The New Stour & Avon - Issue 94

What’s inside this issue...

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Cover: White Mill bridge, Sturminster Marshall

Desperately seeking Santas!

A Wimborne group is desperately seeking Santas for their annual festive charity fundraiser.

Wimborne Rotary will host the annual Santa Stour River Fun Run on Sunday, December 15, raising funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice and other Rotarybacked charities.

Entrants in the run, which gets under way from 10am at Wimborne Town Football Club, in Ainsley Road, can choose from either a 2.5 or 5 kilometre course,

with a route running in part alongside the River Stour. Entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s, and participants can pre-register with organisers saying only limited places will be on offer on the day.

Organiser Neil Hutchinson, said: “Once again we will welcome all runners to this fun charity event.

“We have secured a local sponsor for the run but are still looking for any other local businesses which would like to

become involved through sponsorship or by helping on the day.”

Participants can choose to receive a free Santa suit, or a festive hat, while a free mince pie and drink will be available at the finish. Whether entering as an individual, a family, or as a team, runners are also encouraged to fundraise for their own favourite charities by seeking their own sponsorship.

Find out more and register at wimbornerotary.org/giving.

Return of popular community fayre

Ferndown Community Support’s popular Christmas Fayre returns at Ferndown Day Centre, on Saturday, November 30, from 12pm5pm and, for the first time, is combined with the Christmas Lights switch-on event organised by Ferndown Rotary.

There will be Storytime with Elves, craft stalls, homemade cakes, savoury treats and drinks, amazing raffle, tombolas and games, Miss Honey’s Guinea Pig Rescue’s guinea pigs, and a children’s Christmas craft activity room, plus all that is to be enjoyed outside organised by the Rotary. The free-entry fun event will raise money for the ‘Mission Santa Sacks 2024’. This will be the fifth year of delivering sacks to children in the local area who would likely not get a visit from Santa this year.

Visit ferndowncommunity support.org.uk for more info.

Stage school’s £1500 donation

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation has been presented with £1,500 from Centre Stage School of Dance and Performing Arts.

Principal, Zoë Mather recently presented the Foundation with the cash, which was raised by all the boys and girls and their friends and families who raised funds with ‘bring a friend’ classes, ‘dress up days’, show tickets and programme sales. Centre Stage provides opportunities for their performing arts students who have in turn given back to the local community with the opportunities that their fundraising will offer local young people.

Pete Thornton of the foundation said: “We can’t thank Zoë and Centre Stage enough for this generous donation.

“It will make a huge difference to young people in our

Stock up on some fundraising presents

The M S Centre Hallowe’en Quiz helped raise £825 which will go towards running the centre, helping people with the debilitating disease of multiple sclerosis. They are holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 23, from 11.00am to 2.30pm at the centre, in Church Lane, West

Parley, where there will be plenty of stalls including cakes, clothes, crafts, jewellery, preserves, toys and many more. Go along and buy some excellent bargains just in time for Christmas. For further information phone 01202 570300 or visit mscentre-Dorset.org.uk.

Outlook is definitely Green!

Fordingbridge’s award-winning community shop, the Green Gram is celebrating its first year at its new High Street location and says the move has led to an increased turnover of 40%, greater awareness of the shop and new customers visiting every week. Manager Jo Anderson said: “Our move was definitely the right move for us!

“We have increased from four volunteers a day to up to eight on busy days and we’ve increased the number of volunteers overall to 50.”

The expanded space has enabled

products and new toiletries and household items.

The organisation has expanded its outreach programme, is working with local groups including the Boys’ Brigade, Scouts and Guides, and has run two holiday activities funded by

Fordingbridge Rotary Club. Since opening in May 2022, the Green Gram has been offering refills of foods, cleaning products and toiletries. Its customers have prevented more than 1,500kg of plastic waste, equivalent to nearly 66,000 containers.

Celebrate Christmas in

Style at Bryanston

Looking for a stunning venue to host your Christmas party this year?

Look no further than Bryanston School!

Set in beautiful Dorset countryside just outside Blandford Forum, our unique and elegant Grade I listed venue offers the perfect backdrop for a magical festive celebration. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a gathering with friends, or a special family get-together, Bryanston has everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

We can accommodate parties of all sizes, and our dedicated events team will work closely with you to bring your festive vision to life. Enjoy delicious seasonal menus crafted by our talented chefs, featuring the finest locally sourced ingredients, a well-stocked bar, and a DJ and dancing in the historic surroundings of Bryanston House.

With stunning decorations and atmospheric lighting, our Christmas parties are designed to make your celebrations truly special.

Choose Bryanston for a stress-free, Christmas party night to remember!

For more information and to secure your date, visit bryanston.co.uk/ christmas-parties or contact our events team on tickets@bryanston.co.uk or 01258 484677 (office hours).

Stitchers supporting vulnerable youngsters

The Wimborne Stitchers recently held a charity day where members came together to machine-sew therapy aids known as ‘Mojos.’

These special items are designed to support vulnerable youngsters, including those who have experienced abuse, bereavement, mental health issues and autism.

Rosemary Smith, the group’s programme secretary, highlighted the importance of the project.

She said: “It’s our chance to use our sewing skills to support some very vulnerable young people.

“The Mojos we’re making will enable specially-trained therapists to work with them more effectively.”

Doff Davies, chairman of the Stitchers, was delighted to collect more than 20 Mojos to be sent to York, where the charity Knit-for-Nowt - which distributes the aids to therapists across the country - is based. The Wimborne Stitchers meet monthly (except in August and December) at the Three Legged Cross Village Hall, from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

Each meeting features a workshop led by expert crafters, giving members the opportunity to learn new techniques. Past workshops have included Gelli printing and reverse appliqué.

Although affiliated with the Quilters Guild, the group is not a quilting group.

Their focus is on a wide range of textile related crafts and sewing projects, with an emphasis on community support.

Subject to numbers, new members are always welcome to join.

If you are interested in joining, or for more information, contact Doff Davies by email on wimbornestitchers1@gmail. com.

Hat-trick of awards for electronics store

Wimborne’s longest-running independent home electronics store, Dacombes, has been recognised not once but three times in the prestigious ERT industry awards.

The annual awards celebrate the best from across the UK’s

electrical retail sector. The family-run business, with a history of more than 100 years in the town, won Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer, a new award for retailers who must demonstrate initiative and proven positive adaptation to be more

Adjustable

Bathroom

Continence

In-store

sustainable and energy efficient. Dacombes was applauded for its transfer to solar energy to help power its hundreds of domestic appliances, televisions and stateof-the-art home cinemas in its large Dorset showroom. Working with Low Carbon Dorset, Dacombes impressed the judges with significant strides in reducing their environmental impact and boosting energy efficiency.

and a Tesla battery. It uses a heat pump for all heating, cooling and energy-efficient lighting and equipment.

Managing director Matt Renaut said: “To be recognised for our sustainable ethos means a great deal and I hope other businesses in our industry will follow our lead.”

The installation of 99 solar panels on its showroom roof in Leigh Road means that during working hours, the business is selfsufficient in energy. It has also invested in two EV van chargers

He added: “The night just kept getting better when we scooped the coveted Turning Point Award and a Highly Commended in the Best Small Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer category.”

The picture shows Matt collecting one of the awards.

Concerts benefit charities

Verwood Choral Society’s Christmas concert will raise funds for two local children’s charities.

The first is My Time Young Carers which is a Dorsetbased charity which helps young people while caring for their loved ones.

The second charity is the Children’s Society, which provides support for children and young adults facing abuse, exploitation or neglect. They also provide support for young carers and have a programme of events to address different areas of need.

The Society believes that

every child deserves a happy childhood. At our concert we will be singing a selection of Carols and Christmas songs and it will take place at the Methodist Church, Verwood on Saturday, November 30, at 7.00pm.

Tickets are available from any choir member or at the door on the night at a cost of £7 which will include refreshments and there will also be a raffle, with some wonderful prizes. We look forward to seeing you.

Kim Vine Verwood

Get into our Christmas spirit

We are presenting our afternoon concert of Christmas music, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, on Saturday, December 7, 2.30pm, at Verwood Methodist Church.

Tickets are £6 at the door, to include refreshments. All are welcome to come along and get into the festive spirit!

Linda Pearson Verwood

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Special Santa events in town

Wimborne Community Garden is organising two fundraising events this year. Firstly, a ‘Forgetful Santa’ which entails a hunt around the town looking in shop windows for items that Santa forgot when he was out shopping.

Entry forms cost £1 each and are available from Optique 2000, the Museum of East Dorset and the library. Promotion tables will be outside Waitrose and the Co-Op tomorrow, Saturday, November 16. Two prizewinners, picked at random, will receive a book token each and these will be presented by Santa himself at the prizewinners’ homes on December 21.

Secondly, be prepared to wrap up warm and visit Santa in his woodland grotto and see the lighted walkway at the Community Garden which is opposite Beaucroft College in School Lane, Wimborne.

Parents can enjoy a hot drink and mince pie while Santa greets the children, tells them a story and hands them a gift.

Dates are Friday, December 6, 13 and 20 and Wednesday, December 18. Times are 3.45pm, 4.30pm and 5.15pm.

For tickets, at £10 per child, please telephone 07851 402207 evenings.

Anthony Oliver Wimborne

Members have been busy

Busy Bees Gardening Club held its annual Produce Competition in October. The prizewinners in each class were as follows: JamValentina Bladen; Curd - Angie Oswell; Chutney - Edwina Ballard; Shortbread - Paulette Martin; Cheese Scones - Paulette Martin; Sweet Scones - Angie Oswell; Victoria Sponge - Valentina Bladen; Lemon Drizzle cake - Marion Martin; Vase of Garden Flowers - Angie Oswell; Pot PlantValentina Bladen. The Flower of the Month contest was won by a white gladioli exhibited by Marion Martin, second was a yellow dahlia from Ada Trimmer, and third a pink dahlia from Tommy Whelan.

Angie Oswell is pictured presenting Marion Martin with the trophy for winner of Flower of the Month. On December 12 it is the

club’s AGM and fish and chips supper.

The Busy Bees meet on the second Thursday of each month at Canford Heath Library, starting at 7pm. New faces are welcome and your first visit is free. For further information please contact Angie on 07434721811.

Marion Martin Canford Heath

Friday 3rd January

Charity parade is back for Christmas

The Save The Children Christmas parade will go ahead again this year.

The parade is a significant part of Wimborne tradition and was started by the late Marjory Ryan during her time as town mayor, 35 years ago.

The first parade started from Sturton & Tappers furniture store with just four entries. Recent parades have comprised up to 50 entries.

