Letters

Large payments are no substitute for affordable housing

In an article about the planning application for Wimborne Market in Edition 13 of the New Stour & Avon, it was stated that ‘affordable housing provision is not required...’ because this development is for people in need of care. The application was originally refused on failure of this provision, and also because of the impact on the integrity of the Dorset Heathlands. There are masses of luxury retirement properties and care homes on the market for well-off retired people. We have very little affordable housing to buy or rent for young and older people on low incomes, in insecure part-time jobs (sometimes more than one job trying to make ends meet). Then there are those living with parents still trying to scrape together a deposit which grows faster than their wages as well as those on Universal Credit and a 20hours job. Many wages in Dorset are very low and house prices are very high. There is a massive shortage of affordable housing, because no one wants to build it, and planning laws –which allow the applicant to pay instead of to provide it –fall down when large developers with their enormous profits go to appeal and the affordable housing provision is waived and they get planning permission. I believe it costs the council (us) money whenever things go to appeal. Lesley Eve (Mrs) Verwood

Development should address council’s list

I have just read the new magazine and am finding it very informative. I read the small piece regarding the development of the EDCC offices at Furzehill Wimborne. As the Government has awarded £2.31million does this mean that the whole project when completed will consist of dwellings for people on the council list? There are many, many people waiting for housing, and who can only hope that this development will be for dwellings to rent. It is a beautiful location with lovely views, and I can only hope that the project will not be for private residential homes. I am quite concerned about this. And whilst on the subject of housing, why has the Old Police Station in Wimborne not been used for housing, ie small flats, etc. It has been standing empty for quite a long time and it’s a crying shame that it is standing empty knowing that there is an ongoing housing crisis. Mrs C A Shepherd West Moors

OFF THE WALL...

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

City status a big mistake

I live in Merley, north of Poole. Bournemouth is a seaside TOWN as is Poole. To grant Bournemouth city status is misguided and a big mistake. I do not venture there now as the centre is unattractive for shoppers, it is not vibrant! It would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding areas. I did not agree with the formation of the BCP as I felt this was detrimental to Poole and Christchurch. As a council tax payer I feel my voice and opinion are ignored. Dorchester is the county town! CW Merley

Terrifictiffin!

I thoroughly enjoyed the story by Martha Legg about the tiffin. My mum worked on Quinneys for a number of years and we still make tiffin today. Everyone loved it. My favourite was the beautiful fresh cream meringues, and my mum loved the cream slices which you had to eat with a knife and fork. Thank you for bringing the memories back to me. Elaine Smith via Facebook

Fair Ground

Wimborne’s Fair Trade Shop

Beautiful gifts from around the world Food, chocolate, coffee & household supplies Toiletries, soft furnishings & bags T-shirts, baby & children’s clothes, scarves & socks Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm 1 Cornmarket Court, Wimborne fairground21@gmail.com www.wimbornefairtradeshop.co.uk shopappy.com/wimborne/fair-ground 01202 849898

AllAll aboardaboard toto helphelp atat stationstation

Users of the North Dorset Trailway may have passed the remains of Spetisbury station and appreciated the landscaping that has been done there, and maybe paused a while on one of the benches or picnic tables to enjoy the views over the Stour Valley. All of this work has been accomplished since 2012 by the Spetisbury Station Project Group, which is a Community Interest Company working under licence from Dorset Council to preserve and enhance the former station. The volunteers have excavated the remains of the station buildings and signal box, cleared decades-worth of vegetation and created a pleasant green, wildlifefriendly space whilst keeping its station heritage alive with replica railway items. The aim is to provide a small café on one of the platforms which will serve as both a community hub and a refreshment stop. Unfortunately, a reduction in volunteers recently has meant that the small team has struggled to maintain the site to its usual high standard, and it will not be able to continue work parties without more volunteers. Without regular work parties the station will soon revert to the overgrown, untidy state in which it was found. The group is looking for people willing to give up a few hours every second Sunday to help with grass and hedge cutting and tending the flower borders, also anyone able to maintain the timber platform furniture. And they would welcome anyone able to take on the secretary, treasurer or membership roles and compile the annual accounts. None of the team actually live in the village so they would be delighted to see locals come forward. The group says that locals and visitors really appreciate the facilities and school children like writing letters to Santa using the post box that magically appears at the station every Christmas! The group is looking forward to celebrating its tenth anniversary next year, if extra help is forthcoming. If you are interested, visit spetisburystationproject.co. uk or contact project manager Dean Cockwell at deancockwell@ntlworld. com.

