The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 334

What’s inside this issue...

Paul Jones Editor-in-chief We love hearing your news and views. Get in touch with us by emailing ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk 01963 400186

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm Book Online: purbeckgazette.co.uk

n The National Trust is planning to create songbirdfriendly wood pasture by planting 60,000 trees and shrubs Page 10

Debi Thorne Sales Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409

Donna Garner Account Manager Donna.garner@blackmorevale.net 07714 289408

Rachelle Cooper Classified Adverts adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

The legal stuff... Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur. The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the editor. No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the editor.

‘Strictly’ event coins in £80,000-plus for hospice

MORE than £80,000 was raised for Poole-based Forest Holme Hospice when the Strictly Extravaganza Gala Dinner was held at Lighthouse Poole.

Ten amateur dancers, each with a personal connection to the hospice, took to the floor alongside professional partners and delivered ballroom and Latin routines.

Their performances followed weeks of training under the expert guidance of professional dancer Oliver Beardmore.

Paul Kinvig hosted the evening, which was sponsored by Colten Care and attended by more than 350 people, and began with a champagne reception followed by gala dinner.

The dancing kicked off with a group dance featuring clinical

‘Strictly’

staff from Forest Holme and Colten Care employees, before culminating in the Strictly Come Dancing inspired competition.

The judging panel included Jason Edwards, winner of Forest Holme’s inaugural Strictly Extravaganza in 2023;

Lloyds shutting branch amid raft of closures

THE Lloyds bank branch in Dorchester is set to close later this year.

Lloyds Banking Group, which also includes Halifax and Bank of Scotland, announced plans to shut 136 more high street branches across the UK as part of cost-cutting measures.

The Lloyds branch in South Street, Dorchester – pictured – is set to close on June 19.

their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking.

“Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a community banker, or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access to many more branches.

A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group said the move comes as more people are doing their banking online.

A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to

“Customers can also do their everyday banking at over 11,000 branches of the Post Office or in a banking hub.”

All staff at the affected branches will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of their business, Lloyds says.

Coojacar, whose high-energy jive captivated the audience and judges.

Claire Cooper, fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “This event was truly magical – a night of joy, passion and community spirit that exceeded every expectation.

“To raise over £80,000 is simply phenomenal, and it’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

“From the dancers and sponsors to our wonderful guests, each person played a vital role in creating this unforgettable evening.

Alexandra Hixson, professional ballroom and Latin dance teacher; and Maxwell Saban, international ballroom dancer and author.

The glitterball trophy went to Tom Redman and his professional partner Diana

“On behalf of Forest Holme, thank you for helping us make a real difference.

“With the glitterball shining brightly and the dance floor still echoing with cheers, the evening showcased not just the talent and effort of its participants, but also the unwavering support for Forest Holme Hospice and its mission to provide compassionate care.”

PHOTO: Google

participants and (inset) winner Tom Redman with his professional partner, Diana Coojacar

PHOTOS: Paul Collins

Station crossing protesters press their case

PROTESTERS turned out in force in Wareham, along with community leaders, to object to plans to close the ground level pedestrian crossing at the town’s railway station.

They showed the strength of local feeling ahead of a meeting between Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade and the Minister of State for Rail expected later this month.

Veteran actor and Wareham resident Edward Fox called on Mrs Slade, who was at the protest, to ‘go into battle’ at that meeting.

Network Rail and Dorset

Council want to replace the crossing with a ramped bridge or lifts but residents fear this would cut many people off from services on the other side of town.

Mr Fox said: “This route has been in existence since Saxon times and has served people well all that time.

“It is, to my mind, extraordinary and presumptuous that Network Rail is proposing yet again to build a ramped bridge at Wareham’s station when three previous similar schemes have failed.

“This would cut the town in

half, an extraordinary notion in itself, isolate vulnerable residents for whom it would be impossible to use the steep ramps and prevent school children from cycling to school.

“Building an ugly ramped bridge here would be extremely harmful to our charming historic station.”

Mr Fox also challenged Vikki Slade – who said she had met representatives of Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, and Wareham Town Trust, and the leader of Dorset Council – about the issue.

“Will you champion this cause, go into battle on behalf of the community and not cow tow to the bureaucrats in Network Rail?”, he asked.

And he urged her to “represent your constituents here in Wareham and fight to keep our town intact and our ground level crossing open.”

Former Mayor of Wareham, Carol Turner, echoed concerns about the usability of a ramped bridge for the elderly and frail,

wheelchair users and parents pushing buggies.

And she added: “It would look completely wrong in our Dorset market town. Wareham is an historic town, and the present bridge is listed and the entry to our town for many.”

She said lifts could not cope with the number of people required at peak times and residents would not be able to cross the line when the lifts broke down.

Addressing Vikki Slade, she said: “I urge you to listen carefully to what the residents of this town are saying and to urge the decision makers to consider carefully what the residents of this town are saying.”

Wareham residents currently use a footbridge and the level crossing at the station and, for those on the north side of town, it helps them access healthcare, shops, jobs and schools in the town centre on foot or by bicycle.

The crossing, run at a cost of £130,000 to Dorset Council, employs an electronic gate which is manually operated by a crossing attendant.

No accidents have been reported at the site in 40 years.

Many Wareham residents – including veteran actor Edward Fox (middle right) – oppose plans for a ramp or lifts to replace the ground level crossing at the town’s railway station

Wareham’s ‘historic’ train station and (inset) the ground level crossing

Valuation day for village church

EVER wondered if that treasured clock on the mantlepiece or painting in the attic is valuable?

Then pop along to a valuation event at Studland Village Hall next month to find out.

Local antiques expert and valuer Max Beaumont is hosting the event in aid of St Nicholas Church in the village.

Visitors are invited to take along jewellery, silver, watches, ceramics, paintings, sculpture and collectables.

They can also take a photo of any furniture they would like an

opinion on. No appointment is necessary.

Max said: “This is a perfect opportunity to see what your antique treasures are worth, while supporting a good cause.”

Churchwarden, Barbara Matthews, added: “Please come along and join us for our very own valuation day!

“Refreshments and a raffle will be available.

“We look forward to seeing you.”

The event is on Saturday, March 1, from 10am to 12.30pm. A donation of £5 per item is suggested.

Woman accused of thefts from shop

A SUSPECTED shoplifter in Swanage has been arrested after she allegedly stole more than £600 from a Co-Op store over a five-month period.

Police said the reported thefts took place at the business’s store in Kings Road West between August 10, 2024 and December 21, 2024.

The 39-year-old woman is set to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

A Purbeck Police spokesperson said: “Local officers continue to work with the Investigation Resolution

Centre’s Retail Team to identify suspected prolific shoplifters and take action to hold them accountable for their reported offending and prevent further incidents.”

That’s entertainment: Talent show call

THE chance to win £500 and perform on the main stage at the Wareham Wednesdays finale in August is on offer to one talented individual.

Whaley Entertainments, based in Wool, is launching its own talent show for residents based in Swanage, Wareham, Wool and Poole.

It is looking for talent of all kinds – singers, comedians,

LUNCH MENU 2 FOR 1

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

Tel: 01929 480701

www.clavellsrestaurant.co.uk

Clavells Restaurant, Kimmeridge, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 5PE

magicians, musicians or anyone with a unique act.

The competition is open to over-16s only and anyone interested must register at https://mailchi. mp/734ba3cdaf3e/whaleyentertainments-talent-contest.

Once registered, entrants will receive a confirmation email and subsequently a time, date and location for an audition.

The Co-Op store in Kings Road West, Swanage PHOTO: Google

Council tax bills to rise and jobs could go in bid to tackle rising cost of adult and children’s care

COUNCIL tax bills in Dorset are rising in a bid to tackle an increase in costs for providing services of more than £83 million – with a warning jobs could go at the authority as money continues to be tight.

On Tuesday, February 11, the full Dorset Council approved its 2025/26 budget, which included a 5% increase in its share of council tax – a 3% rise, plus an extra 2% for adult social care costs.

The total budget reaches £417.2m for the year, and councils are required by law to balance the books.

A council spokesperson said: “Dorset Council faces rising pressures on services, for example with the growing number of older people in Dorset who need social care support.

“The additional cost of service delivery next financial year is forecast to be £83.4 million.

“Due to the national funding formula set by Government for

councils, Dorset is heavily dependent on council tax for funding of the essential services it provides.

“Council tax will increase next year by just under 5% (3% plus 2% for the adult social care precept). The increase is equivalent to £1.91 extra per week for a Band D property.

“As a means of managing costs into the future, the council has developed a transformation plan to streamline council operations including increased use of technology, better customer service, closer working with communities, and lower operating costs.

finance and capital strategy, pictured, said: “We have developed this balanced budget in a national context of significant financial challenge. We want to continue to protect essential frontline council services, but still have difficult decisions to make over the coming years.

“It’s a tough financial climate with inflation, higher National Insurance costs, and the ever-increasing need for social care services, particularly with our growing older population in Dorset.

“Over the coming years, these changes will result in a slimmer council with fewer staff.”

After the meeting, Cllr Simon Clifford (Lib Dem, Chickerell), cabinet member for

“The funding arrangements set out by government in the Local Government Funding Settlement means Dorset Council relies heavily on the revenue generated by council tax and retained business rates to raise the vital funds needed to deliver services to the residents of Dorset.

“We are lobbying Government for fairer funding for Dorset so that we can reduce the burden on local taxpayers in future. We will not be looking to increase council tax levels above government-set limits for the five-year duration of this administration.”

Among plans in the budget is the revised council tax reduction scheme, which came into effect on April 1 last year, allowing eligible working-age households to claim up to 100% of their council tax bill.

Around £10m is set to be saved through staffing, with the budget report highlighting how a “£10m recurrent revenue saving will be delivered through reducing spend on employees by £9m and reducing third party spend by £1m”. Any job losses would be spread across departments, it added.

Meanwhile, parking charges at council-owned sites are also set to increase, with evening charges – £2.50 between 6pm and 10pm – introduced.

Changes to hospital access during building work

ACCESS to the Emergency Department at Dorset District Hospital will change in the coming months as work starts on a new ED and critical care unit on the former Damers School site begins.

From March 3, people arriving at the current ED on foot or by car will access the department via South Wing, Entrance 1.

“They will enter a dedicated area where Emergency Department staff will continue

to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care,” a spokesperson said.

“Ambulances will arrive at the existing ED via a new blue light vehicle-only access road off Damers Road that will go around the construction site. This change has been carefully planned and with South Western Ambulance Trust.

“The Trust is updating signage on and around the hospital site, and parking outside South Wing, Entrance 1 is being

reconfigured to allow ED drop-off spaces to be created.

“There will still be chemotherapy bays and disabled parking bays in this area.

“The set-up of the parking barrier system at the Williams Avenue entrance is being reviewed. Once the changes are in place in March, these will be closely monitored to make sure anyone visiting the Emergency Department can get through swiftly.”

Extension extends quarry’s life by further 25 years

SWANWORTH Quarry, near Worth Matravers, is set to go on producing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Dorset limestone following the opening of an extension.

The original quarry ran out of stone at the end of last year, after running on limited reserves since 2022, but the extension will extend the quarry’s life for a further 25 years.

The extension will produce 2.4 million tonnes of limestone which will be used as sub-base for highways and construction schemes, rock armour for sea defences, gabion stone and

Sunday Roast

planning permission for the quarry extension from Dorset Council in December 2022, although the planning process began in 2012.

The company officially opened a bridge to transport stone from the extension to a crusher in the original quarry in a low-key ceremony last month, attended by some of the team who have helped get the extension up and running.

Some of the

on the bridge into the Swanworth Quarry extension and (below) the existing quarry and the start of the quarry extension –top of image in the centre

Director, John Suttle, said:

“We are passionate about our industry, its rich history within the Isle of Purbeck and the people that work in it.

“The Swanworth Quarry

our existing team long into the future, many of whom have been with us for many years.

“We couldn’t be happier with the opening of the extension area or more excited for the future of Swanworth Quarry.”

Suttle employs more than 100 staff in Dorset and has four

Family Sharing Roast

Gather the Family around the table and let us do the rest.

Our family sharing roast includes a choice of meats (vegan alternatives on request) lots of seasonal vegetables, Yorkshires and crispy roasties. £50 per Platter Made for a family of 4, larger parties or appetites can order extra portions at supplementary cost.

team

How aunt’s

inspired novel...

