Fairy Snowflake help the princess rewrite her fate? Oh yes she can! Will the prince break the curse with true love’s kiss? Will Thelma fit through the door with her outrageous frocks? You’ll need to head to the Tivoli to find out! This is being flagged-up as the theatre’s most spectacular and magical show yet, with stunning scenery, amazing illusions, toe-tapping music and more than a sprinkling of Christmas magic. December 17 to 3 January 3, 2022. Tickets from £14. tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

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New Stour & Avon, November 19 2021

Advertising feature

Explore a brand new Christmas Light Trail at Kingston Lacy from 3 Dec 2021 – 2 Jan 2022 A magical trail, featuring enchanting illuminations and classical Christmas tunes, will illuminate the beautiful garden of the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when twinkling lights and seasonal sounds 昀ll the air with festive fun. Wrap up warm and be transported into a winter wonderland where you will discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Spend time together and create everlasting memories as you wander

between the specially chosen illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics. Pause at the mesmerising 昀ickering 昀ames in the 昀re garden and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer, maybe share a hot chocolate or spiced winter warmer with someone special. Christmas at Kingston Lacy provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE - EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

The magical after-dark illuminated trail

A brand new trail filled with after-dark festive fun

3 DEC – 2 JAN christmasatkingstonlacy.co.uk Running selected evenings only

in partnership with

The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens at Kingston Lacy, 3 Dec 2021 – 2 Jan 2022 Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm. The festive trail is open on selected dates. Advanced booking: Adult £18, Child £14, Family £60 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under. Parking £8 per car. Free parking for National Trust members when booking in advance. nationaltrust.org.uk/Kingston-Lacy Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 13

Blooming good £4,000 at charities fair Twenty-four local charities and organisations, manning 30 tables, took part in the Grand Charities Fair organised by Wimborne in Bloom and held in the Allendale Centre in November reports Anthony Oliver. Between them they raised more than £4,000 for the various causes they represented. Stalls included those raising money for Cystic Fibrosis, Save the Children, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and one of the mayor’s charities, High Mead Farm. Wimborne in Bloom also had a successful table with three hampers as prizes. Entrance was free, courtesy of Wimborne in Bloom, but the public generously donated more than £140 on the door. For a change, the weather as fine all day and this probably

HAMPERING: The Mayor of Wimborne, Kelly Webb, visits the Wimborne in Bloom Stall manned by Wimborne in Bloom members and Pauline Wheeler buying her raffle tickets

helped to encourage the attendance of 500. We hope that the fair gave the various charities and organisations represented an opportunity to sell their wares and publicise themselves, especially ahead of the Christmas season.

Richard Nunn, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom speaking after the event said: “Like so many other organisations ‘testing the water with their events’ we really didn’t know what the response to our annual charities fair would be, either

from the charities or, very importantly, the public! “We needn’t have worried – the support was superb and Wimborne in Bloom is so fortunate for this. “Thank you all and now we can look forward to a full year of events in 2022 which is our 30th anniversary year.” The first event of the year will be the annual Wine and Wisdom Fun Quiz Evening, which will take place on Friday, March 4, in the Allendale Centre when teams of six will pit their wits against each other to try and win the coveted Eco-Composting Shield. Next year’s Charities Fair has also been booked for Saturday, November 12. Full details of all our events can be seen on our website; wimborneinbloom.org.uk

The New Blackmore Vale Our Advertising deadlines for this Christmas New Blackmore Vale, edition of 24th December, booking and copy deadline is Monday 13th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising

FACTORY GLOVE SALE NOW ON

New Stour and Avon,

Tel 01747 822629

edition of 31st December, booking and copy deadline is Friday 17th December at 4pm for Classified and Display advertising

The New Stour & Avon

December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-1pm Buckingham Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QE

Limited car parking available For bespoke orders and more of our range please visit our website

www.chesterjeffries.co.uk

14 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

MPs’ round-up

It’s time to stop current surge of immigrants Bogus asylum seeking and illegal immigration are current political hot topics. The tragic loss of life in the Channel has focused attention on the urgent need to prevent the surge of migrants seeking a better life in the United Kingdom. We have a system of immigration control involving the granting of visas which is designed to ensure that there is an effective limit to the number of those seeking to live in our country. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, in her statement to the House of Commons, said that it is illegal to cross the Channel in small boats. I intervened, however, to say that this was inaccurate because, since July this year, the Crown Prosecution Service has refused to prosecute passengers of boats and other vehicles unless they are repeat offenders or have previously

been deported. I asked the Home Secretary if she would support my Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill. This is designed to make provision for effective criminal actions against people who have entered the UK illegally or who remain in the UK without legal authority. The Bill would make entering the UK without authority a criminal act that would merit deportation, unless the Home Secretary determined that would not be in the public interest and submitted a certificate to the Court. Although there was no time for my Bill to be debated, there will be a further opportunity when the Nationality and Borders Bill returns to the House of Commons for its Report Stage in the week beginning December 6. I have tabled my suggestions as an amendment to make the

Christchurch & East Dorset: Chris Chope legislation effective in deterring illegal immigration which is currently encouraged through the lack of any meaningful sanction. The latest Home Office immigration removal statistics show that the number of people subjected to enforced removal has continued to decline so that they are only 25% of what they were in

2014 despite the massive increase in illegal activity. With more than 27,000 people having reached the United Kingdom in 2021 in small boats and with fewer than 10 having been returned, it is not surprising that my constituents are utterly exasperated by the inability of the Government to respond. The French authorities have a point when they highlight the absence of identity cards in the UK, the ready availability of benefits and the easy access to informal participation in the black economy. This is in contrast to France where identity cards are required and the life of an illegal immigrant is less comfortable as a result. Criminal sanctions would redress the balance. For my next Parliamentary report, I hope to have better news about the Government accepting my proposals.

Protestors flag up sewage discharge issue Extinction Rebellion staged a colourful protest in Christchurch to highlight the regular discharge of untreated sewage into rivers flowing into Christchurch Harbour writes a spokesman. Christchurch Harbour is a popular spot for water sports and attracts tourism vital for the local economy. But Extinction Rebellion fear the health of locals, the harbour’s internationallyrecognised wildlife and Christchurch’s economy are endangered by untreated sewage. Raw sewage was discharged into rivers and off the coast across Dorset on multiple occasions in 2020, for example 43 times for a total of 593 hours into the River Avon at Christchurch in 2020, and 68 times for a period of 493 hours into the River Stour at Wimborne.

Recently, raw sewage contaminated 12 Dorset beaches including Christchurch Avon Beach and Friars Cliff Christchurch, and Dorset sea swimmers said discharges of raw sewage made them ill. In 2020 Wessex Water discharged raw sewage into Dorset waterways 28,994 times for a period in excess of 200,000 hours. The nine English water companies pay billions in dividends to shareholders – in the past 10 years Wessex Water has paid out

£1.1billion to shareholders. The Government recently missed an opportunity to put an end to this sewage scandal and instead introduced a watered-down amendment to the Environment Bill requiring English water companies to ‘progressively reduce’ the discharge of sewage. It is feared this amendment will let the polluters off the hook as it’s vague, lacks ambition and is unlikely to be enforceable. Last Saturday in Christchurch, Extinction

Rebellion Wimborne and Extinction Rebellion BCP asked local residents to contact their MP to urge him to back the Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill. The CEE Bill is a private member’s Bill making its way through Parliament with the support of 118 MPs, 29 members of the House of Lords and 146 councils but neither Dorset MPs, BCP Council nor Dorset Council. Extinction Rebellion asked local residents to contact their councillors on BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council to urge their councils to back the CEE Bill. The CEE Bill would set targets to restore nature and deal with climate crisis. Sewage pollution is only set to get worse with climate change as the weather becomes more unpredictable.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 15

Maintenance person sought by villagers

A welcome Christmas visitor Night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society The cold nights of the Christmas season can bring good stargazing, as the air is often still and transparent in winter. Dress warmly and look east for a very welcome Christmas visitor, the large constellation of Orion the

Hunter, with his brilliant shoulder, belt and leg stars. Compare the reddish hue of Betelgeuse (642 light years), an ageing red giant in the latest stages of its career, with the steely electric blue of Rigel, a younger and more energetic supergiant star 860 light years away. Binocular users can appreciate the misty Orion Nebula below the three stars

of the belt. This region is a nursery of stars, and your binoculars will reveal clusters and multiple stars in this area rivalling the best of our seasonal decorations. The silvery stream of the Milky way, our galaxy seen from within, passes to the left of the Hunter and arches away through the star-strewn winter constellations. Clear skies!

Godshill Village Hall is seeking someone to look after the maintenance needs of the hall. The task is to visit the hall once a month for a half-day, and work through a checklist to make sure the equipment in the hall is in good working order. Contact Marlene Williams at marlene.williams3@ btinternet.com or call her on 01425 650845 for further information. To book the hall, contact Anne Thomas on 01425 650716 or email Godshillhall booking@gmail.com. Current hire charges per four-hour session are £30 for non-residents and £20 for Godshill residents. godshillvillagehall.co.uk

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16 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

RAFFIA PRIZE: A stunning selection of raffia pieces

Pictures: GRUB S PRODUCTION

Handbags to gladrags, are you ready for By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

From lampshades to handbags to wall-hangings and hats, raffia is having a bit of a moment. Maybe it’s the Scandi vibe. Maybe it’s the vintage and nostalgic connotations – many people of a certain age can remember aunts and grannies topped off with a coloured raffia pillbox or handbag, or making raffia items in school. Or maybe it’s the ecocredentials – raffia is a sustainably-produced natural product which will happily decompose at the end of its very long and useful life. Whatever the reason, it’s good news for Claire Richards of Christchurch because she has been producing handmade raffia items since she first tried her hand at making a hat, in 1993.

“I’ve still got that hat,” says Claire, holding up the blue headwear, which she then squashes up, to show me how it travels in her suitcase. “I’ve packed it, I’ve swum in it, it’s got wet, I’ve put it out to dry and it’s still going strong,” she says fondly. “It’s a timeless material.” She was taught her craft by a visiting Australian who explained that because of the sun, raffia hats are very popular down under. Claire was immediately enchanted by two things. “Firstly, that I could actually have a hat that would fit my rather large head!” she laughs. And secondly, that creating raffia items is such a mindful, peaceful way to pass the time that doing it is a relaxation in itself. Despite working as a business lecturer at Bournemouth and Poole College at the time,

Claire took up the craft, stopping in 2002 after having her son and re-joining in 2018. And there is nothing she doesn’t like about it. Raffia comes from Madagascar, from the leaves of the raffia tree, she says. It’s sustainably farmed and only picked at certain times of the year when it’s turned into guitar-shaped hanks, weighing about a kilo, and then shipped to people like her. Each hank will provide enough raffia for around three hats and Claire buys around 20 at a time. There are four grades of raffia and she uses the highest, which is also the most pliable. “One of the things people will often say when they pick up a hat is that it’s much softer than they thought it would be,” she says. “I’d always thought it would be drying, like paper, to work with but there’s a certain

amount of natural oil in it and it has a lovely feel and smell. “For me, dyeing is one of the most exciting things to do with raffia,” she enthuses. “I sometimes use Dylon pots but I also love natural dyes; people are doing some lovely stuff with nettles or avocado skins and stones which create pinks and purples.” Because raffia leaves take up dye unevenly, it leads to a wonderfully subtle collection of hues. “Depending on how long I’ve submerged it, it will take on variations so one piece will have different colour tones through it,” she explains. “The product is unique, you could never replicate the same colour.” She holds up the blue hat which also contains wonderful shades of grey and near-green. Almost all raffia items are created from plaiting the leaf –

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 17

Volunteer appeal for treecycling weekend Volunteers and vans are being sought to join Diverse Abilities’ efforts for a sustainable Christmas as part of its Treecycling fundraising initiative. Taking place over Saturday 8, Sunday 9, and Monday 10 January 2022, the charity will be collecting East Dorset’s Christmas trees for recycling following the festive period. Volunteers are required for driving vans and wayfinding, as well as dropping off the trees at its nominated recycling points across the conurbation and beyond. Claire Cooper, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “Treecycling is always a really fun weekend, and needless to say it certainly blows off the cobwebs following the festive feasting period. It’s one of our most important fundraisers.”

the raffia revival? Claire uses a four-strand plait – and, she says, an ordinary sun hat will need an eight-metre plait which takes her around eight hours to complete. This is the part of the work that she really finds mesmerising. “It’s one of the most mindful things you can do,” she says. When she holds teaching workshops, she finds that those attending them will chat and get to know each other but by the time the plaiting’s started: “I suddenly realise the room is silent because they are all just concentrating on what they are making.” Through her company, allthingsraffia, Claire teaches the art of raffia-making at a number of venues in Dorset, including Wimborne’s Walford Mill and Sewjessalli at Blandford Forum. She also holds private workshops for those who belong to making or friendship groups.

She also hopes to be teaching workshops as far away as Essex, the Isle of Wight and London next year. Some workshops are split into two sections of four hours as it can take longer than eight hours to make an item for a beginner. However, she’s also expanding her work to encompass more homewares and, for one client, an architectural-style lampshade to fill an enormous entrance hall “The homeowner said she needed something really dramatic for her hall, so I’m playing around with ideas for her, as well as for interiors, where raffia is really making a comeback,” she says. “Some people see it as a rather old-fashioned craft, others, as something completely new. “What’s important is that they all find it so enjoyable.” Visit allthingsraffia.co.uk allthingsraffia@gmail.com

TREEMENDOUS: Jon and Cat

Vans, of Transit size or larger, are required to help and businesses, families, or community groups with access to these are encouraged to get in touch. Claire continued: “There’s no need to give up a weekend, just providing a day’s help or even a few hours will help to make a massive difference.” If you can help, email treecycling@diverseabilities. org.uk or call 01202 711507. Alternatively, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/trees and book your tree collection for a suggested £10 donation.