This year it will start at 2.00pm from Eaton’s car park in Brook Road and will proceed into the town via Leigh Road and Rodways Corner as it has done in the past.

The organisers are grateful to Eaton’s for accommodating the start of the parade.

It will then enter the town via Park Lane, East Street, King Street and West Street and into the Town Square at around 3.00pm.

It will proceed along the High Street and back on to King Street where the floats will disembark.

As usual, Father Christmas will stop at the Museum of East Dorset where he will remain with his sack of presents.

Children will be welcome to visit him there and receive a small gift.

In the morning, from 10.00am, a fun fair will be held in the Square.

As well as a carousel and boat swings there will be facepainting, live music and other attractions.

Volunteer marshals are essential for the safe running of the event and are always in demand by the organisers.

If you are over 18 and willing to assist on the day, email susie@ kings-house.net with your contact details. Anthony Oliver

Platinum

Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

A new chapter

Verwood Library is to close for a week for ‘essential’ building work – but don’t worry, you won’t rack up late fees. The library, in Manor Road, will be shut for five days from Monday, November 18 until Saturday, November 23. Dorset Council said the closure will allow essential building work to be carried out to prepare for the installation of new technology which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours.

“Your staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Current resident

The Perfect Gift for all Lovers of Dorset

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Supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Service

Live life better... every day at Spetisbury Manor

Best-ever Green Festival

Like all good things, this year’s Planet Wimborne Green Festival had to come to an end. But not before hundreds of people had enjoyed the week of green-themed events showcasing great environmental work already happening and encouraging us all to get involved. There were some notable firsts this year, including community group flags outside 20 shops in the town, live-streaming and recording some talks, creative writing workshops in schools, and sustainable business networking events. Also factored into the Festival were ‘green’ elements such as the Green Transport Hub with Morebus offering discounted travel to events, reduced and recycled paper used for the programme, complete with green lifestyle tips, and reuse (for the fifth time!) of the opening ceremony ribbon.

Personalised social worker support, 24/7, 365

training Informal get togethers

The varied programme included a poetry competition for children, a celebration of businesses’ achievements in reducing carbon footprints and hands-on activities.

Wimborne Green Festival next year will be October 11 to 18. Pictured are Vikki Slade MP, Wimborne mayor Jeff Hart, and Womble Orinoco visiting the Green Transport Hub in The Square.

Picture: BARBARA WATHEN

The core values at Footprints

School Summer Holidays at Footprints

As the summer holidays draw to a close, it is a time to reflect on a fun filled 6 week break from school and start preparing for the beginning of the new term and new school year. For some children this is an exciting time to see their teachers and friends again and to establish their routine again. For others, it can be a daunting time, symbolizing the start of a new school, changing classes or an important exam year.

Independent Agency or Local Authority? Helping you to make an informed decision

We always suggest exploring all your options before making a commitment and find a fostering service that you feel is right and comfortable for you. Here are some hints on what to consider when choosing your foster care provider:

areas of foster care, through high-quality training and extensive support

Loyalty: Allowing all to flourish with a strong support network

Training and Support – when setting out on your journey to fostering always bear in mind that everyone develops at a different speed and your confidence in fostering may grow greatly or require more support and training. Always seek a fostering provider that can fit your needs with training and support.

At footprints we believe that all children should enjoy their summer break, to regain their energy from a tiring school year and get ready for what is to come in the next year. A lot of our foster carers will take the foster children on holiday with them within the country and abroad, however this is not an expectation.

Care: Every child matters, we strive to support carers in meeting young people’s potential

Age of placements – Local authorities tend to have more placements that are young children and babies, whereas independent agency although still have some placements veer on the side of slightly older children.

Fostering payment – Although fostering is not about the money, and we emphasise the will to care over the benefits. It is important to always consider your financial situation whereby an independent fostering agency tends to provide a higher reward.

In the era of technological development, innovation and increased market competition industries are ever-changing. We have seen the increased need for digitalisation in fostering where what used to be done on paper is now all electronic, helping our carers have instantaneous responses and up-to-date case notes. While moving forward can seem rapid, it is important not to forget the most simple, basic but crucial aspects of an organisation - that is core values.

Location – From placements to support, think about how far you would like to travel and check with the fostering provider which areas they serve for placements.

This year, all foster carers and children were invited to an activity centre to enjoy a day out socialising with each other and engaging in outdoor activities. We also organise informal meet ups but as the foster carers get to know each other they also arrange get togethers, this shows the sense of community when being part of Footprints.

As an independent agency we, Footprints offer tailored training and support that suits your needs. Also as the agency is small, you bond close relationships with fellow foster carers meaning the training is great fun! The social workers have low caseloads so can provide you with 24/7 support. Finally we are local, serving the local community, someone is never far away and you will always be greeted upon visits to the office by one of our team.

Respect difference: We are all products of our own individuality and upbringing; the world would be a dull place if we were all the same Trust: Building trustworthy, honest relationships is the foundation of the Footprints culture, striving to achieve exactly what we say

Sometimes foster carers would like some personal time away from the foster children, and in these cases the Footprints team will help to arrange some respite care with another carer who knows the child and their needs. This helps to ensure continuity of care and enables the carers to also feel refreshed and revived!

Yes, independent fostering agencies and local authorities have key differences, but the main thing to remember is the child, and both options ensure that the well-being and safety of the child in care is at the forefront of service.

If you have given it some thought over the summer, that holidays are just a lot more fun with a full household, fostering may be the right step for you and we would love to hear from you here at Footprints.

We would welcome you at footprints for a further discussion to help you make an informed decision, either give us a call, email or pop by the office!

We have a set of core beliefs that we take pride in, from the time of starting the agency just over 10 years ago to today. We believe that people are the heart of our organisation and, as our most important asset, we invest, support and guide from all angles: this is reflected in the defined six core values: Excellence: As a small agency we strive to achieve this in all

Confidentiality: Maintaining the highest level of confidence for carers, social workers and children, treating all information respectfully. Together, we stick by our motto of ‘taking steps towards a brighter future’ and we are sure that you can achieve this too when joining Footprints.

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Political round-up

NI giveaway by the Tories was unfunded

Budgets are a piece of political theatre, in two acts.

Act 1 - the set up. We’re faced with a budget that raises £40bn in tax due to what this new government inherited. Economists, commentators and anyone who isn’t on the Tory payroll are united in this - the pre-election employee National Insurance (NI) giveaway by the Tories was unfunded. It presupposed years of unrealistic, sustained cuts to already-crippled public services. They gambled on setting an election trap for Labour. Would Labour reverse their tax cuts? No. We promised not to increase taxes on working people, and won the election on an equally important promise to rebuild the broken fabric of our nation.

This budget is inevitably where we end up. Taxes on businesses and wealth going up, to meet our manifesto promises to the British people.

Act 2 - the consequence.

Worryingly for the Chancellor, that off-stage actor, the OBR, has forecast that the consequence of an increase in employer NI will be stagnant wage growth. I’m not going to argue with the OBR, when I’ve been happy to quote it as an authority previously. Instead, let me try and address why this loss of opportunity is worth it.

In the Labour party, we measure quality of life with a wider range of metrics than ‘the pound in your pocket.’

By raising taxes, we can make progress on fixing the NHS. Shorter waiting times mean less time spent in misery and pain. A healthier population is a more productive one, and more productive employees increase business output.

By raising taxes, we can rebuild our crumbling schools and attract more teachers. We can better equip the workforce of the future with the skills to master the next technological

revolution, securing British jobs in the face of international competition.

By raising taxes, we can invest a further £2.9bn in our armed forces. A more secure country, and world, brings lower commodity prices, which reduces the cost of energy and food.

By raising taxes, we can rebuild our stripped-down justice system. We can reduce the early release of prisoners, and invest in the prison service to ensure lower rates of reoffending. There will be an additional £500m to the Affordable Homes Programme and £3bn in additional guarantees for small house builders and build-to-rent developers, ensuring tenants benefit too. Local authority grants are increasing by £1.3bn, to pull them away from the brink of bankruptcy.

I think you get the point; the money will be available to rebuild Britain. There should, rightly, be a lot of scrutiny to ensure it is being spent wisely. But the net impact of all these measures should be a more healthy, happier and productive nation. This is what we all value, along with earnings. Building a better Britain, in the broadest sense, is the national mission to which this government was elected.

Trust in new government has plummeted

The resurrection of full-blooded state socialism heralded by the first Labour government Budget for 14 years has come as a surprise to many constituents. They had been lulled into a false sense of security by the then opposition’s trenchant criticisms of the Conservative government having presided over the highest-ever peacetime levels of tax, debt and public spending.

Little did people realise that these criticisms, many of which I shared, were a mere pretext to win the confidence of electors in order to achieve victory in the General Election.

Therefore, it is no surprise that, as the full extent of the lies and deceit have unfolded, trust in the new government has plummeted.

Although people were warned about ‘Starmergeddon’, few expected so many broken promises or that the scourge of state socialism would impact on their daily lives so quickly.

Higher inflation and interest rates coupled with rising taxes are adding to the cost of living.

A letter in the Daily Telegraph from one of my constituents who used to work for HMRC condemned the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions describing the unintended consequences which will result as reminiscent of the failed Selective Employment Tax introduced by an earlier socialist government.

n Many congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on becoming leader of the Conservative Party.

The election process has crystalised opinion among Conservative supporters behind a united recognition that lessons must be learned from past mistakes.

In putting forward a new agenda, Kemi’s emphasis on the importance of Conservative principles is fundamental. Promoting individual responsibility and personal

freedom by reducing the burden of state intervention in and on our lives has never been more essential.

n I am pleased to report that the ill-conceived planning application to change the use of the Burton Medical Centre to a veterinary surgery has been refused.

Last month’s decision brings to an end 10 months of uncertainty for the people of Burton. Unfortunately, it has not yet resulted in the restoration of their GP services because the former medical centre premises remain empty.

My objections to the change of use, which were echoed by 85 local residents, were based on the fact that Burton has had a dedicated GP surgery for more than 40 years and that demand for local GP services is greater than ever.

I also referred to the fact that although the premises were never offered for sale on the open market, another GP practice, South Coast Medical Group, had said it was ready, willing and able to make such a purchase.

In a recent discussion with me, that GP practice has repeated its willingness to take over the premises.

All that is needed is for the current owners to agree.

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS

It would appear no party can be trusted

Trust restored, not quite.

We are all impacted by politics in some way, be it the imposition on all our lives by the open globalist ambition of the unelected United Nations seeking to be our global government or the drive for Net Zero despite a serious lack of evidence that CO2, the lifeblood of plants and crops, is going to be worth the blackouts and cold winters.