AUTHOR Greg Duncan, a member of the U3A Purbeck Writing Group, which meets in Wareham, has published a new historical novel inspired by a relative who was a member of the resistance movement in France during the Second World War.

His aunt, the inspiration for Champagne in a Broken Teacup, was an art teacher in Nevers and forged documents for the resistance.

for the novel into the era and how the German occupation affected life in France, and the resistance movement.

The novel starts in the spring of 1940 when the recently married Marie-Claire is blissfully pursuing her career as a freelance artist in Paris.

She has no idea that in early May Hitler's armies would invade France and rip her life apart.

from the Gestapo.

Greg did extensive research

LOCALS and visitors will be able to gain a better understanding of the stone industry in Purbeck with the launch of a new heritage trail this spring.

The Purbeck Quarry to Castle Trail connects the Jurassic Coast Path through quarries past and present to the Purbeck Way and onto Corfe Castle, the most significant building in Purbeck built in Purbeck stone.

The book follows her life as tragedies strike, and she is forced to flee Paris to escape

The Dorset National Landscape Community Access Fund has provided funding to Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre to lead on the project.

The stone centre charity hopes walkers will combine parts of the trail with stone carving and creative writing sessions.

It is envisaged the trail, which largely uses exisiing

Using a false name and identity, she begins a new life in the small provincial town of Nevers.

She finds unexpected inner strength as a resistance worker but her previous life in Paris catches up with her.

Greg, who is also a member of the Christchurch Library Writers Group, has prepared a talk centred around readings from the novel and some of the information he discovered during his research.

Any local group interested in having Greg present his talk can contact him at talks@kenebec. com.

Greg has been writing creatively for many years and has published books for pre-school children, gift books and a book of short plays, one of which won four awards when it was performed in Canada.

All of his books, are available via his website, www. kenebec.com, or directly from Amazon.

paths, will be used by small will also be on offer.

Author Greg Duncan is a member of the U3A Purbeck Writing Group

Planting project to boost songbird numbers

TENS of thousands of trees and shrubs will be planted across Purbeck over the next few years to restore wood pasture and help the songbirds that thrive in it.

The National Trust project will see about 940 acres of wood pasture created by planting around 60,000 trees and shrubs over the next six years.

Wood pasture is a mixture of grassland, scrub, hedges and trees which provides nesting, roosting and foraging sites for a wide variety of wildlife.

To maximise blossom and fruit, the trees planted will be native species such as crab apple, hazel, holly, hawthorn, elder and wild pear.

Birds likely to benefit include yellowhammer, linnet and goldfinch, as well as the extremely rare turtle dove and nightingale.

Ben Cooke, area ranger for the National Trust, said: “We haven’t yet lost this soundscape in Purbeck, but it has quietened over the last 70 years, with some birds disappearing altogether.

“By restoring wood pasture, we want to reverse this trend and bring back a cacophony of birdsong and the hum of insects, not just in a few places, but across Purbeck.

Forest and benefits wildlife because of the mix of habitats.

The open ground and grassland encourage an abundance of wildflowers and insects.

Scrub islands provide shelter and food for birds, insects and small mammals, while trees are especially attractive to bats, birds and lichens.

“Imagine how fantastic it would be if the calls of lost species such as the turtle dove became part of our lives again.”

Wood pasture is typified by the landscapes of the New

Ben added: “Together these will create a landscape that’s teeming with the sights, sounds and scents of nature.

“It will be a place where people can immerse themselves in the natural world and hopefully inspire them to create similar habitats in their own gardens, schools or parks.”

Currently, four tenant farmers

in Purbeck are taking part in the wood pasture project, and others are expected to join.

With the help of local schools and other community groups, seeds and berries are being harvested from hedgerows and woods.

These are being planted in small plots of land which have been rotavated to create bare ground where the seedlings can grow.

Ben said: “This looks drastic at first, but the new vegetation will soon take hold, whether it’s been planted or regenerated naturally.

“We are also experimenting with ways to protect saplings from grazing animals, especially deer, which not only eat the new growth but can jump high fences to get to it.”

In some areas, this involves using protective layers of thorny gorse, bramble and hawthorn, or piles of dead branches. In others, deer-proof exclosures have been erected.

Ben said: “We’ll be checking to establish which methods work to protect the saplings, as well as monitoring wildlife species each year to see if numbers are increasing.

“Hopefully the results will be dramatic – and we’ll hear nature singing out loud again!”

Anyone interested in helping with wildlife monitoring, seed gathering or planting events across Purbeck, should email purbeck@

A song thrush in fine voice

PHOTO: National Trust/ John Malley

Creating wood pasture at Wilkswood Farm, Purbeck

PHOTO: National Trust/ James Beck Pupils from St George’s School, Purbeck, plant and harvest

PHOTOS: National Trust/Cathy Lewis

‘Mighty Hike’ for good cause

FUNDRAISERS are being invited to step out on a Jurassic Coast ‘Mighty Hike’, starting in Wareham, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event is one of a dozen taking place in some of the UK’s most beautiful locations between May and September.

Macmillan’s Mighty Hikes began in 2015 and have raised £70 million for people living with cancer.

Last year, 24,000 people walked more than 438,000 miles and between them coined in £10.7m.

The Jurassic Coast walk includes full and half-marathon routes and is on Saturday, July 5.

Helen Hancock, Mighty Hike

team manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to all our incredible supporters who took on the challenge of hiking a full or half-marathon Macmillan Mighty Hike last year.

“Every penny raised helps us go the extra mile to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer, whoever and wherever they are.

“We can’t wait to return to some of the most beautiful locations across of the UK to put one foot in front of the other for people living with cancer, and we’d love to see as many people there as possible.”

To join in the Mighty Hike walk, visit macmillan.org.uk/ mightyhikes.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Then

Of smugglers and surprising histories

TWO talks focusing on the history of Dorset are coming up at Wareham Town Museum this month.

Jon Woolcott will delve into the county’s more surprising histories on a whistle-stop tour in his talk, Real Dorset, on Wednesday, February 19.

Jon is a writer from north Dorset whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Caught by the River, The Bookseller, Slightly Foxed and Echtrai Journal.

and lesser-known Dorset men and women involved in the illicit trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mike is a Fellowship College Preceptors (FCollP); LCP, BA (Hon); CEd (Merit) and volunteer in the courtroom of Shire Hall Courthouse Museum, Dorchester, where many trials of smugglers took place.

He is editor of Going to Ground, an anthology of nature and place writing.

Jon works for the acclaimed Dorset publisher Little Toller Books.

In Mike Randall’s talk, Smuggling, the audience will hear tales of places, incidents

His talk is on Wednesday, February 26.

Both lectures will be held in the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, with doors open at 1.45pm and talks starting at 2pm.

The events are free of charge and open to the public, but donations would be greatly appreciated. Tea and coffee will be served after each lecture.

Macmillan Cancer Support will benefit from the Jurassic Coast walk

News from Wareham Town Council – January report

by Julie Bradshaw BOURNEMOUTH, Christchurch

and Poole Council has decided to join with Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset in a Mayor’s area.

Dorset Council has increased the tax base for a Band D property in Wareham by £68.80, which is 3.12%. It has been able to keep the increase lower because it has removed the reduction for second homes. Wareham Town Council will increase its precept by 6.97%, taking the town council element of Council Tax for a Band D property from £231.41 to £247.54 a year.

Among the town council’s budgeted items of expenditure are a sit-on mower, new

curtains for the council chamber, paying towards the loan for the refurbished play areas and rebuilding Howards Lane toilets – pay by card only. In planning for the future, the council has borne in mind that it may be taking over some of the services now provided by Dorset Council, such as cutting verges.

Depending on funding, Purbeck Community Rail Partnership hopes to have a shuttle bus running four days a week in the summer, calling at Blue Pool, Norden Farm and Purbeck Park, as well as RSPB

The Secretary of State has allowed the Lidl planning application to go ahead, as agreed by Dorset Council’s planning committee.

A planning application has been made to replace a garage in St Michaels Road with a

people in Wareham and has worked on redevelopment plans for the museum. Recruitment is under way for a museum coordinator.

An audience of about 70 was stunned by the skill and patience used to craft every one of the many slides shown by photographer, Colin Varndell, in his Natural Beauty of Dorset presentation in the museum lecture series. This followed the very entertaining Fakes and Forgeries in the Art Market. Jon

Arne.

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

‘Human Fish’ spreads his ‘green’ message through film

‘HUMAN fish’, superswimmer Oly Rush, from Upton, is the star of a new documentary filmed before, during and after an epic swim around Grand Cayman.

The Grand Swim is available to watch on WaterBear – a free app dubbed the ‘Environmental Netflix’.

Oly – pictured – said: “The Grand Cayman swim was my most challenging one by far.

my charity Project Planet Earth.

“The swim engaged a huge community on the island and even a dialogue with the Cayman government.

“It was 95.5km and it took me 36 hours, 59 minutes – and the documentary crew from Grizzly Productions were there the whole time.

“The swim was to help raise the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and led me to start

“To have the story turned into a film is wonderful, and hopefully it will propel the issue of plastic pollution to a new audience.

“I spend my spare time cleaning local beaches and I give talks in schools – and I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm of the children.”

Oly, who has also swum around the Isle of Wight, the length of the Jurassic Coast and the island of Ithaca, is planning a new swim.

Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

A Living Trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs along with potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Reversable Nature:

One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is reversable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or remove your home from the trust during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee alongside one to three other trustees. Thus, maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Surviving trustees take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills. co.uk

‘Significant blow’ to farm park

VISITORS to a Dorset farm park will no longer be able to pet red deer due to changes in the law.

Farmer Palmers Farm Park, near Poole, has announced, from February 25, it will no longer offer public access to its red deer.

The park said it faced a ‘heartfelt and difficult challenge’ over the animals, which are classed as a wild animal under the Government’s Defra enforcement of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The rule means red deer can only be displayed at registered zoos.

“Unfortunately, in today’s challenging climate of rising hospitality costs and increasing legislative demands this is not viable for us,” a Farmer Palmers spokesperson said.

The park said it wholeheartedly supports the intent of the regulations but urged authorities to create a ‘more unified approach to attractions’.

“We are making plans to responsibly rehome our red deer, ensuring they continue to receive the best care while here,” the spokesperson said.

“Though this change is difficult, our commitment to animal welfare remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Owners of Farmer Palmer’s, Sandra Palmer-Snellin and Phillip Palmer, said: “This is a

High Street set for temporary lights

TEMPORARY traffic lights will be in place in Swanage High Street for 11 weeks to allow for essential gas main replacement works.

The temporary lights will be sited in High Street between Jubilee Road and Days Road from today (Monday, February 17).

Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) is carrying out ‘crucial’ work to address a history of leakage and provide a permanent solution to avoid further leakage and disruptive repairs in the area.

A spokesperson said SGN is no longer able to provide permanent repairs to leaks on this section of gas main, and so 395 metres of gas main along

the High Street between the junctions of Jubilee Road and Days Road will be replaced.

“Due to the location of the gas main in the road, we will need to have temporary threeand two-way traffic lights around our work area as we progress between these junctions,” they added.

“We will also be closing the High Street junction outside 353 to 349 High Street – the triangle junction of the High Street – for the location of mandatory welfare.

“Bus stops will be affected as we progress – we’d advise passengers to contact their service provider for the latest updates/changes to bus stop

significant blow to our farm park. The decision to stop the customers viewing the deer has been incredibly difficult for us.

“We, and the team, are saddened to bid farewell to our red deer, who have been an integral part of our farm park.

“The team are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and customers. While the deer feeding

experience is ending, Farmer Palmers remains committed to inspire and educate about farming and wildlife remains at the heart of everything we do.

“We will adapt with resilience and determination to innovate and look forward to introducing new experiences, in the year ahead, to complement our fantastic full day out of hands-on animal encounters, play areas, tractor rides and educational activities.

“To those who have shared in the beauty of our deer experience, thank you. Your laughter, photos and connection with these animals have meant the world to us.

“We encourage everyone to visit before February 25 to say goodbye to a cherished chapter in Farmer Palmer’s history.”

Elsewhere at the park, the owners said they hope to secure a temporary dispensation for rheas and aviary birds, meaning customers will still be able to view them.

locations.

“Bin collection days will remain unchanged unless you hear otherwise from your service provider.

“On-street parking restrictions will be in place as we progress – local signage and cones will keep road users informed. Access to businesses and properties will be maintained.