Food bank at Christmas Wimborne Food Bank has sent a huge ‘thank you’ through their website and Facebook page to everyone who has donated food directly to them or placed some in their donation boxes. This year, they would love to give an advent calendar, food, a chocolate selection pack and a Christmas present to everyone that comes in over Christmas – asking for help. Volunteer: They’re looking for volunteers to help set up ahead of sessions, pack away and move food donations. This involves lifting crates. Email Sharon at wimborne foodbank@gmail.com Donate food items: Most needed are: packs of sugar; coffee; long-life fruit juice; tinned meat meals; tinned corned beef or ham; tinned meatballs; washing pods; Christmas treats; selection boxes. Also pet food. Drop items into boxes at Waitrose Wimborne, Co-ops in Crown

Mead and Colehill, Walford Mill, BP, Oakley Village Butchers, Merley and Furzehill Village Stores and A.H. Griffin Funeral Care Broadstone. Monthly collections are from Wimborne Rugby Club. Or go to Leigh Park Community Centre, Gordon Road, on Fridays from 12-2pm or on Wednesday mornings 10-12 and Fridays 2-4pm. Donate: By BACS using: Faithworks Wessex, 40-52-40, 00015300, ref: Wimborne. n wimbornefoodbank.org.uk org.uk

18 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Puzzles Arrow words

Crossword

Smallest EU member

Concert venue

Travel on

Floating ice field

Wine flavourer

Nastily sticky

Edges

Rend

Josh Groban song

Her

Umpire

Brazilian state

Plus

Winter ailment

1 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 24

Tehran resident

Dunce

Wordsearch Witches

C T M D D L W E I B A B B N I

ALICE AMY MADISON BELLATRIX CHO CHANG DAVINA BAT LUNA MALEFICENT MEDEA

T E N D R O X S N R L A A E L

A M I E L E A L A U N G C M X

E E G L C N D M M I R G M I S

Aardvark’s dinner

Operatic solo

E E L O A D E R F L M T T A A

Urgent appeal (inits)

Fencing sword

L I S B E E A A G E E N R D T

M N O S I D A M Y M A M D I E

Sudden convulsion

European currency

Car

Avoiding group interactions

Two-seater bicycle

‘Alias’ (inits)

Opposite of don’ts

Married title

Gives a thumbs-up (abbr)

Pause marks

L S I E D I A M V O N E R N O

L W O R U C F A M A L T Y A E

A M E R L M D E H A A B A X M

C G E A A L I C L L N A I E F

E V Y D E S O M L A Q U G A U

MEG MELISANDRE MILDRED MORGANA NESSAROSE QUEEN MAB TARA MACLAY WILLOW

E L L D E H S E M A M A L N M

T L M I C A B E E C I L A R T

Q A N O A B A M N E E U Q G R

Across Transferred (6) Emblem (6) Charge per unit (4) Environs (8) The sale of goods (6) A man, woman or child (6) Far from certain (4) Climbing plant, sweet ___ (3) Firm up a muscle (4) Consented (6) Woman graduate (6) Indian consort (8) Senior lecturer (4) Indifference (6) Amass (6)

2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 15 17 19 21

Down Elliptical (5) Healing treatment (7) Evolved (9) ‘Precisely as written’ (3) Large country house (5) Obsolete (7) Reconciling (9) Reduced-visibility car light (3,4) Brass instrument (7) Glorify (5) Not a soul (2,3) One or more of something (3)

Sudoku

3 7

5 9 7

1 1 3

2 6

3 8

For the solutions turn to page 20-21

8 5

9 9 4

6 2 3 2

5 2

5 4

2 6

-37

×1/2

Brain chain 41

+24

÷2

+31

RESULT

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 19

Puzzles (for cleverclogs) Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword 5 3

2 7 1

1 5

6 4 7 3 1 7 5 6

4 7

1 9 5

2 7

6 4

6 7

5 1

8 7

6 4 4 3

2 7

270×

12×

14 15

18 19

27×

126×

72×

17+

216×

6÷

16+

19+

8×

160×

15+

12+

2÷

19+

14+

126×

+44

-8

+14

-93

1 5 10 11

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.

Brain chain (Hard version) +75%

Killer Sudoku Pro: 18×

21+

7×

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. 40×

2 6

1 7 6 8 6 1 7

RESULT

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.

12 13 15 17 19 20 23 24 25 26

Across Clubs in fine condition have to adapt (7) Boring part of residential block (4) Introduce official in step (7) Consume energy by area, place that’s overturned (3,2) Impudence shown by companion – I’m scared! (5) Repellent crowd largely around Irish revolutionary (6) A US city supported by Spain – or whoever (6) Retired writer accepting 25 pounds – and distinguishing title (6) Senior journalist tried to work around middle of October (6) Scales shown by liberal artist (5) Small pancake bachelor left in India (5) Unaffected musical character (7) Genuine alien surrounding church (4) Short article deficient making one fulminate (7)

Down 2 Having a pot, an award with case of sapphire (5) 3 Open genius dismissing institute as disastrous creation? (12) 4 Sound again about English church with ring (2-4) 6 Line on a broadcast medium taken by Scot and Eastern European (7) 7 Record material stretched across track? (4) 6) 8 Peculiar constable perhaps (7) 9 Version of plainer motto of a very large city (12) 14 Friendly Welsh politician beginning to inspect upcoming island (7) 16 Language from unknown character with papers on plate (7) 18 Book on cowboy establishment, part of a company? (6) 21 Prohibit for example in turn canal transport (5) 22 Source of music in outside broadcast, one

20 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Have a say on future of the libraries

PADDLESPORT JOURNEY: The remarkable Jack Eyers

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Library users are being urged to have their say on how Dorset Council develops and delivers its library service. Dorset Council said the survey responses would be brought together with evidence around local needs and responses from its partners. A draft strategy will be produced which will be the focus of a second consultation next year. A spokesman said: “The current Library Strategy is 11 years old. Over those years, there have been significant changes in public behaviour and digital technology, and the impacts of the covid pandemic have been felt. “This consultation seeks to look to the future of Dorset’s libraries and how can they best meet the needs of local residents and communities.” The survey will close on Friday, January 7, 2022. In addition there is a survey dedicated to ages 5-15 years. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/letstalk-libraries

T op h onour ffor or p addler JJack ack Top honour paddler Paracanoeist Jack Eyers, who trains at Wimborne, is set to receive Life Membership of Poole Harbour Canoe Club, writes club coach Bill Jaggs. The honour is in recognition of his success in the sport of paracanoe and in particular his Gold Medal (in the VL3 Class) at the International Canoe Federation Paracanoe World Championships held in Copenhagen in September. Jack started his paddlesport journey with the Canoe Club in 2015, developing as a paddler at both Riverside Wimborne and Lake Pier. This in turn led to British

Canoeing recognising his potential, and for the start of a rather special journey in the sport. Electively having his leg amputated when he was 16 because of a worsening condition, Jack is driven to change the general perception of disability. He has gained outstanding titles including being the first amputee to walk on the New York Fashion Week catwalk and winning the title of Mr England. Since his selection as a British Canoeing Paracanoe athlete in 2015, Jack has earned many incredible

achievements in the sport, from racing in the Sprint Canoe World Cup earlier this year to qualifying for the Sprint Canoe World Championships in Copenhagen. Tomorrow, Saturday, December 4, there will be a presentation and short talk from 11am at the Scout Hall, Riverside Wimborne. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wimborne will be attending, along with ward councillors. Club members are looking forward to hearing from Jack and showing their support.

Puzzle solutions (from pages 18-19) Sudoku

9 2 5 7 3 1 6 8 4

4 7 6 2 8 9 1 5 3

Crossword

3 8 1 6 5 4 7 9 2

8 9 7 1 4 5 3 2 6

5 6 4 3 2 7 8 1 9

2 1 3 9 6 8 5 4 7

1 4 2 8 7 6 9 3 5

7 3 9 5 1 2 4 6 8

6 5 8 4 9 3 2 7 1

P O R T E V H R A T E T R R E T A I P I F F Y O A G R E E L X M A H A R M L A P A T H

Brain chain 41

D S Y E I V I C I E L P E O L P E A E C D A L T A N I N N Y G A

M B O L A U N I T Y O W R S O N R T O N E R U M N A M O P R O F E N T H E R

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

M A A R F L O E T A N D A K A S M R S H E P E E F L U I R A A U T O

R O I C K Y D O S E M R M A I P A S M S O S C A R I A N I A N D O L T

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 21

Big-hearted bikers hit the charity road Motorcycle enthusiast Mark Pardy had a close call with some sheep shears during his latest fundraising for the Mac Unit hospice in Christchurch. Mark, 60, and his fellow members of the Kinson Riders Group raised £1,700 over six months through bucket collections and selling T-shirts and glow bands – and a charity shave and haircut with a difference. Mark, who works for international engineering company IMI said: “As a bike group we have supported Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL) the charity which supports the Macmillan Unit, for many years. “My father Dennis Pardy was cared for in his last days at the Mac Unit and most members know someone who has been supported by the wonderful staff there, so we love to raise money for them whenever we can. “This summer, my boss at IMI Neil Bunning, heard about our fundraising and invited us to attend and fundraise at a huge music and entertainment event held by the company for its staff

ON THE CHARITY ROAD: Mark Pardy, left, and his fellow bikers

and their families, at the Big Sheep Experience in Devon. “We went along and sold Tshirts and glow bands and collected money and I also found myself volunteering for a charity haircut. “I had grown both my hair and goatee beard quite long during lockdown and it seemed like a good idea.

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

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“Although I didn’t realise at first that I would be having a haircut with sheep shears powered by a bicycle! “Not surprisingly it was pretty painful and those shears got quite hot, so I was glad when it was all over! “But it was certainly worth it to raise money for the unit.” Mark and his fellow riders

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presented the £1,700 they had raised to Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally. Neil said: “Mark and the rest of the Kinson Riders Group are fabulously generous people and we feel privileged to have had their backing over many years. “We all had a great laugh when Mark described what he had been through for the sake of his ‘haircut’. “But this just perfectly sums up the devotion he and his friends have for the Mac Unit.” The Kinson Riders Group will be holding their annual, fundraising Mistletoe Run on Sunday, December 12, and would like to invite motorcyclists of any age and with any bike to join them. Riders – some dressed in festive fancy dress and with decorated bikes – meet at the Halfway Inn, Wareham, BH20 5DU, at 11am and pay a £5 donation before riding back together to Kinson Conservative Club for free hot drinks. To donate to Macmillan Caring Locally or start your own fundraising journey visit: macmillanlocal.org

Cryptic Crossword S P E C I A L O B O E

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

F L A A T V R I A O N

M E T R O P O L I B I A T U R A G N D E

A T A U P E D A Y M I R A B A L E R

22 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Think carefully before shopping Jemma Sandell is an Advanced Massage & Beauty Therapist and owner of Relax & Remedy, Ferndown. Visit: relaxandremedy.co.uk Avoid the three-for-twos and get your local businesses doing a happy dance... It’s December already! Whether you’re an early bird when it comes to being organised for Christmas or a last-minute Christmas Eve shopper, there’s always someone that leaves us stumped for ideas about what to buy for them. Cue the infamous three-fortwo bargains! A lifesaver, an easy option, a well-planned saver, or just a gift for the sake of a gift? We’ve all been guilty of it, but does the person you’re buying for really want it? Will they really use it or is it destined for landfill? Beauty products are one of the highest polluters in terms of plastic and waste. A friend of mine told me she has a cupboard full of bath and body products that she’s

been bought that she won’t use. She now uses it for regifting – a great idea providing you don’t give that gift back to the person who gave it to you! So when it comes to buying those bath, body and skin products, do a little bit of detective work before you go shopping. This applies to women too as more men have got into personal grooming since lockdown. British men who splurged regularly on their appearance outspent their female counterparts by as much as £600 according to a recent cosmetic survey. Have a look around the

A walk around...

bathroom – what can you see, what skincare products do they use? Ask questions – probe a bit more than ‘what would you like for Christmas?’ Ask what skincare or makeup and body products your loved one uses. Which brand do they like? Do they care about ingredients and what they use on their skin? Many people have sensitivities or allergies, and buying the wrong products can be a waste of money. I’ve even used gifts of bath bombs as toilet cleaner before... by the ingredients listed, that’s all they were good for!

with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

HURN There’s a lay-by where you can park at the roadside at the start of the Avon Causeway, just east of the roundabout by the village shop. Walk past the shop and head west along the road, crossing over the Moors River, a tributary of the Stour. Continue for about a mile... you’ll notice that the terrain is very flat. Eventually you’ll find that some enterprising person has taken advantage of the flatness by building an airport! You can stand at the roadside watching the aeroplanes landing and taking off until you get bored.

Return the way you came, pass your car and turn right onto the Common, heath which is Access Land on which you may wander at will, bird and reptile spotting and making a list of all the species of wild flowers you observe. There’s also some archaeology as, if you make your way eastwards up hill,

The last couple of years have had a huge impact on small businesses with covid and closures. On a positive note, consumers are becoming a lot more aware of what’s out there and what their local community has to offer. Supporting a small business often means you’re supporting several with one purchase as many businesses collaborate and help others local to them. Earlier this year, I began making pamper and self-care boxes and sourced items from other local small businesses. So, when you buy from me you’re not only showing your support to one business but several. There are also lots of local markets, craft fayres and events at this time of year, with a big focus on local and small businesses, so before you head for the ‘three for twos’, check out what’s on offer in your local area. And did you know when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance!?

