Client, chap largely that’s trained to do with applied science (9)

Tree recycling raises £10k RECYCLED: Christmas tree being shredded

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s annual Christmas tree collection service raised more than £10,000 and gathered up in excess of 700 trees. That equates to seven tonnes of recycling, making it a double success for great causes. The popular initiative, now in its fourth year, has generated huge environmental benefits and through its recycling partner, Eco Sustainable Solutions, the trees were shredded and placed in to windrows which, when composted, will produce tonnes of products, including an eco soil improver. Area Fundraiser Ruth Wright said: “The amount raised will enable the hospice to pay for over 100 hours of care. “We wish to thank all of the people behind the initiative.”

Funeral group’s £7,000 for air ambulance

A Dorset funeral group has raised almost £7,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). Douch Family Funeral Directors presented a cheque to the charity that needs to raise £5million a year. Despite the restrictions due to Covid, staff at the group managed to find ways to fundraise for its charity of 2021. There were raffles, car washing, and some walked the length of a marathon or half marathon, raising funds through sponsorship. The group also held a quiz night and encouraged schoolchildren to carry out

FLYING HIGH: From left, Nick Douch, Lauren Dyson from DSAA, Peter Douch and Jonathan Stretch

challenges. Managing director Nick Douch said: “It was a real family affair. Our staff, including some of their friends family and children, have done a remarkable job raising this amount. “We run a number of friendship and community groups and they also got involved by making items that we sold. It was not hard to motivate ourselves to get involved because we all know what a wonderful service this charity provides. “We’d encourage other businesses thinking of supporting a charity to consider the Air Ambulance.” Company chairman Peter Douch also volunteers during the Coast-to-Coast Cycle Challenge that the DSAA runs each year. Emma Jones, DSAA fundraising manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this incredible donation. “Partnerships like this are essential to us and we know how much effort it takes to raise such an amount. Thank you so much to everyone involved.” Wimborne Railway Society is on the lookout for a new home. Chairman Peter Watson writes... Wimborne Railway Society was formed in 1975 and has since enjoyed almost half a century of travel, talks and friendship for hundreds of members. It currently has about 80 members and meets in the United Reformed Church in Wimborne twice a week – but that may not continue for much longer. The building has now been closed for worship and a planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council which could see the society homeless just before its Golden Jubilee. We have a membership that includes women and young adults, some of whom have learning difficulties, as well as many men, who all who find friendship and much-needed social contact while enjoying their broad, transport related, interests. We also organize the biennial Wimrail exhibition at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne which provides enormous pleasure for well over a thousand visitors and is scheduled

ALL ABOARD: A group of members on a trip to a preserved railway

to take place, after a covid-enforced break, in 2023. Unless we can find a suitable alternative home, with space for storage of railway layouts, then those buffers are getting closer. We need about 1,000 square feet with good level access and ideally close to our Wimborne roots – though any suitable premises or venue would be considered. If you think you can help in our search, please contact the society on 01202 874652 or through our website – wimrail.org.uk. Planners have rejected proposals for a marquee to be erected behind the HIT Fitness Boxing Club where it was hoped to provide an additional area for classes and accommodate another ring. Case officer Kevin Riley said the large marquee, for which permission was sought for only two years so that its impact could be assessed, was to be set forward of the building line in Parkwood Road at the junction with Legg Lane, and close to the boundary with the street and a neighbouring property. It would be contrary to the pattern of development, architectural style and residential character of the street, in a very prominent position on a corner plot, and appear very out of place. It would also lead to a significant level of noise and disturbance very close to the property’s side windows. Wimborne Town Council said it was aware of the scarcity of facilities encouraging general health and wellbeing for young people in the town, and did not want to discourage this type of activity. But members were concerned it was not in keeping with the street scene and its residential nature, and at the extra traffic. The application was refused under officers’ delegated powers.

Bespoke kitchens, created to be the centre of your home

COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE POINT TO POINT

Sunday 20th February 2022 Badbury Rings, DT11 9JL

A DAY OF OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN

Horse Racing Shopping Village 10.00am – Gates Open 10.30am – Family Dog Racing 12.00pm – First Race

OF WESSEX

FITTED KITCHENS & BATHROOMS CALL 01258 480621

FOR A FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION Visit our showroom at 10 Glenmore Business Park Blandford DT11 7FP www.kingshotts.net