“We appreciate traffic lights on the High Street will be disruptive for road users and for the businesses on the High Street. Our engineers are committed to completing this work as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Questions should be directed to customer@sgn.co.uk or call the customer service number on 0800 9121700.

Farmer Palmers is rehoming its red deer after a change in the law which means the animal can only be displayed in registered zoos

395 metres of gas main along High Street in Swanage will be replaced

PHOTO: Google

Swimming club’s prize night

SWIMMERS and their families turned out in force when Wareham & District Swimming Club held their annual presentation evening at the Masonic Hall in Wareham.

Club chair, Nick Salt, said: “This was an excellent night with 120 swimming awards being presented to 32 different swimmers.”

Many of the trophies awarded were for the swimmers’ performances at the club championships held just before Christmas.

Karen Yendole, president of Dorset Amateur Swimming Association, presented the trophies.

Eight special awards were also made, one to former club chair Ray Honeybun.

Ray, who started as equipment officer in 1989, has held many positions and is still club vice-chair.

The club also appointed two

Reader’s picture

new captains for the next swimming season.

They will be busy in their roles as 12 members have qualified for the county championships being held this month at Littledown Leisure Centre.

The club are also taking part in the Jurassic Swimming League later in the year.

A raffle and children’s

tombola at the presentation evening raised £413.

One of the club’s team managers said: “Wareham & District Swimming Club is a community club and our local community has certainly shown its appreciation of what we provide with some very generous gifts.

“Our club is very grateful to everyone who made a donation.”

The families enjoyed a buffet and the event closed with a disco.

Wareham Swimming Club’s award winners (above) and coach Danny Partridge with the club captains (below)

Way ahead: Robin Boultwood took this photo of the footbridge to Shell Bay in Studland recently

One man and the big beasts

WILDLIFE

cameraman, filmmaker and presenter

Gordon Buchanan has had more cause than most to exclaim “Oh my!” in a career that’s charted the lives of some of nature’s most charismatic beasts – and now he’s set to share tales of Lions and Tigers and Bears on a live tour.

Gordon has taken inspiration for his tour from the iconic movie The Wizard Of Oz and the famous line “Lions, and tigers, and bears… Oh my!”

It’s thanks to a chance meeting in a local pub on the Isle of Mull with one of wildlife filmmaking’s greats, acclaimed survival cameraman Nick Gordon, that Gordon has now spent over 30 years capturing the lives of Mother Nature’s greatest beasts on camera.

“I’m very spoilt seeing lions and tigers and bears in the wild – so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to tour the country and talk to thousands of people about these incredible, charismatic animals,”

Gordon said. “I enjoy being able to give people a sense of what it is like to getting up close to polars in the Arctic, how fast you need to run to escape a sloth bear and what it’s like to bottle feed grizzlies.”

Wildlife film-maker

Gordon Buchanan will share tales of Lions and Tigers and Bears when his new tour stops off at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth next month

behaviour – how they live and interact in a modern world, some with humans, some in the fully wild environment.

“Lions and tigers and bears are all very much animals which have been shaped by the landscape and climate of where they are living.

“Polar bears in the Arctic are a real embodiment of that part of the world. They are one of these big key species which are truly part of their environment and shape their environment – and have had the biggest change in their environment with climate change, they are the animal most of us automatically think of when we think of that.

“The single biggest problem facing the planet and all its wild places and species is not climate change itself – it’s humans, it’s population growth.

bears roamed all over from Alaska to California 1,000 years ago – even 500 years ago – they were part of the USA wherever you were.

“Big animals need big landscapes, and they are disappearing.”

ALONGSIDE

environment change, Gordon has seen huge advances in technology.

“When I started, we would film all the animals you could with the technology we had –we were shooting on film, only filming during the day. There was no thermal imaging, no drones,” said Gordon.

“Technology has made the impossible possible now. We can go to the depths of the oceans, the highest mountains – there’s not a living thing we cannot catch on film.”

were places much more remote.

“I always had a desire to follow a passion – even if I didn’t know what it was yet. But I wasn’t going to settle for the options I had on the island. A lot of young people don’t think it’s an option to do anything outside the ordinary, but I always felt that I would find something to play to my strengths.

“If I hadn’t met Nick, if he hadn’t been looking for an assistant and taken the risk on a 17-year-old still at school, life could have been very different.”

While getting up close to some of the world’s wildest animals, Gordon has also seen huge changes to the natural environment first hand.

And in 30-plus years with a camera in hand – with TV series Big Cat Diary, Lost Land Of The…, the Family & Me series and Our Changing Planet on his resume, both film-making and the planet have changed hand-in-hand under Gordon’s watchful gaze.

“Wildlife documentaries used to be about pointing at a lion, and saying ‘that’s a lion’, he said. “Now they are about their

“More and more land is being taken from the wild for food production, more minerals are being mined for things we want, and that takes away from the wild environments in a practical, physical sense, while also contributing to climate change as a side effect.

“In Africa, lions and cheetah numbers have massively declined. During the past 50 years with population growth, their habitats have been landgrabbed to provide homes, farms and food for humans.

“In North America, grizzly

When Gordon met Nick Gordon, then looking for an assistant for an expedition to Sierra Leone, he felt his ‘horizons were limited’ and school careers advisers had gasped when he wanted to do ‘something different to farming, fishing and forestry’ – common occupations on Mull.

“Being a wildlife camera person sounded like the best job in the world, exploring, travelling, going to places few people would go to. Amazing!” he said.

“I knew I wanted to break away. Mull is a remote, small community, but I knew there

“In the early 1990s I spent a lot of time in the then-vast wilderness of the Brazilian Amazon – I remember flying over unbroken forest for hour after hour as we flew. This heart of South America was wild,” he recalls.

“I did the same journey a few years later and that forest was gone.”

And despite that stark outlook, Gordon remains hopeful for the future: “There are amazing things being done to renature, rewild parts of the world. We need to celebrate the things being done to support nature.

“The bad news is going to tell itself anyway. I have a platform, and while others may give a less cheery view, the positive can and will inspire young people.”

Filmmaker Gordon Buchanan has seen huge changes to the planet in his 30-plus years working with wildlife PHOTOS: Gordon Buchanan

Letters

Event’s stalwart deserves credit

I RECENTLY read the Purbeck Gazette’s article introducing the new chair of Wareham Wednesdays – Wareham Wednesdays: New faces on top team – and was pleased to see the continued growth and excitement surrounding this fantastic community event.

However, I could not help but feel that an important piece of the event’s story was left out—recognition of the incredible efforts of David Burgess, previous chair and involved for the last 12 years.

From its very inception, David has been the driving force behind Wareham Wednesdays.

His hard work, passion and dedication laid the foundation for the event’s success, and it is because of his tireless

commitment that Wareham Wednesdays has evolved into the wonderful tradition it is today.

Whether it was coordinating logistics, securing support or simply giving his time and energy, David was always there, making sure every detail was in place.

While I wholeheartedly support the new direction the event is heading, I believe it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals who helped get Wareham Wednesdays to this point.

David Burgess’s vision and perseverance played a pivotal role, and it is his leadership that inspired many of us to get involved in the first place.

I hope that in future communications, we can give credit where it is due and honour the legacy of those who have worked so hard to build

New kit for young rugby players

TOPS Day Nurseries is sponsoring Swanage and Wareham Rugby Football Club’s Under 7s and Under 8s teams.

Tops has provided new rugby shirts as part of the sponsorship.

Martin Hill, chair at the rugby club, said: “Thanks to Tops’ support, our young players are now proudly

the event into the success it is.

Claudine Dalton Via email

Bumbling on to solve a murder

BROADSTONE Players are thrilled to be presenting the world premiere of a new play, Inspector Bumble, written by playwright and novelist Malcolm L Miller.

It is an hilarious murder mystery involving the inept detective who, despite everything, usually gets his man.

On his last case he managed to accidentally kill his suspect right after he had confessed!

You will hear the line ‘Bumble, you idiot’ at least once during the play!

The play runs from Tuesday to Saturday, February 18-22, in Broadstone War Memorial Hall Theatre, each evening at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.15pm when complementary tea and cake will be served.

Tickets are £10 and can be reserved by emailing honsec@ broadstoneplayers.co.uk or phoning 01202 678449. Tickets will also be on sale at Broadstone News in Broadstone.

Dog waste bin overflowing

AN unpleasant sight at Milldown Nature Reserve this morning.

Not good encouragement for the public to be clean and tidy.

Robin Ball Lytchett Matravers

humans, making their suffering and deaths even more scandalous – all this suffering in the name of ‘bad science'.

A recent government report outlined cases of ‘noncompliance' with the licences granted to conduct animal experiments.

These included:

sporting brand new rugby shirts, helping them look and feel the part as they take to the field.”

Ellen Wentworth, marketing manager at Tops said: “We are thrilled to sponsor the Swanage and Wareham RFC Under 7s and Under 8s teams.

“We believe in the power of community and the importance of sports in fostering essential life skills in children.

“Seeing the young players in their new kits, ready to take on new challenges, fills us with pride.”

The cast – nine actors, one parrot and a dog – do hope you will come along and enjoy the fun!

Mar Godfrey Broadstone

Cruel,unreliable animal experiments

THOSE who support the use of animals in experiments often talk about ‘gold standards' of science and care, pointing to photographs of dogs, mice or monkeys living in cages full of fresh, clean bedding, seemingly without a care in the world.

Undercover investigations and scientific papers show how animals suffer in laboratories.

The data from animals cannot be reliably translated to

n Two dogs reached the ‘humane endpoint' of their use – when it is deemed their suffering is too much and they should be killed. However, in this case, ‘appropriate action was not taken'.

n ‘Processes were not followed, leading to the deaths of 20 mice in an overcrowded transport box'.

These are just two of 169 cases of non-compliance.

Animal Aid is opposed to all animal experiments – they are cruel and unreliable – and we have published our roadmap to phase out animal experiments. Find out more and ask your MP to support it – visit www. animalaid.org.uk/ EndAnimalTests.

Jessamy Korotoga Head of Science, Animal Aid

Your Wedding Dorset Wed Fest

Experience Elegance at Victoria Ann Bridal

To see beautiful Brides to be and young ladies in their chosen outfits is an absolute pleasure and delight for all of us here at Victoria Ann Bridal.

For those of you still looking for your perfect Bridal, Prom or special event outfit, give us a call, come and see. We have many styles, colours and sizes with several hundred dresses in stock.

New Mother of the Bride or Groom have recently arrived and the Gents suits in the new summer fabrics and colours are also on their way to our store.

If you have not paid us a visit yet call in and see what we are all about, we are situated in the beautiful Brewery Square in Dorchester, telephone 01305 319359 or info@victoriaannbridal.co.uk

Dorset

Wed Fest: A Wedding Fair with a Twist Dorset Wed Fest is redefining wedding fairs, transforming them into relaxing experiences.

Taking place at Longthorns Farm on Sunday, April 6, 2025, this festival-style event promises to be a wedding fair that no one has to be dragged along to. The charm of live music, bars, and delicious food creates an atmosphere that’s both fun and inspiring.

Stroll through the farm and marquees, discovering local wedding suppliers who bring creativity and passion to the planning process. The live music, food and bars add a chilled vibe and everyone in attendance can be booked for your wedding.

Dorset Wed Fest is not just a fair; it’s a delightful day out for couples and their loved ones, offering a unique blend of entertainment and practical wedding planning. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy your wedding planning!

Your Wedding

Weddings at Swanage Pier

Imagine exchanging vows with the stunning backdrop of the sea, the gentle sound of waves and the historic charm of Swanage Pier. Nestled in the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage Pier offers a unique and picturesque setting for your special day.

Swanage Pier is not just a beautiful location; it’s a place where memories are made. The Pier extends gracefully into the clear blue waters, providing a breathtaking view that will leave you and your guests in awe. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the Pier’s versatile space can be tailored to suit your needs.

One of the standout features of Swanage Pier is its rich history. Built in the 19th century, the Pier has been lovingly restored, maintaining its Victorian elegance while offering modern amenities. This blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience makes it an ideal venue for couples looking to create a timeless wedding experience.

The venue provides a dedicated wedding coordinator to ensure every detail is perfect. From the ceremony to drinks and canapés, the team at Swanage Pier Trust makes your wedding seamless and stress-free. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join the celebration.

Choosing Swanage Pier for your wedding means choosing a venue that combines natural beauty and historical charm. Make your dream wedding a reality and create lasting memories on this iconic Pier.