(it’s not as flat here) you’ll find a tumulus at the top of the ridge. Having stood atop the tumulus and enjoyed the view, as people must have done for about three thousand years, weave your way downhill northwards until you reach the road, the Avon Causeway. Turn right and follow the road

for about a mile and you’ll cross water meadows and eventually get to the Avon. Make your way back, possibly venturing into Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Sopley Common nature reserve and back past your car. You may be wondering where everybody lives locally enough to keep the village shop open. Turn right and head north up a minor road and soon you’ll come to a small housing estate surrounded by yet another area of Access Land. It would appear to be quite a pleasant place to live provided you can ignore the noise of the aeroplanes.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 23

Health & Wellbeing

Brighten winter and be a leaf peeper! On a recent call with a client, they mentioned a term I’d never heard of before, that of a ‘leaf peeper.’ I understand that this is a term used to describe someone who visits a wooded area in autumn to view the changing colours of the leaves. I think that might be me right now. I think I’ve become a leaf peeper, for I’m not sure what’s happened to me, but this year, this autumn, I am so overwhelmingly in awe of the beauty in nature, it’s almost as if I’ve never seen this season before, like I’ve had my eyes closed for the previous fortysomething years or so. For some reason my senses are on high alert and each time I step outside I find myself gazing around at the array of colours like never before. I get childish pleasure out of scuffing my way through the crispy rustling leaves with my boots. And by the way, these leaves aren’t

just brown, they are a wondrous variety of brown. Anyway, back to today. It was a still, crisp autumn morning and it reminded me of a song that I used to sing as a child in primary school. To this day I can recall word for word the first verse and chorus. The song was Autumn Days, composed by Estelle White, perhaps some of you will remember it. As children in assembly, we were very much out of tune, but I can remember vividly the soft plinky plonky soothing sounds accompanying us from the piano. Back in my study, I make good use of my friend the Internet to search for that song and have a good old listen. It is such a joyful tune and never fails to make me smile. As a child, I never actually thought about the words I was singing and what they meant, it was purely a

jolly tune that I enjoyed. Sitting here now as a relative grown up, quietening my mind and allowing myself to listen deeply to the words, I find that they truly resonate with me. I’ve written before about trying to be mindful and taking the time to indulge our senses, connect with nature and be present in the here and now. For me, this song reminds me of the importance of this. To remember and be thankful for those small little things that can easily go unnoticed as we scurry about with our busy little lives. ‘Autumn days when the grass is jewelled and the silk inside a chestnut shell… ‘Shoes so comfy though they’re worn out and they’re battered and the taste of apple pie... ‘Scent of gardens when the rain’s been falling and a minnow darting down a stream...’

It’s easy to feel a tiny bit blue when summer ends and the long months of autumn and winter draw in. However, maybe this autumn you could try to look beyond the blue and find those little wondrous things that are there, staring back at you, the little lonely toadstool, the glistening winter berries, the almost hidden cyclamen. Or, just maybe, you could become a leaf peeper too!

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

Service to help with Covid after-effects Help is at hand for people suffering COVID-19 aftereffects. A new service has been set up to help people across Dorset recover from lingering after-effects of COVID-19. Around one in ten people who contract the virus have persistent symptoms – sometimes known as ‘Long COVID’ – which can last up to 12 weeks or more, including breathlessness, fatigue, headaches and joint pain. These problems can affect people of all ages, affecting their quality of life, relationships and ability to work. Now Dorset HealthCare has established a Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) Service to

support patients with selfmanagement or direct them to specialist advice or treatment. Service manager Mark Smith said: “Ongoing symptoms can last for several months after COVID-19. “You don’t have to have had a particularly severe case of the virus, or have been hospitalised, to suffer these effects. “But help is at hand. If you have had symptoms for 12 weeks or more, you should

contact your GP. “They will carry out a series of tests to rule out other causes and, if appropriate, refer you to the PCS Service for specialist support and guidance.” PCS symptoms include: Fatigue Breathlessness Headaches Brain ‘fog’ Pain in the joints or chest. Once you’ve been referred to the service, PCS staff will carry out an in-depth assessment of your condition and the impact it is having on your life. A team of healthcare professionals will then decide on the best way forward. This could involve support

with self-management around diet, breathing, relaxation and exercise, or a referral to staff specialising in rehabilitation, respiratory problems, mental health, pain management or other services. Mark added: “The support provided will depend on people’s symptoms, and the effect these are having. “Often, making few changes to your life will help you to get better more quickly. “And there is no evidence that PCS is a permanent condition. “All indications are that – with the right support – people will continue to recover over time.” To find out more, visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk /post-covid-syndrome

24 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

The many ways of coping with bereavement By Susie Carver, consulting hypnotherapist with Sea Change Hypnotherapy in Wimborne seachangehypno.com The death of someone we love is one of the hardest things we will ever experience, and can turn our world upside down. Grief is an incredibly personal matter, it has no set timescales and affects everyone differently. It’s common to experience anger, sadness, loneliness, confusion, guilt or anxiety amongst a rollercoaster of emotions. Often the way we handle death is learned in childhood. As children we observe how those around us react to death, and we take that as our blueprint into the rest of our life. If we saw our parents bottling up their emotions and not talking about the loss of a loved one, this may become the way we

deal with death, too. Therefore it’s vitally important that children are able to experience the death of someone close to them in a healthy and positive way, expressing emotions and thoughts freely. There are often a lot of regrets after a death; things that were left unsaid – or maybe things that were said that shouldn’t have been. The beautiful thing about hypnotherapy is that it allows that person to visit

their loved one in the privacy of their own mind, and say all the things they need to say in order to find resolution and the freedom to move forwards. These moments are beautiful and incredibly healing, and I feel so privileged to be able to facilitate them. Acceptance of loss is another theme that arises after bereavement. If this continues for a prolonged period it can result in a person remaining in a ‘stuck’ state, unable to progress and live their own life. Staying stuck in the past is not healthy for anyone – we all deserve to step into the light again after a period of grieving. Hypnotherapy can provide a safe space for those emotions to be expressed and for a way forwards to emerge. For those left behind, ‘survivor guilt’ can be hard

to live with. Why me? Why am I still here when he/she/they aren’t? These thoughts prey upon the mind and can make a person feel unworthy of living a happy life. Similarly, after the death of a long-term spouse or partner it’s not uncommon to experience a loss of identity and purpose. One of my biggest joys is helping people realise that they DO deserve to be happy and they DO have a purpose – and that purpose is to live the very best life they possibly can in honour of those who were unable to. Many people are familiar with the concept of bereavement counselling, but for those who choose hypnotherapy, the changes and benefits that are experienced are often immediate, cathartic and uplifting.

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New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 25

Health & Wellbeing

One careful owner from new Imagine you are given one shiny, new car and told that it has to last you your whole lifetime. You’re not allowed another one. Not ever. Chances are you’d be very diligent about looking after it. You’d check the oil, take it out on runs and book it in for regular services. You’d know it was valuable and treat it as precious. It would probably be your pride and joy. So what about your body? It’s the only one you have. If only we all looked after our bodies as well as we look after our cars! Our fitness is a bit like driving too. So often people think that to get somewhere they have to go really, really fast, but fitness is a journey that is going to last a lifetime, so check you’ve selected the right route for you and enjoy yourself. Even better, find some like minded friends to come along with you and make it fun. It’s also fine to shift gear with fitness. Sometimes you just need to slow down or you have to take a detour. Things get in the way or the driving conditions change. You’re still on the journey but maybe you’ve had to take an unplanned break. With fitness this might be an injury or life events (or maybe Christmas) getting in the way. Other things will take your time and distract you so you have to slow down a bit and that’s fine. It just means you might not reach your destination quite so quickly. You need to realise that this isn’t a disaster and a reason

n Katrina Keeling is a Wimborne based personal trainer. kkeelingfitness@ gmail.com, kkfitness.co.uk

to give up; this is completely normal and you need to learn to shift gears at different times. When you’re feeling hungry, that’s like noticing your fuel gauge is low. What do you do? You fill up with petrol and stop filling when the tank is full. No more energy is needed. No one would think it’s a great idea to overflow their fuel tank, but this is what we often do with food; underfuel or over-fuel and wonder why we’re not working as well as we could. Excess body fat is just stored energy that we haven’t used (yet). There’s no need to moralise, self identify or shame around your fuel. Just as our cars aren’t petrol; they have petrol Likewise, we aren’t fat; we have fat. Think of it like this and realise it’s not efficient or necessary to carry lots of energy around with us or try and go the distance with too little. As you’ve only one body for the rest of your life, what little things could you start

GREAT STAFF READ THE NEW STOUR & AVON! Call Jane to advertise your job vacancy on 01963 400186

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

doing to look after it better and make it your pride and joy? And, finally, if you were a car – what type would you be? I like to think that I’m a vintage, slightly rusty, classic!

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New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Age Concern launches Greatest Gift campaign Age Concern Hampshire is asking for donations to help at Christmas time: What would be the greatest gift you could receive this year? For a lot of us it will be the gift of time with loved ones. This year, Age Concern Hampshire is launching the Greatest Gift campaign for Christmas. Every day on social media until December 24 we will highlight a member of our organisation and their ‘Greatest Gift’ this year. The work we do helps to support the physical and mental needs of those aged 50+ across the county. An £8 ‘Greatest Gift’ donation could provide a two-course hot meal with refreshments for a client at our care and wellbeing centres this Christmas. If you would like to donate, visit ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/volunteerhampshire/make-a-donation/ The campaign is kindly sponsored by Gisella Vigliotta at Maplebrook Wills.

Could you teach sign language? Each Monday afternoon Canford pupils across the school support the local community in more than 50 different projects and develop skills which will help them do this in the future. Over the past seven years, one of the Community Action activities on offer has been to learn some basic British Sign Language (BSL). This has been particularly valuable for sixth formers looking to study medicine as a career, but the course has been available to all pupils with an interest in this skill. The main aim of the 10-week course has been to improve links between the hearing and deaf communities, to give pupils the confidence to help out or get involved if they come across people with hearing difficulties. Medics do extra work for words relating to health, visiting the doctor or hospital, and act out scenarios to help them develop greater awareness of the difficulties people with hearing loss encounter.

Our teacher to date has been Stephen Lintern, who was born deaf as a result of his mother contracting German measles when she was pregnant. Stephen’s patience and sense of humour has made each session rewarding and he has enjoyed coming to Canford and engaging with the pupils. He has supported 120 pupils in gaining sign language certificates. Reluctantly he has had to finish teaching this term, as he has decided to retire. We wish him all the very best. Anyone interested in getting involved with our pupils in this valuable learning project, is asked to get in touch with Dave Allen, our Head of Community Action dja@canford.com in the first instance.

Should you have a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney, and do you need one? If you need somebody to rely on in later years, perhaps to take over making decisions on your behalf, that person will need your formal written authority. This authority is given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. Lasting Powers of Attorney are documents that, when registered, mean you have given another person legal power to deal with financial decisions for you, or medical and welfare decisions. At Winterborne Legal Services we can help you to put suitable protection in place in your Lasting Power of Attorney, so that you can be comfortable giving power to your children. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney can be a big leap of faith for you, if you have any questions we are ready to help. Please call us on 07860 772274 or email christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk

If you need somebody to rely on in later years, and perhaps take over making decisions for you, that person will need your formal written authority. This authority is given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. A Lasting Power of Attorney for financial matters is a document that, when registered, means you have given another person: access to money in your bank accounts, access to your investments and the ability to sell your home. You may be concerned about giving that much power to another person, even if one of your children. There are reports in the newspapers every year about people who have abused the power given to them and gone on a spending spree with someone else’s money. Nevertheless, a Lasting Power of Attorney can be very useful if your family need to help you

manage your money or take over if you are unable to make any decisions yourself. We can help you put suitable protection in place in your Lasting Power of Attorney, so that you can be comfortable giving power to your children. Why is it called a Lasting’ Power of Attorney? Because the authority you have given will last, even if you lose the ability to make your own decisions. You can create a Lasting Power of Attorney that either: deals with your money, property and financial decisions – this is the Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney, and allows your chosen person to make medical and welfare decisions for you – this is the Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney. With only 22% of the UK having an LPA, we must be aware of the risks of not having important legal

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 27

Food & Drink

Queen of the cakes... Sadie Smith is an award winning cake designer and baker from Cake by Sadie Smith, Wimborne Christmas Cookies These cookies are the perfect bake for any skill level, some icing and sprinkles is all the decoration you need or if you feel up to the challenge you can pipe royal icing details on them. I always have a tin of these cookies in at Christmas as they are the perfect treat for the kids or any surprise visitors. Makes approximately 12 but depends on the size of cutters you use. Ingredients for the cookies 175g plain flour 110g soft salted butter 75g sugar 1 level teaspoon of mixed spice For glace icing – which is perfect for topping with sprinkles 250g icing sugar Water For royal icing – the easiest way by far is to buy ready to use tubes of coloured icing or a tub of ready-made royal icing from the supermarket, you may need to water it down slightly.

If you’d like to make your own 3 egg whites 600g icing sugar 1 tsp liquid glucose 1 tsp lemon juice Method Preheat oven to 180c Place the flour, mixed spice, sugar, and butter in a bowl, mix well until a dough is formed, add a few drops of milk if needed

Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes Roll out to 5mm thick and using Christmas cookie cutters stamp out required shapes Place on a non-stick baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes Leave on the tray to cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire cooling rack Once cool, make your

Sadie Smith chosen icing and have fun decorating as you like Method for Glace Icing Add a few drops of water at a time until the icing is smooth but not too runny. If it is too runny add a little more icing sugar until you get the consistency you want Method for Royal icing (if making your own) Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks Add the icing sugar a bit at a time, whisking until fully incorporated Add the glucose and lemon juice Continue to whisk until the icing is at the consistency you need. Stiff peaks for spreading on the cookies, firmer peaks for piping and a softer/runnier consistency for flooding icing. If you would like coloured icing, add a tiny bit of food colouring to the icing, edible gel colours are best. These cookies will keep in an airtight tin for a couple of weeks so can be made in advance

Christmas pudding causing a bit of a stir The Great Pudding Stir has taken place in the historic kitchen of the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster for almost 30 years. This year it is on Saturday, December 11, from 10.30am to 4pm and is included with your museum ticket. The recipe is taken from Mrs Beeton’s Book Of Household Management, edited by Isabella Beeton between 1859 and 1861.