In America, they have just elected a new President, upon who we are now reliant to turn around the draconian ambitions of the UN and its globalist supporters (bored billionaires) who see us as commodities and wish to remove all our freedoms, by 2030; if not, then 2050.

Closer to home, our new Labour government has proven itself untrustworthy, and the Liberal Democrats seem unaware or concerned with the number of promises Labour have already broken. The Conservatives

after three and a half months have finally widdled down six leadership contenders to one, and she is already showing signs of leaning to the left of centre. So, who can we trust with our future and our freedoms?

Closer still to home, we need to be wary of the ‘Independents’ we have voted for. They are now a ‘Group’ of Independents, which is an oxymoron, doubly so, as they are in ‘alliance’ with the Liberal Democrats and likely to support more Net Zero initiatives such as 20mph speed limits, ULEZ and pay per mile. We have already seen BCP continuing to spend tens of millions on new cycle lanes - despite the cost and disruption to the communityinstead of investing that money in pothole fixing and resurfacing the 370 miles of existing cycle lanes called roads.

So, who can we trust, the Conservatives, definitely not, they got Christchurch as was into

the huge financial mess it is now.

A year and a half ago they were ejected by the local electorate, having squandered £770million on consultants, themselves and the council officers over the four years after the hostile takeover of Christchurch.

In 2023 we voted for real change, common-sense management

and a different direction away from those Net Zero and Woke practices BCP had been pursuing at huge financial cost and zero benefit to you or me. Our voting returned a ‘No overall majority’ giving those true Independents a real voice and sway over the next four years ensuring local needs would be prioritised over central government objectives.

In allying with the Lib Dems the Independents have not only gone against the democratic choice of the voter they have saddled themselves with following and supporting the Liberal Democrats in the continued pursuit of Net Zero, more speed cameras, and cycle lanes, which are all part of the 15-minute city ideology that serves only the globalist and isolationist agenda and not the practical needs of the people of BCP.

It appears that even our Independents cannot be trusted, I do hope I am wrong.

We must build allies across the world

This year, Remembrance had an extra significance for me, as I have enrolled on the Parliamentary Armed Forces Programme and will be spending the next year attached to the Royal Navy, learning about the critical role they play in the defence of our nation and the protection of our way of life. The programme began with a fascinating look at defence strategy, focusing on the changing risks in the world and examining future world orders, including the impact of demographic change (eg ageing populations in the west and increasing birth rates in Africa), climate change and the impact of non-state actors. We were also introduced to the wide variety of military careers and routes into the armed forces as well as receiving detailed briefs on current conflicts. Whilst at the Joint Command HQ in Shrivenham, we witnessed demonstrations of equipment used in cyber defence and technology including cardboard drones

resembling Airfix models and robotic dogs as well as getting up close to equipment like Tornado jets, Apache helicopters and Challenger tanks. Most humbling was a talk from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which is responsible for protecting and maintaining, in perpetuity, the graves of 1.7million Allied war graves across 157 countries. We learned that the founder of the commission believed that every life lost should be remembered equally, with headstones of identical size regardless of rank or status. It was therefore humbling to hear that work is now taking place to find and recognise service personnel of African or Indian heritage who had not been commemorated at the time and to create memorials to them. The commissions work to educate communities is becoming more difficult as living memory of World Wars diminishes. You can support their work through their website where you can also find out

Mid-Dorset & North Poole VIKKI SLADE MP

about those who died for our country in either of the World Wars who lived on, or close to, your street.

In the coming weeks, I will be spending time with the Royal Marines, RM Coastal Defences and visiting the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. Through these visits and engaging with defence-related businesses, and meeting veterans or support services in our community, I hope to gain a stronger understanding of the issues and

their impact in our communities. n I was humbled to attend remembrance events across Mid Dorset and North Poole this week and to leave tributes at those memorials I could not be at for the commemoration. Reading war memorials and seeing the extent to which some of our communities were impacted by conflict reminds us of the gravity of the role I play as your Member of Parliament. With the change of leadership in the USA and the growing tensions across the world, conversations about how much we spend on defence, and how we treat our military personnel is becoming more important than it has for many years. The possibility of voting to commit troops to war weighs heavily on me. With the election of President Trump bringing the conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the South China Sea into sharp focus, it is clear we must work harder than ever at diplomacy and building allies across the world.

Reform UK

Christchurch

ROBIN ADAMSON

Antiques & Collectibles

Medals expert on the road

November 18 at 7.30pm sees Antiques Roadshow’s Mark Smith live at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.

Acknowledged as a worldwide expert on the Victoria Cross and author of five books on the Great War, Mark will present For Valour - The Story Of The Victoria Cross.

He will explore and detail the instigation of the VC, expel some of the myths and present some of the breathtaking stories

of those men who have been awarded this country’s highest award for bravery.

There are a limited number of ‘meet & greet’ tickets giving an exclusive session to evaluate and value your family’s medals and discuss the battles and history of your own relatives’ service.

Cost is £27.50 with meet & greet tickets at £50. Box Office 01202 885566 and tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

The contents of a wine cellar from a country house is being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Tuesday, December 3.

“There are great wines from some of the best French wine producers,” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse. “Most were bought new either direct from the chateau or from an importer and are in great condition.” There are hundreds of bottles, mostly in their original wooden cases. The cellar was purpose built by the owner to store his

wine and port at a perfect temperature and in perfect humidity.

There is wine from Chateau Talbot, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux, Latour, Palmer, d’Yquem, Canon, Beychevelle and many others, along with vintage port.

Perfect for celebrating Christmas or to see in the New Year, to give as presents or even to lay down for future years, there are lots estimated from £50 to £3,000 with the cellar contents valued overall at £70,000.

n Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse Team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouseauction.com.

Sacrifice is remembered

More than 300 members of the Colehill community gathered for the 2024 Remembrance Day parade and service at Colehill War Memorial, including representatives from the parish council, Army, Royal Air Force, Police, Fire Brigade, Scouts, Guides and St Michael’s School.

n Residents at Moors Manor care home in St Leonards attended the Christchurch British Legion Festival of Remembrance concert performed by the Band of the Royal British Legion Christchurch at the Priory. What made it more special was that home services adviser Laura was in the band so they enjoyed VIP treatment. They enjoyed music including military marches, Glen Miller, classical and film.

n A two-minute silence was held on the Minster Green at Wimborne to mark Armistice Day.

There was a Roll Call for those lost in both World Wars and three locals lost since. The reading of the names lost was shared by the rector, the Revd Canon Andrew Rowland, the Minster curate Revd Marianne Mangham Anthony Oliver and Tammy Sleet. Marcus Adams played the Last Post and the Reveille, Yvonne and Pete Trumble were present with the RBL Standards, Wimborne Firemen also attended.

Captain David Hoyle as President of the Wimborne RBL Branch said the Exhortation and

Parish council chairman Cllr

Clare Davison read out the names of Colehill residents who fell in the two World Wars and retired military bandsman Andy Urquhart played the Last Post and Reveille.

Leslie Gibson

Residents took part in the Act of Remembrance and listened to the Last Post being played. For the finale residents were entertained with the Ringwood Pipe Band joining in for the final few pieces which nearly

the Kohima Plea before he and Tammy Sleet, Chairman of the local RBL Branch laid wreaths along with Cllr Jeff Hart Town Mayor.

More than 100 people were present to pay their respects. On Remembrance Sunday the Minster Congregation paid their respects round the War Memorial at the end of the Parish Eucharist and in the afternoon some 600 people attended the Royal British Legion Service in the Minster, which was followed by the wreath-laying at the War Memorial when the crowd swelled to nearly a thousand.

Anthony Oliver

Princess Royal is inaugural chancellor

Health Sciences University (HSU) has celebrated its official launch, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The occasion was marked by the installation of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal as the university’s inaugural chancellor.

Professor Lesley Haig, vicechancellor of HSU, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to celebrate the official launch of HSU with the installation of the princess as Chancellor. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our rich history of training and inspiring healthcare professionals.

“Our ambition is clear: to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, equipping the next generation of health professionals with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills and compassionate care.

“Our vision is to establish HSU as a highly-valued institution within the health and care sector, a trusted partner, and a cornerstone in the communities we serve, both locally and beyond.”

Following the ceremony, which took place at Corpus Christi Church in Boscombe, the princess visited the Bournemouth campus and spent time meeting students, staff, patients and healthcare professionals. To commemorate the occasion, the princess unveiled a specially-commissioned plaque.

Monika Barnes, Health Sciences University’s Chair of the Board of Governors, said: “We look forward to the future with optimism and confidence in what we can achieve together.”

Christmas Fair at Bryanston School

Welcome to our 1st Christmas Fayre at Bryanston School!

After three years of running our hugely successful Bryanston Summer Fair, Wessex Events invite you to join us at our first Bryanston Christmas Fair on the 23rd and 24th November.

With over 90 stands inside and out, selling food, drink, crafts and homeware gifts, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

We also have 2 wreath making sessions running each day. You can book your place on the workshop by following this link. https://www.bryanston.co.uk/christmas-wreaths

Local musician Phil Smith will be playing and singing throughout the weekend.

We also have our Street Food Area, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks and lunches, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Falafels, Indian Vegan Street Food, Dorset Lamb burgers, Hot Potatoes, Seafood and desserts, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or gluwein.

There is also lots for children to enjoy. Inside our children’s entertainment area will include a Frozen themed room,

where kids can meet, and have their pictures taken with Elsa and Anya, who will be joined by Captain America and Spiderman . They can also enjoy our craft room where they can make Christmas decorations, make Sand Art pictures, or have their face painted. In association with our sponsorship partner, Meyers Estates, our children’s areas will be raising money for this years charity.

As well as parking on site we are also running a Shuttle bus every 15 minutes from Blandford Tourist Information Office starting at 9.30am and running all day.

So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful Christmas shopping day in the most beautiful of settings.

£4 for Adults

£3.50 for Concessions

Under 16s FREE

We would like to thank our sponsors, Save Energy UK, The Blackmore Vale Ltd and Meyers Estate Agents for their support of this event. ADVERTISING FEATURE

NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme

There has been a fantastic announcement following the Diabetes UK Conference where the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme was unveiled. This programme provides a low-calorie, total diet replacement regime for those living with Type 2 Diabetes and obesity, to help them lose weight and become healthier potentially reversing their condition.

The results so far have been incredibly positive with participants losing an average of 2 1/2 stone and 27% reversed Type 2 Diabetes.

The Programme is founded on 2 studies: The Diabetes UK designed and funded “DiRECT” trail and the DROPLET trial undertaken by Oxford University based upon The 1:1 Diet products and Total Diet Replacement programme.