The perfect setting for your perfect day

Photo (above) by Victoria Welton victoriaweltonphotography.com

Photo (above) by One Thousand Words

Weddings in the Heart of Purbeck: A Celebration of

Love and Landscape

The Isle of Purbeck is a breathtaking location for couples looking to tie the knot surrounded by natural beauty and charming local heritage. From golden sands to rolling hills, this Dorset location offers endless possibilities for a memorable wedding day.

Picture saying your vows with the iconic cliffs of Studland Bay as your backdrop or hosting a rustic celebration in one of the many picturesque venues. For those seeking a historical touch, elegant manor houses and quaint village churches can provide timeless settings steeped in local history.

The wedding experience here goes beyond just the ceremony. Local florists, caterers, and photographers draw inspiration from the area’s stunning landscapes, offering bespoke services with a distinctly Purbeck touch. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere and explore coastal paths, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Jurassic Coast.

As Valentine’s season fills the air with romance, there’s no better time to start planning a Purbeck wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Purbeck provides the perfect canvas to create beautiful memories that last a lifetime.

Dream Wedding

The perfect location for the perfect day

The perfect location for the perfect day

The perfect location for the perfect day

Your Wedding Dream Wedding

Dream Wedding

Say I do...with a fabulous view

At The Grand Hotel, Swanage

Say I do...with a fabulous view

Say I do...with a fabulous view

At The Grand Hotel, Swanage

At The Grand Hotel, Swanage

Whether you are looking for an exclusive takeover of the Hotel, or an intimate ceremony for two, our Wedding Packages can be tailor-made just for you.

Whether you are looking for an exclusive takeover of the Hotel, or an intimate ceremony for two, our Wedding Packages can be tailor-made just for you.

Whether you are looking for an exclusive takeover of the Hotel, or an intimate ceremony for two, our Wedding Packages can be tailor-made just for you.

Please contact us on 01929 423353 to book an appointment and let us guide you through the rest…

Whether you are looking for an exclusive takeover of the Hotel, or an intimate ceremony for two, our Wedding Packages can be tailor-made just for you.

Please contact us on 01929 423353 to book an appointment and let us guide you through the rest...

Please contact us on 01929 423353 to book an appointment and let us guide you through the rest…

Please contact us on 01929 423353 to book an appointment and let us guide you through the rest…

The Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset BH191LU 01929 423353 | gm@grandhotelswanage.co.uk | grandhotelswanage.co.uk

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

1 European getting varied rings about to leave

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

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

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)

12 Outline of drama representing races in Ohio (8)

Killer Sudoku Pro

1 Distant US group with nameless celebrity

2 Reserve opinion having weight (9)

3 Good general showing joy (4)

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

6 Outstanding natural dampness, it’s said

Carry young child close to slide (4)

(9)

7 English poet in movement (6)

12 Outline of drama representing races in Ohio (8)

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

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

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

14 All is quite feasible within borders of estate

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

19 Blemish creating a lot of fear (4)

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

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

23 Person in front losing daughter in meadow (3)

16 Plain politician taken in by unusual lies (6)

17 Decree raid on ground (6)

20 Conflict enveloping Eastern sport (4)

22 Gold ball everyone dismissed as sphere

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

25 Credit certainly applied to drawing implement (6)

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

applied to drawing implement (6)

1 Distant US group with nameless celebrity (6) 2 Reserve opinion having weight (9)

3 Good general showing joy (4) 5 I expand work to include page creating additional section (8)

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

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)

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

16 Plain politician taken in by unusual lies (6)

17 Decree raid on ground (6)

20 Conflict enveloping Eastern sport (4)

22 Gold ball everyone dismissed as sphere (3)

Politics

The immigration nettle

OPENLY recognising it was a major reason for the General Election outcome, Kemi Badenoch has fully acknowledged the failure of the last Government to get immigration under control. She has set out first-stage Conservative plans to deal with this critical yet emotive issue, on the road to regaining the trust of the British people in the party she now leads.

Although any debate on immigration usually generates more heat than light, it's first worth noting that early deporting of unauthorised arrivals to Rwanda – scheme delayed, then cancelled by Labour – would have had two particular effects. It would have all but ended demand for passage in small boats operated by people-smuggling gangs and would have preserved the lives of hundreds who drowned crossing the Channel – 77 in 2024 alone – as well as those

who are yet to die in this way. We might also note that leftist politicians' claims that the incomers are refugees are spurious; arrivals on the south coast are via France or Belgium, both defined as safe countries under the Geneva Convention.

Since last July 5, more than 23,000 unauthorised people have arrived in small boats, a 29% increase on the same period in 2023. The trend is firmly upwards and these figures are, of course, cumulative. Does it matter? It does, but Labour has in practice done little or nothing to remedy the situation, thereby also attracting accusations of importing future votes.

countries worldwide. Thus, there have to be limits because circumstances change, land itself is limited and, in the case of the UK, population has in recent years soared to 67.6 million. About 60% of this increase has been due to immigration outstripping emigration, a percentage that's growing markedly.

Apart from a few tiny territories like Malta, Gibraltar or Monaco, England –specifically – is now the most densely populated country in Europe.

on British traditions, culture and education; nor is it racist or ‘far-right’ to worry about the consequent survival of our freedoms, legal system and other institutions; nor is it racist or ‘far-right’ to care about the loss of countryside and landscape concreted over to meet additional housing and infrastructure demand arising from significantly increased, unremitting, net inward migration.

There's no doubt that at times immigration has been good for the UK, the test of whether it benefits the host nation being a fair one that's applied by

Unless we care not about our future, all these simple realities – and many more – mean that it isn't racist or ‘far-right’ to be greatly concerned about mass, uncontrolled, unauthorised immigration; nor is it racist or ‘far-right’ to be anxious about the likely effects of immigration

Kemi Badenoch's policy requires future immigrant households to be net contributors to the British economy or leave. That in turn means changing human rights laws, with visa sanctions on countries which won't take back their unauthorised nationals. Not easy, but the alternative is worse.

CLLR BILL TRITE Conservative – Dorset Council & Swanage Town Council

Protect our children in their schools

OVER the last 14 years of the prior Conservative Government, we saw the most prolific and shocking rise in the influence, and adoption, of the ideologies of charities such as Stonewall in our children’s schools across Dorset.

Unbelievably, Conservativeled Dorset Council even became a StoneWall Diversity Champion. The net result of such actions is that over the last 10 years, gender dysphoria among children has risen 50-fold. That is not a typo, 50-fold, in just 10 years under the Tories.

Dorset currently has one of the highest referral rates of children to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) anywhere in the country. In 2010 the number of children referred to GIDS in Dorset was four – averaged, by 2022 it was 59, one of the highest in the country and a

1,375 % increase over that period. In 2023 NHS Dorset had the highest referral rate to GIDS of any Trust in the country. How have we arrived at this point?

If you Google ‘Space Youth Project’ you start to get some idea of what has been going on.

Space Youth Project (SYP) is an LGBTQ+ ‘charity’ and if one goes through its accounts, you will find it has a large benefactor in Dorset that has paid for it to come into our children’s schools across the county, that benefactor being Dorset Councils.

Since 2018, Dorset Councils has given more than £261,000 of taxpayers’ money to SYP. In 2023 alone, the Conservativeled Dorset Council gave more than £54,800 to SYP, representing over 30% of all SYP’s revenue that year.

Head of ‘Education’ at Space Youth Project, Mel Lane, ‘Diversity Mel’, boasts that she has worked in 80-plus schools, met with more than 2,000 school staff and 10,000-plus students across Dorset, including many primary school children. She is also head of ‘Education’ at a Swanage-based company called Pop N Olly, a ‘leading LGBT+ educational resource for children’.

The company has a dedicated ‘Pride in Primary’ initiative aimed at getting its LGBT+ literature into primary schools, in fact, it has a list of every primary school in the county on its website.

Why did the prior Conservative-led Dorset Council use taxpayers’ money to pay for these groups to come into our children’s schools?

Why did Conservative-led Dorset Council become a Stonewall Diversity Champion?

Why does the sitting Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrat MP have the transgender flag in their social media bio? We must, for the sake of our children end this madness. Reform UK is categorically clear. We will end, with immediate effect, the indoctrination of our children in their schools by trans activist groups, and remove, root and stem, all transgender ideology from the education system.

The protection of our children, be it in their schools or online, from extremely fringe, adult ideologies, is one of the most critically important responsibilities a Reform UK government has. chair. southdorset@reformuk.com.

THOMAS GARGRAVE Chair, South Dorset Constituency, Reform UK

Bill Trite

Thomas Gargrave

NHS challenges national and local

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves recently announced the NHS will receive a cash injection of £22.6 billion over the next two years – the biggest increase in funding outside of Covid since 2010. She rightly described the NHS as the nation’s ‘most cherished public service’ – a verdict backed by the Health Foundation, which in 2023 reported that “the health service makes people more proud to be British than our history, our culture, our system of democracy or the Royal Family”.

The extra funding – on top of a 4% annual increase to the overall NHS budget – is earmarked to cut waiting lists. The BMA calculated that in November 2024, 6.2 million individual patients were waiting for treatment in England. No wonder Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned the NHS will not be turned around in one single Budget.

The social care crisis has meant people being admitted to hospital unnecessarily, and being prevented from being discharged once medically fit.

Wes Streeting again spoke rightly when he said “there is no solution to the crisis in the NHS that doesn’t include a solution for social care”.

GPs and district nurses can meet most patients’ healthcare needs – but their numbers have been in freefall since 2010.

The BMA calculates England needs an additional 50,000 GPs simply to put us on an equivalent standard with the OECD EU average of 3.7 doctors per 1,000 people.

32% and 31% respectively in England. The NHS in the community is under pressure. Not only are there not enough staff, community hospitals have lost beds or been closed. Nationally, 81 hospitals closed in the period 2020-23. The Kings Fund estimates the total number of NHS beds has more than halved over the last 30 years.

road”. Public Health Dorset reports that the proportion of the population of Purbeck over 65 at 28% is higher than the national average at 16%. The need for NHS community provision is clear.

The Royal College of Nursing in December 2024 reported that district nurse, health visitor and school nurse numbers fell drastically from 2009 to 2024, falling by 45%,

In South Dorset, Labour councillor Deb Monkhouse fought tooth and nail to keep Poole A&E and Maternity Departments open. Our new Labour MP, Lloyd Hatton, joins her in campaigning to restore services in our community hospitals in Swanage and Wareham. Lloyd’s words strike to the heart of the matter: “I firmly believe that we should deliver excellent healthcare on our doorstep, and not further and further up the

I have written before about the need to restore well-regarded clinics removed without consultation from Wareham and Swanage hospitals and to ensure genuine walk-in access to the Swanage Minor Injuries Unit. It is heartening therefore to hear Lloyd say he is meeting with “local NHS bosses to push for action”, and that Deb Monkhouse’s petition calling for the restoration of Swanage and Wareham NHS Services has more than 2,000 signatures. Lloyd has met with Wes Streeting to make the case for community hospitals. He speaks for us all.

CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Jobs, housing and ageing population

DORSET’S population is increasing, sitting currently around 790,000. Yet our birthrate is decreasing – in Dorset Council’s area last year there were about 1,000 births, which is below the rate to maintain a steady population level. In contrast, there were about 4,000 deaths in the same period.

So why is our population increasing, I hear you say? The answer is immigration. But that’s not down to small boats landing on Studland Beach or Lulworth Cove or anywhere else! It’s down to people relocating to Dorset, sometimes for work but more frequently to retire.

A consequence is the demographic of our county is becoming increasingly aged. If Dorset county were a country, it would have the most elderly population in the world, older than Japan. That presents both

opportunities and challenges, but it’s the dwindling working age population that I’ll focus on for now.

A constant theme that arises when talking to business owners is the difficulty of recruiting staff, especially to scientific, technical or engineering jobs. One high-tech company’s owner I met earlier this month told me he had won a large order last year which needed him to take on more staff and an additional building. He is headquartered in West Dorset but ended up taking a unit in Sheffield where he could guarantee to find a workforce! And a similar situation occurred recently at the Dorset Innovation Park where a company ended up taking a unit in Farnborough because of recruitment concerns.

What’s the root cause? Many of our children can go to

university and do. The reality after graduation is that for many, there aren’t suitable jobs in Dorset for them to return to. And even if they can find employment, there’s then the cost of accommodation –unless you want to move back home.