Museum visitors are invited to stir up a little festive cheer and take part in the event, make a Christmas wish and sample the finished pudding. The original recipe for ‘A Plain Christmas Pudding For Children’ contained flour, breadcrumbs, stoned raisins, currants, suet, eggs, milk, candied peel, powdered allspice and salt. Mrs Carter, the resident pudding expert, said sugar is

now added to the recipe ‘to make it more palatable’, and the pudding is warmed on a coal-fired range. Chezzie Hollow, director of the museum, siad: “We are delighted that we are able to bring the Great Pudding Stir back this year. “This festive event aims to bring history to life”. For more information visit museumofeastdorset.co.uk/pr oject/the-great-pudding-stir/

28 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Food & Drink

The Ultimate

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Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more. Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week. Fresh 昀sh van in the car park Wednesdays 9.30am-2pm

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New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 29

Food & Drink

Cooking...

with Martha Legg

A pizza the action So, another recipe from my school days and one of the few things I still use today. It’s funny but my first husband never considered a pizza to be a meal. My second husband likes pizza, although he does insist on having anchovies on it, which I hate. When I make them, I split the mixture in two and add different toppings to them. Martin won’t eat them cold, whereas I will, so I have to make them a certain size so that he can eat it in one go When my eldest nephew was at school, yes, the same one as me, they were still teaching the students to make pizza. They told the students that they could put any topping they liked onto them. Just to be different, or clever, or pushing his luck, Chris decided to put boiled sweets on his!! The result was a very sweet, very colourful, sticky mess!!

I am not sure if it ever made it home or if was eaten with glee by his school mates or used as a frisbee!! For me, I like vegetarian pizza. Once, when out for a pizza, I asked for a spinach one but didn’t pay much attention to what it was called. I was horrified when it arrived to find that it had a hole in the middle and complained to the waitress. Much to the amusement of my husband, she explained that I had ordered the pizza with no middle! I ate up

quickly and left!! Ingredients 1oz Margarine 4 oz SR Flour ½ level tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 3oz grated cheese Mixed Herbs 1 egg Milk to mix Toppings: Anything!! Method: Pre heat oven to 200C Rub the margarine into the flour until it resembles bread crumbs Add all the other ingredients

Add the egg and enough milk to form a dough consistency Press out on a floured pizza tin or baking tin. You can make one big pizza or several small ones. The base should be about ½ inch thick. I usually cook the bases for 5 to 10 mins until they are beginning to brown. Toppings: I always start by smearing tomato puree over the top of the pizza bases If you are adding mushrooms and/or onions, I always fry them off first to get all the juices out. If you are adding bacon, again cook that first. You can add anything: Ham, peppers, onions, mushrooms, bacon, cooked spinach etc. Spread the toppings out evenly, sprinkle dried herbs and then cover with any cheese of your choice. cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan or a combination. Cook at 200C until the cheese has melted and is turning brown.

Verwood foodbank on lookout for new manager by Faith Eckersall The Verwood branch of Ringwood Foodbank is looking for a new centre manager. The voluntary role needs someone who is passionate about tackling poverty and

providing compassionate support to people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, says the Trussell Trust charity, which oversees the foodbank. “We are looking for someone with outstanding organisation, communication

and leadership skills, who is also a dedicated team player with honesty, integrity, empathy and excellent customer service skills,” said the charity. “If this is you and you have some free time you’d like to put to good use, working

alongside a small team of dedicated volunteers, please do get in touch.” Further details and a full job description can be obtained by emailing anitalsteel@ gmail.com. Visit: trusselltrust. org/.../ find-a-foodbank/ringwood/

30 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Antiques & Collectibles

Get bidding for some Porsche spice! Entries for the first classic and collector specialist auctions of cars and motorcycles in the New Year are well under way at Charterhouse. “So often it is all about nostalgia with buyers,” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse. “Bidders like to buy what they, a family member or friend had when they were younger or what they did not have because they were too young or could not afford. “Today this transfers to cars and motorcycles from the 1970s, 1980s and the 1990s being hotly contested at our auctions.” First up from the 1970s is a Honda CB 750 K1. Manufactured in 1971 this big Honda is often considered the world’s first superbike.

n 1989 Porsche Carrera Targa Sport £36,000£38,000

Capable of 120mph the performance remains impressive today and had the advantage of a front disc brake as standard which was the first time they were fitted on a mainstream motorcycle. Coming to auction from a recent programme of restoration by a Honda CB

750 specialist, this iconic motorcycle has covered under 500 miles since the restoration. Offered for auction in tip-top condition and running very well this is estimated at the Charterhouse auction of classic and collector motorcycles at Haynes

International Motor Museum on March 9, at £12,000£14,000. Moving into the 1980s and there is an iconic Porsche going under the gavel. From a time of wide braces and a Filofax, this Porsche is a Carrera Targa Sport model finished in the classic

Advertise on these pages Call senior account manager Jane Toomer on 07714 289411 Good Condition Vinyl Records wanted. Larger collections preferred. No classical please Cash paid. 07831 266478 Sold for £11,500

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Free Valuation Days Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards 6th Studio Pottery & Art Glass 7th Automobilia & Enamel Signs 8th Silver, Jewellery & Watches 9th Mid-Century Ceramics & Furniture 10th Classic & Vintage Cars 3rd March Classic & Vintage Motorcycles 9th March Further Entries Now Being Accepted The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

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New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 31

Antiques & Collectibles have been carried out. Having been in the current ownership for the past 15 years this iconic Porsche is estimated at £36,000£38,000. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for these specialist auctions as well as for their January auctions of pictures, books, mid-century modern and decorative arts

n 1971 Honda CB 750 K1 £12,000£14,000

Porsche colour of Guards red and was capable of just under 150mph when new. Registered in 1989, this car has only had seven former keepers and covered an annual average mileage of 3,600 miles. As is always important on performance sports cars, this Targa has excellent Porsche main dealer and specialist independent service history and accompanying the car is a large history file documenting all works that

n Richard Bromell, George Beale and the team can be contacted at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. 01935 812277. info@charterhouse-auction. com or by visiting charterhouse-auction.com

Records bought

45s/LPs/78s Phone Ken 01202 822044 Verwood

Free valuations every Friday, Wimborne office

Antoine Bouvard (1870-1956) - RIO DELLA CROCE, VENICE - oil on canvas.

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32 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Farming & Environment

CPRE claims green fields are under threat by Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Countryside campaigners from Dorset CPRE have warned that the county’s green fields are at threat from developers because, they claim, it’s one of the main local authorities that regularly put up green fields for development, as opposed to brownfield sites. According to Dorset CPRE around 56 per cent of the county is designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – more than any other county in England. However, it warns that much of the housing proposed in the draft Dorset Local Plan will be built either in or very close to AONB land, changing forever the county’s unique landscape and rich biodiversity. Research carried out by CPRE reveals that housing that has been approved in AONBs nationally, since 2017/18, is overwhelmingly large executive homes, with only 16 per cent described as affordable housing. “Natural England and a number of neighbouring authorities are critical of the Plan,” said Dorset CPRE. “For example, Natural England considers there is limited scope for major new development within the Dorset

THREAT: 56% of Dorset is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Picture: STEVE BELASCO

AONB above that already allocated’. With reference to development at Blandford Forum, they state that ‘The scale and location of the development will inevitably result in residual adverse impacts on the Cranborne Chase AONB.’ It also claims that in Dorset, ‘numerous developers’ submissions’ propose reducing the current protection of AONBs. Chairman of North Dorset CPRE, Rupert Hardy, said: “Dorset Council admits that the public interest test used to justify the release of AONB for major development is necessary to meet its excess housing target and Cllr David Walsh concedes it is ‘likely’ that protected areas will be affected by development. “This means that town and

parish councils who believe themselves protected from development are enjoying a false sense of security.” Dorset CPRE claims town and parish councils who responded to the draft Dorset Local Plan, represent 287,000 voters. Of these, 88 per cent do not agree with the plan, which proposes 4,500 homes in or within 250m of an AONB. The group is now calling for Dorset Council to acknowledge the ‘overwhelming public opposition to the Local Plan’ and to accept that its findings ‘put at risk the special areas of Dorset’s countryside’. Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning said: “The draft Dorset Council Local Plan has been developed to balance the needs of current and future

Dorset residents with the preservation of our beautiful and unique landscapes. “The plan is not just about housing, it is about creating communities for people to live, work and enjoy. There will be mixed types of housing to produce homes for a wide variety of households who will use the newly created local facilities, generating economic growth and prosperity. “The analysis we undertake on consultation responses is focused on the specific planning issues raised rather than a quantitative analysis based on the number of responses. Many responses did not indicate whether they supported or objected to policies and therefore attempting to draw statistical conclusions on the level of support for a particular policy would be misleading and involve an interpretation of the sentiment of the comment. “A Local Plan, formed using residents’ views, makes sure that developments are built within the constraints of the area. That is why it is important to continue with the process of developing this plan that will be adopted late in 2023. Without the protection of a Local Plan, developers are more likely to successfully appeal rejected applications.”

Have your say on Nature Recovery Plan Should Ringwood have a Nature Recovery Plan? That’s the question posed by the town’s Neighbourhood Plan team which wants to hear local views about starting a Nature Recovery Plan for the town and its surrounding area. “Globally, our natural world is facing serious threats,” said the team. “At a local level, the natural environment around Ringwood has not always

been given the consideration it needs and there is a pressing need to redress this.

“The Neighbourhood Plan team wants to ensure that environmental issues feature

prominently in the Plan, which is currently being prepared and which should inform future development in the area for many years to come. “Key to the preparation of the plan are the views of local people, so we are publishing a survey which we hope will achieve a high degree of public interest and response.” Complete the survey online: ringwoodnp.org.uk/nature.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 33

Farming & Environment

A Day at the Farm... Tiffany Fleming is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our co-farmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth that many have never experienced before’. November has been a surprisingly busy month at the farm. The team has been prepping industriously for our off-site Christmas events, one of which included an opportunity to meet some of our small animals. Sharon, our amazing office administrator, must have read my mind when she asked me, with a theatrical shrug: “What could possibly go wrong?!”. n The first of our, brand new, craft-room volunteers joined us mid-month, offering a much-needed break to the horticultural team, who have been hard at it harvesting the winter veg. Roger and his woodworking team continued to craft their wonderfully rustic Christmas decs, and our newly-created fundraising team secured support for our next big project – completion of a three-station, commercially appointed kitchen, to help us to teach our Co-Farmers basic culinary skills and home cooking from scratch. (Select Interiors Limited, stand up and take a bow, you cannot possibly imagine how incredibly happy you have made us.) We are beyond excited that our last three projects have come together so quickly and have been so extraordinarily well supported. n It is just over seven

with Tiffany Fleming

months since I first volunteered at the farm, and I have seen much change in that time; the launch of our fabulous Farm Shop (the realisation of a project eight years in the planning), the creation of the new craft

facility, and the rapid growth of our Co-Farming team being matched in numbers by a bourgeoning squad of volunteers. Since becoming part of the team, I have witnessed the slow re-awakening of High Mead, returning to its prepandemic pandemonium. The inevitable chaos, when the farm is busy, is a great comfort, because that is what makes it the special place it is. I have changed too. Much like our produce, I’ve adjusted to the seasons. It is surprising how quickly you can become accustomed to a new environment, however unconventional. Nowadays, chatting away with our Co-Farmers who, invariably, have a chicken

tucked under an arm, or an alpaca in tow, is the new normal for me. Watching the loading of farm animals into the trailer, off for a therapy visit to one of our neighbouring care homes, is no longer a thing of fascination for me – and, more surprisingly, I no longer worry about all the likely outcomes, as the trips

are always an overwhelming success. I don’t fret now about the fact that the farm gloves aren’t in matching pairs, or that the seeds are not always sown in a straight line. It has finally dawned on me that nothing at the farm is quite perfect and I have grown to value the absolute beauty in that fact.

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34 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Home & Garden

Gardening... Plants are often thought of as living in isolation with insect, fungi or bacteria being detrimental to their health. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Plants often rely on a range of different organisms for survival. The most well known, of course, are pollinators that busily visit flowers for a nectar reward while inadvertently taxiing pollen from one bloom to another. While we instinctively think of insects as pollinators, they are not confined to this animal guild, mammals, birds and even reptiles can perform this vital role for some plants. More intimate associations occur between plants and other organisms beyond the scale viewed by our naked eyes. Gardeners are likely to be familiar with nitrogenfixing bacteria living on the roots of legumes (peas, beans, clover). These bacteria inhabit specialised root swellings and fix atmospheric nitrogen, which the plant can utilise. Less well known, but ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, are interactions with fungi, called mycorrhiza. Mycorrhiza are associated with over 85% of all plant species. They attach

...with botanist Dr Dave Aplin

AMANITA MUSCARIA: A good example of a mycorrhizal fungi

Invisible allies on which plants rely to roots a bit like a hosepipe connects to a tap. Once connected the root-like structures of the fungi, known as mycelium, extend far and wide to cover an area far greater than the plant’s roots alone. The mycelium intercepts nutrients and delivers them to the plant, in

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return the plant gives the fungus carbon from photosynthesis. Often the fungus is connected to multiple plants giving rise to the phenomena known as the ‘Wood Wide Web’. Garden shops sell mycorrhiza in packets and market them as important additives when planting new trees and shrubs, although these type of fungi are normally ubiquitous in the soil. Believe it or not, microscopic fungi are also found in the

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internal structures of leaves. For those plants that have been investigated, it is not unusual to discover ten or more different fungal species colonizing a single leaf, although with the naked eye you would never know they were there. Their roles are complex and research into their purpose is in its infancy. Some are believed to help deter herbivores by subtly changing the plant’s chemistry. Bacteria can also inhabit leaves, although seldom investigated. One that has involves naturally occurring bacteria in coffee plants that promotes healthy growth. Sometimes intimate interactions between plants and other organisms are at the visible scale. A good example is the ant-plant (Myrmecodia). This plant grows as an epiphyte on trees in tropical countries. It has a swollen stem that comprises hollow chambers, which ants use for food and shelter. Incredibly the chambers are completely natural and not caused by the ant. Chamber walls are either smooth or rough depending on their location in the swollen stem. The smooth walled chambers are used by ants as nursery areas to raise young whereas the rough walled chambers are where ants deposit waste. The ant plant can absorb nutrients from this waste for nutrition. And plants are protected from visiting grazers because ants rush out to defend their botanical territory and sting the herbivore. Plants and their associated organisms are fascinating and another good reason to keep the use of chemicals in the garden to a minimum. n soilvalues.com

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 35

Home & Garden

Sweet ballet leaves a lasting impression Jo Green is a former allotmenteer, forager, amateur herbalist, pickler and jam maker who squeezed her allotment greenery into her tiny garden Inspiration – it can hit you right in the ‘smacker’ or creep up behind you and sneak in your backpack. This inspiration was more of a tenacious stowaway type. It started with the delicious mention of sugar plum fairies – I had found a bounty of plums growing wild and was looking for seasonal uses for them. How does one make a sugar plum fairy I thought? Turns out sugar plum fairies are more of a generic historical confectionary than a specific recipe – usually expensive and the best. It was a bit of a disappointment so I thought I would change tack and go and collect some Gingko biloba leaves to try and make some mood-boosting concoctions without the sugar! I washed them and spread them out on the table to dry. After a few days (granted I had been playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on

loop), when I glanced at the leaves they appeared as a hundred tiny tutus! The leaves were dancing and a gradual pattern formed in my mind which I had to commit to collage. Ephemeral and magical, the patterns

suggests animation, in my mind progressing from random wind-blown leaves to fleeting moments of choreographed ballet positions and then back to the elements... the Gingko Biloba Ballet! If I do say so myself, I rather like the design and might see about transforming it into a wallpaper print!

