The New Stour & Avon - Issue 95

What’s inside this issue...

Farming & Environment 32-33 Food & Drink

Health & Wellbeing 26-27 Home & Garden 28-31 Letters 8 Local Services 40-41 Politics 12-13 Puzzles 42-43 Puzzle solutions 46 Recruitment 40 Sport 44-45

Contact Us

Advertising: jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Editorial: newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU

Classified ads: classified@stourandavon.net 01963 400186 or online at stourandavon.net

DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to available space.

Meet the team

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

Debi Thorne Sales director debi.thorne@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289409

Jane Toomer Senior account manager jane.toomer@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289411

Steve Belasco Editor newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake @icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Mandy Bacchus Account manager amanda.bacchus@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289414

Cover: White Mill bridge, Sturminster Marshall

All invited to join in Christmas singalong

West Moors Singers will be presenting their Yuletide concerts, entitled The Wonder Of Christmas, on Friday, December 13, at 7.30pm and Saturday, December 14, at 2pm.

Full of carols and seasonal

songs, harmonies and humour, the concerts will be held at St Martin’s Church Centre, in Moorlands Road, West Moors, and tickets, at £7, are available from Buds and Beans Café on Station Road or from 01202 870769.

Some of the proceeds from the concerts will be donated to local charities.

Everyone is welcome to sing some favourite carols and enjoy some lesser-known melodies but tickets are going fast.

Award for school’s ‘Eco Crew’

The Wimborne St Giles Eco Crew have been awarded an Eco Schools Green Flag Award –with Distinction.

The award recognises ‘a very impressive and impactful year of Eco-Activity and that your young people are passionate about protecting our planet’. A spokesman said: “Clearly a lot of consideration was given to how you would meaningfully embrace the Eco-Schools’ ethic and involve your entire school community in your activities, including the ideas to create a fruit orchard in the wildlife area, to take part in the Just One Tree day and to launch a fundraising campaign on World Water Day. “In addition to all these endeavours, the amount of

work and effort you put into the sustainability in the curriculum planning is inspiring.”

Headteacher Mrs Hill said:

“This has been a huge team effort and we are thrilled that

our children’s passion and enthusiasm has been recognised in this way. We are so proud of the efforts of our Eco Crew and we are really looking forward to building on their legacy.”

Community is urged to help

The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Fordingbridge to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to support families who will struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.

Last year, Fordingbridge Salvation Army distributed mre gifts to at least 74 adults and 144 children.

The church and charity fears more people will need support this year.

The church, on Roundhill in Fordingbridge, will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys, and food for hampers, particularly Christmas treat bits, eg chocolate fingers, chocolate tubs, until Friday, December 20.

People can drop their generous contribution at Fordingbridge Salvation Army Hall, Fordingbridge Information Office, the Branch, the Gourmet Grocer and Wolvercroft Garden Centre. Donations can also be made via the justgiving page at: www. justgiving.com/fundraising.

BL ACK FRIDAY EVENT

01202 094277

david@hardwickea.co.uk

Outdoor boom at school

Talbot Heath School has announced a new fundraising initiative in partnership with the Parent Staff Society aimed at enhancing the outdoor experiences of its students. Following the creation of the Hive - a dedicated outdoor adventure playground that allows young learners to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather - the next project will be the installation of an outdoor classroom on Boarders Green which will allow all pupils to fully immerse themselves in the Outdoor Learning curriculum.

The classroom will feature a living roof, which will encourage biodiversity and provide a hands-on educational resource for students interested in ecology and environmental science. Future fundraising goals include a Fairy Trail for the Junior School, outdoor hideaway shelters for Senior School students, and infrared cameras to observe and better understand the wildlife.

The school actively encourages the community to join future fundraising events throughout the year.

Rivers of glory as display winners announced

Planet Wimborne, which organised the week-long Wimborne Green Festival, teamed up with Wimborne BID to ask shops to create window displays.

This year’s festival and display theme was Rivers, which is apt, with the Allen and Stour pass through and by the town. Members of the public were encouraged to stroll around the town to admire the ingenuity of the shops and vote for their favourite window. And the winner was the Fair Ground shop, which can be found in the Corn Market. In second place was 33 Boutique with the Ear Clinic coming in third. Both shops can be found on High Street.

The certificates and prizes were presented by Cllr Jeff Hart, Mayor of Wimborne and a Planet Wimborne director, and Duncan Jones, a Wimborne BID director.

Planet Wimborne and Wimborne BID would like to thank all the shops for taking part and applaud their creativity.

They would also like to thank the Tivoli Theatre and Wimborne Tandoori for generous prizes.

n Clockwise from above, runners-up 33 Boutique, winners Fair Ground Shop, third-placed Wimborne Ear Clinic and the Fair Ground Shop display

Cars targeted in Ringwood street

Car thieves targeted vehicles in Ringwood in the early hours of Thursday, November 21.

Police said two vehicles were broken into in the Mount area between 2am and 4am, with reports thieves had tried to gain access to more in the same road.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area, or has any footage, including doorbell camera, dash cam, mobile phone or any other CCTV, should contact police on 101 and quote incident number 44240507290.

They can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Help transitioning to adult services

The transition to adult services can creat a vast amount of anxiety for families with disabled children as they are facing changes, new services, and new people.

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity, is now holding regular advice sessions to guide families through the process.

Diverse Abilities wants to make the process easier for families interacting with all the services involved in providing support and care.

The sessions takes place at The Treehouse, Diverse Abilities’ new home for Children’s Services.

The mornings provide a chance to meet with professionals from the NHS, BCP Council and Diverse Abilities, as well as other charities and organisations in the Dorset area.

It is also a chance to speak with other parents and carers

who may be experiencing similar situations and challenges.

Lynda Larke from Diverse Abilities commented: “It’s great to get families together and help them to get the support they need.

“When children reach 18, their families are at a cliff edge, everything they have known in terms of funding and healthcare provisions ends, and the process begins

all over again, so we’re here to help make that transition as seamless as possible.”

The advice sessions take place at The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT. Those interested in attending are advised to register their interest at diverseabilities. org.uk/transitionsdropin, where questions can also be submitted ahead of the events.

Spicy meet for townswomen Festival theme is Narnia business

At the recent Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild meeting, members enjoyed sampling many flavours of ginger beer, courtesy of the Dorset Ginger Company. They began with fruit flavours, then mellow ginger, through stronger ginger, to the second strongest ginger in the world, and finally extra strong with cinnamon. It was agreed that it had been

a different and very pleasant afternoon.

The Guild’s table display of Verwood through the last 95 years was on show for members to admire, after being entered into Dorset Federation’s recent Festival Of Dorset event marking our 95th birthday.

For Guild info please ring Judi on 01202 053264.

Linda Pearson Verwood

There’s always HOPe for you

The seasons are changing and as the nights close in perhaps you would like to share some time to join us here at HOPe. We are a friendly team who always need your help and support.

So whether you would like to join our community fundraising team, become a volunteer in the shop or a befriender.

We’d love to hear from you. Please visit hopenewforest. org for more information.

Laura Davy HOPe New Forest

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the theme for West Moors Christmas Tree Festival at St Martin’s United Reformed Church this year.

This popular pre-Christmas festival is open daily from Tuesday, December 3, from 10am - 6pm and closes at

2pm on Saturday, December 7.

Up to 30 beautiful trees will adorn the church. Entry is free and will include storytelling for children (and adults too!) at 4pm each day.

Pauline Whately West Moors

All welcome at Advent service

The annual Advent service By Candlelight will be held in Wimborne Minster on Advent Sunday, December 1, beginning at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Here is an image of the choristers rehearsing for

what promises to be a delightful evening. Anthony Oliver Wimborne

Wonderful time for concert

Display Advertising

Friday 27th December

Booking Deadline - Wed 11th Dec - 4pm

Copy Deadline - Mon 16th Dec - Noon

Classified Advertising DECEMBER DEADLINE

Booking Deadline - Tues 17th Dec - 4pm

Classified ads

The Fayrewood Singers of Verwood are presenting their afternoon concert of Christmas music, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, on Saturday, December 7, at Verwood Methodist Church at

2.30pm. Tickets are £6 at the door, to include refreshments. All are welcome to come along and get into the festive spirit!

Linda Pearson Verwood

Supporting our community

Upton Together was established in 2020 with a primary mission to assist and uplift the people of Lytchett Minster and Upton. Its purpose was to help our community not only endure but thrive through lockdowns, isolation, and uncertainty - creating a lasting sense of care and connection within our locality.

A dedicated team of volunteers took on tasks from unique offerings like ‘bubble cream teas,’ to essential services like

prescription collection, shopping and household assistance. Hardship grants also provided critical support to individuals, and all services were warmly received. We remain a steadfast service for those in need, whether needing a prescription pickup during a bout of flu or a quick repair for a broken pair of glasses, we’re here to help. Remember, we’re only a phone call away: 01202 030379.

