Letters

Gardens Day was blooming wonderful

Sunday, September 5, saw Wimborne in Bloom once again able to hold its annual Open Gardens Day, which had not been possible in 2020 and further delayed from the usual date in June. Yet again an excellent example of what is great about Wimborne – so many people really enjoying themselves walking around the 15 gardens opened by their proud owners, giving up their time readily answering the many questions asked, in ideal weather conditions. Despite many other attractions in the area the support for this event was magnificent, with more than 600 people travelling from garden to garden and spending money – every penny of which will be used by Wimborne in Bloom to provide the town’s floral displays. To say ‘thank you’ almost seems inadequate to recognise the work put in by all involved – especially those who spent so many hours ensuring their gardens were at their best even later in the season. The efforts of everyone resulted in more than £4,200 being raised – thank you so much. Wimborne in Bloom would also like to thank our generous sponsor of printing and other costs, Christopher Batten, Estate Agents. With many thanks, Richard Nunn, Chairman Wimborne in Bloom

Our ode to the Queen Elizabeth leisure centre

Dear benighted DCC How on earth can it possibly be That in this 21st century You’re considering closing our dear QE?

Wimborne is growing every day New houses sprouting for those who can pay Where can residents hope to meet and play At the end of or during a working day?

Past months have brought a tremendous strain Mental health has struggled, often in vain, Exercise helps to re-calibrate the brain Social contact is vital to alleviate pain.

Leigh Road is receiving a great deal of cash For the benefit of cyclists –can’t some of that stash Be diverted for those who sweat or splash In a splendid facility – not one to trash?

So, dear beleaguered DCC Give ear and eye to our heartfelt plea And somehow recalculate your £sd To save our vital, beloved QE. Penny Baxter Wimborne

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

Thanks for story

Thank you for publishing the article about Colehill Methodist Church struggling to find money for a new boiler. It was widely read and very helpful and work is now going ahead to install the new boiler. Paul Allen Colehill See story, page five

Brilliant article

Many thanks for the brilliant article on our group Crocks Alive (just). Could I please share our contact number and website address with your readers? To get in touch with us, please call 07917 400933 or visit crocksalive.com Ian Catley Crocks Alive (just)

Trust’s £35,000 grant keeps town clinic going

A grant of £35,000, awarded by Talbot Village Trust, has enabled Lewis-Manning Hospice Care to keep its essential mobile clinic services going. The funding has paid for a weekly clinic in Wimborne that focuses on hospice care, family support and bereavement services for three months and also met some of the costs for a mobile lymphoedema clinic for cancer patients in Bournemouth. Nick Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury and chair of Talbot Village Trust, right, said: “The work LewisManning do for the patients and families under its care is phenomenal, and has become an essential asset to the community over the years.”

New Stour & Avon, September 24, 2021 9 Grandfather of the bride takes 300-mile taxi ride!

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@blackmorevale.net A 93-year-old Ferndown grandfather took a 300-mile taxi trip to attend his granddaughter’s wedding. Frank Campbell made the journey from Colten Care’s Fernhill home to the Bedfordshire village of Felmersham and back, accompanied by Companionship Team member, Ann Marie Knight. Frank’s family wanted him to be there in person when Jessica got married but knew the distance, coupled with his age and health, would make it a challenge. However, Ann Marie offered to escort him to make the family’s dream come true. She said: “I came forward as I knew I would love to do this for Frank and he would be so pleased to attend such a precious family occasion”. A taxi collected Frank and Ann Marie at 8.30am on the day. The road trip took two-and-ahalf hours, arriving in good time for the ceremony at Felmersham’s St Mary’s Church. “When we got to the church, we found we were seated right at the front,” said Ann Marie. “Frank’s comment was ‘how lovely’ and when he saw Jessica, he said how beautiful she looked. She beamed him a big smile when she was at the top of the aisle.” Frank and Jessica were able to enjoy some time together between the ceremony and the start of the reception, at the 17th century Bedfordshire manor house, Tofte Manor. Ann Marie said: “They had a hug and a brief kiss on the cheek as the guests were gathering in the garden. It was such a beautiful moment and Frank looked so smart in his suit. Then all his family gathered round to see him and his children said it made their day to have Frank there, a really special ingredient of the wedding.” Frank and Ann Marie made the long return journey to Fernhill in the same taxi, arriving back at 10pm.

JOURNEY: Frank Campbell with granddaughter Jessica, groom Sheleendra Fernando and Colten Care’s Ann Marie Knight

Warning over car park thefts

Police are warning drivers who use the White Mill car park at the Kingston Lacy estate and others about thefts from vehicles. A Dorset Police spokesman said: “The MO of the offenders is to sit in their vehicle and watch walkers hide their valuables under seats and in the boot so people should take their valuables with them.” Annual meeting

Fordingbridge and District Community Association is holding its annual meeting on Monday, September 27. The group wants people to come along and share ideas about things they’d like to see at the Avonway Community Centre. The meeting starts at 7pm and there are more details on its Facebook page.

A police crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Ferndown has resulted in eight vehicles being issued with Traffic Offence Orders. Offences included speeding, careless driving and driving without insurance. Dorset Police said: “Several groups were spoken to and words of advice given about appropriate driving.”

Orders issued

Night sky events with Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex

Astronomical Society In early October, the nights are getting longer and noticeably cooler. Dress warmly, wait for a clear night and go outside for an encounter with Jupiter, currently dominating the night sky and due south around 10pm. It is rightly named the King of the Planets for its brightness and enormous size. Only Venus can outshine Jupiter (love conquers all!) and 1,300 Earths would fit telescope he noticed what he called ‘faint stars’ lined up on either side of the planet, and further observations confirmed that they travelled with Jupiter and also were going round it. These Galilean moons can be seen though steadied binoculars or any telescope. On October 2, through binoculars, they will all be strung out to the left of Jupiter, and on the fifth to its right. An astronomical telescope inverts the view. Clear skies!