Pleasure to read three separate viewpoints

I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have ‘enjoyed’ all three parties’ articles at the same time, but the New Stour & Avon July 14th edition certainly met my criteria.

Chris Chope’s input touched on the simple things we get wrong in the drive to net zero, and certainly gave me hope that some reverses in policy are possible.

Whilst I may not agree with him on many points, Greg Williams’ Labour perspective was thought provoking and so much more refreshing than the Tory-baiting fed to us by his colleague Alan Cross.

And Vikki Slade’s rather nostalgic Lib-Dem article was simply joyous.

More of the same please with less of the high-brow national stuff and more of the local down-to-Earth and often personal experiences.

Without being rude to your magazine, I can do without the political commentary that we can find in national newspapers and other media and would happily settle for local human interest articles, albeit within the terms of reference for each party.

Chris Wilkinson Ferndown

Factoid Of The Fortnight

A new Hollywood movie is the latest incarnation of doll royalty, Barbie. But do you know her full name? Well, you might be surprised to hear, it is rather traditional.

Barbara Millicent Roberts was born on March 9, 1959, when she was unveiled at the New York Toy Fair. She was named after creator Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and later, Ken (who came along in 1961), was named after her son, Kenneth.

Barbara is from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin, where she attended high school. She has gone on to pursue some 250 careers including as an astronaut, a pilot, a firefighter, journalist and entrepreneur.

She even travelled to space in 1965, four years before man walked on the moon.

New era for Colehill’s choir Activity at Verwood guild

After 10 years, accompanist Barry Groves, picture above with his colleagues, is retiring to ‘spend lots of time watching and supporting my three sporty grandchildren’.

At Colehill Community Choir’s June concert £956 was raised for the Friendly Food Club and the Louis Ross Foundation.

Liz Guilmant-Cush from the Friendly Food Club said: ‘We’d like to express our sincere thanks to the generosity of the audience and the choir for their support. Helping people to cook is empowering and has massive benefits to people’s health and pockets.’

Penny and John Ross who set up the Louis Ross Foundation after the tragic death of their son in a skiing accident, said: ‘We’re so incredibly grateful to the choir not only for the very generous sum raised but also for choosing Louis’ Foundation as a beneficiary of their glorious concert.”

To celebrate another fabulous year of singing the choir had afternoon tea at Careys Manor. It was the perfect setting to thank Barry for all he has done for the choir and to thank conductor Peter Coole who, along with Susan Davies, was instrumental in establishing Colehill Community Choir 13 years ago. With Barry’s retirement, the choir is searching for a pianist who can play at weekly Thursday rehearsals: All reasonable expenses will be paid.

Susan Davies, who runs the choir said: “Our choir is open to all and is at the heart of the community. Finding an accompanist will ensure its future.’

For information, please email colehillcommunitychoir1@gmail. com or telephone 07802 955927.

Susan Davies Colehill

At the recent meeting members were treated to a fascinating, if rather gory, talk by Brian and Jacqui Sutton entitled ‘The Duke Of Monmouth, How His Head Was Turned, And Lost.’ A report was read out on the National AGM and Townswomen’s Guild holiday in Llandudno, which took place in June.

A trip to Broadlands Flower Show has been arranged by Dorset Federation for September and the Annual Lunch will once again be held at the Remedy Oak Golf Club in November.

The next event for Verwood Townswomen’s Guild is an Afternoon Tea before the August break.

For more information, please ring Judi on 01202 053264.

Linda Pearson Verwood

Fundraising fair for MS Centre

The MS Centre Dorset is an entirely self-funded charity which encourages, supports and assists sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis and their carers.

Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating and incurable neurological disease.

The Centre will be holding its annual Summer Fair tomorrow, July 29, from noon to 4.00pm at the Osborne Centre, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS.

The attractions will include: local organ grinder Jeremy Franks, refreshments, cakes, crafts, jewellery, teddy bears and many more.

For more information please phone 01202 570300 or visit mscentre-dorset.org.uk.

Laura Webber MS Centre Dorset