So, what’s the solution? The reality is that there are several. Dorset Council recognises that there are huge opportunities for jobs in the green and blue economies, and in tech –especially defence-related –and have put in place strategies and staff to support and drive this ambition. But we also need the people to fill these jobs and there are opportunities for the newly combined Weymouth and Kingston Maurward colleges to expand, not only physically, but in the training and qualifications they offer to meet the demand. Combined with the potential for a satellite

university campus, we should be able go some considerable way to addressing the skills shortages employers are facing. And the final conundrum is housing, of course. Dorset Council is prioritising the delivery of genuinely affordable housing via increased budgets, working more closely with Registered Providers, Community Land Trusts and using its own land where possible to facilitate development. But to achieve the scale of affordable housing required needs Angela Rayner to come good on her promises. LibDems in parliament are keeping up the pressure but you can help. Write to your MP, Lloyd Hatton, and ask for his government to build genuinely affordable homes in South Dorset, now!

NICK IRELAND Liberal Democrat Leader of Dorset Council

Chris Bradey

Telling It Like It Is

Fears trees at youth hostel for the chop

IN a surprise planning application coming before Swanage Town Council for comment, Swanage Youth Hostel has applied to fell half the trees on its large site in Cluny Crescent. The 17 trees, all covered by an area Tree Preservation Order, are set to be destroyed for reasons including encroachment on the hostel, aesthetics and garden restoration, and certainly not because any of them are dangerous or dying. They all look quite healthy to me! So, what on earth is a tree preservation order for?

I hope Swanage Town Council takes a long hard look at this site and works to preserve the large public amenity afforded by these trees on Swanage’s southern slope. But I have a horrible feeling that if this application gets as far as Dorset Council, the trees are doomed.

LOOKING back over previous columns in the Purbeck Gazette, it’s clear that – along with my friend Cllr Bill Trite – I opposed the merger – a swallowing up – of Purbeck District Council with Dorset Council. At least most Purbeck councillors knew where we

by David Hollister

were and had the interests of Swanage and Wareham at heart. Sadly, Dorset Council seems to be all about saving money and kow-towing to the whims of central government, but so far the plague of cycle lanes being thrust upon Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole by their tin-eared council has not arrived in Purbeck. Yet.

Net Zero by 2030! A worthy ambition for the world but only Britain would literally bankrupt itself, legislate for it, and expect its people to pay higher energy costs than other countries to meet it, comforted in the knowledge that ‘we’d done our bit’. But, having done all that, it won’t have the slightest impact on the world’s carbon reduction, as we are in the hands of India, China and other emerging large developing countries. But Starmer still gets to sit at the top table, leaving us to foot the bill while jetting round the world at our expense and generating goodness knows how many tonnes of CO2.

Without wishing to dispute the huge influence that climate change is having on our planet, I do feel that it’s time we realised that nothing the UK can do will reverse the policies

and attitudes of said developing countries and that nothing that Little Britain can do will have any influence on the real polluters. Or stop the wholesale destruction of our planet in the selfish interests of those who have placed themselves in charge or – in some cases –bought their way into power.

Last quarter, Tesla produced 433,371 cars. It delivered just 386,810, meaning that about 47,000 extra Teslas were sitting around in car parks so huge they can be seen from space! This is more than double what it was a year ago and yet another example of the company’s huge imbalance.

This surplus is happening as the electric car company deals with a growing number of negative issues, including increasing competition, chaotic leadership and a general slow-down of electric car sales as climate change is sadly no longer at the forefront of people’s minds.

It has been replaced by a realisation that a huge percentage of the world’s population is starving or displaced, and a growing fear that we in the comfort of the UK are about to be over-run by surplus immigrants, egged on by gangsters who have no interests in their sad human cargo.

The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. The ban is intended to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce the country’s carbon emissions. And as we race towards the unattainable ‘net zero’ Utopia put forward by Ed Millipede and his cronies, rusting and unsaleable BMWs and Audis will stay parked up outside bankrupt dealers. Seems that all our car manufacturing companies, along with their supply networks, will simply wither and die. Sadly, Jaguar stopped producing new cars in the UK in November 2024 to transition to an all-electric line-up. The company plans to relaunch as an electric-only brand in 2026.

For those of us in our latter years, we have been through and it is hoped enjoyed a pleasant period which is coming to an end – we have given away – or sold – too many of the good times and cannot hope to get them back. What’s done is done and can’t be undone. I hope you have enjoyed your middle age as much as I have!

ANYWAY. Back to local issues! Swanage Carnival is celebrating after winning the bronze award for the Festival of the Year at this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards. To be nominated again with such other great events is testament to its hard-working and dedicated volunteers without whom the event simply wouldn’t happen!

NHS Dorset will not be renewing its contract with the Marie Curie cancer care charity and has cut £400,000 funding from the much-loved Weldmar Hospice. The NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board suggested that the Marie Curie organisation (MCO) should join its care framework but that was not acceptable to the MCO which feels concerned that de-commissioning the existing specialist end-of-life service in favour of the increased use of personal care agencies will “compromise quality of care”. How many more perfectly good organisations will end up in the trash? Whatever happened to the old saying “if it works, don’t fix it”. Whatever changes anywhere include proper public consultation? And to be honest, when was the last time that a government department ever said “yes, we’ll take another look at that, you might just be right”.

No, what comes out of the Government, NHS Dorset, or indeed Dorset Council, is what I recently heard being described as ‘white noise’. A sanitised and probably AIwritten statement which is simply covering their backsides!

Meditations in nature: A rendezvous at dusk

by Susanna Curtin

IT is a beautiful blue-sky day, and I am out walking in woodlands on Cranborne Chase. The forest floor has begun to yield the first shoots of spring, buzzards are calling overhead and the red kites are performing their aerial courtship displays above the rolling fields. As I make my way out of the woods, I spot a small herd of fallow deer bouncing elegantly across the chalky ploughed field. It is late afternoon, and I am mindful of the time for I want to be at a particular location an hour before sunset to rendezvous with some very special owls. Like many people, I am especially fond of owls, partly because of their cultural symbolism but mostly because they are such majestic birds to behold. Instantly recognisable with their forward-facing, large, all-seeing eyes, and heads that can swivel 270 degrees, they are always an exciting wildlife encounter.

We have five resident species of owl in the UK – tawny, barn, little, long-eared and shorteared. Tawny owls are our most common species, and these are almost entirely associated with the darkness. They hunt mostly at night while issuing their familiar but eerie, otherworldly calls. In comparison, the long-eared owl is one of Britain’s rarest owl species. I have only ever seen one in Dorset. It was dozing during the day on a low branch. When it saw me, bright orange eyes flickered open and it elongated itself, doubling its height. It was quite extraordinary to watch and a moment I will never forget. Three of our five owl

species, barn, little and shorteared, are also daytime hunters, particularly visible at dawn and dusk. Short-eared owls are one of the most active owls at this time of day and I just happen to know some rough grassland where I can see them.

This is my second attempt already this winter, as, like all wildlife watching, there is timing and fortune at play. Today, however, my luck is in! The minute I leave my car, my binoculars centre on the sweeping, fawny wings of this elusive, nomadic owl. I have only previously seen a handful of short-eared owls in the UK, so I am totally awestruck as I watch a pair quartering the grass bank in front of me with their astonishingly long wings and graceful, buoyant flight.

They are identifiable by their mottled brown bodies, pale under-wings and piercing yellow eyes framed by sooty black feathers. In winter, resident populations are often joined by migrants from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland, swelling their numbers. It has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird, occurring on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. They are ground-nesting owls and next month this pair will likely fly to the uplands and moorlands of northern England and Scotland to breed. Sadly, they have been placed on the Amber list of UK Birds of Conservation Concern as numbers have declined by half over the last 50 years. The resident population in the UK is relatively small, and breeding success is low.

Unfortunately, many tagged short-eared owls – and other

Health & Wellbeing

birds of prey – get frequently shot on the grouse moors of upland Britain as they are a perceived threat to grouse chicks and the long-established shooting industry that brings jobs to rural communities. There is much debate about the land use of these moors, that is the monoculture of heather, the single species focus on grouse protection and the wildlife crimes that ensue. The prevalence of sheep farming in upland areas is also known to impact the breeding success of short-eared owls as sheep grazing reduces vole populations, which is their favoured food. It is yet another example of the fragile balance between ecological success and human agency.

I watch this beautiful pair of owls grace the field in front of me for over an hour. I see their

favourite perches, the exquisite way in which they hunt, their periods of activity followed by periods of rest. There are also moments of intense drama as they are chased by crows or jostled by a kestrel in competition for prey, and then all the action stops. I pack up and bid them farewell, so glad that I have seen them at last. But then, just as I begin the drive home, I catch sight of a barn owl hunting in the very next field. I leap out with my binoculars to enjoy the flight of this enigmatic, ghostly owl against the purple and crimson sky. Its white round wings proud beside the vivid backdrop of the sunset. What a breathtaking end to a day marked by two of our resident owl species.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

Short-eared owls are identifiable by their mottled brown bodies, pale under-wings and piercing yellow eyes framed by sooty black feathers

Health & Wellbeing

Health and the power of the mind

by Fiona Chapman

A FRIEND of mine is having a knee replacement as I write. I know she was terrified going into the operation as it is done under local anaesthetic, which means she can hear everything going on, even if she cannot feel it. I just hope all has gone well.

I have been telling her to concentrate on visualising herself better, to imagine she is doing her favourite walk – to feel the sun on her face, listen to the birds and the insects, look at the clouds and, as she lives by the sea, imagine the sound of the waves and feel how strong and pain-free her knee is and how she is able to negotiate the uneven ground, the climbs and descents without discomfort.

The power of the mind is

A woman undergoes Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy in a treatment centre

phenomenal, and it can make all the difference to recovery. The mind affects every molecule in our body and negative thoughts impede our development, health, happiness and joy of life.

I have been listening to an inspiring doctor, Dr Sam Watts, a cancer research/specialist. He

is also deeply involved with Ayurvedic medicine and medicine from the Himalayas and Sri Lanka where they have always recognised that the power of the mind is key to longevity, health and happiness. He is putting this together with western research into how the brain works to prove how integral this is to health and our general wellbeing.

He has come across many cancer patients who defy their prognosis, and he says that each and every one has had goals they have set themselves for themselves – not others – and they have visualised these down to the last detail. (His website, if interested, is https://www. mind-body-medical.co.uk).

As you may know, I have spent quite a bit of time in India

at Ayurvedic retreats where you completely detox the body through fasting, purging and massage, and strengthen it again through diet, herbs, massage, movement and meditation. It is the main form of medicine in India for most of the population. Testament to it is that my husband, who hates his January detox, is insisting that we go back to India to an Ayurvedic centre to do this all again. (So, too, are the once sceptical friends who came with us).

The fact that Dr Sam has the western evidence that the brain and body benefit from Ayurvedic treatment proves why these ancient traditions are still so powerful today. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Pair plan seven marathons in seven days

TWO men whose families have been affected by cancer are set to run seven marathons in seven days for a Dorset charity.

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

Starting at Sandbanks in Poole on March 10, their quest will see the pair run across Dorset, taking in towns including Wareham, Dorchester and Sturminster Newton, before finishing at Bournemouth Pier on March 16.

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

DCCF provides financial

assistance to Dorset residents and their families who suffer financial hardship due to cancer.

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

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

something to help the work of the DCCF. Completing this challenge won’t beat cancer, but if we can make a small difference, it’s absolutely worth doing.”

Eve Went said: “My first reaction when the boys said what they were planning was one of concern – running seven consecutive marathons in seven days is a feat of endurance for anyone.

the cost of living means that the work of the DCCF has never been so vital in helping local families going through cancer.

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

Slimming World

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

“My friend Chris and I decided we wanted to do

“But knowing them both as I do, I have no doubt of their determination, and I am immensely proud and excited to see them achieve this for the DCCF and the local families we help.”

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

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

She added: “The increase in

Those wishing to sponsor the pair can search for their JustGiving page, Seven Marathons in 7 Days.

ATTUNEMENT HEALING WORKSHOP

With Master Practitioners Alistair Richardson and Naomi Duffield Bella Vista, 14 Burlington Road, Swanage, BH19 1LS Saturday March 1st, 10am - 5pm, £50

Including home-made lunch

Book your place: naomi.h.duffield@gmail.com • Tel: 01929 422562

Good friendships provide support, joy and connection

by Emma Holmes

FEBRUARY 14 signalled a day to focus on love and romantic relationships. Galentine’s Day has become the new spin-off where you focus on your female friendships instead of romantic ones. I am adding all genders of friendships into the mix and suggesting for the whole month of February why not focus on your pals?