36 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Home & Garden

Society’s Sheila steps down after 30 years by Joanna Lewis It was some 30 years ago when Wimborne Horticultural Society approached the then owner of Knoll Gardens, Kevin Martin, to ask whether he would be interested in taking over the presidency of the society. Unfortunately, Kevin had to turn down the offer due to prior commitments. He did, however, suggest someone who had a lifetime’s passion for horticulture and floral art, was used to public speaking and worked alongside him at Knoll. Who was this ‘someone’? It was his mother-in-law, Sheila Lewis, a former licensee of the Willett Arms and first female president of Poole Licensed Victuallers, who was the perfect match for the society. Over the years Sheila made the annual Spring and Autumn Show presentations, attended and gave talks and supported the committee wherever possible. To encourage others to join in the fun she entered many

STEPPING DOWN: Former Wimborne Horticultural Society president, the irreverant Sheila Lewis and new incumbent, Martin Stewart

of the show classes herself and was even known to win the odd one or two! Now, at the tender age of 89, Sheila has made the difficult decision to step down and pass on the baton. Of course, I’m sure she’ll still be entering shows for a long time to come and looking forward to the competition, so don’t let her down and have a go. You don’t have to be a member or an expert as there’s always somebody on

hand to guide you through. As we say goodbye to Sheila, now a life vicepresident of the society, you may be asking, ‘Who’s taking over the presidency?’ The answer, I’m pleased to announce, is Martin Stewart of Stewarts Garden Centres. On behalf of the society, I would like to welcome him into the fold and look forward to a long and exciting collaboration. I wonder whether he’ll be making his first presentation

A vintage touch from Katie We were delighted to welcome back Katie Baxter to West Moors Flower Group in November who is a local demonstrator from Verwood, writes Catherine Jenkins. Katie has been coming to us for many years and she never disappoints. Her title was A Touch Of Vintage and she wowed us with her beautiful flowers and lovely designs We all had a lovely morning. The next meeting is being held on December 15, a week earlier because of Christmas. The demonstrator is Julie Jeans and her title is Christmas Carols. We meet at the Memorial Hall in West Moors at 10am. All members and visitors are welcome. For further information, please contact Catherine on 01202 876441.

to you at the Spring Show on April 9, 2022. In the meantime, come and say hello at our Christmas meeting where there will be a quiz with prizes at 2pm on Monday, December 13, in the Quarterjack Suite of the Allendale Centre (please bring Christmas food to share). Members £1 (with membership card) NonMembers £3 wimborne hortsoc.wixsite.com/website

Lyrical talk for society After such a long period of shutdown West Moors Horticultural Society is now back and on Monday, December 13, we will be having an illustrated talk entitled Lyrical (LaMortella) by local speaker Rosemary Legrand, writes Sue Hamlett. This will take place in the Memorial Hall, Station Road, West Moors. We look forward to seeing our members and also to welcome new members. If you are interested in joining please telephone Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536 for more information.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 37

Pets

Keep your pets safe at Christmas Christmas is a time of indulgence for us all and it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of spoiling our pets too. However, we need to be aware of toxic foods and plants at this time of year, that if ingested, can cause severe illness. See below our list of the foods and seasonal plants that pose the greatest risk to our four-legged friends. Dangerous food Chocolate Theobromine, the chemical found in chocolate, can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures and even death in very severe cases. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine. White chocolate contains low levels which is normally not toxic, but can be fatty, thus posing a risk to any dogs with pancreatitis. Avoid putting any chocolate on the tree and keep your Advent calendars well out of reach of furry paws. Christmas puddings and mince pies may contain currants, sultanas and raisins – even in small amounts these can cause severe kidney failure. Onions (garlic, shallots,

What leftovers can I give my pet? Leftovers are fine in small quantities as a treat, provided your dog is healthy and has no underlying conditions, eg allergies, pancreatitis. Turkey meat – no skin (very fatty) or bones Salmon – plain fillets preferable over smoked Potatoes and some vegetables, like green beans, brussel sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas. It’s important to avoid giving cooked carcasses or leftovers that may have turned mouldy as these can cause a major tummy upset.

chives, leeks) – these belong to the Allium species of plant which can cause red blood cell damage and anaemia. What to do if your dog eats any of the above? Contact your vet at the earliest opportunity. Time is of the essence in these cases and treatment is best when given within an hour after the problem food has been ingested. Where possible try to make a note of the quantity and type of food

eaten as this will help your vet. Plants Ingestion of most of these plants will cause a stomach upset and can be toxic if ingested in large doses. They’re best kept well out of reach. Lilies – the whole plant is particularly toxic to cats Holly Poinsettia Mistletoe Christmas Tree Ivy

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These can all pose a risk if ingested by your furry friend and can sometimes cause damage to the intestinal tract or even a blockage. Christmas is a time for joy and a great opportunity to have fun with your pets, so looking out for any potential dangers will help keep you all safe. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

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Other Christmas hazards Wrapping paper and ribbon Silica Gel Candles Christmas decorations

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Volunteers at Cats Protection Wimborne are holding their annual jumble sale on Saturday, December 11. The event – which was cancelled last year – takes place at the town’s British Legion Club from noon to 3pm. All monies raised will help look after local cats and kittens. YORKIEPOO PUPPIES FOR SALE Tel 07734 447833 ready Christmas week, loving families only

38 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Arts & Entertainment n Jenny Collier

Anyone for Jenny fun? In need of a laugh? Fordingbridge Comedy Club returns to the Victoria Rooms for a Christmas special on December 17 with a line-up of some of the UK’s best emerging comedy talents and some long-standing pros. Headlining is award-winning Jenny Collier, the proudly Welsh stand-up comedian, writer and actor who’s supported the likes of Jason Manford, Arthur Smith and Shappi Kohrsandi.Take your own egg-nog and nibbles! Early bird tickets cost £10 until December 10, from www.ticketsource.co.uk

Voices are back on seasonal song Vivamente Voices have recently resumed their weekly rehearsals and are excited to be preparing for their first concert in two years. They are continuing to support Dorset children’s bereavement charity Mosaic

which will benefit from the proceeds from their forthcoming Christmas Concert at St Nicholas’ Church, Corfe Mullen, on Saturday, December 11, at 7.30pm. The concert will feature a range of music including

some choir favourites along with some Christmas songs. They are joined by a guest ensemble from the Verwood Concert Brass. Tickets are £10 on sale now. Contact Sheila at vivamente voices@gmail.com for more information.

In accordance with the Government’s advice to businesses, we would encourage customers to continue to wear a face covering to reduce the risk both to themselves and to others and respectfully request that customers continue to use the hand sanitisers provided, and to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app.

TALON:

THE BEST OF THE EAGLES

COUNTERFEIT STONES

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA:

ANDRE RIEU at CHRISTMAS

Sinatra and Santa

(RECORDED SCREENING)

THE UPBEAT BEATLES

An unforgettable festive treat for the whole family.

Friday 3rd December 8pm Tickets £26 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

NO TIME TO DIE (12A)

Saturday 4th December 8pm Tickets £26

Sunday 5th December 5pm Tickets £26

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

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

PLATINUM:

SHOWADDYWADDY

The Live Abba Tribute Show

in Concert

Tuesday 7th December 1pm Tickets £15 Concs £13.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

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

BLUES BAND:

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Bye Bye Blues Band (Farewell Tour)

RA EXRTEENING

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

17th December to 2nd January (various times)

Tickets Adults £17.50 U16s £14

8th December 7.30pm Adults: £8 eve U16s: £6

Tuesday 7th December 7.30pm Tickets £22 (£20 concs)

Thursday 9th December 8pm Tickets £25 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

Friday 10th December 7.30pm Tickets £25 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

1 in 10 free available via Box Office

Saturday 11th December 8:00pm, Tickets £37.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

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

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 39

Arts & Entertainment

Seasonal prize at art club fair

Decorations workshops in the Forest By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

An Arts and Crafts fair is being held by members of Wimborne Art Club at Pamphill Parish Hall from today, December 3 to Sunday, December 5 from 10am-

4.30pm each day. There will be a wide range of artwork and handmade crafts made by the members. Whilst free to enter, the group will be taking donations for

Wimborne Foodbank and raffling the beautiful winter scene, pictured above, on their behalf. Warm mince pies and tasty cream teas are promised.

Christmas Sunrise, Sunset shows celebration raise £1.4k for charity at church Wimborne Methodist Church is holding a Christmas Celebration on Monday, December 20, from 2.30-4.00pm. The event aims to be an afternoon of fun for people all ages. The afternoon will include Christmas songs, telling the Nativity story, Christmas crafts and a tea. The organisers say everyone is welcome, so go along and find them in Kings Street (next to Holmans). They would love to see visitors with or without children.

Macmillan Caring Locally is the local charity building a new Macmillan unit at Christchurch Hospital. Francesco Iannuzzo (Tenor and keyboard), Daniela Ievolo, (Mezzo soprano and saxophone) Dianne Tompkins (Soprano) Christopher Legrand (Bass/Baritone) and John Porter (Accompanist) raised more than £1,400 performing two concerts entitled Sunrise, Sunset to capacity audiences at St Martin’s United Reformed Church in West Moors. The varied programme – which included items from Porgy And Bess, Fiddler On The Roof and Oklahoma –

n Rosemary and Christopher Legrand, right, with some of the performers

was compered by Rosemary Legrand and was described by one concert goer as ‘Absolutely fantastic’. Commenting on the result, Christopher Legrand said: “We are overjoyed by the generous support we have received for this valuable and essential charity. It has been an honour to perform for this important cause.”

Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? If so, Forest Arts has two festive workshops that might appeal. Tomorrow, December 4, the New Milton-based venue is holding a two-hour workshop where participants will be able to create their own Christmas wreath. Tutor Mollie McMillen will be using locally-sourced willow and hedgerow materials to create a woven wreath for decorating your door or window or to use as a beautiful table display. Mollie will help you through the process, offering advice and guidance on design and technique. The £55 price includes all materials, including a fabulous array of different greenery, pine cones, seed heads, berries, teasels, and other natural materials and there will be a selection of ribbons to decorate your wreath using your own design and style. A glass of mulled wine is also included in the cost of the workshop which takes place from 2pm-4pm. Meanwhile, on December 21 Pennington florist Martina McNally-Garnham will be holding a two-hour workshop for people to create their own Christmas table decoration. Martina will guide participants on how to create adesign using seasonal foliage, flowers, berries, candles and additional decorations. The Christmas Table Centrepiece workshop takes place from 6pm-8pm, costs £55 and is open to over-18s only. The price includes all materials, mulled wine or a hot drink. Visit: forest-arts.co.uk/events

40 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

A speedy intro to dance styles at Forest Arts Have you ever wanted to try a dance class but weren’t sure what to expect? Or did you dance as a child and you’d like to do it once again? Maybe you’ve read an article about dance being great for body and mind? Now’s the time to book up for Forest Arts speed-dating style intro to dance styles, which is being held at the New Milton venue on Friday, January 7. Forest Arts says the informal evening will allow visitors to try a different dance style for 15-20 minutes before moving on to the next. There’ll be a complementary glass of wine or a soft drink and the chance to chat with fellow participants and the dance teachers, as well as book for any classes you’re interested in. The classes will be fun, friendly with no experience required and the dance genres will be revealed a week before the session, which runs from 7pm-9pm and costs £7. New bookers will also get a 10 per cent discount on any dance class or workshop for spring and no special shoes or clothing is required. More details on Date with Dance are available at forest-arts.co.uk/event/datedance.

Band ready to roll The Sturminstrels have updated their line up and the new outfit is available for gigs. To book them or for more information, contact Lyn on 07922 506765.

Rare Minster visit for leading choir A 30-plus strong choir visited Wimborne Minster to lead the singing at the Parish Eucharist Service and at Evensong, marking All Saints Day. The Saint John Singers, pictured right, draw their membership from across the county of Surrey and meet for rehearsals at St John the Baptist Church in the village of Windlesham. They normally sing at Cathedrals or Greater Churches throughout England four times a year

when the regular choirs are on holiday but due to the Pandemic their visit to Wimborne Minster

was their first engagement since 2019, the year in which they celebrated their 30th anniversary.