Stew Mckell

Upton

Light up a Life at service

To mark the end of its 30th anniversary year, Forest Holme Hospice is inviting the community, regardless of any connection to the hospice, to come together and remember loved ones at its Light up a Life event, which will be taking place in Poole town centre. The event, which is sponsored by Dawsongroup Finance and Open Hands - a programme set up by Dawsongroup plc to create social benefits through fundraising and donations - begins with a candle-lit procession, leaving the Dolphin Shopping Centre on Saturday, December 7, at 4pm and proceeding to Falkland Square, where the Citrus Singers choir will lead carols around the tree. Claire Cooper from Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “Light up a Life is a beautiful and uplifting occasion and a chance to pause for reflection before the festive season gets under way.”

Lanterns for the procession are available to pre-order online and can be collected at the

Gather (opposite H. Samuel) in the Dolphin Centre and participants are welcome to take their lanterns home as keepsakes.

Complementary mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the procession back at the Gather.

From Monday, December 2, to Friday, December 13, (10am - 3pm daily), Forest Holme will also be hosting its Tree of Remembrance in the centre, outside the Body Shop, where visitors can add a personal dedication on a star to remember loved ones and support the hospice by purchasing Christmas gifts, cards, and other merchandise.

Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling Save £50 this Christmas!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Remember:

1. We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.

2. No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Day until Wednesday 8 January.

3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

4. Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person.

5. Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers.

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

These tips can help you make savings on your Christmas food budget. It can save you time as well!

• Plan your meals over Christmas fortnight - make a shopping list and stick to it

• Check your food cupboards before shopping

• Use the portion calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com/ portion-planner

• Use up foods in your freezer beforehand to make room for Christmas leftovers

• Store food correctly – check pack instructions

• Keep an eye on “use by” dates

• Use up leftovers in delicious recipes

• Freeze leftovers that can’t be eaten

Find more top tips and recipes at

ADVERTISING FEATURE dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lovefoodhatewaste

Bin collection days

These are the dates to put out your bins over Christmas. You can now put any items made of carton or foil in your recycling bin.

Tuesday 24 Dec No change

Wednesday 25 Dec Friday 27 Dec

Thursday 26 Dec Saturday 28 Dec

Friday 27 Dec Monday 30 Dec

Monday 30 Dec Tuesday 31 Dec

Tuesday 31 Dec Thursday 2 Jan

Wednesday 1 Jan Friday 3 Jan

Thursday 2 Jan Saturday 4 Jan

Friday 3 Jan Monday 6 Jan

Monday 6 Jan Tuesday 7 Jan

Tuesday 7 Jan Wednesday 8 Jan

Wednesday 8 Jan Thursday 9 Jan

Thursday 9 Jan Friday 10 Jan

Friday 10 Jan Saturday 11 Jan

Monday 13 Jan No change

Refer to your calendar or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bin-day to check your collection days.

Recycle more

This Christmas, recycle as much of your waste as possible.

If you live in Dorset*, you can recycle:

• All cooked and uncooked food waste

• Wrapping paper**, cardboard and Christmas cards (no glitter)

• Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

• Glass bottles and jars (Please keep glass separate)

• (New) Carton and foil***

We’ll collect extra recycling in your own boxes.

Thank you for recycling!

If you live in Dorset*, check for changes to your collection

* Doesn’t include Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. Check your council website for details.

** Scrunch your wrapping paper! If it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t, or it’s foil-based or glittery, it should go in the rubbish bin.

*** Rinse foil trays and wipe sheet foil clean. Scrunch sheet foil or wrappers together into a tennis-sized ball.

I’m scratching around for silver linings

So that was unexpected... should it have been?

Clinton taught us ‘it’s the economy, stupid.’ In a country where people felt, and by many metrics were, worse off under Biden and better off under Trump, it should have been unsurprising they’d vote Trump back in, rather than Biden’s VP. I resent the arrogance of a party who persisted so long with a candidate unfit for another four years of office. A Democratic party that talked down, rather than to, the voters it sought. It was the same as 2016 – the reek of entitlement. Much was made of Labour volunteers going to America to learn from and support the Democrats. Perhaps the Democrats should now learn from us, on how we changed our Labour Party.

I’m not worried about the derogatory remarks Labour ministers made about Trump when in opposition. Trump has mocked and been denigrated by everyone from RFK to Marco

Rubio. And they’re both now in his cabinet. Clearly this man forgives or forgets.

My wife is American and our kids are dual citizens. So we feel the results of the US election acutely. A country where we have started avoiding parades or other mass gatherings because of fear of mass murder now feels even less safe. We’re more thankful than ever that, with our eldest starting school in Shaftesbury this year, he doesn’t have to endure things like active shooter drills. And where, even in a CofE school, science is paramount.

The whole world will feel the impact of the Trump re-election whether you have any links to America or not. I find myself scratching around for silver linings.

The war in Ukraine is not going well. The sheer size of Russia’s manpower advantage is forcing brave, depleted Ukrainian units slowly backwards.

Unless Nato risks World War 3 by sending in its troops (as North Korea is now doing to support Russia), or British missiles start striking deep within Russia, I can’t see a turnaround.

Perhaps Trump can negotiate a peace with his fellow despot, albeit with much territory

surrendered by Ukraine. Is it time the ‘West’ becomes less dependent on China economically?

Universal tariffs on all imports to the US is extreme, but a realignment of global trade around a coalition of nations that respects each other’s sovereignty and security would curtail China’s economic might, and maybe its military ambitions.

I fear for Israel’s neighbours in the face of a Netanyahu emboldened by Trump’s support.

But Biden was pathetic in his attempts to restrain Netanyahu. Depressingly, I’m not sure how things could get much worse for Gazans and Lebanese under Trump.

The post WW2 institutions we have relied on for peace and prosperity clearly aren’t working anymore. They need shaking up.

For better or worse, Trump will tip them upside down.

Anti-Starmer anger continues unabated

The anger directed against the Starmer government continues to grow unabated.

Farmers have now joined other groups on the receiving end of Labour’s vindictive policies directed against them.

‘Public sector good, private sector bad’ seems to be the mantra.

But evidence of public sector waste is everywhere to be seen with the latest news about the cost of covering over part of the HS2 railway line exceeding £100million.

I referred to that in the House of Commons to emphasise the contrast with the Government’s bragging about ‘investing’ £100million over five years to help children in the UK.

The spending of taxpayers’ money has to be about priorities and the Government’s priorities are out of kilter.

n The misguided policy assault on those who choose to vape as an alternative to smoking has received its

latest manifestation in new regulations to outlaw singleuse vapes from spring next year.

It was a Government Minister who responded to my challenge that evidence shows the damage that this will do to anti-smoking strategies. She referred to the environmental impact of nonreusable vapes while denying that reusable vapes also have environmental consequences. Most disturbingly of all, she rejected outright the ‘big picture’ that, as a result of being denied the ability to use disposable vapes, 29% of those users who switched to vapes from smoking will revert back to smoking cigarettes. The Minister was also confused about what to do about the influx of illegal vapes on the market, most of which are imported from China. In spite of the harm that these illegal vapes can do, the Government’s priority,

perversely, seems to be to attack legal vaping while ignoring the growing market in illegal vapes. In essence, the Government purports to be concentrating on reducing the harm caused by tobacco smoking while at the same time conspiring to outlaw disposable vapes which are a well-

established route for smokers who wish to quit.

n We now know that in the first three months following the General Election the rate of economic growth has fallen, unemployment has risen and the cost of borrowing has gone up. This is before the full impact of the Budget is felt, which will add significantly to the costs of employing people and, in particular, parttime staff. These outcomes are so much at odds with the Government’s rhetoric that one wonders what, if any, advice was sought or received on the Budget.

This is a reasonable question to ask following the revelation that advice from the Social Security Advisory Committee which has a statutory duty to advise Government was both suppressed and ignored. Why don’t we abolish the Social Security Advisory Committee as its advice is rejected?

Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS

Why this perplexing attack on family farms?

Christchurch Constituency is semi-rural, hosting many family-owned and run farms, which produce the local food we eat and need to live.

The perplexing attack on family farms, via the change to Inheritance Tax relief announced by Rachel Reeves, is going to rob many farming families of their livelihoods and the loss of farming knowledge together with the management of the countryside we all enjoy... management farmers do for free for the benefit of wildlife and humans alike.

Many small agricultural services exist to support our farmers and without farmers, they too will fold, along with their skills which will be forever lost.

As these farms produce the food we eat and drink (locallyproduced milk), this is not just an attack on a few family farm owners it is an attack on all of us as it seeks to strip the nation

up and down the country - not just Christchurch - of security of our food supply.

This Labour Government is falling backwards to state that this insidious tax will only impact a few farms and, whilst that is heavily disputed, if only a few farms then WHY apply this change to the tax relief as it will not go anywhere towards filling the £25billion black hole (still not evidenced) that Labour claim exists in the nation’s finances.

Independent sources representing the farming community put the number of farms at risk at 80,000, and Government Treasury Civil Servants estimate 500. Whether 80,000 or 500, these family-run farms will be needlessly forced to stop food production and sell up to pay this tax.