Good friendships are so valuable and provide support, joy and connection. However, some friendships become the opposite. A friend who takes from you and drains your energy can actually make you feel down or stressed. Maybe it is time to reflect and take notice of those friendships that are working well and the ones that

How to be a good friend

aren’t.

Creating boundaries for friendships is important. If a friend constantly expects you to help them out and never offers the same in return, it might be worth considering challenging this and setting a new boundary – for example, reduce your help. Or you could bring this to their attention and mention you noticed that the friendship has become a little unbalanced and explain you would like some support too, sometimes.

DORSET FOOT CLINIC

Being able to strengthen good existing friendships is helpful and here are some practical tips to help: Communicate consistently Consistent communication keeps relationships strong. Send a quick message, call or schedule regular meet-ups to stay connected.

Show interest

Ask thoughtful questions about their lives, listen actively and celebrate their successes. Remembering little details

shows you care.

Balance

Show up when they need you. Reliability builds trust and strengthens the foundation of your friendship. The reverse should also be true and allow them to be there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in return if you need it!

Share experiences

Try new things together— whether it’s travelling, tackling a project or simply watching a favourite show. Shared memories create lasting bonds. Express gratitude and care Don’t take friendships for granted. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ or a kind gesture can go a long way in nurturing the relationship Friendships thrive on mutual effort and respect. By being open, communicative and intentional, you can build meaningful new relationships and deepen the ones you already have. The effort you put into cultivating friendships can be worth the reward of connection and companionship.

n Emma Holmes is a counsellor at Calm Seas Therapy and is based in Poole. She works online and in person – elholmes. counselling@gmail.com, phone 07442 662287. She is also the co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support (DEWS) which supports businesses by providing counselling and wellness services – for more information email DorsetEWS@ proton.me.

New for 2025 - Subaru at Wool and Bovington Motors

With a history dating back to 1921, Wool and Bovington Motors Ltd has been a part of Dorsets motoring landscape for over a century. A proud fourthgeneration family run franchised dealership, Wool and Bovington Motors is delighted to become the dedicated Subaru dealer for Dorset and beyond. Situated in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, our experienced team is here to help you select, maintain and enjoy your new lifestyle companion.

Alongside our Ford, Renault and Dacia authorised workshops and bodyshop we will now bring you world class hybrid, all-wheel drive, adventure ready vehicles that are designed for the thrills and realities of rural living.

Iconic Subaru has a proven track record for safety, reliability and endurance. Visit us now to see and drive the legendary all new sixth generation ‘Forester’ SUV launching in February 2025. Explore new trails and terrains in the award-winning crossover ‘Outback’ Estate, the compact ‘Crosstrek’ hatchback or the revolutionary all electric ‘Solterra’ automatic.

As an introductory offer all new Subaru purchases made before the 31st of March will receive 3 years complimentary servicing, courtesy of Wool and Bovington Motors.

As we gear up to welcome Subaru into our showroom, we hope you can join us for the journey.

Start your ‘Safe, Tough, Fun’ adventure now, call our team to book a test drive today on 01929 462248.

Follow us on our ‘Dorset Subaru’ Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date with offers and events.

www.wbmgroup.co.uk

THE lifespan of electric cars and vans is an oft-cited reason for not owning one.

However, a new study has revealed battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) are just as reliable – and can run for longer – than traditional vehicles.

According to the research, published in Nature Energy, BEVs can match the longevity of traditional petrol and diesel cars and vans.

Teams from the University of Birmingham, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of California San Diego, and University of Bern in Switzerland revealed that, on average, BEVs now have a lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles –more than the traditional petrol car from the same generation. The researchers analysed

nearly 300 million UK Ministry of Transport (MOT) test records spanning 2005-22, which track the condition and legality of vehicles on the road and used the data to estimate vehicle lifespans.

While it was found early BEVs were less reliable than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), advances in technology have seen newer BEVs reaching comparable lifespans, even under more demanding conditions.

BEVs exhibited the fastest improvement in reliability, with a 12% lower likelihood of

Long life battery EVs

Battery EVs are matching petrol and dieselpowered cars for longevity and reliability

emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change – making them a more sustainable long-term option.

failure for each successive year of production, the study showed, compared to 6.7% for petrol vehicles and 1.9% for diesel vehicles.

For vehicle longevity, Tesla led the way among BEVs. For petrol and diesel vehicles, Audi and Skoda topped the list.

Co-author of the research, Robert Elliott, Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham, said: “BEVs offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix.

“Despite higher initial

“Our findings offer consumers reliable data to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases, while policymakers can use our insights to shape regulations and incentives that promote the adoption of durable and environmentally friendly vehicles and plan ahead their end-of-life treatment.”

Fellow co-author, Dr Viet Nguyen-Tien, from the LSE, added: “Our findings provide critical insights into the lifespan and environmental impact of electric vehicles.

“No longer just a niche option, BEVs are a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles – a significant step towards achieving a net-zero carbon future.”

Tough yet refined, the all-new Forester is made for those who don’t just explore the outdoors—they embrace it. With Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, improved X-MODE, and 22cm of ground clearance as standard, it delivers unmatched stability, control, and traction on any terrain. More than just an SUV, the all-new Forester is built to take you further—whether that’s off the beaten track or simply making the most of every journey.

Motoring

Driving dangerously? Most drivers don’t know if their tyres are illegal

UK drivers are putting themselves at risk of avoidable road collisions and hefty fines by not regularly checking the condition of their tyres and not knowing when a tyre becomes illegal and unsafe, research conducted by the RAC with charity TyreSafe has found.

Only 39% of drivers know that the minimum tyre tread allowed by law is 1.6mm, meaning a majority (61%) may be driving on one or more dangerous, illegal tyres which would put them at risk of being given three penalty points and fined £2,500 per tyre.

But perhaps of more concern is the fact that as many as a quarter of drivers (26%) only check tyre tread when they remember to do it or directly before taking a car for its MOT, while 5% never do and wait for their car to fail its annual

roadworthiness test before taking any action.

Just a third (33%) said they check tyre tread at least every month, with 17% saying they do so every other month and a similar proportion – 15% – only checking them about every six months.

In 2024, the RAC logged in the region of 340,000 tyrerelated breakdowns.

RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said: “Driving on tyres that aren’t sufficiently inflated is incredibly dangerous because tyres are the

Only four in ten drivers (39%) know the minimum legal tyre tread

only connection between a vehicle and the road.

“Checking tyre tread takes just moments yet doing so has the potential to save lives on the roads.

“We’re encouraging every driver to get into the habit of doing so as often as possible, and at least once a month.

“Tyre tread depth gauges are cheap and easy to use, but an even lower cost alternative is to take a 20p piece and place it into the main grooves of each tyre in several different places.

“If the outer band of the coin

is visible, then there’s a very good chance the tyres are unsafe, illegal or both, and it’s time to get them checked them out.

“Ensuring tyres are inflated to the correct pressures is just as important as checking the tread.

“Those pumped up too much can cause tread in the centre of tyres to wear down faster, while those underinflated is likely to lead to uneven wear around the edges. “Always check the vehicle handbook for the right pressures based on the load being carried in the vehicle.

“It’s worth remembering these are often also printed on a sticker either on the inside of the driver’s door, in the fuel filler cap, or next to an electric vehicle’s charging socket and can vary between front and back, and vary when carrying lighter or heavier loads.”

Jump in drug-drive road deaths

THE number of drivers killed in collisions in which the driver was under the influence of drugs has seen a 50% jump, says The AA Charitable Trust.

Between 2022 and 2023 drivers killed under the influence of drugs increased from 96 to 144 – the highest for five years.

The figures were revealed in the House of Lords by Transport Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, in response to a question from the Lord Bishop of St Albans.

Edmund King, director of The AA Trust, said: “Traditionally our safety message to drivers has always been ‘if you are going to drive, don’t drink and if you are going

to drink, don’t drive’.

“But now it is essential to update that messaging to include drugs.

“A startling 50% increase in drivers killed under the influence of drugs is extremely worrying.

“We don’t want drivers to be in any doubt – drink, drugs and driving do not mix.

“The police now have effective ways to test drivers for the presence of drugs at the roadside, but these figures show that too many drivers are dicing with drugs and death.

“Police now commonly use drug wipes known as ‘drugalysers’ at the roadside to check for cannabis and cocaine.

“The testing kit uses a mouth

swab to check for the presence of drugs and a blue line appears if the person has taken them.

“We need drivers and their passengers to be well aware that drugs and driving don’t mix and when it comes to drugs or drink when driving, the best advice is none for the road.”

The police advise it is an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in the blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs.

Limits set for each drug are different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low. They are not zero to rule out any accidental exposure, for example, from passive smoking.

The biggest risk when driving under the influence of drugs is the risk of causing a collision or deaths.

Driving under the influence of drugs can affect the ability to judge speed and distance,

reaction and coordination skills, cause blurry or impaired vision, drowsiness, aggression, erratic behaviour, panic attacks and paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, dizziness and tremors.

Drugs can also create a false confidence which can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviour, which puts lives at risk.

Penalties for driving while impaired by drugs, mean drivers can receive a criminal record, a maximum penalty of six months in prison, an unlimited fine, an automatic driving ban of at least one year – three years if convicted twice in 10 years, Other problems drug-drivers may face include endorsement on driving licences for 11 years, increased insurance premiums, if those convicted drive for work, the employer will see convictions on driving licences, and trouble travelling to some countries, including the USA.

Home & Garden

Growing new plants from seed

by Sally Gregson

THE days are lengthening. The sun is shining perceptibly more warmly. And the birds are getting more animated. Soon winter will be past and we can celebrate spring. And, gardeners among us especially, are thinking about growing new plants from seed.

This year there are lots of exciting new plants to raise and fill our gardens. For pots and borders there are all sorts of differently coloured flowers from apricot sunflowers ‘Astra

Rose’; through magenta cornflowers ‘Red Boy’; to sweet peas the colour of the pale peaches and cream, Lathyrus ’Castlewellan’.

If you like growing your own vegetables, a new ‘micro’ aubergine that is small enough for pot culture must be welcome. Aubergines used to be very difficult to grow in the UK – our summers were never long enough. But breeders have developed varieties that are more tolerant of lower light levels, and this new dwarf form could be ideal for a meal for one or two. Each plant grows to just over a foot in height (35cm) in a 2-litre pot on the windowsill or

Shrub lends a splash of colour on dull days

by Sally Gregson

GREVILLEAS are a genus of small winter-flowering shrubs that despite their lack of hardiness, brave our cold, wet weather and bring a splash of colour on dull days. Were you reading this north of Yorkshire, you would be unwise to plant grevilleas outside at all. But they make everyone smile. They really do deserve a little extra care and attention.

And they seem to fit comfortably in British gardens without blowing their own trumpets too raucously. The slightly aromatic, spiky leaves support clouds of spidery flowers mostly in shades of soft red or rich pink, or more unusually, primrose-yellow, from the middle of January until the end of March.

Grevilleas come from the other side of the world – the south-eastern corner of Australia – and if grown in our gloomy, English gardens, do need to be in full sun. They prefer an acid soil and good drainage, too, and will fail if the ground is too wet.

in the greenhouse, and will produce a stream of plump, shiny purple fruit.

Japanese plant breeders have also been working on winterhardy forms of Mizuna that can be picked throughout the cold months and eaten in salads. And there’s some pure white spring onions that can be harvested throughout the summer on offer. Order the seeds online, and when they arrive it’s important to keep the seeds correctly. Store them in their paper envelopes inside a plastic box with a lid that can be sealed. Place the box inside the fridge, which is kept at a steady 4-5 degrees centigrade. The

humidity will be constant, too. Garden centres have a good selection of the more usual seeds but be a little wary of those that display their seeds in a greenhouse. The temperature might fluctuate too much for good storage.

Sow the seeds in commercial compost that has been kept dry and covered from the rain. Not only does wet compost deteriorate the seeds but the added nutrients may have drained out.

If there is no suitable windowsill or greenhouse to use, sow half the seeds once the weather has warmed up, outside. Keep the other half in reserve in case our winter makes an unwelcome return.

NEIL’S QUALIFIED TREE GARDENING SERVICE.