ON LINE: Michal Kowalski and, right, a wreath

Residents enjoy a virtual masterclass Staff and residents at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy took part in an interactive virtual Christmas-themed floristry masterclass courtesy of master florist, Michal Kowalski, from Blooming Haus. Blooming Haus is one of the UK’s most innovative floral design and artisan studios, which keeps sustainability and seasonality at the core of their designs. Michal said: “We leapt at the chance when Barchester approached us to stage a

zoom Christmas wreathmaking masterclass. “It’s a great opportunity for Blooming Haus to give something back to the residents and care workers.” Working on their wreaths together, residents reminisced over decadesworth of Christmases enjoyed. “I’ve hosted Christmas for 60 years,” commented resident Ivy. “It will be nice to put my feet up this year instead!” The varied life enrichment programme at Upton Bay

keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities, and specialises in adapting hobbies and activities for individuals living with varying stages of dementia. Upton Bay Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers. Upton Bay provides residential care, respite, and dedicated dementia care to 68 residents.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 41

Arts & Entertainment SENTIMENTAL: Two of the delightful Christmas cards on display

Pictures courtesy Museum of East Dorset

The Museum of East Dorset is displaying a selection of Christmas and New Year cards from the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. They can be found in the Stationer’s Shop, a room in the museum which was actually a stationer’s and tobacconist’s shop until 1872. The first ‘commercial’ Christmas card was invented in 1843, when Sir Henry Cole had 1,000 greetings cards printed for sale in London. When colour printing became cheaper and postage rates were cut, everyone could afford to buy and send cards to family and friends over the festive season. The Christmas card brought the first high quality, ‘fine art’ images into the homes of ordinary people. By 1880, more than 11 million cards were produced in Britain. Other festive activities at the museum include The Great

Chance to view rare Christmas cards Pudding Stir which will take place in the Victorian kitchen on Saturday, December 11. For those interested in making their own willow decorations, there will be a craft workshop with festive refreshments on Thursday, December 9. For more details, visit:

Zoom into still life Artists who’d like to paint some more ambitious still lifes should check out Hampshire Cultural Trust’s new free Zoom sessions, where an object from the county’s art collection will be made available for an hour to use as a subject. Each artifact or relic is chosen by the Trust’s collections team, who then place it online for an hour so that artists can challenge themselves to produce an artwork incorporating or inspired by it. The untutored online sessions explore still life

A Flamin’ good night to be had

with relics from museums such as the Winchester City Museum, Hampshire Wardrobe and the Milestones Museum and continue until December 7. The class runs live each week via the online streaming website Zoom. As the class is live, participants will need to be available at the time specified to participate and will need access to a device with an internet connection and speakers – a computer, laptop, phone or tablet. Visit forest.arts@hampshire culturaltrust.org.uk

Friday Night is music night at Godshill Village Hall with the Flamin’ Ukes. Following their resounding success in 2019, the Flamin’ Ukes and guests are returning to Godshill with a new show, this time with a hint of Christmas, taking place on December 10. Tickets are £15 each and include a warm supper, along with a lot of fun and entertainment. Visit: godshillvillagehall. co.uk/news

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

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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

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Contact Jon White: 07760 225520 or 01202 032151

42 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

West End style for Regent spectacular By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

When it comes to panto, there really is nothing like a dame. Audiences love them and the camper, the better, so the guy in the outrageous frock, bonkers bouffant and more eyeliner than one-liners, always tends to get the most laughs. It’s all about the outfit and no one knows that better than Sue Simmerling, creator of the lavish stage outfits for the Regent’s Christmas Spectacular 2021. Designer Sue, of Glad Rags Productions and Carry on Costumes in Christchurch, whose theatrical credits include West End hits such as White Christmas and Elf the Musical is, without doubt, the costumier to the stars. In 2012 she dared to take on

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the panto wardrobe of the one-and-only Paul O’Grady during his Lily Savage era – and won, transforming him into the ultimate Widow Twankey for Aladdin at the O2, London. “Paul O’Grady’s tiger dress was the most detailed and challenging costume we have ever made,” says Sue. Other major panto pros have had the full Carry on Costumes haute-couture service, including Christopher Biggins, Mathew Kelly, Aled Jones, Tom Chambers, Claire Sweeney, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Brian McFadden, Sheila Ferguson, Wendi Peters, Stephanie Powers and Les Dennis to name but a few! “Christopher Biggins made me laugh the most, she says, “he always had a good story to tell.” As you’d imagine, there are endless stand-out moments in panto: “The most risqué was when Matthew Kelly and his son Matt Rixon, who played Ugly Sisters turned their backs to the audience to

The

STURMINSTRELS Let us entertain you! 60s & 70s music, 07922 506765 or 07976 792421

reveal fake bottoms wearing thongs!” Sue produced the costumes for Elf: The Musical in Plymouth and Salford, dressing Atomic Kitten, Liz McClarnon and Louis Emerick, AKA PC Walsh in Last Of The Summer Wine. In 2019/2020 she worked her magic on Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud) and Jay McGuinness (Strictly 2015 winner) in Big The Musical in the West End and in Sleepless – The Musical at Wembley’s Troubadour. It’s Santa’s workshop all year round for Sue and her helper elves as they produce the stunning costumes that add that extra sprinkling of pixie dust to pantomimes. And you can see their amazing creations in all their glory in the Regent from Saturday, December 18. At curtain up, Santa and his

elves are worried that stores of Christmas Spirit are too low to fly the sleigh. In a bid to solve the problem, they come to Christchurch to spread extra Christmas cheer Can the elves turn everyone’s frowns upside down? And will they raise enough festive spirit before the big day?

Info you need Saturday, December 18 to Friday, December 24. Eleven performances; (early booking advised) Tickets: £18, Concessions: £17 Matinees: £17 all seats Family of four: £60 Christmas Eve: £18 all seats Box Office: 01202 499199 www.regentcentre.co.uk

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 43

Arts & Entertainment

Handel’s Messiah comes to the Minster Bournemouth Bach Choir is pleased to be returning to Wimborne Minster on Monday, December 20, for their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. They have performed Messiah every December – apart from 2020 – since 1996. The performance is usually

held in Christchurch Priory, but they are delighted to be able to perform in Wimborne this year. Handel’s masterpiece, which was written in an astonishing 24 days, is perhaps the single most-performed piece of classical music ever. It’s full of wonderful tunes and

at times very dramatic. Bach Choir’s performance will be a choir of 45, four outstanding vocal soloists and an orchestra of 17. Tickets are available from Square Records in Wimborne or online at: ticketsource.co.uk/ bournemouth-bach-choir

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44 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 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 A fast-growing – and grassroots – business awards scheme is coming to Wimborne. Organiser MW Events has announced it is to launch the Wimborne Business Awards. They will focus on promoting the range and quality of local businesses. Entry will be free and open for all local businesses to enter. The awards have the full support of Wimborne Business Improvement District (Bid). Tammy Sleet, Bid Manager, said: “The Bid is thrilled to support the Wimborne Business Awards and

COMING TO TOWN: The new Wimborne Business Awards logo and, right, Nigel Reeve

Town chosen for business awards celebrate the truly exceptional service that customers enjoy in any of our great businesses.” Dorset Biz News has been chosen as Media Partner. Wimborne is the seventh location in Dorset to be selected for the awards. They have also been held in Sherborne, Bridport, Dorchester and Poundbury, Weymouth and Portland, Lyme Regis and Poole. The latest – in Poole – last month attracted 124 entries,

far exceeding expectations. The website for the Wimborne Business Awards is now live at wimborne businessawards.co.uk A launch breakfast is to be held at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre on Thursday, December 9. Business entries and customer nominations will also open via the website on the same day. The awards will culminate with a lunchtime awards ceremony at Allendale House

on Thursday, April 28, 2022. It will also be live streamed to reach the maximum number of people. Nigel Reeve, of MW Events, said: “We make five promises with these awards. “They focus on promoting local businesses, they are free to enter, the judging is fair and independent, there will be a category for every type of business and the awards ceremony will be open to all, with no inflated ticket prices. “These are grassroots business awards open to all. “Relaxed and friendly, giving local businesses the profile they deserve.”

Company signs up to climate declaration Services for Tourism has become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism that was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last month. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally. The Glasgow Declaration encourages the acceleration of climate action in tourism by securing commitments to

reduce emissions in tourism by at least 50% over the next decade and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. As a signatory, Services for Tourism has committed to aligning its actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure its approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5C above preindustrial levels by 2100. It has also agreed to deliver climate action plans within 12 months, aligning with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance), report publicly on an annual basis,

n Robin Barker

work in a collaborative spirit sharing good practices and solutions and disseminating information. Robin Barker, Services for Tourism director, says: “Tourism brings many benefits to the world through education, jobs, leisure and wellbeing, but can also cause damage to communities and the environment.

“We are committed to encouraging ‘good tourism’ – hence our support for this commitment.” Deborah Heather, CEO of Quality in Tourism and sponsors of many tourism awards schemes, says: “It’s fabulous to see Services for Tourism leading the way through committing to the Glasgow Declaration. “I am really hoping many in tourism follow suit. “Sustainability is the new Quality and should be in the DNA of every good Tourism and Hospitality business; we look forward to working with partners to translate such commitments into reality.”

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 45

with dorsetbiznews.co.uk

Tech specialist in UK top 100 Thoughts on A technology specialist at Dorset-based Spyrosoft has been recognised as one of the 100 most influential business leaders in the country. Duncan Johnson is named in the CIO 100 for 2021, a list of the country’s leading Chief Information Officers working with progressive and growing independent companies. It’s the latest recognition for the Ferndown-based UK arm of Spyrosoft which, earlier this year, was named by the Financial Times as the fastest-growing technology company in Europe. Duncan, along with cofounder Andrew Radcliffe, has driven Spyrosoft forward during a period of rapid growth and development. The company has delivered outdoor leisure applications for Ordnance Survey and AI and machine learning solutions that have helped plan Covid lockdown strategies and diagnose skin disease. The firm has also developed its own debt management software, aimed at banks

new variant

and financial services. Duncan’s leadership in developing three-way partnerships with larger clients and local SMEs, including making Spyrosoft Academy’s training programmes available, free of charge, to all clients, was cited in his listing by CIO magazine. Duncan said: “I am delighted to have been named in this prestigious list of the top 100 CIOs. “But this is a reflection of the work of the whole of the Spyrosoft team without whom none of these developments, and the growth we have seen as a business, would have been possible.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling has commented about the latest Covid restrictions/ development. He said: “Clearly the “Spyrosoft truly is at the emergence of the new Omicron cutting edge of variant is incredibly disappointing. technological development “The threat of Covid has not of workplace practices and disappeared and another lockdown is we are helping some of the a nightmare scenario as we approach biggest companies and the busy Christmas trading period. organisations in the UK to “That is why it is important that create the systems that everyone follows the new make their businesses work restrictions due to come into force, better. including mandatory mask-wearing “We have come a long way in shops and on public transport. as a business in the past two “Some businesses in Dorset will find years – I am proud to have the measures frustrating, and we face been a part of that and to be greater uncertainty about the months able to push the boundaries ahead. of what technology can “However, I am confident that deliver further still.” businesses in Dorset will show their The CIO 100 recognises the customary resilience in the face of most transformational and another storm to be weathered on disruptive CIOs in and our journey out of the Pandemic. from the UK. “I would urge the community to It celebrates support Dorset businesses at this technology and time which means following the new business leaders rules and continuing to spend driving change at locally, in the retail sector as well as their organisations. leisure and hospitality. “With the success of the vaccination n Duncan Johnson programme and our experience in combating the pandemic so far, we should be undaunted about dealing with this latest threat and fully play our part in the weeks to come.”

Ellis Jones on the ball with sports clubs A Wimborne law firm has thrown its support behind the town’s sports clubs to help them get ahead of the game. Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has an office in East Street in the town, has renewed its sponsorship for Wimborne’s football and cricket teams. Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ managing partner, said: “Sports clubs sit at the heart of our communities and deserve our support. “Our aim is to help them achieve success both on and

HAPPY DAYS: Wimborne on the road to Wembley back in 1992 Picture: STEVE BELASCO

off the field. “It is a pleasure to continue to support Wimborne’s

football and cricket clubs. “We wish them all the very best in their future

endeavours.” Ellis Jones’ sports law team advise on a range of issues such as contracts, intermediary/agent regulations and image rights. They also offer advice on brand protection, sponsorship, event management, discrimination, anti-doping and employment issues. The company, with more than 160 staff and 19 partners, also has offices in Ringwood, Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage as well as London.

46 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Business

Father and son duo go with the flow It began like so many businesses. A side hustle operating from a residential garage. Twenty-two years later and the water softener venture started by Keith Martin has more than 3,000 customers, impressive new premises at Three Legged Cross and annual sales of more than £400,000. Above all, it’s become a second-generation business after Keith’s son, Ben, 34, decided to swap his highflying career in the City to join Southern Softflow. A decision that shocked, and delighted, Keith, 60, in equal measure. “When Ben asked if he could join the family business, well you could have knocked me down with a feather,” said Keith who started the business while a Number One Press Minder in the print industry. “But he really did his homework. “He asked for the last five years’ accounts and went through them with a fine toothcomb.”

Together the two are now planning to expand the business, which serves an area stretching from Dorchester in the west, up to Amesbury near Salisbury and across to the New Forest and Southampton. One thing’s for sure. While Dorset remains a hard water area, companies such as Southern Softflow, which supplies and installs water softeners and drinking water systems, will continue to thrive. This part of the world, and much of the south coast, has some of the hardest water in the UK. When it rains, the water falling from the clouds is completely soft. It’s not until the rain hits the ground that it begins to absorb minerals such as calcium and magnesium found within the earth. These minerals, while natural, create scale buildup causing hard water damage throughout the home. The effect can be seen in all sorts of ways.

HAPPY IN THEIR WORK: Keith and Ben Martin. Their new premises, above, and above right, the effects of hard water Pictures: DORSET BIZ NEWS

From scale and scum tidemarks around baths and sinks to unsightly white marks on shower screens, chrome appliances and surfaces that come into contact with hard water. Shower heads and taps can become clogged up, dishes and glasses smear and getting a decent soap lather proves difficult. Unseen effects include blocked pipes making heating inefficient, scale build-up in boilers and

water flow restrictions. Hard water can also have a negative health impact, drying out skin and hair causing a flaky scalp and hair breakage as well as aggravating eczema. Water softeners are devices used to soften a property’s water supply. They remove magnesium and calcium from hard water using a process called ion exchange to prevent limescale from forming. Southern Softflow

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 47

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specialises in the supply and installation of nonelectrical water softeners. The whole process is powered by water pressure and does not need an electrical supply. It also supplies the salt, an essential item for any water softener. Keith said: “The business started small but then began to snowball. “I found I was getting a lot of repeat business as word spread. “I was doing about three softeners a week and a couple of tonnes of salt but since Ben joined the business it’s expanded a lot. “We’re now doing up to eight softeners a week and three to four tonnes of salt. “Steve Wyatt, of Wimborne Plumbing, installs our water softeners. “He does a great job and is an important member of the team.” Ben, who graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc degree in Economics and then worked for JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and NatWest Markets, said: “Our skills are complementary and we work together really well. “Dad particularly enjoys the customer interaction while I concentrate on the

finances, marketing and office side. “The business has a huge amount of potential. “The more I looked at it, the more I wanted to be a part of it.” In June, Southern Softflow moved into its new offices. showroom, workshop and salt storage area at Axis 31, Woolsbridge Industrial Park, Three Legged Cross. The 1,100sq ft building was acquired through Keith and Ben’s respective pension pots. Ben said: “We’re taking on a permanent part-time member of staff to help with the office and provide additional support. “We also intend to buy a third van. “Extra touches have been added, such as presenting a box of Dorset produce to customers having a new water softener installed.” Keith added: “We’re one of the longest established water softener businesses in the area. “It’s been pretty clear to me that the most successful companies in this sector are ones which have a second generation involved. “It’s just one of the reasons why I’m so pleased Ben decided to join the business.” southernsoftflow.co.uk

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48 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 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.