DiRECT: A landmark study where Diabetes UK approached The 1:1 Diet to provide supplies. Examined over 5 years, the study showed definitively that diabetes can be reversed. This 3rd party study helped form the basis for the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme.

The Results:

-After 2 years were that over 1/3 of participants sustained Type 2 Diabetes remission.

-After 5 years participants lost on average about one stone.

-Of those in remission at year 2, 26% remained in remission at 5 years.

-The Quality of Life index for participants was observed to increase along with the substantial decrease in the risks associated with Type 2 diabetes (stroke, infections, pancreas/kidney problems).

DROPLET study: Using actual real-world Consultants from The 1:1 Diet throughout its support and following a similar methodology as the DiRECT study, (278 participants with a BMI score at 30+), the key difference was the ongoing support and care.

The Methodology:

-810 kcal/day for firt 8 weeks

-Followed by reintroduction to food

-Weekly behavioural support for 12 weeks

-Followed by monthly support for 3 months

The Results:

-Substantial greater weight loss than control group (1 1/2 stones)

-Improvement in heart disease risk and in several aspects of metabolism What this study showed was when the participant had that additional support from a Consultant, they were able to gain better, faster results. The 1:1 Diet showed both efficiency and effectiveness when it came to losing and most importantly maintaining weight loss. In fact, the results were so good that when the study came to an end, 62% of people wished to continue with the diet and went on to be The 1:1 Diet clients.

For more info please contact Nicki Edwards-The Cambridge Lady 07904 331589

Edwards

I first met Mark in 2014 when he asked me to help him lose weight. At the time his son, who Mark treasures, was 3 years old. He was worried then what his son would think knowing his Dad ate like he did and looked like he did too. So - Mark took the very courageous step to make contact with me!

I have been a Consultant now for over 11 years helping hundreds of people lose weight with The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. I’m the person you see wizzing about in my pink car!

My greatest rewards are helping people ‘get happy in their skin’, which sounds like such a simple statement to make. However, when you consider the impact weight has on people both physically and mentally this is no small task and often involves a lot of emotion. I am proud to say I have been told by a Heart Specialist that between him and I we saved a man’s life, I’ve cleared fatty livers, reversed Diabetes, gastric reflux, IBS, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and reduced BMI’s to much healthier levels. I even helped one gentleman from going blind. So many less prescriptions needed :-)

Mark’s son is now 14. Worried about his Dads size and health once more, which ballooned after his Step Father was diagnosed with terminal Cancer, he managed to encourage Mark to come back

The

Cambridge Lady

Nicki 07904 331589

and see me once more. Mark’s partner, daughter and mum have been a massive support too, encouraging him to keep going! I did say that he was a very lucky man, as he has 5 very powerful woman (including his boxing coach) totally behind him.

Mark is a passionate family man, works hard and is a very kind, respectful, thoughtful if stubborn person! His determination this time around is an inspiration.

He has said he was fed up of not being able to bend down to tie a shoe lace, preferring to wear slip on boots. He had to roll his socks to the toe and then across the carpet to slide his foot into them. His weight even made him give up one of his passions - boxing.

Today, looking at these pictures, and nearly 6 Stone down already, Mark said “I hadn’t realised I had got so big.”

So, with all the support I can give him - he is back on his way once more to a healthier, happier, longer future - his son even sorts out his 1:1 Diet products when he gets home from our weekly Consultations. Mark makes me so proud, it is a joy to be a part of his weight loss journey - Here’s to teaching you to maintain the loss this time Mark.

*The weight lost and/or timeframes are particular to this slimmer. Everyone's weight loss journey is unique to them.

Edwards Nicki Cambridge The Lady

Sports therapy can improve your golf game

Golf may not seem as physically demanding as some other sports, but it requires a combination of precision, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious golfer, the repetitive motions of swinging, driving, and putting can place stress on your muscles and joints. Over time, this can lead to injuries, muscle imbalances, or simply a decline in performance.

Sports therapy is an excellent way to keep your body in top condition, enhance your game, and prevent common golf-related injuries.

It focuses on improving mobility, strength, and recovery, helping golfers play their best and stay on the course for years to come. Here’s how sports therapy can benefit golfers and elevate their performance on the green:

Injury Prevention and Recovery

Golfers are prone to specific injuries due to the repetitive nature of the sport, including: Golfer’s elbow, lower back pain, shoulder injuries and knee pain

Improved Flexibility and Mobility

Regular stretching, joint mobilization, and massage therapy can help loosen tight muscles and improve joint flexibility,

allowing you to rotate fully and swing more freely

Strengthening Key Muscle Groups

Sports therapy includes strength training exercises that target the specific muscles used in golf.

Enhanced Balance and Stability

Sports therapy helps golfers improve their balance and stability by addressing weak or tight muscles and working on core strength and proprioception

Improved Swing Mechanics and Technique

By improving your posture, flexibility, and

CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE

THERAPY TREATMENTS

We strive to give every patient the absolute best chiropractic and massage care , as well as providing outstanding customer service. We are a motivated team passionate about getting you better and enabling you to live a pain free life, getting you the best version for you ! Conditions we can treat:

• Migraines

• Lower Back Pain

• Joint Pain

• Frozen Shoulder

• Tennis Elbow

• Neck Ache

• Sports Therapy

Sports Therapy Consultation And Results Session Is £65

£45 (NORMALLY £120)

strength, sports therapy can help you achieve a smoother, more efficient swing.

Increased Endurance and Reduced Fatigue

Sports therapy can help improve your endurance through cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strengthening, and energy-efficient movement patterns.

Faster Recovery Time

Sports therapy helps accelerate recovery by promoting circulation, relieving muscle tension, and reducing inflammation

Mental Focus and Relaxation

Sports therapy, particularly massage therapy, helps reduce mental tension and promotes relaxation, which can help golfers manage the psychological demands of the game.

Golf may seem like a leisurely sport, but the physical demands can add up over time, leading to injuries and a decrease in performance if not managed properly. Sports therapy provides a comprehensive approach to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and recovery, all of which are essential for golfers who want to play better and avoid injuries.

Fran and Margot take on charity walk

Two Poole care home residents were supported by their care home team to complete a 3km charity walk.

Fran and Margot, who both live at Elizabeth House Care Home in Poole, jumped at the chance to take on the 3k route of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Walk for Wards event at Upton Country Park.

To start off the fun, Fran and Margot joined in with a warm-up to some

music, before taking on the trail. Afterwards, they enjoyed dancing to live music from the band, Late Shift. More than 20 people made up the Care South team that took part in the event. Fran grew up in Gosport but after moving to Dorset, she would often visit Upton Country Park. She said: “I really like going for a walk in the sunshine, especially at Upton Country Park.

“We were very lucky with the weather. I like to keep fit, so I was thrilled to bits when the Elizabeth House team asked me if I wanted to do the walk. I loved it.”

Margot added: “I was really looking forward to the walk, which I really enjoyed. It was nice to be out in the sunny weather. I’m a Londoner and there’s not as many places to walk around there as there are in Dorset.”

Gwen’s 60 years of volunteering

Staff and residents at Hyacinth House care home in Stapehill are celebrating after resident Gwen Raggett MBE completed 60 years of voluntary service. A special celebration was held to honour Gwen for her extraordinary 60 years in the Royal Voluntary Service. The event, attended by local dignitaries including the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery, the Mayor and Mayoress of

Wimborne Cllr Jeff Hart and Barbara Hart and Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr George Farquhar was a testament to Gwen’s remarkable dedication. Also joining the celebration were members of Gwen’s family, making the occasion even more meaningful.

Maria Jacobson, RVS manager for Dorset and the Home Library Service, and Gwen’s family approached Hyacinth House about

presenting Gwen with her 60-year badge and certificate. They wanted to create a memorable event and Hyacinth House embraced the opportunity, organising a special lunch to mark the milestone.

Gwen’s volunteering journey began in October 1964 with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), now known as the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS).

Her first role involved driving a green van, and over the years, she has served in numerous positions, including supporting refugees, participating in emergency services, and coordinating Meals on Wheels in Bournemouth. Even after retiring from her official roles, Gwen continued her voluntary work, delivering Books On Wheels until the Pandemic interrupted the service.

A blooming good show

The Upton in Bloom/ Town Council partnership has struck gold again. Following on the success of the partnership in the regional category (South and South East in Bloom, DorsetKent), more success followed in the national competition when Gold was awarded to the town.

As would be expected, the

gardens nominated by fellow residents Partnershipsfor individuals, businesses and other organisations, such as the Clarion Community Magazine; Harbour View Woodland Burial Ground and South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Site Excellence - for helping and supporting Upton in Bloom in a variety of ways

Home & Garden

Hannah’s horticulture...

Warm and mild weather has meant the leaves have stayed on the trees much longer this year (less clearing up), and the lawns, and weeds, have kept growing (thank goodness for the lack of leaves, there’s time for these tasks). This extended season has inspired a few of you to keep thinking of all things garden to ask me!

I have a few cuttings and tender plants that I want to overwinter in

the greenhouse, do I need to heat the greenhouse?

I hear you – with the energy costs and environmental concerns as they are, no one wants to spend extra to heat their greenhouse if they can help it. We’ve never heated the greenhouse here. There are gas, paraffin and electric heaters available, and really all that any heater needs to do is keep the

Hannah Hobbs-Chell is a horticulturist and garden designer/consultant. If you have a question for her, email:hannah. hobbschell@outlook. com including a picture if relevant

temperature steady and above frost level. Electric heaters do not emit CO2 and therefore the greenhouse doesn’t need venting in the same way as a gas/paraffin heater.

The cost savings on fuel for a gas/paraffin heater are often swallowed up by the need to vent and the consequent heat loss. However... Being in the south, with winters generally more mild now, the night chills are less severe. Therefore you may find that heating isn’t required at all depending on the plants involved. Indeed quite often I have had to

open the greenhouse door a bit on warmer sunny days as it’s heating up too much!

It’s the even temperatures that you need, plants do not like to yoyo quickly between temperature extremes. Grab yourself a quantity of fleece or bubble wrap, insulate the worst corners and edges where cold creeps in, huddle the plants together a bit for collective warmth, cover them overnight, and, if it’s really cold, light a couple of candles in there. Make sure they are away from any flammable materials, obviously. I’ve used candles incredibly successfully on very cold nights before – they give off just enough warmth.

My veg plot is looking bare, is there anything I can put in for the winter?