Professional, reliable and friendly service. Many years of experience, all types of landscaping. Including fencing, trimming, pruning, felling and topping. All overgrown jungle gardens cleared. Gravel and shingle. Rubbish removed. OAP discount. Emergency call-out. Fully insured and waste carrier licenced, CBDU402194. Call Neil: 07770-810559

But they are ideal subjects for a large pot that could be kept in the protection of a cold greenhouse or conservatory for the winter.

This would be especially wise in our alkaline part of the country where the pH of the compost could be managed more easily. Use an acid, ericaceous compost and, if possible, water the plant with rainwater. The plant could be trundled outside in summer for a holiday in the rain and sun.

A grevillea will quickly fill a large pot and reach up to 1.5 metres in height and width, so it might be wise, in March or April, after it has finished flowering, to cut back the taller stems that have already flowered by about a half, to encourage side growth and make the plant better shaped and more bushy.

Planted out into an acid soil in a sunny part of the garden, a Grevillea will grow to about 2 metres in height and prefers its own space. They are free of pests, and even deer tend to ignore them.

Antiques & Collectibles

Duke’s is holding a free jewellery and watches valuation, on Tuesday, February 18, at its Fine Art Saleroom in Brewery Square, Dorchester

Get jewellery and watches valued

DUKE’S Auctioneers is

offering a chance to have your items valued, free of charge, at its salerooms in Dorchester on Tuesday, February 18.

The confidential valuation could answer your abiding questions about the cost and quality of your jewellery and watches.

Have you ever looked at a piece of jewellery or a beloved watch and found yourself wondering, ‘what's this really worth?’.

It's a question that often lingers, whether it's an inherited heirloom, a gift from a special occasion or something you have simply collected over time.

Understanding the true value

of these precious items can be informative for insurance purposes, estate planning or even simply satisfying curiosity.

Duke's offers a discreet and complimentary opportunity to have those questions answered.

Its Fine Art premises in Brewery Square, Dorchester, will host a confidential valuation day specifically for jewellery and watches on Tuesday, February 18.

This is a chance to have your treasured items assessed by experts in the field, without any obligation.

Please contact reception on 01305 265080 or reception@ dukes-auctions.com to make an appointment with one of the auction house’s specialists.

Dorset’s antique treasures

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham I LOVE living and working in Dorset, especially so close to the fabulous Jurassic Coast.

Although the county is known for its scenic landscapes and rich history, it is also celebrated for its unique contributions to antique jewellery.

Among its most iconic pieces are those crafted from jet and Portland stone, materials historically linked to the region and highly prized during the Victorian era.

Jet, a fossilised form of driftwood, became a sought after material for jewellery in the 19th century, especially during Queen Victoria’s reign, when mourning jewellery was in fashion.

While Whitby in Yorkshire was the epicentre of jet production, Dorset’s coastal towns also played a role in shaping this trend.

Local jewellers often combined jet with silver or gold to create brooches, earrings and pendants with intricate designs inspired by nature, such as

leaves, flowers and seashells.

Portland stone, quarried on the Isle of Portland, offers another connection to Dorset’s antique jewellery heritage.

Though primarily used for architecture, this limestone was occasionally carved into cameos or ornamental pieces by local craftsmen.

These delicate creations, depicting classical motifs or portraits, reflected the Victorian fascination with ancient art.

Additionally, Dorset’s maritime history influenced jewellery design.

Sailors often brought home souvenirs crafted from motherof-pearl or coral, creating a distinctive local style that blended seafaring themes with traditional elegance.

Today, antique jewellery from Dorset holds a special charm, capturing the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.

Collectors and enthusiasts can still find these timeless treasures in local antique shops or on display in museums, preserving Dorset’s glittering legacy.

A pair of Victorian serpent branch coral drop earrings

Cricket great in the spotlight

by Paul Pearson

AUTHOR and journalist at The Guardian,

Peter Mason, told Dorset Cricket Society about his book on Clyde Walcott, one of the famous 3Ws – Worrell, Walcott and Weekes – of the West Indian cricket team of the 1950s and 1960s.

Clyde was born into a black middle class family in Barbados in 1928.

The 3Ws were all born within a mile of each other, although it was many years before they played cricket together.

Clyde became one of the great batsmen with a Test average of more than 56, which would have been more if he had not kept wicket in the early part of his career.

He played in the Barbados League from the age of 12 and by 20 was playing for the West Indies.

In 1957 he was appointed vice-captain for the tour of England and he captained the side in the final Test.

Clyde then scored five centuries in six Tests against Australia and he retired after a final series against Pakistan.

In 1954, while still playing Test cricket, he was appointed a cricket organiser in Guyana where he built a structure for cricket which produced many stars, and improved schooling and social welfare.

In 1970 he returned to Barbados, rising to be head of the Barbados Employers Association.

Clyde was also manager of the West Indies when they won the first Cricket World Cup in 1975.

This led to him being involved with the ICC which he

made more professional and commercially ori-entated. He was later chairman, until stepping down in 2000, retiring back to Barbados where he died in 2006.

Swans go down in entertaining game

by Ron Butler

Sherborne 21

Swanage & Wareham 5 SWANS ended up losing an entertaining game when they visited Sherborne in a match in which both sides put in plenty of effort.

The hosts went on the attack for the first few minutes, but a penalty to Swans relieved the pressure.

Swans tried moving the ball along the backs, but Sherborne’s defence countered any progress.

Then, after 25 minutes, a

penalty against Swans took the hosts into Swans five metres line, and from a scrum Sherborne went blind and just squeezed in at the corner.

The conversion was good, taking Sherborne seven points ahead, and although both sides had opportunities to score, neither added points before half-time.

The second half started badly for Swans. They won a scrum from the restart and attempted to

run the ball along the threequarters, but a pass to the wing saw a Sherborne centre intercept and run in unopposed to score the host’s second converted try.

Swans came close from a penalty but Sherborne cleared their lines and a long kick took them into Swans 22.

After a line out, Sherborne countered with a maul, and this resulted in a try close to the posts, which was converted.

Swans continued to spread the ball wide, and after a move to the wing, the ball was passed

inside to wing forward Isei Drecala who scored a try out wide.

The game was gripping, but the defences were too good for the attacks the two sides put together, and no further scores were made.

Swans: Will Slack, George Crouch, Sanala Nasokidi, Ed Dimescio, Ollie Dillon, Tom Munns, Ollie Peters, Tony Crouch, Jay Phillips, Nick Audley, Joe Towers, Kian Salina, Tom Holland, Isei Drecala, George Slack, Steve Waterman, Jonny Blackmore, Meli Yawailagi.

OTHER RESULTS: Swans 2nd XV 31 Wimborne 2nd 14.

Up and down start to new year

SWANAGE and Wareham Hockey Club have had a mixed start to 2025 with plenty of goals, ups and downs.

The Ladies 1s currently sit sixth in their league, coming back with a good win at Purbeck recently.

The Ladies 2s are taking their league by storm and are sitting

in third.

The Men’s 2s are sixth in a very busy league, while the Men’s 1s occupy second position, recently taking on Winchester 3s at home.

Vice-captain Stu G-C said: “Winchester 3s displayed

confidence in transferring the ball and attacking the circle early in the first half, however, Swanage and Wareham's defence held strong and Swans secured the first goal of the game.

“Shortly after, Swans scored their second goal of the game, which was then quickly

disallowed.

“This in turn led to a counterattack from Winchester that culminated in a goal.

“Swans pulled away in the second half, converting two attacking penalty corner opportunities to goals.

“Swans left the pitch with a 3-1 victory.”

Barbadian cricketers (from left) Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott, photographed while on tour with the West Indies cricket team in 1951-52 PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Business

Portland Port looking forward to bumper year

by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk

PORTLAND Port is anticipating a busy year, having welcomed more than 117,000 passengers on a total of 52 cruise ships in 2024.

It hosted calls from 18

different lines carrying travellers from all over the world, marking one of the most successful 12-month spans for cruise visits in the port’s 28-year history.

Highlights included the first call by Princess Cruises’

345-metre-long Sun Princess, with 4,300 passengers in her maiden season.

Altogether, the calls are estimated to contribute roughly £10 million to the local economy.

During the 2025 season, 60 cruise ships are provisionally scheduled to call with more than 100,000 passengers.

Those include inaugural visits from luxury cruise line Silversea as well as Albatros Expeditions.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port general manager commercial, and chair of Cruise Britain, said: “It’s been another highly successful cruise season and one of our best so far.

350 metres in length.

“We’re very grateful to all those who have contributed to the success in 2024 and have made passengers feel so welcome, including our dedicated welcome team, shuttle bus operators and all those in local shops and businesses.

“We are looking forward to another busy season in 2025 and further ahead as Portland continues to grow in popularity.”

Ian McQuade

“Positive feedback from cruise lines and their passengers demonstrates just how much they enjoy coming to Portland for the array of local attractions and warm welcome they receive.

“The sustained demand for calls and the record number of short-notice visits is testament to relentless work behind the scenes by a dedicated team to attract and accommodate ships.

Ian was re-elected at the end of last year to serve a further threeyear term as chair of Cruise Britain.

He initially took the reins of the trade group in April 2023 on an interim basis before being confirmed in the role full time.

Ian added: “It’s a great honour to be chair, and I’m delighted that my tenure has been extended.”

“It also justifies the faith shown to open our £26m deepwater berth in 2023 to accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels of up to

Typically, around half of visiting cruise guests go on organised excursions, the majority of which stay in Dorset and contribute to the local economy.

Most of the remaining passengers explore the local area using the port’s complimentary shuttle bus service, either choosing to stay on Portland or travel into Weymouth.

Sainsbury’s axes jobs and closes final cafes

THOUSANDS of jobs are to go at Sainsbury’s as the chain closes remaining cafes, as well as patisserie and pizza counters.

The supermarket giant said 3,000 jobs will be cut in a bid to ‘simplify the business’.

Announcing the news, the company said “the majority of Sainsbury’s most loyal shoppers do not use the cafes regularly”.

It is understood cafes in Poole and Bournemouth Sainsbury’s will be among those to go.

Sainsbury’s also said there would be “an estimated 20% reduction in senior management roles over the next few months”.

Sainsbury’s in Poole is believed to be among the final stores to lose a cafe

PHOTO: Google

It comes after Sainsbury’s previously announced plans to make £1 billion of savings.

Chief executive, Simon

Roberts, said: “We are facing into a particularly challenging cost environment.

“The decisions we are announcing today are essential to ensure we continue to drive forward our momentum but have also meant some difficult choices impacting our dedicated colleagues in a number of parts of our business.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to support anyone impacted by today’s announcements.”

Portland Port is expecting to welcome 60 cruise ships and more than 100,000 passengers over the 2025 season

University appoints new vice-chancellor

by editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk

ARTS University Bournemouth (AUB) has a new vicechancellor and chief executive in Lisa Mann.

Currently deputy vicechancellor, she succeeds Prof Paul Gough, who retired from the post at the end of last year after five years with AUB. Lisa joined the university in December 2022 as executive director of innovation, which saw her introduce a range of new courses and an undergraduate school focusing on the leadership and management of the arts and

creative industries.

She’s previously served as head of higher education at the Fashion Retail Academy – an industry-led college founded by Next, M&S, F&F and Experian – as well as a top position at Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design.

Lisa said: “It’s an honour for me to be appointed as vicechancellor and CEO for AUB.

offers excellence in nurturing creatives and their talent, while they prepare themselves for successful careers in the arts.

“In the last two years, we’ve introduced a new school, the School of Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management.

“The university has worked hard to evolve, innovate and grow during recent years to ensure its continued success as a destination that

KEEP Military Museum in Dorchester is likely to be closed throughout 2025 due to building works.

The museum said its landlord, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), has been planning to repair or replace the roof of the iconic building for some time, with the MOD setting aside ‘a lot of money’ for the project.

While scoping the building ahead of the works, builders reportedly found the roof may not be safe, meaning the museum – which initially closed on October 1 – will remain closed until repairs have been made.

A spokesperson for the museum said: “We expect to be closed for the whole of 2025.

“Meanwhile, the staff are working in the Army Reserve Centre on Poundbury Road.

“The staff will work on protecting the collection and preparing for the future.”

The Keep has been telling the stories of the regiments of Dorset and Devon that served the country for over 300 years.

“And we’ve significantly expanded our curriculum to include undergraduate degrees in communication design and strategy, creative direction, digital content production and strategy, events management, media, marketing and advertising, and fashion management and strategy.