If the Government reduced its planned Overseas Aid budget by just 5% it would amount to 10 times the tax it would get

from this IHT, but instead of supporting the nation, it seems Labour want to destroy it so it can fund Overseas Aid; why?

At an unusual meeting in July of past and present COP presidents, Ed Miliband confirmed Labour will honour its pledge of £11.6billion in overseas aid for the climate crisis, money to be spent on nations that have contributed

nothing to the cause whilst sitting back and consuming fossil fuels expecting us, the UK taxpayer ,to pay for them to ‘do something’ towards climate change.

Likely much will probably be lost and end up in the pockets of dictators and despots like the vast majority of our existing overseas contributions.

Meanwhile, back home food prices keep rising due to the need to buy from overseas sources because of Net Zero Policies for fields to go fallow as struggling farmers get three times as much in subsidies than from farming those fields. Rewilding is another Net Zero policy, resulting in our food security being weakened, along with Labour’s target for new housing, windmills and solar farms, all of which, are eating away at our farmland and food security.

Labour needs to be stopped, or choosing to ‘heat or eat’ could cease to be a choice.

Shocked by Budget’s shortsightedness

The Government has delivered its first budget.

We all know that the country’s finances were left in a terrible state by the Conservatives and that the mess would need to be cleaned up but as I said in my budget debate speech ‘to govern is to choose but I am shocked by the shortsightedness of some of those choices’.

The uplift in the national minimum wage is definitely needed in a cost-of-living crisis but above-inflation rises can impact employers who also need to maintain differentials at higher pay grades.

Add to this higher National Insurance contributions and rising energy costs, and running a business could become unmanageable for pubs, charities, shops, care homes, GP surgeries or manufacturers.

During that speech I sought assurance that health and education businesses would be exempt from NI rises but to date this plea has been ignored.

Ministers suggested GP, hospice and dental settlements will reflect these costs but given previous contracts failed to cover increased staff expenses it’s not surprising they are cynical.

Farmers too are angry at the decision to introduce Inheritance Tax, having been exempt for 40 years, and worried this could undermine how our Dorset countryside will operate in future. A 100-acre farm sounds huge to those of us with a small patch of grass outside our back door and a £3m farm value sounds like these families are millionaires, but I felt differently when I met many of them in Westminster.

Agricultural core funding has been slashed in recent years so a truckload of corn going to market is often worth less than it cost to produce; poor international trade deals have left UK farms uncompetitive against foreign imports and the cost-of-living crisis has led to supermarkets squeezing farmers to keep prices low.

Mid-Dorset & North Poole VIKKI SLADE MP

Farmers, like other families, are living in poverty but are less visible. Charities are funding their children’s school uniforms and criminals are targeting their equipment. They typically scrape a modest living trying to maintain their farm and their traditions. Farmers often wait until they are elderly to pass the farm to the child who will protect and nurture it. Valuing cows, combine harvester, barns and farmworker

cottages as an inheritance is nonsensical.

Liberal Democrats would bring in a farm test so family farms are protected while those buying a lifestyle landholding would pay Inheritance Tax if they aren’t actually farming. Corporate farms are not liable for Inheritance Tax, so perhaps a new class of tax for farms could resolve this impasse? We need a countryside consultation and broader impact assessment. Agricultural Property Relief may only affect 25% of farms, but Business Property Relief affects many more, with estimates that 75% of family farms will be caught up paying one or both.

Although this debt could be paid over 10 years, farms may not make enough profit to fund this, leading to land sell-off, making farms non-viable. Who knows how this might change how our countryside looks and works but, once sold, we may find ourselves relying on more food from abroad with all the risks that brings.

Reform UK

Christchurch

ROBIN ADAMSON

Super sampler at auction

A super Geroge III sampler from a Wiltshire country house is being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne in their specialist sampler and textile auction on Friday, January 3.

“We have sold a vast array of items from this Wiltshire country house throughout the year, from Asian Art to silver, in our range of specialist auctions.” said Richard Bromell of Charterhouse. The sampler was worked by 11-year-old Mary Knight in 1811.

Incorporating a country

house, its family – a Royal Naval officer standing by his ship, mother and two children, pets, animals and trees, all within a floral meander border, has survived in good condition for more than 200 years.

The owner, whose family had been in the Grade IIlisted house for more than 100 years, took the difficult decision to downsize and took advantage of the home visit and collection service Charterhouse offers.

n Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse Team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at

Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouseauction.com.

Charities fair raises £2,500

Seventeen charities and organisations took part in the Grand Charities Fair organised by Wimborne in Bloom which raised over £2,500 for the various causes they represented. Stalls included those for the Children’s Society, Waggy Tails Rescue, Wimborne Community Garden and the RNLI. Wimborne in Bloom had a successful table with four hampers as prizes.

Entrance was free, courtesy of Wimborne in Bloom, but the public generously donated more than £140 on the door. Richard Nunn, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom and

on behalf of the committee thanked everyone who participated in the Fair and all who visited.

Wimborne in Bloom will be at the Save the Children Parade through Wimborne on Saturday, December 14, and the first event of the New Year will be the annual Wine and Wisdom Fun Quiz evening. This will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025 in the Allendale Centre when teams of six will pit their wits against each other to try and win the coveted Eco-Composting Shield. Full details at wimborneinbloom.org.uk Anthony Oliver

Stunning success for Christmas operation

Operation Christmas Child has issued a thank-you to all those who donated this year, writes Holly Lamb

This year once again we were truly blown away by donations and our heartfelt thanks go out to all those who gifted and donated such wonderful items. We received an abundance of knitted soft toys and clothing, toys, toothbrushes, stationary, note pads, stickers, books and many more useful and fun gifts!

Again, we thank: Wendy from Dorset Police who each year donates a huge box;

All our ladies who knit, from Wimborne to Wincanton to Castle Cary, it is much appreciated. Children find such comfort in soft knitted items;

Total Energy Services who supplied more than £500-worth of toys; Michelle from a local laundry business who donated more than 100 flannels; Douch Family Funeral directors which donated so many gorgeous, knitted items and other local businesses. This year we have managed to send more than 130 shoeboxes and, since 2019 we have sent more than 500 shoeboxes to children in need all over the world.

We have been organising this with the New Blackmore Vale and the New Stour and Avon magazine (Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire) shoebox appeal for five years now and have seen the campaign grow and bring joy to hundreds of children.

We will be back accepting donations from September 2025 – further information will be announced nearer the time.

School Council empowering town’s youth

Wimborne Minster Town Council is celebrating the success of its newlyestablished School Council, an innovative initiative designed to give young people in the town an active voice.

The School Council, which meets regularly, sees young representatives from local schools take on the roles of councillors to discuss issues that matter to them, their peers, and the broader community.

At this term’s meeting, the young councillors engaged in lively discussion and debate on topics of importance to Wimborne’s youth.

Key points on the agenda included concerns about road safety for young pedestrians, the types of shops and services young people would like to see in Wimborne, and

the needs and interests of local young people.

Each participating school sends three representatives, and these young leaders have demonstrated impressive levels of maturity, honesty,

Minster, praised the School Council, saying: “Wimborne Town Council is very fortunate to have our own School Council.

are putting forward great ideas to the full council.

“They listen attentively to each other and vote on motions just as the adult councillors do.”

The School Council provides a forum where young people can directly influence the future of their town, making it more responsive to the needs of its younger residents.

Mayor Hart concluded by commending the School Council members for their commitment and vision.

He added: “We congratulate the members of the School Council for helping shape the future of Wimborne.”

“These young people have taken on the important role of ‘Making Wimborne a better place to live,’ and they

For more information on the School Council initiative or to get involved, contact Wimborne Minster Town Council – Louise Harrison at louise.harrison@wimborne. gov.uk or on 01202 881655.

Firms on track for charity

Teams from businesses across the area put pedals to the metal in a charity kart racing day for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Thirteen teams took part in the South Western Vehicle Auctions Enduro 60 Karting Challenge at South Coast Karting, Chapel Gate in Christchurch.

Amongst the racers was Poole-based Formula E racing driver Sam Bird, who is an Ambassador for the DCCF.

Competition was fierce as the teams of three battled it out in a 40-lap practice session,

followed by a 120-lap race. LC Cars eventually won the event, with Meadens coming in second and a team from DP Burridge third. The contest raised more than £3,000 for the DCCF, which provides financial help for local families facing hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

Sponsors SWVA, based at Holton Heath organised the event and also provided a free barbecue and refreshments. For more details of how to support the DCCF, or to apply for help, visit www.dccf.co.uk.

SOUTHBOURNE BEACH CARE HOME

Live a Luxurious, Supported Lifestyle

Southbourne Beach Care Home in Dorset provides a luxurious setting for those needing support with daily activities. Residents can experience modern comfort alongside a wealth of activities that support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our residents.