Absolutely there is! November is a perfect time to sow broad beans, and they will reward you with an early crop of deliciousness, avoid the worst of the blackfly that adore them, and be over in time to re-plant in the late spring/ early summer with summer crops. Even if you don’t like broad

beans, I’m sure your neighbours or the FCS Community Larder would be very glad of them! And, if I may sing their praises even more, because beans are part of the legume family, they nourish the soil as they grow by enriching it with ammonia. Legumes form beneficial relationships (!) with bacteria, and are the only plant family to do so in this way. Legumes give nitrogen fixing bacteria a home in nodules in their roots. These bacteria can fix nitrogen from the air, turning it into ammonia, a key nutrient for plants. In return, the plants provide sugars and oxygen to feed the bacteria.

We’ve just replaced a fence, but what do we preserve it with? I prefer dark colours such as dark brown or black. Paradoxically, instead of making the space look smaller as it would if you painted the inside house walls with black, it makes the space look bigger. The key is the colour contrast between the fence backdrop and the green foliage. A dark background makes the plants ‘pop’ and the whole area seem more lush.

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

(Sort of) Healthy Chicken Pie!

My husband loves a pie, but as we are trying to lose weight, it’s something he doesn’t have often. I came across this recipe and, although my husband doesn’t really like puff pastry, I thought I would give it a try.

There are so many different ready-made pies today. I hate it when you go to a pub and ask for a pie, which, when it comes, it’s sort of deconstructed with a circle of pastry on the top, or even worse, on the side! What is it about food being deconstructed?

If I wanted it that way, I would just put all the ingredients on the plate separately and probably win a Michelin star!!

My husband says that the best pies in the world come from a small shop in Bristol. We always pick up some pies when we go visiting.

Martin remembers going to watch Bristol City play and having a pie at half time. They are sold hot and the gravy runs down your chin. I am not sure if it’s the taste of the pie or the memories that it invokes that Martin likes best!

So this pie has pastry on top, but the filling is delicious.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Ready-rolled puff pastry

1 large leek

1 stick celery

1 large banana shallot or 1 white onion

20g frozen peas

1 heaped tbsp plain flour

black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

50g parmesan cheese

1 chicken stock cube

250-300g shredded chicken meat

250ml semi skimmed milk

1 tbsp half fat creme fraiche

Lemon juice, a squeeze

1 egg to glaze

Method

Pre heat the oven to 190C fan.

In a deep pan on low heat gently sweat the leek, celery, shallot and garlic in a little olive oil for 10 minutes until softened.

Add in 1 heaped tbsp flour and cook out for 1 min before slowly whisking in the cold milk. Add in the chicken stock cube and bring to a simmer to thicken for a few minutes.

Mix in the parmesan and black pepper until smooth. Add in the frozen peas and shredded chicken finishing with a dollop of creme fraiche and a little squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well, it should be lovely and thick. Taste and add more pepper, salt or parmesan if needed. The peas will have helped cool the mix so turn off the heat and pour into your baking dish of choice.

Lay over the rolled pastry, cutting off any excess, pinch the edges to form a rough crisp and poke some air vents in the middle. Brush with a whisked egg to glaze.

Bake for 30 minutes until risen and golden.

Don’t be a humbug! Join in Wimborne’s Christmas Festivities

Celebrate the start of the festive season with Wimborne’s magical Christmas Lights Switch-on taking place on 30th November.

This popular event starts at 1pm with a Christmas Market. Organised by Wimborne BID, this year it will be taking place in the High Street car park. It’s the perfect opportunity to start, or for those more organised, even finish the Christmas shopping! Please note there’s a road closure in place in the High Street so access is on foot.

Many of the town’s businesses will be staying open until 7pm so you can shop until you drop and enjoy a complimentary mince pie to refuel you during your retail visits. A great opportunity to get your shopping done locally.

As the evening approaches, gather with family and friends and join the countdown to witness the grand moment at 4:30pm when the town is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights followed by the chance to sing some carols. Wimborne’s famous militia will officially welcome the festive season in with a spectacular gunfire salute on the Minster Green at approximately 5pm. There will also be a host of entertainment with live music and performances in Wimborne Square throughout the day.

Wimborne BID Chair, Fiona Harwood, said: “This beautiful town really lends itself to Christmas and the BID is thrilled to support the Lights Switch-On event alongside Wimborne Minster Town Council.”

Hark the Herald!

Carols

in the Cornmarket returns for its eighteenth year

F or many people, Wimborne’s annual event of Carols in the Cornmarket signifies the true start of Christmas. It’s a chance for families and friends to take a pause, escape the commercialism of the season and come together with their community for a traditional sing-along of their favourite Christmas carols.

This magical, free event, which takes place on Friday 20th December, invites people to come and sing carols together in the historic setting of the town’s ancient Cornmarket, situated just off the High Street. The Cornmarket will be decorated with twinkling lanterns to add to the festive feel.

The event begins with an opening prayer. There will also be some readings interspersed with favourite carols that everyone can join in. Don’t worry about

remembering the words – song sheets are provided!

Helping the singing go with a swing are choristers from the Wimborne Minster church and the Broadstone Community Concert Band ably conducted by Damon Corio.

Since 2006, this community event has been organised jointly by Hilda Butler and Anthony Oliver, with only one year missed due to the Covid pandemic. Even heavy downpours one year didn’t dampen the spirits as the 600-strong audience decamped to the shelter of the Minster church.

Anthony Oliver said: “There’s something very special about this event. At about 5.45pm it looks like no one will show up and then suddenly people arrive in droves. With so many people moving into the new housing developments in and around Wimborne, we’d especially like to welcome residents new to the town to come along and join in.”

This free event is a fundraiser for the Minster Church so people are encouraged to bring cash with them if they would like to donate as there are no card readers available. Last year, an incredible £903 was raised. Anthony Oliver added: “People are also welcome to bring their own outdoor lanterns to add to the Christmas atmosphere.”

The event starts at 6pm in the Cornmarket and lasts for about an hour. It is sponsored by Wimborne BID and Wimborne’s independent opticians Optique 2000. BID Chair Fiona Harwood said: “The BID is delighted to support this event which is a firm festive favourite in the town calendar, attracting hundreds of people to Wimborne and really embracing the community spirit we’re so lucky to have here.”

To find out more about the Christmas events in and around the town visit www. wimborne.info or pick up a free Christmas programme from local businesses or the tourist information centre at Museum of East Dorset - available next week.

© Wimborne BID

Christmas at The Stocks Inn

Bookings are now being taken for our Christmas Celebration menu running from 1st-24th December with all party sizes catered for.

The full menu is available on our website. Please give us a call on 01202 882481 to book a table!

Cherry and Steve Dyer have owned the lease of The Stocks Inn for the last 17 years and have been joined along the way by their son James. We have now renewed the lease, together with our brilliant resident managers Drex and Sally Sibley – who have worked with us for the whole of the Stocks Inn experience – we look forward to continuing our journey.

As local people – 5 of us grew up in Wimborne – our aim is to support local farmers wherever possible and to use only the freshest ingredients in all our dishes which have been made on the premises by our Head chef and his team.

We welcome large groups for functions such as Wakes, landmark birthdays or simply dining out with family and friends. All events are catered for with experience and care.

We are also gaining momentum as a renowned Brit Stop location and we also offer excellent disabled facilities and a dog friendly section of the pub for dining.

Our aim is to continue building on the wonderful success and huge customer support of our first 17 years and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Christmas in Wimborne

Get creative this Christmas with two festive-themed Workshops

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Handmade gifts can always mean so much more than shop-bought ones. The Museum of East Dorset is offering the chance to learn to make some beautiful Christmas gifts at two very special workshops later this month.

Try your hand working with glass at a friendly Fused Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop on Tuesday 26th November from 6pm – 8pm. By the end of the workshop you’ll have four beautiful glass decorations, perfect as a gift or to decorate your own tree. Price is £39.00 (including all materials & kiln firing).

And who doesn’t love a Robin redbreast? Learn how to make this iconic Christmas symbol as a pretty needlefelt brooch or fridge magnet. In a small, beginner friendly workshop, you will be guided through the process using British wool to create a beautiful festive ornament.

This workshop takes places on Friday 6th December and is a fundraising event. All profits go towards the running of Wimborne’s awardwinning museum. Price: £35 (including all materials)

To book your place visit www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk/events

Christmas at Thirty Three Boutique

Thirty Three Boutique may have only been open a few months, but the warmth and kindness we’ve received from the people of Wimborne has been beyond all our expectations. Getting to know so many local residents, business owners, tourists and visitors who share our love of fashion has been an absolute joy. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made us feel so welcome.

We’re excited to introduce over 40 new designer labels to Wimborne. Each collection is carefully selected for its style, quality, and dedication to sustainable and beautiful fabrics. Our aim is to offer something truly unique: high-quality, super-stylish pieces that cater to all budgets.

With winter here, it’s the perfect time to discover our gorgeous selection of coats and soft, luxurious cashmere—perfect for staying cosy and looking amazing! And with Christmas just around the corner, our boutique has a wonderful range of exclusive gifts. You’ll find jewellery, scarves, perfume, home fragrances and, of course, our renowned sparkly slippers!

Thank you once again to everyone who has stopped by to say hello, have a browse, or shop with us. We are looking forward to many more years of serving this wonderful town and its people.

Foodie gifts at The East Street Deli

Established in June 2020 by owners, Claire and Simon Warren, The East Street Deli in Wimborne is packed full of charcuterie, antipasti, sweet treats, coffee, store cupboard essentials, wine, craft beers and ciders. It also has a great range of refillables and an eco-friendly homeware section. However, it’s the extensive range of cheeses that it’s famous for. There are over 50 cheeses in the counter to choose from, at any one time.

Whilst small and compact, this beautiful deli has become a destination for foodie gifts and they offer hampers and gift boxes year-round to suit a wide range of budgets and these are particularly popular at Christmas. There are pre-made hampers available, customers can create their own bespoke versions or if you provide details of your budget, they will create them for you.

In 2024, The East Street Deli was awarded the ‘My Favourite Business’ award at the Wimborne Business Awards and in 2023, the deli was also shortlisted for a national ‘High Street Hero’ award at the UK Small Business Awards.

With a passion for high quality good food and priding themselves on offering the very best customer service, this is retailing as it should be. The aim at the deli is to make everyone feel welcome and to provide everyone with an ‘old school’ personal service and experience. ADVERTISING

A Floral Wonderland

Welcome to Cloud Cuckoo, a unique and contemporary Florist and gift shop in the heart of Wimborne, Dorset.

Co-owned and run by friends Karen and Hannah, who between them have over 30 years experience in the floristry industry.

At Cloud Cuckoo we pride ourselves on luxury and bespoke designs for any occasion including weddings and funerals. We make beautiful bouquets and arrangements for collection or delivery.