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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 3, 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

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Business

Proud undertaking for funeral directors A couple of dedicated funeral directors at a family-run firm achieved diplomas in funeral arranging, while also working to help and support bereaved families during the pandemic. It took Amy Turvey and Elise Basing, who work for Douch Family Funeral Directors, six months longer than usual to complete the qualification because of covid, but they were delighted to finally be presented with Funeral Arranging and Administration diplomas at a delayed graduation ceremony. Amy began working at Douch & Small in Wimborne as an admin assistant when she was 18 and Elise, a former freelance embalmer,

AWARDED: Elise Basing, left, and Amy Turvey receive their diplomas from Kate Edwards, President of the National Association of Funeral Directors

joined their Swanage branch three years ago. “Moving to funeral directing from being an embalmer was a natural progression,” says Elise. “I was taking care of the deceased and now I take care of the families as well – it is a very important job.”

TRUST

Trust us with the details; spend more time with your thoughts – At times like these, with arrangements to be made – and where little details just add to your burden – it’s good to have someone you can trust. Whichever way you want to say goodbye, you can rely on us to help you say it well.

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She added, “Now I’m here I don’t think I’ll ever be leaving.” To attain their diplomas, both women had to complete five modules of course work and then sit oral and written exams. Nick Douch, managing director of the group which

was established in Wimborne in 1910, said: “It was a tough year; we were key workers during covid and everyone was working extremely hard. “So for Amy and Elise to also complete their diplomas was a testament to their commitment and hard work.” He added, “Amy has been with us since she left school and has worked her way up. “Elise already did freelance work for us and when a job became available in the business she jumped at it.” Amy added: “The company helped me progress. “When I joined as a parttime admin assistant I had no idea that I’d stay and become a funeral director.”

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 51

Business

High Street shops and local businesses across the UK face an uncertain future as more and more consumers spend goes to the online giants. Wimborne has started to fight back with the launch of its own virtual high street, making it easier for locals to shop closer to home. Wimborne Bid and Dorset LEP are enabling independent shops and businesses right across the area to join the collective, local shopping and business website, ShopAppy.com, at no charge. ShopAppy.com is a townbased website that makes it easier for everyone to support their own High Street and local businesses from the comfort of their sofas at no extra cost. You can browse and go in person, book online, buy and collect with one simple checkout. Most importantly the digital shop window influences people to visit

Picture: DORSET BIZ NEWS

Virtual high street is Appy news for business

town, so now shops, cafes and services are offering their customers the ability to prebrowse and plan their trip. ShopAppy.com is free for shops and businesses to join. Once registered, businesses can quickly populate their own mini-site with goods and services on their page at no

cost – businesses are invited to register now on shopappy.com/vendor. Assistance is provided by the ShopAppy.com team to help those new to technology as well as businesses who may already be selling online. And ShopAppy.com has now launched

ShopLocalOnline.org. This new website enables those businesses in Wimborne selling products to sell them UK wide and fulfil orders via postage and packing. Any Wimborne business able to sell nationally can also promote themselves, for free, on the new site.

Items for sale Reebok GX40 x-trainer, as new, hardly used at all. Buyer collects. Marnhull £275 01258 821445

ELECTRIC BIKES X2 BOTH IN SUPERB CONDITION (AS NEW) VERY HIGH SPEC. £750 EACH ONO RING FOR DETAILS 07530 859116

Exercise rowing machine £5 Tel 01202 656774 Freezer £45, flat screen TV 31in £35, tumble dryer £45, bedside drawers £4, writing bureau £30, China cabinet £40 07593 750711 Vax Airlift Steerable Vacuum. Nearly new. Ex condition. Very powerful. £45 Tel: 01747 822772 Home Light generator £50 ono Tel 01258 472893 Dusty pink two-seater sofabed £85.00 Please phone 07710 226286 Bib and Brace Stihl chainsaw forestry safety

White 1600 acrylic pear shaped bath with shower screen, chrome taps, flexible shower head and all fixings, clean condition. 3m x 3m aluminium sectional chicken run with wire covers, can be seen in situ. £100 01258 817445

clothing size large. Unwanted present still in original packaging unused bargain at £49.00. 100% perfect Tel 07999 450348 Small dk oak kneehole desk 9 drawers 122cmw 74cmh £40. Cr eam chest 3 drawers 78cmw 74cmt £35 tel 07971 902353. Table Tennis Table -Folding , 9ft x 5ft. £50 Buyer collects from Sherborne. Tel 07890 451996 Fireplace Hamper £20 (full of goodies): fire-rope, stovethermometer, Glass-cleaner,

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. Premier aerobed £45, rucksacks : Berghaus Vercors 30 £25, Osprey

Garden tip trailer 4 foot x 2.5 feet excellent condition £220 ono Tel 01258 472893

daylite £20, it luggage bag £20, dry sac £10 vgc 01747 825127 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 Parker Knoll 3 seater sofa, Oakley Water Green. Very comfortable, good condition, stainproofed. £50. 01935 872459. Folding single bed £25.00 Folding babies cot £10.00 Tel: 01202 989475

52 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Recruitment STALBRIDGE AND MARNHULL VETS requires someone bright and cheerful for the role of part time receptionist. 2 days a week. Experience with dogs and cats (and humans) preferred. Further details at www.smvets.co.uk. Send letter and CV to info@smvets.co.uk

Independent Day School for Girls and Boys from 2 to 13 years

Part-Time Matron

(Required for January 2022) We are looking for a friendly and calm person to provide a clinically effective, high quality service of care to pupils and first aid care to all members of the school community. The working hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm 3 days a week (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday) term time only plus training days. For an application form and further details, please visit www.dumpton.com/vacancies Closing Date for Applications 8am on Monday 13 December Dumpton School, Deans Grove House,Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AF Telephone 01202 883818 Dumpton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

www.dumpton.com Registered Charity No 306222

R E M O VA L S

S T O R A G E

THE ARMISHAWS REMOVAL GROUP HAVE THE IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR A

REMOVALS COORDINATOR This is a full time role Based at our Head Office, Wincanton The person we are seeking will have good communication skills, be computer literate, have a sense of humour and be able to work under pressure. The position will include customer contact, preparing quotations submitted by the sales persons, processing acceptances and much more. Salary by negotiation based on experience Applications by email to Pat Carter,

pat@armishaws.com

Looking for a trustworthy, reliable and experienced cook to come in and cook 3 evening meals per week / clear up for older couple. Preferably MON/WED/FRI. Hours would be around 48pm. Based in Horsington Village. Please email hello@thenoggcottages.co m to arrange online interview General Farm worker required for mostly beef/breading farm required. Duties will include calving, feeding, general husbandry, ground work for high health states farm near Gillingham. Call 07714 289400 for more details, accommodation available Driver part-time mornings & afternoons for job details call 01725 516334 - 07813 209841

TINCLETON LIFESTYLE CENTRE We specialise in outdoor furniture and are looking for a trustworthy, reliable person to carry out a range of tasks including Warehouse Duties Home Deliveries Estate work General maintenance Forklift, tractor and trailer towing experience useful The applicant must be physically fit, well organised, appreciate attention to detail and have qualifications in English and Maths. Hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm. Pay depending on experience and ability. Please forward CV and covering letter to charles.coleman@ tincletonlifestlyle.co.uk Building Labourer required for long period of work. Call 07847 659881

Part time Bookkeeper: Friendly horticultural firm in Castle Cary looking for three days/wk bookkeeper to support accounts team: Expenses, general support, helping reconciliations, filing, data entry, payroll. Operating on Sage accounting software and Excel. Contact HR@ashridgetrees.co.uk with CV

Matthews Opticians We are looking to recruit an Experienced Optical Assistant into our family-run Opticians Practice. The successful candidate will have experience of working in the optical and retail sector, and have a sound base of optical knowledge. Applicants need to be friendly, courteous and wellpresented, and have an ability to communicate well with customers and colleagues. A proactive and hardworking nature is essential in our busy practice and applicants should also have eagerness to develop their optical knowledge. It is also important they maintain an interest in spectacle fashion and trends. The working week consists of 36.5 hours, (including alternate Saturdays 9:00am-4:00pm). The practice is otherwise open 9:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent Salary: £18,000.00-£21,000.00 per year Please submit applications to Charlotte Broks either by post or email info@matthews-opticians.co.uk 1, Tilton Court, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 53

Recruitment

Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 2–18 years (and boys to the age of 7) in Bruton, Somerset

BOARDING HOUSE MATRON

We are looking for an experienced customer service representative to work full time (Mon - Fri) in our Customer Support team.

NURSERY/PRE-SCHOOL PRACTITIONER Full-time, all year round

You will need to demonstrate a proven track record in professional customer service, with experience in a busy corporate environment, and will have been trained in best practice customer service. Good communication skills are essential, especially being able to write well (clearly with good grammar and spelling). You will need to be comfortable speaking to customers on behalf of the Company. Working to processes and procedures is important, as is attention to detail and following issues through. We are a busy online plant and tree nursery, and although horticultural knowledge is not essential, some would be helpful. More important is the ability to learn, and to listen. We are a privately owned business close to Castle Cary (easily accessible) with car parking on site. You will be joining a friendly, highly experienced team, all committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. This is an exciting opportunity for the right person looking to advance their career in customer service. The package is competitive. Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@ashridgetrees.co.uk

Full Time – Accommodation provided

TEACHING ASSISTANT Full-time KS4 DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS Part-time, various hours DRIVER/PUPIL ESCORT Part-time Applications are invited for the above posts. The details of the posts and an application form can be downloaded from the Job Vacancies page at https://www.brutonschool.co.uk/our-community/join-us-vacancies Bruton School for Girls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. Bruton School for Girls is an educational charity and equal opportunities employer.

The New Blackmore Vale 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

RELIABLE PART TIME CARER needed morning and evening for my mother in Child Okeford. Tel 07980 294153

STALBRIDGE AND MARNHULL VETS requires someone bright and cheerful for the role of trainee receptionist, animal care assistant and cleaner. 4 days a week. Experience with dogs and cats (and humans) preferred. Further details at www.smvets.co.uk. Send letter and CV to info@smvets.co.uk Milking Assistants - Full and Part Time staff required, milking sheep weekdays and weekends 4am and 2pm daily, all shifts on a rota with full training provided. Looking for a new challenge then please send CV or covering letter to vanessa@orchidmeadow.com

Sturminster Newton High School are seeking to appoint:

Site Manager 37 hours PW (full time/permanent post) Closing date: 5th December 2021, interviews 9th December 2021 We are seeking to appoint a hard-working, enthusiastic and reliable Site Manager to join our staff. To be responsible for all aspects of site management including a wide range of duties and responsibilities connected with the fabric of the building and grounds of the school. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check in line with the Government’s safer recruitment guidelines. Sturminster Newton High School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. For further information please email Joanne Bruton office@mysnhs.net Applications via: the Dorset for you / Jobs or TES websites Please note that we cannot accept CV applications for any of the above positions

54 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 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

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

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk

CAR SALES

CAR OF THE WEEK 2016 (16) Ford Ranger 3.2TDCi Limited Double Cab 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 200bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, rear canopy, side steps, towbar, full leather, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control, touch screen, bluetooth, switchable 2 & 4 wheel drive with high & low ratios, hill start assist, hill descent control, auto activation lights & wipers, heated front screen, NO VAT to pay, 68,300 miles .................................£19500

2018 (68) Ford EcoSport 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, partial leather, park sensors, reverse camera, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, bluetooth, sign recognition, multi award winning engine, 28,100 miles .................................................................................£14850 2015 (15) Ford EcoSport 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium SUV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, leather seats, high seating, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, award winning engine, 53,900..................................................................£8350 2013 (13) Mini Hatch 1.6 Cooper Sport Chili 3dr. 122bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, air conditioning, alloys, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, bluetooth, 92,100 miles...£6250 2014 (64) Nissan Note 1.2 Acenta Premium 5dr. 80bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, decent size boot with sliding rear seat, touch screen, sat nav, 360 degree camera, bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, lane aid, blind spot assist, cruise control, £20 a year road tax, upto 60mpg economy, only 35,400 miles ....................£7350 2017 (17) Toyota Auris 1.6D-4D Design 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 65mpg, reverse camera, panoramic roof, auto lights wipers & auto main beam, sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, bluetooth, cruise control, pre-collision assist, 16,800 miles ...........................................................................................................£11450

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

2015 (15) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv SUV 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, large boot, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, bluetooth, 57,900 miles ..........................................................................£8450 2009 (09) Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXi 3dr. 79bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, ideal 1st car or low cost motoring, only 61,000 miles .............................................................£2850 2012 (61) Volkswagen Touareg 3.0TDi V6 Altitude Automatic 4x4 Station Wagon 5dr. 245bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic gearbox, big powerful 4x4, sat nav, touch screen, leather, heated seats, parking sensors & reverse camera, bluetooth, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, electric tailgate, 89,600 miles ........................................................£14650

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 2014 (14) Toyota Hi-Lux 3.0D-4D Invincible Double Cab Automatic 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 171bhp, 5 speed automatic gearbox, rear canopy, parking sensors, reverse camera, sat nat, touch screen, cruise control, bluetooth, switchable 2 & 4 wheel drive, high & low ratios, NO VAT to pay, 67,500 miles .........................................................................£18650 2015 (15) Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 1.6TDi Highline C20 LWB Van. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, full bulkhead, 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 buy cars for cash so if you have something to sell, give us a call, we pay good prices & consider most vehicles.