42 Belle Vue Road | Southbourne | Bournemouth | BH6 3DS

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Parmesan butter chickpeas with crispy chicken

When I was a child, I hated any sort of veg apart from peas and potatoes, the occasional bit of cabbage and cauliflower. I was a bit better than my dad, who didn’t eat any vegetables at all, not since he was a child. Given that he was nearly 99 when he died, just before Christmas, it obviously did him no harm!

To my surprise, I have found that I now like things like chickpeas, butter beans, kidney beans, etc. I am not sure that my Mum ever cooked with these but, having travelled abroad extensively, we have come to include them in our diet. I think its because we add flavour to them... they are pretty bland on their own. We use this recipe to use up cooked chicken, so you can use cooked chicken or fish as an alternative to uncooked chicken. (I think that makes sense!)

The vegetable dahl that we make, as a curry, has chickpeas in it, so maybe that’s why I like them now. (Although there can be windy consequences... need I say more!)

This is an easy recipe, especially if you prepare all the ingredients in advance. I even go so far as to get all the spice containers out,

so I don’t forget. Martin doesn’t like grating cheese, so I usually do it for him. The first time he made it, it was way too hot for me - I am not a fan of chillies - so, the next time he cooked it, he added the chillies to his bowl at the end.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 skin-on chicken breasts

1 tin chickpeas, drained

1 leek

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 tsp fresh chopped red chilli

50g grated Parmesan

15g butter

1 chicken stock cube

1 lemon

A little Parmesan to dress

Method

Preheat the oven to 190C fan. In a deep pan, brown off the chicken breasts skin side down for 3-4 minutes until golden and lovely.

Remove and set to one side.

Add in the leeks, garlic, and chilli with a pinch of salt. Sweat for 5 minutes. Add in the chickpeas, 350ml water, a chicken stock cube. Bring it up to a simmer and let it cook down for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Nestle in the chicken breasts skin side up and place into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Remove the chicken breasts to rest. Mix in the Parmesan to melt along with a nob of butter. Season with black pepper and any more salt to taste.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Serve the sliced chicken breast on a portion of the bean broth and finish with extra Parmesan.

Independent Agency or Local Authority?

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.

Helping you to make an informed decision

Winning on waste

How can you stop more waste going to landfill?

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:

Win on Waste is a local micro-charity that reuses and recycles products, that would typically go straight to landfill.

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.

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.

that uses donated greetings cards to recycle into new ones and then sell them.

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.

A Win on Waste volunteer ambassador leads a team of dedicated volunteers every third Saturday of the month. They will make you feel welcome and answer any questions you may have and of course collect all your donations... simply drop in the pre labelled boxes

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.

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.

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.

We would love your milk bottle tops, bras, corks, marigold gloves, pringles tubes, greetings cards, babybel wrappers, old mobile phones, stamps/coins and even those old cables you may still have tucked in a drawer (full list available on website).

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!

A spokesman said: “We typically have around 50 donators that attend each month; we take time to explain what happens to the different products and of course we would love more people to come and drop off with us.”

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.

The location is St Nicholas Church, 30 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3LE. Come and donate at our next session Saturday, December 21, 10.30am-11.30am.

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 are often joined by linked organisations; as an example over the last few months we have been joined by a group

For the latest list of items to bring, please visit winonwaste. org. Christopher Ray

Charity boost by young card designers

Pupils from Heatherlands Primary School in Poole were asked by the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation to create images to adorn their 2024 Christmas cards.

Entries flooded in and six winners gathered last week to receive prizes and see their designs transformed into greetings cards.

Each of the winners: Charlie, Eli, Alex, Elena, Grace, and Terri, received a framed copy of their design and two tickets to a Dorset family attraction.

Charlie said: “This is amazing! I didn’t think I would win. I painted a snowman because I am hoping we will have snow this year and I can build a snowman.”

Alex said: “I feel very proud of myself.”

Grace added: “I didn’t know what was happening when I was called out of class, then they said I was a winner. It’s brilliant! I can’t wait to show my family my picture of a gingerbread man on the charity’s Christmas cards!”

The Foundation raises funds to provide financial assistance to Dorset families facing financial hardship because of cancer.

The charity gives non-returnable grants to help patients pay for costs including

accommodation, transport to and from hospital, childcare and counselling.

Jo Saunders of the Foundation said: “We were impressed when we saw the beautiful designs the children had drawn and painted. It was extremely difficult to choose just six winners for our cards,

but we did, and they look fabulous.” DCCF Christmas cards cost £3 for a pack of six and are available to order online from the-dorset-cancer-carefoundation.sumupstore.com/ or pop into the DCCF office (B4) at Discovery Court, Wallisdown Road, Poole.

Advertising Feature

Winter Reading? Xmas Present?

Local author’s latest novel,Gratitude, is published by Cinnamon Press and available at Gulliver’s, Wimborne; Westbourne Bookshop; Waterstones, (need to order); Cinnamon Press and Amazon.

RRP £10.99

On the surface Mel seems fine – she’s over her divorce, she’s started her own actors’ agency and loves to visit her step-daughter, who has a four-year-old son, Billy.

But underneath she is wrestling with a pair of demons: she still longs painfully for motherhood though time is no longer on her side; her other demon is darker. In her mind the two are connected. She knows that one day they must be brought out into the open.

Would looking after Billy – a difficult child – be the answer? Should she pray more?

When she lived in New York a therapist once advised her, ‘Whenever you feel grateful for something or somebody, write the name down on a strip of paper then place it in a Mason jar.’ Now living in London in the year 2016, she has reasons to continue the habit.

Christmas Countdown to

Time to start feeling festive!

As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, it’s the perfect time to embrace the festive spirit. Whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast or need a nudge to get into the mood, there are plenty of ways to spark joy this season.

Start by decorating your home. Twinkling lights, a wreath on the door, or even a cozy throw in festive colours can instantly elevate the atmosphere. If you love crafts, try making your own decorations or ornaments—it’s a fun activity that adds a personal touch.

Next, dive into festive flavours. Bake cookies, sip on hot chocolate, or experiment with holiday-themed recipes. The aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger have a magical way of filling your home with warmth and nostalgia.

Music and movies are another easy way to set the tone. Create a playlist of your favourite Christmas songs or schedule a movie night featuring classic festive films. These simple pleasures can make your evenings feel extra special.

Engaging in community activities is also a wonderful way to feel festive. Check out local markets, light switch on ceremonies, or charity events. Not only do these bring joy, but they also connect you with others who share the holiday cheer.

Finally, take a moment for gratitude. Write cards to loved ones or reflect on the year’s highlights. The season is about togetherness and joy, so find what makes you happiest and embrace it wholeheartedly.

Let the festivities begin!

WOOD | MULTIFUEL | GAS | ELECTRIC

Countdown Christmas Countdown to Celebrate Christmas in Wimborne

Don’t miss Wimborne’s festive celebrations.

christmas events

30th November

Christmas Lights Switch-On day and Christmas Market from 1pm

7th December

Support local businesses for Small Business Saturday

14th December

Annual Save the Children Parade from 2pm

20th December

Carols in the Corn Market at 6pm

www.wimborne.info

Special Santa Experiences at Museum of East Dorset

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.

Museum of East Dorset Director Francessca Hollow said: “We understand that some children with special educational needs may find Christmas activities a bit of a challenge and we aim to provide a calmer opportunity for them to meet Santa with this session devoted to them.

Our SEN Santa experience has been designed to cater for children with Autism, ADHD or with a similar diagnosis whose condition means that they have been unable to visit Santa with their family previously. There will be no queuing, loud noises, or flashing lights.”

She added: “We’d love parents to let us know their child’s interests when booking and Santa will be able to chat to them, even if they are non-verbal.”

These Santa visits are a fundraising event for the Museum of East Dorset and money raised will help to go towards the running of the museum.

Christmas Countdown to

Adopt a Primate at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Set in 65 acres of Dorset countryside, the sanctuary works in conjunction with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of apes and monkeys. At the park, rescued primates are rehabilitated to live in natural family groups of their own kind, with specialist care.

You can support Monkey World by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. This scheme enables us to create additional reserves and a safe haven for the many primates whose lives are still in danger around the world. Your adoption money goes into a 100% fund, which is used solely for the rescue and rehabilitation of primates. Prices start from £25 (+P&P) for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and an annual pass to the park!

A great choice would be orang-utan Hujan, who was sadly rejected by his mother when she became ill after his birth. He is now growing up in our orang-utan crèche, with his adopted brothers and sisters. By adopting Hujan, you can fund his care, and help other primates in need around the world.

Go to monkeyworld.org to read all about the 250 primates at Monkey World, and their rescue stories.

Unlocking health: How chiropractic can help

Chiropractic care is a natural, noninvasive approach to health that focuses on the body’s own ability to heal itself. At Wimborne Wellness Centre, we’re passionate about helping our patients achieve optimal health through tailored chiropractic treatments.

But what exactly can chiropractic care help with?

Back Pain

Chiropractors use adjustments to restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain—allowing you to move freely again.

Neck Pain

Chiropractic adjustments target the cervical spine, improving range of motion, easing tension, and relieving associated headaches or shoulder discomfort.