Not only do we have our fresh flower stand but we also have a dedicated stand of lovely faux flowers which are proving popular. We also have an array of gorgeous gifts, cards and a luxury chocolate counter where you can choose your own. Our returning customers say they love our style of floristry and range of gifts that are ‘a little bit different’.

Back by popular demand are our Christmas wreath making workshops which will start at the end of November, they are such fun and allow you to get creative whilst enjoying a mince pie and mulled wine.

We still have spaces available so pop in or give us a call to book. You can also now book online at www.cloudcuckoo.org

We will also be making some beautiful door wreaths all ready for your front door.

Find and follow us on Facebook and instagram for updates and inspiration.

We wish you all the best for the festive season and look forward to seeing you soon.

Wimborne Business Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Despite Tricky Economy

Absolute Artisans is a barn turned shop, bursting with incredible, local talented makers selling a massive range of goods from candles to artworks, jewellery to homewares, fragrance, fashion and so much more! It is a beautiful space, for local artisans and makers to take their business to the next level, with fair and achievable terms, to truly allow the artisan, handmade world to thrive once more. Open 7 days a week after being founded by Award winning artist Noah Mckeown in 2022.

Noah Mckeown founder of Absolute Artisans, said: “Two years have just flown by; it’s been incredible. What started as a simple derelict barn has flourished and grown into a truly magical shop, beloved by its many customers and Artisans.

Our vision of creating a fairer world for the artisan/handmade community, one where they are not stung by heavy commissions or hidden away on back streets has truly come to fruition, and with each new week we become even stronger, and supported by our amazing customers and artisans, we are smashing it! Local money, spent locally, being paid to local people boosts the economy, add that to the beautiful products we offer, the local jobs we have created and our loyal customers, leaves us as very happy businesses owners!

Join them for their Christmas shopping weekend on the 7th and 8th of December for a free mulled wine and mince pie as you shop the deals!

FINE

WJEWELLERY

AND WATCHES of Wimborne

e are a family-owned business built on three generations of highly experienced jewellers, proudly serving the charming town of Wimborne. Each piece in our collection reflects our commitment to timeless luxury, combining exceptional craftsmanship with an eye for refined elegance and excellent value. Step into our Wimborne store and immerse yourself in a world where artistry and sophistication are paramount. Our curated selection of fine jewellery and watches has been chosen with care to offer something truly unique for every taste, whether you are looking for a contemporary piece or a classic design that will never go out of style.

We specialise in previously owned, vintage and bespoke jewellery, allowing you to bring your unique vision to life. Our studio provides an opportunity to collaborate with our skilled jewellers, who will guide you through each step of the design process to create something truly personal and one of a kind. From custom engagement rings to re-imagined heirlooms, we help our customers craft pieces that become treasured memories.

In addition to our fine jewellery and watch collections, we offer a jewellery buying service for those with old, unwanted, or broken pieces. Pop in with your gold, silver, and watches; even if these items have past their prime, they may still hold significant value. Our knowledgeable team is here to offer honest advice and free valuations (please note that a fee may apply for probate or insurance valuations).

Visit our store in Wimborne today to experience expert guidance, luxurious pieces, and personalised service that you will not find elsewhere. Let us help you find or create your next treasured piece.

enquiries@watchesandjewellery.co.uk | www.watchesandjewelleryuk.co.uk

Discover a very Dorset Christmas at Museum of East Dorset

Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset is inviting you to enjoy a host of festive activities this season – from shopping to music to a ‘Very Dorset Christmas Trail’.

Why not take the stress out of Christmas shopping at a special Christmas Shopping Night on Thursday 28th November where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and sample delicious locally-made food and drink as you stroll around the museum’s wonderful ground floor galleries.

In the museum shop, you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of gifts, many Dorset-themed. On this special night, there’s also a chance to browse the indoor makers marker where you can pick up some unique gifts and meet the local artisans who make them. There’s also live music to enjoy in the beautiful museum garden. Tickets £3 and limited so please do book ahead.

Once the shopping is done, the Museum of East Dorset is inviting you to step into the world of Christmas of old! Up until Christmas Eve, why not come and learn about the traditions of Christmas in Dorset,

from glamourous Christmas balls to festive superstitions, musicians and mummers. Follow the wintry trail around the Museum and enjoy a go at festive crafts and activities. Festive dressing up is encouraged!

There’s also the famous Great Christmas Pudding Stir, a favourite annual event, now celebrating 25 years at the museum. Come along, stir the pudding and make a wish on Saturday 14th December.

And for a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, grab a ticket to come and see the brilliant duo of actor and folk singer Alastair Braidwood and singer and folk musician Tim Laycock on Thursday 12th December. Enjoy an evening full of festive cheer, including humorous stories, traditional songs and carols to be sung along to, poems recited, and folk tunes to tap your foot to.

All information at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

© Jayne Jackson

Christmas in Wimborne

Special Santa Experiences at Museum of East

Dorset

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset is offering very special Santa experiences for the festive season.

For the first time, the museum is hosting SEN Santa experiences on Thursday 5th December between 5pm and 6pm. Designed for children with special educational needs, the Santa visit promises no queues and is kept short and sweet with five-minute time slots to meet Santa in the peace and quiet of the Garden Room Grotto. A maximum of two siblings are welcome to join the visit too. The SEN Santa experience is £10 and £8 for siblings.

There’s no place like Swaffield’s!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SWAFFIELD’S is a vintage gentlemen’s barber and ladies’ salon in the heart of Wimborne. We welcome customers old and new to come and enjoy the experience of our highly qualified staff in a warm and friendly setting. Swaffield’s will take you back in time into a traditional era whilst still delivering modern and contemporary styling.

The bustle of hour historic market town makes Wimborne a lovely place to visit. Make a day of it and enjoy endless options for a tea or coffee with some excellent local boutique clothing stores alongside some well known retailers before or after you visit our salon. Our closest car is park is 1 minutes walk away alongside Co-Op near the Olive branch pub that is easily accessed via level pavements . Alternatively, there is a much larger pay and display located near the Allendale Centre which is a short 5 minute walk away.

WIMBORNE - 28 MILL LANE BH21 1JQ

Find your local Swaffield’s & opening hours at swaffields.co.uk

WIMBORNE T: 01202 880 006

LILLIPUT T: 01202 701 006

UPTON T: 01202 632 006

BOOK NOW ON

Christmas at Salamander

Wimborne is such a lovely town to shop in. At Salamander we have everything you need for cooking in your Christmas home. There are great ideas for gifts from top brands too and the award winning Salamander is always competitive on price. They have currently had some exceptional offers on a wide range of KitchenAid and Le Creuset products and up to 40% off selected cookware.

Salamander events are always enjoyable and bring cookware to life and share tips to help make our cooking even better. We welcome Maggie the Dorset seaside baker and ex Great British bake Off Contestant on 24 November and have two superb pre Xmas events including late night shopping on 5th and 12th of November from 4.30-7pm. All events include food tasting, great offers and prize draw. Check the website, phone or email the shop for details and to reserve your place. On Saturday leading up to Xmas there will demonstrations in store too including hot chocolate making, using a Swiss raclette or fondue and a change to taste some biscuits, buns and other favourite recipes made by their lovely staff.

Salamander has gifts in every price range from stocking fillers to very special gifts. Gift ideas range from that special mug, glass or reusable coffee cup or hydration bottle to an iconic food mixer, blender, kitchen knife set or coffee maker. Customers appreciate the change to see, hold and find out about products before they buy, and the welcome offered by their staff. Salamander is open from 9-5 Monday to Saturday and from 10-30 – 3.30 on Sunday.

Group’s boost for nature and resilience

Autumn is a time of the year when the bounty of hedgerows and trees is particularly noticeable, with nuts, berries and seeds providing a vital food source to keep wildlife healthy.

But not all autumns are equally plentiful. If you’ve been walking around the Dorset countryside, you might have noticed that there isn’t an abundance of acorns or hazelnuts; there are very few sloes; species such as dogwood have done poorly.

It is possible that this year’s poor spring has resulted in a paucity of both fruits and nuts across a range of species; autumn 2024 does not appear to be the bounty that we all look forward to, and that many animals rely on. Community group Trees for Wimborne have now devised and implemented three planting schemes.

In each one, we have tried to plant as diverse a range of native tree and shrub species as possible, whilst adhering to the

principles of ‘right tree, right place’. This is to create a varied and interesting landscape which brings joy in all seasons, and to provide a range of food plants and habitats to attract and provide for as many insects, birds and mammals as possible. It is also to provide resilience – a word frequently heard in relation to nature over the last decade.

During this time, land managers and conservationists have grappled with how to make habitat improvements for wildlife in an increasingly unstable climate, so the aim of many of these projects is to cope with the ever-changing ‘new normal’.

Trees for Wimborne hope that by planting a wide range of species it will contribute, in some small way, to a resilient landscape. If some of the species do not produce pollen, nectar, fruit or nuts one year, then others will; if some do not do well in the vagaries of wetter, warmer, windier or drier climates, then others will.

The plants we have put in are still too young to be subject to the influence of weather events on pollination, but hopefully soon they will begin to prove their worth and contribute to next year’s autumn bounty.

Picture: DAVID CAMP

Niki Harper, Trees for Wimborne

Ensuring air quality in the calf housing

Whilst the weather in October has been challenging for us all at times, the warm damp climate is optimal for survival of pathogens that cause pneumonia and scours. Most airborne bacteria and viruses can only last 5-10 minutes in fresh air but if only 50% of the air is fresh then viruses last for up to an hour.

It is recommended that there are 6-8 air changes per hour in a calf shed. In practice, this can be assessed with smoke tests on a still day and timing clearance from the shed.

Pathogens need moisture to survive. Relative humidity in a calf shed will depend on water inputs (stocking density, any rainfall into the shed, leaking water sources, water used for cleaning etc.), and effective water removal (drainage and ventilation). Air changes take water vapour out of a calf shed and this reduces relative humidity (RH) to ambient. In damp conditions; crypto, rotavirus, salmonella and mycoplasma can all survive for months. The ideal would be for RH to be under 70%. It is very easy and cheap to install relative humidity monitors in the calf shed. The Brifit Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer work well, they transmit the data via bluetooth to

an app on a smartphone. A set is under £20.

As well as pathogens, stale air will have increased levels of ammonia and dust in it. Ammonia is produced from urine in the warm bedding. Exposure to ammonia weakens the defence system of the calf’s upper respiratory tract, rendering it more vulnerable to respiratory viruses getting into the lungs. We can smell ammonia between 10-25 ppm. The target for a calf house is under 10ppm so if you can smell ammonia at calf level, ammonia levels will be too high. To get ammonia levels below target, a calf house needs sufficient air changes. The drier the bedding – the slower the production of ammonia. Whilst ventilation is imperative for ensuring air is fresh and RH is minimised, it is key that air speed is right at calf height. Air speed should be about 0.2m/s. When assessing ventilation, I will often use my anemometer to check air speed at calf level.