“The new courses are specifically designed to give students practical, theoretical

• PC & Laptop hardware upgrade & repair

• Windows & Apple Mac software issues fixed

• Virus and Malware removal and prevention

• Wi-Fi, Internet, Email, printer issues resolved

• Computer Cleanup & Health Check

• Data recovery & Backup

• Local with over 20 years experience

and professional skills that are important for every AUB graduate entering the world of work to begin or continue their career journey.”

Dorothy Mackenzie, chair of the board of governors at AUB, added: “We’re delighted that Lisa is to become our new vice-chancellor.

“Her commercial acumen, action orientation, innovative approach to academic management and inclusive leadership style are qualities increasingly sought in leaders in higher education in the current challenging environment.

“We’re confident that Lisa will lead AUB to continued success, innovating across the curriculum, creating new opportunities and forging new partnerships.”

Call Pete on: 01929 421989 or 07900 992110

Email:

info@whizzbits.co.uk

www.whizzbits.co.uk

An online fundraising page has been set up to ensure the museum’s survival and to protect its collections.

Lisa Mann

Floyd’s classic revisited 50 years on

BRIT Floyd will celebrate one of the greatest albums of all time, 50 years after its release – Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, when they play Lighthouse Poole.

The band promise their biggest and most spectacular production to date with an award-winning laser and light show, massive circular screen, inflatables and theatrics.

The show honours the iconic album which features four of

Pink Floyd’s most beloved songs – Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Welcome to the Machine, Have A Cigar and Wish You Were Here.

The two-and-a-half-hour-plus show will also feature tracks from the band’s other albums, including Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Animals, The Division Bell and Meddle.

The musicians include long-time guitarist/lead vocalist

and musical director, Damian Darlington, bassist/lead vocalist, Ian Cattell, and Canadian Idol winner, vocalist Eva Avila.

Brit Floyd have performed more than 1,200 shows since their launch in Liverpool in January 2011, touring Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East.

They have performed at some of the world’s greatest venues, including London’s

Royal Albert Hall; the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles; and the ‘Showplace of the Nation’, NYC’s Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.

Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here is at Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, February 27.

For tickets and more information, visit www. lighthousepoole.co.uk or phone 01202 280000.

Talented young cellist at church

THE outstanding Catalan cellist, Gerard Flotans, is set to give a candlelit recital in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester.

The concert is being organised in collaboration with the Tillett Trust, which supports the most talented UK performers as they begin their careers in classical music.

Gerard has been winner of the Royal Overseas League Strings Competition, a Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artist and has been invited to perform at music festivals around Europe such as IMS Prussia Cove, Mendelssohn on Mull, Schiermonnikoog, Santander Encuentro and the

Hope Academy.

An avid chamber musician, Gerard has collaborated with renowned artists such as Daniel Hope, Roger Vignoles, Jens Peter Maintz and the Doric Quartet.

Gerard’s programme includes two of Bach’s Cello Suites – No. 4 in Eb Major BWV 1010 and No. 3 in C major BWV 1009 – alongside works for unaccompanied cello by Casals and Cassado.

Tickets for the concert on Friday, February 21, at 7pm are £10 and are available at https:// www.musicatstpeters dorchester.org/events-1/ bach-by-candlelight-gerardflotats-cello.

Gerard Flotans is giving a recital in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester

Brit Floyd promise a fantastic light show at Lighthouse Poole

Broadchurch creator’s comedy-drama

WORST Wedding Ever, a comedy-drama by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, is set to be performed at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.

Rachel and Scott are getting married and buying a house together – not the easiest of things to do at the same time.

When the house price goes up, their plans for a dream wedding have to be downsized to the local registry office.

Rachel’s mother, however, has other ideas. What if the family could join forces and make it a wedding to be proud of?

With a marquee in the back garden, a hand-me-down dress, the pub band and two fully

functioning Portaloos, surely the day will pass without a hitch?

The play, set in Dorset where Chris Chibnall has lived for the past 20 years, is being performed by Wimborne Drama Productions from Thursday to Saturday, February 20-22.

It is directed by Tracey Nicholls and in her cast are Jo

Eva Edington, Rob CordingCook, Tracie BillingtonBeardsley, Gary Paine, David Beddard-Banks, Michelle Barter, Tony Feltham and Calum Hearne.

For more information and to book tickets phone the Tivoli box office on 01202 885566 or visit www.tivoliwimborne.co. uk.

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the March 3 issue is NOON on Friday, February 21. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025

TUESDAY FRIDAY

19.30 WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB. Parish Hall 7:30pm Wareham unless on Zoom. Visitors welcome £3. Zoom link available from website 18th February. Zoom James Kerwin - Abandoned Architecture. 25th Speaker Suzie Kirby-Making an AV.

19:30 COME AND SING WITH SWANAGE CHOIR the Belvedere Singers this spring. We rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30-9.30pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage BH19 1AZ. Come and try us out for two weeks on any Tuesday. There’s no obligation to join after the free trials. Also there are no auditions and there’s ample parking at the church! Contact Linda McMorrow on 07943 442919 for more information or check out our website www.belvedersingers.org.uk

14.00 Every FRIDAY: 14:00-16:00 BINGO: CAREY HALL, MISTOVER ROAD, WAREHAM BH20 4BY

SATURDAY

18.30 WHIST DRIVE at St Mary’s Church, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516

SUNDAY

10:00 SUNDAY 10:00, CAREY HALL TABLE TOP SALE 23 February 10 – 12 a.m. TABLE TOP SALE at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY. £5 per table. Book at hirecareyhall@gmail.com or 07359 886912

Jo Eva Edington and Rob Cording-Cook, who play Rachel and Scott in Worst Wedding Ever, staged by Wimborne Drama Productions

Arts & Entertainment

CLASSIC comedy is coming to The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne when Cattle Productions present a tribute to Steptoe & Son.

The company will be performing four episodes just as they were shown on national television as part of a tour of 40 shows around the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Steptoe & Son are father and son. Albert is a dirty, coarse old man who doesn’t like having a wash, and Harold is pretentious and a bit pompous, and has aspirations better than that of a rag and bone man.

Harold has his dreams and Albert likes to quash these dreams. They live together, they work together, they care about

each other, but they hate each other.

Albert also thwarts any chance of a relationship for

Classic comedy for fans old and new Rock icon feels ‘honoured and very grateful’

MUSIC icon PJ Harvey has acknowledged the part played by Dorset’s music scene in shaping the artist she has become.

Accepting a special award for her contribution to music in Dorset at the Original Music Awards at Lighthouse Poole, the double Mercury Prize winner, who grew up in West Dorset, she said she felt ‘honoured and very grateful’ for the award.

In a video shown at the event she added: “The local music scene was hugely important for myself when I was a teenager and particularly Bridport where I spent a lot of time playing with many musicians.

“I felt supported and encouraged by the whole artistic community there.”

She also noted the teachers and arts department at her school, Beaminster Comprehensive.

Polly Harvey cut her musical teeth playing pub back rooms and get togethers in West Dorset before joining Bristol-based band Automatic Dlamini then forming her own band in 1991 and moving to London where their first demo tape attracted the attention of John Peel, the music press and record labels.

She has consistently drawn on her Dorset roots, from the gutsy songs of her 1992 debut album Dry, through the Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000) and Let England Shake

classic comedy and I think it’s nice to introduce the older material to a newer audience, as these kinds of shows are timeless and will always be funny.

“But it’s also nice for the older generations to revisit memories and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.”

Cattle Productions says it supports local charities where it performs, so far giving more than £15,000 to good causes like domestic abuse charities, lifeboats, veterans, animal rescue and so on.

For the show in Wimborne, it will donate to MS Centre, Dorset, which supports people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Harold because he’s scared he’ll move away and be on his own.

Dan Lewis, from the show, said: “I’m a massive lover of

Tickets for Steptoe & Son – Live on Friday, March 7, are £20 and available from www. steptoeandsontour.co.uk, or from The Tivoli’s website at www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk or the theatre’s box office on 01202 885566.

(2011), to her most recent album, I Inside the Old Year Dying.

In 2022, she published her verse novel Orlam, the first substantial work written in the Dorset dialect for decades.

“It’s wonderful to have this recognition,” she said. “Also, to highlight the importance of the arts in our region and everywhere, and the contribution that we can make to society.

“I think Art is hugely important on an emotional level and on an intellectual level of

understanding the world that we live in.

“But I think also, because of the encouragement I had throughout my education and education through the artists around me, I was able to believe in my own voice and I’ve maintained that belief my whole life and my whole career, always following my instinct.

“I can only encourage young artists to do the same.

“You all have an individual voice, every single one of you is different, so keep looking for what your voice is.”

Harold and Albert – the Steptoes – have a love-hate relationship

PHOTO: Rock the Lens

PJ Harvey won a special award for her contribution to music at the Original Music Awards

PHOTO Steve Gullick

Rock and pop at family-friendly tribute festival

LIVE music fans can enjoy all the hits of some of the biggest names in rock and pop at the Ultimate Tribute Festival at Upton Country Park.

The two-day family-friendly event in stunning surroundings takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25.

Festival organiser, Ben Dyas, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Ultimate Tribute Festival.

“If you didn’t manage to get Oasis tickets or couldn’t stretch to the eye-watering prices at Glastonbury and the other big festivals, Ultimate is a surefire bet that will keep the whole family happy.

“When everyone knows the hits, the audience can’t help joining in, and it makes for a very special party atmosphere.

“Add to that the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park and the striking backdrop of Upton House and you have the recipe for a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend

of live music.”

The theme for this year’s line-up is Rock Anthems on Saturday and Pop Icons on Sunday.

Tributes include Oasis (Oasiss), AC/DC (Dirty DC), Queen (UK Queen), Pink Floyd (This Is Floyd) and Guns n’ Roses (Guns n’ Roses Experience) on Saturday.

David Bowie (The Bowie Experience), Blondie (Blondied), Michael Jackson (Michael Starring Ben), Duran Duran (Duran), Elton John (The Rocket Man) and Ed Sheeran (Ed Sheeran Experience) follow on Sunday.

Whaley Entertainments, a local entertainment agency in Wareham, is searching for incredible talent! Whether you’re a singer, comedian, magician, musician, or have a unique act, we want to see what you’ve got.

Win £500 & perform on the Wareham Wednesdays finale main stage this August - with the potential to be signed by Whaley Entertainments!

This free-to-enter competition is open to ages 16+. Once registered, our team will review your application, and successful acts will be emailed on March 3rd. Don’t miss your moment to shine!

Entry closes March 1st. bit.ly/talentstarz

There will be lots going on away from the music with funfair rides, street food traders and bars, including craft beers and ciders, a cocktail station and gin bar, as well as a full range of soft drinks.

For more information, visit www.ultimate-festivals.com.

Oasis tribute act Oasiss (above), The Bowie Experience (left) and crowds enjoy the fun at a previous Ultimate Tribute Festival

Food & Drink

Dorset’s food and drink in television spotlight

FOOD and drink from Dorset is the focus of a new television series presented by West Country based chef and food writer Philippa Davis.

Philippa meets producers from fifth-generation millers to first-time wine makers, and

Hartland Stud, Soldiers Road BH20 5DU

Wareham

Dog friendly!

Varied menu from a breakfast bap with our own sausages to soups and casseroles or our ever popular quiches Coffees, teas and a generous selection of homemade cakes

Open Mon-Fri, 10-4

thekitchen.hartland@outlook.com

oyster farmers to apple vodka distillers in the six-part A Taste of Dorset.

Each episode culminates in Philippa making a familyfriendly feast or delicious cocktail, on location with one of the star food producers.

She said: “I’m incredibly excited to support and champion the outstanding food and drink producers we have here in Dorset.

“It feels vital, now more than ever, to connect our incredible famers and makers to consumers in or-der to share their stories and the incredible work they do.”

Tony Hindhaugh, executive director of production company

Planet Eat Media, said: “I was bowled over by the friendliness and passion of every single producer we visited.

“Dorset is an utterly delicious county, and we are delighted to help showcase the incredible food and drink scene they have there”.

Philippa grew up on a Dorset smallholding before, at 19, moving to London to cook in the The River Café and Moro restaurants.

She now works as an international private chef travelling the globe and writes for BBC food, Condé Nast, The Field Magazine, Deepest Books series and Dorset Magazine.

She is a judge for The Great

Taste Awards, The World Cheese Awards and The Academy of Chocolate.

She has also presented two shows for Channel 5 and was a judge on Channel 4’s Beat the Chef.

A Taste of Dorset is available on Prime Video via Prime Video Direct – to view it go to https:// www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ B0CP9WY6P3.

Chef Philippa Davis