Headaches and Migraines

Chiropractic care can help by addressing the underlying causes, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Sciatica

Chiropractic adjustments aim to relieve pressure, reducing pain and improving mobility.

Joint Pain (shoulders, knees, hips, and more)

Chiropractic care can provide relief

for conditions like frozen shoulder, hip misalignment, or knee pain.

Sports Injuries

Chiropractic care helps with injury recovery by improving joint function, reducing inflammation, and promoting proper healing.

Regular adjustments can also enhance performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Postural Issues

Chiropractic adjustments, combined with posture education and exercises, can correct imbalances and improve overall posture.

Pregnancy-Related Pain

Pregnancy places significant stress on the body, particularly the lower back 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)

pelvis. Chiropractic care offers a safe way to alleviate pain, improve pelvic alignment, and even facilitate an easier delivery process.

Stress and Tension

Chronic stress takes a toll on the body, often causing muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue.

Chiropractic adjustments can relieve physical tension, promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being.

Digestive Issues

Did you know the spine plays a role in digestion? Nerve interference in the thoracic spine can contribute to issues like acid reflux or constipation.

Chiropractic care helps restore proper nerve function, potentially alleviating these symptoms.

Children’s Health

Chiropractic isn’t just for adults. Children can benefit from gentle adjustments to address postural concerns and more.

At Wimborne Wellness Centre, we believe in empowering our patients to take control of their health, offering guidance on lifestyle changes, exercises, and stress management to support long-term wellbeing.

Seasonal fun for a Jolly Good cause

In Jolly Good Company is a registered charity based in Dorset, writes Maxine Bridger We host warm and friendly social groups called Jolly Days with entertainment and activities for older people in our communities across the county. We are open to all and are dementia friendly. We work with local artists, actors, musicians, crafts people, yoga teachers and schools.

Our guests are like family and our Jolly Days are filled with fun and laughter. They are the perfect place to meet new likeminded people, chat, find support and make new friends. To enable the continuation of the Jolly Days and Winter Meal Service (rural East Dorset), we have some fantastic fundraising events lined up:

Festive Christmas Market at the Forestry Bar, Wimborne St Giles - Friday, December 6, from 5pm - 10pm kindly organised by the St Giles House Team. Explore an array of unique

Home & Garden

Top talk by a senior gardener

More than 40 members of Wimborne Gardening Club attended the November meeting when Hayley Bishop, one of the senior gardeners at Kingston Lacy, gave a very informative illustrated talk on the Kingston Lacy Garden past, present and future plans. The meeting on Monday, December 2, at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodways Corner, will be an evening of Christmas celebrations including a reindeer craft session and a fireplace arrangement demonstration for Christmas. There will also be Christmas nibbles and a raffle. The meeting commences at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

Anthony Oliver

Christmas market stalls featuring handmade gifts from talented local artists and suppliers while enjoying live seasonal music and delicious refreshments. And we have a special Christmas concert performed by Jubilate Choir on Friday, December 13, from 7pm at Wimborne St Giles Church. Entrance is £10.00 on the door which includes a glass of wine and a mince pie.

This will be the last chance to buy a Jolly Christmas Raffle ticket at just £2.00 per ticket. The raffle is generously supported by local businesses who have donated incredible prizes, including two weekend tickets to the End of the Road Festival (including camping); a two-night stay in one of the Pepper Pot Lodges at St Giles House estate for two people from Lord Shaftesbury;

Lunch for two at the Smokehouse at Compton Airfield from Compton Airfield; a Spring Cider Tour from Dorset Star Cider; a £150 voucher for John Lewis from Pipefix, and much more.

Tickets are on sale at all fundraising events and at several local venues which are listed under ‘Jolly Times’ on the news section of our website injollygoodcompany.com.

Garden volunteers scoop gold again

Forest Holme Hospice has scooped the top gold prize in the Loving Care Homes category at the recent Poole In Bloom awards... and for the second year running.

Poole In Bloom’s main event is the awards ceremony held annually at Compton Acres, and this year Forest Holme Hospice’s four volunteer gardeners, David, Viv, Petula and Simon, were again presented with a plaque and certificate in recognition of their hard

work in maintaining the hospice gardens. Heidi Haagensen, volunteer manager at Forest Holme, said: “We’re thrilled and proud to be presented with this award for the second year in a row.

“It’s testament to the amazing work of our gardeners who look after our garden spaces, come rain or shine, and help create a beautiful tranquil sanctuary which plays a unique and important role in patient care, staff wellbeing and our environmental impact.”

Home & Garden

Hannah’s horticulture...

Gardening jobs for December

It’s okay, I’ll forgive you for not planning to spend as much time in the garden in December!

With unpredictable weather that is often cold, windy or wet, the short days, and the busyness of Christmas and all the festivities, it can be hard to venture out there.

When the weather is fine, and you have a spare hour or so, it’s actually a real tonic to get outside and get some fresh air though.

For me, it’s exactly what I need, and the complete antidote to the highlystrung, human-based Christmas frenzy!

The garden is in slumber, just resting and recouping in readiness for the next season of riotous colour and growth.

The insects are either gone, or hibernating, the birds have moved to their winter abodes (some arrived, some gone, others stay all year with us), and all is calm. When I’m out there, I make a point to take note of the ripe red berries that will feed our cheery robins, blackbirds, sparrows, etc, to enjoy the bare naked form of the trees and twigs, and admire the heroic efforts of

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 n

the worms as they drag any leaf litter into the ground to munch.

The strength of these critters is quite astonishing. To move through the earth, they burrow by forcefully enlarging tiny crevices and cracks in the soil.

This can take an enormous amount of pressure and strength – experiments have shown they can push 10 times their own body weight.

That’s the equivalent of a human pushing a large polar bear out of his or her way. Phew!

Anyway here’s a little collection of jobs to keep you warm:

Paths and steps

Cold, wet weather can make surfaces treacherous. Use a wire brush, jet wash or path cleaner to clean them, and keep them clear of leaves.

Leaf clearing is a great warming activity too!

Bare-rooted trees, fruit and shrubs

Winter is a good time for planting bare-roots. And also for moving trees and shrubs, though with Christmas looming it may make sense to order now and plant in the New Year (fab Christmas present idea right there - you can have that one for free!). Avoid planting when the ground is waterlogged or freezing.

In the borders

Leave seed heads for birds and insects to feed on and hibernate in.

Any foliage that has been wasted to black slime by frost, or has signs of fungal disease, should be cleared and removed.

If you want to remember

where plants are, put down markers now before they completely disappear.

Exotics and tender plants

Tree ferns, bananas and palms need insulating from the worst weather. Wrap in a fleece jacket or with a sandwich of straw and fleece. You can also do this around the more tender shrubs and perennials. Do peg down or tie the protection though, as those fierce winter winds can undo your hard work and deliver it to the neighbours!

Floral decorations

There is plenty to forage to make your own floral displays, wreaths and decorations for the season with, and it is immensely satisfying, inexpensive, and nature connecting, to create something unique with foliage from your own garden or from your own foraged greenery. If you want to make a wreath, willow trimmings make a brilliantly flexible twig with which to create your base ring, then tie on holly, eucalyptus, eleagnus, rosemary or any mix of evergreens you fancy! There are plenty of videos online to show you how to get started with basic floral and foliage displays, or find a local wreath-making course being run and meet up with others who also want to learn.

Making a wreath is entirely doable. In this example, we have bay, fir, holly and willow twigs, on a willow and moss ring

With over 20 years experience of installing systems, we are Plumbing, Heating & Renewable specialists. Heat pumps use sustainable energy to generate heating and hot water for your home and reduce energy bills. As we are certified MCS certified intallers, you will also be able to take advantage of the Government’s £7500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme and zero VAT. Scan the QR code below to find out more.

Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

with Sharon Boden

Sharon is a member of staff at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown. High Mead is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil and nature. We create purposeful roles for our co-farmers, young people and adults, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth many have never experienced before. Due to Safeguarding, the farm shop is the only area currently open to the public.

Another fortnight has flown by at the farm and every day is so different!

The last week has been another busy one for us all. Work is officially under way on our exciting rabbit and guinea pig pen project. The concrete hardstanding is complete, and we’ve started insulating and lining the floors of the new sheds to make them as cosy as possible for our small furry friends.

We’re currently fundraising to help cover the costs, so if you’d like to support the project, please visit

our Facebook page for more details and a link to donate. We’re also on the lookout for spare materials to keep this project moving forward. If anyone has any

leftover insulation or lino/ vinyl flooring they could donate, we’d be incredibly grateful. Every little bit helps!

Amid all this hard work, the animals had a real surprise this week – snow! For many, it was their first time seeing it, and the reactions were mixed. Most of our animals opted to stay snug in their warm shelters, but not Mr. Whippy the rabbit! He bravely ventured out to explore the white, wintry wonderland, leaving tiny paw prints in the snow. The snow is not always a

negative – our beautiful cedar greenhouse was covered in ice but this acts as an insulator for our tender plants within, and as such we can continue to plant and grow in our polytunnel.