Charities fair

The Wimborne in Bloom Charities Fair takes place in the Allendale Centre next Saturday, November 13, from 10.00am3.00pm. Thirty Charities and organisations have tables and it could be the ideal opportunity to buy items for Christmas. Entrance is free courtesy of Wimborne in Bloom.

Eating disorders unit

Construction work has started on a new inpatient eating disorders unit in Dorset. Dorset HealthCare is increasing its capacity to support local people through the £8m development at St Ann’s Hospital in Sandbanks, which is due to be completed in 2023. Currently, six inpatients can be cared for, but the new twostorey building will be able to accommodate 10 – reducing the need for out-of-county treatments. In addition, the new unit will be able to offer day care and support earlier discharge to community care.

n The Short Breaks cake team Bake sale by Breaks team

Diverse Abilities’ Short Breaks team hosted a bake sale to help raise funds for the disability charity and to spend more time with the families they have supported throughout the Pandemic. The team raised £45 through the sale of cakes, biscuits, and refreshments. Clare Rochford, Short Breaks manager, commented: “It was wonderful to see so many people throughout the day. “The money raised will help to provide activities, days out, and equipment.” The Short Breaks team supports families through a number of services: Coping with CHAOS – for Send children and their families to enjoy play sessions and activities together on weekends and school holidays Project – activities for Send children aged over seven on weekends and school holidays Awesome Nights – a youth club for Send teenagers STARs – support and activity for siblings of Send children. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ children to find out more about the services available and how to refer. The Short Breaks Service is based at West Moors but hosts activities and days out throughout the county. Village high mass

The monthly High Mass at Wimborne St Giles is now being offered again on each first Sunday at 10am, the next one being this Sunday, November 7. The musical setting is by John Merebecke (C16th English).

Care home folk throw a pearl of a party

By Lorraine Gibson

newsdesk@stourandavon.net A Dorset care home celebrated in irridescent style with a pearl theme to mark its 30th anniversary. Residents and staff at Whitecliffe House, Blandford, planted a rose pearl bush and staged a party with pearlinspired table decorations and gifts. As well as sampling a home-baked anniversary cake decorated with sugar pearl balls, they also tucked into a high tea and were entertained by the residents’ choir. The singers were conducted by Colten Care’s music and arts partner, Fiona Pritchard and accompanied on the piano by fellow musician Caroline Pugh. Executive chairman Ian Hudson and operations manager for Whitecliffe House, Peter Doyle, joined in the festivities and helped resident Lois Ramsden plant the rose. Colleague and waitress, Amy James, summarised how staff feel about the home, saying: “I really enjoy coming in to work and seeing the residents. “I hope that I am making their day a little brighter.” The home’s manager Chris Lee said: “The anniversary theme was so appropriate. “Whitecliffe is truly a pearl of a care home.” Resident and retired physiotherapist Coralie Jackson attended the official opening of Whitecliffe House as a visitor back in 1991. Thirty years on, Coralie said: “The care I receive is very good. The staff are very nice and will always go above and beyond.” Other party guests were three members of staff with 52 years’ service between them; Cheryl Jay, Bernadette Stayner and Pat Johnson were all presented with bouquets of flowers in recognition of their long service.

Don your thinking caps for new quiz team

Q: What’s the best way to make new friends locally? A: Join a local quiz club Are you a bit of a know-itall? If you fancy putting your knowledge to good use, then Rosemary Harrison from Christchurch would like to hear from you. Rosemary, who is a member of Facebook’s Christchurch, Highcliffe and Mudeford Community group, is looking for people who would be interested in setting up a new quiz team. She says: “I do love a good quiz and wondered if there were any ‘mature’ ladies and gents who would be interested in starting up a quiz team with me and going along to local quizzes? “I would love to meet new people and get this started.” If that sounds like you, then here’s a question – what are you waiting for? Get in touch with Rosemary at: Rosharrison46@ yahoo.co.uk