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 3, 2021 55

Queen is voted favourite car passenger By Steve Belasco

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

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Stephen Fry and The Queen have been named as the top dream car passengers in a poll by the AA Driving School, but half of drivers said they would choose a friend or family member over a celebrity. The survey of 14,400 AA members found 51% dreamed of taking a road-trip with a friend or family rather than a famous face. The results were split into two top-10 categories for famous men or women, as well as rankings for friends and family car passengers. Drivers were given the option to invite any two passengers for a road trip, including celebrities from the past or present as well as friends or relatives. In the rankings for family and friends, one in five voted

to have their wives next to them on a drive (20%), followed by 12% asking for their father and one in ten requesting their mother (10%). Daughters came fourth with 8% and husbands placed fifth in the table. National treasures Stephen Fry and Sir David Attenborough appeared top in the poll for famous men for the second year, while

The Queen topped the rankings for famous women, with actress Marilyn Monroe taking second place

●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

Over 30 years experience

Best prices paid please call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk

Ten Top Tips for Winter Driving 1. Keep your distance Your stopping distance on snow and ice increases signi昀cantly from what it usually is, what might usually be 2 seconds can increase to you needing to leave a 10+ second gap.

2. Drive in a higher gear in snow and ice Driving your car in a higher gear will help you to keep control. If it’s icy and you’re struggling to get started, try pulling away in second gear.

3. Know how to use your lights and heat systems

LOCAL FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS, CATERING FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS, SPECIALISTS IN 4X4s

The winter doesn’t only see us hit with cold weather; we also see the days getting much shorter which means you’ll be using your lights much more.

Full autologic diagnostics & coding TDV8 turbo changes & body-offs for Discovery 3 & 4s Defender galvanised chassis changes Auto electrical repairs

7. Recovering from a skid

Full re-build services & MOT work All welding & chassis repairs undertaken Advice always available from our friendly knowledgable staff

4. Check your tyres Your grip will be seriously reduced in the winter, so ensuring your tyres are in good condition is essential.

5. Take your time The last thing any driver wants to be is in a rush.

6. Black ice The two words that will strike fear into the hearts of many motorists – Black Ice! It’s invisible on the roads, but potentially deadly. If you do end up hitting some black ice, there are things you can do to recover from it. When you lose control of the car, keep both hands on the wheel and avoid braking. You should also try to steer into the skid – this should help get you straight and back on track.

8. Prepare for rain, wind and fog It’s not just snow and ice we have to deal with in the winter – heavy rain, wind and fog also make driving just as dif昀cult.

9. Keep your fuel topped up

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

Running out of fuel and breaking down in winter is much more hazardous than in the summer. Keep your tank topped up to at least halfway so you’re not left out in the cold if you run out.

10. Carry a breakdown kit Keeping the essentials in your car should it break down may not be a priority, but you’ll thank yourself for it if you do 昀nd yourself at the side of the road with a car that doesn’t work!

56 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Sport

Send your sports news to newsdesk@stourandavon.net

More than 400 compete in Wimborne 10 Bright, sunny weather and an autumnal breeze greeted the more than 400 runners in this year’s Wimborne 10 Road Race on Sunday, November 21. This was the 23rd running of this popular local race organised by Wimborne Athletic Club and while ice and rain have sometimes characterised the race, the biggest hazard this year might have been the wrong sort of leaves on the road. Race director Steve Wyatt mobilised a large contingent of club members to carry out the essential duties necessary for the safe and efficient

operation of the race. As a consequence, the prizes go elsewhere. Race regular Rob McTaggart of Bournemouth AC won

the Men’s race in 53.34. He was closely followed by Chris Peck of Egdon Heath Harriers in 53.47 and Ben Renshaw of the Bridport

Harriers team in 53.58. The first three in the Women’s race were similarly closely grouped. Unattached Molly Rasch was the race winner in 1hour 04.42 followed in close order by Diana Leggott of the Lonely Goat Running Club 1.04.57 and Jenny Lee Marshall of Purbeck Runners in 1.05.02. Members of the Wimborne Militia fired off the shot which stared the race. Committee members will determine how much they can donate to this year’s charity the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance.

Trek the coast with Diverse Abilities

THE LONG HAUL: Competitors in a previous challenge along the Jurassic Coast

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has launched a new fundraising challenge for spring 2022 alongside the team at Ultra Challenge, offering a range of treks along the Jurassic Coast. Taking in the views of the World Heritage coastline, the event offers seven different challenges for teams and individuals alike to enter. With a new starting point in Corfe Castle, the route heads down to Swanage, and along through Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door, with ups and downs to the Weymouth halfway point. For 100km challengers, it’s past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, and on to West Bay’s cliffs (of TV’s Broadchurch fame) – before a finish line

celebration in the vibrant Dorset town of Bridport. Challenges available on the weekend of May 14 and 15, 2022, include: Full continuous 100km at your pace through the day and night Full two-day ‘Daylight’ 100km, with an overnight pitstop in Weymouth First Half Challenge, 58km, from Corfe Castle to Weymouth Second Half Challenge, 42km, from Weymouth to Bridport Jurassic Marathon, 42km, from Corfe Castle to Lulworth Cove First Quarter Challenge, 25km, a loop to and from Swanage starting at Corfe Castle

Second Quarter Challenge, 34km, from Corfe Castle to Weymouth All routes provide the option to self-fund the trip, pay a small registration fee and fundraise for Diverse Abilities, or pay for half of your trip and choose a smaller fundraising target for the charity. Each participant receives free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massage along the way. Finishers receive a glass of fizz, a T-shirt, and a medal to commemorate the achievement. Karen Hay, events manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “The Jurassic Coast is such a gorgeous attraction to have on

Picture: STEVE BELASCO

our doorstep, and so many of us are guilty of not making the most of it, so what better excuse to get adventuring than by raising money for an organisation that is also on your doorstep and always needs your support? “Being part of the Ultra Challenge Series means that you get a whole raft of experts to help you out on the day and in the lead-up to the event. “You can walk or run any of the distances – it really is your challenge, your way.” Registration fees vary and start from £10, depending on the route and distance chosen, and how much fundraising participants would like to carry out. Visit https://diverseabilities. org.uk/jurassic for details.

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 57

Sport

Send your sports news to newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Nick Douch from sponsor The Dorset Funeral Plan presents John Ridout from Wimborne with the groundsman of the year award he received on behalf of Colin Randall. Wimborne also won the Jack Douch Memorial Trophy for cricket in the community and the Under 18 performance of the season went to Lewis Freak for his knock of 203no against Cattistock and Symene.

The awards were presented at The Leaze, home of Wimborne and Colehill

Cricket Club where the Dorset Cricket League presentations were held.

DON’T TELL HIM PIKE: Mike Slater with his six-pounder landed on fly tackle

Youth features in athletics awards Fish galore

by Peter Impett Despite a difficult season Wimborne Athletic Club members, family and friends packed the Wimborne Football Club lounge for the annual Presentation Evening. Club chairman Jason Hall outlined some of the difficulties experienced in the year but was full of praise for coaches old and new and the time given by officials and helpers. Jason emphasised that there was a need for more volunteers to come forward to help with coaching, officiating and team management. The season’s results and performances had been very good considering some difficult operating conditions. International performances, second place in the South West League East division and second place in the Under 11 Quadkids competition of the Wessex Young Athletes League were among the highlights. Nine club members qualified for the prestigious English Schools championships held in Manchester in July. Top award as Coach of the Year went to Lorraine Winton who took five athletes to the English Schools for long and triple jump.

though not on the bank

SUCCESSFUL: Wimborne Athletics’ Quadkids squad

Richard Cassidy received the Les Phillips Award for his all-round contribution to club life and Anita Hayward won the Robin Blackburn Trophy for her support in a wide range of roles. Athletes of course take most of the awards. Lauren Hill won the Jonathan Edwards Triple jump trophy and Harry Woods the Carol Hollins Long Jump Trophy. Jack Williams retained the high jump trophy and Rannon Dewi won the pole vault award. Harry Bunting and Freya Blundell won the male and female sprints titles and Jay Dunn and Isla O’Connor the awards for middle distance running. Lola Sainsbury and Harry Jones won the throws awards

with Ella Jeffery securing the Hurdles title. Outstanding performance awards went to Emily Shaw and Piers Copeland competing in national and international competitions. There were also awards for some just starting out in athletics. Florence Van Der Feltz and Elliott Trickey won the awards for the best Quadkids athletes, though they were hotly challenged by Ava-Elliott Smith and Lucas Joliffe. The Quadkids won the Hill Ford Trophy for the best team performance. Charlie Cleal and Lucy Lucas were adjudged the Newcomers of the Year and Rory Connolly received the Clare Bailey Trophy for effort and commitment.

by Gordon Wray It was hard to believe that we were in the month of November when the Fly Fishers set off for Avon Springs for their November fixture. This attractive fishery is next door to Stonehenge in Wiltshire and although the calendar said November, the weather was near perfect for a great day’s fishing. Avon Springs has two lakes and both were alive with good-size trout. These fish were however, not easy to catch. Many anglers found it hard going to catch a four fish bag. However, Avon Springs gave two anglers an unexpected surprise, pike, two of them. Mike Slater hooked into a six-pounder which was a real challenge to land on lighter tackle. The day was won by Gareth Evans with a 12lb 13oz bag which included two rainbows weighing in at four and a half pounds each. Successful patterns included GRHE ands small buzzers. Nice one Gareth... but Mike takes the photo honours with his six pounder.

58 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Local Services PLUMBING & HEATING

NE PLUMBING For all your plumbing needs 17 South Rd, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3HY

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

sales@roo昀nggear.co.uk

dorchester@roo昀nggear.co.uk

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

07710 534759 Of昀ce

01202 603357

heating and plumbing services

01202 612179

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

www.stswithun.com enquiry@stswithun.com

Tel: 01747 832386

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 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

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 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

• 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

STAIRS NEW OR REFURBISHED. BESPOKE JOINERY, DOORS AND WINDOWS 01202 825 555 21 Black Moor Rd, Ebblake Ind Est, Verwood BH31 6AX

www.briggs-products.co.uk

ELECTRICAL

COLEHILL PRICE GUIDE: £935,000 An impressive four bedroom detached bungalow • Set in half an acre of woodland • 2,414 sq ft of spacious accommodation • With countryside views • Landscaped south facing garden

STURMINSTER MARSHALL PRICE: OIEO £485,000 Four bedroom detached family home • Cul de sac location • Spacious and well presented • Living room with open ﬁreplace • Off road parking and garage

COWGROVE PRICE: £475,000 Three bedroom semi detached home • RARELY AVAILABLE • In need of some modernisation • Idyllic rural hamlet • Easy access to Wimborne

WIMBORNE TOWN CENTRE £450,000 Luxury second ﬂoor two bedroom apartment • New riverside development • For independent people over 60 • Exceptional ﬁnish throughout • Short level walk to Waitrose and town Square

COLEHILL PRICE GUIDE: £450,000 Three bedroom detached bungalow • Desirable residential location • Spacious sitting room with archway to dining room • En suite to bedroom • Off road parking and garage

WIMBORNE PRICE: £350,000 Two double bedroom semi detached house • Close to town centre • Modern kitchen • Good size sitting/dining room • Shared driveway and garage

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

GOLF LINKS ROAD GUIDE PRICE £650,000 Versatile three storey property • Superbly positioned • Four bedrooms • Two shower rooms, one bathroom • Private garden • Enjoying views of Ferndown’s Golf Course

FERNDOWN GUIDE PRICE £600,000 This extremely spacious and versatile home • Five bedrooms & two bathrooms • Adjoining 1 bed self-contained annexe • 65ft Westerly facing rear garden • Double garage • Convenient location

FERNDOWN GUIDE PRICE £500,000 Superbly positioned bungalow • Three bedrooms • Conservatory • Over a 100ft private garden • Detached double garage • Approx. 800 metres from town centre

BOURNEMOUTH OIEO £475,000 A deceptively spacious bungalow • Three bedrooms & two shower rooms • 28ft L-shaped kitchen/dining room • 16ft Conservatory • 15ft Dual aspect lounge • 75ft Westerly aspect garden & gge

BOURNEMOUTH £425,000 Immaculately presented detached house • Situated on a secluded corner plot • Three bedrooms • Garden room • Converted loft space • Landscaped rear garden

WEST PARLEY £410,000 Good sized link-detached family home • Three bedroom • Garden room • Easterly facing private garden • Parking and garage • Close to local amenities

WEST MOORS GUIDE PRICE £395,000 Well presented link detached bungalow • Two double bedrooms • One shower room • Conservatory with heating • 60ft West facing rear garden & garage • Offered with no onward chain

FERNDOWN £310,000 Modernised semi-detached home • Immaculately presented • Two double bedrooms • Landscaped, enclosed garden • Situated in a pleasant cul-de-sac • Offered with no onward

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

62 New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021

Property

Memb No: A101 REMOV ALS & STORAGE

We are a family run business since 1973, providing a service locally, nationally and internationally including a European service for full and part loads.

Local and National Removals Container Storage Packing Service All Full Time Operatives Personal Service Covid advance planning for your removal to keep you secure plus remote survey option

Country House Moves

European Removal

Containerised Storage

Standard House Moves

Small Moves

” all sm too or big too job no ard nd sta t hes hig the at ng ovi “M Branches throughout the UK Broadstone 01202 604177

Bournemouth 01202 762931

Salisbury 01722 322616

Blandford 01258 453898

Shaftesbury 01747 828680

Head Office: 01963 34065 email: enquiries@armishaws.com www.armishaws.com

New Stour & Avon, December 3, 2021 63

Property

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

CONSERVATION AND REPAIR OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

• Plastering and Brickworks • Façade Cleaning and Paint Removal - Thermatech • Oak Framing • Rooﬁng including Thatching and Stone Roof Tiling • Sash Refurbishment and Joinery Workshop • Stone and Wood Flooring • Decorating and Interior Finishing • Kitchen, Bathroom and Bespoke Fittings

Tel: 01747 832386 enquiry@stswithun.com www.stswithun.com

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