Some of us had to renew our First Aid training and Ouch provided us with an all-day on-site training session – we all passed with flying colours and are fit to administer First Aid for another three years. Finally, a note for your diary – Eight Arch Brewery on Stone Lane have a tap room and on Saturday, December 14, there will be music by Missing Links from 6pm to 7.30pm (the band have waived their fee for the evening.)

We will be there collecting for the farm, so please come along and enjoy the beer and music, buy some raffle tickets and win a hamper filled with goodies from our Farm Shop.

Tree-mendous way to fund patient wellbeing

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is kicking off the new year with its annual Christmas Tree Collection & Recycling Campaign, taking place on January 9, 10 and 11, 2025, across postcodes BH1 - BH23. By recycling your Christmas trees, you and local people in your community can make a truly meaningful impact, helping local hospice patients whilst promoting sustainability and supporting the environment.

If you are planning to have a real Christmas Tree this year Lewis-Manning invites you to join them in this recycling campaign and register and donate online today at www. lewis-manning.org.uk/trees.

A suggested donation of £15 will allow the hospice to deliver a virtual exercise and well-being session run by one of the hospice

occupational therapists. This vital service helps the growing community of housebound patients achieve a more active, fulfilling life and remain connected to each other. It’s a win-win for the community and the environment.

Head of fundraising, Vicki Gray said: “Our Christmas tree recycling initiative is so much more than raising funds for an important local hospice - it’s an opportunity

for the community to support crucial well-being services for Dorset hospice patients, whilst championing the environment.

“All trees collected are recycled into chippings and mulch for use in our local parks, gardens, playgrounds, and other community spaces across Dorset.”

Lewis-Manning extends special thanks to corporate partners Stewarts Garden Centres, Katie Fox Estate Agents, United Taxis, and Eco

Sustainable Solutions, whose sponsorship and support makes this initiative possible. How It Works:

Register & Donate: Sign up online to book your collection. Confirmation: Once booked via Lewis-Manning’s website, you will receive a confirmation email. When the bookings close on January 6, the team will be in touch to let you know when your tree will be collected.

Collection dates: All trees will be collected on January 9, 10 and 11. Leave your tree in your specified location and let Lewis-Manning do the rest! Vicki added: “Let’s kick off 2025 with purpose and compassion, turning your tree into hope and support for local families in need, and help make a lasting impact.”

To book, visit www.lewismanning.org.uk/trees.

Animals are blessed in service at Minster

An Animal Blessing Service recently took place in Wimborne Minster. It was organised by Diann March and the Rev Canon Andrew Roland, rector, assisted by Rev Marianne Mangham, assistant curate, took the service.

It included a Shetland pony, a guinea pig, a Silkie chicken, cats and, of course, lots of dogs.

This year’s charity was Cats Protection and the collection raised £120.50.

A week later, Kate Bevan, of the Mid Dorset branch of Cats Protection,

visited and was presented with the cheque.

Pictured left are Diann March with

Mangham, assistant curate.

n The annual Advent service By Candlelight will be held in Wimborne Minster on Advent Sunday, December 1, beginning at 6.30pm. All welcome.

01258 472314

friarsmoorlivestockhealth co uk

farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

friarsmoorlivestockhealth

Motoring

Don’t get the cold shoulder when driving tired

A survey of the public from Regtransfers has revealed that one in five British drivers risk a fine and points on their licence for stopping on the hard shoulder to rest while driving.

What’s more, a further one in ten respondents said they’d stop on the hard shoulder if their child needed the toilet.

According to the Highway Code, it’s illegal to stop on the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency, or if you’re told to do so by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign, or red flashing lights.

While some might argue that a child needing the toilet constitutes an emergency, it’s more related to the safety of yourself and other road users.

The hard shoulder can be used if you have a puncture, medical emergency, mechanical breakdown, or if items transported on your car or in a trailer have come loose.

In contrast, it should not be used for

bathroom breaks, to take a nap when you’re tired, or to stop and make or receive a phone call. Stopping on the hard shoulder for reasons such as these could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence. In the event that you feel tired whilst

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, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, 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

2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, camera, sunroof, ½ leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, 38,800 miles........£7850

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, 75,900 miles...............................£8450

driving, the best thing to do is to find a safe place away from the motorway to stop and rest.

If you’re in any doubt about your ability to drive safely, perhaps the best course of action would be to wait until you feel more able to tackle the journey.

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

2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise, hill hold, £35 tax, 50+mpg, cambelt replaced, 68,800 miles..........£7250

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 seats, upto 67mpg, 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

2018 (67) Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4T Design Nav SUV 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, auto lights & wipers, 31,100 miles....................................................£9650

2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi

The Messiah at the Minster

Bournemouth Bach Choir will be returning to Wimborne Minster on Saturday, December 21, for their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. They have performed Messiah every December - apart from 2020 - since 1996. The performance has usually been held in Christchurch

Priory, but they are delighted to able to perform it this year in Wimborne. Handel’s masterpiece, written in an astonishing 24 days, is perhaps the single most-performed piece of classical music ever. It is full of wonderful tunes and at times very dramatic with the Hallelujah Chorus never

failing to make your hairs stand on end. Bach Choir’s performance will be a choir of 55, four outstanding vocal soloists and an orchestra of seventeen.

Tickets are available from Square Records in Wimborne (Tel: 01202 883203) or online at ticketsource.co.uk/ bournemouth-bach-choir.

Bargain art for a worthy cause

After a successful autumn exhibition, where a number of paintings and greetings cards were sold, Broadstone Art Society is holding an online charity auction for Diverse Abilities, a local charity for both adults and children. There will be a large number of paintings donated by members of the society available for bidding. The highlight is a painting by the renowned Scottish artist Alastair Michie who lived in Wareham from 1950 to 2008. To view, visit broadstoneart society.com which will be open from 9am tomorrow, Saturday, November 30, and last bids can be received up until 8pm on December 6. This is a great opportunity to be able to buy a piece of original artwork at a muchreduced price with funds raised given to a very worthy charity.

Shows on sale at Lighthouse

New shows and screenings on sale for Lighthouse include: Youth Makes Music

Saturday 22 February, 3pm, Concert Hall

An energetic festival of music from the talented young people of this year’s Salvation Army Territorial Youth Band and Choir. Be inspired by the combined voices of the Choir and the sound of the Band in this concert of predominately Christian music.

80s Live

Friday 23 May, 7.30pm, Concert Hall

You’ve made it through the wilderness, somehow, you’ve made it through and now we’re never gonna give you up! Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK, direct from the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End. Age guidance: 12+

Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George Saturday 14 June, 7.30pm, Concert Hall

Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this dynamic show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe in a tactful and appropriate celebration of the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation, George Michael. With the exception of Youth Makes Music, for which there is no pre-sale, tickets are on general sale now at lighthousepoole.co.uk. For details of Lighthouse Friends visit lighthousepoole. co.uk/support-lighthouse/

It’s a crowning glory for Todd

One of British television’s best-known faces, Todd Carty can’t wait to meet Poole audiences when he plays King Tucker in Sleeping Beauty, this year’s traditional family pantomime at Lighthouse. A regular on our screens since the 1970s, it’s no wonder he’s stopped in his tracks as he poses for photos in the foyer at Lighthouse. He’s wearing full regal robes, crown and all, but to those who approach him for a selfie and a quick chat he’s still Tucker Jenkins from Grange Hill and its spin-off Tucker’s Luck, or Mark Fowler from EastEnders, or PC Gabriel Kent from The Bill. Then again, he could also be Major Metcalf from the Mousetrap – Todd was in the cast when the 70th anniversary production of Agatha Christie’s famous

whodunnit played a week at Lighthouse at the end of April.

That level of recognition is a consequence of being in hit show after hit show, but Todd has had a lifetime to get his head around it.

In 1978, he went to work on the tube one day as an unknown actor and came home with everyone

staring at him because they recognised him from Grange Hill.

Todd is no stranger to pantomime - although his touring commitments in the Mousetrap have kept him busy over the last couple of years - and he jumped at the chance to join the cast of Sleeping Beauty.

The latest in a run of award-winning in-house productions at Lighthouse, once again it’s written and directed by Chris Jarvis, who also plays the Dame, with production designer James Smith, choreographer Daniel Donaldson Todd and musical director Adam Tuffrey. Sleeping Beauty opens on Thursday, December 12, and runs until Sunday, January 5. Tickets available now at lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/ sleeping-beauty/ or on 01202 280000.

You’d be Maddy to miss farewell

For many people, a firm fixture of the festive periodthe combination of Steeleye Span’s Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band - has offered a unique take on timeless Christmas music since they first came together in 1984. The pairing resulted not only in the acclaimed album Carols & Capers and many more, but a concert experience like no other. To mark the 40th anniversary of their artistic relationship, Maddy and the band are touring the UK in not

only a celebration but also a farewell, the last time they undertake such an outing. Together they will mix ancient and modern instruments and rich vocal harmony with a refreshing cavalier attitude and plenty of humour - putting their inimitable stamp on a range of familiar and notso-familiar festive fare. This guarantees to be a Christmas Party to remember - a celebration of a unique partnership.