Common respiratory and scour pathogens do not survive as well under 5⁰C. However, calves will feel the cold, particularly when under a month old. Damp bedding and wind chill will add to this. The lower critical temperature (LCT) is the

by Lucy Hepworth

temperature below which a calf needs additional energy to keep

free (0.2m/s) environment. This increases to 17⁰C at an air speed of 2m/s. Put a maximum and minimum thermometer in your calf house so you can monitor night time temperatures to know when to use your cold weather protocols (increased milk volume, heat lamps, calf jackets etc).

Getting the environment of the calf right is key. Clearly, nutrition also plays a big role in resilience and boosts natural immunity with vaccination. Many farmers already have their protocols in place for winter, but it isn’t too late. Intranasal protection is achieved within 10 days. Animal health and welfare funding is still available for all farms this year.

Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

Love is in the air at the farm and it’s not even Valentine’s Day! It’s been an exciting couple of weeks as breeding season has begun!

Our ewes and our beloved Dahlia the pygmy goat have met this year’s eligible bachelors, and the matches are looking perfect. Dahlia’s companion is none other than Dom (affectionately called ‘The Dominator’ by some of our co-farmers).

He’s travelled from Devon for a holiday and is already reconnecting with Dahlia, the mother of his kids, Sprout and

Chocolate. The old friends have picked up right where they left off!

And in the sheep paddock, Denzel has settled in wonderfully with our three ewes, and they all seem thrilled with the arrangement. We can’t wait to see what this season brings; stay tuned for updates on our growing farm family!

The Horticulture Team have been planning ahead for next year and Margaret, AKA Fairy Godmother and font of all horticulture knowledge, has sourced some varieties of cucumbers for our

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles................£6450

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, over £5000 of optional extras, heated leather, heated front screen, sat nav, parking sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, lane aid, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles.................................£7450

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles............................£21500 + VAT = £25800

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, full Mazda service history, 75,900 miles....................................................DUE IN SOON £8450

living tunnel next year: dragons egg, crystal lemon and white wonder. Lots of seed harvesting from our own plants is going on at the moment too, including peppers, chillies, loofahs and marigolds.

And more exciting news - we have had our first harvest of lemongrass this week and it smells amazing.

Sonia, one of our other regular Volunteers, treated us to a tea plant, which is living in the polytunnel and we have detailed growing instructions - we are hoping to be able to grow

our own tea, albeit in a small amount...

Work is under way for our new rabbit and guinea pig ‘hotel’; the hardcore has gone in and the cement was delivered but got stuck on the field, so we all had to busy ourselves with wheelbarrows of cement to fill in the base!

Finally - ever wondered what is at the end of the rainbow? As we were getting our kitchen garden bed ready for its winter sleep we discovered that our Tardis may well be at the end of the rainbow...

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles .........................................................................£4250

2014 (63) Peugeot 2008 1.2VTi Allure Estate 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, big boot, flat folding rear seats, partial leather, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, £35 a year road tax & upto 57mpg economy, just had cambelt kit replacement, 80,800 miles .........£4850

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles.........................................................................£12250

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles.......................£6950

2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ..£7250

TV favourite Ed comes to town Gift workshops for Christmas

One of the UK’s favourite TV household names once more extends his nationwide tour of British Comedy Guide’s ‘Best Comedy Show 2023’, and his most personal show to date, into 2025.

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Join one of our leading laugh specialists as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

With his TV career now in its third decade, Ed has regularly appeared on QI, Mock The Week, Alan Davies As Yet Untitled, The Pilgrimage, Dara and Ed’s Road To Mandalay, Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure, The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News For You, as well as hosting Live At The Apollo and Comic Relief Bake Off.

He was recently seen as a

contestant on BBC One’s Celebrity Best Home Cook (where he made it to show five out of eight – not bad!) and he has also won (yes, won!) celebrity versions of both The Chase and Pointless!

Known for his passion for the outdoors (hill walking and mountaineering are major hobbies), Ed can be seen turning his presenting skills to

factual broadcasting in BBC Two’s Volcano Live, World’s Most Dangerous Roads (where he spent two weeks driving through Siberia) and Into The Wild with Gordon Buchanan. With legions of fans both in the UK and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.

Tivoli Wimborne, November 20. Tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

The Museum of East Dorset is offering the chance to learn to make some beautiful gifts at two special workshops.

Try your hand working with glass at a friendly Fused Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop on Tuesday, November 26, from 6pm - 8pm. By the end of the workshop you’ll have four beautiful glass decorations, perfect as a gift or to decorate your own tree. Price is £39 (including materials & kiln firing). And learn how to make an iconic robin redbreast Christmas symbol as a pretty, needlefelt brooch or fridge magnet. In a small, beginner-friendly workshop, you will be guided through the process using British wool to create a beautiful festive ornament. This workshop is on Friday, December 6, and is a fundraiser. All profits go towards the running of Wimborne’s award-winning museum. Price: £35 (including all materials)

To book, visit museumofeast dorset.co.uk/events.

Ring out Christmas bells, Hardy style Events

Once again, the Ridgeway Singers & Band invite you to join them for an evening of West Gallery carols, Dorset songs, dance tunes, and local poems and stories to celebrate the coming of midwinter and the festive season.

Formed in 2013 by Artsreach as part of the South Dorset Ridgeway project, the group specialises in performing Dorset music old and new, in the tradition made famous by Thomas Hardy in Under The Greenwood Tree. The singers are accompanied by musicians playing stringed and woodwind instruments, and the concerts evoke old-fashioned country Christmases when the entertainment was local and home-made.

The group is led by renowned serpent player and member of the Mellstock Band Phil Humphries, and the popular actor and folk musician Tim Laycock. New to the repertoire are William Finney’s Anthem For Christmas Day from a manuscript book found at a car boot sale in Bridport, and a setting by Phil Humphries of William Barnes’s poem Rustic Childhood, as well as arrangements for the band of more tunes by the late Nick Dunckley.

The concert series begins on Friday, December 6, at a new venue for the Ridgeway Singers & Band, in Sturminster Marshall. There follows a return to St Mary’s in Bridport for a matinee performance on December 15. The final concert will once again be at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester on Thursday, December 19.

Christmas Baroque

Blandford Parish Church Saturday 30 November 2024 at 7.30pm

Conductor

David Gostick

Sinfonietta Players

Leader, Christina Scott

Exhibition highlights Purbeck

Artists In Purbeck: Spirit Of Place, a captivating exhibition showcasing the artistic legacy of the Isle of Purbeck, is now open at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth.

This groundbreaking exhibition features a diverse range of artworks by well-known artists, offering a visual journey through the region’s history and landscape.

A range of paintings, sculptures, and prints are displayed, drawn from the Russell-Cotes Collection, as well as national and local public institutions like Corfe Castle, Langton Matravers, and Swanage Museums, as well as private lenders.

Many of these works are being displayed publicly for the first time.

Curated by Dr Gill Clarke, Artists In Purbeck explores the profound influence of the Purbeck landscape on artists from the early 20th century to the present day.

The exhibition is thematically organised, delving into topics such as quarrying, tourism, and the unique geological formations that have inspired countless artists.

Iconic landmarks like Corfe Castle, Clavell Tower, and the Great Globe at Swanage are prominently featured, alongside breathtaking

natural wonders such as dramatic cliffs and rock formations.

The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Purbeck and exhibition runs until March 16, 2025, at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth.

Annual concert set for take-off

Colehill Community Choir has chosen to support Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance at their Christmas concert, which will take place on Saturday, December 14, 7.30pm, in St Michael’s Church, Colehill. Susan Davies, who runs the choir on a voluntary basis, said that the choir chose the charity as in recent months there have been at least three incidences in Colehill that needed the services of the air ambulance.

The choir always supports charities or good causes that directly benefit the local community and over the years it has raised thousands of pounds. The concert is free and donations will be taken at the end. Following the concert the audience can join the choir in the church hall for complimentary festive drinks. Seating is limited and tickets can be booked by contacting colehillcommunitychoir1@ gmail.com or 01202 842311.

The St Giles Forestry Bar events lineup for Notvember and December is here! Get ready for Christmas markets, quiz nights, gin tastings, fundraising activities and more. Go online and visit our Facebook page for all the event dates and ticket information @theforestrybar atstgiles.

Sixpenny Handley Community Cinema

The Fall Guy Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Friday, 15 November, 6.30 for 7.00pm £6. Bar & snacks Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail. com

St Catherines Hill WI

Charity Christmas Craft Fair. Saturday 7th December 10am2pm.Community Hall, 17 Marlow Drive, Christchurch BH23 2RR. 50p entrance Tombola, Crafts, Food Stalls, Gifts and Jewellery, Refreshments will be available.

New Forest Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild. Meet 10am –4pm second Saturday of each month at Greyfriars Community Centre. Visitors welcome. Small fee £5 Diverse group of weavers, spinners and dyers. Beginners to experts. Young and Old who all share a love of textile and a desire to learn Call 07968 175255.

Theatre group in urgent appeal

Millstream Theatre, based at the Museum of East Dorset, urgently needs financial support to enable the group to continue running regular drama workshops and creating annual productions.

Tam Gilbert, co-director, said:

“Although we’re starting the lengthy process of applying for grants, we’ll have to stop monthly sessions immediately unless interim financial help is found.

“As well as two professional directors/facilitators, each session cost includes a support worker who is responsible for the wellbeing needs of members.”

The Millstream project has been running for 10 years at the museum.

Learning disabled and autistic members come from Bournemouth, Poole, Purbeck and the New Forest to take part. All are passionate about performing but rarely get the opportunity to join inclusive companies dedicated to achieving

high artistic standards. One member said: “I’ve looked around and Millstream is the only group that’s perfect for me”. Members are so keen for the group to continue that they have agreed to pay subscriptions for the first time but this is a challenge as most of the members are not in full-time employment.

Director Mark Tattersall, who programmed the recent show In Harmony in Dorchester, said: “In

President to talk at Mill

Simon Pirie, president of Walford Mill Education Trust, will be talking at Wimborne’s historic riverside centre about the early days and growth of his business and career as a designer and maker of contemporary furniture, interiors and public art commissions on Friday, November 29, at 6pm.

The free event, part of the Mill’s new Meet The Maker programme, supported by Dorset Council, will offer a

behind-the-scenes look at his creative process, inspiration, and stories relating to some of his unique pieces.