Online tickets are £30.25

(includes £2.75 online booking fee).

Box office tickets are £27.50. Bookings over £20 made through the Box Office will incur a £1 booking fee.

Visit tivoliwimborne.co.uk or telephone 01202 885566.

Christmas market at the Treehouse

Diverse Abilities, the disability charity, is hosting its first-ever Christmas Market tomorrow, Saturday, November 30, with the chance to browse a selection of Christmas gifts in a festive environment.

The Market offers more than 20 stalls with a selection of Christmas gifts and foodthere really is something for everyone.

As well as enjoying a festive evening with friends and ticking gifts off your list, you will be supporting the charity’s sessions at the Treehouse for the children they support.

The Treehouse, run by Diverse Abilities, is a specialist venue created with children with physical and learning disabilities in mind. Facilities can be used by children of all ages, and include a large indoor soft

play, learning kitchen, Changing Places toilet, sensory room, cinema room, games room, bouncy castles, trampolines, and mini-golf. Francesca Potton, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities, said:

“We’re really excited about the upcoming market, as many wonderful local businesses will be joining us at the Treehouse.

“It’s a great opportunity

Spoilt for choice with BSO

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra! With a whole hamper of festive favourites on offer, whatever your age and however you like to celebrate, the BSO concerts at Lighthouse, Poole, have you covered!

Advent begins chorally with Handel’s Messiah on December 11, when the BSO will be joined by soloists and Bournemouth Symphony Chorus for this retelling of the story of Christ. And why not gather the whole family and make merry when they play along to The Snowman on December 14, followed by seasonal family favourites including carols, excerpts from Disney classics and, but of course, Let It Go!

to unwind and visit the fantastic stalls with a range of Christmas gifts for all the family.”

The Christmas Market will run between 7pm and 9pm at: The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT. Tickets include an arrival drink and can be purchased in advance for £5 at diverseabilities.org.uk/ christmas-market.

Sixpenny Handley Community Christmas Craft Fair, Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Saturday, 7 December 10am - 2pm, FREE entry Crafts / Lunch / Cakes / Children’s Carols Info: 6dhandleyhall @ gmail.com

Broadstone Music Series presents CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CONCERT

St. Nicholas’ Church 30 Wareham Road Corfe Mullen Dorset BH21 3LE on Friday, 20th December, 2024, at 7pm. TICKETS IN ADVANCE ONLY as this concert is always sold out before the day. Tickets online (small fee applies) at broadstonemusicseries. info or ticketsource. co.uk/broadstone-musicseries

Choose between two performances of this concert, (3pm and 7pm) which sees the orchestra joined by three young, local singers showcasing their talents as soloists!

Or, how about an evening of jazzy Christmas goodies and orchestral favourites with Last Night Of The Christmas Proms on December 21, when the BSO will be joined by pianist and singer Joe Stilgoe?

And festivities will be wrapped up with their New Year’s Day Viennese Gala on January 1, that will herald in 2025 with a joyous flourish.

Visit bsolive.com or phone 01202 669925 to book your tickets.

Have the merriest of Christmases with the Bournemouth Symphiny Orchestra this year!

Concert Season 2024/25 Lighthouse, Poole

The Snowman and BSO Voices plus Seasonal Family Favourites including carols and Disney hits

Saturday 14 December, 3pm & 7pm

New Year’s Day

Viennese Gala

Waltzes, polkas and marches by Johann Strauss and his contemporaries

Wednesday 1 January, 3pm also Wednesday 8 January, Weymouth Pavilion

Spice up those cool memories of the 90s

Immerse yourself in some serious Nineties nostalgia as the era of Britpop and Cool Britannia blasts into Wimborne.

I Grew Up 90ts is the Museum of East Dorset’s latest exhibition open to the public from now until March 29, 2025.

Visitors are invited to take a trip back in time to discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the Nineties era to vivid life. Revisit the days of Britpop and Cool Britannia and discover the cultural treasures that Nineties youth held dear – from the girlpower of Spice Girls and Lara Croft, Power Rangers superheroes to gaming giant Pokémon.

There are also iconic film posters like Trainspotting and TV favourites Teletubbies.

I Grew Up 90s looks at Nineties Britain through the lens of youth. Visitors can expect to encounter beloved toys and video games, fashion, food, film and of course the brilliant music that defined the decade. Free admission to this special exhibition with normal museum entry.

Children up to age of four years are eligible for free admission.

Children five to 16 years £5.50 and adults £12 each. Family admission tickets are also available. And don’t forget the amazing offer that with one admission price you get 12 month’s free entry to Wimborne’s award-winning museum.

Carols galore at Christmas concert

Dorset Chamber Choir has announces the details of their 2024 Christmas Concert, ‘Carols for Christmas’.

There will be carols sung by the choir, carols sung by the audience and the main item will be A Ceremony Of Carols by Benjamin Britten. A Ceremony Of Carols was written in 1942, originally for three treble parts. A version for full (male and female) choir was then published in 1943 and that is the one that will be sung. Originally written with accompaniment by harp, the performance will be accompanied by piano played by renowned local musician Chris Dowie.

Anton Du Beke, one of the country’s best-loved and most accomplished entertainers, brings his brand-new nationwide tour, Christmas With Anton & Friends, to Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, December 19.

The show will see Anton joined by singer Lance Ellington, as well as a live band and a company of dancers to create an evening filled with song, dance and a lot of Christmas cheer. Alongside his fabulous dancers Anton will perform a classic Christmas sing-along with some of his favourite Christmas songs, as well as a big Christmas medley to end.

Anton said: “I’ve always dreamed of doing a big Christmas show as it’s the best time of the year, so this is a real treat for me. It’s the

The conductor will bw the choir’s musical director, John Watkins.

The concert will be on Monday, December 9, starting at 7:00 pm, at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street, Wimborne.

Tickets cost £15, free for

students and children. They can be ordered through the website, and are also available from choir members, or at the door. Refreshments will be available during the interval. For further details, visit the website: dorsetchamberchoir.com.

Anton’s on his way with Christmas!

show I’ve always wanted to do with some old faces and some new!

“I’m returning to some venues I’ve been to before which is always a joy.”

Regular guest Lance Ellington said: “I’m beyond excited to perform all your favourite songs with my wonderful friend Anton Du Beke!

“It’s my favourite time of the year and to be sharing it with you all on tour, with a fabulous live band and such a wonderful cast is going to be great fun. Don’t miss your Christmas fix for 2024.”

Anton added: “Don’t forget to bring your voices for a mega singalong... it’s going to be lots of fun and full of Christmas cheer.”

Julia’s House Christmas Carols,St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester, DT1 2HL. Tuesday, 3 December, from 7pm (doors open 6.15pm).

Tickets cost £10 per adult, £5 per child and U-5s go free. Mulled wine and mince pies included. All proceeds support Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Book at www.juliashouse.org/DorchesterCarols.

Orchestra to perform 100th live broadcast

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra marks a musical milestone with 100 live concert broadcasts since the Pandemic.

The BSO pivoted to global broadcasting in 2020 and, on December 4, it marks 100 digital concerts from Lighthouse, Poole. The concerts are broadcast in real time – uniting online viewers with the in-hall audience – and are available to watch for 30 days. The performances reach greater than the concert hall’s capacity, with around 2,500 people collectively experiencing each event.

The orchestra’s chief conductor, Mark Wigglesworth conducts the musical milestone in Poole alongside pianist Boris Giltburg before touring to Portsmouth Guildhall on December 5.

BSO’s 100th Digital Concert – on Wednesday, December 4, from Lighthouse, Poole. Tickets for online access £10. For full details see www. bsolive.com.

Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 10.00 to 4.00 St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall. Would you like to put up a tree to raise money for your favorite Charity? Contact liz. york@btinternet.com or 01258 857528.

Proving service of your divorce application

When we issue your no-fault divorce application to the court for you, your spouse must acknowledge that they have received it. They must do this within a certain time period. If they do not, you cannot proceed with the application to the next stage. However , there are remedies available. We are permitted to personally hand the application to them for you. Alternatively, we can get a private tracing company to find them for you, provided they can give us evidence they have served the document on your spouse. It may be that we know they’ve received it. If you or someone else can prove that, then let us know. We may be able to write to the Court about this for you. Let’s say we’ve exhausted these attempts without success. We then tell the Court of our efforts and ask them for permission to serve it in an alternative way. For

A search through the DWP or the passport service may assist here. Or if they work in the forces, we can ask the relevant authorities for an address.

The absolute last resort is to ask the Court to dispense with the requirement to serve the application. We would apply to the Court, then we would see the judge and explain the situation.

If you’re facing challenges concerning any family law issue, including serving your divorce petition, our family law experts at HGW Solicitors are here to help. We will guide you through each step, from initial advice to legally-approved dispute resolution services, to court remedies as a last resort. Get started with a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Contact HGW Solicitors

Recruitment

Come and join our staff body at our vibrant and happy prep school for girls (aged 7-13) set in the beautiful Dorset countryside:

We are seeking a caring and empathetic person with strong inter-personal skills and a can-do attitude, who will be an excellent role model for our pupils.

The successful applicant will be required to work weekends and evenings as required and have significant overnight responsibility. Accommodation will be provided.

To start as soon as possible.

To learn more about this opportunity please call the School Office on 01258 860219 or visit our website: www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Application deadline: Monday 2 December

Note : Please apply using our own application form and send direct to head@hanfordschool co uk and not through third parties In terviews from 5 December 2024

Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

These posts are all subject to enhanced DBS checks

Hanford School is part of Sherborne Schools Group Charity Number 1081228 & Company Number 04002575

Local Services

Wordsearch

Scientific Laws Named After People

Sudoku

Skills (4)

HUME’S JOULE’S KEPLER’S KIRCHHOFF’S MENDEL’S PASCAL’S PLANCK’S

Across

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

Down

Down

1 Distant US group with nameless celebrity (6)

1 European getting varied rings about to leave job (6)

1 European getting varied rings about to leave job (6)

4 Bike possibly meant to be taken around Germany (6)

4 Bike possibly meant to be taken around Germany (6)

8 Way of working with initially belligerent crowd (3)

1 Distant US group with nameless celebrity

2 Reserve opinion having weight (9)

2 Reserve opinion having weight (9)

3 Good general showing joy (4)

3 Good general showing joy (4)

5 I expand work to include page creating additional section (8)

9 Joke by chaps in film showing kit (9)

8 Way of working with initially belligerent crowd (3)

9 Joke by chaps in film showing kit (9)

11 Carry young child close to slide (4)

11 Carry young child close to slide (4)

12 Outline of drama representing races in Ohio (8)

12 Outline of drama representing races in Ohio (8)

15 Disruptive adolescent protecting despicable types – it doesn’t matter! (5,4)

15 Disruptive adolescent protecting despicable types – it doesn’t matter! (5,4)

18 Reserve the best summer refreshment? (3,5)

19 Blemish creating a lot of fear (4)

21 Say it, maybe, before civil engineer (9)

18 Reserve the best summer refreshment? (3,5)

19 Blemish creating a lot of fear (4)

23 Person in front losing daughter in meadow (3)

21 Say it, maybe, before civil engineer (9)

24 Symbol or idea online backed about British lecturer (6)

23 Person in front losing daughter in meadow (3)

25 Credit certainly applied to drawing implement (6)

24 Symbol or idea online backed about British lecturer (6)

25 Credit certainly applied to drawing implement (6)

Killer Sudoku Pro:

6 Outstanding natural dampness, it’s said (3)

5 I expand work to include page creating additional section (8)

7 English poet in movement (6)

6 Outstanding natural dampness, it’s said

7 English poet in movement (6)

10 Truce in a war around Yemen at last? That’s doubtful (9)

13 Area inspector caught in mass meeting in severe fashion? (9)

10 Truce in a war around Yemen at last? That’s doubtful (9)

14 All is quite feasible within borders of estate (8)

16 Plain politician taken in by unusual lies (6)

13 Area inspector caught in mass meeting severe fashion? (9)

17 Decree raid on ground (6)

14 All is quite feasible within borders of estate

20 Conflict enveloping Eastern sport (4)

16 Plain politician taken in by unusual lies

22 Gold ball everyone dismissed as sphere (3)

17 Decree raid on ground (6)

20 Conflict enveloping Eastern sport (4)

22 Gold ball everyone dismissed as sphere

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 the digits in each cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

FA coaches undergo autism training

More than 60 football coaches and volunteers from Dorset County FA have improved their knowledge of autism with the help of Autism Unlimited Autism Unlimited, based in Christchurch, provides education, independent living skills and career guidance for autistic children and young adults, and has developed a range of accredited training programmes to help organisations support their neurodiverse customers, clients, and employees.

The coaches attended an interactive webinar entitled: Autistic Inclusion in Football, which explored the benefits and challenges of football coaching from an autistic perspective and also equipped them with techniques and communication strategies to support accessibility and inclusion in their own team environments.

The session was delivered by Autism Unlimited inclusion training specialist Becs Tridgell - who herself is autistic - and Josh Green, a qualified SEN football coach with eight years’ experience working with autistic children.

Jemma Tewkesbury, pictured above, football development officer at Dorset County FA, and centre manager of Dorset Emerging Talent Centre,

said: “Dorset County FA is seeing an increasing number of young players with diagnoses of autism and felt it would be hugely beneficial for us all to have the opportunity to upskill our knowledge of neurodiversity.

“We sent the invitation out to all our grassroots club members and received 60 immediate sign-ups, which

was very encouraging.

“The Autism Unlimited trainers were extremely knowledgeable and Becs’ personal experience with neurodiversity and Josh’s football-specific experience, shone through.

“I found it very beneficial, as the trainers not only enhanced my knowledge of autism, but they also discussed real-life scenarios and gave opportunities for those of us on the call to share our experiences of neurodiversity within football.”

For more information, visit autismunlimited.org/support/training.

Tight at the top for fly fishing aces

Avon Springs is just a stone’s throw from Stonhenge.

It’s a great fishery with two large lakes and plenty of secret places for fish to avoid the angler’s hook; and so it was on the Fly Fishers’ latest excursion on a mild yet overcast November day.

It was clear from the start that the fish weren’t playing ball and many anglers were slow to get

off the mark. Fish were being caught but it wasn’t easy for sure.

By lunch only a couple of anglers had achieved their bag and some of our top anglers were still waiting for their first fish.

Anyone who suggests anglers are patient creatures should witness a Fly Fishers competition.

At close of play there was only one ounce difference between first and second with Gordon Wray taking the heaviest fourfish bag at 14lb 9oz.

Special mention must go to runner-up, Mary Willis who just missed out on the top spot.

Pictured is Gordon with the heaviest fish, a beautiful 4lb 12oz Rainbow.

Gordon Wray

Sell your unwanted household items FREE of charge.

Our FREE ADS cover items by private sellers up to the value of £50. Once accepted, free ads will appear in the next edition of the The New Stour & Avon Magazine. One ad per contact number. Please limit to 15 words or less. see online for terms & conditions

Teen darts sensation to head big Showdown

Teenage darts sensation, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler will headline a superb evening of darting entertainment at the South Coast Darts Showdown, which comes to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) for the first time tomorrow, Saturday, November 30.

The 17-year-old shot to stardom at the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this year.

He’s since risen to number 18 in the world rankings, winning nine titles including the prestigious Premier League title during his first professional season.

Another three top darts stars, Rob ‘Voltage’ Cross, Dave ‘Chizzy’ Chisnall and Stephen ‘The Bullet’ Bunting will also form part of the event’s impressive programme.

Local darts hero and former BDO World Champion Scott ‘Scotty Dog’ Mitchell, plus Canada’s Jeff Smith, legend Albert Anstey, as well as up-and-coming Austrian youngster, Rusty Jake-Rodriguez, are other

names listed in the Showdown’s stellar line-up.

The South Coast Darts Showdown is organised by ZH Live, which promotes, manages and delivers the world’s largest darts

exhibitions across the UK.

On behalf of ZH Live, director Will Lazar said: “We can’t wait to bring this event to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) for the first time, with some of the biggest stars in the world of darts.

“Fans won’t want to miss one of the most thrilling events in the darts calendar this year.”

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated and managed by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

Visitors can enjoy the ultimate darts experience with a VIP package, which include an exclusive meet & greet before the event, a complementary event programme, and the best seats in the house.

Further information on tickets and booking packages can be found at bic. co.uk.

The South Coast Darts Showdown. Bournemouth International Centre Saturday, November 30.

Wessex Internet celebrates 10,000th customer

Dorset-based full fibre broadband provider Wessex Internet has hit a major landmark with the connection of its 10,000th customer

The lucky customer, Dan Phillips from Bisterne, Hampshire, was delighted to hear he has won 10 years’ free gigabit broadband as part of the company’s celebrations.

The pioneering and award-winning ruralfocused ISP is on track for 60 per cent customer growth this year as it rolls out its network in a disciplined and focused way, recently also surpassing 30,000 properties ready for its gigabit service. The company focuses on delivering network to hard-to-reach communities across Dorset, South Somerset, Wiltshire and the New Forest and has four

Puzzle solutions

government Project Gigabit contracts, worth £71m, to deliver full fibre broadband to more than 53,000 properties in the next four years. This year has been one of significant

progress as Wessex Internet continues to scale its ultrafast network and customer base in a targeted way.

“The company has taken a recordbreaking 5,000 orders in the year to date and is now regularly installing 500 new customers each month.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our 10,000th customer to Wessex Internet. “We are passionately focused on expanding our services to places where we deliver real social value, and working with our Project Gigabit contracts is enabling us to do that faster and more consistently than ever before.

“Our continuing trend of a 30% network wide take-up proves that our targeted strategy is paying off.”

Brain chain (hard)