Simon has had a long association with Walford Mill, having first exhibited in 1998, and becoming its chairman for nearly a decade until 2010.

Jeanette Hinton, trustee and organiser, said: “Everyone is welcome to find out more about what it means to be a contemporary craft professional.

Harmony absolutely blew me away.... it was the tremendous humour and sheer joy of the play that made it sparkle!”

Millstream has the potential to grow fast and the directors and company say: “If there’s anyone who would like to support Millstream’s immediate future, we’d love to hear from you”. Contact Tony Horitz at tony. horitz@icloud.com or Tam Gilbert at tam@persuasionarts. co.uk if you are able to help.

“Simon will take us through his business journey from early days to the present.” Set against the Christmas backdrop of Handmade Wimborne’s Festive Craft Showcase, this event has no charge but pre-booking with Eventbrite is necessary. eventbrite.co.uk/e/meetthe-maker-simon-pirietickets-1037871019157.

Get ready for Christmas in Swanage

Swanage Railway

From 23rd November to 30th December

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns! For more information and to book tickets, visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Christmas on Swanage Pier

From 6th to 23rd December

The amazing ‘Lighting up Lives’ is back! Visit Father Christmas, his real reindeer and donkeys. Plus live music and much more! For further information, visit www.swanagepiertrust.com

Artisans on the Beach

Every weekend from 30th November to 1st January

Local unique hand-crafted items presented for sale by the crafters themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts.

Durlston at Christmas

Throughout December

Lots of festive activities including the Crazy Christmas Activity Trail, Kids Drawing Workshops, Glass Engraving and a Wild Crafts drop-in. For more information and to book, visit www. durlston.co.uk

Christmas Lights Switch

On

Saturday 30th November 3pm to 4.30pm

Come and join in the fun as we switch on our festive lights.

Christmas Street Market

Saturday 7th December 10am to 4pm

A traditional Christmas street market run by the Rotary.

Swanage is famous for its wide range of independent shops selling items you won’t find anywhere else.

Why not make a day of it and sample one of our cafes, restaurants, or pubs, or maybe just have fish and chips on our award winning beach. Whatever you choose, you can be assured that you’ll have a great day out.

For more information, please see visit-dorset.com/swanage or for a full list of daily events over the Christmas period please contact Swanage Information Centre on 01929 766018 or by emailing welcome@swanage.gov.uk. Check out our Facebook page, Christmas in Swanage.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Throughout December

Local, unique hand-crafted items presented for sale by the crafters themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts

Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB

For more details contact Swanage Information Centre on 01929 766018 or email welcome@swanage.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/ArtisansOnTheBeach

Recruitment

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET

Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP

https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk

11-19 Mixed Comprehensive - 1,670 on roll including 290 in the Sixth Form

Specialist Teacher – Lead for the Complex Communication Needs (CCN) Specialist Resource Provision (SRP)

TLR 2.2 + SEND Allowance

Required for April (if not sooner), a committed, adaptable and creative Specialist Teacher to join our thriving Support for Learning team. The successful applicant will be experienced in working with children and young people with complex communication needs. You will be required to support students on both a 1:1 and small group basis to, in our purpose-built Inclusion Base, as well as offer advice to other colleagues and parents.

Can you:

• Build and sustain positive relationships with our children, young people and families.

• Support students to succeed through targeted interventions to develop their skills and understanding.

• Support students to integrate and thrive in their mainstream lessons.

• Communicate clearly with students, parents and other colleagues. If so, we would like to meet you.

This role will involve:

• Teaching pupils with CCN/ASC individually and in groups within the provision as well as supporting the work students will carry out within mainstream classrooms.

• Carrying out detailed observations, such as those used in the SCERTS approach/AET framework.

• Working alongside other professionals such as occupational therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) professionals.

• Working in partnership with other agencies (including OT, SALT, SENSS) to develop learning plans that meet the needs of the individual pupils.

• Working in partnership with class teachers to ensure the pupils are effectively included in mainstream activities as appropriate for each individual.

• Developing and creating resource materials to meet the needs of the pupils and oversee the ordering of resources if required.

• Ensuring that a robust assessment system, for all pupils, leads to personal educational programmes and appropriate improvement targets.

Phone 01737 822222 or visit our website for an information pack and application form for either post.

Closing date: 29 November 2024

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions. Gillingham School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. We look forward to receiving an application form from you.

SKILLED GROUNDWORKER/PLANT OPERATOR

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team. Ability to set out & read drawings preferred. Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail.

We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

Port Regis is a delightful preparatory school, for day and boarding children aged 2-13, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. We are seeking to recruit:

SWIMMING TEACHERS

The necessary training and qualifications for this role are desired but not essential and can be arranged for suitable candidates with availability to work during the afternoon, evening or at weekends.

The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website - portregis.com/vacancies

Early applications encouraged

Port Regis (Charity No:306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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The Wessex Event Company presents... Bryanston Christmas Fair

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Killer Sudoku Pro

7 Signify limits to deference by celebrity (6)

7 Signify limits to deference by celebrity (6)

8 Boringly traditional feature of a town? (6)

8 Boringly traditional feature of a town? (6)

9 A team of workers restricted measure

9 A team of workers restricted measure of land (4)

(4) 10 Complete struggle with general survey (8)

10 Complete struggle with general survey (8)

11 Avoid leader somehow however it is done? (4,2,5)

Avoid leader somehow however it is done? (4,2,5) 14 A secure feature about Thomas in charge of college – and sort of timer (6,5) 18 Boy with gall excitedly

14 A secure feature about Thomas in charge of college – and sort of timer (6,5)

18 Boy with gall excitedly detaining lecturer all over the place (8)

19 One busy parking giving sound of horn (4)

20 Glittery decoration in metal a deception largely (6)

21 Choice draught initially switched (6)

1 Drink taken by US singer and instructor

2 Chapter on poem in secret symbols? (4)

3 Film is seen in dull diversion (6)

4 A second cathedral city falling short too

5 Virus spread by woman staying alive (8)

6 Inexperienced environmentalist (5)

12 US lawyer cheers headquarters providing source of information? (8)

13 City hospital with long time to accept line rank (7)

15 Ale lately deprived of substance in a gentle way (6)

16 Anglican church only demolished in former island (6)

17 Very reticent type pens current demand

19 Club by hotel has washing facility? (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 3×3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and all

Young footballers score big for charity

This season, the U12 Panthers from the girls’ section of Ringwood Town Football Club are rallying together to support Julia’s House writes Marie Dunning.

Known for their unwavering team spirit, the Panthers, a remarkable group of talented young girls are determined to make a positive impact through their fundraising efforts.

In September, the team visited Julia’s House to gain

insight into the incredible and vital services they offer children and families. The visit had a real impact on the girls, deepening their understanding of the challenges faced by others and, in October, a group of Panthers took part in the Run Bournemouth 5km Supernova race. The event was not just a test of endurance as many had not run that distance before, but it showcased the girls’ commitment to their

cause, with one of the team members even taking part with a broken arm.

So far this season, the girls have raised more than £1,000 for Julia’s House,but the need for support is ongoing as they rely on donations. With more fundraising activities planned, the Panthers are a shining example of how a big heart, coupled with teamwork and determination, can make a real meaningful contribution on and off the field.

For more details on their fundraising, please visit justgiving.com/page/ u12panthers.

Want to join our growing girls football team? We are always keen to welcome new team members.

Come and be part of an amazing group of girls and have fun playing football.

For more information, please contact Jon at jongough1974@googlemail. com or on 07488257125.

Friends to run 7 marathons in 7 days

Two men whose families have been touched by cancer are to run seven backto-back marathons in seven days for a Dorset charity.

Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash will run a total of 183.4 miles next March to raise funds for The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Their quest will begin on Monday, March 10, at Sandbanks and criss-cross the county, taking in towns including Dorchester, Wareham, and Sturminster Newton, before finishing on Sunday, March 16, at Bournemouth Pier.

The duo hopes to raise more than £20,000 through their efforts.

The Foundation provides much-needed financial assistance to Dorset residents and their families who suffer financial hardship due to cancer.

Chris Helberg said: “Many people in my family have been affected by cancer. “My mum Eve Went, who is a co-founder of the DCCF, has been through cancer three times.

“She helped set up the charity to help Dorset families suffering intense financial hardship because of the disease. I’m

constantly amazed by the difference the DCCF makes to so many lives, whether it be covering the cost of a mortgage or rent repayment, or transport to and from hospital.

“My friend Chris and I decided we wanted to do something to help the work of the Foundation.

“Completing this challenge won’t beat cancer, but if we can make a small difference, it’s absolutely worth doing.”

Chris Bryer-Ash added: “The training regime has started, and we are excited to be doing this.

“We hope even more people will come forward and sponsor us, knowing that every penny we raise will go straight to families here in Dorset who are struggling because of a cancer diagnosis.”

Eve Went, mother of Chris Helberg said: “The increase in the cost of living means that the work of the Foundation has never been so vital in helping local families going through cancer.

“We have given more than £750,000 in non-returnable grants since we started fundraising 10 years ago, but the number of applications for our help are increasing every year.

“We hope people will get behind what the boys are attempting and support them by making any donation they can.”

The runners’ progress can be followed on Instagram: @7marathons7days_

To sponsor them, visit the Just Giving Page: Seven Marathons in 7 Days.

Cricket society opens the winter batting

The first speaker to open the batting for this winter’s 22nd season of Dorset Cricket Society’s weekly Thursday afternoon meetings was Sussex and Southern Viper’s women’s cricketer, Nancy Harman, pictured right.

Nancy specialises in leg spin bowling and is a mid-order batter.

Nancy explained that for the 2025 season she will be playing for Hampshire Women as, under the new ECB ladies cricket evolution and reorganisation, the Southern Vipers will no longer exist.

Puzzle solutions

Hampshire Women will be playing against seven other counties on a league basis plus T20 and 50-over games.

Nancy hails from Eastbourne and started out playing for her school under the aegis of coaching from Chance To Shine.

Age group cricket then followed before signing her first contract for Sussex in 2017 then Leicestershire whilst she was studying at Loughborough University where she obtained an engineering degree in 2022. Since then Nancy has been back with her south coast teams and

has also been a part-time Royal Navy Reservist concentrating on leadership skills.

She also undertakes cricket coaching in the communities. The afternoon finished with an excellent question and answer session where Nancy fielded questions from members and provided us with a deeper insight into women’s cricket. Speakers for December are: Thursday, December 5 Richard Logan, former Hampshire and Notts cricketer. Thursday, December 12 Annie Chave, editor County Cricket Matters.

Thursday, December 19 Members’ Christmas Buffet and film. Paul Pearson

WIMBORNE MINSTER